Deleting old partitions

In error from a brand new hard drive (and build), I installed the 32-bit version of windows 7 onto my SSD. Upon the product key screen was when I noticed the issue. I input my product key, got windows loaded and then booted from the 64-bit CD instead.

Here I chose the custom install feature and went to overwrite my old partition from the 32-bit version but it would not let me. I tried deleting it as well and I could not. I've since loaded 64-bit windows but I do notice that approximately 8Gb is down on my SSD.

So at this point, I think I may have 2 options but I'm not sure how to go about either:

1) Format the SSD completely so it is in a state like it came out of the box.

2) Delete the old partition and gain 8Gb of space on the SSD while using 64-bit windows.

I would almost prefer option #1 if I had to choose.

Thanks in advance.

Try this; it will take you through your choice 1 above and you then continue to reinstall to the SSD.

1. Once Windows 7 Setup is loaded, press Shift + F10 keys at the first setup screen (which allows selection of language, keyboard and locale). A Command Prompt window will be opened.

2. Run Diskpart, the built-in disk partitioning tool of Windows 7, with the following command:

diskpart

3. Type in the following commands one by one, followed by the Enter key to create a partition (text in brackets are comments only):

list disk (to show the ID number of the hard disk to partition, normally Disk 0)

select disk 0 (change 0 to another number if applicable)

clean (this does not write zeroes to drive; use clean all to write zeroes)

create partition primary

select partition 1

active

format fs=ntfs quick

exit

4. Type exit at command prompt to close Command Prompt window.

5. Continue Windows 7 installation as usual. Remember to just highlight and select the partition just created when you come to the partition screen.

Boot the Win7 DVD, select Custom Install, then use Drive Options to delete all partitions, create new one, Format.

Ignore the 100mb System Reserved partition boot partition which will be issued, as it convenientlyl places the Repair console normally only on the DVD or Repair CD on the F8 Advanced Boot Tools menu.

Illustrated steps here: Clean Install Windows 7