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Dell Windows 10: Refresh VS Restore VS Reinstall

787 views 4 replies 3 participants last post by  spunk.funk  
#1 ·
With Dell computers, you can do a 'refresh' of your copy of Windows 10. Is this like the old 'repair install' of Windows from back in the day that was not a complete reinstall? Basically, I want to completely reinstall the registry. I have too many strange problems happening with my current installation.

The other options are to either:
2) 'restore' using Dell's Windows Push-Button reset.

3) reinstall using the Windows Recovery Environment.
 
#3 ·
Dell and other Manufacturers have a Recovery Partition, If the HDD/SSD is still healthy, you can use this and other various ways to restore your computer
Factory Reset, or Clean Install Wipes the computer of all files and restores it to factory settings.
In Windows 10 and later, you can also Reset Windows Keeping Files in System
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/4130-reset-windows-10-a.html scroll down to Option Two.
This is like the old Repair Install you are used to.
Depending on the condition of your computer, (ie) can you boot into Windows? If not, do you have a Windows 10 Installer Flash Drive? There are a few ways to achieve what you are looking for.
It goes without saying that you should backup your personal User Files (ie) Downloads, Documents, Desktop etc to a USB HDD before attempting.
 
#4 · (Edited)
So, I selected to do a full reinstall. Unfortunately, during the installation, it got stuck in an endless loop at 64% installed. For 30 minutes it just kept restating in this loop with the same brief message about being 64% complete.
My dilemma: Should I pay $135 for a Windows 11 install disk, or should I just buy a new computer. This Dell that I have is about 7 years old.
UPDATE: I just ordered a new PC.