Windows 7 Restore

[ZombifiedPyro]

Is there a way to do a restore/reformat on the boot drive without removing windows?

[GoodBytes]

format, means you set every bits of the selected drive or partion to 0. Else, it's just a delete action. Deleting everything except Windows, will break you Windows. As registry items related to program, well wont' exists, same for shortcuts of non-Windows stuff. Also if you mean to include drivers: Windows has set to load drivers that no longer exists.. the results is that you'll most likely encounter further issues.

[ZombifiedPyro]

I do not have the windows 7 disk since the computer came from bestbuy. Just want all the data off.

[GoodBytes]

You manually need to remove them I am afraid.

Else, you need to wipe clean everything with a format and reinstall Windows. (Before you do, make your restoration disk, just in case things goes horribly wrong, and the manufacture lock things downs). You can get a Windows 7 ISO (be sure to get the correct one): http://www.w7forums.com/official-windows-7-sp1-iso-image-downloads-t12325.html

And use the product key on the Windows label on your system. Activation might fail, but just do a phone activation to enable the product key.

Please note, that some OEM software (usually related to the webcam), doesn't make them available to download. The drivers yes, but not the software. This is just crap ways so that you go to the OEM and pay for their re-install service.

Why does OEM does this, why the OS disk is not included with the system, and why some OEM lock things down? You ask. Because the consumer demand the lowest price possible computer, with the highest specs, and OEMs needs to show increase revenue for its investors. If the consumer demanded quality and warranty, believe me, it would be like Business class systems, where you have 3 year warranty to start with (some even have a tech that comes at your place, at the exact time you want, to fix your laptop/desktop, and fix the problem you are faciing, in fornt ofyou, all part of the warranty), OS disk included (you need to request it, as they assume you have volume license of Windows, so you really don't need the disk), long battery life, cool and quiet operation, not so bad tech support on the phone, and solid build quality. In other words, like Apple computers (just 3 year warranty). But that's a premium that many arent; willing to pay, so you have what we have. Oh and junk on the system to reduce price.

[ZombifiedPyro]

Thank you for your detailed response. How would I use the ISO, it has been a long time since I have used something with that file extension. I wish I had Windows 7 Ultimate, albeit useless for me, but just want it to have the best.

[GoodBytes]

You can get Windows 8 Pro with Media Center (there is no more Ultimate edition) if you want the best. It was 40$ all together on special back from October 2012 to Jan 31st 2013. :/

Anyway, ISO's are not too complicated to work with. The cool thing about having the ISO, is that it give you 2 ways to use the ISO file to install Windows on your system.

1- via disk (traditional way)

2- via USB flash drive (super fast install, as USB flash drive are much faster than DVD disk (assuming of course you do have a fast USB flash drive, if you have those crappy ones, then no, use #1)

Disk method:

1- All you need is a disk burning software. I recommend the free and easy to use: IMGBurn (http://www.imgburn.com/?act=download)

Once installed, and you run it, you'll see this:

2- Click on "Write image to disk", where it will get you to a screen where you pick your ISO file:

3- Now click on the big bottom button, of the file with a disk on it, with a arrow pointing to a disk (burn iso image to disk).

Once it's done, you are ready to restart your computer to boot from the disk and install Windows 7.

USB Flash Drive:

You need a fast 8GB or more flash drive for this. Before you start insert it to your system. Expect that all content of the USB Flash drive will be erased permanently. If you need the content and want to do this method, make a backup of its content on another system or external drive (as your system will be formatted)

1- Get the ISO to USB free utility from Microsoft: http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msstore/html/pbPage.Help_Win7_usbdvd_dwnTool

2- Once install, run it. It will show this easy wizard:

3- Simply select the ISO file, click on next. It will ask you which USB flash drive to use, select your USB Flash drive.

4- Click on Begin Copying, and voila.

Once it's done, you are ready to restart your computer to boot from the disk and install Windows 7.

In the setup wizard, you'll come to place that will ask you where you want to install Windows (in the case you have multiple drive or patitions), Select the partition you want, and click on "Format" to erase everything permanently. And click on Next to install Windows on it cleanly.

Be sure to use your system provided backup software to make your restoration disk, in the case that:

-> Windows cannot be activated despite calling for activation (I doubt they'll refuse, but you never know... better be safe then sorry)

-> The system is locked down and doesn't want to boot after the Windows installation

-> Your computer manufacture isn't providing you with important drivers or software for normal and proper operation of your system, so you are stuck with what they gave you

Also, be sure to get your wireless (if any) and wired Ethernet drivers for your system, including motherboard drivers, in the case Windows doesn't recognize your Ethernet or Wireless card, and now you are stuck with no Internet, which would really suck if its your only computer in the home.