HP RESET

[SJGMac]

I have had to RESET  Windows 10  on this PC twice after changes to updates and the system. I am hesitating to do it a third time. Last time the "Tech" did not help me back up all my files and I lost all my APPS and pictures I can never recover..... Need to avoid that. Never had this issue with previous PCs.  This time Windows Media Player has disappeared and is no longer listed after Uninstall. Cannot get it back. Other than that, the system still functions. Have been advised to RESET AGAIN! There must be another way to get a Media Player to save my documents and burn CDS. Is there?

[WAWood]

@SJGMac 

Contrary to popular opinion, a system RESET does not WIPE the drive; instead, it reformats it and repartitions it.  That leaves the files and folders intact -- just not seen by Windows.

Granted, once you do a reinstall, that will overwrite a lot of stuff, but it's possible that your picture files can still be recovered.. as follows:

1) Download and install this utility on a working PC http://www.majorgeeks.com/news/story/recover_data_in_3_steps_with_minitool_power_data_recovery_free_...
2) Run the data recovery utility to see what can be retrieved from the old drive.

If that tool does not find what you need, an alternative is Recuva http://www.piriform.com/recuva

And, if that does not work well, the best tool out there is this one, but only the trial version is free http://www.file-recovery.com/

[SJGMac]

I realize reset will leave my files . I learned that the hard way when  I lost everything last time with the help of a tech who did a complete reset of the hard drive  without saving tge files first.... My BIG. problem now is doing it and losing. my malware  and/ or  AV programs referred to as APPS nowadays...  I had a hard time digging up my  license codes. One company had changed owners and it was a hassle proving ownership. This Laptop is more problematic than any I have owned.?And Windows 10 us a beast and plagued with update glitches

Thanks for the tips. I may use them!