How do I wipe a Windows 10 clean?

[radarcarve]

I have a 2nd PC with Windows 10, and I decided I want to replace the OS with Windows 7. I have the new Win 7 pro disc. Is there a way for me to erase the system and start fresh? I am also concerned with getting the driver for internet connection... is that on the new disc, normally? Thanks

 

[mrjimphelps]

When you run the Windows 7 install, right at the beginning you can choose Custom Install. In that area, there will be an option for formatting the drive, deleting and recreating partitions, etc. If you want to totally wipe the drive and use it all for Windows 7, then delete all of the partitions and create one new partition for the entire drive; then format that partition.

As for the internet connection: The best way to deal with this issue is to find and download the driver before you start the process. Another way to do it is to wait till after you have installed Windows 7, and then try to connect to the internet. It might work, but it probably won't, so you'll probably have to get an Ethernet or wifi adapter for the computer which will work with Windows 7. If you have an extra one laying around, you could wait till after you do the Windows 7 install, then temporarily install the extra adapter. Then do a Windows Update. If you find an update for the built-in adapter, install only that one update. Then shut down, remove the temporary adapter, then power the computer on. This "Windows Update" method has never failed to work for me.

 

[MeOnMine]

Hi, just delete the partitions getting past the warnings and Windows will format and set up the whole disk automatic.
Make sure you have any other drives disconnected from the M/B and only have the drive you want to install the OS to, this way the MBR will be setup on the OS drive.
You need to have in BIOS set to Legacy and Other OS as Win 7 was not designed for UEFI (It can be done however if you have the knowledge but there is no benifit).

You will need more than just your LAN drivers for internet connection.
If you still have the M/B disk with drivers then use that if not then download all the latest drivers from your M/B manufacture before you start.
Install the Chipset Driver first and reboot, then the rest.
Don't forget your video card software and drivers if you have one.

 

[Paul Black]

Hi radarcarve,

You can also run either clean or clean all (with DISKPART) during the clean install process on the HDD or selected disk to delete/overwrite all of its MBR or GPT partitions, volumes, and any hidden sector information on MBR disks.

Here is a tutorial (Published by Brink) that will help you if you decide to go down this route:

Disk - Clean and Clean All with Diskpart Command

I hope this helps!

 

[Megahertz07]

BEFORE you wipe and clean your disk, you should check if the computer is able to have Win 7.
New CPU's and chipsets requires some drivers (mainly SATA and USB 3.x) drivers that aren't on Win 7 installation disk. You have to add them to the installation disk.
- Give us ALL the hardware specs (Model and brand) of your PC.
- Best thing you can do is to install win 7 on another disk. If something goes wrong you will still have the Win 10 disk.

 

[Paul Black]

Hi radarcarve,

Perhaps you could include your system specifications in your UserCP > Edit System Spec setup.

The tutorial below (Published by Brink and written by CyberZeus) let's you easily see all of your system information, and has an option to make filling out your system specs here at Seven Forums easier to do.

How to See Your System Specs with "System Info"

This way it will be easier for people to help you in the future!

I hope this helps!