What is the difference between destructive and non-destructive system recovery?

Question

What is the difference, and does a non-destructive clean up / restore the registry and other crap in the Windows folders that has collected over the years? (My Windows folder is choc filled with uninstall files and heaps of other crap!)

Thanks

Answer 1

sounds like u have a pc from compaq/hp..
any way
non-destructive::
it only reinstall the systemfiles and other programfiles that may be bundled.it doesnt cleanup/restore the registry completely.u will still have those uninstall files and other crap including viruses/torjans if any..
destructive::
it formats the user partition(generaly c:\)and re-installs the Operating system and other factory shiped programs..u will get ur pc neat and clean and at a state similar to when u purchased ur pc.

if u want a clean system i suggest go for destructive recovery..but keep in mind that it also deletes all data files in the user partition..so backup the required data files before restoring...

Answer 2

Non Destructive Windows 7 Reinstall

Answer 3

System recovery options
The system recovery program offers two recovery options: Standard Recovery (non- destructive) or Full System Recovery (destructive). Both recovery options require the recovery CD-ROMs - you can receive them or you can create them

Recovery option Description
Standard RecoveryThis is a non-destructive recovery, which recovers factory- shipped programs, drivers, and the operating system without affecting any data files that you may have created since purchasing this PC. Some data files may be difficult to find after the system recovery, so it is best to back up all hard disk files before performing a system recovery.
Full System RecoveryThis recovery function completely erases and reformats the hard disk. The program performs a full system recovery to reinstall the operating system, programs, and drivers from the recovery CDs. However, you must reinstall any software that was not installed on the computer at the factory. This includes software that came on the CDs included in the computer accessory box, and software programs you installed since your purchase
NOTE: If your PC has a blank or corrupted hard disk, you can only use the full system recovery option.

Using System Recovery
Use the following steps to run the system recovery program. It may be helpful to print these instructions before beginning the recovery process.
If the computer works, you can back up all data files that you want to save onto removable media, such as CD-RW or diskette. Remove the backup CD or diskette you’ve made.
Change the boot order in the BIOS
Turn off the computer:
If the computer works, click Start, click Turn Off Computer, and then click Turn Off.
If the computer is not in Windows, press and hold the power button approximately five seconds until the computer turns off.
Disconnect devices that are connected to USB, Firewire, parallel and serial ports, except the keyboard, and the mouse.
Turn on the computer.
When the color screen with the logo appears, press the F1 key on the keyboard until Entering SETUP is displayed. (You only have a few seconds to press the F1 key before the normal startup process continues.) Wait until the BIOS setup program opens.
Press the right arrow key to select Boot.
Press the down arrow key to select Boot Device Priority, and then press Enter on the keyboard.
Change the first boot device to CD-ROM using one of these methods:
Press the down arrow key to select the CD-ROM item. Press the + (plus) key to move the CD-ROM item up until it is the first item in the list.
Press the down arrow key to highlight the First Boot Device selection. Press the + (plus) key until CD-ROM is the selection.
When installation is complete, return the BIOS to the original setting.
Start the recovery
Press the Eject button on the top CD-ROM drive, and wait for the tray to open. Insert the System Recovery CD #1 and close the tray.
Press the F10 key to save the changes and exit BIOS.
With Yes selected, press Enter.
The recovery window automatically starts; wait for the onscreen instructions to display, and then follow the instructions:
If your PC hard disk is blank or corrupted, press R to perform a full system recovery. Insert the remaining CDs when directed.
For standard recovery:
Press R, and then press the R key again.
Click Next to proceed with the non-destructive system recovery.
Click Yes to start the recovery. Insert the remaining CDs when directed.
For full system recovery:
Press R, and then press the Fkey again.
Click Yes to perform the full system recovery.
Insert the remaining CDs when directed.
When the recovery program finishes, click Restart to restart the computer.
Before the computer restarts, the CD tray ejects. Remove the CD.
Return the BIOS to the previous setting
When the color screen with the logo appears, press the F1 key on the keyboard until Entering SETUP is displayed. (You only have a few seconds to press the F1 key before the normal startup process continues.) Wait until the BIOS setup program opens.
Press the right arrow key to select Boot.
Press the down arrow key to select Boot Device Priority, and then press Enter on the keyboard.
Return the first boot device to the original setting using one of these methods:
Press the down arrow key or up arrow key to select the CD-ROM item. Press the minus key ( -) key to move the CD-ROM item down until it is the third item in the list.
Press the down arrow key to highlight the First Boot Device selection. Press the plus ( +) key until Floppy is the selection.
Press the F10 key to save the changes and exit BIOS.
Select Yes and press Enter.
Complete the recovery
After the computer restarts, a series of startup screens appear. Complete Microsoft Windows setup as follows:
Complete the registration process, and then reconnect the devices that were disconnected earlier.
Reinstall software that did not originally come with the computer.
Write data files that were previously saved on the backup CD or diskette you made from the hard disk.
Also you can take a look at:
http://www.helpwithwindows.com/WindowsXP/howto-18.html