Trying to get windows back after an accident!

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daveus3000

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Feb 20, 2014
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Hi guys,

I threw a load of water over my computer and have now had to totally rebuild it. In fact, the only parts that actually survived were the hard drives and RAM.

Now that it's rebuilt, I'd like to get back to where I was before... But I'm not quite sure how..

I don't really want to re-install windows as I don't want to lose all my files on the C:/ drive - the place where windows was installed before (I'm correct in thinking everything would get deleted, right?).

However, I don't really know how to achieve this! I've tried repairing windows by booting up from my windows CD, but that doesn't work. I guess the computer is just a bit confused about the fact that all the hardware/motherboard has changed.

Any ideas? I have a backup system image from Novemember, but would using this would mean that I lose files created from after that date...?

Is this possible?!

Thanks,
David
 
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Alec Mowat

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Jan 8, 2014
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You can potentially mount the system image and extract the files, but the Windows install won't work. The drivers won't match and it will probably not boot.

Fresh install of Windows.

http://www.howtogeek.com/76212/how-to-mount-a-system-restore-point-to-restore-a-single-file/
 
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daveus3000

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Feb 20, 2014
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Ok...

So, my only option is to lose everything on my C:/ and re-install windows?

In which case I'd better try and find someone who can help me get the files off the drive before I do that!
 
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Pibee

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Sep 21, 2013
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If I understand correctly all parts except the drive and Ram have been changed... unless the changed hardware is identical to the parts they replaced I don't expect you'll have much success getting things up and running without reinstalling the OS and all appropriate drivers.

As for the stuff on your drive you don't want to lose you should very easily be able to access anything you want if you simply connect the drive to another computer, then once in windows just find your drive and enter the folders to retrieve the data you want to save/copy.

Once you have all you need reformat and install the OS in the refurbished puter.
 
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Alec Mowat

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If you have a second drive for data storage, you can boot from a Linux Live CD and move any files you want to keep pretty easily.
 
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daveus3000

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Feb 20, 2014
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Great, thanks for your help guys.

I'll try and find someone who can help me take stuff off the drive and then format it.

If not, I'll look into this Linux Live thing. I do indeed have two drives!
 
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daveus3000

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Feb 20, 2014
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Perfect. At least nothing too much should be lost!

Thanks for all the help, this has really stopped me fumbling around to try and guess get the answers!

One last thing, as you're being so helpful... Someone recently told me that it's a good idea to buy a solid state drive and have windows run off that (as it'll make it much faster). I guess if I did this and installed windows there, then I'd not lose anything..? Right?
 
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Pibee

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Basically right yes. I find it's most useful to have a drive that is sole dedicated to the OS as it keeps things simple with all the precious data I don't ever want to lose on separate drive as well as backed up :).

If you got an SSD you would see a decent performance jump if you're not using one currently.
 
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Alec Mowat

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You'll lose the data, but an SSD as your system drive is worth it. Very quick.
 
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