Possible to make Windows 7 primary partition?

[texascarb]

At the end of each semester, I typically restore my primary laptop (Asus G1S) to the factory default settings. I realize that this isn't technically necessary, but there's something psychologically pleasing about a freshly installed operating system. It's somewhat like returning to a hotel room in the afternoon after the maid has tidied up. The bed is made, the bathroom is stocked with clean towels, and the free water bottles have been replenished.

I'm currently downloading the Windows Seven installation files, and have been reading through various guides. Many writers recommend partitioning one's hard drive to permit a dual boot. However, since I've just restored my system completely, I would rather just turn the entire thing over to Windows 7 without any Vista remnants clogging up the machine. If things go south, I can always unpack the restore disks and revert to the factory default state.

Is this advisable and possible? Can I completely wipe out Windows Vista and turn my machine entirely over to Windows 7?

Thanks!
Aaron

 

[gapshirt]

this website

How-To: Install Windows 7 RC as a Dual Boot, Over Vista, or From Scratch | Maximum PC

lays out how to do that Aaron.


along your line of questioning, though, I'd like to know if I'd be able to restore my computer to factory defaults (Vista) if I were to install Windows 7 on top of my current OS. If my computer were to have a problem as it is, I could always go to the backup/restore center and, with my discs, return it to factory settings.....is that possible after doing a clean install of this new OS?

 

[myzr7]

hi tex.. Have a look at this maybe what you want to know http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

take a look at instruction #7+8 which deals with formating the partition. that will wipe vista clean .. good luck. lm

 

[texascarb]

Thanks for the advice, folks. Worked like a charm, and I'm loving Windows 7. This afternoon, I switched two of my other laptops over to the release edition as well. Just hope I'm able to revert back to factory-default-Vista when June 2010 rolls around. (Hmm... perhaps they'll have some good bundle upgrade deals for geeks who have far too many laptops in their household.)