Windows 7 can't restore - have I lost my files?

[pisto_grih]

Hi,
I went to turn on my PC last night and it booted to the automatic system repair option. It failed to repair and offered me some other options including system restore - I've tried all of the restore points it's offered and none of them will work!

I've not used windows in about 5 years so just wondering if I do a system reinstall would I lose anything in my documents folder? I recently copied about 300 GB of data from my NAS drive to my documents folder and don't want to lose my music and video.

My system details: p8p67 pro (rev 2), i5 2500k, can't remember what seagate 640gb drive (connected to sata 6gbps port).

 

[edscdk]

if by system reinstall you mean from a windows 7 disk,

and

as long as you dont format the drive or delete the partition during the install

then

it will put your current windows, user, and program files into a folder called windows.old

so

after you have finished the install simply look in c:\windows.old\users\<yourusername>\<documents or pictures or music>

 

[pisto_grih]

Brilliant, thank you!!

Yes, it will be a reinstall from my Windows 7 disk - I wasn't sure whether it was the same as the "archive and install" I am used to on the Mac side.

Thanks again!

 

[cokecan]

If you don't mind a bit of command line stuff, USMT will make light work of re-linking your profile from the windows.old folder to the new install of windows. it also saves you from having to go trawling through your old profile to copy and paste stuff, unless you want to use this as an opportunity to have a clear out?

 

[bledd]

If Windows is shot, this is what I would do..


Download Ubuntu 32bit, burn that iso image to disk


Boot from that disc, you'll have a live linux install (running from the cd/dvd), from here you can backup your files

Now reboot and format the pc with the Windows disc and reinstall

 

[pisto_grih]

If Windows is shot, this is what I would do..


Download Ubuntu 32bit, burn that iso image to disk


Boot from that disc, you'll have a live linux install (running from the cd/dvd), from here you can backup your files

Now reboot and format the pc with the Windows disc and reinstall

Now thats a good idea.

Thanks for your help chaps