Reinstall Windows

The1nonly1 · 25 Apr 2017 at 16:59

Bit of advice needed here. I have a SSD for Windows and a HDD for programs, Documents and everything else. I am waiting to reinstall Windows 10 so it's fresh but unsure how to go about this and not sure what would happen to the programs on my HDD. (Never done it with more than one SSD/HDD in my system).

I know how to install Windows and i'll be doing this by unplugging the HDD and installing to the SSD. For my programs, would I just reinstall them over the existing files on the HDD or am I best formatting that too?

Orcvader · 25 Apr 2017 at 17:17

Just delete the programs folder (if it's in the same partition as your documents etc) and start it afresh, the new install will not recognise it as programs at all. For Steam on the other hand you can back up the steamapps folder and then copy it over to the new Steam install so it saves you from redownloading all your games.

The1nonly1 · 25 Apr 2017 at 17:31

Didn't think of just deleting the Programs folder. That will save a lot of time rather than having to backup documents, pictures etc.

OLDPHART · 28 Apr 2017 at 08:03

Hi, just disconnect your HDD and any USB devices apart from mouse and keyboard, and then re-install your OS.