SSD Format

[GerardoG]

I'm making a new Gaming rig but re using the Hard drives from the old ones, I can easily Format the Mass Storage one, but the SSD has the OS and i also want to be clean and only leave the OS files, but im not sure if that is possible and i can't find the OS CD, any tips on how to leave the OS only on the SSD?

[DnFx91]

best way is to put the OS drive in the new machine with all files and crap on it, then just "factory reset" from within windows, its in the recovery section of settings

[LogicalDrm]

Absolute best way is to reinstall OS. Other way would be deleting one-by-one stuff you don't want. Which can get messy as you can't be sure which files are needed for OS to run properly.

 

 You can create Windows/Linux installer easily on USB drive with current PC. Use that way. Just make sure to have your key safe somewhere. Unless its Win10 and you have key connected with MS account.

[Mira Yurizaki]

If it's Windows 10, you can use a USB thumb drive to create the install media from Microsoft's Media Creation tool. If it's Windows 7, you need the CD key, but you can get it from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7 then use something like Rufus to put the ISO image on a USB thumb drive and make it bootable.

 

Otherwise, there's no real easy way to "clean" an OS install without actually doing a reinstall.

[DnFx91]

all these are good options, mine is the laziest and requires the least work IMO

[DnFx91]

3 minutes ago, M.Yurizaki said:

Otherwise, there's no real easy way to "clean" an OS install without actually doing a reinstall.

Not completely true, its just tedious, the only way to do it without reinstalling, is manually. (or cloning if you are the kind of nerd that clones his entire machine every month.........yes i do that)

 

honestly after 3 years of doing it for a living, making a shit infested garbage OS look somewhat presentable and hire-able, i can do it in like 10 minutes now, jus gimme a copy of ccleaner

[WesTech]

I'd really recommend just formatting and re-installing the OS. More tedious but fresh rig, fresh start! You'll have the best experience and won't need to worry about lingering incompatible drivers from the old rig. Good luck!