How to Format a Computer With Windows 7

Formatting a computer means erasing everything on the computer’s hard drive and reinstalling a new/clean operating system. This comes in handy when your computer/laptop is malfunctioning or it has been affected by a strong virus.

In this tutorial, I am going to guide you through the step-by-step way of formatting and re-installing Windows 7.

Installing Windows 7 is a straight-forward task and this guide can be used to install all the versions of Windows 7.

Let’s get started…

Step 1
BACKUP YOUR DATA

Before you begin the process of formatting, it is very important to back up your files and data (Documents, Videos, Music, and Pictures) as all these will be lost during the process of formatting.

You can use another computer or a friend’s computer/laptop if it has enough space for your backup, external hard drives, flash drives DVDs and more depending on how much data you need to backup.

Step 2

BIOS SETTINGS

You need to set your booting priority from the BIOS to “boot from CD”. To do this, restart the computer and press F2 or Del from your keyboard. NB: The key to press depends on the manufacturer but F2 and Del are the most commonly used keys. It could be F10, F12 or F1 for other manufacturers.

Once it takes you where to setup the BIOS,

·        Locate the Boot menu.

·        Change the order of devices by moving CD/DVD-Rom Drive so that your computer boots from CD.

·        Follow that with Hard Drive as the second.

·        Then save your changes and exit. Your computer will restart.

Step 3
BEGIN SETUP

If the CD/DVD has been inserted and the BIOS set correctly, you should see a message on your screen telling you to “Press any key to boot from CD…” Press any key on the keyboard and the setup process for Windows 7 should start.

Step 4

LET THE WINDOWS FILES LOAD

After the completion of the Windows files, the Windows 7 logo will appear.

Step 5
CHOOSE YOUR PREFERENCES

You will be prompted to choose your Language, Time & Currency format, and Keyboard method. Choose what is best for you and click on Next.

Step 6
INSTALL NOW

Click the INSTALL NOW button and setup will begin to load the files required for the installation to continue.

Step 7
AGREE TO TERMS & CONDITION

In order to proceed, you must indicate that you have read and agree to Microsoft’s terms of use. Be sure to read through it so you will be able to know rights and limitations as a user.

Step 8
CHOOSE CUSTOM INSTALL.

This will allow you to perform a clean installation. Formatting the computer means erasing 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 10SELECT THE UNALLOCATED SPACE AND CLICK ON NEXT 

There is no need to create a partition before you install Windows 7 as 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. You will be asked to “Press Any Key to continue…” Do not press any key and let the setup continue.

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. Your computer name is the name that your computer will display on the network.

Windows will ask you for a password. This is optional but highly recommended, especially if the computer will be accessible by users other than yourself. If you’d rather not have a password, leave the fields blank and click on Next.

Step 13
ENTER YOUR PRODUCT KEY

This is the 25-character key that came with your copy of Windows. Check the “Automatically activate Windows when I’m online” to have Windows automatically verify your key the next time it is connected to the internet.

Step 14
CHOOSE YOUR WINDOWS UPDATE OPTION

To make sure that your copy of Windows runs securely and stably, it is highly recommended that you choose one of the first two options. The first option will install all updates automatically; the second option will prompt you when important updates are available.

Step 15
SELECT YOUR DATE AND TIME

These should be correct already as they are linked to your BIOS, but you can change them now if they are not. Check the box if your area observes Daylight Savings.

Step 16
SELECT NETWORK PREFERENCES

If your computer is connected to a network, you will be given an option to identify that network. Most users will select Home or Work network. If your computer is being used in a public place, select Public network. Mobile broadband users should always select Public network.

Windows will now attempt to connect your computer to the network. This process is completely automated.


Step 17
EXPLORE YOUR DESKTOP

After the final loading screen, your new Windows 7 desktop should appear. You can now restore your backup and enjoy your new/clean system.

Source

If you have any question or you got stuck while doing this, feel free to comment below and I will get back to you ASAP.

Thanks for reading…