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Can I recover files from my C: drive before reinstalling

Anonymous
2022-05-10T21:21:11+00:00

So I am currently stuck in auto repair loop, and I am not even able to know why. I tried every option on the blue screen but none worked. I was told to use windows media creator tool to make a windows USB, but I am unsure If I will then be able to backup my data. Will the usb reinstall windows on my c drive, or will it make a small windows version inside the usb, allowing me to access my C drive as if it was a remote drive? Alternatively, I could unplug my m.2 ssd to back it up but I don’t know how, I don’t have another pc with compatible slot to back it up

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows update

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  1. Neil D 33,095 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2022-05-11T12:42:57+00:00

    If you boot from USB and select the repair option then Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt type notepad.exe [press return].

    In Notepad select File > Open and change the file type to All. You can use this as a mini File Explorer and look for your files that you need to backup.

    You may also be able to do this from the Recovery Environment instead of booting from USB.

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  2. Anonymous
    2022-05-10T22:24:45+00:00

    Personally, in that situation I'd only swap in another NVMe or SATA drive and unplug the current one. Then you can plug it back in after installing Windows if you have another slot. Or I'd plug it into a USB NVMe capable external enclosure and plug it into another computer or even my phone.

    I would never risk doing a Windows install and relying on the Windows.old folder. You can and it may be fine but I don't find that an acceptable risk. Now if you have backups already then do whatever but you don't. You really should be sweating right now if your only copy is the original files. You protect those at any cost. Playing with them invites loss.

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  3. Anonymous
    2022-05-11T05:26:11+00:00

    So what you are telling me I should do is:

    Buy a cheap drive, install windows on it with a usb, backup my data by plugging in my nvme, and then try to repair using methods with file-loss risk ?

    Also isn’t there a way for the windows install to just fix its components without touching my apps, settings and files. Really seems like Microsoft does nothing to help…

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  4. Anonymous
    2022-05-10T23:20:18+00:00

    There are multiple methods to backup files if you plan to clean install.

    1. Use a non Windows operating system such as Ubuntu / Linux > copy and paste
    2. Boot to a Windows MCT or Windows iso > perform a custom install
    3. Boot to a Windows MCT > open notepad > copy and paste
    4. Move the disk drive to the empty bay of another computer > copy and paste
    5. Move the disk drive to a HD enclosure > copy and paste

    Alternatively you can troubleshoot but this has an unknown end point.

    If you want more info please comment into this thread.

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  5. Anonymous
    2022-05-10T22:18:24+00:00

    Hi SwissCookieMan -

    I'm Jerico T., I understand that you're having some issues right now and I'd be more than happy to help you today.

    Since you already tried every option on repair screen and still stuck on that screen, I would suggest that you perform Custom Install.

    Custom Install

    • a process wherein you will reinstall windows (latest version) on your computer using an ISO file and once the setup is done, you can recover your personal data/files on Windows.old folder. If you wish to proceed, please click the link below.

    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

    Feel free to reach back if you need any further assistance.

    Hope this help. Have a good day.

    Thank you,

    Jerico T.

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