Solved Reinstall Window 11 from usb without Losing Anything.

gigi69 said:

Yes the post got a bit complicated. I have copied my files to external using cmd prompt. The issue now is the Usb I created (hubby's desktop) following instructions in my previous post will not install windows. I am hoping to be able to keep files, settings and apps.

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I've lost track of the thread, and I'm not expert at this, but...

If you want to do a repair install of Windows, it must be run from Windows, running on the PC.

If you can't repair the existing Windows so that it'll boot, you have a problem.

If you install by booting from a USB thumb drive, your only choice will be a new install. Which will eliminate apps, files, and settings from C:.

I strongly suggest that you do whatever it takes to copy your files off the PC before messing about with a major OS repair or replacement.

One warning: I don't know about now, but in past years, I've read of Geek Squad fixing a PC by doing a clean installation of Windows. All of the user's stuff was lost. Caveat emptor.

Pxe boot is a way of telling the computer to get the boot sector type information from a network source rather than a drive connected to the PC. It is of no use in most home networks.

Thank you EVERYONE for your help. To say the least it was very frustrating and thankfully I am very patient. I was able to get most my LIFE copied to an external drive using xcopy; that was fun since I haven't used cmd prompt in years. My laptop is home now after a two night stay at the PC hospital with minor surgery; SSD was replaced at a cost of $175. The doctor was able to copy my LIFE files to new drive so I'm extremely happy! I'm in the process now of installing software from an external DVD drive, going well so far especially since Lotus 9.7 installed! I am not a fan of Excel but I have to use it at my bookkeeping job.

QUESTION now: Doctor fresh installed Win 10 Home 22H2. I was using Win 11 Home 22H2 and the update for 23H2 would not install for many months; not sure if that made the drive crash. I really don't like Win 10 UI, got so used to Win 11 LONG ago. When I check for updates, Win 11 does not show as available. And from what I've read there's a 24H2 available?

gigi69 said:

QUESTION now: Doctor fresh installed Win 10 Home 22H2. I was using Win 11 Home 22H2 and the update for 23H2 would not install for many months; not sure if that made the drive crash. I really don't like Win 10 UI, got so used to Win 11 LONG ago. When I check for updates, Win 11 does not show as available. And from what I've read there's a 24H2 available?

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24H2 is not available yet, it's still in testing.

If you want to get the latest version of windows 11, go here:

andrew129260 said:

24H2 is not available yet, it's still in testing.

If you want to get the latest version of windows 11, go here:

Download Windows 11

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TY. I'm guessing I use Win 11 Install Assistant? And I'm curious why win 11 is not showing in windows update.

gigi69 said:

TY. I'm guessing I use Win 11 Install Assistant?

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Yes.

andrew129260 said:

24H2 is not available yet, it's still in testing.

If you want to get the latest version of windows 11, go here:

Download Windows 11

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That depends on what you mean by "available"

A preview build of 24H2 (26100.1150) can be downloaded from uupdump.net. You can get it as an ISO, and use that to upgrade 23H2. I'm unsure about using it to upgrade 10, though. 10 would allow you to mount the ISO as a virtual DVD, so it may well work.

I'm not sure why the tech installed Windows 10, other than that being the OS that the laptop had from the factory.

Two things to consider:

26100.1150 is an insider build.

You won't be able to install a 23H2 build over that as an upgrade. (I'd suggest imaging your current Windows installation before upgrading. So you could go back later, if desired.)

You really ought to invest in an external drive that would allow you to image your drive, though. It could save your "life".

@bobkn

i'm not sure why the tech installed Windows 10, other than that being the OS that the laptop had from the factory. Yes. I upgraded to 11 when MS had the offer long ago

You really ought to invest in an external drive that would allow you to image your drive, though. It could save your "life". I do have external drive and looks like most of my "life" works after installing software.

I did do a recovery file through windows that's on the external drive and a restore point after softwares installed.

UPDATE!!!! I got Win 11 installed. After asking Tech Google many questions... Two background services and windows update services where not on (Win 10). I also ran the windows update troubleshooter. Windows update then downloaded Win 11 update again, installed and I rebooted. All is good, just need some minor tweaks. YES, a weekly backup to my external drive is scheduled.

gigi69 said:

UPDATE!!!! I got Win 11 installed. After asking Tech Google many questions... Two background services and windows update services where not on (Win 10). I also ran the windows update troubleshooter. Windows update then downloaded Win 11 update again, installed and I rebooted. All is good, just need some minor tweaks. YES, a weekly backup to my external drive is scheduled.

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See your other topic.