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Clean install while keeping data and apps

Anonymous
2023-10-15T16:45:07+00:00
  1. I have some things I don't like with my installation of Windows 11 Pro (things like: restore points not working, DISM not working, etc).
  2. I have tried a reinstall but the option to keep apps, data etc doesn't seem to work
  3. I have another SSD in my machine that I could use to do a new install Windows (basically use as my C drive) and believe I know how to install on that drive
  4. BUT the real issue are my apps and data ... it took me several days to set up this machine 6 months ago by installing my apps from scratch and I really don't want to do this ... although I could ...
  5. If I did a clean install on my other disk is there a way (or an app) to transfer my apps and data to the new drive.
  6. Everything I have seen .... talks about a transfer to a new machine and this is not what I want to do.
  7. This would be a nice way to easily restore my machine in general when things aren't quite right ... like retore points not working.
  8. BTW ... I do have complete backups and even an image of my c drive (if needed) using Acronis TI 2021 on multiple media. But unfortunately none of the backups go far enough back to include a time when all was well (i.e. maybe back to Aug). But this does mean that I am definitely not putting my data nor apps at risk since I do have all of the info needed for a rebuild if needed.

Thanks for any

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Install and upgrade

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  1. Anonymous
    2023-10-16T20:18:42+00:00

    Pretty much what I thought ... I have it from here.

    Thanks / JPM

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Igor Leyko 110.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-10-16T19:39:39+00:00

    Unfortunately seem the clean install is needed in your case. You may set automatic regular system drive backup using some third party tool or built-in Backup and Restore (Windows 7) tool. It can be found in Control Panel.

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-10-15T20:13:54+00:00

    Of course, this is supposed to work ... I have tried it to no avail. Perhaps the state of my OS is causing an issue (i.e. I can't see my restore points, etc).

    BTW ... I have tried both a USB mount as well as mounting the iso ... neither would give me the option to keep my data and apps.

    I will try a few more times (of course, we all know the definition of insanity :-) ) ... I believe that I am headed from a scratch install and manually installing my apps :-(

    JPM2023

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  4. Igor Leyko 110.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-10-15T20:01:27+00:00

    Hi,

    My name is Igor, it's a pleasure for me to help others and I'll do all my best to help you.

    I'm very sorry for disappointing you but clean install does not allow to keep your apps.

    However, you may try so called repair install. Сreate Windows installation media as described at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-downlo... but do not boot from it, run setup.exe file from running Windows instead. This will keep all your files, apps and settings.

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