Solved Windows 7 clean installation question

[sFalL]

Hi,

I have 500 GB hard drive with 3 partitions. Windows 7 is installed on C: drive, 8.1 is installed on D: drive (dual boot) and all of my programs and files are on E: drive. I would like to uninstall Windows 8.1 and do a clean installation of Windows 7 without losing data from E: drive. Can I simply insert Windows 7 installation CD and format first 2 drives and do clean installation without losing data or do I have to format whole hard drive?

 

[whs]

That is going to be a bit messy. I suggest to backup the User files from E (the programs cannot be used in a new installation) and start from scratch. Wipe the whole disk and install 7. Here is one way to do it.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html

When you are done with the installation, create a new E partition and recover the data from the backup.

 

[gregrocker]

You should always have your data backed up to begin with, against hard drive failure.

If you do and you want to keep E intact then I'd delete the other partitions and create a new on it their place. As long as you don't touch E you have nothing to worry about, providing you have a backup.


The tutorial Wolfgang linked above will assure you get and keep a perfect install for as long as you stick with the steps, tools and methods in it.