After reinstalling windows how can I get my programs back?

[PimpedUpMonk]

I recently had to reinstall Windows due to an unknown driver issue and i was expexting to have to re-download everything, such as all of my games on steam. However al of this is saved in the windows old folder. How do i get them back? do I have to download steam and it will automatically detect them? or can i literally drag and drop the files ?

 

[USAFRet]

Your Steam games can (probably) be moved as needed.

See this: Moving a Steam Installation and Games
https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=7418-YUBN-8129

 

[buzznut]

First you will want to make sure you install all of your programs. Then you can restore the files in the windows.old folder this way:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/restore-files-upgrade-windows-old

As far as Steam goes I would just DL and install all your games. The game saves should be available from the cloud. In the future though I recommend using Game Save Manager. I did this recently and it restored all my games beautifully.

 

[buzznut]

Also for reinstalls I strongly recommend using the easy transfer wizard. Hit windows key and type in easy transfer.