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    Does windows 7 Format drive??

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by albertp2000, Aug 22, 2009.

  1. albertp2000

    albertp2000 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Sorry here is a retarded question. When you install windows 7 does everything on your hard drive get formatted? Do you have to back everything up before installing Windows 7?
     
    albertp2000, Aug 22, 2009
    #1
  2. namaiki

    namaiki "basically rocks" Super Moderator

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    If you upgrade from vista, nothing should be erased, if you do a clean install, the vista folders will be renamed. The hard drive should not be erased unless you select the partition within Windows setup and click format.
     
    namaiki, Aug 22, 2009
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  3. jnjroach

    jnjroach Notebook Evangelist

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    Actually if you do s clean install of Vista or Windows 7, as long as you don't delete or format your drive it will create a Windows.old folder with all of your data, you will still have to reninstall your apps. The best way to do the clean install is to run Windows Easy Transfer from the Windows 7 DVD on your Vista box, then install the OS, reinstall your apps and then run Windows Easy Transfer to restore your settings and data...

    Jeff
     
    jnjroach, Aug 22, 2009
    #3
  4. Lew

    Lew Notebook Deity

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    All correct above; the Windows Easy Transfer seems to work pretty well.

    Still do a full backup of your system. It's pretty foolish to perform such a major operation on your computer without having a good backup. As solid as the process seems to be now, there's still the opportunity for something to happen.
     
    Lew, Aug 23, 2009
    #4
  5. surfasb

    surfasb Titles Shmm-itles

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    I never tried Windows Easy Transfer. Time to give it a try today.
     
    surfasb, Aug 24, 2009
    #5