Help Re-formatting

sandford · 16 Apr 2011 at 13:12

Hi, I've bought all of my new parts for my PC ready to install into my new build which I can do fine. What I need some clarification on however is the process about re-installing windows onto my HDD.

At the moment I have windows XP installed on my 250GB HDD which is what is running currently. What I want to do is format this drive and then when I build my new PC do a fresh install of windows 7 which I have an OEM license and disk for. What I need to know is whether or not I can simply click on format from my computer while in windows? Surely if you do this though, wont windows stop working completely as your wiping the disk while still in the OS?

Or isit just a case of re-attaching the HDD into the new build then booting the Windows 7 CD installation and then formatting the HDD from the installation suite and then re-installing windows from there?

I've not done this before and don't want to get it wrong, thanks!

nuttyprot · 16 Apr 2011 at 13:17

If you boot via disk or usb to install it will give you options that are self explanatory. If you want to remove XP and not duel boot just select delete partition options and select install.

Bloomfield · 16 Apr 2011 at 13:47

You want to boot from DVD, then just follow the instructions, they're straight forward

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If you have any problems or questions when you're doing it just post them then, as it'll be easier to answer when you hae the actual screen in front of you to look at

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SparkyG · 16 Apr 2011 at 16:39

Just follow the instructions on the WIN 7 DVD, it will sort everything out for you

cokecan · 16 Apr 2011 at 17:55

Always loved the term "re-formatting", it kind of implies you're formatting a disk that you've just formatted

Anyway, as above. Drop the disk in an W7 will do it's thing. Also worth noting that Windows won't physically let you use the format option from within windows on the OS partition so even if you clicked it, nothing would happen.