Reformat gone bad - please help

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  1. Posts : 276
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #111

    //you created a new partition
    ==> is that what you meant by which allowed me to reformat what was left on drive c?
    ==> so you have a C: partition and a D: partion on your drive, is that correct?
    ==> How big is the C: partition (drive)?//

    No, I mean I'm not sure about the terminology. I reformatted drive c so I guess technically it would be considered a new partition, but whenever all was done I had one clean drive and one drive with data still on it. Yes, I have both a C: partition as well as a D: partition. Both partitions are 290 gb each.

    //You stated that you didn't understand when the C: partition would be formatted in the tutorial
    you asked "Do I have to reformat the drive again?//

    The first time I tried reinstalling Windows (prior to registering here) I was given the option. The second time using the download via the tutorial I was not given the option. But okay I'll look back over the tutorial and see what I can find about formatting.

    //Now where are we?

    Oh yeah - the install gave you an error. Britton suggested "Try downloading and making a new flash or DVD install media"//

    Yes, will do. Thank you.

    And excuse me if I ask questions that are listed on the tutorial. It could be I'm not aware how much information there is to take in there and take it for granted that I have taken it all in. I will admit I have not clicked each and every blue link there is either, so I'll try and look it over a bit more closely.

    I hope you all have a good night and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 276
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #112

    Slartybart said:
    I see you've decided to move the data off D: - you have an external drive that you're moving the data to?

    In post 103 you're moving data on D: (to an external drive?) and
    in post 106 you ask "How can I prevent installing a 3rd copy of Windows"

    I think those two posts will make it much easier. No data on D: means the entire drive can be used for installing Windows. Creating partitons after a fresh install is easy.

    I have two important questions:
    Open a Windows Explorer window and post what drive are shown when you clcik on Computer
    The machine you're working on is a 64 bit machine according to your system specs.
    ==> Is the machine you created the Windows install flash drive also a 64 bit machine?
    Yes, I have an external drive.

    Yes, both machines are 64 bit machines. The major difference is that one pc has Windows 8 while the other has Windows 7. I would like to note that my pc came from the factory with Windows Vista on it, but came pre-packaged with a Windows 7 upgrade disk. I'm mildly curious to know if it wouldn't be easier to install Vista and upgrade to Windows 7 via my old upgrade disk.

    Okay, not wasting my time reformatting.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 312
    Windows 7 Professional SP1 x64 (OEM)
       #113

    arayfo1 said:
    I would like to note that my pc came from the factory with Windows Vista on it, but came pre-packaged with a Windows 7 upgrade disk.
    This information should have been clarified firstly. OTL

    arayfo1 said:
    I'm mildly curious to know if it wouldn't be easier to install Vista and upgrade to Windows 7 via my old upgrade disk.
    Though I cannot personally contest if it will be "easier", it is always a viable/possible approach.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 6,458
    x64 (6.3.9600) Win8.1 Pro & soon dual boot x64 (6.1.7601) Win7_SP1 HomePrem
       #114

    Cool, now where getting somewhere (at least I'm understanding a lot more)... a few more questions
    Right clcik on Computer on the start menu, select manage, then select Disk management

    On the bottom there are rows that show the physical drives.
    There are blocks on each row that show partitions (system reserve, C: ...)
    What drive letters (partitions) are on the same row as c: ?

    Reformat gone bad - please help-diskmng-sm.png

    On Disk 0 -> I have C:, D:, E:, F:, and G:

    Disk 1 is my external drive. I only want to know what partitions are on the same disk as C:

    A lot of this information is to make sure I don't tell you the wrong thing. It would be much easier if you had an internet connection on that machine. You could post screenshots.



    I wouldn't suggest installing Vista, then upgrading. You made me think though.

    To make this work, you're going to need a license key for Windows 7. Normally it's on the COA sticker, but your box came with Vista and that key won't work for Win7.

    look at the COA picture in the tutorial and check that you have a similar key that you used to upgrade.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 6,458
    x64 (6.3.9600) Win8.1 Pro & soon dual boot x64 (6.1.7601) Win7_SP1 HomePrem
       #115

    Here's a basic outline of the steps in the tutorial. This is not meant to replace the infroamtion in the tutorial, only to give you an outline of the steps.
    • Download the Windows 7 iso
      Use the Windows 7 USB-DVD Download Tool to create the install Disc or Flashdrive
    • Back up your User files to an external drive
    • Run Belarc Advisor to create a report of hardware and software (including product keys)
      copy the output html file to an external drive
    • Find the discs for programs you want to reinstall after Windows is up and running
    • Downlaod the network card drivers (wired and wireless) to an external drive
    • Disconnect all external devices except keyboard, mouse, and monitor
    • Disconnect any extra internal hard drive(s) (you don't have to physically remove the drive(s) - just unplug the data cable)
    • Restart the machine, but interrupt to change boot order
      Flash 1st or DVD 1st
      Complete boot to external device
    • Windows install begins
      choose Custom Install
      then Drive Options (Advanced)
      Delete all partitions not needed
      repartition and format
    • Windows copies files and reboots a few times during the install
    • After Windows is installed, you'll have to install your network drivers
    • the 1st thing you must do is run Windows Update until there are no more updates.
    -> This takes a long time.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 312
    Windows 7 Professional SP1 x64 (OEM)
       #116

    Slartybart said:
    To make this work, you're going to need a license key for Windows 7. Normally it's on the COA sticker, but your box came with Vista and that key won't work for Win7.
    Hi Slartybart,

    I have quick question. Don't Upgrade CDs come with their own upgrade product key?
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 6,458
    x64 (6.3.9600) Win8.1 Pro & soon dual boot x64 (6.1.7601) Win7_SP1 HomePrem
       #117

    You are correct Kathy. I missed the fact that it was an upgrade CD, thought it might have been an upgrade any time.

    Still I want to make sure that arayfo1 has the key. They aren't printed on the disc.

    Thanks
    kathy025 said:
    I have quick question. Don't Upgrade CDs come with their own upgrade product key?
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 312
    Windows 7 Professional SP1 x64 (OEM)
       #118

    Last question, I promise. :3

    Can an upgrade product key work on a downloaded Retail Windows 7 ISO? I am curious myself haha.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 6,458
    x64 (6.3.9600) Win8.1 Pro & soon dual boot x64 (6.1.7601) Win7_SP1 HomePrem
       #119

    Last answer, I promise. :3

    Yes, an upgrade product key works on a downloaded Retail Windows 7 ISO

    but I was not serious about "last answer" - just having a bit 'o fun.

    Ask as many questions as you want, your previous post got me thinking and I asked some folks some questions. All questions are good, not so for all answers.

    kathy025 said:
    Last question, I promise. :3

    Can an upgrade product key work on a downloaded Retail Windows 7 ISO? I am curious myself haha.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 6,458
    x64 (6.3.9600) Win8.1 Pro & soon dual boot x64 (6.1.7601) Win7_SP1 HomePrem
       #120

    arayfo1:hold off on creating the install media until I post back.

    I've asked some folks if adding Win8 to the mix presents any issues. I have another plan just in case... two plans actually.

    No major differences, just some "how do we get from here to there" changes.
      My Computer


 
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