Restoring a Windows 10 system from a disk image. Windows System Restore

The initial version of the tenth, “beloved and adored” Windows OS in the form of a preliminary free Technical Preview release turned out to be not at all what was expected from it. It was only later that modifications like Pro, Home, Education, Enterprise and Ultimate came out. But all of them, just like previous operating systems, tend to crash at the most inopportune moment. Now we will consider the issue related to how Windows 10 is produced in the most basic ways. This, I think, will not cause any difficulties for anyone.

recovery. What you should pay attention to?

Note that the “ten”, no matter how perfect it may seem, has absolute identity with its predecessors. This is due not so much to viruses or malicious codes, but to errors in the system itself.

First of all, you need to pay attention to the installed version. If this was the initial Technical Preview OS, intended for evaluation and installation on top of an existing operating system, rolling back is not so difficult. By the way, it is worth mentioning separately that it is very easy to install a new system, provided the files of the old one are not deleted.

Let's immediately note that there will be two Windows folders on the system drive. The first (main) is responsible for the safety of the previous one. The second is the installation directory for the new OS. Unfortunately, not every user will be able to determine which Windows 10 restore point they need, much less find a backup copy on the disk, not to mention the file itself responsible for this process.

Standard Windows 10 recovery procedure after installation

As a rule, it can be used in two cases: either restoring the “ten” after critical failures, or returning to the operating system on top of which it was installed. Here you need to understand the difference.

In the first option, everything is, in general, simple. The standard Windows Restore service will be used in any case. When, for example, “ten” is installed on top of “seven”, it is the service of the new system that has priority.

But with returning to the old OS and its settings, the situation is somewhat more complicated. The fact is that standard Windows 10 is not the key point in this case. Here the primary role is played by the image of the previous system, which takes up quite a lot of space on the hard drive.

By deleting it even when using a standard system disk or partition cleaner, when all components that are no longer needed are checked, you can only achieve that the previous “OS” will not be restored; in fact, it will not even be installed again without selecting another partition or formatting the existing one . In addition, you should immediately pay attention to the fact that restoring the Windows 10 system makes sense without rolling back to the previous one. But the “ten” itself, which has priority rights, so to speak, blocks any other previously installed OS. The only exception is the bootloader, in which you can select the appropriate component to start.

Preliminary steps to remove updates

Another important aspect is the installation of updates. In Windows 10, recovery may be related, oddly enough, to this. The fact is that the updates, starting with the “seven”, turned out to be quite ineffective. Ultimately, updates are not only installed incorrectly, they generally cause critical failures in the system itself.

To remove packages, you need to use the standard function called from the Control Panel. Here you need to take into account the installation date of each update. To sort, you should select change or installation by date. Update packages are usually designated KB. True, for the most part they are related rather to the installation of additional components of the Windows security system.

To cancel their installation, you simply need to use the uninstall line of each update, after which the computer is completely rebooted. At best, a Windows 10 recovery disc will help. But these steps apply in the case of restoring the OS, so to speak, to its factory state. In addition, you will have to disable each of them and see how it affects the system as a whole.

Automatic Windows 10 recovery

As for automatic recovery, any currently created OS reserves space on the hard drive, creating its own partition, different from the system one, used to save the parameters and settings of the currently installed operating system.

On the other hand, if the system crashes, you should first restart it. In some cases (especially when Windows freezes), a reboot must be performed in forced mode, say, on laptops this is done by pressing and holding the power button.

After this, the system will boot again and a message about the possibility of recovery will appear. But this is true more for systems like XP, 7 and 8. There is nothing like this in the “top ten”. In Windows 10, recovery works a little differently. The system does not offer a choice; it restores files on its own. But this only works under non-critical failure conditions. When download files become corrupted, you have to think twice.

Bootloader problems

Now we move on to the biggest problems of the system. Restoring Windows 10 boot after failures is impossible without understanding the process itself, which applies equally to all systems in this series.

The boot sector is the fastest accessible area of ​​the hard drive, which contains information about the system files necessary to boot the OS. This section contains a kind of table that provides indexing of the contents of a particular file involved in the process of loading the operating system. If failures are detected in it, the system will have to be reinstalled.

Restoring the operating system boot

The simplest method for restoring the Windows 10 bootloader is considered to be an option that applies to all systems of this type. This type may not work if booting from a hard drive or damaged partition. Typically, a Windows 10 recovery disc is used to restore the operating system. This allows you to avoid many problems and has the function of calling and managing the so-called console.

This is the command Bootrec.exe /FixMbr, entered at the command line (note, not through the “Run” menu, but through the cmd line, entered there). Restoring the Windows 10 bootloader is carried out according to the same principles that were laid down in version 7 and higher. Some commands may not work.

Consecutively, after the first line, the command Bootrec.exe / FixBoot is added (again, provided that it is booted from disk). Next, if restoring Windows 10 booting in this way is not possible, you will need to check the presence of all operating systems present on this device. This is done simply. But to do this, you will need to use the Bootrec.exe /ScanOs command in the same console. Further, if nothing helps at all, restoring the Windows 10 bootloader can only be continued with the command of completely overwriting sectors and restoring initial parameters. The command is Bootrec.exe /ReBuildBcd.

Creating a boot disk

For many users, the simplest solution is a disk. is carried out automatically, but only when the mode of reading data and booting from the corresponding device through the BIOS is enabled (the detection of the HDD boot device must be turned off, and removable CD/DVD media must be installed as the first device).

Then the disk image itself is created. To do this, you can use utilities like UltraISO or a standard system tool (of course, if you have the original Windows 10 distribution).

Saving copies of disk and partition images

Often, file recovery may also be required. Windows 10, like any other operating system in this family, can create images of hard drives and logical partitions with user data stored in them.

But for this it is better to use specialized utilities like Acronis True Image rather than standard tools. With the help of such programs, an image of the system, hard drive or logical partition is created in a couple of clicks, and with the help of them you can subsequently restore all the necessary information.

Recovery from image

As for the process itself, Windows 10 recovery allows you to perform it either automatically or on demand.

For the on-demand process, you should use the archiving and update section, which is located in the standard “Control Panel”. In it you need to go to advanced recovery methods, and then use a previously created copy of the system image indicating the location of the file.

Which is better to use?

You can do it even simpler. In Windows 10, data recovery can be done using third-party utilities like the aforementioned Acronis True Image program.

Actually, the process itself is very similar to the standard one, but is more optimized for the average user who does not want to get into the jungle of system settings.

As for restoring accidentally deleted files, specialized software like the Recuva program or the very powerful R.Saver package will come in handy, which allow you to find data on any media and restore it to its original state, preserving the desired location and even metadata. But this, as they say, is a separate topic.

What do we end up with?

In general, as can be seen from the above material, restoring the “ten”, as well as older versions of Windows OS, is not particularly difficult. The main thing is to be patient, as some processes can take quite a long time. On the other hand, if you do a recovery, this is still better than reinstalling Windows 10 again, especially since user files, folders and programs may be lost during re-installation.

As for the recovery method or preferred program to be used, each user must decide for himself. It is clear that you can create not only recovery disks. You can use a bootable flash drive with equal success. However, you will have to pay special attention to the BIOS settings in order to set the USB device as a boot source. And this is done with a flash drive already inserted into the port before turning on the computer or laptop, otherwise the BIOS simply will not detect it. So be careful.

If Windows stops loading, you can use standard utilities to restore correct operation.

One of the main nightmares of computer lovers is to encounter a situation where they cannot turn on the device. The operating system starts to load, but eventually displays a message like: “Windows updates could not be configured, changes are being discarded, do not turn off the computer.” After which nothing new happens - the software cannot be restored, and downloading stubbornly does not help. The best antivirus for Windows 10 The best antivirus for Windows 10 Viruses and all kinds of spyware are the most common causes of PC problems. Let's figure out how to defend ourselves. More details

System recovery tools

Before the release of Windows 7, this situation turned into numerous dances with a tambourine, and often a complete reinstallation of the operating system. Now everything is different, and often the problem is solved with standard tools from Microsoft, which do not even need to be specially installed. The task comes down to being aware, in principle, that such a toolkit exists, as well as simply remembering it when something “irreparable” suddenly happens.

The trick is that when you boot your computer, even before the Windows boot icons appear, you have time to get into the advanced parameters of this very boot, where you will be able to run diagnostics and, if necessary, restore the system to the selected checkpoint. In Windows 7, when booting, you had to press the F8 function key, and then select the “Troubleshoot” option (although in rare cases, the “Last Known Known Configuration” option saved the day).

More Windows 7 download options

Once in the “System Recovery Options” menu, in most cases one of the first two options became a salvation. “Startup Repair” could save the operating system automatically, and “System Restore” required you to manually select a checkpoint to which the rollback would be made.

Windows 7 System Recovery Options

Backup of Windows 10 Backup of Windows 10 To ensure that if the operating system malfunctions, you can restore it to its original state, you must make a recovery disk in advance. Read more Microsoft would be cheating on itself if, with the update of its brainchild, it left all the useful tools as before. Restoring the Windows 10 system is carried out by pressing the “hot keys” Shift + F8, and, unlike “seven”, you need to press this combination very, very quickly, since the operating system itself began to load much faster.


Windows 10 Boot Options

The appearance of the rescue menu has also undergone changes. Having selected “Diagnostics”, in the “Advanced options” there are the already familiar “System Restore” and “Startup Repair” (only in a different order). There is also a “Return to previous build” option if you upgraded to “ten” from one of the previous versions of Windows.


Windows 10 Advanced Boot Options

If automatic recovery doesn't work

Restoring a Windows system to one of the previous checkpoints is not a difficult task. It is only important that these points themselves exist in the system, because sometimes users themselves manually disable their creation, at the same time deleting existing ones. It really makes sense to periodically clear old control points, since they take up a lot of space. But abandoning restore points completely is a risky endeavor. Secure Internet via DNS Secure Internet via DNS How to navigate the Internet without getting viruses? Secure DNS servers will help. Learn more To make sure that your restore points are automatically created or to make changes to the corresponding settings, you need to select the “Large icons” (or Small, but not Categories) icon display in the “Options” window and select the “Recovery” item. There, select “System recovery settings”, check whether protection is enabled and, if necessary, use the “Configure” button. Here you can manually create a point for subsequent recovery.

Recovering your Windows 10 computer

Windows 10 restore points

If we have restore points, then using the method described earlier, that is, using the built-in Windows system recovery tools, you can quickly roll back to an earlier state of the computer without losing important files.

Creating a Windows 10 recovery image

In extreme cases, you will have to restore the system to its original state or to a previously created system image. It is advisable to create a “System Image” and a “System Repair Disk” in a working state of the operating system, after you have installed all the applications you need. This is all done through the same “Control Panel” (aka “Settings”), when viewing by “Categories”, selecting “Backup and Restore (Windows 7)”. Here you can restore the operating system to a previously created image if the computer still boots, but has no longer worked as it should. Limiting Windows 10 tracking Limiting Windows 10 tracking With each release of the operating system, Microsoft requests more and more information from users. But you can moderate her appetites. More details

Restoring a laptop to factory settings

If standard tools do not help, and you do not have a disk or USB device with a recovery image, then laptop owners can use hot keys to launch the built-in recovery utility. Some models may even have a separate key for these purposes, for example, OneKey Recovery from Lenovo, but this is rather an exception. In other cases, it is important to know which hotkey is for your laptop, since it tends to differ among manufacturers.

Hotkeys for laptop manufacturers:

F3 – MSI; F4 – Samsung; F8 – Fujitsu Siemens; F8 - Toshiba; F9 - ASUS; F10 - Sony VAIO; F10 - Packard Bell; F11 - HP Pavilion; F11 - LG; F11 - Lenovo ThinkPad; Alt+F10 - Acer (before this select in BIOS - Disk-to-Disk (D2D)); Ctrl+F11 - Dell Inspiron; Hold - Rover.

Factory Utility will restore the device to its original condition, as if it had just come from the store. This will delete all programs with settings, all files, including favorite photos, which it makes sense to store in cloud services just for such cases. However, the device will be able to work again, and in some cases this method will simply help prepare the laptop for subsequent resale or transfer to relatives.

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Five Windows 10 System Recovery Methods (Step-by-Step Guides)

Windows 10, like earlier operating systems, may be susceptible, for example, to virus attacks or system errors. In this regard, specialists from Microsoft have provided their Windows 10 with special built-in functions so that you can quickly restore the operating system, allowing you to effectively return it to a working state. Among these tools, the new product contains, as well as methods that have already been tested over the years, for resuscitating the OS, for example, using a pre-created recovery point or recording an image of the entire OS on an external drive, but also some improved methods have been introduced, such as creating a USB specifically for the possibility of recovery.

This article describes in detail for Windows 10 five methods to ensure quick recovery when system failures occur. The first three methods should be used when not particularly difficult situations arise, and the last two will effectively help even in cases where it is impossible to boot the system. The option of a clean installation of the system will not be considered here, since it already refers to cardinal methods and even in its essence can no longer be called a recovery method, since the OS will be installed “from scratch” (with formatting the system partition of the hard drive) .

Method 1: Using a recovery point

It is envisaged that in automatic mode, Windows 10, like its previous versions, creates points at certain intervals for the possibility of its recovery. But at any time the user can always save such a point in manual mode. For example, before making any important adjustments to the system or before installing applications and special software.

The main advantage of method 1 is that after the procedure, all information on the user’s computer is saved and only software installed after the restore point date will be deleted.

If the user is interested in the question: “How to restore the OS using 1 method?”, then the algorithm of actions is as follows:


Method 2: Restore to factory state

The Ten has added a feature that allows you to return your PC to factory settings. This method provides the ability to perform a total system rollback or without affecting the personal information of the owner stored on the computer.

How to restore the OS using the reset function? To do this, you need to perform the following sequential steps:


Method 3: Using the file backup function

In Windows 10, there is a convenient “File History” function, with which the user can independently or by setting automatic execution in the settings, create backup copies of information stored on the PC. To do this, you just need to enable this setting and show what exactly needs to be reserved. The time interval after which copies of files should be created is specified in the settings. This, in the event of failures or errors in the OS, will allow you to quickly and without investing much effort, return your information and resume full-fledged work with them.

Method 4: through creating a USB disk

In cases where the OS does not start at all, the first three methods will not help. In this case, you will need to use the recovery disk, which allows you to use additional boot options.

The algorithm of actions consists of the following stages:


Method 5: Using bootable media with Windows 10

If you do not have a previously created recovery disk and if you cannot boot your PC, you will need to use bootable media with Windows 10 to restore the system. Bootable (installation) media is created on a USB flash drive or DVD.

The sequence of steps performed is as follows:


WindowsTune.ru

Windows 10 System Restore

  • 1 Create a photo
  • 2 Restoring
  • 3 If it doesn't load

Windows 10 is under continuous testing. This means that errors appear periodically. It’s no wonder that restoring Windows 10 in such conditions is a necessary process. Problems arise due to updates being implemented by developers. After all, this whole bunch of applications and equipment that exist on the market must be adapted to the requirements of the new operating system.

Create a photo

You can imagine that returning the computer to its previous state is a time jump. Windows 10, in spite of our desire, automatically photographs its configuration. Such fragments of memory have important files and drivers in running versions. So, it is very important for Windows 10 to take a photo of itself before installing any software. The user can do this operation independently.

To do this, click on the Start menu and select Control Panel.

After this, you need to click on System.

Go to a new window and click on System Protection.

We check such a parameter as the partition for which Windows 10 recovery is enabled. Place the cursor on this partition, select it and click Configure.

In the next window you need to check the box next to Enable system protection. It is recommended to allocate around 15% to store all our recovery points. Next you need to click OK.

Having realized that the recovery point is being created on drive C, we begin this process.

We restore

So, let's say something bad happens. For example, a virus got onto your computer or a new program greatly affected its operation. In this case, a rollback to previous snapshots is used.

Click the Restore button in the System Properties window.

See also: What's the catch in upgrading to Windows 10

Windows 10 will then prompt us to select any snapshot. For example, we can choose the one we created ourselves.

If it doesn't load

And if everything is really bad, and Windows 10 doesn’t even boot, then you can try to restore it by first inserting a boot disk. Such a disc can be created on the basis of DVD media. For this purpose, regular Windows tools will help us.

  • Click the Start button.
  • Then select Control Panel.
  • Next, click on System and its maintenance.
  • Then select Backup and Restore.

On the left side of this window there will be a command to Create a system repair disk. You just need to follow the instructions. Naturally, such operations must be done first, even before fatal problems with the computer begin. Once you have created a disk, you need to use it wisely.

  • Insert the disc into the DVD drive of the sick computer.
  • We reboot the machine using a special button on the case.
  • If boot from disk is not set, then go to the BIOS and display boot from DVD up in the Boot menu.
  • In the loaded menu, you need to select the recovery option and click Next.

That's all, as you can see, there is nothing to be afraid of computer failures. There are both automatic saves and manual methods for archiving the entire work of the software. If you do everything correctly, then you just need to click a few buttons a couple of times and roll back to a working version of Windows 10. Windows 10 recovery will always save us.

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Windows 10 Recovery

Let's try to restore Windows 10 and deal with the many options in order of increasing complexity. Actually, they have a lot in common: in all cases, without exception, except for a full restore of Windows 10, we will need a backup copy.

To begin with, the most important files and documents, and ideally the entire system drive... To ensure the reliability of the system, you and I need to secure the most important drive - the first, system drive, as well as our user information, that is, documents. Restoring Windows 10 can be done in several ways:

  1. Resetting your computer to its original state
  2. Using File History
  3. Using restore points
  4. From the system image
  5. Using a recovery disk

How to restore Windows 10 to its original state

The first thing you need to pay attention to when you want to restore Windows 10 to its original state is the “Restore” function. To do this, open Settings >> Update & Security >> Recovery and click the "Start" button.

Here we are offered two options. Restore the computer to its original state. “Reset” the system with the removal of all installed programs, with or without saving personal files. This last resort should only be used in emergencies... and if you have a backup copy of all valuable information.

Special download options. Finally, other system recovery operations can be performed by rebooting the computer in a special “recovery” mode - we will return to this later.

The last item of this menu offers a clean installation of Windows using the new Refresh program - this is the same reset, only with the subsequent reinstallation of Windows 10 from the “distribution” automatically downloaded from the network. We will use this method only in cases where a regular “reset” is impossible.

In both cases, first take care of backing up your documents and photos - unless, of course, they are stored in the “cloud”, as I advised you, or on a separate disk. Remember: a system reset only affects the main, system drive; all other drives in your system remain safe.

Recovery disk

If the computer refuses to start, then the installation disk or recovery disk that we created earlier will come to our aid. See: How to create a Windows 10 recovery drive. To start from removable media, you need to make some settings. We need to use the boot menu to boot from the USB Flash Disk, only then will we be able to boot from the recovery disk.

Once in the recovery environment, you will be faced with multiple tasks to restore the system, even rolling back to the initial state if other methods do not help.

Windows 10 Recovery Mode

You can roll back to a previous “restore point” even if the computer does not boot at all. In such cases, after several boot failures, the computer automatically boots into a special Windows 10 recovery mode, from where you can “get to the bottom” of any saved “snapshot”.

How to start recovery mode? Restart your computer and use special commands: Settings >> Update and Recovery >> Recovery >> Special boot options. If you see this picture after restarting your computer, you can first try clicking on the first item and continue loading as usual. If this does not work, we have a direct path to the Troubleshooting section.

In this menu we will find many useful commands that will help us in case of failure. For example, loading in Safe Mode, with a minimum of commands and add-ons. In Safe Mode you will have to make do with only standard drivers and programs... but that's what we need! This mode can be used if the system freezes at the very last stage of boot, after the logo appears and disappears from the screen. Most often, this happens due to problems with drivers or some programs in the Startup Menu - they will not start in safe mode, so you can, with some experience, catch and remove them. But the most important section with recovery tools will open to you when you press the F10 key.

This gives us access to boot management - an incredibly powerful tool that will come to your aid in case of all sorts of errors. Here the system will offer you to “reset” to a clean system - either with your personal files and settings preserved, or completely. Of course, this method is too radical for simple failures - it will correct errors, that’s certain, but it will casually destroy all programs installed on the computer. Well, let’s leave this recipe for the most extreme case and click on the link Additionally: there’s another one in store for us "first aid kit".

This is much more interesting: first, we can try to fix boot problems (if there are any) - the Startup Repair tool will help us with this. It does not affect our personal data or installed programs, checking the integrity of system files and a number of drivers. Alas, this repairman will not help us with the most severe failures, but it’s worth at least trying.

The Windows 10 System Restore tool will allow you to roll back to a saved “restore point” (we’ll talk about them below). Let me remind you that such “points” with a snapshot of the registry and other important system files are created automatically when installing new programs... But you can do this manually - say, some potentially dangerous software.

Finally, the Boot Options menu will allow you to reboot in "safe mode" without running most device drivers and programs from the startup list. This can help you with problems with video card drivers or antivirus: potentially, they are the ones that most often “freeze” the system at startup.

As you can see, the Boot Menu is powerful enough to fix most problems with Windows 10 - although I sincerely hope you never have to see it on your screen.

And at the same time, I’ll remind you of my favorite method of resurrecting a system from the dead in case of the most severe failures, up to a complete failure of the hard drive - restoring from an image, a backup saved on another hard drive (best of all, an external one). I’ll say right away that Windows itself can create such “images,” and it’s not for nothing that the Image Recovery command is included in the boot menu. But this is exactly the case when you should, without hesitation, choose a separate program for this work, be it the free Rescue Kit on Paragon or the talented in all respects, but hopelessly paid Acronis True Image.

Restoring Windows 10 from a system image

If we have a copy of the system image, then when the time comes to restore Windows 10 from the image, it will not be difficult and we can restore the computer in a few minutes and at the same time we will not have to install all the programs. In order to restore the system partition from an image, you need to start the computer in the recovery environment: Settings >> Update and Recovery >> Recovery >> Special boot options.

After entering the account password, you will need to select the image from which the system distribution will be restored.

After simple manipulations, the system will warn: All data on the restored disks will be replaced with data from the system image. Click "Yes" and wait for the process to complete. After restarting the computer, you will see that the system looks the same as you did when you created the image. See the article: How to create a Windows 10 image.

Restore point

Creating "restore points", that is, backup copies of configuration files and important system files. They take up little space, but will allow you to revive the system in the vast majority of cases. Windows periodically (usually when installing new programs) creates snapshots of the system state. And if you have several such “points” at your disposal, you can return the system “back to the past.” And not until the birth of life on your computer, but just a day or two ago, until the “glitch” appeared.

To do this, we need to head to the old System Restore menu in Control Panel (System and Security section) - you already know that the easiest way to get to it is by typing the word “Recovery” in the search bar.

Click on the line “Run system restore” - a “calendar” will open in front of us, which will list all the restore points. And at the same time - the programs before the installation of which they were created. And if you know for sure that your system was “ruined” by a video card driver, just find its name in the list and roll back to the date before its installation.

One subtlety: by default, the “restore point” system in Windows 10 is disabled. And if you are going to use it, then the first time you start a computer with a “fresh” system, you need to turn it on and configure it. This is done in the System Recovery Settings menu: note that it is enabled separately for each disk on your computer (if you have several of them on your computer, I recommend limiting it to the system one only). In addition, you can configure the amount of disk space allocated for storing “points” - the more space you allocate, the more “points” the system can save.

Using the same menu, you can create a Restore Point manually (although the configuration is automatically “backed up” by the system after installing important updates or programs, so you have to resort to this operation less and less often). See article: Restore Point in Windows 10

The Windows 10 recovery procedure is reversible: in case of failure, you can easily return the system to its previous state

Using File History

It is better to store documents and photos in the “cloud” from the very beginning, that is, not in folders on the Desktop, as we are used to, but in storage devices such as Dropbox or OneDrive (if this is more convenient for you, create a “shortcut” for these folders on the Desktop) . See How to use cloud storage.

If you don’t trust the Network, store them in special Documents folders, and enable OneDrive Backup in the system settings, and if you have a separate drive (for example, an external USB hard drive), use Backup using File History.

Unfortunately, this method only protects your information, but not system files; it will not help restore Windows 10 after a failure.

If Windows 10 suddenly suffered a critical failure and stopped loading, the best way out of this situation may be to roll back to a restore point. Even if there is a system backup on a non-system partition, created using backup software, it will be of little use if you don’t have a boot disk with the appropriate program at hand.

Restoring the operating system by returning to the initial settings - preserving user files, but losing installed programs and system settings - is too radical a step, which should be taken only after attempts to roll back to a restore point have failed.

How to roll back Windows 10 to a restore point if the computer won't boot?

Recovery Environment

As in the two previous versions of the platform, a special recovery environment is provided for resuscitation of Windows 10, implemented in the form of a menu for selecting various actions on a blue screen background.


In fact, this environment is an analogue of the menu for additional boot methods, which is familiar to many who have encountered problems starting Windows 7. This menu in the seventh version of the system is called up when the computer boots by pressing the F8 key. Among the Windows 10 recovery environment tools, there is also the ability to roll back the system.

So, we have a computer with the system protection function enabled, which provides the ability to roll back to one of the restore points in the event of unwanted changes. The Windows 10 protection feature is active by default, and if it was not intentionally disabled, the system can be returned to the state captured in one of the restore points. These must be created, if not manually by the user, then at least automatically by some kind of software.

How to get to the recovery environment?

If the computer is still able to boot, you can get into this environment by holding down the Shift key and pressing the system restart button.

In a situation where the computer does not boot at all, you can try to get into the recovery environment by holding down the Shift+F8 keys while the system boots. But achieving the desired goal will not be easy. Few people manage to press these keys at the right time due to the reduced boot time of the latest versions of Windows. As soon as the computer starts to boot, you need to quickly press the Shift key, and then frantically fiddle with the F8 key. After training, perhaps the efforts of some will be rewarded.

It is much easier to enter this environment either through an installation disk or a specially created recovery disk.

Below we will consider both of these options and roll back the “ten” to the recovery point.

Using the Windows 10 installation disc

It doesn’t matter which installation DVD (or flash drive) is on hand - with the same edition of Windows 10 that is installed on the computer, or with a different one, in any of these cases the issue with access to the recovery environment is resolved. Moreover, for these purposes you can use the Windows 8.1 installation disk or even the test edition of Insider Preview, which is available completely free of charge on the Microsoft website.


Insert the installation DVD with either Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 into your computer's drive, or connect a bootable USB flash drive if the distribution package is stored on it. In the BIOS, set to boot from the appropriate media. Click "Next" in the first window of the system installer.

Select "System Restore" at the bottom of the window.


The same recovery environment will appear in front of us, in the menu of which we need to select one or another action. We need a diagnostic section.


Click "Advanced options".



Select Windows 10 if, as in my case, you have two operating systems installed on your computer.

The system rollback process to the restore point will begin. Click “Next”.


In the window for selecting recovery points, you need to check the option to show other points. Then we will be able to choose a suitable date - not too old to restore Windows to the most current state, but not too recent, when problems may have already existed. Select the optimal point and click “Next”.


Click “Finish”.


We confirm the decision to roll back the system.


Once the process is complete, reboot.


Not every system rollback process to a restore point can be completed successfully. But I was lucky - everything went very well. Welcome to the restored system.

Creating a Windows 10 Recovery Disc

If you don’t have an installation disk with system versions 8.1 or 10 at hand, you can’t do without involving a second computer device in solving the problem. And instead of waiting for the image with the distribution to be downloaded from the Internet, it’s easier to create a Windows 10 recovery disk using its standard tools. Naturally, this requires that the same Windows 10 be installed on the second computer device. In general, the availability of such a disk must be taken care of in advance. This way, the resuscitation disk, recorded on a flash drive, will always be there for you if problems arise with loading your computer.

To create a recovery disk, go to the control panel. The shortest way to it is to call the context menu on the Start button.


At the top of the control panel window (right) is the search field. Enter a key query in it to search for the recovery partition and select this partition.


We need the first function - “Create a recovery disk”.



The system will warn you that all existing data on the flash drive will be destroyed. Click “Create”.


The recovery disk is ready.


Now enable the BIOS to boot from the desired media - from a flash drive. After loading, you will see the same recovery environment designed to resuscitate the operating system. Further steps will be exactly the same as in the previous case.

In what cases is it impossible to rollback Windows 10 to a restore point?

As already mentioned, the Windows rollback process may not always complete successfully, and this applies not only to situations involving the recovery environment, but also when we are talking about the usual launch of this process in the system properties window. If viruses damage important recovery point files, most likely the only way out of the situation may be, if not reinstalling the system, then at least restoring it with the loss of all settings and programs.

Sometimes it will not be possible to successfully roll back an operating system using a recovery environment because the recovery functionality itself has been removed. And this, by the way, is one of the reasons why you should not use homemade Windows builds. Often the latter are designed only for installing Windows from scratch, without the possibility of recovery. The system recovery functionality is cut out by assemblers, supposedly for the purpose of optimization. In this case, it will not always be possible to revive the operating room even with the help of third-party Live disks. But even in the case of a pirated build of Windows with reduced functionality, various kinds of problems can be foreseen by stocking up on a backup copy of the system and bootable media in advance using third-party backup programs.

https://windowstips.ru/notes/16413 — link

List of keyboard shortcuts for restoring laptops to factory settings

Most laptops have the operating system and drivers in a special hidden partition and do not need a disk for reinstallation at all. When booting, just press the key to enter the system recovery menu. I propose to compile a list of hot keys for laptop mods, this will help many.

  • Acer - Alt+F10(pre-enter the Bios of the laptop and enable the D2D Recovery function)
  • HP pavilion; LG - F10, F11
  • Packard Bell - F10
  • Dell inspiron- as soon as the dell.com splash screen appears, you need to click Ctrl+F11
  • Dell XPS: F8 or F9.
  • ASUS- as soon as the ASUS splash screen appears, you need to click F9
  • Sony vaio - F10 or button ASSIST
  • Fujitsu Siemens - F8
  • Rover- when turning on, press and hold Alt
  • LG-F11 while loading. The LG Recovery Center window should open.
  • Samsung - F4
  • Lenovo ThinkPad: F11.
  • MSI - F3.
  • Toshiba - F8.
  • Packard Bell - F10.

Complete description of Acer eRecovery

Before the recovery procedure, please note that the Disk-to-Disk (D2D) function is enabled in the BIOS; for those who have it, enable the Quick Boot function (displaying the OEM logo), or better yet, simply return the BIOS settings to default (Exit tab item Load Default Setup).

There is a hidden partition on the laptop hard drive for this purpose. If you managed to remove it, you will have to contact the service center.
If the hidden partition is not deleted, then after booting from it and restoring the OS, we simultaneously discover that all the information accumulated by the user has disappeared. Therefore, before the recovery procedure, important data must be saved on another medium.

Do some laptops come with a disc? It's usually called "Reanimator" or something like that. If you install the system using this resuscitator, then the hidden partition with the “Recovery” utility should be restored, but when using this disk, all data from the screw will be lost, since the resuscitator formats everything completely.

If you reinstalled the system, the Alt + f10 combination will not work. If you installed another HDD, does the system recovery key function now not work? Because the recovery occurs from a hidden partition of the hard drive, but this partition does not exist on the new hard drive.

How to restore the system on a Lenovo laptop?

We offer you brief instructions on how to restore the operating system in Lenovo IdeaPad laptops to its factory state. Why might this be needed? Well, firstly, all users sooner or later have a desire to start from scratch. Secondly, your system may experience a serious failure or it may be attacked by a virus, after which the OS stops loading. You need to understand that making a laptop look “like it came from a store” will erase all your data from your hard drive, so all important information needs to be copied somewhere before recovery.

If everything is ready and the data is safe, you can proceed. A program called Lenovo OneKey Rescue System will help us. It is installed on all Lenovo IdeaPad laptops (but not ThinkPads), and makes part of the hard drive invisible to the user, and there it stores the operating system as it came from the factory. To begin the recovery process, you must first turn off your laptop. And then turn it on again, but not with the standard button, but with the OneKey Rescue key. It is usually marked with a curled arrow and can be found on all IdeaPad laptops. On the IdeaPad Y460 the button looks like this:

Press the button and wait for the recovery shell to load.

As you can see, the OneKey system can even scan your hard drive for viruses. Moreover, you can create your own image of the system and all data, and in case of problems, restore from it. But now we will show you how to return the “factory” image of the system. To do this, select OneKey Recovery.

In the menu that opens, leave the option “Restore from original backup”.

After this, the system will ask you twice if you are sure. Think carefully because, I repeat, all data from the laptop will be deleted!

Here you can watch the recovery process. It will take 10-15 minutes, after which the program itself will prompt you to reboot. Congratulations, your laptop has been restored to “store like” condition :) Please note that along with a fresh copy of Windows you received all installed Lenovo drivers and programs.

http://lenovo-russia.livejournal.com/5698.html - link

P.S. And don’t forget that by restoring the system to factory settings (the ones before you took the new laptop out of the box) you format everything!

Mid-summer 2015 was marked by the release of the widely anticipated Windows 10 operating system. Consumers were able to get it by downloading a free update. Which is offered by every computer with Windows 7 and 8.1 installed. The new version has identified itself as the most reliable. But like any mechanism, it can sooner or later fail. Older versions offered different ways to fix errors. Windows 10 was no exception. How to return it to working condition or correct errors is described in this article.

The operating system itself offers users a wide choice of recovery methods. First, you will need to diagnose the suspected problem with Windows 10. For example, if the computer does not boot or freezes a lot, then you should use the troubleshooting tools that are present on the installation disks. If the operating system still loads, but does not work well or often freezes, then you can use the system itself to return to working condition.

There are three main methods for restoring system functionality, each of which is suitable in different situations based on the diagnosis of the problem itself. All of them are known and are similar to the methods that were in older versions of Windows:

  • return to original parameters;
  • restore point;
  • return to working condition using an OS image;
  • Windows 10 boot disk;

Correction using the "Restore Point" method

The most common method that does not require much knowledge in information technology is to use restore points. To use this method, the user needs to click on the notification tab, then select the following items: “All settings” - “Update and security” - “Recovery”.

You can also get to this menu even without completely loading the OS. To do this, after the welcome screen appears, where the computer prompts you to enter a password, you need to click on the power icon and hold down the Shift key. After a couple of seconds, a window will appear in which you need to select the “Diagnostics” item and go to the “Reset to original state” tab.

To start fixing problems in Windows 10, in the “Restore to original state” item, click on the “Start” button. After this, a dialog box will appear that will offer two options for reinstalling the OS:

Method by deleting all files and completely reinstalling the OS

This method deletes all old owner data and Windows 10 settings. After which all necessary drivers and the operating system itself are installed. All actions occur automatically - this prevents errors that may occur due to the human factor.

The disadvantage of this method is that it will not be able to resurrect the OS if there is damage on the hard drive. This will require other methods.

OS with storage of personal data

The method returns the computer to its original form, but at the same time retains all the owner’s data. During this correction, files stored in the users folder (sections such as “Documents”, “Images”, “Downloads”, etc.) are not formatted. But at the same time, all programs that were previously installed will be deleted.

Restore point

This method has been used for many years by Windows. The system points for fixing a non-working OS are known to many, but few know how to check or enable them. They help the computer owner get things working in case of unsuccessful installation of a driver or other programs that lead to Windows 10 failure.

To make sure that the program creates such points on a schedule, the user needs to go to the “System Setup and Recovery” menu. To do this, right-click on the “Start” button and select the following items one by one: “Control Panel” – “Recovery” – “System recovery settings”.

Typically, point creation occurs automatically on a schedule, and this feature is enabled by default. But the owner can always change most of the parameters independently by clicking on the “Customize” button.

All recovery points are created automatically when any important software settings and parameters are changed, as well as various services, program installations, etc. In case of experiments or other dangerous situations, the owner can create a record of the system state himself.

If Windows 10 does not work well after installing a program or driver, then by going to the appropriate item, you can return it to its original state. To do this, select the “Start system recovery” section, where the user can select the date the point was created. Having agreed to the changes, you should click the “Continue” button, after which the OS will return to the state that was saved earlier.

Creating a full Windows 10 recovery image

The developers have left a function for creating a complete OS recovery image on a hard drive (built-in or external) or on several optical DVDs.

The difference from the previously used option is that the process creates a complete reflection of the operating system, including all installed programs, necessary drivers, and individual settings that are relevant when loading the image. In the previous version, the user could only receive the OS installation file and save personal data.

It is best to create such a file immediately after the complete installation of the OS, all drivers and necessary programs, when the computer is fully configured and not cluttered with unnecessary files and applications.

To record this image, go to the “Control Panel” menu, here open the “File History” item. In the lower left part of the window, select the line “Backup system image”, then “Create a system image”. An alternative way: go to the “All Settings” menu, select “Update and Security”, then the “Backup Service” line, in the window that opens, click “Activation and Recovery (Windows 7)”, then “Create a system image”.

In the menu that appears, the user can independently indicate the path where the created file should be saved: options will be offered: to a hard drive, to a DVD drive or to a network folder, select the one you need, and you can also mark the items and partitions on the disks that need to be included in the backup copy , and which ones to remove from it. Most often, this is the section occupied by the OS itself and the software parts of the disk.

Subsequently, the resulting file can be used to quickly return the computer to the desired state. You can launch this function from the image itself from the disk on which it is saved, or select the “Recovery” menu in the program. To do this, you need to go to the “Diagnostics” window, select the “Advanced options” line, and then “System image recovery”.

Windows 10 boot disk

Resuscitation work can be carried out either from a bootable CD/DVD disk or from a flash drive.

In older versions of Windows, a specialized disk with a set of repair utilities was used. In a modern OS, this is a full-fledged disk with Windows 10 and various recovery programs.

For security, the user can create such a disk himself using the built-in tools of Windows 10. To do this, go to the “Create a recovery disk” menu.

This feature is also useful for quickly installing the system. To do this, you need to select the item that makes a backup copy with a complete copy of all program files.

To launch such media, you need to restart the computer and first, before loading the OS, go to bootmenu and select the desired disk. Or this function can be configured in the BIOS, indicating from which media the boot will take place.

After saving the settings, the installation welcome window should appear. Here, you need to select System Restore, then the “Diagnostics” section. This will allow the user to fix the system in several ways:

  1. Command line – here, you can correct errors by manually entering commands and launching various utilities. This method is suitable for advanced users.
  2. Restoring the OS from an image - boots from a previously saved image.
  3. Restore point – loaded from a previously saved system state.
  4. Startup Repair – Fixes any important program files that may have become corrupted.
  5. You can also go into the BIOS to fix or make changes to system settings.

Having such a device, the user can protect himself in many matters. An advantage can be considered the quick installation of Windows 10, with existing drivers on board.

As can already be seen from the above, Windows 10 offers a very large selection in correcting system errors. Even an inexperienced user can master them. They have the simplest and most convenient mechanism for interacting with a person.

Many may argue that there are now a large number of products on the software market aimed at fixing the OS. They also have a convenient and intuitive interface. The flexible data saving algorithm is more advanced than in the operating system itself. All this gives the green light to third-party programs. But, as a rule, they cost a lot of money. Therefore, it would be good practice for the owner to know how to revive Windows 10 using the system itself.

In contact with

If the Windows operating system starts to fail, do not rush to reinstall it. Use the restore function, which provides the ability to return Windows to the state before errors or problems occurred. Let's take a closer look at how to start Windows 10 system recovery and all the existing methods.

Why do you need to restore the system?

For someone who has not experienced the need to roll back Windows to a working state, this question makes sense. The operating system is not as stable a thing as many people think; it can fail without user intervention, then you will need to return it to its original state. Here are some more reasons:

  • unsuccessful driver or program installation;
  • system failure;
  • error during loading;
  • black screen or blue screen of death.

Here is a sample list of when you might need itrestoring Windows 10 and expanding it can take a very long time, but as basic examples, this list is enough.

All recovery methods

Now let's look at all the current methods for restoring Windows 10 that are currently relevant. You can study them in detail and choose which one is right for your case.

I warn you in advance that it is assumed that you previously activated this function and created a rollback point, since recovery is only possible in this situation.

Via Safe Mode

Restoring Windows 10 from safe mode is a method that is suitable in cases where you cannot boot the OS in normal mode, but everything is fine in safe mode. Follow the algorithm of actions:

    Boot Windows in safe mode.

    Run Command Prompt as Administrator. To do this, open Windows 10 Search and enter CMD, then right-click on the console application and select"Run as administrator".

    At the command prompt, enter the command rstrui.exe and click Enter .

    The System Restore window will appear on the screen.

    Select an item "Mark another restore point".

    Select the desired restore point and click again"Further" .

    Follow the instructions on the monitor.

It can be made simpler:

    In Safe Mode, open Control Panel.

    Choose a section "System and safety".

    Click on "File History".

    At the bottom left click on"Recovery".

    On the next screen you need to select"Run System Restore".

Options

Windows 10 has an additional tool that allows you to reset the system to its original state and save user files. Let’s take a closer look at it:

    Press the keyboard shortcut Win+I.

    Open section "Update and Security".

    Select a section on the left"Recovery".

    Click the "Get Started" button.

    Wait for the process to complete.

Command line

Restoring the system via the command line involves restoring the bootloader if it is damaged. To accurately understand whether this method is right for you, I explain that when the bootloader is not working, the system does not start and errors occur. Accordingly, if you were unable to boot Windows 10, use this method. However, please note that you need a flash drive with a recorded operating system distribution or disk:

    Install the Windows installer media into your PC.

    Restart the computer, if necessary, set in the BIOS which device the boot should start from.

    When the window appears on the screen"Windows Installation", click on below"System Restore".

    Select "Troubleshooting".

    Click on the item"Command line".

    In the console, enter the command bootrec.exe C:\Windows, but instead of the letter"C" register the one on the disk of which Windows is installed.

    Press the Enter key.

If all is well, the system will notify you that the boot record has been successfully restored.

Note!The method is suitable for more advanced users who understand commands and know the partition letters of their hard drives.

Flash drive or recovery disk

In order to use this method, you need to create a Windows 10 system recovery disk or flash drive, that is, write a Windows 10 recovery distribution onto them.

First, let's look at how to create a USB flash drive or Windows recovery disk:

    Insert the media into a port or drive on your computer.

    Open Control Panel.

    Switch to"Large Icons".

    Open "Recovery".

    Click on "Creating a recovery disc".

When it is ready, you should do the following:

    Install the disk or flash drive into your PC.

    Restart your computer and start booting from the media you just inserted.

    The recovery environment will open.

    Select the appropriate function and follow the on-screen prompts.

Through the point of retracement

The method will work if you previously created such a point and now want to return to the state of Windows at the time of its creation. This is done as follows:

    Select the function to restart your PC with the key pressed SHIFT.

    Select the "Diagnostics" section .

    Go to "Extra options".

    Click on "System Restore".

    In the window that opens, click on"Further" .

    Check the box"Show other points".

    Choose the one you need.

    Follow the prompts of the System Restore Wizard.

BIOS

It is through the BIOS that you cannot restore Windows 10, since there is no such function. Through it you can only select from which media the system should boot, for example, it could be a recovery disk:

    Open BIOS.

    Go to section"Boot".

    In the first line, select which device to boot from.

    Press F10 and restart your computer.

Advice! Be careful in the BIOS, changing settings may lead to the computer not working.

File history

This function appeared in Windows starting from version eight. Its essence is that copies of important folders and files are saved on a selected external drive or network directory. Then, if necessary, they can be restored.


You can find the function from the control panel, where it is called “File History”. Since it does not allow you to completely restore the system, but only certain files and folders, we will not fully consider it here. Wait for a separate article on this feature.

Uninstalling updates

One of the methods to restore the system to a working state is to remove the latest updates. Use this method if problems with WIndows started after system updates:

    Press the keyboard shortcut Win+I.

    Select "Update and Security".

    On the left click on"Windows Update".

    Select "View update history".

    Click on "Uninstall updates".

    Use the date column to find the latest updates.

    Right-click on them and select “ Delete" .

How to restore the registry

The registry save directory in Windows 10 is C:\Windows\System32\config\RegBack.


Accordingly, to make a copy, you need to copy its contents. When needed, simply move all the files in this folder and replace them.

Note!To work with this section of Windows, you need administrator rights.

System Restore Errors

It happens when Windows recovery is accompanied by certain errors. Let's look at the most common of them.

Error 0x80070005

Error 0x80070005 during Windows 10 system recovery indicates that there are problems with access rights.

Error 0x80070003

Error 0x80070003 when restoring a Windows 10 system occurs in various cases, for example, a weak network signal or a conflict between files and system components. Solutions to this problem

Error 0x80070017

If error 0x80070017 appears when restoring the Windows 10 system, most likely some system files are damaged, this is the most common reason. Learn more about troubleshooting.

Error 0x81000203

How to reset a laptop to factory settings

Many laptops have the ability to roll back to the state they were in when they left the factory. This is done differently for each model, so we will not describe the algorithms here, but will prepare a separate article. The general principle is that you need to go to the BIOS and select certain settings there.

How long does recovery take?

Many users are interested in how long it takes to restore Windows 10; this question is difficult to answer accurately. It all depends on the method to be used and the specific case. In the best case, this will take from 10 to 30 minutes; in the worst case, the process will drag on for several hours.

What to do if a black screen appears after recovery

In cases where Windows 10 system restore causes a black screen, it is impossible to suggest an exact solution to the problem. This could be a problem with installed components or drivers.

To accurately and guaranteed get rid of the problem, we recommend doing a complete reinstallation of Windows or rolling back to another restore point.