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Question

can I format and install a new OS??

Jun 19, 2016 12:47PM PDT

I am suspicious that I have a key logger installed on my computer as my insta account got hacked 2 times, so in my computer I have 3 partitions of hardisk. I have 3 questions related to it:-

note:- I have a live usb with win8.1 in it bootable usb to install win 8.1

1.) now if I install iwn 8.1 in another partition and then format the main local disk with the original or stock OS will the key logger be removed and will I be able to boot my computer?

2.) If I format all three partitions I mean first format the non OS partitions and then format the official partition will I be able to install win8.1 with the bootable usb I have on the partition and will I be able to run my computer or would it be a piece of crap?

3.)IF not any of these will work what do you suggest I do ?

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Remember I never format before Windows installs.
Jun 19, 2016 12:53PM PDT

I'll usually delete the partitions since formatting can trip up a Windows install. I start with a blank drive.

But and this is important, why not use the factory recovery system because most folk can't find drivers and apps for their PCs today?

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I am a newbie so please go slow..
Jun 19, 2016 1:20PM PDT

I am newbie so please go slow...

firstly so I cannot do the second question right?
also what would be the complications if I did the second point I discussed about formatting all the partitions and then use the usb? will it not even the read the USB and become a blank computer with nothing installed in it?

and what do you mean by trip up a windows install?

and also I don't have a factory recovery system in my PC.

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I never use that second method in your 2nd question.
Jun 19, 2016 1:39PM PDT

Since you are new, what better way than to try this?

While I gave you the short simple answer you seem intent on trying this the way I see folk come back with issues or outright failures.

So you're back to question again the usual "format then install Windows" question. Sorry if you didn't get it but with that done, try it and see.

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I am really sorry no idea what you are talking bout
Jun 19, 2016 3:02PM PDT

I am sorry to say but being a newbie what you were saying I don't get it at all what do you mean are what you're trying to say can you please elaborate it to me??

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When I install Windows.
Jun 19, 2016 3:12PM PDT

I let Windows do the partitions and format them for me. To do this for Windows is done just so or you trip up the installer. So just remove the old partitions, boot the Windows media and tell it to use that drive.

It's pretty simple.

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Answer
Re: install Windows 8.1
Jun 19, 2016 1:34PM PDT

First find all necessary drivers and safely store them on a USB-stick and one of the data partitions.
Then run the Windows installer and let it format the partition Windows is installed in now before it installs Windows again.
Then install all drivers from the USB-stick or the partition you saved them on.

Post was last edited on June 20, 2016 3:19 AM PDT

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how do I format before installing
Jun 19, 2016 3:07PM PDT

I have all the necessary drivers in the USB already.

and what do you mean by format before installing how do I do it?

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Answer
format during install
Jun 19, 2016 2:07PM PDT

imo, if you are going to format the drive, it is best to do it during the installation process. One of the first screens will be asking you where to install. You can format the whole drive there, create a partition etc.

As previously stated, if you installed in a new partition and then later delete the old, it could mess up your bootloader. If this happens, you might be able to fix it using startup repair from your installation disk or in your case your usb drive. There are other ways to fix it too but it can be a pain and they may not always work.

Finally that win8.1, is it a full version or is it what you used to originally install w8.1. It could make a difference.

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No It is not the same
Jun 19, 2016 3:06PM PDT

no I have a win 8 right now but the win8.1 is a backup from my sister's vaio(we both have the same vaio).

and will it ask me on the installation if I want to format or is it something we have to do manually

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get your own 8.1
Jun 20, 2016 3:10AM PDT
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Re: format
Jun 20, 2016 3:21AM PDT

It will ask during the installation, if it's the original MS installer. But a backup - whatever it is - is not the same as an original MS installer.

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Answer
Factory restore
Jun 20, 2016 4:41AM PDT

Look in your manual for how to use it.
That will set the machine back to the condition it was when you bought it.
Just be aware that you will lose everything so give some thought to that and do so backups.