windows essentials does not appear in features and programs.  When I try to download and install it, I am informed that I have all components already on my system.   However, I cannot find any essentials programs on the start menu or in applications.  It is beyond my abilities, and 2 chat contacts and 3 phone contacts with Microsoft Support have been unsuccessful (and frustrating). 

I thought of reinstalling Win 8 from my recovery disk.  Will that erase all the programs and personal files I have accumulated in the past 2 years?