Articles in Category: Setup and Install
Installing Software Safely and with Minimal Impact
Installing software is something we do often. I’ll review some recommendations to minimize both impact and danger.
How to “Reset this PC” to Reinstall Windows
It’s relatively easy to reinstall Windows and keep most of your data while doing so, though it can be a bit time consuming.
Why Do an Image Backup If I Can Factory Reset?
Factory reset is a great option to have, but it doesn’t cover all the scenarios a full image backup does.
A Program Crashes and I Can’t Uninstall It. What Do I Do?
Problems with a program that won’t install can be tricky. It’s important to capture the exact wording of any error messages you are receiving.
How to Reinstall Windows 10 Without Media
The best way to prepare for needing an installation disc is to create one before you need it. I’ll review some approaches.
Set Up Windows 10 Again with the Windows Out Of Box Experience (OOBE)
You can use the Windows 10 Out Of Box Experience, or “OOBE”, at any time to reset a variety of items most commonly associated with initial setup.
How Do I Completely Uninstall a Program?
Uninstalling a program is pretty easy. Uninstalling it completely, on the other hand, can be a challenge.
How Do I Reformat and Reinstall Windows?
To reformat and reinstall is considered the “nuclear option” when it comes to dealing with Windows problems (or just cleaning up).
How Do I Remove My Personal Data from My Computer Running Windows 10?
It’s almost impossible to remove all personal information from a Windows installation, short of one extreme option.
How Do I Switch Back to a Local Account Sign-in for Windows 10?
It’s not uncommon to set up Windows 10 only to find you’re required to log in with a Microsoft account. I’ll show you how to restore a local account sign-in.
How do I Repair My System if the Registry Can’t Be Loaded?
We can certainly find a way to repair your system registry. But my concern is, why did this happen in the first place?
How do I reinstall software if I don’t have the installation discs or download files?
If you bought it you can, and should, save it. Even if it is just a downloaded installation .exe file and activation code.
I Don’t Have Installation Media for Windows. What If I Need It?
At some point, you’re going to need your Windows installation CD/DVD. If you don’t have it, you could be severely out of luck. I’ll review alternatives.
Why Did I Get this Additional Driver Utility?
More frequently, unwanted software is included in the download package of things you actually want. Preventing these programs from being installed is easy; getting rid of them may not be.
Can I Put Everything but the Operating System on an External Drive?
Using an external drive is not going to work like you think in the long run. In the end, a backup image is the most convenient tool to use when reinstalling Windows.
Why Did I Lose Applications After My Machine was Formatted?
By definition, reformatting a hard drive erases everything. The big question is, why didn’t the technician tell you that?!
What’s the easiest way to restore my machine to original factory settings if I didn’t get discs?
If you don’t have installation or recovery media then you’ll need to take additional steps to prepare for the day you might need to reset to factory settings. Additional steps using software that I hope you already have.
How Do I Reinstall Downloaded Programs?
When it’s important that you save several things for the day disaster strikes and you need to reinstall downloaded programs. I’ll look at what you need to save to prepare for the worst.
How Do I Change the Default Installation Drive?
In this scenario, the real issue is that your C: drive is full. What I recommend you do is clean it up.
How Do I Reformat and Reinstall Windows? (XP & Vista)
Sometimes the best approach to resolving an issue, be it a virus or simply software rot, is reformat and reinstall. We’ll review the steps.
How Do I Reformat My Machine If I Don’t Have a Windows CD?
Reformatting a machine is a major step that erases everything. Unless you really know what you’re doing, you’re going to want that Windows Setup CD.
