install from scratch and deletion of old partition

[ddeeksy]

Hi,

I have a compaq presario 350 notebook running XP pro.... I have purchased the full installation disks for Win7. This came with 2 disks, Identicale in appearance. Can someone tell me what the 2 disks are for. I have managed to what I think is successfully install Win7. However The reason for me upgrading to Win 7 was to remove any old data and free up the Hard disk. This has not happened. Now I have even less disk space than before. Did I do his wrong ? Can I delete the old partition. If so How do I do it and do I need additional software to do this. Will I need to retain set up files etc or can I completley wipe the Hard disk and install fresh. Sorry for sounding a bit vaigue. I'm just not good at this sort of thing.
Heeeeeeeeeeeelp !!!

 

[Tews]

The discs are 32bit and 64bit versions of Windows 7.. Did you format your drive as a part of installation... if not then you will find a folder called windows.old ... this folders contains all of the documents and settings from your xp installation..You can retain any of these files that you wish to keep, then use the disc clean up function to remove this folder, which should free up several gb of data... or you can choose to format and reinstall...

Either way, Welcome to SevenForums...

 

[ddeeksy]

Thanks Tews.....

How do I completely remove the old XP Partition ? Do I have to format ? If so please can you tell me on a step by step basis how to do this. I also have 2 drives according to "MY Computer" A C: and a D: ( with presario and a little USB icon next to it ??? )

I just want to start a fresh with nothing on the laptop other than the newly installed Windows 7. I have backed up all my files that I wish to keep to an external hard drive. Which believe it or not I found easy to do !!! :sarc:

 

[TGSoldier]

In the windows 7 setup, highlight whatever your next partition is and select D, then select C: drive and click format. Then click New on the C drive and make sure the number is at the max MB your hdd can support.

 

[Nibiru2008]

Thanks Tews.....

How do I completely remove the old XP Partition ? Do I have to format ? If so please can you tell me on a step by step basis how to do this. I also have 2 drives according to "MY Computer" A C: and a D: ( with presario and a little USB icon next to it ??? )

I just want to start a fresh with nothing on the laptop other than the newly installed Windows 7. I have backed up all my files that I wish to keep to an external hard drive. Which believe it or not I found easy to do !!! :sarc:

Setup your laptop to boot first from the DVD drive. Put the install disk, either the 32bit or 64bit (whichever your computer supports) in the DVD drive and boot up the system. You'll see "Press any key to boot from DVD" on startup. Do that and the Windows 7 will start the install. Then DELETE all the partitions and setup new partitions and format them. Then proceed with your install.

You might want to go to this website for more info: http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/win7_upgrade.asp

 

[gregrocker]

Boot from the DVD. You are looking for Advanced Drive tools after choosing Custom install: These will let you Delete all, create New partitions as you wish (or just one big one) and Format before install.