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windows 8.1 refresh

Is 8.1 refresh basically a new windows 8.0 installation plus migration of data?  All programs have to be reinstalled but did they leave the old program files sitting there on C but not for use on the new load of the OS.  The C is almost full after the refresh.  What can I delete that are no longer in use?   I really regret performing the refresh.  Do they still have window restore?  That was the original plan and now I'm basically starting from scratch.
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John
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Windows 8.1 Refresh keeps data, keeps some settings, and keeps original Windows 8 programs and apps, but NOT software you installed after.  So you must reinstall software and set it up. It is a bit easier than a fresh install and the result works well.

If you have the Windows 8.1 DVD you can try a Windows Repair Install which (if it works) will keep data and programs. If it works, it is the fastest way to repair things.
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Do they wipe c:\program files\application or just render the application useless?  Are windows restore points still an option.  How do you access it?
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David Johnson, CD
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The software, as I noted, is gone (not left there at all). but I have reinstalled my software and set it up after a refresh in 3 or 4 hours. So the whole thing is an evening's work.
Sorry, I meant to say is windows restore point an alternative had I not done a refresh?  Where is it located?
Windows restore points are in Action Center, Recovery. Look there and Restore points can be accessed there.
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How long does the system clean up take?  It's been two hours and it' still last sliver of progress bar to completion.
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Also, while I much prefer Disk Cleanup to remove Windows.old, it can be removed manually.
yeah, I gave up waiting after 4 hours and X out.
@snoopaloop - Thanks for the update and I was happy to help.