How to remove vista and clean install windows 7

There is absolutely no way you can do a clean install and save anything from your vista installation. In a clean install, the disk partition that vista and all your programs and files are on will be formatted and wiped clean.

There is no way to recover the factory installed programs that do not have install disks--but there is nothing there that you will need with Win 7. It has just about everything included in the operating system. You should assemble all your original disks as well as all your added program disks--Office, banking software, etc so you can reinstall after the win 7 installation. The Recovery D drive will still exist, but is not usable to restore to factory settings since the utility depends on files on the vista partition.

You can use disk management in win 7 to delete the D partition, make it active and use it for files, but not backup files. If you have 4 or less, use the 32 bit one. It will be more compatible with your drivers and programs. I think laptops that came with 32 bit should stick with 32 bit. If you find that you would like to have or need the 64 bit at a later date, you would be able to do another clean install and use the 64 bit disk.

But I doubt you'll still have the same computer by that time. BTW, you did not need to purchase the full install disk. The upgrade disk is identical and works for a clean install as long as you do not remove vista or format before you boot to the win 7 disk. Read the info about how to install at the MS Windows 7 site here. Everything in your response makes total sense to me.

It was for this reason that Dell Techs thought the only way to completely resolve the registry problems was to start over completely with Windows 7.

After I ordered Windows 7 I started to think about the Dell-installed programs for which I do not have the original disk since it came installed on my laptop. So, what do I do to get those programs back onto my laptop i. LoJack, McAfee Anti-virus, etc. I just do not know enough about computers to know what things will be able to be restored through my OS "Backup and Restore" feature. I have the disks for all the other programsand hardware that I personally installed i.

MS Office, printer, scanner, etc. I just do not want to lose those other things that I paid for when I had my laptop configured by Dell a little less than a year ago. I just don't want to cause more problems for myself by doing something incorrectly. Browse Community. Windows General. Turn on suggestions. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

Click the Boot tab, and then click the listing for Windows Vista. Click Delete, click OK, and then click Restart. This thread is locked. You can follow the question or vote as helpful, but you cannot reply to this thread. I have the same question 6. Report abuse. Details required :. Cancel Submit. Mick Murphy - Microsoft Partner. How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve the site. Diana D. Hi, You cannot uninstall Windows Vista. However, you may remove it from the multiboot screen.