Windows 7 Pro 32 bit Clean Install w/ partition


  1. Posts : 3
    Windows Vista Home Premium 32 bit
       #1

    Windows 7 Pro 32 bit Clean Install w/ partition


    Hello there. This will be my first time installing an OS onto a computer, and I am a bit nervous.

    To start off, I have an HP computer built by Compaq with Windows Vista Home Premium 32 bit. It's great! My favorite part about it, is that instead of coming with an installation disc, the local hard drive has a partitioned system restore that will restore it to it's factory condition. Basically it re-installs Windows Vista to it and it acts like a new computer.

    I am a college student and being enrolled in a few classes has got me a deal to upgrade to Windows 7, and I want to do a clean install. (I hear that this is better for the machine than upgrading) I have a few questions now.
    If I install Windows 7 and don't touch my partition for restoring my system, can that be used again? I would assume not since it's for Windows Vista and not Windows 7. I don't expect this to be an option, but that would be great. Haha

    Is there a way to format the partition and reinstall some sort of system restore to it for Windows 7? I am afraid to insrall Windows 7 and lose this ability to restore my computer. (Not that I'm getting into trouble, .)

    Now the Disc I have says it's "Windows 7 Prefessional 32-bit x86 upgrade: pre-existing OS license required. Systems Student Media"
    If all else fails and I can't do anything with my hardrive, can I just keep this disk and wipe my computer clean and use it to install windows 7 again? I'm also worried that I can only use the product key once, and after that, I wouldn't be able to restore it if I need to.

    What can I do to keep my partition to restore or to make my own partition for restoring my computer? Or will I just have to use the disc?

    Thank you for your time.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 742
    MS Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit SP1
       #2
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 3
    Windows Vista Home Premium 32 bit
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Thanks for the reply, but I have already made it that far. What I did learn is that I may need a back up disc. I will look into getting one of those if I can. Thank you for sharing this link with me. I don't know why I couldn't find it before.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 10,200
    MS Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bit
       #4

    Mason,
    We have some excellent tutorials on Win 7 installation under all kinds of different circumstances right here in this forum.

    Check out the tutorials secton. Personally, I use Ctrl + F and put in the word I need to search on, for example, install.

    If you find a tutorial you like, you will also find that each tutorial, at the end, has a list of all other tutorials with a bearing or relationship to the same topic.

    What do you desire to backup?

    Also on a related topic, be sure to check out DreamSpark.
    https://www.dreamspark.com/default.aspx
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 3
    Windows Vista Home Premium 32 bit
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Thank you for your help! I looked at the tutorials and have found out some great information.

    I guess I have the term wrong. What I was trying to explain is that I have a recovery partition and I want to do the same thing for Windows 7. I want to create a recovery partition so that I can recover if I need to. I found a tutorial to do that, and I am currently working on the process, but I'm afraid that the disc required to do this is not the right disc, as my disc is just a Student upgrade.

    Do you know if I would be able to create a proper recovery partition if I used my student upgrade disc or would I have to purchase a full version of Windows 7?
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 10,200
    MS Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bit
       #6

    A recovery partition or a recovery folder (depending upon how you prepare the disk) will be created by Win 7. However, that recovery partition is not going to be a full copy of Windows 7.

    Hold on to your Win 7 dvd. Of course, you can put the dvd onto a usb stick.

    I very strongly recommend getting an external usb drive for backup purposes.

    the Win 7 Backup and Recovery that comes with Win 7 works. The same thing in XP did not work well. The Win 7 Backup and Recovery is excellent.

    With Win 7 Backup and Recovery you will be able to make an image backup of your system which I recommend so that in case of a disaster you can always restore and restore easily.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 10,200
    MS Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bit
       #7

    Would you please fill out your system specs using the following procedure?

    This info will help us to better help you.

    Do me a favor and don't assume you know what this write-up says and carry it out religiously. Thanks, karl

    Update your SevenForums System Specs
    User CP (3rd item in the top menu bar) |
    Your Profile | Edit System Spec
    (left-hand column)

    To gather info, use SIW or Speccy or System Info

    Add the word laptop or desktop or netbook to the
    “system manufacturer” block, for example,
    Toshiba Satellite L305D notebook.

    Provide full windows version info, for example:
    MS Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bit

    Use the “Other Info” block for Optical Reader,
    Mouse, touchpad, wifi adapter, speakers, monitor, etc

    Scroll down and click on the SAVE CHANGES button.
      My Computer

  8.    #8

    You won´t want to go back to Vista but you can make your HP Recovery Disks in case you decide to sell your computer and keep Win7 which can migrate wherever you want it as long as a qualifying Vista/XP exists - it doesn´t even have to be installed.

    You can likewise reinstall Win7 as often as you want as you own the license for life.

    Get to know Win7 backup imaging as this will become more valuable than a Recovery Partition which is stored on the same HD which might go bad, while you can store your image externally as you wish.

    I´d follow the steps exactly in the Perfect Reinstall link in my signature picture below. Booting the Win7 DVD it will see the qualifying Vista and allow use of Upgrade version key up front, even if you then go on to delete the partitions, create new and format before install as suggested:
      My Computer


 

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