Best way to re-format and keep data?

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podonnell

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Hi,

I've had my Win7 install for about 6 years now, and things are just.... 'clunky' now. I've maintained pretty well which programs start with my PC, what's installed, etc... But over time the OS has developed problems like random CPU temp increases, slower shutdown, etc..

I upgraded to an SSD a few years back with the fresh install, and recently cloned the OS to a bigger SSD, but performance is still not where I want it.

I feel I just need a full refresh, and I don't think I'm ready for Windows 10.

I have my Win7 CD -- should I simply reformat the PC and choose the options that 'keep all files'? I absolutely do not want to lose any data whatsoever.

If I do this, will all the documents, pictures, etc.. Remain where they are? Do I have an option to go back?
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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"I absolutely do not want to lose any data whatsoever."

When redoing the OS, there is always the possibility of it going wrong, and you losing everything.

1. You should have a backup anyway.
2. Any absolutely critical files, copy elsewhere.
3. Prepare for this just like you'd prepare for an actual drive fail.
 
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penguintech

penguintech

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The keep all files option at the Windows 7 install screen is for upgrades, it's not to reload your Windows 7 that's already on the machine. It will not allow you to do this. Best thing to do is Create a backup of your current Hard drive and then do the reload. Unlike windows 8 and 10 there is no "refresh" option and there is no "revert" option. Absolutely do a backup before you attempt to do anything first though.
 
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podonnell

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Backups all taken care of, but ideally I would like to never remove the data from the harddrive in the first place.

However, it sounds like the only way to do that is to upgrade the OS to Windows 10. If I want 7, I'll need a full format and then to replace all the files.

I am confident in my backup, but it's still scary.

Sounds like I need to decide if I want Win10 or not. Otherwise I'll just have to do a fresh install and move all the data back.
 
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JackNaylorPE

JackNaylorPE

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With your OS on the SSD and data on the HD this should be rather simple.

1. Unplug HD SARA cable.

2. Format drive and do a fresh install on either OS (see "Fresh install Windows 7" / Fresh Install Windows 10 on sevenforums.com / tenforums.com

3. Turn off, reconnect SATA cable to HD and boot

4. Set Windows Update to tell you that updates are available but let you decide when to d/l and install them (win7) . Turn OFF Win 7 / Win 10Windows Update' ability to install hardware drivers.... again tutorials on same two sites.

5. Install all original hardware drivers from media that came in box.

6. Run Windows Update the 22 or so times it needs to get finished.

7. Install latest BIOS and Hardware Drivers from manufacturers web sites.

8. Install any programs / whatever so set up registry entries. And stuff on HD should be installed into exact same folder.

9. You data is till sitting safe on the HD, untouched by any of this activity.

10. This is a good time to do some spring cleaning ... go thru and delete the junk. Delete any junk files (*.tmp, *.dmp, etc) and whatever else you don't need. Defrag the HD.
 
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podonnell

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I have thought about this before actually. However it seemed difficult in Windows 7 to keep my documents, pictures, and videos... pretty much all personal stuff separate. Maybe I could take a look into this again. I have a small SSD laying around, I could just wipe that and put Win7 on there and connect to my current drive and point to my user folder.

I think a worry of mine was what data might go into <OS Drive>:/Users/podonnell/...
My fear was that data might go in here and not where my actual docs, pics, vids, etc.. folders are?
 
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podonnell

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So, this unfortunately does not work. Though I can point my personal folders to the other drive, my programs are still choosing to save on my OS drive -- C:/Users/<username>/My Documents --- in many cases you cannot change where things are automatically saved, and I am going to experience having my documents, etc.. split between two drives.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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That is specific to the particular application.
Some don't play nice.
 
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podonnell

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That's unfortunate, as I'm really not up to keeping track of two separate My Documents folders, seeing that some personal or important data can be dropped on the OS drive, which I do not want. I think the only solution is keeping the OS and personal documents together.
 
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