Will System Recovery Delete My Files? Answered Here!

"I'm considering performing a system restore, but I'm hesitant as I'm not familiar with the process. If I restore my computer from a restore point, will my files be erased? I have several valuable videos downloaded from YouTube."

"What will happen to my files or programs if I initiate a system image recovery from a USB drive? Will they be affected? How can I ensure the safety of my files during this process?"

< a href="/backup-recovery/system-image-recovery-vs-system-restore.html" > System Restore and System Image Recovery< /a> are both Microsoft Windows utilities designed to safeguard and mend your computer in case of boot issues. System Restore creates a "snapshot" of certain system files and the Windows registry, saving them as Restore Points. On the other hand, System Image Recovery serves a similar purpose, but it necessitates a system image to function. In the event of installation failures or data corruption, both system recovery options can restore your system to a functional state without the need to reinstall the operating system.

Will System Restore Delete My Files?

Given the explanation of how System Restore functions in Microsoft Windows, it is evident that it can help return your computer to a stable condition. Some Windows users even believe it to be the ideal method to recover permanently deleted files without utilizing software.

System Restore does give you a second chance to access some missing documents, videos, photos, and folders that were included in the restore point. However, you should note that System Restore is never the best option for recovering lost files.

When planning to make a system restore, take the time to ponder what this action will preserve and undo.

Here's a universal method you can follow to check which programs, drivers, and files will be impacted by running System Restore on your PC:

Step 1. Press "Windows + R" keys on Windows 10/8/7 to open the Run box.

Step 2. Type rstrui.exe in the empty box and press Enter. This will open System Restore.

Step 3. Select "Choose a different restore point" and click "Next".

Step 4. Click "Scan for affected programs".

It will then scan for programs and subsequently list the programs and drivers that will be impacted or unaffected. Here's a sample form that outlines the programs and files that will be affected or not affected by running System Restore:

Will System Image Recovery Delete My Files?

Differing slightly from System Restore, System Image Recovery involves restoring a computer using a system image you previously created on a disk. A system image encompasses everything on your system C drive, including the operating system, programs, and all personal files. When you execute a recovery by choosing a system image, it will overwrite the data on the target drive. Consequently, yes, if you perform system image recovery on your PC, it will delete all your existing files and replace them with the files present in the image file at the time it was created.

Two Proposals

As you can see, System Restore does indeed affect certain programs and files on a Windows PC. It is not an ideal method for straightforward file recovery. To safeguard your personal data and prevent file loss due to System Restore, I have two recommendations for you to consider.

# 1. Recover Lost Data with Trustworthy Data Recovery Software (Not System Restore)

If you accidentally delete a file or it's not recoverable from the recycle bin, seek assistance from a third-party data recovery software. Unlike system restore, reliable file recovery software will retrieve the lost files without compromising or causing further damage to your existing data.

Tools Hard Drive Recovery Software - Data Recovery Wizard enables you to recover lost data due to deletion, formatting, or virus infection, eliminating the need for system restoration.

Caution: Avoid saving the recovered files on the same partition or drive where you initially lost your data before ensuring that the device is safe for data storage again.

# 2. Create a Full System and File Backup Before making any major changes or updates to your computer, it's essential to have a backup of your entire system and important files. This ensures that you can restore your computer to its previous state if anything goes wrong. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create a full system and file backup: ## For Windows Users: 1. **System Image Backup:** - Press `Windows Key + X` and select "Control Panel." - Click on "System and Security" and then "Backup and Restore." - In the left pane, click "Create a system image." - Follow the prompts to choose the location where you want to save the backup (external hard drive, network location, or DVDs). - Once selected, click "Next" and then "Start backup." Wait for the process to complete. 2. **File Backup:** - Open File Explorer and navigate to the files or folders you want to back up. - Select them, right-click, and choose "Copy." - Navigate to the backup location (e.g., external hard drive) and right-click, then choose "Paste." - Alternatively, you can use built-in "OneDrive" or third-party backup software like "tools Todo Backup" for automated backups. ## For macOS Users: 1. **Time Machine Backup:** - Connect an external hard drive to your Mac. - Open "System Preferences" and click "Time Machine." - Click "Select Backup Disk" and choose the connected external drive. - Follow the prompts to format the disk (if necessary) and enable Time Machine. - Once set up, click "Backup Now" to start the initial backup. Subsequent backups will be automatic. 2. **Selective File Backup:** - Use "Finder" to locate the files or folders you want to back up. - Drag and drop them onto the external hard drive or use "File" > "Save As" to save a copy in the desired location. - Alternatively, you can use "Time Machine" to select specific files and folders for backup. ## For Linux Users (Ubuntu as an example): 1. **System Backup with Timeshift:** - Open a terminal by pressing `Ctrl + Alt + T`. - Install Timeshift with the command: `sudo apt-get install timeshift`. - Run Timeshift: `timeshift --select rsync`. - Choose "Snapshot type" as "System" and the backup medium (e.g., external drive). - Click "Create" to create a snapshot of your system. 2. **File Backup:** - Open the "Files" application and navigate to the files or folders you want to back up. - Select them, right-click, and choose "Copy." - Navigate to the backup location (e.g., external hard drive), right-click, and choose "Paste." - Alternatively, you can use tools like "Deja Dup" for automated backups. Remember to keep your backup media in a safe place and test the restore process occasionally to ensure your backups are working correctly.

If you've already decided to restore your Windows OS to a previous version, a crucial step you should take beforehand is to create a new backup of your important files and the Windows OS. This is the safest way to ensure you don't lose additional data.

Tools like Windows backup software enable you to back up an entire disk, a specific partition, or individual files in just three simple steps:

Step 1. Choose a specific hard disk or location.

Select the drive or partition where you erased the files. Alternatively, you can opt to scan a particular location, such as the Recycling Bin, Desktop, or a specific folder. Afterward, click the 'Scan' button to initiate the search for files.

Step 2. Initiate a quick or advanced scan for lost data.

The scanning time will depend on the size of your files and the condition of your disk. Upon completion of the scan, you will be presented with detailed scan results, allowing you to filter files based on their types.

Step 3. Preview and retrieve the required files.

You can verify if the scanned file is the one you need. Once confirmed, click the 'Recover' button to save the retrieved files.