Installing Windows 7

[slimkay]

I have a Dell Inspiron 1525 Laptop with Vista 32bit already installed. I only have 1 big partition (C where Windows, my apps and files are located. I've already backed up everything, burned the Win7 ISO on a DVD.

When I came on the hard drive screen during the install, it wouldn't let me format the C: partition. I assume that's because it was "already in use".

Right now, I am using Paragon Partition Manager to create a 50GB partition (E on which I'll probably install Win7 (I should have partitioned my HDD a long time ago but didn't do it out of laziness).

Now, what are my options for Windows 7? How can I format that C:? I really want a clean install of Windows 7. Can I format from DOS?

Thank you

 

[richc46]

You insert the Seven install dvd
boot from the DVD
You will come to a screen that says upgrade or custom install, you will pick the third option advanced. In advanced you will see the option to format.
Step 7
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

 

[DocBrown]

Welcome to SevenForums

Check this tutorial

:ar: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html?ltr=C

 

[slimkay]

How could I have missed that?

Thanks, guys. A lot. It's still installing, right now, though.

Hitting that rep button ASAP!

EDIT: After the Win7 install, will it be safe to partition my HDD (I am tired of backing up countless amounts of data) using a software like Partition Manager? I intended to partition before the W7 install...

 

[richc46]

Great thanks.
Any other questions or problems just post.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you.

 

[slimkay]

From previous post:

After the Windows 7 install, will it be safe to partition my HDD (I am tired of backing up countless amounts of data) using a software like Partition Manager? I originally intended to partition before the Windows 7 install... but I just couldn't wait 1+ hour to install Windows 7!

 

[richc46]

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2668-partition-volume-delete.html

 

[slimkay]

Thanks, again.

And Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all you guys

 

[richc46]

Same to you.
Any other related questions just ask.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello slimkay, welcome to Seven Forums!



If you wanted the best possible install you could use the method outlined in this tutorial at the link below, to use the Windows installer to both do a wipe (secure erase) to the entire Hard Disk Drive and then create a partition to do the install to; be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.


SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation