Solved Remove partition after clean install?

[TaylorRay]

Okay, I have a computer with Widows 7 already installed, but I want to do a clean install to remove all the bloatware that came with it. I know how to burn the Windows 7 ISO to a DVD/USB. Thing is there are some files that I don't want to erase (I have them moved to a folder on my desktop) but I don't have enough space to store them elsewhere (approx. 125 GB total, and no, you didn't read that wrong).

I was wondering if it was possible to do a clean install *without* formatting/removing the current partitions, move the files I want from my current OS/partition to the new one, and then remove/format the old ones, leaving me with just the new one and my files. :devil2:

So, is that possible?

 

[gregrocker]

Please post back a screenshot of your maximized Disk Management drive map and listings:

1. Type Disk Management in Start rb: Search box.
2. Open Disk Mgmt. window and maximize it.
3. Type Snipping Tool in Start Search box.
4. Open Snipping Tool, choose Rectangular Snip, click New, draw a box around full drive map and all listings.
5, Save Snip, attach using paper clip in Reply Box.

It isn't a recommended backup method since HD's can fail, but if you have no other options we'll help you create a partition on the end of the HD to store your data. As long as you don't touch that partition during reinstall your data should be safe there.

While you wait look over these steps to get a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

 

[TaylorRay]

Just in case it matters, the files I'm wanting to keep are currently located on the C: Drive. Which, I originally thought was my main drive, but apparently the main drive is the one called "System". I honestly don't know why there are four partitions, I didn't make any of them. :huh:

 

[gregrocker]

Hopefully you've read Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 by now including the special Notes for HP Owners at end.

You may want to make your Recovery Disks first so you have a path back to factory condition, in which case you can delete the HP Recovery and tools partitions if you want:
Creating Recovery Discs or Saving a Recovery Image to a USB Flash Drive (Windows 7) | HP® Support .
Partition or Volume - Delete. Let us know if it balks.

Then shrink C by enough to make a partition at the right end of your HDD to copy your files into. Partition or Volume - Shrink
Partition or Volume - Create New typing into the box shown in Step 9 the label "DATA" during creation.

Then during Clean Install Windows 7 when you reach Steps 6/7 use the Drive Options to delete System and C making sure to avoid the Data partition you've made, create a New partition in that space which will also make a new System boot partition, format the new C partition and Install there.

The survival of your files will depend upon not touching the Data partition during install.

 

[TaylorRay]

Okay, I did that but the partition I was able to create was not large enough to store all the files. However, a friend has been gracious enough to let me use her laptop to store the rest temporarily. (Going to take at least a few hours to transfer but it should work.)

I have one more question though: I downloaded the Windows 7 ISO (from the link) but my resulting file says it's only 2GB. It appears to have everything I need (I made a copy and extracted it) but I just expected it to be larger than that. Is that the correct size or should I try to download it again?

Anyway, I'm going to sleep for a bit (1:00 AM here) and then try to do the install in the morning. If all goes well, I'll mark this thread "solved" by evening.

 

[gregrocker]

Download another copy of the ISO which should be at least 2.5 gb for 32 bit and 3 gb for 64.

 

[edwar]

Simple fact is a real clean install. IMHO, is to a drive that is completely empty, Wiped.

Just buy an external hard drive and copy those file to it. Erase/format/re-partition that drive and do a clean install.

 

[TaylorRay]

Okay, had to re-download the ISO and it for some reason froze during installation. Shutdown, re-boot, and moved USB drive to another port and BAM!, only took 15 minutes from start to desktop. I now only have the C: Drive, the system partition it created and my files. Much faster, less clutter, I'm happy.

Thanks for the help.