📎 AI Summary:
The thread discusses a user's concerns about residual files from 2011 remaining on their C drive after reinstalling Windows 7, questioning whether a complete wipe is necessary. A respondent suggests performing a full drive format before installation to ensure a clean start, while another explains that some older files may simply be leftover from previous program installations and not necessarily problematic. The overall sentiment indicates concern about potential leftover data affecting system stability, with suggested solutions focusing on thorough drive wiping.

Vonnie406

New Member
Joined
Nov 17, 2016
Messages
1
Thread Author #1
I had so many problems and crashes with my desktop I've just reinstalled Wndows 7. This is the first time i've ever done this. I already had a blue screen crash but am hoping that was just a driver updating.

I was looking into my C driver after reinstalling a few things (virus protection, razer, printer, things like that) and notice there are files on the C driver from as far back as 2011!

I thought reinstalling Windows wiped everything. It doesn't seem to have done this. Therefore if the cause of all my problems might still be on the C drive?

I don't know why there's still stuff there prior to reinstall and how I would go about making sure I have a clean start and don't leave stuff behind?
 

patcooke

Microsoft MVP
Microsoft MVP
Joined
May 16, 2010
Messages
5,688
Wiping the drive before itallation is an option. Just execute a full format before installing.
 

Solution

helpifIcan

Fantastic Member
Joined
Jun 20, 2009
Messages
932
Or could be older files that are just from that date. Some programs when you install them have older files that have not needed to be updated yet.