Program opening problem - previous help given

[PeterOz]

fix 1 problem first.
You can’t run anything as not enough disk space.
I would do this a slightly different way.
Make sure all data, Pics, Docos etc are backed up to an external drive or thumb drive. Is this win 10?
I would then reload windows and set the drive up as 1 partition (not counting the boot partitions)

Reinstall Win 10 Fresh Install

Download the win 10 tool run it to recreate the flash drive – Must be minimum 8GB

Download Windows 10

Watch this video
How To Install Windows 10 From USB - YouTube

In the video at 2:35 Where to install Windows. Highlight each partition and delete.

Then install on the unallocated space.

In the video at 2:54 you will notice it restarts the computer.
When you are doing this and you get to that point Remove the usb stick whilst it is restarting.
Also if you want to setup a local account instead of logging in with a Microsoft account
Turn off your wireless network and or remove the network cable.
This point is 3.32 in the video - Choose I don’t have internet.
If you want to log in with a Microsoft account then leave the network as is.

Before doing any install, it is a good idea to go to the support page for your system. Download the drivers you are going to need i.e. chipset, sound, video, wireless, etc. WhilstWin10 has a lot of native drivers, Microsoft drivers are designed for ease of use and are NOT designed for any type of performance. Store these drivers on another usb or you can even just make a folder on your install usb when you are finished making the install usb. Copy the drivers into that folder.

When you are finished with the Windows install, then install your drivers.

[ul]
[li]Chipset or Motherboard[/li][li]Sata or hard drive[/li][li]Video adapter[/li][li]Network interface card (NIC)[/li][li]Audio[/li][li]Touchpad[/li][li]Any other hardware drivers needed for your particular model.[/li][/ul]
Reboot after installing the drivers

[maramessi]

Okay, so I see that I can reinstall windows from using the video you gave. The hard drive I have is not a flash drive as such, its just a USB extended storage with a fair bit of my PS5 data on it. Does it need to be empty?

[PeterOz]

In my instructions is a link for windows.
The tool will create the windows installer.
You only need an 8gb or larger thumb drive - All data will be deleted.
All data on the computer will be deleted.
When you get to the part that ask where to install windows
Delete all the partitions and you will be left with 1 unallocated partition.
Use that

[maramessi]

Okay but while I havent used this PC for anything much other than gaming, I want to make sure my files are saved.

A windows inititated back up will not do this, is that correct? I need to manually copy / paste them? Correct?

I have formatted my flash drive so it is ready to copy.

[PeterOz]

You will have to reinstall your games and any other programs.

I want to make sure my files are saved.

What type of files are you referring to?

[maramessi]

Saved game files, thats all I want to make sure that I have access to.

Anything else is browser related stuff that I can easily back up.

I haven’t used a backup in years, so I am quite rusty on this.

[maramessi]

Okay, I am using the steam backup program to save what I need on the flash drive, anything else I can download from scratch.

Apologies for the multiple posts.

[PeterOz]

I would copy the saved games files to external.
When you reinstall windows and then reinstall games then copy saved game files back, will the work.
I honestly do not know.
I do not game

[PeterOz]

Apologies for the multiple posts

No need for apologies.
We want to get this right

[maramessi]

Once I recreate windows - will I lose whatever is on the flash drive? E.G. what I am currently backing up from steam?

[PeterOz]

You need a drive for your backup and another drive (thumb drive) for windows.
Windows creation tool will format the drive which = all data gone

[maramessi]

Had to go out and get another flash drive, so I am backing up etc just now. Not sure how long this will take and I follow your instructions.

[PeterOz]

don’t forget about deleting the partitions.
Remember this will delete all data on the hard drive
Do you have the web site to down load your drivers.
AFTER the window usb is made you can put a new folder on the same drive and put your drivers in that.
or download and put them in a folder on you game backup drive.
or try this back up drivers with command prompt
Then put the folder on you usb drive.

https://www.drivereasy.com/knowledge/how-to-back-up-your-drivers-in-windows-10-easily/

[maramessi]

I have another laptop on hand that I can use to refer to this thread if needed.

So am I correct in saying …

• Finish backing up steam (currently in progress)
• Recreate windows on another flash drive
• Back up drivers

After this I start the reboot and reinstall processes?

[PeterOz]

Finish backing up steam (currently in progress)

Yes

Back up drivers

Once back up has finished and put on external drive.

• Recreate windows on another flash drive

You can create that now. Use option Create usb to use on another computer. 51 seconds in video
You may have to access your bios to set usb as first boot device.
Or you may have an option for a one off boot selection.
I need to know more about your computer to offer advice.