Windows 7: Formatting a HD with Windows 7

Okay so my current PC has Windows 7 64-bit on it, it came pre installed on the pc so I think its a OEM version?

Anyway im selling my PC and want to format my HDD, so my question is what ways are there of formatting my HDD and keeping Windows 7 to then put back on the PC to sell it?

If you have a valid product key for Windows 7 on a sticker somewhere on your computer, or on a installation DVD that came with your computer, then you can re-install and activate Windows 7 with no problems. Here is link to a great tutorial on the subject.

Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

Since you didn't mention the brand PC you'll need to check for which key to tap at boot to run Factory Recovery which sets everything back to factory condition so that the new owner can set it up with their User name and information when they start it up.

If Factory Recovery won't run or you didn't make the back-up Recovery disks then get the superior Clean Reinstall Little Jay provided above. You can delete all partitions during install if Recovery won't run or Dell or HP Diagnostics (Tools) partition won't run from boot.

Sorry, been a real derp just ignore this. Sorry

No need to apologize. We are glad to help.

What did you decide to do and how did it work for you, so others will know?

I had a backup from a while ago, so all I need to do is format my HDD and reinstall windows with my back up

An image will still have your data and Programs on it, so running Factory Recovery might be the better solution since it puts it back to the condition it was when it came from factory - like new for the new owner. It's the same as an image but doesn't have your stuff in it.

Did you wipe the Recovery partition? If not have you tried running it from boot?