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reset or refresh option missing after update to windows 8.1? here's how to fix it.


geeteam

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mmmh! well the launch of Windows 8.1 has not been completely trouble free. I have already reported that Microsoft has pulled the Windows RT 8.1 update for unknown reasons. Now there's word that some people who updated from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 no longer have any refresh or reset options.

windows-blue.png?w=620

The issue was first reported on McAkins Online, and it affects people who bought and installed a retail copy of Windows 8 on their PC, either electronically from windows.com or from a retail DVD disc or ISO image. In very simple terms, installing Windows 8 creates a ESD file that allows users to refresh or reset their PC. Installing the digital download version of Windows 8.1 does not provide a new ESD file, and as such, the ability to refresh or reset the OS after it is installed is eliminated.

I asked Microsoft about this issue and the company sent over word that there are two situations where users will need some kind of media (an ISO burned to a disc or USB Flash drive) to enable refresh or refresh: "OEM devices without W8 PBR (very few)" and "Users that installed via DVD." Microsoft added, "For Windows 8.1, users that upgraded to Windows 8 via online download (ESD), will need media when updating to Windows 8.1. Also, users that upgraded to Windows 8 via DVD then updated to 8.1, they will need to use their Windows 8 DVD to go back to Windows 8 if needed."

However, according to McAkins Online, adding a Windows 8 disc or ISO image in a PC drive after updating to Windows 8.1 will not work, as users will see the error message below. Since there was no install media provided by the Windows 8.1 upgrade, users cannot refresh or reset their PC.

how-to-reset-or-refresh-windows-8-withou

Here is how to fix it

1. Download the Windows 8.1 Enterprise ISO

2. Mount the ISO Image

mounting-iso.png?w=620&h=384

3. Go to the “Sources” folder, Locate a file called “install.wim”.

Right-click on it and copy the file to the clipboard.

finding-install-wim.png?w=620&h=385

4. Go to the C: drive, create a new folder called Win8 (or whatever you want to call it)

Paste the Install.wim file you copied earlier in this folder.

pasting-install-wim.png?w=620&h=385

5. Open command prompt in Administrator mode.

Once the Command Prompt window opens, type the following commands:
reagentc.exe /setosimage /path C:\Win8 /target c:\Windows /Index 1

Press enter.

You'll get the following responses:

Directory set to: \\?\GLOBALROOT\device\hardisk0\partition2\Win8

REAGENTIC.EXE: Operation Successful.
C:\Windows\system32>
6. Now replace your “Win8″ folder (or whatever name you gave it). if your Windows is installed on a different lettered drive, replace the letter C with the appropriate letter in ”C:\”
7. Now, whenever your PC is not running well, you can use the refresh and reset functionality in PC Settings.
screenshot-11.png?w=620&h=387
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Edited by geeteam
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