Solved How to do clean install without losing files in asus k56cm

yellowstone81

New Member
Messages
2
Hello!

The more I read, the more confused I get. I would like to do a clean install of windows 8.1. I can't use Windows reset or repair function, which I have used before. Now it is saying "drive where Windows is installed is locked. Unlock the drive to try again" and when I'm trying to reset "unable to reset your PC. A required drive partition is missing" After reading a little bit I got confused.

Windows is OEM version. When I got the computer. It had windows 8 in it. Later I updated it to 8.1.
There are two hard drives. One is main 500gb hard drive with two partitions. C: - Where are programs and windows files and D: - Where are all my files, that I don't want to lose.
Also there is 24gb ssd drive. I have no idea how computer is using that right now.

In previous versions and computers everything was simple. Download windows, make an iso, burn the disc, enter the code, install windows on drive C and install all the programs again.

But how should I approach now if I want to make my computer like new again?

Thank you!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus K65CM
Your title is contradictory. A "clean install" is just that -- nothing carried over from the previous install. SO, by definition, it automatically loses files and everything else from the previous install.

You can do an in-place re-install, which will reinstall the OS and system files and should leave the rest intact -- but that requires installation media.

In previous versions and computers everything was simple. Download windows, make an iso, burn the disc, enter the code, install windows on drive C and install all the programs again.
Win 8.1 is no different, except that folks generally make USB installers rather than DVD installers -- but both will work equally well.

But how should I approach now if I want to make my computer like new again?
You would need obtain an ISO file of the Win8.1 version you have running, and be able to make installation media from it. Realize, however, that you would have to reinstall all the drivers, as well, since the PC apparently came preloaded with Win8, and unless you get install media from the PC manufacturer, you would have to locate the drivers yourself.
 

My Computer

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Pro x64 Windows 10 Pro x64 Build 9926
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gateway GT5404
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Duo E6700 @ 2.66 GHz
    Motherboard
    Intel D945GCL
    Memory
    4GB PC2 6400 @ 800 MHz CL 6-6-6-18
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI GTX660 TF3 2GB
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Gateway FPD1975W
    Screen Resolution
    1440 x 900
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 850 EVO 120GB SSD / WD 500GB
    PSU
    Corsair HX750
    Case
    OEM
    Cooling
    OEM
    Keyboard
    Gateway KB-0401
    Mouse
    Gateway MOAKUO
    Internet Speed
    Verizon Quantum Gateway 60 / 60
    Browser
    Chrome / IE11
    Antivirus
    MSE / Defender / MBAM
So that means it doesn't change partitions in hard drive and drive d partition remains untouched?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus K65CM
Back
Top