Windows 7: Question about clean install

Hello all,

I recently purchased a Western Digital Caviar Black 500 GB HDD but only have Windows 7 Home Premium upgrade disks. I currently am running the 32 bit version on my current drive and I just have a quick question.

Do I need to reformat my current drive to get rid of the current version of Windows 7 on this one before installing 64 bit to my new HDD?



I'm relatively new to this whole process, I've read through the clean install guide and know what I'm doing with that but I just didn't know for sure if I needed to do this or not.

Thanks

Hello RT23, and welcome to Seven Forums.

The EULA only allows you to have one installed Windows 7 that is using the same product key number to activate it with, so yes you will need to format the old HDD. However, I would recommend to wait until after you finished installing and setting up the new 64-bit installation on your new drive. This way you will easily be able to copy any files from your old drive into your new installation before formatting it.

Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Thanks for clearing that up for me

You're most welcome.

Hello RT23, welcome to Seven Forums!


Here's some additional information you may find useful, at these links below and be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.

SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

Additional Secure Erase / Wipe Information

Thanks for that info, I should be receiving my new HDD on Tuesday so once I get it I'll get you guys informed on how it goes and if I run into any hiccups.

Currently installing Windows 7 64-bit, will update once install in complete.

Ok, Windows 7 was installed successfully but I'm having some troubles with my internet, it seems like it's not detecting my Ethernet cable any suggestions?

Did you install your network adapter drivers?

For help to find drivers for your hardware,
Can you post your specs.
Filling out System Specs
Dont Know What Hardware You Have..??
VistaForums SysInfo Tool - Vista Forums