Microsoft's activation and more now requires an internet connection along with updates and more.
As to the recovery, this is what we plan for before the need. It's with backups of the entire PC, making media or ordering such. AFTER THE FACT recovery is harder since we get to work harder since we didn't get this done before the need arose.
There is a long standing issue with Windows and copying files to the desktop. I brought this to Redmond around 1996 and the response was "don't do this." I've seen this issue many times over the years.
So it's up to you to decide which exit to use. Some will install Linux, some will order restore media and so on. For example I could order a Windows 7 DVD from Amazon.com and install it but it won't activate without an internet connection or a phone call.
I am using Windows 7 Home Premium, and, yesterday, I was able to access the files, on a damaged USB drive. Upon this access, I transferred all available files, from the damaged USB drive, to my desk top computer.
Then, I placed an UN-damaged USB drive, into my desk top, and transferred the files, to the UN-damaged USB drive.
After completing this transfer, my desk top not only tells me that "Some applications are not available" (Whatever this means, in English). It would, also, seem that photos, and music, which I have been storing, on my desk top, are "GONE".
The desk top also does not "recognize" my USB drives, saying "Drive E:\ is un-available." The desk top has even erased the software, for my new printer, and will not allow me to "re-boot" this software.
Since I do NOT have home internet service, and if I need software, to "re-boot", or "re-program", Windows 7, HOW/WHERE would I find software, which does NOT require live, internet, connections?
Finally, since I purchased my computer, in USED condition, I am very sure that it is OUT of warranty.
HOW do I "restore" my computer? How do I make it act like it did, before I performed my "transfer?
Any suggestions?
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