"factory reset" advice given WAY too often...

I ask about backups, because the answer steers my response. Also, I think its important for users to understand that the advice we give here could result in data loss.

I agree that a reset isn't a real solution, at most it is a work-around. I try not to recommend it unless it is absolutely needed, but there are exceptions.

One reason is that it is a method that works predictably. People who post problems here have very different skill levels, and sometimes a reset/restore gets them back up and running more quickly and with less stress than trying to do step-by-step diagnosis on the forum.

TeknoJnky wrote:
I've repeatedly suggested/requested that need to have a 'factory reset keeping data' option, which would satisfy most people's issues with the whole 'factory rest' thing.

I don't know about "most", but I agree it would be useful in many situations. It might be helpful to clarify exactly that that option would do (does it save any of the existing configuration, and if so, exactly what? user/group accounts ???).