Question Reinstalling Win20

[Big D]

I have a nicely equipped computer running Win10 PRO 64 bit. My cable was trashed and a optic fiber was installed and I got an ASUS z9000 modem and router. I tried to connect an older Epson 2450 and the troubles began I downloaded Epson Event Manager v3.11.74 04/12/23 22.2 MB EEM_3.11.74.exe and realized it would work for on Win11 only. My computer froze 1/2 blue and 1/2 regular screen. i used my emergency usb and restored Win10 normally. I hit a series of unknown keys and the computer froze. I tried the Emergmcy USB again. No joy. I tried all retores, but I do notwant to purge all my data. Mother and mouse do not work. I can't find a way to get to the internet. Note: My ASUS router works and broadcasts WI-Fi to both android and Appoel

Now the real problem --- all my installations disks on all my Windows 0S's were bundled together and I have lost them I have looked EVERYWHERE three times.

My quandry -- do I purchase a Win10 new install disk? If so, can I restore just the OS, but keep my data and supporting apps?

or

do I purchase WIn11 new install disk? Will it keep my data and most of my supporting apps?

 

[USAFRet]

Does this system have ONE physical drive?
I ask, because that has major implications on saving your 'data'.

 

[USAFRet]

Further...
What are ALL the parts in this system?
Make/model of everything.

 

[Big D]

one physical drive.

I willtry and get more details. But I have to leave for a doc appt.

I was hoping that I would could get a simple answer on just restoring the Os and keeping my data.

Thanks RDG

 

[USAFRet]

one physical drive.

I willtry and get more details. But I have to leave for a doc appt.

I was hoping that I would could get a simple answer on just restoring the Os and keeping my data.

Thanks RDG

The problem here is twofold.

1. Not having any sort of backup for your data. Consider your position if this were a physical drive fail? Gone gone gone.

2. A reinstall of Windows on this same drive may wipe out everything on it.
You do not need to purchase a new OS license. The licensing has nothing to do with this.

From some other working PC, create a Win 10 install USB.

Download Windows 10

Boot from that and maybe/possibly you can do an Update install, with the option of "Keep my files" (or whatever the wording is)

There are many ways for that to go wrong. Which points to my #1 above.

 

[Big D]

I have all my DATA backed up. I am not really concerned there.

But I do wan to retain my supplementary apps -- i.e. Thumbs Plus, FileSearchEX, Searchable, DupKill, Firefox, Logitech, etc. They take more time and the reactivation/ payment, and creating "new settings" can take hours. I will check into the other Update Install from windows.

Thanks RDG

The problem here is twofold.

1. Not having any sort of backup for your data. Consider your position if this were a physical drive fail? Gone gone gone.

2. A reinstall of Windows on this same drive may wipe out everything on it.
You do not need to purchase a new OS license. The licensing has nothing to do with this.

From some other working PC, create a Win 10 install USB.

Download Windows 10

Boot from that and maybe/possibly you can do an Update install, with the option of "Keep my files" (or whatever the wording is)

There are many ways for that to go wrong. Which points to my #1 above.

 

[USAFRet]

Applications are iffy.

"Keep everything" might work, it might fail.

I prevent this with full drive backups and images.
If my C drive were to go south right now, I could recover ALL of it, exactly as it was in the wee hours of this AM. Data, applications, OS, everything.

 

[Big D]

Applications are iffy.

"Keep everything" might work, it might fail.

I prevent this with full drive backups and images.
If my C drive were to go south right now, I could recover ALL of it, exactly as it was in the wee hours of this AM. Data, applications, OS, everything.

after a lot of research, trial and error, etc. , I detemined that win10 will not repair, rebuild because I have a physical defect in my boot drive. So I have to repair it (I don't know the issue) and put a new drive in. and probably reinstall my programs. Sigh.

Thanks for all. rdg