planning on selling or donating it. Follow this guide to format your
Windows 7
Step 1
Backup your data. When you format a computer, you will lose all of
your files and data. The programs can't be backed up; they will need
to be reinstalled. Any files—including documents, music, pictures, and
videos—that you want to save need to be copied to a backup location.
You can use DVDs, CDs, external hard drives, flash drives, or the
cloud, depending on how much data you have to backup.
Step 2
Set your BIOS to boot from CD. To do this, restart the computer and
enter the setup screen when the manufacturer logo appears. The key to
do this will be displayed, and varies by manufacturer. The most common
keys are F2, F10, F12, and Del.
Once in the BIOS menu, select the Boot menu. Change the order of
devices so that your computer boots from CD before booting from the
hard drive. Save your changes and exit. Your computer will restart.
If you are installing from a flash drive, then you will need to set
the BIOS to boot from removable storage
Step 3
Begin Setup. If the CD has been inserted and the BIOS is set
correctly, you will see a message telling you to "Press any key to
boot from CD…" Press a key on the keyboard and the setup process for
Windows 7 will launch.
Your system may automatically launch the setup program without asking
you to press any key.
Step 4
Watch the Windows files load. After completion, the Windows 7 logo
will appear. No files have been altered on your computer yet. Your
data will be deleted in later steps.
Step 5
Choose your preferences. You will be prompted to confirm your
Language, Time & Currency format, and Keyboard or input method. Select
the appropriate options for you and click Next.
Step 6
Click Install Now. Do not click Repair Computer, even if you are
repairing a computer by reinstalling Windows. Once clicked, Setup will
begin loading the files it needs to continue.
Step 7
Read and accept the terms. In order to advance, you must indicate that
you have read and agree to Microsoft's terms of use. Be sure to read
through it so that you know your rights and limitations as a user.
Step 8
Choose Custom install. This will allow you to perform a clean
installation. Formatting the computer means wiping it of all the data
that is on it, so you will be performing a clean installation, so that
you will be given the option to erase the disk.
Step 9
Delete the partition. A window will open asking where you would like
to install Windows. In order to perform a clean install, you need to
delete the old partition and start with a clean slate. Click "Drive
options (advanced)." This will give you the ability to delete and
create partitions.
Select the partition of your existing operating system and click the
Delete button.
If your hard drive has multiple partitions, be sure to delete the
correct one. Any data on a deleted partition is lost for good.
Confirm the deletion process.
Step 10
Select the Unallocated Space and click Next. There is no need to
create a partition before you install Windows 7, this is done
automatically.
Step 11
Wait while Windows installs files. The percentage next to Expanding
Windows files will steadily increase. This part of the process can
take up to 30 minutes.
Windows will automatically restart your computer when finished.
Setup will launch again, and a message will tell you that Setup is
updating registry settings.
Setup will then configure your computer's services. This happens every
time you start Windows, but will happen in the background next time.
A window will open letting you know that Windows is completing the
installation. Your computer will restart again when this is complete.
Setup will now load drivers and check video settings. This part does
not require any input from you.
Step 12
Enter your user name and computer name. Your username will be used to
log in to the computer and personalize your account. Yo
