Recover entire windows 10 install from windows.old

Question

My pc recently ran into some issues and I had to end up reinstalling windows to fix the boot (which is done). But I must've accidentally installed windows again on the drive that I wanted to fix since there is a windows.old folder with all my programs, files, etc.

That was indeed a windows 10 version inside the windows.old and I was wondering in there was a way I could recover or restore everything (all user profiles, settings, programs, files, and hopefully even the product key).

Señor CMasMas · Answer 1 · 2020-11-02T20:08:46.737

0

According to answers.microsoft.com:

Start your PC as Windows attempts to load and the spinning dots appear, press and hold Power Button for 5 - 10 seconds. This is known as a Hard Shut Down (Do this twice )
Turn on your computer for the 3rd time and it should come up in the Recovery Environment
You will be prompted for System Repair/Safe Mode/Command Prompt
Go to Troubleshoot - Advanced Option - Revert to previous build of Windows
If this is unsuccessful, go to Troubleshoot - Advanced Options - Reset this PC Choose to keep your files and apps.

Another way to do it (without a reboot) using windows options AND a video step by step is right here.

edited Nov 02 '20 at 20:08

answered Nov 02 '20 at 18:06

Señor CMasMas

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When I select safe mode, it simply boots up windows in safe mode and while I can run command prompt, I'm not sure what to do with it and I can't find troubleshoot - advanced option – Sceptual Nov 02 '20 at 18:29
I added a link to a video that will walk you through it. – Señor CMasMas Nov 02 '20 at 20:09
All I have on the recovery section of settings is "reset this pc" and "advanced startup". – Sceptual Nov 02 '20 at 21:39
Did you try "reset this pc" like my instructions above advise? (aka step 5).. – Señor CMasMas Nov 03 '20 at 01:01
yes, I did try that method as well and I am not seeing that option – Sceptual Nov 03 '20 at 01:16
sorry man.. I don't know what to tell you at this point. :( – Señor CMasMas Nov 03 '20 at 01:20
Thanks for helping out anyways! I really appreciated it – Sceptual Nov 03 '20 at 01:24

Recover entire windows 10 install from windows.old

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