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Question

Factory reset windows 10

May 6, 2016 12:07AM PDT

Hi. I upgraded from win8.1 to win10 about a year ago by downloading the free copy online. A couple of days ago i tried to remove a program using Wise installer. It worked but all my personal files were gone and all other icons stopped working. I can still login but can't do much. I tried to restore to a previous date but it didn't help either. I am now trying to do a factory reset but i am getting 'could not find the recovery environment'. I have tried restoring to earlier dates but it is not working. Any suggestions on how i can reset? Can i dowoad a fresh copy of win10 on top of what i have or do i have to buy a disc? Thanks

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Re: reset
May 6, 2016 12:49AM PDT
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Re
May 6, 2016 1:03AM PDT

Thanks but it is not working. I came here after searching Google for answers.

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In that case ...
May 6, 2016 1:09AM PDT
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Answer
Factory reset windows 10
May 6, 2016 1:27AM PDT
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Answer
See Kees reply about the media creation kit.
May 6, 2016 8:22AM PDT

I've used that app plus some 8 GB or larger USB sticks to make a reset USB stick. The EXACT steps vary with each PC but the general idea is to create the stick with the media creation kit and answer it's for a full restore and for your PC. Then boot that and follow the questions about resetting or reinstalling the OS.

Your files are yours to safeguard. This will not bring them back.

As to all those icons not working, I see no detail about the uninstalled app or if you tried the control panel and used the set default apps reset button. Read http://www.howtogeek.com/223144/how-to-set-your-default-apps-in-windows-10/

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Yip, I hate those reset option.
May 6, 2016 10:31AM PDT

85% of the time I am not successful. So give me the install disc or usb stick. It works everytime.

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I'm having great luck with that media creation kit.
May 6, 2016 10:36AM PDT

I've answered the question both ways about for this or other PC and in all cases I have a working clean machine afterwards. Mind you there were no hardware failures in any case so far. That has to be fixed before we expect this to work.

I really like not having to find the CDKEY.

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SOLVED
May 7, 2016 2:13AM PDT

Thanks everyone!! i managed to reinstall Win 10. Much appreciate your help.