hotwheelzz :
let me explain a little better
I upgraded from win 7 to win 10 a few months ago the free upgrade over the web, so it is not the original OS that came installed on my ASUS laptop and do not have a win 10 reinstall disk (not sure if it's needed for a reset or refresh). When I start the reset a menu opens asking if I want to keep my files or wipe everything. After clicking ave files it generates a list of all the apps that will need to be reinstalled after refresh and I'm not sure if they are important
Asmedia ASM104X
ATK package
Intel (R) control center
Intel (R) Management Engine Components
Intel (R) Processor Graphics
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition ENU
Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable
Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable x64 9.0.30729.17
Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable x64 9.0.30729.6161 Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable x86 9.0.30729.17
Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable x86 9.0.30729.6161
Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 x64 Redistributable 10.0.40219
Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 x86 redistributable 10.0.40219
Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 tools for office runtime (x64)
MSXML 4.0 SP2 (KB954430)
MSXML 4.0 SP2 (KB973688)
Qualcomm Atheros Wi-Fi driver installation
Realtek High Definition Audio Driver
Sonic Focus
SSH Secure Shell
Synaptics Pointing Device Driver
Wireless Console 3
can you yell me if losing these apps will cause me problems?
Now I have already done a backup of all my files to a flash drive so I'm wondering which option would be best, a reset or a refresh?
again thank you very much for your help
Michael
Hello again hotwheelzz
If you have already backed up your files, the list of other programs and drivers that Windows displayed may or may not be necessary depending on your use. For example, you would definitely be needing the Wireless Card driver without which you won't be able to access any wireless network.
On the other hand, some programs come along with the installation files of other programs. For example, VC++ Redistributable comes along with Nuance Dragon NaturallySpeaking.This is just an example. If you have VC++ on your system, it is likely that you have installed any program that has automatically installed VC++ as a part of its installation.
Since you have already backed up your files and drivers, I would suggest you to start with Refreshing the computer (i.e. without removing the files). This method is quick and safe. If this doesn't resolve the issue, you can then go for System Reset, i.e. with all files removed, which is a lengthy process, takes considerable amount of time, and eats a lot of disk space.
Yes you can initiate the System Refresh or Reset process from within Windows 10 itself. The step-by-step instructions to do so are given in the first section of
this tutorial.
Cheers!!