Deleting Windows

So I installed Windows 7 to test it on my desktop PC. Now I have used it and dont want to use it any more since its a hassle for me to install stuff all over again and everything. Just wanted to know if formatting the drive will do the job or something else will be required

Windows Vista Home premium on C:

Windows 7 on D: (formatting this drive?)

#526426

I think it'll work if you boot up Vista and go under Disk management and format D:. However, I'm not sure how Windows 7 and Vista play together and which partition has the bootloader - deleting the boot partition can cause problems with loading an os.

#526430

Oh thanks.. Well wont the bootloader be in Windows Vista since thats the OS that was first installed.

Windows 7 was installed after vista for testing purpose..?

#526439

Pretty sure there. But, you might want to be careful and take some precautions. Make a System Restore point and make sure you have your Home Premium Recovery Disk handy.

#526459

just delete the one u dont use, and when u boot, press f9 or f8, dont remember which one, and there is an option to boot from a drive, choose the drive u want, and wala, magic, thats all.

#526464

Just delete the Windows 7 partition. You can always run fixmbr or use supergrubdisk to re-write a windows mbr.

#526478

OK i dont know what fixmbr or supergrubdisk is. Should i just go ahead with the partition format or no?

If not then what are the two apps you listed?

#526494

I'd suggest you try to run fixmbr first, then delete the partition.

If I recall right, you have to insert Vista's install DVD (or CD?), restart your PC and boot with the DVD, and enter into rescue mode or recovery console (not sure how to do this, I don't have or installed Vista myself, but it is available in Windows XP install CD so it must be mostly the same).

You don't load Vista or 7, just boot the DVD and enter the recovery console. Now just type fixmbr and press Enter :)

BTW I'm not sure if you have to run fixmbr, fixboot or maybe both.

#526507

I have no idea as to what fixmbr is. I dont have vista DVD as of right now. Please advise .

#526514

Fixmbr will fix your MBR (Master Boot Record).

Hence the name.

#526528

So where do i get this app.. Or is it built on-board windows?

And should i run this before formatting D:? (Win 7 Drive)

#526645

1. Insert the Windows XP CD into your CD drive and restart your computer. If you are prompted, select any options required to start (boot) from the CD.

2. When the text-based part of Setup begins, follow the prompts. Select the repair or recover option by pressing R.

3. If you have a dual-boot or multiboot system, select the installation that you want to access from the Recovery Console.

4. When you are prompted, type the Administrator password.

5. Then you should see this:

Microsoft Windows® Recovery Console

The Recovery Console provides system repair and recovery functionality.

Type EXIT to exit the Recovery Console and restart the computer.

1: C:\WINDOWS

Which Windows Installation would you like to log on to ?

(To cancel, press ENTER)

6. Press 1 and then enter

7. Type fixmbr and then enter

8. Type Y to confirm, then enter

9. Reboot by typing exit

#526711

thanks for this. i Will try this when i need it next time. This time i just backed up my content and formatted with XP SP3

#527137