Reinstalling Windows 7. Question!

[Ryan915]

I have posted some issues on these forums and basically the recommendation I have been receiving most is to completely re-install 7 on my computer. I'm okay with that, but I have a few questions.

I have the install disc I got when I got this computer.

What exactly do I do? and will it erase ALL my pictures, videos etc..? If it does that's fine because I have an external hard drive that I will most likely just transfer my stuff onto that.

Will I have to install every single driver manually or will most of them automatically install? I'm not sure about all this because I've never done anything like this before.

Basically I just want to have a clean install of 7 onto my computer and transfer all my stuff to it and have everything work the correct way like it is now. Without the errors I am having obviously.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I have the install disc I got when I got this computer.

What exactly do I do? and will it erase ALL my pictures, videos etc..?

Will I have to install every single driver manually or will most of them automatically install?

Assuming you have a standard Windows installation disk, you would boot from that disk and follow the prompts. Don't boot from your hard drive.

But if you have a Dell, you may not have a standard install disk?

You would reinstall to your current C drive. Make sure you choose that drive. Anything currently on that drive will be gone, so back up to your external as you say.

Windows should have most of the needed drivers. If not, you can get any that are missing after the install.

Unplug any other drives you may have and any external devices before you begin.

You can resize partitions if you want to.

Might be a good idea for you to post a screen shot of your current Windows Disk Management before you begin.

 

[bigmck]

You need to back up all the files you want to keep. Your C: partition will be erased completely. If you have some files on a different partition, they will not be erased. I just reinstalled this weekend. == While the PC is running, put your Windows DVD in the drive. Shut down you PC and boot from the DVD. It will guide you through everything. It is a painless install, just follow the prompts. After it installs, Windows will search the internet for any additional drivers or file updates. Let us know how it goes.

 

[gregrocker]

All of the steps to get a perfect clean reinstall of factory OEM are here: Reinstalling Windows 7

Be sure you back up your files.

 

[Ryan915]

Okay this is frustrating. I basically have no idea what I'm doing apparently.

How EXACTLY do I re-install Windows 7 on my computer? I just want basic step by step instructions.

Everytime I try to load the setup disc on reboot I get some disk/IO error and it says to remove USB devices which are all removed. Don't know why that happens..

When I run it while I'm already logged into the computer it will take like an hour to "copy files" and then stop around 49% and say there's an error. The code is "0x80070017".

I basically have no clue what to do at this point. It's frustrating me to no end. I don't even understand WHERE to install Windows 7 to. I pick the C drive and it says something like.. "Windows 7 is already installed on this drive, you will lose files etc..." that's when I get that error code after it copies files.

Why do things have to be so difficult?

 

[theog]

   Information

We always assume you have made your Recovery Disks using the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Media Creator app the first day you had your new PC.
& made the Startup Repair CD.
startup repair disc-create
​

Did you make the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks?


How to use Dell Recovery Partition,make Recovery Disks & how to order Recovery Disks.
Dell - Support

 

[bigmck]

Why do things have to be so difficult?

They aren't. Look in post #4 from Gregrocker. He has a link to step-by-step installation instructions. Print those out and have them handy as you install. Before you start, post back if you have any questions about them.

 

[Ryan915]

I have no idea how I did it but I did it.. I ended up removing some of my RAM and tried to install it and it worked. I deleted all my drives and stuff and ended up with one unallocated drive and installed it onto that. Couldn't believe it finally worked.

Anyways.. I downloaded all my drivers, programs and such. Now what? How do I make a repair disc or image? I don't ever want these problems to happen again.

Also is there anything I can show you guys to make sure I did everything correctly? Like a screen shot? I wanna make sure everything is fine.

 

[gregrocker]

Why do you keep saying you have no idea what to do when I gave you specific steps in the blue link Reinstalling Windows 7, each of which are accompanied by illustrated tutorials? That is annoying.

If you post back a screenshot of your maximized Disk Management drive map with listings showing all columns, we will look it over to make sure the configuration is correct. Use Snipping Tool in Start Menu. Screen Shots