Reparing Windows 7

Brumboy · 15 Feb 2011 at 20:05

I'm having a few problems with my computer and I can't seem to locate the specific problem, also doesn't help that my restore points have been deleted.

So I was wondering if it's possible to basically restore/repair Windows 7 back to it's original system settings without my data files (films/music/pictures) being deleted.

My hard drive is split in two partitions, one for Windows 7 & programs and the second for my data files.

I heard you can repair Windows 7, but will that uninstall all of my programs? I really would like to start again without deleting all my files off my hard drive so if anyone can explain how to do this that would be brilliant.

Would I also need to install my graphic card drivers aswell?

I don't mind reinstalling programs it's just all my data I'm worried about, I only have about 20 programs to install, most are fast to install.

theheyes · 15 Feb 2011 at 20:57

Boot from the disc and just do a clean install to your Windows partition. Yes you will have to install your graphics driver (if it's not the default one) and programs again.

You really want to be careful you don't wipe the wrong partition. It sounds like a schoolboy error but it happens to the best of us. If youre worried about your files it sounds to me like you haven't got a backup - I suggest you start one.

Brumboy · 15 Feb 2011 at 21:01

I haven't updated my graphics driver, it's just the default one from the CD, so that would be ok right?

I do have backups but I would rather not transfer 600GB+ of data around.

So if I do a clean brand new install on the windows partition it won't affect or damage/delete any of my data on the second partition?

This clean install..is it just like installing windows 7 for the first time? with literally no programs/system changes, just the basic default settings, cause that's what I want, then I can be careful about what programs/settings I change without deleting my data files.

SiriusB · 15 Feb 2011 at 22:13

Anything on your second partition will be fine. When installing Windows just follow the setup prompts - it is almost as easy as installing any other piece of software. When it asks you which disk/partition to install to, the current C: drive should be clearly labelled along with whatever name you have given it. It will also tell you the size of the partition and how much free space there is. All of which can help make sure you pick the right one.

You will be asked if you are sure you want to install over the top of the current install, tell it yes.

As theheyes has already said, try to backup anything really important if you can - just in case the worst happens [really unlikely, but better safe than sorry!]. Plus if you really do have that much data you ought to have a backup anyway - what would you do if your whole HDD went bang one day?

Brumboy · 15 Feb 2011 at 22:29

Right that seems good, I'll have to make sure I choose the right partition! I really like the fact that the partition will make it a whole lot easier to repair windows in the future if I come across any serious errors/viruses.

I have about 450GB of data backed up on a 500GB hard drive, but I've literally just ordered a 2 TB external HDD which comes tomorrow so I'll be able to backup everything safely aswell as create a system image.

Also, when I'm doing this clean install will I be able to change partition sizes? I have one partition for Windows which is 200GB and 1.62TB partition for data, but I want to increase the size the 200GB partition to 300GB.

One last thing, will this have any affect on the motherboard settings & BIOS? My CPU is overclocked via the Asus BIOS system and the BIOS has been flashed to the latest version, my BIOS/overclock settings shouldn't change?

Thanks for the help aswell.

SiriusB · 15 Feb 2011 at 22:31

Reinstalling the OS shouldn't affect your BIOS settings. Though it is recommended you install the OS at stock clocks - just in case there is some instability that isn't normally apparant day-to-day. The Asus boards have a means of saving profiles, so you can go to stock, install Windows, then reinstate the profile with all of your settings.

Brumboy · 15 Feb 2011 at 22:32

Alright thanks.

Also, when I'm doing this clean install will I be able to change partition sizes? I have one partition for Windows which is 200GB and 1.62TB partition for data, but I want to increase the size the 200GB partition to 300GB, is this possible during the install of Windows 7?

Brumboy · 17 Feb 2011 at 18:47

When I insert the CD and start Windows 7 Installer up, there are two options, Upgrade & Custom.

Which one do I go for? Apparentely custom install will wipe all my data, but does that apply for partition 1 with Windows 7 or partition 2 with all my data on?

I want a clean install of Windows but I want to keep all my data files on my 2nd partition.