Windows 10 reset - what a turkey

A few days ago, Win 10 (which installed itself without my permission) failed to start, hanging up after a few seconds. Five attempts to restart, including shutting the computer down three times, failed. I couldn't revert to Win 8.1 as the W-10 installation had removed it.

The only option was a reset. It does warn ahead of time that it will return the computer to its original build configuration, but I had no idea what a mess it would make.

It deleted all the after-market software I had installed (Quicken, Open Office and others) and also a whole slew of Dell support programs. It printed out a full list of what had been deleted, but none were recoverable within the machine. I'm sure glad it left user's data files alone.

How do you delete this pile of **** and go to Win 7? That Macintosh looms ever larger in my rear-view mirror!!

 

I never used Win 7, migrating from XP to 8.1 when I bought a new lap-top earlier this year. I'm extremely annoyed by Win 10's "Reset" function, which wiped out 35 of the software programs on my machine, 25 of which were installed at delivery. It killed my photo editing program, Quicken, Google Chrome and Earth, Adobe Acrobat, Paint.net, Open Office, a couple of Realtek programs and 10 Dell programs which were in the initial config.

DO NOT under any circumstance, use the RESET function in Win 10. I'm going to be a couple hundred bucks out of pocket, buying replacement software Bottom line - no more software downloads. Everything I purchase will be on recording media from now on. Unfortunately, my lap-top computer doesn't have a CD drive, so I hope vendors sell their programs on thumb drives also.

I'll be giving MS a hard time about this ****, but I don't expect any miracles. Apple here I come!! (probably).

 

Hi Frank, You obviously didn't ask questions before. I have in previous Threads included links to MS pre=W10 info.

W10 does not Upgrade without your approval. You had the choice to defer to a time suitable for you during the 12 months FREE period.
If MS installed W10 automatically without approval - I think there would have been MILLIONS of users screaming blue murder!
I have been with the Insider Program and also have installed/Upgraded 3 drives when I wanted to - my choice.
I have also Posted in other Threads how flawless these installs were and my comps are working without hassle with W10 Pro and W10 Home (laptop upgrade from W8.1}. Neil.

 

It certainly did on my lap-top. Maybe "downloading ", intending to "take a look ", was interpreted as a request to install it. Sure, it installed for free, but then ******* up and left me no option but to use the "reset" function.

I don't know how much the "free" installation will end up costing me. Also, the reset deleted 10 Dell programs, two Intel programs, three Microsoft C++ programs, Widows 8.1 and two Realtek routines that were included by Dell in the original build.

I'm so cheesed off with Microsoft's arrogance and "We know what's best for you, you moron" attitude, that I'm going to sell my laptop and switch over to a comparable Apple machine in the next few weeks.

 

Frank, as I have noticed the common theme from complainers/dislikers of W10, you did not make sure your laptop was running 100% troublefree and ready and up to date.
The old story 'don't blame the messenger'. Anyone wanting to "try" the W10 free Upgrade, needed to ensure their comp was fully prepared and the advice was provided by MS.
Advice was given that just a re-boot or shut down and start may quite often fix minor glitches in running W10. Auto updates needed to be accepted for the same reason.
Drivers may be needed to be sourced from the software/hardware manufacturers as not all were W10 certified.
I've spent quite a bit of time researching regarding W10 and problems users are experiencing and I see so many jumped in without doing their homework before hand. Neil.

 

Frank, you have my sympathy.

Losing those programs was tough, but losing Quicken must've been the biggest pill to swallow.

I agree with your assessment concerning Microsoft's attitude too. Something troubling appears to be lurking in Redmond in more ways than one.

Funny, I setup my brother's PC to not accept automatic updates (like mine), but Windows began pushing 10 on his machine anyway. I had to do remote assistance to stop the annoying popups and hide the update.

 

'Windows 10 Demo "
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/emulator
You can try before you upgrade and see how the OS works. In all cases - you are reminded to backup first and make sure you have all software and product keys. This was made very clear if you were unhappy and wanted to revert back to your original OS within the 30 day trial period.
Most purchased software usually have a set protocol if a re-install is required/necessary.

How was this pushing carried out James?
My wife's comp has not conducted any attitudes as I decided to leave her upgrade till next year. It's still happily running W8.1 - no problems.
I'm not connected with MS other than a satisfied user and cannot understand the venom and hatred being expressed by users who haven't done their homework properly. Neil.

 

I have discovered that software from microsoft that is no longer supported by microsoft creates conflicts with Windows update. Even tho the updater does not think there is a problem, future updates will not install. Food for thought.

 

Neil:

I tried the "shut down and restart" routine 5 times, including a complete power-cord disconnect for 30 minutes and taking out the wireless mouse receiver. There was no change in the start failure.

I did get a reload of all the various Dell utilities, and I've restored the freebies by just downloading them again. Dell even provided the two Realtek routines.

I'm not going to bother restoring Dropbox, iSEEK AnswerWorks, the stripped down MS Office or Sawbuck. There were three different versions of MS C++ on the list - not sure why. I haven't done anything about those yet.

I got a new Google Earth download, but haven't been able to figure out how to make a desk-top icon to run it.

This whole episode had been extremely annoying, and I don't have a lot of confidence that W-10 won't pull the whole stunt again. I'll be ready for the bastard next time (unless I spring for an Apple). I've built up some familiarity with Apple since DW got an iPad a year ago, but the price of Apple lap-tops is a bit discouraging.

 

Hi Frank, This link is the nub of the info available re W10. If you read it right through (including links provided) it gives all the answers necessary.
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/Windows-10-specifications#sysreqs I found this info extremely helpful.
This should also satisfy James doubts. Neil.

 

A few month ago I was set to upgrade to Win 10 Neil is well aware of that as a nagged him to death for advice and information which he was kind enough to give to me.
However from that time on I have changed my mind about win 10 completely, and all I can say now is thank God I did not upgrade.

Almost every day new information comes to light about incompatibility or no longer available in 10, my whole music-center would have been non operational,
had I upgraded to 10. Here in Australia no mobile USB internet Dongle is compatible with 10, we travel a lot and my Laptop with the mobile Internet USB is our means of communication.
My mobile phone Nokia is windows 8.1 and would not have anything else since I hate all those useless apps and futures on Iphone and Android, simple functionality is what I need on a mobile phone and windows delivers that.
Contrary to a PC, functionality with sophistication and ability are needed for my computers, Windows 10 does not deliver that, unless you are prepared to spend serious money on third party programs.
Not even using your Monitor to watch TV is available with 10 unless you spend extra.
My point, I can feel for anyone that upgraded to 10 thinking that they will get what they had with 7, plus more.
Windows 10 to me seems a very simple primitive OS.
hawk22

 

Bill, have you seen this software? http://dvbviewer.en.softonic.com/ Cost for Pro is 20 Euros by PayPal.
This works in W10 with TV tuners. Neil.

 

Hi Neil,
I have the DVB-T USB dongle I have used that on my win 7 machine, was never the best, to many crashes.
Obviously new software available for it, but google searches tell me no good with win 10.
I am sure that in time, but god knows when, working software will become available at a price.
hawk22

 

hawk22: that's the whole idea of windows 10 free upgrade software available for a price from MS Store or is it the windows store. Either way they want you to buy from them.

 

You hit the nail on the head lj, couldn't have put it any better.
The Windows 10 that you get for free is the OS shell with some basic ware, but the rest to make it a fully functional OS you have to do yourself by purchasing the necessary software.
hawk22

I am sorry, I think I have somehow hijacked this post. Anyone interested in starting a new post so Members can point out stuff that is not compatible or no longer available in Windows 10, and giving suggestions of products that can adequately replace such. Kind of like a database with references to products that are available.
If that is admitted by Forum rules that is.
hawk22

 

Is this what you want Bill:
Windows 10 Preview Tested Apps
Maybe out of date now - but it will give you an idea. Neil.

 

Hi Neil,
Thanks for that, yes that is what I was thinking about, but yes more up to date.
hawk22