Accidentally did custom install instead of repair install

Page 1 of 6 123 ... LastLast

  1. Posts : 72
    Windows 7
       #1

    Accidentally did custom install instead of repair install


    I followed the steps and all my settings, software, and everything is gone! I thought it was suppose to keep everything that way it was.

    Do I have to reinstall everything? Also, I can't read my windows key number at the bottom of my computer since it became worn out. Is there anyway to obtain this or am I pretty much screwed now?
    Last edited by Brink; 02 Apr 2013 at 19:48. Reason: Moved to new thread of it's own since it's gone off topic of tutorial
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 71,975
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #2

    Hello Ericwoo,

    It sounds like you selected to do a "custom" install instead of an "upgrade" install. A custom install will wipe everything.

    If that is the case, and you don't have your key written down somewhere safe, then yeah you're pretty much SOL.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 72
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Bummer! It wouldn't let me do the upgrade because I had to install the windows updates first. Sadly, the whole reason I was doing the repair install was because my computer wouldn't let me install the updates. So I figured trying the other custom setting might work and it did. I didn't know it would wipe eveything out.

    It looks like it saved most (I hope) of the files in Windows.old folder though, but I have to remember to install everything.

    Is there anyway to revert the computer back to the way it was? If not, any way to get the key from windows? Or do I have to buy windows all over again?
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 71,975
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #4

    You could try using this below to restore your previous installation from the Windows.old folder. Be sure to back up anything that you do not want to lose first to be safe.

    How to restore a Windows 7-based computer to a previous Windows installation by using the Windows.old folder
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 72
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Awesome, so there is some hope! I bought a external hard drive and will wait until I get it in the mail next week then.

    I didn't see the instructions say anything about entering the microsoft key so I am hoping I won't have to enter it in. If it does, there are only a few characters in the key that I can't read, so I might try to use some software to give me all the possibilities that the key could be. There might be a few hundred possibilities but it's worth trying. I don't really have the cash to buy windows again or a new computer yet.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 71,975
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #6

    I hope it works for you. Please let us know how it went.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 72
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Will do! If it does revert back, do you have any idea how I could get Windows Updates working?

    I was working with these guys over here and they couldn't figure it out: Windows Update Error Code 490 & 80070490

    I don't know if there is any other solution.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 71,975
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #8

    I would say you would be better off with a clean install for a fresh start.

    If you still have your factory recovery partition, then you should also be able to do a factory recovery to go back to how your PC was out of the box.

    What brand and model number is your PC? I'll be happy to post back with details on how so you will have it as another option when ready.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 10,994
    Win 7 Pro 64-bit
       #9

    ericwoo said:
    Awesome, so there is some hope! I bought a external hard drive and will wait until I get it in the mail next week then.

    I didn't see the instructions say anything about entering the microsoft key so I am hoping I won't have to enter it in. If it does, there are only a few characters in the key that I can't read, so I might try to use some software to give me all the possibilities that the key could be. There might be a few hundred possibilities but it's worth trying. I don't really have the cash to buy windows again or a new computer yet.
    Sorry for jumping in. You might give Belarc Advisor a try. It's also listed in this Forum's "Free Great Programs" tutorial.

    FREE Great Programs for Windows 7 [2]
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 72
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #10

    Hi Brink, I am working on the restoring it to Windows.old. It says to install the Windows 7 installation disc. My computer never came with an installation disc. I only have a recovery discs that I was suppose to make when I first got my computer.

    Can I download this installation software somewhere?
      My Computer


 
Page 1 of 6 123 ... LastLast

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:34.
Find Us