Reinstalling Windows 7 to SSD or quick format

BruceyBaby · 23 Sep 2014 at 18:17

My PC is starting take a bit more time then I would like to load some programs, so I was thinking of doing a clean install of Windows 7 as this is what I would usually do. Now I currently have an SSD which has the OS on it, but this would be my first time re-installing Windows 7 back on to the SSD and I'm wondering if it would be the same procedure as a standard HDD. On the HDD I would normally just put the Windows 7 disk in, boot it up, delete the partitions and re-install Windows back on, I would never click the Format button, is it the same way with an SSD? Also is it worth doing this? I've read doing a quick format is a good idea, but I've never actually done one.

This is the first time I've had a secondary storage device (my old HDD), and I use it for my games and random tat that I don't want on my SSD, is it worth doing a full format on that (the HDD) when needed?

Captain · 23 Sep 2014 at 19:39

If you are installing windows 7 on an SSD, I would recommend formatting first, as you'll create a windows old folder and have less space on your drive.

Best just to have a nice clean HDD

Philtor · 23 Sep 2014 at 22:11

What SSD do you have? A secure erase on the drive takes seconds and will restore performance prior to reinstalling.

KIA · 24 Sep 2014 at 12:19

Delete the partitions and reinstall.

BruceyBaby · 24 Sep 2014 at 16:31

It's a Samsung 840 pro.

Thanks for the help all.

Amraam · 25 Sep 2014 at 09:32

As said, just delete all partitions and install straight onto unallocated space. Windows will sort out the drive and make some of adjustments needed for SSDs.

SPArton · 25 Sep 2014 at 11:42

SSDs work in the same way as conventional HDDs in this respect.

Make sure you remove the old partitions. This can be done within the Windows setup program. And then install as normal.

In this kind of scenario I generally unplug the other hard drives until setup is complete. Just to be on the safe side