Installing Windows 10 from a bootable USB and formatting drives..


  1. Posts : 2
    Windows 7
       #1

    Installing Windows 10 from a bootable USB and formatting drives..


    Hello there,
    Hope everyone's doing just fine. So I have this Windows 7 PC with two drives, drive 0: SSD has current windows and drive 1: 1TB HDD for storage. I'm planning to do a clean install of windows 10 by formatting the ssd drive and installing windows there. Now my question is: do I have to format my hdd storage drive for a clean install? it contains general files, music, pictures, videos and a Steam folder of some games or will it cause issues with windows 10?, and what good can come from formatting it if there's any.
    Thanks in advance.:)
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 12,799
    Windows 11 Pro
       #2

    No it is not necessary, in fact it should be disconnected for a clean install. Have only your SSD connected when you do the clean install, boot to the installer (USB/DVD) and when you get to 'where do you want to install Windows', use the advanced options to delete all partitions, then select the 'New Button' and click it. Windows will create the new partitions and format it for you.
    This will show you how. Windows 10 - Clean Install - Windows 10 Forums . After the installation is complete, shut the computer down and reconnect your hard drive.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 2
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #3

    essenbe said:
    No it is not necessary, in fact it should be disconnected for a clean install. Have only your SSD connected when you do the clean install, boot to the installer (USB/DVD) and when you get to 'where do you want to install Windows', use the advanced options to delete all partitions, then select the 'New Button' and click it. Windows will create the new partitions and format it for you.
    This will show you how. Windows 10 - Clean Install - Windows 10 Forums . After the installation is complete, shut the computer down and reconnect your hard drive.
    Thanks for responding.
    That's good news I get to keep my data. How to disconnect it would you recommend? remove SATA or power? or both? till after installation.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #4

    Tiger360x said:
    Thanks for responding.
    That's good news I get to keep my data. How to disconnect it would you recommend? remove SATA or power? or both? till after installation.
    I would recommend removing only the SATA cable. While there is very little chance of shorting a power connector, it is a possibility unless you physically unplug the computer from all power sources and discharge any residual charge in the power supply.
      My Computer


 

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