Windows OS Reinstall + Data Backup
Serving Stellenbosch & surrounds • Transparent pricing • POPIA-aligned
What’s included
- Backup of user folders (Documents, Desktop, etc.)
- Clean Windows install with drivers and updates
- Restore your files after the install
- Basic privacy and security baseline
Details
TL;DR: We back up your files, install a fresh Windows, then put your files back and set calm, safe settings.
Local: Common for SU students, homes in Welgevonden/Die Boord, and Technopark teams after malware, slowdowns, or a messy update.
Problems we fix
- Windows so broken that fixes won’t stick
- Pop-ups, crashes, or weird errors after a bad update
- PC is slow and full of trial apps and junk
- You want a fresh start but don’t want to lose files
What you get
- Pre-install backup of your user folders
- Clean Windows install with the right drivers and updates
- Restore of your files and a quick open test
- A light privacy & security baseline (Defender tuned, safe browser defaults)
- Plain notes on what changed and where your files live
How we do it (at a glance)
- Check-in: goals, special folders, app list you’ll want later
- Backup: copy your user data to safe storage
- Install: clean Windows, load drivers (Wi-Fi, audio, graphics, chipset)
- Update & tidy: apply updates, trim trial junk, set calm defaults
- Restore: put your files back and test open/save
- Safety pass: basic hardening (Defender, SmartScreen, firewall sanity)
- Handover: short notes and simple tips
Plain words. No tech talk.
Time & cost in Stellenbosch
- Service fee: R900 (backup → reinstall → restore)
- Turnaround: Same day to next day (data size and updates can add time)
- Helpful add-ons:
- Faster drive: /services/ssd-upgrade-bundle-clone-swap/
- App installs: /services/software-installation-standard/ or /services/software-installation-bulk/
- Ongoing safety: /services/cloud-backup-setup/ and /services/cybersecurity-hardening/
- See fees: /legal/standard-fees/
Do-nots (save time and stress)
- Don’t factory-reset if you care about files and don’t have a backup
- Don’t run random “cleaners” that promise magic fixes
- Don’t keep guessing passwords if BitLocker shows—bring the key
- Don’t force power-offs during updates; it can corrupt things
When to stop DIY & call us
- Windows loops on startup repair or update rollback
- Browser pop-ups and toolbars keep coming back
- “Disk 100%” all the time and basic fixes didn’t help
- You need a clean slate but must keep your files
Real stories around town
- SU first-year (Huis Marais): Malware wrecked login. We backed up user folders, did a clean install, restored files, and set safer defaults. Back to class the next day.
- Die Boord family PC: Years of trial apps made it crawl. Fresh install + file restore and it felt new.
- Technopark laptop: Bad update stuck in a loop. Fresh Windows, drivers, files back, and meetings ran on time.
Simple tips
- Keep one strong passphrase in a password manager
- Let Windows update on a quiet night each week
- Add a light cloud backup—photos and docs are precious
- Pin daily apps to the taskbar and unpin the rest
What to prepare
- Space for a temporary backup (we can supply storage if needed)
- BitLocker key if your PC shows the prompt
- App installers/keys for paid tools you want added after
- Wi-Fi password for first connect
Handy links
- Need a safety net image of the whole disk? /services/data-backup-full-system-image/
- Files already missing? /services/data-recovery/
- Want safer defaults after the rebuild? /services/cybersecurity-hardening/
- Keep backups automatic: /services/cloud-backup-setup/
- Drivers later playing up? /services/driver-installation/
- Not sure yet? Start with /services/diagnostic-in-shop/
Serving Stellenbosch & surrounds • POPIA-aligned privacy • CPA-aligned warranty
Lawful e-waste routing on request (with data-wipe certificate)