Reinstalling Windows without breaking programs on second HDD

[RileyTheFox]

Hey.

 

I think I need to reinstall Windows as I've been having a few problems lately (and I haven't reinstalled Windows since 2017 and I've had an entire mobo change since then). However, I have an SSD as my primary drive and my second hard drive is used for storing games and programs.

 

My question is: If I format my C drive (the one with Windows on and a few programs), what happens to the programs on the second drive? I know their files won't be deleted, but wouldn't they break due to registry values missing?

 

I have quite a few programs on my second hard drive, and a lot of them have modified files (such as settings etc). I know reinstalling them would be the logical option, but I'd rather not have to do that if I can avoid it.

 

Windows 10 has the Reset my PC function, would that do anything? I really don't want to have to go and delete all the program files then go and reinstall everything (and I can't wipe this second hard drive as it has lots of other files I can't put anywhere else). 

 

What can I do?

 

Thanks.

[SuperNerd Kid]

Reset my PC does wipe all hard drives connected. But if you want to keep programs, unplug your second hard drive before resetting. You should be fine, just put new shortcuts and you are off to the races

[homeap5]

Reset will broke your settings.

If you have issues - ask for help to resolve them instead. Reinstalling is not a solution for problems, it's always workaround.

[LogicalDrm]

Some software will continue working, but most rely on registry entries and specific folders on OS drive to survive. And unless you actually have virus or some notable slowness, there's no need to reinstall Windows. It wasn't necessary on Win7, and its not with 10 either. I had Win7 in use for 3.5 years before I upgraded to 10.