How to clear HDD


  1. Posts : 78
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
       #1

    How to clear HDD


    I want to clear everything I have on my hard drive because it is getting pretty cluttered.

    Can someone tell me how I can clear my data but still keep my OS?

    Pretty much I just want all my data and programs to be deleted (ill install them later), but still keep the OS.

    Thanks in advance
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 110
    Windows 7 Professional x64
       #2

    Hi, illway1. It sounds as if you want to do a clean reinstall of Windows 7. To do so, please follow this tutorial:

    Clean Install Windows 7

    Important: This will remove ALL of your data. That means your programs, documents, movies, music, and anything else. Make sure to have a backup of whatever you want to keep. You will be left with nothing but a bare-bones installation of Windows 7.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 997
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit, SP1
       #3

    illway1 said:
    I want to clear everything I have on my hard drive because it is getting pretty cluttered.

    Can someone tell me how I can clear my data but still keep my OS?

    Pretty much I just want all my data and programs to be deleted (ill install them later), but still keep the OS.

    Thanks in advance
    If you bought your computer pre-instaled with the OS, then you most likely do not have the DVD Installation disc.

    In that case, if you had made a set of Factory Default discs when you first bought the computer, you can use them to restore your computer to " factory settings " as if it is brand new coming out from the factory.

    If you don't have that either, contact your computer manufacturer, ask them the followings ;

    1. Ask for a set of Recovry disc. The cost is minimal.
    2. Ask them if there is a Recovery Partition in your computer ( they know ).
    If answer is "yes", ask them to teach you how to use the recovery partition. It is their partition, they know how to use it.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 7,730
    Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-Bit
       #4

    When you've re-installed Windows and your programs why don't you do a full image backup, which can then be restored at will.

    You can use Windows 7's backup software or choose a third-party such as Acronis or Macrium.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 78
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #5

    I build the computer myself, I got the installation disks so I will probably do that. Thanks
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 78
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #6

    @seavixen32

    I dont want to do a full image because there are programs on it I dont want. Easier for me to totally reset and download only the programs I need
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 110
    Windows 7 Professional x64
       #7

    illway1 said:
    I build the computer myself, I got the installation disks so I will probably do that. Thanks
    Please report back on how well this works. We will help you with any problems you may have.
      My Computer


 

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