Windows 7: Intel says do a clean install so I have questions.

I'm getting ready to do a clean install, but before I do that I have questions. Windows 7 is currently installed on a 128 GB SSD (C:/). The 100MB SRP (Sys. Res. Parti.) and a Backup Partition (F:/) are on one of my HDD.

I have set (and tested) the SSD so I can boot from it without a HDD connected.

I have a second HDD if needed for temporary location for the following.
(both HDD are 1 TB so there are plenty of room)

Can I use the forum tutorial to delete SRP? When do I delete it? My (F:/)Partition has backup files, restore points, and system imaged backups on it. Can I leave it there safely and (format?) then extend the (F:/) Partition into the area where SRP was? Can I move the old users files all at once, which would include all of the folders under favorities and libraries? (yes, I may need a partition for them)

I'm planning to just have the SSD connecter for the clean install.
After the clean install is it still considered as clean if I move Programs and Users files to a HDD? What current tutorials should I use to move them?

I think I covered the bases but please fill me in if you think I massed a point
Thanks

Happy Fathers Day to all you Dads out there.

Why do you want to delete the System Reserved partition? Just pre-partition the SSD to avoid having it issued in the first place. Use Step 2 here: SSD - HDD Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

It's best not to move your User folders to another HD because Windows 7 Backup Imaging will want to include them in the image since they are System files. In that case it's better to copy them to HD and then link them to the related Library - Include a Folder - Windows 7 Forums.

Be sure to unplug the HD during install to SSD. Afterwards you can boot Windows 7 on the HD using the one-time BIOS Boot menu key until you're ready to delete it in Disk Mgmt.

Greg's comment;
"Why do you want to delete the System Reserved partition? Just pre-partition the SSD to avoid having it issued in the first place. Use Step 2 here: SSD - HDD Optimize for Windows Reinstallation"

In his tutorial (step two) the bare foot kid makes two partitions 200MB & 100GB for the SRP and Windows 7 respectively. So if I do this with only my SSD connected (no HDD) I'll end up having two SRP's, Since there is one on my HDD from my origional install. The one I want to delete shown above. In step two item 3 he also states the the 200MB partition was made bigger to hold "Backup, Restore, and BitLocker" Putting progams there is a big mistake. My backup alone are almost 90 GB so I made a F:/ partition on the HDD to hold them< (see attachment) I store System images on F:/ too. While your looking at the attachment, please note that there is only about 62GB of room left on my 128 GB SSD (C:/) That why I want to move whatever I can off of C:/.

Your second paragraph is a little confusing, but I think your saying to copy the files to the HDD and use a link to point to them. If you make a link in C: to point to the HDD files I would think that you could delete the files in C:.that were copied leaving the link in its pace.. Can you point out a good tutorial to make the link? (by files I meaning folders,libraries etc.)

One last thing, what do I do about my programs. Reloading the 81 prograams that I now have on my system is going to be a real pain. Isn't there some program or way to move them to a temporary location then move them back after the clean install?

It seems like every one is using those two words (clean install) like it is a simple thing to do.

Thanks for your help! Jim

clean install is easy. We have no magic wands, but we do have some excellent tutorials.

Listen to and follow the advice and procedures given to you by GregRocker, a recognized authority in this matter.

Use Step 2.1 commands in black box if you want a full SSD partition, Step 2.2 if you want to choose the partition size. This will rule out the SysReserved partition. But it's still a good idea to unplug all other SSD/HD's during install and choose your HD to boot via BIOS Boot Order or one-time BIOS Boot Menu.

The tutorial is there on how to link the User folders once copied to data partition to Libraries.

You must reinstall your programs. Take your time to watch for performance changes and keep a clean boot.

Follow the steps to get a perfect reinstall in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

Thanks Greg,
The Windows 7 clean install was done two weeks ago, I also installted MS Office Home & Business this week. I've been monitoring my event viewer since. I'm still getting that pesky Event ID 56 (Driver PCI returning invalid ID for child device (FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF00)) almost daily. I was getting some wierd numbers on my Renesas Electronics --Properties (Security Tab) under group and user names. But that problem is was fixed (Intel was concerned about both of these problems) I attached some screen shots. There were no errors so far today. Thanks for the help.
Jim

Glad to help. Let us know if anything else comes up.

When ready you can mark the thread Solved at top.