Windows 7: Windows7 Full not wiping my files + partition problem

Hi guys, I really hope someone can help me.

I've installed Windows 7 Full version 3 times now but all of my old files are still on the computer. I used 'custom install' as I read that this would wipe everything...but it didn't. ???
My pc is choc-a-block full of rubbish and I want it all gone without having to go through deleting it all manually..I've been able to wipe everything with previous windows installs so I can't understand why it doesn't work with Windows7.

Also, I have 2 partitions on my hard drive (the other has Linux on it)...I'd like to go back to just having the one & installing windows7 over everything...does anyone know how I can do this...pleeeeeeease???



forgot to mention...I'm not very tech savvy so please make any helpful hints as simple as possible. lol Thank you

load up linux, open gparted and wipe your drive, then install windows 7...

Hi Tews, thanks for replying so quickly.
I don't seem to be able to open linux anymore since I installed windows7...it's still there though cos I can see it when I go into disk management.

what version of linux and do you still have the cd?? If it is ubuntu, boot into the live mode and proceed as in above...

For a proper clean install, you need to frormat the partition first.

You can do it during installation.

When you get to screen asking where you want to install 7 , select Drive Options( advanced) , the next screen allows you to repartition, delete, format, as you wish.

If you simply format the partition , then install 7 - you won't get the Windows.old folder.

However, that will also remove the Active flag ( if present).

Unless you have another Active partition - you will get the 100mb "system" partition.

As Tews says, easiest is to use 3rd party bootable partition manager - Boot the cd, delete the existing partitions - create new one(s) first - mark the intended 7 partition Active.

Then Boot 7 dvd and install direct onto that partition.

Gparted or Partition Wizard Free will do the job.

Download Partition Wizard Boot Disc .iso NOW

Download Partition Wizard Home Edition NOW

Info:

Free Download Partition Wizard

Hope it helps

I have the Mint version of Linux which I think is based on Ubuntu...if I remember rightly?? Great OS but I just want to wipe everything and start again fresh with Windows7. Yes I do have the cd.
Thanks so much for your help guys. I'm printing this info up and going to give it a go...wish me luck! lol

It worked!!!!!! Yayyy!!!
The partitions were deleted, windows7 is now installed, & all of my old files are gone!!
Thank you sooo much for all of your help. Your instructions were easy to follow and it ended up being a very quick fix in the end.
Thanks again I really appreciate it.

Glad you got it all sorted out!

Why would the OP have needed to use Linux for anything regarding a Windows 7 installation? Very bad advice. All he needed to do was format the drive or delete and recreate the partition from within the Windows 7 installation routine.

What makes you say that?

The OP was quite happy to use a program he already had and was familiar with. It worked perfectly for him.

Not the way you might have done it, perhaps - each to their own.