Clean install and backup questions

My 350 gig HD has 7 partitions. C: is Vista (186 GB) D: (87GB) is HP factory image. The others have most of my programs, files, photos, etc. I have avoided installing most of the larger important programs on C: and they are on other partitions. I plan a clean install of 7 upgrade on C: (also considering 64 bit as my comp qualifies). By "clean" I assume that you and I both mean that partition C: has been formatted prior to inserting the 7 DVD to begin installation. First, am I correct with this assumption? Second, if only C: is going to be affected by the formatting and installation of 7 is there any mandatory reason to backup all of my programs and files that reside on the other partitions? (other than just being prudent, that is). Also, how much can I reduce the size of C:, as it currently has 132GB free? I also intend to empty D: when this is over. Thanks for your patience with my basic questions, but I'd like to know in advance as I don't do this very often.

A clean install is one where the existing Windows installation was either erased or overwritten by the new one. So yes, your assumption is correct.

I am going to assume you know that you cannot format the C: drive from within Windows. You would be formatting it by booting from the 7 installation disc instead. Windows 7 will not touch your programs and files on the other partitions, but you *will* need to reinstall most of your programs after the clean install, so that they plug into the new Windows. So you may want to back up your program settings and program-related files (which would be any personal documents or project files residing in program folders).

As for reducing the size of drive C, the short answer is "I don't know." It seems to vary from computer to computer. Your best chance of reducing it at all would probably be on the Windows 7 install disc, in between the format and the actual installation.

If you need any more clarification, don't hesitate to ask!

Many thanks for the simple and straightforward explanation. You verified most of what I already assumed, but I wanted to be certain.

roving said:

My 350 gig HD has 7 partitions. C: is Vista (186 GB) D: (87GB) is HP factory image. The others have most of my programs, files, photos, etc. I have avoided installing most of the larger important programs on C: and they are on other partitions. I plan a clean install of 7 upgrade on C: (also considering 64 bit as my comp qualifies). By "clean" I assume that you and I both mean that partition C: has been formatted prior to inserting the 7 DVD to begin installation. First, am I correct with this assumption? Second, if only C: is going to be affected by the formatting and installation of 7 is there any mandatory reason to backup all of my programs and files that reside on the other partitions? (other than just being prudent, that is). Also, how much can I reduce the size of C:, as it currently has 132GB free? I also intend to empty D: when this is over. Thanks for your patience with my basic questions, but I'd like to know in advance as I don't do this very often.

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You should have your data backed up before proceeding. In fact if you have your data all backed up, I would boot from the Win7 installer and wipe the entire drive: choose Custom install>Advanced tools>delete all>create new as desired>format then install Win7 to first partition.

You can move your data into other partitions later after adjusting/ formatting them from Disk Management.

Once it is all setup the way you want it, use Win7 Backup Imaging to create an image of you HDD so that reinstalls will never again be necessary. If you have other imaging software, I would image it now before you start so you can start over in case of emergency.

Again, my thanks to all of you experts that took your time to guide me through this process. I'm trying to divert Murphy's Laws that often reside at my place.