Home Posts tagged "deleting windows"

Tag: deleting windows

What to consider before you Wipe your Windows Computer

Summary
In this NotebookLM summary of this video where Joe Glines and Isaias Baez discuss essential strategies for backing up data before reinstalling Windows. They emphasize the importance of thorough preparation, covering not just personal files but also hidden data, program settings, and various digital nooks that could contain valuable information. The conversation highlights practical tips, tools, and the significance of learning from shared experiences to ensure a smooth transition during system reinstallation.

Key Points

– [00:00:00] Introduction to the Topic
– Joe and Isaias introduce the discussion about preparing for a Windows reinstallation.
– They acknowledge the common anxiety of forgetting to back up important data.

– [00:01:37] Importance of a Backup Checklist
– They plan to create a checklist based on advice from experienced AutoHotkey users.
– The goal is to help listeners feel confident before hitting the reinstall button.

– [00:03:14] Basic Backup Steps
– They mention the obvious need to back up personal files like documents and photos.
– Emphasis on using separate drives or cloud services for backups.

– [00:04:51] Hidden Data and Program-Specific Files
– Discussion on backing up data that may be buried in program-specific files.
– Examples include Outlook PST or OST files that contain emails.

– [00:06:28] Backing Up Program Settings
– Importance of saving program settings to avoid recreating custom setups after reinstallation.
– Introduction to the Windows Registry as a place where settings are stored.

– [00:08:05] Exporting Registry Settings
– Tips on exporting specific parts of the registry to save program settings.
– This allows for easy restoration of preferences after reinstalling programs.

– [00:09:42] Utilizing the Start Menu for Reminders
– The Start menu can help jog memory about installed programs and their settings.
– Encouragement to check both the Start menu and the Program Files folders.

– [00:11:19] Searching for Forgotten Files
– Suggestion to search for files created within a specific timeframe to uncover forgotten data.
– This method can reveal important files that may have been overlooked.

– [00:12:56] Importance of the Temporary Files Folder
– Discussion on the potential value of files in the temporary folder.
– Acknowledgment that valuable data can sometimes be lost if not backed up.

– [00:14:33] Live USB as a Backup Tool
– Introduction to the concept of a Live USB, which contains a full operating system.
– This tool can help access files and troubleshoot if the main Windows installation fails.

– [00:16:10] Backup Strategies for Messaging Apps
– Comparison of backup strategies between WhatsApp and Telegram.
– Highlighting the risks of losing messages if backups are not properly configured.

– [00:17:47] Exploring the App Data Folder
– Explanation of the App Data folder and its subfolders (Roaming, Local, Localo).
– Importance of backing up settings and preferences stored in these locations.

– [00:19:24] Documenting Automated Tasks
– Reminder to check the Task Scheduler for any automated tasks that need to be documented.
– Ensuring that important scheduled tasks are not lost during the reinstallation.

– [00:21:01] Managing Startup Programs
– Discussion on how to manage programs that automatically start with Windows.
– Using Task Manager to review and control startup programs.

– [00:22:38] Final Thoughts and Encouragement
– Emphasis on the importance of thoroughness and seeking help from experienced individuals.
– Encouragement to reflect on personal workflows to identify any overlooked data.

Conclusion
The discussion provides a comprehensive guide for anyone preparing to reinstall Windows, emphasizing the need for a detailed backup strategy that goes beyond basic file storage. By considering hidden data, program settings, and utilizing tools like Live USBs and registry exports, users can ensure a smoother transition. The importance of collaboration and shared experiences is also highlighted, reinforcing that thorough preparation can significantly reduce the risks associated with data loss.

 

TabHamster

PortableApps

 

Here is a comprehensive checklist for backing up data and examining your system before wiping Windows, based on the provided sources:

Comprehensive Checklist what to Backup / Review before Formatting your Computer

Personal Files:

  • Back up all personal files, including documents, photos, videos, and music. Consider using cloud storage like Dropbox or a separate hard drive.
  • Remember to check non-standard locations like the desktop and temp folders.

Browser Data:

  • Save bookmarks and passwords. Consider using a browser extension like Tab Hamster to save groups of tabs.
  • Back up browser extensions and their settings.
  • Remember the downloaded files folder.
  • Save any important form autofill data.

Application Data:

  • Locate and back up game saves.
  • Save email client settings and local mail archives (e.g., Outlook PST or OST files).

Back up chat application histories.

  • Keep a record of software license keys and activation codes.
  • Save configuration files for development tools.

System Configuration:

  • Note network settings and saved WiFi passwords.
  • Document mapped network drives.
  • Save printer and scanner settings.
  • Back up Windows customizations and themes.
  • Export important registry keys, like Outlook configuration.
  • Consider saving taskbar settings to the cloud if your version of Windows allows it.

Other Important Files:

  • Check the Windows.old folder for any files from a previous upgrade.
  • Back up custom fonts.

System Information (for reference):

  • Create a list of installed programs. The sources suggest checking the Start Menu and Program Files folders (both 32 and 64-bit). You can also use a tool like WinDirStat to visualize disk usage and identify large programs.
  • Save information about device drivers, especially for unusual hardware.
  • Note your Windows activation information.
  • Keep a record of Task Scheduler entries.

Programs:

  • The sources provide specific lists of programs that you might need to reinstall.
  • Consider using portable versions of apps whenever possible, as they don’t require installation and can be easily moved. You can find portable versions of many popular programs on the PortableApps platform.

Additional Tips:

  • Search for recently created files in the last few months to catch anything you might have missed
  • Consider creating a live USB with a Windows or Linux environment to access your computer or extract files in case of boot problems. Rufus is a recommended tool for creating bootable USB drives.
  • Talk to someone experienced with wiping and reinstalling Windows to get additional tips and advice.

Important Notes:

  • The “App Data” folder (located under C:\Users[Your Username]\AppData) is a hidden folder where applications store data about themselves, including settings, databases, and large files. The roaming folder syncs settings across multiple computers in a network environment, while the local folder is for larger files that don’t need to be synced. The local low folder is for even smaller, local files.
  • The “ProgramData” folder (located at C:\ProgramData) is a precursor to the App Data folder. It is also a hidden folder and might contain data for some programs. The sources are not entirely clear on when to use App Data vs. Program Data.
  • Always back up your data before wiping your hard drive.
  • Double-check that you have everything you need before proceeding.

The sources emphasize the importance of having a plan in case something goes wrong during the wipe and reinstall process. They also highlight the importance of consulting with other experienced users.

Places to search:

  1. Personal files (desktop, documents, videos, pictures, etc)
  2. Look under program files / start menu
  3. Data files from programs (Outlook pst, bookmarks, )
  4. recently created files
  5. temp files
  6. Task Scheduler entries
  7. Things in your “startup” routine

 

My programs (as of when I created the video, I have a lot more scripts now!):

  • Explorer Patch (Win 11 taskbar on right)
  • SPSS 25
  • Systat 13
  • Express VPN
  • AutoHotkey
  • Studio (v1 and v2)
  • SciTE
  • VS code
  • FileX
  • WinSCP
  • Davinci Resolve
  • Chrome
  • Edge / Edge Developer
  • paintshop pro
  • pc calc
  • fiddler
  • Process Explorer
  • Garmin
  • ODBC 32 bit & 64 bit connections
  • VLC
  • zoom
  • Irfanview
  • WinDirStat
  • qBittorrent
  • ScreenToGif
  • Zen_Studio / Cronus
  • Krisp
  • Elgato
  • GIT
  • Process Hacker 2
  • Telegram
  • powershell
  • Quick Access Popup