Desktop Errors/Clean Install of Windows/Etc

[Oracle 85]

So, this is a bit of a long post, so my apologies in advance. And this is not entirely an Emby-related issue, so I'll delete if necessary.

 

My desktop is slowly failing me. This is the machine that my server runs on because I'm too poor to afford fancy NAS stations (Haha). I have read some of the forum posts & wiki pages regarding server migration and server backup, but would I be better off doing a clean install of Windows to try and fix the error I am having.

 

I'm not 110% tech savvy, but I do have an advanced knowledge of Windows Operating System and PCs as a whole, so I do genuinely feel rather dumb as I write this. Maybe someone here can explain this to me.

 

My Issue: My nephew went on my machine long before Emby was configured on the device and managed to accidentally delete some of the Windows files in the OS drive (Not sure entirely what files) & this has caused a huge amount of errors, especially when I initially attempted to install the Plex Server (I know, I should have know Emby was better by this point but I was just a noob) software and it would give me a bad image error. On top of this, the file manager often freezes and then this causes the entire system to freeze up on me. My natural action to this is to simply reboot the machine. This is where my second issue comes into play: It won't automatically boot back up.

 

When restarted/rebooted/etc, the machine simple doesn't want to restart. It sometimes does, which is why I am reaching out for my best possible option going forward. When it does restart, however, there is a single "beep" of sorts, and a blank screen with an underscore at the top of it. before it finally boots up into Windows. Any idea on how to fix this, so I can just simple restart the machine without slowly wanting to dig my eyes out of their sockets.

 

Now, let me state that the machine my server runs on and the one mentioned above is located 2200 miles away in the US at my parents house, while I live with my wife in Canada (although, I will have access to this machine in September when I travel home.) All my configuration and work done through Emby & my file system have been done through a stable Teamviewer connection.

 

Any help is genuinely appreciated. I haven't a clue what to do at this point.

[Luke 42085]

If Windows OS files were deleted then why not just do a windows repair, or windows fresh install?

[Oracle 85]

I've tried doing a windows repair. No dice. I suppose a clean install of windows 10 could work. Never done one before, to be honest.

[Oracle 85]

I read something regarding backing up metadata to the specific folder the content itself is in. How can I do this?

 

And, can someone guide me through a full windows install? Do I need an activation key or what?

Edited August 24, 2018 by SPRINKLES-PC

[speechles 2055]

Reinstall windows you lose your users, your paths, your environment.. rebuild all that is akin to rebuild your burnt down house in a PC sort of way..

 

Instead.. relax.. you don't have to scorth the earth to fix it..

 

 

https://www.windowscentral.com/how-use-sfc-command-utility-fix-system-files-windows-10

 

Follow that guide and it should bring you back.

[Oracle 85]

Makes sense, but I have done that exact scan before as well (Sorry, I didnt mention) And I am having these issues still. I can try again.

[speechles 2055]

Makes sense, but I have done that exact scan before as well (Sorry, I didnt mention) And I am having these issues still. I can try again.

 

notice that scan can be done several ways. Within windows, any running dll's can't be replaced with known good copies.. So some of this must be done before the PC boots into windows. You use F8 and change how windows boots up. Tell it you want to repair and choose command prompt. At that point, you can scan everything without windows being in the way. If you have done it this way already, my bad.. but doing it within windows will never fix the issue.

 

To reinstall windows 10, you need to know how the PC got windows 10 on it. Was it via the free upgrade? If so, you can torrent the version that fits your pc 32bit or 64bit and use that. It will use your key you presently have if it is the official upgrade iso. If you installed off a purchased usb thumb or disc, you need to install using that same usb thumb or disc.

Edited August 24, 2018 by speechles

[Oracle 85]

Got it. Let me play around with it. Thanks, bud.