Fresh install of windows 7 without deleting existing files

0

Something has messed up my Windows 7 installation and I have to make a fresh install on the same partition (C:\ drive) but without deleting any existing folders on that drive (other than Windows or program files folder).

I need to preserve my users folder, which contains a lot of important data and besides that there are other very important folders which must not be deleted during a reinstall.

If I select custom install and just choose the C:\ drive, will it delete any of my files on that same drive? How can I keep my existing files?

Ahmed

Posted 2015-10-22T02:00:39.903

Reputation: 255

Whatever you do ... back it up first. If the data's there, you may be able to copy it out with a linux livecd/dvd/usb – Journeyman Geek – 2015-10-22T02:03:16.310

Try this: http://lifehacker.com/5983652/how-to-do-a-clean-install-of-windows-without-losing-your-files-settings-and-tweaks

– Jatin – 2015-10-22T02:18:37.493

Short answer is NO it would create a windows.old folder in C:\ with your old data – pun – 2015-10-22T05:13:17.370

Answers

1

Best practice is to back up your files anyway, but yes, you can do a repair build with Windows 7 which won't remove your files.

A new install will put all your files and folders into a folder on your c drive where you can get them after install. So they will still be there, but all in subfolders of a folder, rather than in your my docs, desktop etc... Don't do an install that formats your drive.

Kilisi

Posted 2015-10-22T02:00:39.903

Reputation: 506

I am not doing repair I am doing a new install replacing existing windows and wanted to know if in that case the existing folders or files in that drive and unharmed ? – Ahmed – 2015-10-22T02:14:17.473

Yes, it will keep the files, changed my answer to include that scenario. – Kilisi – 2015-10-22T02:17:10.563

The folders and files which are on the root say for example I have C:\data_and_media what happens to them ? are they also put in a sub directory on root ? – Ahmed – 2015-10-22T02:19:08.127

no they remain on the root, just your old windows installation is renamed and will contain your personal files. For Windows 7 I can't remember if the old Windows is renamed or the new one is called Windows001 or something, either way your files are ok. – Kilisi – 2015-10-22T02:20:22.260

1Typically its Windows.old on upgrades – Journeyman Geek – 2015-10-22T02:30:38.390

Cheers, been a while since I did one, I think Windows XP or one of the older ones did the Windows001. – Kilisi – 2015-10-22T02:32:20.980

Asked: 2015-10-22T02:00:39.903

Viewed: 1 973 times

Active: 2015-10-22T05:00:48.860