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Is it possible to system restore and keep certain files?

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This thread's last reply is from July 22, 2015, 5:40 AM UTC. Software, malware, and removal-tool advice below may be out of date — treat specific steps and download links with caution.

Mister Spoo
July 20, 2015, 10:19 PM UTC
So, I want to factory reset my PC but I want to keep files, I heard of a method about making a disk partition and putting your files on that then resetting windows but Im not sure if that works or not. I'd like to know any ways of doing without cost instead of going out and buying a external unit and just using that
NonSuch Administrator
July 21, 2015, 11:28 PM UTC
Yes, it's possible to create a partition and use it for backing up your files. However, mishaps can occur when working with partitions, and unless you have some experience working with partitions, I would advise you to avoid that method for backing up your files prior to doing factory reset. Instead, I would suggest you use a flash drive for file storage. Most flash drives are pretty inexpensive these days, and it would be a simple matter to backup your files and then do your factory reset.

Something like this flash drive for example, should be more than ample for your needs.
Gary R Administrator
July 22, 2015, 4:59 AM UTC
If you're using a "genuine Microsoft installation disk" to reformat, then as NonSuch says, yes you could create a new partition.

However, if your machine is an OEM computer (ie a mass produced machine by one of the big computer companies) then a "return to factory" reset will probably re-partition your drive back to its "from factory" condition when it re-formats, in which case you will lose your new partition and your backups.

In any case, it's not a good idea to back up your files to a different partition on the same drive that they are already on, because if your drive develops a fault, then you've lost both your files and your backups. It's infinitely preferable to make any backup copies to detachable media.
Mister Spoo
July 22, 2015, 5:28 AM UTC
So in all the best bet is to get another HDD or external unit?
Gary R Administrator
July 22, 2015, 5:40 AM UTC
An external drive is the best option, and dependant on the amount of files you need to backup, they can be quite cheap.

As NonSuch has indicated, a 32GByte flash drive can cost as little as $10, and if you need a lot of disk space, then a 320GByte plug in drive can be picked up for around $30-$40 ... http://www.amazon.com/Bipra-Drive-320GB-Portable-External/dp/B00NVJQNNA/ref=sr_1_20?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1437543362&sr=1-20&keywords=plug+in+hard+drive

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