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Reformating C Drive and Clean install of Win10.
Home › Forums › AskWoody support › Windows › Windows 10 › Questions: Win10 › Reformating C Drive and Clean install of Win10.
- This topic has 9 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 9 months, 2 weeks ago.
Viewing 7 reply threads-
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March 22, 2020 at 1:36 pm #2209952
WSAnders Family
AskWoody LoungerI plan on reformatting my C Drive and doing a clean install of Win10 using A USB stick supplied by Microsoft.
I’m thinking that I will need to boot to my BIOS to change the boot priority to USB? then do a “Format C” command in DOS, then boot from the stick?
Is there a Step by Step instruction sheet I can use for this?
Thanks.
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March 22, 2020 at 1:52 pm #2209958
cmptrgy
AskWoody Plus-
March 22, 2020 at 2:41 pm #2209964
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March 22, 2020 at 7:41 pm #2210027
RetiredGeek
AskWoody MVPWS,
Just boot from the USB stick. The install program will give you the option to format the drive.
Check with your computer manufacturer’s web site. Most have a key you can press during bootup that will allow you to select the boot device. For instance, Dell’s use F12 to get to the boot menu. Just make sure the USB stick is inserted before you turn the machine on.
HTH 😎
1 user thanked author for this post.
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March 23, 2020 at 2:28 am #2210097
Paul T
AskWoody MVPYou can tell Windows to boot from the USB.
Plug the USB in.
Hold the Shift key down and click Shutdown.
You will get a menu with options to bot to the USB.cheers, Paul
2 users thanked author for this post.
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March 23, 2020 at 6:12 pm #2210324
cmptrgy
AskWoody PlusWhat is the make/model of the PC (desktop or laptop?) on which you will be installing your Windows 10 Home?
Before you get started, will you want to have a Microsoft account or a local admin account?
If you want to have a Microsoft account, no problem as that is the natural setup you will see when it’s time to do that. However if you prefer to have a local admin account you will need to know how to make that happen up front, if you don’t know how to do so yet let us know.
Pay attention to each screen, if you have a question about something, leave the screen as-is (don’t start over) and post what you need to know.
If you are on a laptop, have the power adapter plugged into an electrical socket.
There have been recommendations not to be connected to the Internet until the install is complete.
— Ask us ahead of time if you are not sure about that.
On another screen you will be able to choose privacy settings for your device.
Upon completion, make sure to allow all Windows Update to update.
Last but not least, once you have your system set-up the way you want it set-up, create a pristine system image back-up onto an external HDD.HP EliteBook 8540w laptop Windows 10 Pro (x64)
1 user thanked author for this post.
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March 24, 2020 at 2:43 pm #2210590
WSAnders Family
AskWoody LoungerThanks to all of you. (RetiredGeek, Paul T, cmptgy). I will be upgrading in a few days or possibly a week or two. I will post here how it went and let you know if I have any issues. Yes I have a Microsoft account and will be using that. Then plan on backing up to an external HD after the upgrade is complete. I have printed off these replies and have added them to my printouts of my Network settings, Mail settings, Explorer settings. Will also be backing up all of my files, folders, and settings onto yet another external HD before upgrading.
Oh.. also made sure that I have a couple “cold ones” in the fridge as this may take a while. 🙂
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March 29, 2020 at 2:21 pm #2212183
WSAnders Family
AskWoody LoungerWell.. I did it. Running Win 10. Made one big mistake that I am trying to fix.
In the setup I replied “yes” to have ONEDRIVE backup my files. At 5GB it quickly filled up and is now constantly on my case to get more memory. I have 2 External drives with more that enough space to do my backups.
When I try to stop ONEDRIVE from backing up, Most of my files and desktop icons disappear!!! I then have to restore/rerun ONEDRIVE to get all my backs back on my desktop.
How to I stop this madness?
Thanks to everyone for the help received so far.
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March 29, 2020 at 2:48 pm #2212188
b
AskWoody PlusI presume this would apply?
When you stop folder backup for a folder, the files you were backing up remain in OneDrive and no longer appear in the folder. You will see a Where are my files shortcut in the folder to take you to its OneDrive folder location. If you no longer want these files in OneDrive, you’ll need to move them to a local folder on your PC yourself. Any new files you add to the folder on your PC will no longer be backed up (synced) to OneDrive.
Turn Off OneDrive PC Folder Protection for Desktop, Documents, and Pictures Folders2 users thanked author for this post.
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March 31, 2020 at 4:20 pm #2212757
WSAnders Family
AskWoody Lounger
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