Computers and modern gadgets

How to restore Windows 8? How to create a restore point? How to apply Windows 8 recovery without deleting user files (Refresh Your PC)? Why are there two tools in Windows 8 for creating an operating system recovery image? Where did previous versions of files go?

Friends, a lot of letters have come where you are interested in the remedy System Restore Windows 8 and I tried to answer all letters with one big article. From this article, you can learn how to restore Windows 8 in a variety of ways, from the simplest (using a restore point) to the more complicated. The article is useful for both novice PC users and users with an average level of training.

  • Note: Friends, if you have a laptop, then these detailed articles will be very useful to you. They will help you master the indispensable tools for recovering the Windows 7 and Windows 8 operating system, these tools will help you under the most disadvantageous circumstances for you.
  1. using a recovery flash drive or a Windows 8 installation disc
  2. if the operating system does not boot.
  3. in the manufacturer's built-in Recovery program.
Letter from a reader. Hello admin, I have a small request for you. Could you write in detail about the work of the system restore tool in Windows 8. I have already read more than once that the restoration in Windows 8 is a more advanced tool than it was in Windows 7. I do not argue, but it’s not possible to fully understand it I can, despite the fact that I consider myself an experienced user.

A few days ago I bought a new laptop with a pre-installed Windows 8 operating system, and I must say that I am generally satisfied with the system, although of course it is not quite usual to work without the standard Start menu. I'm not going to reinstall the eight on Windows 7, I want to thoroughly understand the new operating system. And I think you need to start first of all with exactly how Windows 8 recovery works. Of course, you understand me, any user, even an experienced one, while working on a computer, can disrupt the operation of the operating system with his unsuccessful actions. The easiest way to get out of an unpleasant situation is to roll back using a restore point for a certain period of time.

I want to say that I managed to create a restore point in a running Windows 8, it also turned out to roll back using it, but here's what to do if, due to a system failure or due to viruses, I won't be able to boot Windows 8. How then get into system restore? Here is where I have some questions for you.

  1. As I understand it, the F-8 key no longer works when the computer boots. So how do I get into the advanced boot options menu, and then into safe mode and into system recovery? After a long search for information on the Internet, I realized that I needed to press Shift + F8, but here I did not succeed either. I wonder why?
  2. I also read that in Windows 8 there is a feature to completely restore the entire operating system, which is equivalent to reinstalling, but without deleting user files, it's called (Refresh Your PC)! You can start such a recovery even if you can’t log into a running Windows 8 at all.
  3. How do I get into this Refresh Your PC if my Windows 8 still won't boot, because the Shift+F8 key combination doesn't work for me on boot?
  4. Will my installed programs remain on my system drive (C:) after applying Windows 8 recovery without deleting user files (Refresh Your PC)?
  5. When I tried to launch Refresh Your PC from a working system, it asked for a Windows 8 installation disk, but where can I get it, because I bought a laptop without an installation disk.
  6. If I want to sell a laptop, how can I make a complete Windows 8 recovery without saving user data and installed applications (equivalent to installing Windows 8 again) if I do not have a Windows 8 installation disc.
  7. How to get into Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Command Prompt Windows 8?
  8. I also learned that in Windows 8 you can create an image to restore the entire operating system. That is, install all the programs I need and then make an image of a stable operating system, which, if necessary, can be deployed in place of an unstable operating system. BUT Windows 8 has two tools to create an image of the operating system? One image can be created using the command line, with the command recimg / createimage D:\ The second way is to use the tool familiar to everyone from the Control Panel, under the strange name for Windows 8 “Windows 7 File Recovery” Both created images end up different. You yourself as an administrator created these images and tried to restore Windows 8 from them, which one and for what?
  9. If Windows 8 has a system image creation and recovery tool, does it mean that expensive third-party data backup programs, such as Acronis True Image Home, are not needed, or are they still more convenient and easier to use?
  10. Where did the tool called "Previous Versions of Files" go? In Windows 7, it helped me out more than once when I accidentally deleted important files past the recycle bin.
Please tell us in detail about all the recovery features in Windows 8. How does it all look in practice? Sergey.

Restoring Windows 8

First of all, let's make the initial configuration of the Windows 8 system protection settings. Make sure that System Restore is enabled for the partition on which Windows 8 is installed, usually (C:). Specify the amount of disk space required for the normal functioning of System Protection. Next, we will learn how to create a restore point in a normally functioning Windows 8, as well as how to roll back using it. We will also consider the case when, due to a system failure, we will NOT be able to boot Windows 8, but we will still get to the system restore, even if the Shift + F8 keyboard shortcut does not work at boot. We will do this using the Windows 8 recovery disk we created or the Windows 8 installation disk.

Consider how Windows 8 is restored without deleting user files (Refresh Your PC). You can run Refresh Your PC directly from a running system, as well as if your Windows 8 does not boot. Windows 8 will be reinstalled, personal data will not be affected, applications from the Windows Store will be saved, the programs you installed will be deleted (to save the installed programs, you need to create a Windows 8 image, read on). We will need a Windows 8 installation disc or a Windows 8 image we created. I will show you how to create a Windows 8 image and then restore our operating system from it using Refresh Your PC, even if it will not boot at all.

In fact, two recovery images can be created using Windows 8, one image works with the Refresh Your PC tool. When you use the Refresh Your PC tool, Windows 8 is completely restored, but your personal files remain intact, but installed programs are removed and system settings are reset to the original ones. So, if you create an image using the command line, as described later in the article, then the Refresh Your PC tool will use this image to restore, and not the Windows 8 installation disk. This means that the programs and system settings you installed will NOT be reset , but will be returned at the time the image was created. But you should know that the image created in this way is not suitable for recovery in case of a complete formatting of the disk (C:) or accidental deletion of the system partition. To create a backup image of Windows 8 entirely, the second method is suitable.

The second image is created using the tool we already know from the Control Panel, called "" or, I will show you both methods. Using this image, you can restore Windows 8 completely to a blank hard drive. How does this happen, for example, you created an image of Windows 8 on a disk (D :), then completely removed Windows 8 from a disk (C :) and installed Windows 7, used it and you didn’t like it, you take and restore Windows 8 with all your programs and files from the image and that's it.

Note: Friends, regarding creating a system image and restoring from it, read our article on DVDs, or on a portable USB hard drive and how to recover from these images, you will also learn how to connect a SATA interface drive to your laptop, netbook or an old IDE hard drive and adapt it to save backups!

At the end of the article, we will analyze the complete recovery of Windows 8 without saving user data and installed applications (equivalent to installing Windows 8 again). You will need a Windows 8 installation disc.

Safe mode. In order to get into, there are many ways, you can do it directly from a running system, or even if you can’t boot Windows 8 at all, for example, using the command bcdedit /set (globalsettings) advancedoptions true, see below for details.

The ones familiar to us from Windows 7 have been replaced by a tool called "File History". Want to know the details? Read our article!

How to create a Windows 8 restore point and roll back using it

In fact, friends, the system restore tool in Windows 8 is different from the restore tool that was in Windows 7, and I must say there is something to write about here. Moreover, computers with Windows 8 installed have been sold for a long time and people are actively using the new operating system, and many times I have had to use almost all the available Windows 8 system recovery functions in practice. So I tell you what I know

Of course, most often for various problems with the new operating system, you will have to apply a simple rollback using a restore point. Therefore, first of all, let's make sure that we have system recovery enabled at all.

Options

Control Panel->

View : Category Small Icons->

Recovery

First of all, System Restore must be enabled for the partition where Windows 8 is installed, usually (C:). As you already know, the operating system itself creates restore points before any significant events for it, for example, a restore point will be created by Windows 8 before installing any program or driver. And if this program or driver will work with errors and disrupt the stable operation of the operating system, then we can use the restore point and roll back to the time when Windows 8 worked fine and the incorrect program was not yet installed in our operating system. Why not a time machine. Even if you infect your operating system with a virus, rolling back with a restore point will often save you from finding and removing malware.
Setting up system recovery. In this window, select our Local disk (C:) (System) and click on the button Configure,

We mark the item Enable system protection and indicate the Maximum use of approximately 15%, this figure is quite enough for the normal operation of the System Partition Protection with Windows 8 installed. Apply and OK. If you wish, you can enable System Protection for other partitions as well.

Now let's create a restore point on our own and I advise you to do this periodically. For example, before the upcoming search for something on the Internet or before installing a new program.
Click Create.

We come up with a name for our restore point. For example, on January 13, the installation of a new program. Once again Create and the Windows 8 restore point is created.

Now imagine such a situation, immediately after installing some program, we had problems: the Internet disappeared, freezes appeared, and so on. Of course, we will decide to use our restore point created before installing the program.
Options -> Control Panel->Recovery -> Starting System Restore

In the window that appears, System Protection prompts us to use a restore point, but I suggest that you refuse and choose a restore point yourself, we note the item: Choose a different restore point and click Next.

We mark the item Show all available restore points and open all available points. For example, we decided to stop at the restore point created on January 11, on this day I installed Microsoft Office Word 2007
Select the restore point with the left mouse, then click on the option Finding affected programs

and you will be presented with a list of everything that will be deleted along with your program.

If you're not happy with this, choose a different restore point. But for example, I agree, I select the restore point on January 11 and click Next.

Ready.

How to roll back using a restore point if Windows 8 won't boot Now another question. For example, you and I cannot boot into a normally working Windows 8, how then to get to the menu of advanced boot and system recovery options?
This can be done in several ways: .

In the previous Windows 7 operating system, it was possible to press F-8 at the initial boot phase of the computer and get into Troubleshooting (recovery environment), then start system recovery from there. In Windows 8, the F-8 key was canceled, but the keyboard shortcut Shift + F8 appeared, which is very difficult to use, since the new Windows 8 operating system greatly reduced the system boot time and the user, with all his desire, will not have time to press the keys at the right time. If you want, try it, you can do it like this: in the initial phase of booting the computer, hold down the Shift key and often press F8.

As a result, it does not matter at all how you get to the menu: "Select action", for example using the keyboard shortcut Shift + F8 or using the recovery disk we created, or the Windows 8 installation disk, you need to do the same thing there. Click Next

System Restore

We enter such a menu Choice of action, Diagnostics,

System Restore.

Choose Windows 8

System Restore is starting.

Click Finish and the system rolls back to this restore point.

Create and use a Windows 8 recovery drive

If you can’t enter the advanced boot options menu using Shift + F8 (I personally refused to thrash the keyboard), then this can be done from the Windows 8 recovery disk. Trust me, friends, the Windows 8 recovery disk will come in handy more than once . Let's create it in our Windows 8, then boot the computer from it and enter the advanced boot options menu and then into Windows 8 system recovery.
To make a Windows 8 recovery disc, select:
Options -> Control Panel-> In Category, select Large or small icons

Recovery ->

Create a recovery drive

Further. You can create a Windows 8 recovery flash drive, then at the moment you need to connect the flash drive (the information on it will be deleted). If we want to create a recovery disk, click Create a system repair disc instead on CD.

Create disk. A minute and our recovery disk is ready.

Now let's imagine a situation. For some reason, we cannot download Windows 8, the download ends with an error or a blue screen of death. What to do and how to get into system restore. It is in this situation that the Windows 8 recovery disk you created will come in handy. Insert it into the drive and boot our computer from this disk. If you do not know how to boot a computer from a disk or flash drive, read our articles: BIOS: Booting from a disk, Booting from a disk in a laptop or How to boot a laptop from a USB flash drive and more Booting from a USB flash drive in BIOS.
In the initial window, select Diagnostics.

Extra options

System Restore

Choosing Windows 8

Start System Restore.


Done and the Windows 8 system is being restored to the restore point we need. Instead of a recovery disc, you can use a Windows 8 installation disc.

How Windows 8 is restored without deleting user files (Refresh Your PC) from a working operating system

When you need to use this tool, of course, if your operating system is unstable, and most importantly, rolling back using a restore point did not help you.
When using this tool, there will be a complete reinstallation of Windows 8, but without deleting your data. You will need a Windows 8 installation disc or a pre-prepared Windows 8 image.
First, let's restore Windows 8 directly from a running operating system using the Windows 8 installation disc.
Files in user profiles will remain untouched (documents, photos, music, downloads), including those on the desktop, and applications from the Windows Store will not disappear, and network settings will remain unchanged.
But the programs you installed from the Program Files folders will be deleted. All system settings and services will be reset to default settings.
So, let's put into practice recovery without deleting user data (Refresh Your PC). You can do this from a running Windows 8, as well as by booting from a recovery disk or a Windows 8 installation disk. First of all, let's run Refresh Your PC from a running system.
Options ->->

General -> PC recovery without deleting files. Begin

We read the warning.

If you haven't inserted your Windows 8 installation disc into your drive yet, now is the time to do so.

Click Restore.

Virtually no further action is required from you. Of course, the recovery will NOT take a few minutes, in my case it took about 40 minutes.

And here we have our updated Windows 8, all our personal files are safe and sound, system settings are reset to default, personal programs will have to be reinstalled again.

How to apply a Windows 8 recovery without deleting user files (Refresh Your PC) if your Windows 8 won't boot

So our computer or laptop does not boot, rolling back using a restore point did not help, and we decided to use the Windows 8 recovery tool without deleting user data (Refresh Your PC). Here we again need a Windows 8 installation disc.. Let's boot our computer from the Windows 8 installation disk. Click Next

Click System Restore

So the additional boot menu already familiar to us Selecting the action Diagnostics

We read the warning already familiar to us and click Next.

Windows 8.

Everything is ready and restored.

Recovery process in progress

Our PC. As in the previous case, the recovery took about 40 minutes, all personal data remained in place, system settings were reset to default, the programs we installed were deleted.

How to apply Windows 8 recovery without deleting user files (Refresh Your PC) if the operating system does not boot and you do not have a Windows 8 installation disc Everything is the same as in the previous case, if serious problems arise, we boot from the recovery disk and try to roll back using the restore point, but this does not help. Then we decide to apply Refresh Your PC and again the problem, we don't have a windows 8 installation disc and the following error comes up: To continue, insert the Windows installation disc or system recovery media.

Friends, this situation may turn out to be hopeless, no, of course, you can try to enter safe mode and correct the situation there, for example, remove the latest programs and drivers installed, which, in your opinion, could have failed, or you can do something else. Creating a Windows 8 Recovery Image for Refresh Your PC
You need to create an image of your Windows 8 in advance and use it when restoring, not the Windows 8 installation disc, and the Refresh Your PC tool will use this image to restore, and not the Windows 8 installation disc. This means that the programs and system settings you installed will NOT be reset, but will be returned to the time the image was created.

How to Create a Windows 8 Recovery Image.

Very simple, we will use the Recimg.exe command line tool. Right click on the start menu and select Command Prompt (Admin),

We enter the command
recimg /createimage D:\backup to create a Windows 8 recovery image on drive D in the backup folder.
Image creation and registration completed successfully.
It is located, as we planned, on drive D: in the backup folder and is called CustomRefresh.wim

Well, now let's try to restore our Windows 8 from the Windows 8 recovery image we created.
We boot into the additional boot menu. Select an action using the keyboard shortcut Shift + F8 or the Windows 8 recovery disk. Diagnostics,

Restore.

Your files will remain in place.

Restore

I remind you again that a Windows 8 image created in this way is not suitable for recovery in case of a complete formatting of the disk (C:) or accidental deletion of the system partition.

Creating a Full Windows 8 Recovery Image Using this image, you can restore Windows 8 even after completely formatting the system partition (C:). How everything works. If you created an image of Windows 8 on the drive (D :), then completely removed Windows 8 from the drive (C :) and installed Windows 7, used it and didn’t like it, you take and restore Windows 8 from the image and that’s it. So let's create an image.
Note: Friends, if anyone wants to create a backup image of Windows 8 using the command line, read this post "
Options . Control Panel

Windows 7 file recovery

Creating a system image

You can choose to create an image on DVDs, but be aware that you will need a lot of them. I suggest creating an image on a local drive D: Next

Archive

Archiving completed successfully. If you haven't created a Windows 8 recovery disc yet, I suggest creating it, as it will be very useful to you.

And here is our huge image, as expected on disk D:

Restoring from an image

Now imagine the situation, Windows 8 does not boot at all and none of the above recovery methods helps us. Or, while working in Acronis Disk Director, we accidentally formatted a partition with Windows 8 installed. In this case, we can use our image to correct the situation. Boot from a recovery disk or a Windows 8 installation disk.

Diagnostics

Extra options

Restoring a system image

Windows 8

It automatically prompts you to select the most recent Windows 8 image (recommended) or choose the one you need. Further

We are once again reminded that if we created an image of the C: drive, then the C: partition will be completely formatted with the replacement of all files from the contents of the image.
Ready.

How to perform a full recovery of Windows 8 without saving user data and installed applications. And finally, to perform a full recovery of Windows 8 without saving user data and installed applications (equivalent to installing Windows 8 again), not possible if you don't have a Windows 8 installation disc.
If you have a Windows 8 installation disk, then you can perform a full recovery both from a running system and by booting from a boot disk.
Restoring Windows 8 without saving user data from a running system.
Options. Changes to computer settings.

Are common . Remove all data and reinstall Windows.

All your personal files and applications will be deleted. The computer settings will be reset to their default values.

Here you will have a choice, when restoring to its original state, you can delete all files only from the system drive (C:) or clean up all other drives (takes more time).

A simple user can choose to Just delete my files

Reset. All.

Restoring Windows 8 without saving user data using a Windows 8 installation disc
Boot from the Windows 8 disc. Next

System Restore

Diagnostics ,

Return to original state.

A familiar warning. All your personal files and applications will be deleted. The computer settings will be reset to their default values. Further

Only the drive on which the system is installed.

Just delete my files

Windows 8 Safe Mode

Restoring a Windows 8 system may be required in a variety of cases. For example, if a malicious program has penetrated the computer and damaged the registry, or a system failure has occurred, and so on. It is worth noting that the recovery procedure is very simple. The developers have made sure that ordinary users can do everything themselves.

How to perform a recovery

Immediately it should be said that this can be done in three ways:

  1. Using the built-in tools through the computer settings.
  2. Built-in tools through system protection or control panel.

The first two options are only suitable for those who can log into the account (download the OS). The latter option is suitable for absolutely everyone, since recovery services are not started from a hard drive, but from a bootable USB flash drive.

Moreover, if the system cannot be restored using a bootable drive (DVD), you can install a new Windows 8 OS.

The choice of method is made only by you, based on the specific situation. So, let's look at all these methods in more detail.

Recovery through computer settings

As you may have guessed, we will need to enter the computer settings. At the same time, Windows 8 recovery can be performed with saving files or with a complete cleaning of the hard drive. Here you have to choose which option suits you.

So let's go into the system settings. To do this, place the mouse cursor in the upper right corner. In the menu that appears, click the "Options" button.

So we got into the PC settings. Here we are interested in the item "Update and Recovery".

Now open the "Recovery" section.

Here you will see three options for further action:

  1. PC recovery without deleting files and data.
  2. Remove all data and reinstall Windows. Be aware that if you choose this option, you can later choose what to clean up - the entire hard drive or just one partition in which the OS is installed.
  3. Special download option.

The first option simply allows you to fix some errors and entries, as well as restore the bootloader (if it is damaged).

The second option allows you to perform a full rollback of Windows 8. As a result of this action, you will receive a new clean operating system, as after reinstalling.

The third option allows you to select a custom boot option. For example, you can boot your computer in safe mode and so on. The third paragraph contains all the tools available in Windows 8 to restore the OS.

If you need to restore the system, but at the same time you want to save personal data, then click the "Start" button in the "Without deleting files" item. This is the easiest way. Just carefully read the prompts on the screen and follow them. In some cases, you may need a boot disk or flash drive.

You can find the same functions in the third paragraph, which is called "Special download options". Click on the "Restart now" button. After that, your computer will reboot into a special menu.

On the first screen, you will be presented with three options:

  • "Continue" - sign in and use Windows
  • "Diagnostics" - here contains all the options for restoring and diagnosing computer problems.
  • "Turn off" - turn off the PC.

We are interested in the second option - "Diagnostics". We open it. There are also three options for further action:

  • Return to original state.

If the first two points do not suit you, then select "Advanced Options". There are several more options here, one of which is to roll back to a restore point. There is nothing complicated here. Your task is simply to carefully read the prompts on the screen and follow them.

How to do a system restore on Windows 8: Video

System Protection and Restore in Control Panel

This option allows you to roll back Windows 8 to a previously saved restore point. It is worth noting that these points are created automatically when installing programs and drivers. But you can create a restore point yourself, for example, after reinstalling Windows 8 and installing all the drivers and programs you need to work. .

So how do you do it? First, let's open the properties of the computer. To do this, open File Explorer (Windows Explorer).

In the left menu, find the "This PC" section. Right click on it and open "Properties".

Here you will be able to see information about the installed OS, as well as some information about the CPU and RAM. We are interested in the menu on the left. Here you need to select the "System Protection" item.

A window will open in which you need to go to the "System Protection" tab. In the menu that appears, you can create restore points or roll back the OS to previously created points.

If you click on the "Restore" button, a window will open in which you will need to select one of two options:

  1. Recommended.
  2. Choose a different restore point.

The second option allows you to independently select one of the available restore points that were created earlier. We put the marker in the appropriate position and click "Next". If you are using manual management, a menu will appear in which you will see all available restore points.

The same procedure can be started using the control panel. To do this, press the +[X] keys simultaneously. Select "Control Panel" from the menu that appears.

In the window that opens, you will see a search bar in the upper right corner. Write "Recovery" in it.

Open the item with the same name in the search results. After that, you will see three options:

  • Create a disk.
  • Start recovery.
  • Setting.

Choose the second option. A window will open in which you must specify one of the options:

  • Recommended.
  • Choose another point.

Then everything is as described above. As you can see, everything is quite simple. But what if system restore in Windows 8 is not available for some reason? For example, if the OS boot fails and you cannot run the above utilities. In this case, we need a bootable USB flash drive or DVD.

Windows 8 System Recovery Tools: Video

Recovery using bootable media

So, we need a bootable drive, which can be created using the UltraISO program.

Remember that for this you will need, which you can buy on the official Microsoft website or download a pirated version.

Finding and downloading such an OS is not difficult. But remember that the purchased OS from the official supplier works much more stable and faster.

Imagine that we already have bootable media. To boot a computer from it, you will need to go to the BOOT section and install the primary boot from your drive (this can be a flash drive or DVD).

In order not to enter the BIOS, you can simply restart the computer and at the moment when the laptop (or motherboard) manufacturer's logo is on the screen, press Esc.

In the second step, we will have two options:

  • Installation - full installation of Windows OS
  • System Restore.

We need the second option. Click on it and follow the prompts on the screen. If you are extremely careful, then you will succeed.

Restoring Windows 8 from an installation disk or flash drive: Video

G8 users always have the opportunity to return the OS to a working state in case of unforeseen situations. However, the rollback option as such is nothing new. In previous versions of the Microsoft product, a "return" functionality was also provided. And yet, the restoration of the Windows 8 system is an order of magnitude faster and, importantly, in a more correct way. The rollback scenario in the new OS has become, so to speak, multifaceted and can be implemented under different conditions, including unfavorable moments when an emergency condition does not allow using the regular “return mechanism”. If you're interested in knowing what effective measures are provided in Windows 8 in order to return to a particular working state of the computer, read on for some helpful tips. Make sure you use the appropriate method when restoring the OS.

A purely rhetorical question: why is this necessary?

Yes, the developers of the new OS really did their best. The time-saving security procedure called “Windows 8 System Recovery” does not require the user to have in-depth knowledge of the computer field when implemented. Now, in the event that the operating system has ceased to function fully or does not want to boot at all, the owner of the eight just needs to press a couple of keys - and the lost stability will be returned using Windows operating tools.

At any time, under any circumstances, you can "roll back" the settings and parameters that have critically affected the performance of the system. You do not have to reinstall the entire OS and dive into the sometimes tedious process of debugging the working environment. Restoring the Windows 8 system is the best solution, designed for speed and comfort in solving various tasks related to “rollback”. If you do not agree with this, hurry up to change your mind!

How it works?

Suppose, as a result of installing certain software, your system began to work unstably. If you are a beginner, then for many reasons, the easiest way to return everything to its place is to “roll back” the OS to the default settings.

  • Move the marker to the lower right corner of the screen.
  • From the options, select "Options".
  • Activate the item of the same name that appears at the very bottom of the toolbar with the addition "Change ... PC".
  • In the new window, click on the "Update and Recovery" section.
  • Use the item indicated at the end of the list that opens.

Attention: whichever method you use, programs and applications will no longer be available in terms of use. Registry settings and settings will be overwritten and changed to default values.

How to restore the Windows 8 system: three options for a standard "rollback"

So, in a new window, the user is given the right to choose:

  1. PC recovery without deleting files.
  2. Complete reinstallation of Windows with formatting the system partition.
  3. Loading the operating system from various (flash drive, DVD drive or external hard drive).

In the first case, all system files will be replaced. will remain untouched. However, previously installed third-party software will undergo the removal process. If you decide to restore the Windows 8 system in the second way, then it is advisable to choose the method of completely cleaning the C: \ partition. Practice shows that the process of overlaying files on top of old ones is an extremely unreliable installation method. Whereas formatting the system disk before installing the operating system is much more promising in terms of further use. System files are more correctly written to the cleared disk space.

The third method is, so to speak, a classic one, and you will need a Windows distribution to implement it. However, the installation disk may also be required in the two previous options if a Windows 8 system restore point has not been created.

restore point

A far-sighted user understands that his own shortcomings and "machine incidents" in the process of using a PC simply cannot be avoided. For this reason alone, you should prudently make a copy of a perfectly functioning OS. In case of unforeseen circumstances, you can always return to the "saving" restore point.

  • Press the key combination "Win + F".
  • In the search line, it is enough to enter the first three letters (“vos ...”) - and the desired section “Creating a point ...” will be displayed below.
  • By clicking on the above item, you will be taken to the "System Properties" menu, to the "Protection ..." tab.
  • Click on the "Create" button, which is located at the bottom of the window.
  • Specify the name of the copy to be saved, and after a few seconds, the backup data of a healthy OS will be copied to a special Windows partition.

Now you should not have questions about how to do a system restore on Windows 8. However, some aspects of the “return functionality” still require detailed consideration. But more on that later, but for now let's touch on the "compact topic".

"Portable rollbacks", or How to perform a factory reset on a laptop

As a rule, laptops are sold with a pre-installed operating system. To date, the current version of the operating system of the Microsoft family is considered the "eight". Therefore, let's consider the question of how the Windows 8 system is restored on a laptop. Moreover, in this situation, the process of returning to the initial state may differ somewhat from the action of the same name in the case of desktop computing.

Recovery section: what, where and why

As a rule, there is a hidden partition on the laptop hard drive that contains a licensed Windows distribution. To restore a "collapsed" system using the Recovery partition, you must activate the corresponding key when you turn on the computer.

It is no secret that each manufacturer of portable electronics implements its own script for entering the PC hardware management firmware and the service recovery option is also no exception in the context of what has been written. Therefore, without special knowledge, a practical understanding of the question of how to do a system restore on Windows 8 cannot guarantee the success of the enterprise.

  • In Asus laptops, when starting the PC, activate the F9 key.
  • For Lenovo, Toshiba, and Dell devices, this is the F11 button.
  • For Samsung modifications, the optional key is F4.

After you get to the service return menu, carefully study and only then follow the selected action scenario. It is worth noting that such recovery software has an intuitive shell and a detailed annotation for each optional item. Maximum attention - and you will undoubtedly understand everything. By the way, some portable models are equipped with separately derived Recovery, by activating which, you will immediately find the answer to the question. on Windows 8 (on a laptop).

Typical Problems and Solutions

The operating system does not always load in such a way that the user can use one of the checkpoints. It often happens that a novice user does not even think about the need to create a backup copy of the OS. For such situations, a second recovery option is provided. In the event that the system software of an electronic machine fails due to the fault of a destructive virus, the third method should be used. Depending on the type of malfunction, you just have to use one or another solution from the list "How to do a system restore on Windows 8". Let's act!

Windows won't boot: there is a restore point on the hard drive

  • When you turn on the computer, press the F8 button and hold it until the special boot menu appears.
  • Next, go to the "Settings" section.
  • Activate the tile with the name "Select others ..." of the same name to the top item.
  • In the next workspace, click the "Diagnostics" button.

  • The presented update options will help you in practical terms to solve the problem of how to restore the Windows 8 system. In our case, use the "From Checkpoint" option.
  • It will not be superfluous to preliminarily debug the OS boot process - click on the tile whose name indicates your problem.

When everything is “bad”, but the user has a Windows distribution: an option for improvident

If you have a disc with the operating system installation files, you have nothing to worry about. Thus, there are plenty of options to return the “combat capability” of your OS. Nevertheless, let's consider the simplest of them, the description of which will help you implement a full-fledged system restore (this method also works on Windows 8.1).

  • Insert the Windows distribution disc.
  • If the computer is on, reboot, then use the special key to enter the BIOS menu.
  • In the "Download" section, you should set the primary device to a DVD drive or a USB device with an OS image placed on it.
  • Then save your changes using the F10 key.

  • At the initial stage of the download, select the interface language and click on the "Recovery" tile.
  • The next item is Diagnostics.
  • The final preparatory action is the activation of the "Restore" section.
  • After the installation process is complete, your new OS will be ready to use.

Where do you think the recovery of the Windows 8 system occurs first of all? You will find out the answer in the next chapter.

A multifaceted problem, or what to do if the system is infected with a boot virus

It is quite difficult for a novice user to determine whether his PC is infected with malicious code or the “uncontrolled behavior” of the OS is a banal system failure. However, "boot-file pests" are able to destroy and destroy the code of boot sectors, which leads to the moment when Windows (OS) does not start.

  • Repeat all the steps from the previous paragraph of the article up to the item "Recovery".
  • From the list provided, select the operating system that does not boot. Click "Next".
  • In the next window ("Options ..."), activate the item "Command line".
  • After the utility is launched, enter "Bootrec.exe".
  • Press the "Enter" key and wait for the operation to complete.

Finally

Well, now you know how to restore the Windows 8 system through BIOS and which method is most favorable for solving a specific problem. Let's hope that the above information will force you to make a number of appropriate decisions, one of which will be the creation of a special recovery disk. However, at the moment there is a huge amount of various specialized software on the Internet, through which even a novice user can reliably protect himself from unforeseen situations of “machine crash”. Be wise and consistent!

Such a question might be of interest if recently the computer has become slower to work, some programs close immediately after startup, RAM is heavily loaded. Or you installed new drivers for some device, due to which the system began to work incorrectly. It could also happen that when trying to install a new program, it turned out to download a virus.

In general, the reasons may be different, but in general, you are not satisfied with the operation of the computer, and would like to return the system to the state it was a month ago. In this case, you need to restore the Windows 8 operating system. There are several ways to do this, we will talk about them in this article.

Using breakpoint

You can return the PC to a working state using the created restore points. The system can create them automatically when it detects that changes will be made to the computer configuration: installation of new drivers, programs.

If you are in doubt about a new program you want to install, or just want to change certain settings on your computer, then it is best to create a system restore point manually before doing so. Follow the link and read how to do it and how to roll back the OS.

In the case when, after the experiments, problems in the operation of the OS begin, it can be returned to working condition. If you regularly create restore points, then at any time, you can roll everything back to the date when everything worked fine.

Using a recovery disc

To do this, we need a system recovery disk. If you have had problems with your computer before, then you probably already have it. If not, then look for a friend who has Windows 8 installed on his computer.

How to create a recovery disk for the Windows 8 operating system, I already wrote. There is nothing difficult in this. All you need is a blank disk or flash drive, with a capacity of only 256 MB. Please also note that all data from the flash drive will be deleted.

Then we connect, for example, a USB flash drive to the computer, restart it and go into Bios, press F2 or Del when loading. Now you need to change the boot priority in Bios, read about this in the article installing Windows 8 from a USB flash drive. Thus, the computer will boot from our flash drive.

A window will appear in which you can select the appropriate keyboard layout.

In the window "Action Choice" click on the item "Diagnostics".

Now we have two options. Can do "System Restore"- using a previously created restore point, you can choose - she herself will detect and fix problems that prevent the OS from loading.

When my OS did not boot even before the OS selection window (I have two of them installed), I did "Automatic Recovery". A window has appeared "Starting System Restore", the problem was solved.

Selecting an item "Recovery…", the launch window will also appear. Then you will need to select a restore point created manually or automatically. See also the list of programs that will be removed as a result of the rollback. Then click "Next". Wait for the process to complete.

Using safe mode

You can read about how to enter safe mode in Windows 8 by clicking on the link. In safe mode, using the Dr.Web CureIt utility, you can try to scan your computer for viruses and remove them. You can also, which caused a non-working computer, as well as remove or update non-working drivers.

Use combination . Follow the path "Diagnostics" - "Extra options", and in this window select an already familiar item. Thus, you can return the computer to the state that it was at the time the selected point was created.

Using the same key combination, in the window "Download Options" by pressing the F4 key - you will load the normal safe mode.

Using a bootable flash drive

From a bootable USB flash drive or disk, you installed the OS on a computer or laptop. And if you still have it, it's time to use it.

Connect the flash drive to the computer and change the boot priority in Bios. Then the system should start from the flash drive. A window will appear with a choice of language.

If you want to keep your personal data and applications downloaded from the Windows Store, follow the path "Diagnostics" - "Restore". In this case, the computer settings will be set to default and all programs that you have installed will be uninstalled.

If you need to completely clean the computer, go to "Diagnostics" - "Return to original state". Then you can choose which disk to clean, only the one on which the operating system is installed, or all disks. To make the disk data unrecoverable, select "Completely clean disk".

System reset

To do this, you will also need a boot disk or system recovery disk. To learn how to reset Windows 8 to factory settings, read the article by clicking on the link.

In "PC Settings" on the "General" tab, you can select the desired option. "Repair PC without deleting files"- personal files and applications from the Windows Store will be preserved. "Delete all data and reinstall Windows"- allows you to return the OS to its original state.

Use one of the described methods, and you will definitely be able to restore the working state of the Windows 8 operating system.

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Windows 8 includes several new and redesigned disaster recovery tools. Thanks to this, recovery has become more efficient, flexible and simple.

Methods are listed from gentle to more radical, apply them in the same order if the previous remedy did not help fix the failure.

Automatic start recovery

The developers have improved the algorithms for identifying problems and promise that if it is impossible to boot in normal mode, automatic recovery will be launched. And if necessary, a single menu of boot options will be shown (possibly after 2-3 abnormal reboots), in which you can find some of the recovery methods listed below.

Some methods use Windows installation media.

Often, a failure or even inability to boot occurs due to hardware problems.

The first thing to look for is if the cables have come loose from the hard drive or optical drive. Replace cables if possible. After that, proceed to check the hard disk and RAM for errors.

Troubleshoot using safe mode

Safe Mode is still a powerful tool for diagnosing and troubleshooting.
It loads a basic set of drivers and services, and skips third-party ones that can cause a crash. Also, programs that are in autoload are not loaded.
If the problem is not observed in safe mode, it is caused by a third-party driver/service/program, etc. In this case, successively disabling third-party startup items should help to determine the culprit.

Often there are situations when you install a program or driver (for example, a video card driver), reboot and instead of Metro tiles you see a Malevich square. Instead of a black screen, there may be a blue screen or a cyclic reboot. Did everyone have it? For sure.
In most cases, removing the "crooked" program or driver in safe mode will help.

Booting into safe mode

Safe Mode in Windows 8 is pretty well tucked away. This guide will help you find it.

Checking and restoring system files

As in previous versions of Windows, you can check and automatically repair system files. Wherein:

  • Only system files are checked and restored.
  • Installed programs are not affected.

Run Command Prompt as Administrator

and run the following command:

After checking, the utility will report whether file corruption was detected and whether it was able to restore these files. If necessary, the utility will specify a file with verification details.

Rollback to a restore point

With the help of a rollback to a restore point, many different problems from the series "worked yesterday, stopped today" are easily solved. On rollback:

  • System files and the registry are partially restored.
  • Programs and drivers installed after the restore point was created are removed, and programs and drivers removed after the restore point was created are restored.
  • Personal data is not affected.

You can start a rollback to a restore point in the following ways:

From a running system

  • Being on the desktop - Win+I ---> Control Panel ---> Recovery ---> Start System Restore.
  • Win+W ---> Recovery ---> Start System Restore.
  • Win+R ---> rstrui ---> Enter.

Automatic on boot

  • Select language ---> Further ---> System Restore ---> Diagnostics ---> Extra options ---> System Restore.

You can choose a restore point and find out exactly which programs will be affected.

Reinstallation with preservation of installed programs

The usual reinstallation on top of the installed system has changed slightly compared to Windows 7. Now you can choose what data you want to keep, namely:

  • Windows settings, personal data and apps
  • Personal data (files and folders in the profile, on the desktop, in the root of the system drive, etc.)
  • Nothing

The main advantage is saving programs (although this can also be a disadvantage, because it is in the application that the cause of failures may lurk, due to which the system itself is reinstalled). The main drawback of this method is that you need to start reinstalling on top from a somehow working system, if Windows does not even boot, you will not be able to use this option.
Another disadvantage is that it requires media with Windows installation.

Run only from a running system

Run the file on the Windows installation media setup.exe.

During the installation wizard, you will be prompted to choose which settings to keep, accept the license agreement, and enter the product key.

Due to the need to save settings and programs, the process takes a lot of time, about which the wizard honestly warns you. Depending on the number of programs, reinstallation can take up to several hours.

PC update (computer recovery)

Windows 8 has a new feature - PC refresh. It has two main advantages over reinstalling while keeping programs:

  • recovery can be started even if the system does not boot
  • you can create your own system image (clean or with all settings and programs) and roll back to it

The main disadvantage is that if you do not use your own image, regular programs are not saved. When upgrading (without using your own image):

  • The system settings are returned to the initial ones.
  • Programs are removed. The exception is applications from the Windows Store, for which the settings are reset.
  • Personal data (files and folders in the profile, on the desktop, in the root of the system drive, etc.) are not affected.

The upgrade requires Windows installation media.

You can start the update in the following ways:

From a running system

  • Win+I ---> Change PC settings ---> General ---> Update PC without deleting files.
  • Win+W ---> Computer Recovery ---> Enter.
  • Win+R ---> systemreset ---> Enter.

Automatic on boot

Automatically, after two emergency reboots, a single menu of boot options can be shown.

When booting from an installation disc or a recovery disc

  • Select language ---> Further ---> System Restore ---> Diagnostics ---> Restore.

Create and rollback to a previously saved image

There was an item in the Windows 7 control panel Backup and restore, with its help you could create your own image of the installed system and, if necessary, roll back to it. Few people used this (according to Microsoft statistics), apparently the lack of a habit of putting straws in people, frequent utility errors, as well as "rude" behavior when the hard drive was re-partitioned and all data were destroyed apparently played a role.
Since it was possible to create not only an image of the entire system, but also individual files and folders, Windows 8 left the ability to restore this data for those who are moving from Windows 7. The applet in the control panel has been renamed to Windows 7 file recovery.

In fairness, it should be noted that archiving also works there, but Microsoft does not recommend using it along with the new feature.

In addition to archiving from Windows 7, Windows 8 has a new feature - system imaging. When creating an image and reverting to it:

  • The hard drive is not repartitioned.
  • Personal data is not affected. The image saves Windows and installed desktop applications from their usual location - folders Program Files And Program Files (x86).
  • If you have a saved image, Windows and programs are restored from it, and not from the installation disk. The installation disk is not required in this case.
  • If you're not using a custom image, you'll need Windows installation media.

Using it is very simple, it all comes down to two simple steps:

  • Create a folder to save the image. This can be done with the command:

    mkdir C:\RefreshImage

  • And actually creating the image. To do this, enter the command:

    recimg -CreateImage C:\RefreshImage

The image is automatically registered for use when restoring the computer.

If necessary, you can cancel this registration and use a blank image from the installation media. For help enter:

Resetting (Reinstalling Windows)

Another new feature is the full system reset feature. It allows you to quickly start with a clean slate or prepare your computer for sale (more thorough erasure may be required if you have sensitive data). On reset:

  • All hard disk partitions are deleted with all programs and personal data!
  • The system settings are returned to the initial ones. Windows is being reinstalled.

Reset requires Windows installation media.

You can start a reset in the following ways:

From a running system

  • Win+I ---> Change PC settings ---> General ---> Delete everything and reinstall Windows.
  • Win+W ---> Remove all data and reinstall Windows ---> Enter.

Automatic on boot

Automatically, after two emergency reboots, a single menu of boot options can be shown.

When booting from an installation disc or a recovery disc

  • Select language ---> Further ---> System Restore ---> Diagnostics ---> Restore.

If the computer is taken out of service, you may find it useful to use the data wipe function. In this case, random blocks of data are written to the disk, and it will be impossible to recover anything without expensive systems.

Restoring using a system image from a computer manufacturer

Perhaps, it is necessary to mention the recovery method that almost all manufacturers complete their PCs with. At the very end of the list, it is not because third-party software is used, but because it is often comparable in terms of the strength of the "destruction" introduced to the last listed method from Microsoft - reinstallation with the removal of all data. Of course, it is difficult to speak for all manufacturers, but a model is often used with the removal of all data from all sections, except for the hidden one. Of course, there are also normal manufacturers that allow you to choose what data will be deleted and restored.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this method?

  • The main advantage is that no Windows installation media is required.
  • The main disadvantage is the unpredictability of the result. Often manufacturers forget to describe what works and how.
  • Often the data is completely deleted.
  • If the manufacturer did not create a copy of Windows on a hidden partition and the user was also too lazy to do this (and sometimes just read the instructions), there is nothing to recover from.

How it works?

There are two main models.

  • On a hidden partition of the hard disk, the manufacturer creates a copy of clean Windows and, if necessary, restores it from there.
  • On the hidden partition, the manufacturer creates only a recovery shell, and the user creates the copy of Windows itself when the computer is first turned on.

Which of the models is used by the manufacturer of your computer, you can find out from the instructions.

How to start recovery (shell)?

Asus F9
Dell ctrl+F11
Fujitsu-Siemens F8
HP F10, F11
Lenovo F11
LG F11
MSI F3
Packard Bell F10
Rover Press when turning on alt
Samsung F4
Sony F10
Toshiba F8, F11

Do you know other hotkeys for factory reset? Write in the comments!

Happy using!

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