Reset Windows 10 and get my current programs reinstalled?

[tinpanalley]

I've got a bunch of dll and network issues, this computer has been in two different countries, and four different ISPs which have left trails of network garbage data behind. I just want a clean install. What's the most efficient way to get my programs reinstalled if I do a full Windows reset?

I think someone here had once told me about a program that could rack up all your installs and put them in a list. Maybe even with links to installers? I migh be inventing that last bit.

 

[ronbo613]

It's too late at this point with your current situation, but system imaging is a good way to sidestep problems like this.

 

[tinpanalley]

It's too late at this point with your current situation, but system imaging is a good way to sidestep problems like this.

I have a few restore points and a system image but that one is from way too far back. So, any idea how to generate a list of things installed on C only?

 

[Bubbaleone]

I have a few restore points and a system image but that one is from way too far back. So, any idea how to generate a list of things installed on C only?

How-To-Geek's website will walk you through How to Create a List of Your Installed Programs on Windows.

.

 

[Kaido]

Download & run Belarc Advisor:

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

It scans your computer & spits out a webpage with all of your hardware & software, including the licenses that it can find.

Also, digitize all of your software in a central location. Rip any software CD's you have, download online programs, etc. and stick them on a USB stick or whatever for easy re-installation. Then the re-install process becomes simple:

1. Install Windows (or do a Windows reset)
2. Install drivers
3. Install Windows Updates
4. Install software

 

[Ketchup]

Call me simplistic, but after I re-install Windows and install drivers I need, I do have a folder on my server with just apps and programs I know I am going to need. After that, most other things are only installed on an as-needed basis.

 

[tinpanalley]

Thanks a lot guys. I'll look into Belarc. The need to get Windows reinstalled quickly prompted me to just backup my game saves and run a command I found online to get a listing of programs. There is something refreshing about being less strict and just reinstalling the important installers I have saved and then the others as I need them.

 

[Kaido]

Thanks a lot guys. I'll look into Belarc. The need to get Windows reinstalled quickly prompted me to just backup my game saves and run a command I found online to get a listing of programs. There is something refreshing about being less strict and just reinstalling the important installers I have saved and then the others as I need them.

You can always use Macrium Reflect to do a full clone of your boot drive beforehand, just to make sure you don't lose anything:

http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx

It basically makes an ISO (.mrIMG) of your boot drive, which you can mount as a virtual drive & browse for files later. I do this before working on any computer (and usually dump the image back to the desktop for the user to have access to in case a file or something was missed from manually copying things over from Docs, Music, Video, Desktop, etc.).