How to install Windows 7 without formatting the partition?

[TarekElsakka]

Hello there,

I have a Sony Vaio with two partitions, a main one that 412 GB and another one that is 39GB. The operating system is on the main partition (412GB) but I have been having a lot of problems with it so I want to install a new Windows 7 Home Premium version.

The problem is that I do not have an external hard disk drive and cannot afford one right now. I have the Windows 7 DVD that came with the computer (Home Premium 64-bit) and I also created a USB drive off of it, and will probably be using the USB since it's much faster and smoother.

Anyway, my question is how do i install Windows 7 to the main partition (400GB one) without having to format it? I am aware that I can probably install a new version of Windows in the same partition and then the old Windows will be moved to a folder called Windows (old) but in the past I have struggled with deleting that folder and it created more problems than anything

Any information and/or advice is much appreciated.

Thank you very much.

 

[Sir George]

Hello there,

I have a Sony Vaio with two partitions, a main one that 412 GB and another one that is 39GB. The operating system is on the main partition (412GB) but I have been having a lot of problems with it so I want to install a new Windows 7 Home Premium version.

The problem is that I do not have an external hard disk drive and cannot afford one right now. I have the Windows 7 DVD that came with the computer (Home Premium 64-bit) and I also created a USB drive off of it, and will probably be using the USB since it's much faster and smoother.

Anyway, my question is how do i install Windows 7 to the main partition (400GB one) without having to format it? I am aware that I can probably install a new version of Windows in the same partition and then the old Windows will be moved to a folder called Windows (old) but in the past I have struggled with deleting that folder and it created more problems than anything

Any information and/or advice is much appreciated.

Thank you very much.

A repair install sounds like the answer;

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html

This will not replace the existing OS, but will repair some issues.

HTH

 

[whs]

Do I understand that you want to keep your current OS as a backup whilst installing a new one.

Repair install is a good option. If that does not work, post a picture of your Disk Management. Then we can see what other options you have.