Restoring Windows only?!

Is there anyway to restore just the operating system to factory settings without touching the applications and other files added since purchase?

 

in a one word reply. No.

There's only a "system file checker" that replaces any system files that have been tinkered with. And a windows repair feature on a vista anytime upgrade disc.

 

Could I use the recovery disks I made with system file checker or does it have to be vista anytime upgrade disc?

 

it depends on if the recovery disks backed up your programs, and if it did, there would be no real point because you'd basically just be re-installing what you currently have installed. I would recommend backing up your files, and obtaining installation files of your applications/backing up licenses and doing a clean install of everything. There's really no other way. sorry.

 

I understand that but I made the recovery disks the minute the computer was turned on out of the box, does that make any difference in your opinion. I have been having trouble with some thinkvantage software and Lenovo wants me to factory restore but I was hoping I could fix the windows issues with the system file checker, and was just wondering whether I needed to go get an anytime upgrade cd, as I did the system file checker scan and it did pick up lots of issues.

 

I faced a similar problem yesterday (Vista SP1 wouldn't install due to some problems with my Lenovo stock vista business x64 installation). To answer your question, I was able to fix the problems without doing a complete OS reinstall. I tried SFC but it didn't solve my issues. What I had to do was back up my OEM Vista activation using the tool provided in one of the tutorials on this forum. With the Vista x64 retail DVD in my possession, I ran setup from the installation disk from within my current corrupted vista installation and I did an "upgrade" install of the exact same operating system I have a valid OEM license for. Did not enter any keys and told it not to activate automatically. The "upgrade" (repair) worked and left all my data, apps, and most OS settings intact. Now I had a pristine Vista installation. I restored my activation which activated it fine.

Then, I found a copy of the MS issued registry hack cmd file for SP1 beta testers to cause windows update to provide my computer with the necessary updates to install SP1. I ran windows update and downloaded 44 updates. And also installed SP1 while I was at it and this time it worked with no errors!

Everything seems to be fine so far. I've had to reinstall Lenovo power manager and Comodo Firewall Pro. Otherwise, things seem to be pretty nice so far. I have no idea how my original OS installation got so screwed up but the above method fixed it. You could do the same leaving out the SP1 stuff if you are not interested in that.

 

NBR does not tolerate discussions of downloading Vista, period. I don't want to see info about that at all anymore, k?