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Installing from a Windows 7 upgrade disc gives the option of just upgrading, which keeps all files and folders, or a custom install, which wipes everything
Q I have got a Dell Inspiron 545 laptop and, when I first bought this computer, it had Windows Vista installed.
However, when Windows 7 was released, I upgraded to the Home Premium version of this operating system. I would now like to get rid of a load of rubbish on my computer and start over.
Do I have to install Vista first, plus its updates, and then use my Windows 7 Upgrade installation disc? Or can I just use the Windows 7 right off the bat?
John Rosamond
A The original wording of your email was a little confusing but we think that you want to wipe your PC’s hard disk and perform a fresh installation of Windows 7, and that you have an Upgrade edition of Windows 7 Home Premium.
If that is, in fact, an accurate assessment of what you want to do, then since Windows 7 is already installed on the PC, you can go right ahead.
Insert the Windows 7 Upgrade disc into the appropriate drive, restart your PC and follow the prompts that are shown. When the options are offered, decide whether you want to perform an Upgrade or Custom installed.
The former will replace the current Windows 7 installation, but keep all your files and folders (so it won’t be a truly clean installation), while the latter wipes everything and performs a full, clean installation of Windows 7.
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Correct, it works!
Just to say that I have already used this method on an old laptop for upgrading Vista to Windows 7 and then clean reinstalling Windows 7 again.
Posted by David Elliott, 02 Dec 2011