Format and clean install

[Damonlandsdown]

hey,

There's posts on this, but i need personal response.
my hard-drive is a complete mess in my opinion, and i want to just re-do everything.
so,
1- how do i format my hard-drive.
2- can i just insert the CD/DVD into my drive, will it install.

 

[EzioAuditore]

See here- http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html

 

[Dzomlija]

hey,

There's posts on this, but i need personal response.
my hard-drive is a complete mess in my opinion, and i want to just re-do everything.
so,
1- how do i format my hard-drive.
2- can i just insert the CD/DVD into my drive, will it install.

Try this:
Clean Install Windows 7 A

 

[Golden]

Assuming there are no other issues and you simply want a fresh installation, then these are essentially the steps to take:

1. Enter the BIOS to change the boot order so it boots from the DVD drive.
2. Boot from the installation disk
3. During installation you will get the opportunity to completely format your hard drive, and re-partition it
4. Windows will then perform the installation.

This presumes of course that you have the original Windows 7 installation disk, genuine activation key, and all other software disks. If there aren't any other issues with your PC, it should all go very smoothly.

Make sure you have backed up all your data elsewhere since a refomat "deletes" it all.

Check back here if you need to clarify anything before embarking on this.

Good luck,
Golden

 

[Condorito]

Apologies to revive the thread, but I have a similar requirement and do not want to start a new thread just for that. I have no questions about the procedure, but I would like to know the following, please;

My Windows 7 (Home Premium 64 bit) is already activated. Would a full, clean reinstall be construed as a "duplication"? That is; would I be "accused" of installing and attempting to activate it on two different computers?

For info, it is being reinstalled on the same computer that it was on originally. My queries are things like, do I need to give the exact same computer "name"? Such like stuff, for the purpose of re-activation.

http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/33441-clean-install-replace-existing-windows-7-install.html?filter[2]=General%20Tips

The above thread and others like it were not specific enough in regard to this issue that troubles me.

My sincere thanks in advance for any answers.

 

[gregrocker]

You can reinstall Win on the same hardware as often as you like.

If its a Full or Upgrade retail version, you can migrate it to any computer as often as you like, as long as it is on only one at a time.

During activation it will update the hardware signature which sometimes requires s robocall to MS to exchange a series of numbers.

 

[Condorito]

Thank you, gregrocker.

 

[gregrocker]

You're most welcome. Let us know if we can help you further.