To see what desktop applications were removed but not reinstalled, access the Desktop tile on the Start Screen. When you get to the desktop, look for an html file called Removed Apps. Open the file in Internet Explorer and you'll see a display similar to the one shown in Figure K. As you can see in my example, I only had one desktop application installed, chances are that you will have a lot more, but this simple example allows you to see what this file will look like.
At this point, you can begin reinstalling your desktop applications. You can then get right back to work on a stable system.
What's your take?
Now that you know how the Refresh your PC option works, you'll be ready to use it should the need arise. Have you used Windows 8’s Refresh your PC tool yet? If so, did it get your system back into a stable state? As always, if you have comments or information to share about this topic, please take a moment to drop by the TechRepublic Community Forums and let us hear from you.
Also read:
- Be ready to use the Windows 8 Recovery Drive
- The complete guide to a Windows 8 clean installation
- Create a Recovery Drive in Windows 8
Credit: Images by Greg Shultz for TechRepublic.
