Windows7 Full not wiping my files + partition problem

[Pomozy]

Hi guys, I really hope someone can help me.

I've installed Windows 7 Full version 3 times now but all of my old files are still on the computer. I used 'custom install' as I read that this would wipe everything...but it didn't. ???
My pc is choc-a-block full of rubbish and I want it all gone without having to go through deleting it all manually..I've been able to wipe everything with previous windows installs so I can't understand why it doesn't work with Windows7.

Also, I have 2 partitions on my hard drive (the other has Linux on it)...I'd like to go back to just having the one & installing windows7 over everything...does anyone know how I can do this...pleeeeeeease???



forgot to mention...I'm not very tech savvy so please make any helpful hints as simple as possible. lol Thank you

 

[Tews]

load up linux, open gparted and wipe your drive, then install windows 7...

 

[Pomozy]

Hi Tews, thanks for replying so quickly.
I don't seem to be able to open linux anymore since I installed windows7...it's still there though cos I can see it when I go into disk management.

 

[Tews]

what version of linux and do you still have the cd?? If it is ubuntu, boot into the live mode and proceed as in above...

 

[SIW2]

For a proper clean install, you need to frormat the partition first.

You can do it during installation.

When you get to screen asking where you want to install 7 , select Drive Options( advanced) , the next screen allows you to repartition, delete, format, as you wish.

If you simply format the partition , then install 7 - you won't get the Windows.old folder.

However, that will also remove the Active flag ( if present).

Unless you have another Active partition - you will get the 100mb "system" partition.

As Tews says, easiest is to use 3rd party bootable partition manager - Boot the cd, delete the existing partitions - create new one(s) first - mark the intended 7 partition Active.

Then Boot 7 dvd and install direct onto that partition.

Gparted or Partition Wizard Free will do the job.

Download Partition Wizard Boot Disc .iso NOW

Download Partition Wizard Home Edition NOW

Info:

Free Download Partition Wizard

Hope it helps

Hi guys, I really hope someone can help me.

I've installed Windows 7 Full version 3 times now but all of my old files are still on the computer. I used 'custom install' as I read that this would wipe everything...but it didn't. ???
My pc is choc-a-block full of rubbish and I want it all gone without having to go through deleting it all manually..I've been able to wipe everything with previous windows installs so I can't understand why it doesn't work with Windows7.

Also, I have 2 partitions on my hard drive (the other has Linux on it)...I'd like to go back to just having the one & installing windows7 over everything...does anyone know how I can do this...pleeeeeeease???



forgot to mention...I'm not very tech savvy so please make any helpful hints as simple as possible. lol Thank you

 

[Pomozy]

I have the Mint version of Linux which I think is based on Ubuntu...if I remember rightly?? Great OS but I just want to wipe everything and start again fresh with Windows7. Yes I do have the cd.
Thanks so much for your help guys. I'm printing this info up and going to give it a go...wish me luck! lol

 

[Pomozy]

It worked!!!!!! Yayyy!!!
The partitions were deleted, windows7 is now installed, & all of my old files are gone!!
Thank you sooo much for all of your help. Your instructions were easy to follow and it ended up being a very quick fix in the end.
Thanks again I really appreciate it.

 

[Tews]

Glad you got it all sorted out!

 

[MacGyvr]

Why would the OP have needed to use Linux for anything regarding a Windows 7 installation? Very bad advice. All he needed to do was format the drive or delete and recreate the partition from within the Windows 7 installation routine.

 

[SIW2]

Very bad advice.

What makes you say that?

The OP was quite happy to use a program he already had and was familiar with. It worked perfectly for him.

Not the way you might have done it, perhaps - each to their own.

 

[MacGyvr]

It simply makes no sense to involve something else in the process that isn't needed. Everything you need is on the Win 7 installation disc. It adds another layer of complexity to something that is really quite simple.