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Is it possible to factory reset / wipe a laptop but keep the programs installed ?

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  • 10-10-2020 8:02am
    #1
    wally1990
    Registered Users Posts: 1,222 ✭✭✭


    Sorry if a stupid question,

    Is it possible to factory reset a laptop (windows 8.1) but keep the programs I've installed

    I don't mind about losing all files etc downloaded music, images etc

    All I want is a fresh restart but keep the programs installed


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    #2
    Skill Magill
    Registered Users Posts: 2,570 ✭✭✭Skill Magill


    You could just create a new profile on the pc and use that one?
    You could access all the old images on the old profile too, I'd do that first (easiest) and see whether that cures your woes


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    #3
    wally1990
    Registered Users Posts: 1,222 ✭✭✭wally1990


    Skill Magill wrote: »
    You could just create a new profile on the pc and use that one?
    You could access all the old images on the old profile too, I'd do that first (easiest) and see whether that cures your woes

    Would that speed up in the laptop in general by just having a new profile ?


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    #4
    MarkR
    Moderators, Regional Midwest Moderators Posts: 11,102 Mod ✭✭✭✭MarkR


    You could refresh your laptop.

    https://newatlas.com/how-to-windows-8-pc-refresh-reset/32801/#:~:text=To%20refresh%20your%20Windows%208,ll%20take%20the%20first%20option.


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    #5
    Skill Magill
    Registered Users Posts: 2,570 ✭✭✭Skill Magill


    wally1990 wrote: »
    Would that speed up in the laptop in general by just having a new profile ?

    Its a 30 sec job with no loss of the old profile, and how much it speeds it up would depend on what crap the original profile had running in the background.

    Its easy, do it and see, you'll lose nothing

    https://www.webucator.com/how-to/how-create-second-user-account-windows-10.cfm

    Right-click the Windows Start menu button.
    Select Control Panel .
    Select User Accounts .
    Select Manage another account .
    Select Add a new user in PC settings .
    Use the Accounts dialog box to configure a new account.


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    #6
    DopeTech
    Registered Users Posts: 6,797 ✭✭✭DopeTech


    You could start by just going to control panel->Programs and features and uninstalling all the apps you don't want/need, then run ccleaner or Malwarebytes to do a little more clean. Turn on Storage sense also to keep things from building up.

    Ideally though a fresh install and reinstall of only the apps you want/need would be best.


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    #7
    smuggler.ie
    Registered Users Posts: 4,128 ✭✭✭smuggler.ie


    There is no storage sense on win 8


    What is slow?
    What is computer make/model, specs?
    Is it running on HDD or SSD?
    Was it ever cleaned - could be "cotton" buildup over years not allow proper cooling and CPU is throttled.
    history of boards 2021




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    #8
    DopeTech
    Registered Users Posts: 6,797 ✭✭✭DopeTech


    wally1990 wrote: »
    Sorry if a stupid question,

    Is it possible to factory reset a laptop (windows 8.1) but keep the programs I've installed

    I don't mind about losing all files etc downloaded music, images etc

    All I want is a fresh restart but keep the programs installed
    What apps do you want to keep? Have you got the original install media/keys etc to reinstall them?


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