How to wipe HDD without removing OS (Windows 7)?

ObL1t3r4t0r

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Apr 16, 2014
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Hello,

I would like to erase all data from my HDD however I would like to keep the OS (Windows 7 64bit-Home Premium). I do not have a windows install disk as it came with my PC, so it's not just a simple case of formatting then re-installing. I've looked online and found that restoring my PC to factory settings will do this however as always online there are doubts about doing this.

So I'd like to know the best way to do wipe all data from my HDD without getting rid of Windows.

I really appreciate any help,

Thanks in advance.
 
Solution
I almost always recommend a clean install on a new SSD.

As for 'user stuff' - the only stuff you really need to worry about is your personal documents and files. Have them saved elsewhere and offline during the process.
Your applications will need to be reinstalled with the new OS.

USAFRet

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Moderator
You mostly can't do that.

At best, you can uninstall all applications. But almost certainly some gunk will be left behind. So it will not be a pristine Windows 7 install.

Do you have the activation key? If so, you can download the official Windows 7 ISO here, and reinstall. Wiping out everything and starting fresh.
http://www.w7forums.com/threads/official-windows-7-sp1-iso-image-downloads.12325/
 
It depends on what you mean by "wipe". If you mean security wipe because you are going to get rid of it, I don't know of a way to do that and keep the OS. But, as mentioned in an earlier post, you could security wipe the entire disk and reinstall Win7 if you have the product key.

The factory refresh will make the existing data unavailable but ti will still be on the drive which is not as good as a security wipe.
 

ObL1t3r4t0r

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Apr 16, 2014
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Thanks for the feedback guys.

I want to add an SSD to my system and put windows on it for obvious reasons. So if I were to download the ISO and then do a clean install onto the SSD how would I get all my user stuff across? Just literally move the user files from my HDD to SSD? The other option I was going to take was to clone my HDD with windows onto the SSD then get rid of everything but windows etc. So which option would it be best to take, clean install and move files or clone and delete dupes?

Thanks again

I do have the windows activation code btw so it's possible for me to clean install.
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
I almost always recommend a clean install on a new SSD.

As for 'user stuff' - the only stuff you really need to worry about is your personal documents and files. Have them saved elsewhere and offline during the process.
Your applications will need to be reinstalled with the new OS.
 
Solution

ObL1t3r4t0r

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Apr 16, 2014
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Ok that sounds like a plan. I'll clean install and then move the apps I use the most onto the new SSD and the others will be fine on my HDD? I just want to be sure! While installing the new windows I will disconnect my HDD so there are no problems at all.

 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


Not move apps...reinstall.
 

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