How to Reformat Windows 7

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You may have a PC that has been infected with viruses or spyware, or you may have a blank hard drive you need to set up. In either case, you may need to reformat your hard drive. You can reformat a PC with Windows 7 by reinstalling Windows 7, or you might choose to format the hard drive without reinstalling your operating system. In either case, it's advisable to create a backup of your files before proceeding.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Formatting the Hard Drive Without Reinstalling Windows 7

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Partitioning the Hard Drive

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    Find all your installation discs or product keys for the programs you want to keep so that you can restore them after the installation is complete.
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    This means dividing the hard drive into parts and making the parts available to the OS (Operating System). [1]
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    ”
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    ”
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    It may be labeled Disk 1 or say “unallocated.” [2]
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    ”
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    You can choose the entire size of the hard drive or you could choose to create several partitions at this point, the total of which equals the size of the drive.
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    You can choose any letters other than A or B. [3]
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    ”
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  14. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/df\/Reformat-Windows-7-Step-14-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Reformat-Windows-7-Step-14-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/df\/Reformat-Windows-7-Step-14-Version-2.jpg\/aid3354401-v4-728px-Reformat-Windows-7-Step-14-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    ”
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Formatting the Hard Drive

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    ”
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/29\/Reformat-Windows-7-Step-17-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Reformat-Windows-7-Step-17-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/29\/Reformat-Windows-7-Step-17-Version-2.jpg\/aid3354401-v4-728px-Reformat-Windows-7-Step-17-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    For example, name it “Music.”
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    ” You can pick “Default” here.
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    ”
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    ”
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    ”
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    You will see the progress.
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    ”
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Formatting the Hard Drive by Reinstalling Windows 7

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    This should be printed on a sticker on your PC or on the documentation that was included with your PC. You will need this product key to reinstall Windows. If you do not have the installation discs, they can be obtained from Microsoft at microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/DisplayHelpPage. You download the Windows 7 ISO file to a DVD or USB flash drive.
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    Let Windows start and insert the Windows 7 USB flash drive or installation disc
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    ”
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    ”
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    .
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    .
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    You will name your computer and set up a user account.
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    ” If you are prompted for an administrator password, type the password or provide confirmation.
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    Activate your Windows 7 by typing your Windows 7 product key when prompted, click “Next,” and then follow the instructions or activate by clicking “Start,” “Computer,” “Properties” and “Activate Windows Now. ”
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    (Start, Control Panel, Windows Firewall.)
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  • Question
    Where is the prompt?
    Community Answer
    If you're on Windows, click on the Windows button on the bottom left, type in "command prompt" (without the quotes), then click on the result. If this fails, go to the Windows menu and type in "run" (without quotes), then type in "cmd" (without quotes) and press enter.
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  • Question
    What if one does not want to back up his files?
    Danoyachtcapt
    Top Answerer
    You don't have to back up your files if you don't really care much if you lose them. If they are important and you need them in your work, you should back up. I prefer to get an external hard drive and load everything on that, so I never need to use the PC's backup.
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      Warnings

      • Formatting does not erase all the contents of a hard drive securely. It is possible for someone to recover data from a formatted drive.
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      References

      1. ↑ Spike Baron. Network Engineer & Desktop Support. Expert Interview. 9 January 2019.
      2. ↑ Spike Baron. Network Engineer & Desktop Support. Expert Interview. 9 January 2019.
      3. ↑ Spike Baron. Network Engineer & Desktop Support. Expert Interview. 9 January 2019.
      4. https://www.techspot.com/community/topics/tutorial-how-to-reformat-your-hard-drive-and-install-reinstall-windows.53502/
      5. https://www.top-windows-tutorials.com/how-to-reinstall-windows-7/

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