Formatting a hard drive removes all data from the device and prepares it for use. Prior to installation, the Windows 7 DVD formats the drive before loading the operating system onto the disk. The term reformat refers to the process of formatting the hard drive after the initial format. Reformatting Windows 7 can remove viruses from the computer, resolve registry or other system errors, and improve computer performance.
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Step
Click "Start," then Control Panel." Type "recovery" into the search box and then press "Enter."
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Select "Restore Your Computer or Reinstall Windows" from the results. Click "Advanced Recovery Methods."
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Choose "Reinstall Windows (Requires Windows Installation Disc)" from the menu. Click "Yes," "Skip," then "Restart" to boot to the Windows 7 DVD.
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Choose your input method from the drop-down menu and then click "Next." Insert the Windows 7 DVD into the disc drive and click "Yes."
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Follow the on-screen instructions to reformat the computer and reinstall Windows 7 to the hard drive.
