Is there a way to check what files will be deleted if I Restore my system using the USB Recovery?

[Niekon]

Is there a way I can check the list of data and files that will be deleted when I perform a system restore on my HP laptop?

I have found that there are few Microsoft files that have got corrupted. I wish to restore my system to factory settings using the USB Recovery media that I created. I have manually backed up very important files on my system on my Google Drive. So, when asked during the restore, I will get rid of all files in the notebook. However, I am not sure if I have looked everywhere. I am not confident that I have backed up all the data that will get deleted upon system restore. There might be something I do not wish o lose, but might have overlooked during manually backing things up. Is there a way I can check the list of data and files that will be deleted?

Thanks!

[Prométhée · Accepted solution]

Hello
depending on the model of the type of recovery it may vary!
But if it's a complete recovery  you have to plan everything
All user files are erased, basically the computer is reinstalled as it was on the first start.
All added documents, videos, photos are deleted
All browser tabs, bookmarks, passwords, check if you have backup options, if enabled!
If you have installed games, remember to note the platform identifiers (steam origin ubisoft) you will probably have to give them back
Product keys (program games), if they are not recorded, they must be returned!

[Niekon]

Thanks a lot for your reply. Just one more query. Is there a way to check what will be the back up size if I decide to backup my files while restoring the system? I am going to buy external storage so I need to know how much minimum memory is required for the backup.

[Prométhée]

No, it is difficult, it depends on everything that is to be backed up, and what the backup is made with
But you can get an idea of the disk space used!
The size of what will be saved should be smaller, but why not buy enough space.
You can buy an external usb drive, of equivalent size if the price is not too high

[Niekon]

Okay. Thanks a lot for all the information!