How to restore critical deleted files?

[AC Question]

I recently went through my files and thought I was just deleting some bloatware. I went to update some of my apps, and found I am unable to download new content (error code: -501), am no longer able to open Word documents (unfortunately I do not remember what I had used prior), and unable to figure out what critical thing I managed to delete. Thank you for all of your help!

 

[Golfdriver97]

Welcome to the forums. You can try a factory reset. That should replace everything, assuming you aren't rooted

 

[Rukbat]

Factory Reset DELETES things you've added, it doesn't add things you've deleted.

If it was a Word document, ANY app that opens Word documents will work. I use a paid app, but there are plenty of free ones. Try this link.

 

[Golfdriver97]

I mistyped... It should replace the app/bloatware that may be causing the problems.

 

[Shawnamss96]

Thank you for the advice! How would I go about doing a factory reset and being able to guarantee keeping all of my data?

 

[Shawnamss96]

Do you know how I would be able to download apps and whatnot again? Like I said above, I am unable to download new content (i.e. downloading new apps, updating apps, etc.)

 

[TJA3500]

Your apps will be in the Play Store listed under My Apps
Turn on these settings in the screen shot. If you have an SD card, save everything you want to that. Or
Download Google Photos App and upload all photos to it. Upload any files you want to keep to Google Drive. Export your contacts to Google Drive if they are saved in your phone and not your Google account.
Depending on which app you use for texting, you may have the option to save your texts to the cloud. If not you can install an app which will save your texts.
Or
You can enable USB Debugging in Developer options, connect your phone to your PC and save everything that way.

 

[Shawnamss96]

Thank you!