How to format my C drive and reinstall W10 with my rescue disk


  1. Posts : 158
    W10
       #1

    How to format my C drive and reinstall W10 with my rescue disk


    I have several glitches that I have been unable to resolve for several months and am thinking it may be a W10 problem

    My laptop has 2 drives an SSD (OS) and a HDD data drive.

    Can someone please advise how to reformat the SSD and reinstall W10 (I have a rescue disk)

    Thanks for your help!
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 8,049
    windows 10
       #2

    Download the latest iso create bootable usb boot from it but disconect the second drive or boot files can go to the wrong drive. Run set upi and delete all partitions on the drive let windows create what it needs. https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/soft...load/windows10
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 18,421
    Windows 11 Pro
       #3

    Samuria said:
    but disconect the second drive or boot files can go to the wrong drive.
    Do you think it is really needed to open a laptop and "disconnect" the second drive - which usually means to remove it completely. On my modern laptops I would have to remove the entire bottom cover and use the case opening "guitar pick" to pop free the bottom cover, remove a flat ribbon cable between the motherboard and USB port to get to the data hard underneath it. I just don't see that as necessary.

    @provlima,

    see:
    Clean Install Windows 10
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 6,222
    Windows 11 Pro - Windows 7 HP - Lubuntu
       #4

    What Win 10 version are you running? Type winver on a CMD window.
    What do you have on the SSD and on the HDD? What are the size of the SSD and the HDD?

    Is the \Users folder on the SSD or on the HDD?

    I would suggest a Repair Install . It will reinstall Windows and keep your settings, programs and data.

    To download any Win 10 installation file, use the attached file. Extract and run.
    How to format my C drive and reinstall W10 with my rescue disk Attached Files
    Last edited by Megahertz; 12 Jun 2021 at 15:24.
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 4,594
    Windows 10 Pro
       #5

    A Repair Install is a much better approach, then go from there. Keep us posted
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 423
    Windows 10
       #6

    You reformat the drive as part of the Windows 10 instal. At the point where it says "Which type of installation do you want" you select custom. You can then click on the drive and hit the cross to delete. Then click on New and Windows will reformat it with a new partition.

    Before all that you need to back everything up! But sounds like you might be better doing a repair install according to above advice.

    What is the recovery disc? Is it manufacturer supplied or one you made via Windows. You might as well do a clean install if wanting to reformat. No need for a recovery disc then. Just the windows iso on a usb.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 18,044
    Win 10 Pro 64-bit v1909 - Build 18363 Custom ISO Install
       #7

    Hello @provlima,

    Before performing a Clean Install, it might be worth considering an In-Place-Upgrade [ Repair Install ].

     In-Place-Upgrade - Repair Install

    Information & Tutorials:

    This is a Non-Destructive Process which keeps ALL your Apps, Programs, and Personal Data etc Intact . . .

    IMPORTANT: This is an extract from the Tutorial below . . .

    • You will only be able to do a repair install of Windows 10 from within Windows 10. You will not be able to do a repair install at boot or in Safe Mode.
    • You will need at least around 10 GB + what Windows is currently using of free space available on the Windows drive.
    • The installation media (ex: ISO or USB) must be the same edition and same or newer build as your currently installed Windows 10. If it's not, then the repair install will fail.
    • The installation media (ex: ISO or USB) must be the same base language (aka: system default language) as your currently installed Windows 10. If it's not, then you will not keep anything.
    • If you have a 32-bit Windows 10, then you must use a 32-bit ISO or USB.
    • If you have a 64-bit Windows 10, then you must use a 64-bit ISO or USB.

    > How to Do a Repair Install of Windows 10 with an In-place Upgrade

    Basically . . .

    [1] Download the ISO to the Desktop.
    [2] Right-click the ISO > Mount.
    [3] Open File Explorer.
    [4] Double-click the Mounted Drive to open it.
    [5] Double-click setup.exe.
    [6] Choose the Upgrade option.
    [7] Select Change what to keep.
    [8] Select One of the following . . .

    • Keep Personal Files and Apps.
    • Keep Personal Files Only.
    • Nothing.

    [9] Unmount the ISO by right-clicking the Mounted Drive > Eject.

    The only downside is that you could POSSIBLY lose some of your personalizations.

    Recommendations:

    DISABLE:

    ANY Non-Microsoft . . .

    • Antivirus Software.
    • Firewall software.
    • Drive Encryption Software.



    I hope this helps.
      My Computer


 

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