Windows 7 - How to reformat, repartition etc for reinstalling Windows 7

Hi, I just bought a second hand Dell Latitude E6510 laptop on which I need to do a clean install of Windows 7.

I have been able to do this, but it's been years and I forget.

I used Partition Wizard 6.0 the last few times, but need some guidance now. So, I have:

- A used machine I want to wipe clean and then start from scratch, eventually allowing it to boot from the Windows 7 installation disk.
- Umpteen utilities besides Partition Wizard
- A keen desire to have this happen while I'm still young

Thankful for all advice!

(after trying some tips at another forum I thought I'd post here because):

the laptop still will not boot from a known, good, Windows 7 installation disk, instead returning an error code: "CD BOOT: Cannot boot from CD - code 5".

Granted, it is not a CD I try to boot from but a DVD, but I suppose that code covers both media. I would have my work cut out from me if I tried to cram 3 650 432 KB onto a CD, wouldn't I?

The PC boots fine, however, from Hiren's Boot CD (Mini XP thereon runs fine, for what that's worth), GParted, and some other utility disks like those that I have.

Where do I go from here? Am I destined to forever use this potentionally fine machine to play Solitaire off Hiren's Mini XP? Puhleeze - say it isn't so!

PS: I tried some suggested leads at microsoft.com, but as usual got bogged down somewhere on the 2'nd or 3'rd page of the preamble to the actual solution to the problem at hand, and fell in a deep, nigthmare-ridden sleep from which I just awoke after 5 hours. Next time I'll ask the cat.

http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/3514/angelass.jpg

Have a look at this:
SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

[Quote]I need to do a clean install of Windows 7.[Quote] Why?

[QUOTE=theog;1426754][Quote]I need to do a clean install of Windows 7.Say what? Did you ask me *why* I need to do this? If so: because if this PC is going to mine henceforth, I want none of the previous owners data or, more or less clever, Windows configuration.

I'm a big boy now and, If I pay for things, I want them my way, geared to my needs and wants... I had thought this was everybodys view on the matter.

I'll give you a for-instance to make this easier to fathom: let's say you move in to a new apartment or house. If you're anything like me, you probably want to clean house so you can start filling it up with your own, sort of like this guy:

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/8...ssisaplace.jpg

Right, thanks theog!

Are you sure you have a CD/DVD drive and not just a CD drive?

If not, you can extract the ISO image file from the DVD on another machine using ImgBurn, then write it to bootable flash stick installer using this tool with Windows 7 in the dropdown window: Universal USB Installer – Easy as 1 2 3 | USB Pen Drive Linux

Here are tips for getting a perfect install - use the ones which apply: Reinstalling Windows 7

You are welcome.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials...en-forums.html

A Preferred Method of Uploading/Posting Screen Shots

How to use Dell Recovery, & how to order Recovery Disks.
Dell - Support

Yes, I am now, as I finally managed to get it up and running Windows 7. I wish there were some way to mark a thread 'solved' like they have over at How-to geek.
Is there?

Upper right corner little triangle, in remarks put problem solved.

Oh, goodie, thanks 1Bowtie. So - I just write 'solved' in the message box that appears when I klick the triangle? I did, but I see no change anywhere?