How to wipe out my hard drive before upgrading to windows 7?
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010 at
11:13 am
i have windows vista and am going to upgrade to windows 7. i want to completely erase all my data and start fresh. (like having a new computer) How can i do this? also how can i still keep my microsoft office 2007?
Tagged with: Computer • data • Microsoft • microsoft office 2007 • new computer • vista
Filed under: Tech News
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If you want to truly wipe your hard drive squeaky clean, then download and burn a CD of DBAN (Darik’s Boot And Nuke). It will do low level erase of your hard drive, rather than a surface reformat. I also recommend it if you get hit with a virus or root kit. At any rate, here is the link to the site:
http://www.dban.org/download
Download the ISO image that reads "DBAN for recent Intel and AMD computers."
As for your Office 2007, keep note of your license number. Download the trial 2007 office. Then activate it with your license. If your license is not authenticated, just call the toll free number. Then explain your situation and they should let your reactivate it again.
If however, you have the actual software CD, then just reinstall it in windows 7.
If you want to keep Office 07, you will need to do the upgrade. Or boot to the disc and format, then reinstall Office afterwards.
The Windows 7 CD will let you wipe your hard drive prior to installation.
Keep Office – Your going to need the Office CD and the serial number.
Note – Windows 7 WILL upgrade Vista without destroying your files and programs. I don’t believe it but that’s what they say.
You need to make your mind up. Either you want to do a clean install, or you want to keep Office. You can’t do both!
You’ll need to reinstall Office if you’re starting fresh.
To wipe everything and start fresh like a new computer, select to custom (fresh) install early in the installation process when it gives you the choice.
To keep Office as-is, you’ll have to select to in-place upgrade, however. You won’t clear out everything else, either.