Windows 7 - How to clear HDD

I want to clear everything I have on my hard drive because it is getting pretty cluttered.

Can someone tell me how I can clear my data but still keep my OS?

Pretty much I just want all my data and programs to be deleted (ill install them later), but still keep the OS.

Thanks in advance

Hi, illway1. It sounds as if you want to do a clean reinstall of Windows 7. To do so, please follow this tutorial:

Clean Install Windows 7

Important: This will remove ALL of your data. That means your programs, documents, movies, music, and anything else. Make sure to have a backup of whatever you want to keep. You will be left with nothing but a bare-bones installation of Windows 7.

If you bought your computer pre-instaled with the OS, then you most likely do not have the DVD Installation disc.

In that case, if you had made a set of Factory Default discs when you first bought the computer, you can use them to restore your computer to " factory settings " as if it is brand new coming out from the factory.

If you don't have that either, contact your computer manufacturer, ask them the followings ;

1. Ask for a set of Recovry disc. The cost is minimal.
2. Ask them if there is a Recovery Partition in your computer ( they know ).
If answer is "yes", ask them to teach you how to use the recovery partition. It is their partition, they know how to use it.

When you've re-installed Windows and your programs why don't you do a full image backup, which can then be restored at will.

You can use Windows 7's backup software or choose a third-party such as Acronis or Macrium.

I build the computer myself, I got the installation disks so I will probably do that. Thanks

@seavixen32

I dont want to do a full image because there are programs on it I dont want. Easier for me to totally reset and download only the programs I need

Please report back on how well this works. We will help you with any problems you may have.