Windows7 Full not wiping my files + partition problem

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

  1. Posts : 11
    Windows7 Ultimate
       #1

    Windows7 Full not wiping my files + partition problem


    Hi guys, I really hope someone can help me.

    I've installed Windows 7 Full version 3 times now but all of my old files are still on the computer. I used 'custom install' as I read that this would wipe everything...but it didn't. ???
    My pc is choc-a-block full of rubbish and I want it all gone without having to go through deleting it all manually..I've been able to wipe everything with previous windows installs so I can't understand why it doesn't work with Windows7.

    Also, I have 2 partitions on my hard drive (the other has Linux on it)...I'd like to go back to just having the one & installing windows7 over everything...does anyone know how I can do this...pleeeeeeease???



    forgot to mention...I'm not very tech savvy so please make any helpful hints as simple as possible. lol Thank you
    Last edited by Pomozy; 16 Nov 2009 at 18:30. Reason: adding more info
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 11,840
    64-bit Windows 8.1 Pro
       #2

    load up linux, open gparted and wipe your drive, then install windows 7...
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 11
    Windows7 Ultimate
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Hi Tews, thanks for replying so quickly.
    I don't seem to be able to open linux anymore since I installed windows7...it's still there though cos I can see it when I go into disk management.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 11,840
    64-bit Windows 8.1 Pro
       #4

    what version of linux and do you still have the cd?? If it is ubuntu, boot into the live mode and proceed as in above...
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 16,129
    7 X64
       #5

    For a proper clean install, you need to frormat the partition first.

    You can do it during installation.

    When you get to screen asking where you want to install 7 , select Drive Options( advanced) , the next screen allows you to repartition, delete, format, as you wish.

    If you simply format the partition , then install 7 - you won't get the Windows.old folder.

    However, that will also remove the Active flag ( if present).

    Unless you have another Active partition - you will get the 100mb "system" partition.

    As Tews says, easiest is to use 3rd party bootable partition manager - Boot the cd, delete the existing partitions - create new one(s) first - mark the intended 7 partition Active.

    Then Boot 7 dvd and install direct onto that partition.

    Gparted or Partition Wizard Free will do the job.

    Download Partition Wizard Boot Disc .iso NOW

    Download Partition Wizard Home Edition NOW

    Info:

    Free Download Partition Wizard

    Hope it helps





    Pomozy said:
    Hi guys, I really hope someone can help me.

    I've installed Windows 7 Full version 3 times now but all of my old files are still on the computer. I used 'custom install' as I read that this would wipe everything...but it didn't. ???
    My pc is choc-a-block full of rubbish and I want it all gone without having to go through deleting it all manually..I've been able to wipe everything with previous windows installs so I can't understand why it doesn't work with Windows7.

    Also, I have 2 partitions on my hard drive (the other has Linux on it)...I'd like to go back to just having the one & installing windows7 over everything...does anyone know how I can do this...pleeeeeeease???



    forgot to mention...I'm not very tech savvy so please make any helpful hints as simple as possible. lol Thank you
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 11
    Windows7 Ultimate
    Thread Starter
       #6

    I have the Mint version of Linux which I think is based on Ubuntu...if I remember rightly?? Great OS but I just want to wipe everything and start again fresh with Windows7. Yes I do have the cd.
    Thanks so much for your help guys. I'm printing this info up and going to give it a go...wish me luck! lol
    Last edited by Pomozy; 16 Nov 2009 at 19:14. Reason: extra info
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 11
    Windows7 Ultimate
    Thread Starter
       #7

    It worked!!!!!! Yayyy!!!
    The partitions were deleted, windows7 is now installed, & all of my old files are gone!!
    Thank you sooo much for all of your help. Your instructions were easy to follow and it ended up being a very quick fix in the end.
    Thanks again I really appreciate it.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 11,840
    64-bit Windows 8.1 Pro
       #8

    Glad you got it all sorted out!
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 1,326
    Windows 7 Ultimate RTM (Technet)
       #9

    Why would the OP have needed to use Linux for anything regarding a Windows 7 installation? Very bad advice. All he needed to do was format the drive or delete and recreate the partition from within the Windows 7 installation routine.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 16,129
    7 X64
       #10

    Very bad advice.
    What makes you say that?

    The OP was quite happy to use a program he already had and was familiar with. It worked perfectly for him.

    Not the way you might have done it, perhaps - each to their own.
      My Computers


 
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:01.
Find Us