How to clear HDD

[illway1]

I want to clear everything I have on my hard drive because it is getting pretty cluttered.

Can someone tell me how I can clear my data but still keep my OS?

Pretty much I just want all my data and programs to be deleted (ill install them later), but still keep the OS.

Thanks in advance

 

[BriceH]

Hi, illway1. It sounds as if you want to do a clean reinstall of Windows 7. To do so, please follow this tutorial:

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

Important: This will remove ALL of your data. That means your programs, documents, movies, music, and anything else. Make sure to have a backup of whatever you want to keep. You will be left with nothing but a bare-bones installation of Windows 7.

 

[t-4-2]

I want to clear everything I have on my hard drive because it is getting pretty cluttered.

Can someone tell me how I can clear my data but still keep my OS?

Pretty much I just want all my data and programs to be deleted (ill install them later), but still keep the OS.

Thanks in advance

If you bought your computer pre-instaled with the OS, then you most likely do not have the DVD Installation disc.

In that case, if you had made a set of Factory Default discs when you first bought the computer, you can use them to restore your computer to " factory settings " as if it is brand new coming out from the factory.

If you don't have that either, contact your computer manufacturer, ask them the followings ;

1. Ask for a set of Recovry disc. The cost is minimal.
2. Ask them if there is a Recovery Partition in your computer ( they know ).
If answer is "yes", ask them to teach you how to use the recovery partition. It is their partition, they know how to use it.

 

[seavixen32]

When you've re-installed Windows and your programs why don't you do a full image backup, which can then be restored at will.

You can use Windows 7's backup software or choose a third-party such as Acronis or Macrium.

 

[illway1]

I build the computer myself, I got the installation disks so I will probably do that. Thanks

 

[illway1]

@seavixen32

I dont want to do a full image because there are programs on it I dont want. Easier for me to totally reset and download only the programs I need

 

[BriceH]

I build the computer myself, I got the installation disks so I will probably do that. Thanks

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