clean install

[dime25]

windows7 crashed today ,the bsod came up but I was unable to read it. the computer
just kept restarting so I decided to do a clean reinstall of the system. I made my system restore disks(3) when the unit was new and everything went pretty smooth until it started to load windows for the first time. then a little window popped up saying windows had an unexpected error and after a restart it would continue. I did a restart and the same message keeps on coming up. before I did a clean restart i did a virus scan in safe mode and nothing showed up. I would like to format the HD but don't know how. please help

 

[richc46]

When you get to the screen that ask
upgrade, or custom
You pick advanced. The format option is there
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html?filter[2]=General Tips

Step 6 here
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

 

[gregrocker]

First off, if you're able to start Win7 to upload the crash dump file to our Crashes forum someone there will help you determine what's causing the problem: http://www.sevenforums.com/crashes-debugging/96879-blue-screen-death-bsod-posting-instructions.html

I understand you have Recovery Disks you made and want to recover the computer to factory condition, but the disks failed to complete (as can happen). However because these disks contain the pre-installed bloatware and useless factory utilities which bog Win7, they are not at all a clean install which is done using a Win7 installation DVD following these steps: http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/125874-re-install-windows-7-a.html#post1086729

You also think you might have a virus which is interfering. For this reason you should wipe the HD to overwrite infection before attempting to factory recover or clean reinstall. You can do this by using Diskpart from a Command Line from the Win7 Repair CD (which you should have on hand anyway in case Win7 fails to start) or by burning to CD free Partition Wizard bootable CD to Wipe HD from it's Disk tab.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2083-system-repair-disc-create.html
Free Download Magic Partition Manager Software - Partition Wizard Online

Once you've wiped the HD with at least one set of zeroes to overwrite infected code, try booting the Recovery Disks again to run them, or do the clean reinstall with Win7 installer.