How to Restore Data and Files From External Drive After Clean Reinstall

[Kidderman3]

I have decided to carry out a clean reinstall on a PC which has developed an issue which appears to be registry-related. The PC resets itself after every reboot, for example whatever background I select for the desktop, it always reverts to Windows own background. I would like to keep all data, files programs and apps, however I’m aware that a clean reinstall will not allow me to do that. I have made a system backup on an external drive as well as a disc backup on another external drive. I used Aomei Backupper to create the backups. On going into the backups, they have the extension .adi. What I’m not sure about is the actual process of reinstalling or resetting Windows 10, then restoring data and files from the backup I’ve made. I’d be grateful for any advice that anyone could provide me with regarding the process.

[phillpower2]

If you are having problems with Windows unless you are an advanced user you should always go for a clean install of Windows followed by installing the chipset drivers for the MB, the storage device drivers then the GPU drivers.

Before being able to advise you properly we will need to know your computers hardware details, is it a custom build or brand name such as Dell or HP, if a brand name, provide the model name or series number (not serial) if a custom build post the brand and model name or number for the MB and what OS you are using (32 or 64-bit).

Just so that you are aware, any programs will also need to be clean installed.

[Kidderman3]

Hi, thanks for getting back to me. The PC is a Dell inspiron 1545 laptop running Windows 10 64 bit.

[phillpower2]

That model of notebook was first released in 2009 according to the review here

Is this the correct model of notebook.

[Kidderman3]

It is, although I have upgraded the processor and increased the RAM to 8 Gb.

[phillpower2]

Still the same MB so the same drivers and installation procedure will be required - are you aware that there are no Windows 10 drivers available for the model of computer that you have.

Question, does the notebook still have the original 160GB hard drive.

[Kidderman3]

I wasn’t aware that there are no Windows 10 drivers for the model, however it originally ran Windows 7 and I simply carried out an upgrade to Windows 10. I don’t recall there having been driver problems with the change from 7 to 10. I upgraded the hard drive to a 1TB drive some time ago.

[Kidderman3]

There is a folder in Program Files containing Dell drivers.

[phillpower2]

See info here and here

As you have previously upgraded the HDD to a 1TB device I would suggest that you create a 250GB partition on the HDD just for Windows 10 as part of the clean installation procedure, this will help to protect Windows from data corruption + will speed up boot times.

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[Kidderman3]

Sorry, I don’t know how to create a partition. I tried the ‘Shrink Volume’ route, however it only gives the option of Mb, not Gb. Also, I need as much disk space as possible. Is there any way of creating a smaller partition for Windows? I have both a disc image and system image, each on separate external drives. You say that I will have to clean reinstall programs. I was hoping to avoid having to do that, which is why I have made backups. I was of the understanding-possibly mistakenly-that a backup could reinstall programs after the reinstallation of the operating system.

[phillpower2]

You can clone an entire drive easy enough but any problems on that drive will be replicated on the new drive or partition, depending on ones ability and the software available it is possible to clone individual partitions, see info here

Win 10 installation - how to create partition during installation

[Kidderman3]

I understand that it wouldn’t be wise to clone a disc from an installation which has problems. Cloning individual partitions isn’t something which I’d feel able to do. It seems then, that making system and disc backups is of no benefit to me in this case. With regard to Dell drivers, the PC has worked fine for several months since upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 10. Please advise as to the best way for me to proceed. I haven’t attempted a windows reset, which I understand will also cause me to lose programs.

[phillpower2]

First things first;

Can you upload an expanded screenshot of Disk Manager for us.

Access Disk Management via Run.

Press the Windows+R keys to open Run, type diskmgmt.msc in the empty box then press OK.

To capture and post a screenshot;

Click on the ALT key + PRT SCR key..its on the top row..right hand side..now click on start…all programs…accessories…paint…left click in the white area …press CTRL + V…click on file…click on save…save it to your desktop…name it something related to the screen your capturing… BE SURE TO SAVE IT AS A .JPG …otherwise it may be to big to upload… after typing in any response you have… click on Attach files to add the screenshot.

Screenshot instructions are provided to assist those that may read this topic but are not yet aware of the “how to”.

[Kidderman3]

Hi, screenshot attached as requested. Just prior to receiving your last post, I attempted to reset Windows. It began to go through the process, but stopped, advising me that it isn’t possible to carry out a reset. I think that’s an indicator that something is wrong with the installation and a clean reinstall is necessary. Thanks for your continued help.

[phillpower2]

I suspect that the problems that you have been having and this latest failed reset are down to the fact that Windows 10 was an in place upgrade from Windows 7 to 10 and reason being it is a well documented issue with older computers, I speak from experience here as I have had the same with the Sony Vaio notebook that I am using to type this.

What you are going to need is a small capacity thumbdrive to save your present drivers to, a 16GB or above thumbdrive to download your Windows 10 ISO to and the list here printed off for when you clean install your drivers.

Download your Windows 10 ISO from here you want the second option so that it saves the ISO to your USB thumbdrive.

If you need to, post back here before you clean install Windows if not sure on anything, you should be ok looking at your Disk Manager screenshot, just remember that you want the Custom Installation option and to create a 250GB partition to install Windows to.

You are welcome