Doing a clean W7 Install : How do I go about the partitions?

Hello,

This is my first post, and I'll start by saying that I'm not that great at computers. I had some issues with my computer, and just want to do a clean install. I'd like to figure out, step by step, how to do it. I have already read the tutorials, but I just want to make sure I'm right, because this is the only computer I have, and I'm worried about doing that fresh install!

I did, however, figure out all the first steps to doing a clean install on my computer :

• I have written down the current licence key for my computer (using a keyfinder program) for the activation part.
• I have backed up all the crucial information (.pdfs, projects, documents, pictures, etc...) I need on a 32Go USB stick.
• I have downloaded the correct .iso file for my computer, and successfully copied it onto a 8Go USB stick using window's USB/DVD Boot tool.

Now correct me if I'm wrong; here's what I'm about to do :

I'll stick my USB in, turn the computer on, go to the BIOS, change the first checked device for a boot to my USB stick, restart my computer, and follow the instructions for the W7 installation, until it's done.

But this is what's confusing me : On my computer, I checked the partitions, and I saw:
C:\ with data on it, F:\ with nothing on it (I never put anything on it), and a "reserved system" thing.

If I understood the tutorial correctly, I'll have to select C:\, hit format, and then click next (in the same window as in the screen below) without tampering with the others.


My question is ; is this right?
If not, how would you do a fresh w7 install with those three partitions?

Thank you for reading !

TLDR : I have three partitions, C:\, F:\ (empty), and "reserved space". Do I just format C:\ and click next in the advanced options of the partitions window during the installation to properly install w7 ?

I'll take your word for it that you have the correct Product Key and that everything is backed up.

I'd delete all partitions. That will leave you with "unallocated space" across the entire drive.

Then tell Windows to install to the unallocated space. You should end up with a new C and a new System Reserved. No F.

You could later make another partition by shrinking C if you want another partition. Most here would tell you to do that---to store data somewhere other than C. But it's a matter of personal preference.

Delete, rather than format. Windows will automatically format what it has to format when you choose to install to that unallocated space.

Then go to Windows Update and get updated; install anti-virus, copy your backed up data to wherever you want.

ignatzatsonic said:

I'll take your word for it that you have the correct Product Key and that everything is backed up.

I'd delete all partitions. That will leave you with "unallocated space" across the entire drive.

Then tell Windows to install to the unallocated space. You should end up with a new C and a new System Reserved. No F.

You could later make another partition by shrinking C if you want another partition. Most here would tell you to do that---to store data somewhere other than C. But it's a matter of personal preference.

Delete, rather than format. Windows will automatically format what it has to format when you choose to install to that unallocated space.

Then go to Windows Update and get updated; install anti-virus, copy your backed up data to wherever you want.

So when I get to the window, I just select C:\, hit delete, select F:\, hit delete, and select "system space" and hit delete, and then hit next?

I don't think you will see anything called "system space". It should be "unallocated space".

Yeah, delete every partition you see until there are none left and the entire hard drive is "unallocated space". Then choose that "unallocated space" as where you want to install Windows. You'll end up with a tiny System Reserved of about 200 mb or smaller and a big C covering 100% of the remainder of the drive.

Make sure there are NO other hard drives connected.

ignatzatsonic said:

I don't think you will see anything called "system space". It should be "unallocated space".

Yeah, delete every partition you see until there are none left and the entire hard drive is "unallocated space". Then choose that "unallocated space" as where you want to install Windows. You'll end up with a tiny System Reserved of about 200 mb or smaller and a big C covering 100% of the remainder of the drive.

Make sure there are NO other hard drives connected.

All right then ! I guess I'll do that !
Thanks