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Tools to Restore Windows 8 and How to use them?
by Jose Richardson System AdminHere is a detailed description of system recovery tools, along with step-by-step procedures of using them that can restore a Windows 8 PC back to a functional state.
Regular usage and frequent app installation and uninstallation cycles can affect the overall performance and stability of your Windows 8 system over time.
Windows 8 offers numerous recovery tools to help you resolve these system issues and get your computer back to a workable state. In addition to the Windows System Restore feature, Windows 8 provides the Reset and Refresh tools that can restore any Windows 8 PC back to its original OS configuration.
All these inbuilt Windows 8 recovery tools have different functionalities and the steps of using them vary as well. Here’s a detailed guide on how System Restore, the Windows 8 Refresh and Reset options, and third-party tools like Reboot Restore software function, along with the steps to perform them on any Windows 8 computer.
What is System Restore?
Windows System Restore is a utility tool that allows you to revert your system state to a previously saved Restore Point. Restoring the Windows 8 system back to the state when the selected particular restore point was created helps in undoing any major changes done to the OS. Since the majority of system issues often arise from OS malfunctioning, Windows System Restore serves as an ideal recovery option in the early stages of troubleshooting.
How to Run the System Restore in Windows 8?
In order to restore Windows 8 to an earlier restore point, follow these given steps:
- Go to the ‘Start’ button. Start by typing Control Panel in the Windows 8 Charms bar, then click on its icon from the search results. This will take you to the respective System applet of Control Panel.
- Locate the System and Security button in the applet and click on it.
- In the System and Security window that opens, click on the System tab.
- In the following window, you will see the System Protection link on the upper left side. Click on it.
- Locate the System Restore button on the pop-up window and click on it.
- This will take you to a new window titled as Restore System Files and Settings. Once there, click on the Next button.
- From the menu, select the particular restore point that you want to install.
Note: You can also check out the entire repository of old restore points by clicking on the Show more restore points checkbox.
- Once you have selected the desired restore point, click the Next button. This will guide you to the Confirm your Restore Point window.
- Click the Finish button over the confirmation window.
- Now, you’ll find a pop up with a question: Once started, System Restore cannot be interrupted. Do you want to continue? Click on the Yes button to begin the System Restore process.
- The tool will now start reverting the operating system configuration to a previously saved restore point, as selected by you. During the process, a small window titled Preparing to restore your system...will pop up, following which you’ll see a black screen with the following message: Please wait while your Windows files and settings are being restored.
- Wait until the computer restarts. After the initial boot up, sign into Windows.
- You should now see System Restore window saying: System Restore completed successfully. The system has been restored to [date time]. Click on the Close button to finish the process.
- Now that you’ve managed to restore your system to a previous restore point, check whether the issue that you were originally trying to fix has been resolved.
What is Refresh option in Windows 8?
The ‘Refresh’ tool in Windows 8 serves as the most suitable option to resolve all system instability and slow down issues. The best thing about the tool is that it doesn’t let you go through the pains of formatting your computer. It restores your Windows 8 PC back to its default configuration while keeping your personal data, applications downloaded from Windows store, and previously saved settings intact.
How to Refresh your Windows 8 PC?
In order to perform the Windows 8 Refresh functionality on your system, you need to do the following:
- Go to the Start button, open the charms bar and search for the Settings menu. Click on its icon once you locate it.
- At the bottom of the Settings pane, you’ll get to see a button titled Change PC Settings. Click on it to open the PC Settings page.
- In the PC settings page, locate the tab called Update and Recovery button and select it.
- On the following window, you will find a button called Recovery. Click on it.
- This will take you to the menu where Refresh your PC without Affecting Your Files is listed. Click on the Get Started button below the Refresh your PC section.
- A pop-up window titled Refresh your PC will now appear on the screen. Click on the Next at the lower pane of the window to get the process started.
What is Reset Option in Windows 8?
While the Refresh option in Windows 8 allows you to refresh the system by retaining all existing files and documents, the Reset option helps in restoring the PC to its factory settings by removing all the stored files, documents, applications, settings and accounts. It thus provides your PC with a clean and fresh start.
How to Reset your Windows 8 PC?
- Start by typing Settings in the Windows 8 Charms bar, then click on its icon from the search list.
- At the bottom of the Settings pane, find and click on the Change PC Settings button.
- Over the following window, click the Update and Recovery button.
- From the next window that opens, select the Recovery button.
- This will lead to the menu with Reset your PC option. Click on the ‘Get Started’ button located right below the Reset your PC (Remove everything and reinstall Windows) section to get the process started.
- As the system starts to reset, you’ll get to see the message: “Your personal files and apps will be removed and your PC settings will be restored to their defaults”. Click on the Next button right beneath the window.
- After that, another message will appear on the screen: “Do you want to remove all files from all drives”? Select one among the two options enlisted namely, “Only the drive where Windows is installed” and “All Drives”. Since you’ll be resetting Windows 8 to the original state, go with the former.
- Now, on the new window titled Ready to reset your PC, click on the Reset button on the lower right corner of the screen.
- This will reboot your system and soon Windows 8 will be restored to its original state.
What is Reboot to Restore technology?
Reboot to restore refers to a process where the system disk is automatically sanitized and restored to a clean, original state on reboot. A software application performing the Reboot to Restore functionality restores a desired system configuration state on the basis of a master image, which is re-established every time the system is restarted or switched on.
How to use Reboot to Restore technology?
Reboot to Restore software applications allow users to setup and control the desired configuration state on their systems, which is preserved as the baseline. In the event of system malfunctioning, users can rollback the system to that predetermined baseline by simply rebooting the system. This ensures complete and instant system recovery from common system issues. In addition, all changes performed in the system are completely eliminated on reboot by such system restore software, which helps users maintain their computers in a clean, optimal state.
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About Jose Richardson 
System Admin
65 connections, 1 recommendations, 157 honor points.Joined APSense since, October 27th, 2017, From Alabama, United States.
Created on Jul 25th 2018 08:26. Viewed 481 times.
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