asked on Will 10 restore to 7
This laptop is badged as Windows 7. It now has Windows 10. It won't restore (something like "restore not possible" as the error message) - not to 7 or 10. Is there some sign in any of the files present to show whether a path back to 7 exists? Is there some sign to explain why restoration to 10 fails?
I'm guessing MS doesn't want to facilitate a return to Win 7, but i'm wondering why a 10 restore won't work
I'm guessing MS doesn't want to facilitate a return to Win 7, but i'm wondering why a 10 restore won't work
Windows 10Windows OSWindows 7
Last Comment
CEHJ
If there is a working windows.old folder it may restore. If over 30 days since the upgrade there is no rollback possible. How long since the machine has been Windows 10?
ASKER
I'm guessing a lot longer than 30 days
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ASKER
A repair of 10 might be possible though, create an updated installation image from https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/software-download/windows10 and run that to repair your current Win10Not looking for a repair. Just complete reinstall. Is that possible with that technique?
If the computer is working reasonably well, the Windows 10 Repair install will fix problems in Windows 10. Going back to Windows 7 requires format / install Windows 7.
You can also back up and use the Media Creation link to reinstall Windows 10.
You can also back up and use the Media Creation link to reinstall Windows 10.
Not looking for a repair. Just complete reinstall. Is that possible with that technique?
Yes, boot from the disk image (make a bootable DVD/USB) instead of launching it within a Windows session and follow the prompts to install a fresh version of 10. Activation should be automatic as the machine was upgraded from 7 to 10 previously - so don't enter a product key when prompted.
Yes, boot from the disk image (make a bootable DVD/USB) instead of launching it within a Windows session and follow the prompts to install a fresh version of 10. Activation should be automatic as the machine was upgraded from 7 to 10 previously - so don't enter a product key when prompted.
ASKER
Cool. Do i get the added bonus of a crapware-free image? ;)
You get what Windows 10 provides. You can uninstall anything you do not want. No vendor software - just Windows 10.
Cool. Do i get the added bonus of a crapware-free image? ;)
Well ... it is Microsoft ... but no, you don't get bundled AV or manufacturer's utilities :)
Well ... it is Microsoft ... but no, you don't get bundled AV or manufacturer's utilities :)
maybe it's a good idea to tell us first WHY you want to restore it -what problem do you have?
a new install won't fix hardware problems
a new install won't fix hardware problems
ASKER
Because it's been accessed by criminals
Ah, i see it's obligingly now saved potential malware in windows.old instead of giving me the option to wipe :(
Ah, i see it's obligingly now saved potential malware in windows.old instead of giving me the option to wipe :(
At the installation stage you will have a format option to kill any pre-existing data/nasties.
ASKER
Nope. Didn't give me that option (to NOT save the existing install)
When you do an in-place Repair Install, use the Download section (not Upgrade), then it downloads, then it prepares, then it checks for drivers and only after all that, it provides a section on what you want to keep. I have done this numerous times including just yesterday. You may not have waited long enough.
Otherwise, if repair will not work on your machine, back it up and do a fresh install of Windows 10 (I do not suggest going back to Windows 7 if you do not have to).
Otherwise, if repair will not work on your machine, back it up and do a fresh install of Windows 10 (I do not suggest going back to Windows 7 if you do not have to).
if you want to be sure it's erased, hook it as second drive, and delete all the partitions you want deleted
optionally format them too
optionally format them too
ASKER
Well it's on the system partition. I think it'll be adequate to simply delete C:\Windows.old
ASKER
Thanks. New clean install done
There were earlier answers that had the same content (fresh install) as the chosen answer. I think you should have split the points on this one.
ASKER
I'm assuming you mean one of your answers? Can you let me know which one you have in mind please?
I think http:#a42356970 answered your question that you could not roll back and had to reinstall. Later I also suggested reinstalling Windows 10 if you wished to do that. Thanks.
ASKER
Thank you
Thanks much for following up and I do appreciate that.
ASKER
np