How do I reformat a dual boot drive in preparation for a clean install

[TC McConnell]

I want to reformat my hard drive and do a clean installation of Windows 7 64 bit Pro. It currently has a dual boot setup with Windows XP/Ubuntu. I have two questions: I plan on installing this hard drive into a different computer. Do I do the reformat it while it is still installed in the old computer or should I reformat it in the new? How should it be done? Since it has a dual boot setup in the boot sector, what kind of reformat should I do to be sure there are no problems with the clean installation?

 

[AddRAM]

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/52129-disk-clean-clean-all-diskpart-command.html

I would get it setup in the other machine, then begin.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/119713-diskpart-pc-startup.html

Personally, I just use the partition wizard boot cd.

http://partitionwizard.com/partition-wizard-bootable-cd.html

 

[TC McConnell]

Thank you for the reply. Following your instructions, physically install hard drive into computer, boot up with CD (you prefer partition wizard), clean the entire drive, then install Windows 7?

 

[Faladu]

If you are a one system user then follow AddRAM's advice.

If you are wiping out everything you have, no need to clean, just clear all the current partitions, then re-partition/format each/assign drive letters and begin the 7 install.

Do full formats if concerned about bad sectors, but that will take hours.

I have a SATA docking station and use a freeware partition tool to handle tasks like that, uses USB so can attach to another system if I needed to, tool is Active Partition Manager, found here:

http://pcdisk.com/download.html

Doesn't matter which system you do the reformatting in, just having access to the tools is all that matters.

 

[TC McConnell]

Thank you for replying. Can this be done using the Windows 7 installation CD? When you say clear all partitions, how do you do that?

 

[Faladu]

Yeah, the Windows 7's DVD install might allow a fresh wipe I believe, load it up and read carefully, I advise about 60gigs for OS partition at most, and try to install everything else on their own partitions, one for games, one for utilities, one for music, etc etc. to stay organized and make fresh installs later of the OS, less painful, only have to wipe the C: partition.

If you have to clear partitions it's very easy, but how to depends on tool used.
Just remove all the partitions, wording may vary depending on the app.

So if you have another system up and running and attach that drive you could wipe it there, then move it over.
Obviously, you can't wipe a drive you are using the OS on.

Using a partition manager like I mentioned, or you get one on a boot disc like AddRAM said and do it all from there.

I was typically wiping and dropping 7, 3 times a year for a while, same for XP.

But, usually manipulating HDs, always stuck a small partition (40ish gigs) in ahead of everything else for this purpose.

SMALL! :roflmao:
My first PC came with a 256meg HD, and a 356meg drive was like $350 at the time, the good old days.

 

[TC McConnell]

Thanks, it's been so long since I have done any of this that I have forgotten how. I am doing all of my critical files and data backups right now. Then I will proceed with the install.

 

[Faladu]

Good call, usually I save the headaches on that by buying a new HD and just using the old one as a data drive,that is why I have 4 HDs internal.

Absolutely critical to me, I can fit on a pen drive, in case the house catches fire.... and then there are external drives as real backups, not so bad if you have USB 3.0 going.

A 40-60gig SSD for OS partition then that other HD for the rest is fair way to go about it, too.
Like this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226370