how to reformat windows 10 on broken computer

Hopefully you still have your key written down somewhere, but if you don't, you're not out of luck. All you'll need is a Windows install DVD and your Windows CD key. It's possible to do an in-place, nondestructive reinstall of Windows, which will restore all your system files to pristine condition without damaging any of your personal data or installed programs. Wait, didn't we say you wouldn't have to reformat? We did, and you don't. You can still use the command prompt to scan as in the previous method, but there's another way that may be more thorough: reinstall Windows. If you are still able to get to your desktop, you've got additional options. Method 2: Reinstall Windows Without Losing Any Data When you're ready to try booting into Windows again, remove the install disc and restart one final time. To restart your computer, enter the exit command, then click the Restart button. If the scan finds errors, you may need to repeat the steps in this guide until it finds no more errors. So here I am asking the same question, but for Windows 10.Windows will now attempt to find and repair any errors in your system files. I've seen a few threads with this issue in Windows 8, but none of the potential solutions in those threads have worked for me. Turning off Real-Time Scanning in McAffee.Restarting the computer with the flash drive plugged in.Reformatting the flash drive with FAT32.Plugging the flash drive into all three USB ports (USB 2, USB 2, and USB 3).Note that the packaging for the USB drive does not include Windows 10 in the System Requirements, but seriously? It's never had anything other than Windows 10 on it - unless they upgraded it at the factory.Ī brand new ativa 8GB USB flash drive.

(Sounds right to me.)Ī brand new Toshiba Sattelite C55-C5241 laptop with Windows 10 Home.

Selecting Properties shows that Windows considers its Type to be 'Removable Disk'. However, when I look in File Explorer, I can see the USB drive plugged into the computer. The issue is that when I connect a USB drive to the PC, it doesn't appear on the 'Connect a USB flash drive' screen as a drive that can be selected, and the 'Next' button is grayed out. (Secret Step) Wait a minute or so for the 'Please Wait' screen to finish thinkingĬonnect a USB drive to your PC, select it. When the tool opens, make sure Back up system files to the recovery drive is selected and then select (I was asked to confirm my choice, and I clicked 'Yes'.) You might be asked to enter an admin password or confirm your choice. I'm following the instructions to create a Recovery Drive listed here:įrom the taskbar, search for Create a recovery drive and then select it. When I try to create a Recovery Drive in Windows 10, Windows doesn't recognize the flash drive. Recovery Drive for Windows 10 Doesn't Recognize USB Drive

How to reformat windows 10 on broken computer