Does a new install delete my files

[tmcthree]

Hi,

I know this is a really dumb question, but unless I know for sure the consequenses could be pretty painful so...

I have two physical disc drives in my machine, one where I keep my programs (c) and one where I keep my data (e).

I did a registry clean yesterday and a program has stopped working and reinstalling it hasn't fixed the problem. So I'm planning to do a clean install of windows and start from scratch.

So here's my really dumb question. If I reinstall to C nothing will happen to the files on e, right?

 

[seavixen32]

Welcome to Windows Seven Forums.

It depends what you are using to reinstall Windows with.

If you are carrying out a clean install with a Windows DVD and you make sure you choose the C drive to install it to, the E data drive will be untouched.

If you are using a set of recovery discs to restore to the factory state the complete C drive will be formatted and you will lose anything on it you haven't backed up first.

Whichever method you use, I would advise you backup anything that is really important - just in case.

Like you, I keep all my personal data on a separate drive from the Windows drive, but this data drive is also backed up on a regular basis to an external hard drive as well.

Some people may say it's overkill - I call it belt and braces - if one falls apart the other keeps things together.

I've just noticed after reading Theog's comment that you do have two drives rather than two partitions so I really should get my eyes seen to.

His advice to remove the E drive first is good as are his other suggestions.

 

[theog]

You can physical remove the Drive E: before doing a reinstall.

But I would try file scan first:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html?ltr=S
Also a Restore to time before using the registry cleaner yesterday:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/700-system-restore.html?ltr=S

 

[ignatzatsonic]

If I reinstall to C nothing will happen to the files on e, right?

If you disconnect the E drive, nothing can happen to it or your data, even if you tried or made a bad mistake. If you are highly nervous about it, disconnect it.

Otherwise, just make sure you choose C for the install.