Re-install Windows 7 x64 but keep data


  1. draginsla1013
    Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       New #1

    Re-install Windows 7 x64 but keep data


    I have an issue that needs me to re-install Windows 7 Ultimate x64. At this point I have so much stuff on my hard drive I don't want to start everything over, so I would like to know how to keep everything and still re-install. I know there is the "Windows Easy Transfer" but I don't want to have to wait for it to put everything back on my hard drive, My motherboard supports dual Bios but I don't know how set that up. I also can just put everything on to a external hard drive but I have my brothers account on this computer as well, and he plays a game "Dragon Age" i understand that the game will keep his game on his account and his only . So I have this problem as well I could use help ASAP .

    Thank you

    P.S. I'm 13 and built this computer my self so try to keep it simple if you can.
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  3. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       New #2

    One way or the other you first have to get your stuff out of the OS partition. The new installation will erase everything.

    You can either back it up to an external drive or (if you can shrink one of the existing partitions enough to hold your data) you can create a data partition and move it there. if that is an option, post back and we will discuss the best approach.

    But watch out, before you create a new partition, check in Disk Management whether you do not already have 4 primary partitions. If you do have 4 primaries. DO NOT attempt to create another partition - else you will be in deep yogurt.

    Btw: did you check whether setting back to an earlier restore point is an option. That would be the easiest and does not effect your data.
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  4. draginsla1013
    Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       New #3

    Thank you for your help I will just back it up on an external Hard drive.

    This seems to be the easiest way.
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  6. draginsla1013
    Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       New #4

    Back up transfer


    I just backed up my hard drive so I can install all my data on my next OS, does anyone know if it takes everything from my account and my other account.
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  7. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       New #5

    draginsla1013 said:
    Thank you for your help I will just back it up on an external Hard drive.

    This seems to be the easiest way.
    True. And for the future you might want to move your own data to a data partition in the first place. That is a lot safer. Just make folders for Documents, Music, Pictures, etc in that peartition. Then right click on those folders and INCLUDE them into the appropriate library. Then move your data where it belongs.
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