X:\Windows\System32 - What is it, Why is it, Is it Really Necessary?

Hi,

I'm stuck trying to do a clean install from Windows Home Premium to 7 Pro, and after numerous attempts to wipe my hdd, some things are clear:

1. There is no hdd wiped cleaner than mine
2. How is it possible to clean an hdd and still have X:\windows\system32 (which I've read happens to be a 'file'?)
3. If this file is no more than an 'enhanced' dos, can I not load something less Windows-driven/supported and get something else?
4. I'm reading that this is a hyped-up dos w/the installer capable of recording keystrokes and such, and appeared to be of great interest to those who 'hack' into systems.

I'll be checking on the possibility of it being a registry repair issue, but I pulled up so much discussion on X:\windows\system32 (the biggest surprise to me being that's it's NOT a DRIVE, DISK,VOLUME, etc.) I'm totally blown by what it is and its enabling abilities to viruses and malware. For instance, finding this file "name" in other folders, and it being anything other than what the original file happens to be.

I know little about computer tech work, other than what my husband does (software/calibration/yadda,yadda), and if you're the wife of one, you're probably familiar with the term, "Busman's Holiday," which is why I'm doing this instead of him. I've seen the glaze over his eyes, and I now understand the bottle of Glenlivit that is stocked regularly in his desk drawer. LOL

Looking forward to understanding this "x:\windows" imagery. Excuse me while I embrace the "neatness" of scotch.:)
280

The X "drive" is the system default
its a very basic version of windows, with operations controlled by command mode instructions loaded prior to the OS
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/...(v=ws.10).aspx

Remove it at your PERIL, actually i dont think you can, fortunately:).

If you perform major repairs thats where they start.

Ive not heard of any malware/keystroke logger being asociated to it.

It should not cause a problem if your only upgrading to PRO,
YOU DONT even have to re-install windows - just change your product code.
Most versions are loaded on your computer during its first install.

Roy

- As Roy has mentioned, to upgrade from Home Premium, under Windows launch the Win 7 pro setup. It will install win 7 pro over Win 7 HP, keeping your data and personal settings.
- To clean a HDD / SSD:
If it's not the Boot drive, open Disk Manager and delete all partitions and then create new partition.
If it's the boot drive, detach all other disks (very important), boot from win 7 installation disk, go to repair, open a CMD window and use Diskpart. Disk part is a powerful tool but tricky to use. Learn how to use before using it.

If you just want to do a clean install, erasing all your disk: Clean Install Windows 7
- Detach all other disks (very important)
- Boot from win 7 installation disk, go to install - Advanced - delete all partitions - create new - proceed.