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Question

Windows 8.1 How to back up programs before a system restore

Apr 26, 2015 2:48AM PDT

I currently run Windows 8.1. I have had some issues with my PC being extremely slow and I know a lot about computers and I am very computer friendly, self-taught which is where the problem is. I have tried just about anything I can think of, but, I think I am at the point where I need to just do a fresh start and start completely over. My problem is that I have programs on my computer that I can't afford to loose. When I did this many months ago for a different computer, I ended up restoring the computer back to factory, and it definitely fixed the lagging, but I lost my Outlook files and a program that is used for my business.

Is there anyway to back up the Outlook and the program from my clients so that when I restore the computer, I don't loose them?

Discussion is locked

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Answer
This is by design.
Apr 26, 2015 3:10AM PDT

There is no supported or supportable method to do this. Why this is dates back to 1995 with a Windows that significantly changed how apps and programs installed.

OUTLOOK in any version does have documented procedures for backup of the app files. I can't guess why folk would not back that up on a regular schedule.
Bob

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PS. Outlook backup/restore.
Apr 26, 2015 3:53AM PDT
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Answer
Re: Outlook and programs
Apr 26, 2015 3:54AM PDT

The MS Outlook program, like all other programs that aren't on the factory image, must be reinstalled from CD or from the install file you downloaded (and hopefully kept). That's exactly how you them on this machine the first time!

The MS Outlook data, like all your other data (documents, pictures, music etc) must be backed up (you already do that, don't you) and restored from that backup when the system is up and running again.

Kees

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Answer
back up programs
Apr 26, 2015 12:09PM PDT

In my humble opinion, if you are looking to backup Microsoft Outlook data and clients,my suggestion is use the third party software that is warranted in situations where you have to deal with multiple clients.

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Odd advice.
Apr 26, 2015 12:13PM PDT

Since there are documented supported methods to backup and restore Outlook data, this is odd advice. This is the client's data and not something you want to take chances with. As to the application, because it's for clients it's another time to play it straight. Get the install media, the CD KEY and be ready.
Bob

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Answer
If you back it all up
Apr 27, 2015 2:16AM PDT

then reload your system, and then restore your backups, do you know what you have? The same thing you had before, but minus necessary updates which you can enjoy watching windows download all over again.