Performing a clean install

[harshil]

Hi, I usually just follow the instructions on the windows installer when trying to reformat my computer. However I remember coming across a link which explains how to do a COMPLETE format and fresh install correctly.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I'm not sure what link you are referring to or what you mean by a "COMPLETE format", but why do you think you need to do anything other than what you usually do? What's wrong with that method?

 

[matts6887]

follow the instructions in the following link which will tell you step by step on what to do to do a clean install:

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

hopefully that should help ya out. Post back if you need further assistance.

 

[gregrocker]

In addition the same reinstall steps in picture below compile everything that works best in tens of thousands of installs we've helped with here. You'll get and keep a perfect install to the exact extent you stick with those steps, tools and methods.

 

[AddRAM]

You only format the partition you want to install windows on, or you delete all the partitions down to unallocated space and create new partitions or simply click next.

 

[harshil]

I guess I wasn't clear enough so let me make my situation more clear. Basically, I'm performing a clean install but want it so that when I do it allows me still use the windows recovery tools (using the recovery CD). Currently, when I try and do so it says the following:


[

This is a picture of my current HDD's. Windows is installed on the C drive, and the second HDD is used for data;

http://puu.sh/9ObE0/4391344aa6.jpg

Also I seem to have two programme files folders atm, which I don't want:

http://puu.sh/9ObFi/178f30273a.png

 

[gregrocker]

Are you using the latest official installation media for your licensed version from Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7?

If you installed with pre-SP1 media or are using a pre-SP1 Repair disk then you need to download and burn the latest with SP1 or generate a new System Repair Disk to avoid that error when trying to access System Recovery Options.


http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/668-system-recovery-options.html

 

[harshil]

I think the installation I used wasn't pre sp1, since it did run a lot of windows update after windows installed. To get to the recovery window, I just used the same USB (which I installed windows from) , so maybe that's why it didn't work?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Also I seem to have two programme files folders atm, which I don't want:

That's normal and expected.

 

[AddRAM]

You are supposed to have 2 program file folders, don`t worry about it and leave it alone already.