Vista - format partition where OS is installed

Hi guys,

I have a question. If I format the partition where my OS is installed, will my other programs/softwares installed in other partition get affected?
I want to reformat and reinstall my OS but I'm not sure if I will be able to run my programs and softwares just as if nothing happened!
Hope someone could help me on this! Thanks in advance!

Hi Ruined,

When you format your partition to reinstall your OS The other partitions will stay as they are, as long as you do not format them during the new install.
However if you have installed programs to another partition and then reinstall the OS, The "new" OS will not know this, making these programs as good as useless. Ie, the old programs will not show up in the new menu, nor will they be registered in the registry. So yes you would have to reinstall them.
This said, if you only have data files. Ie, a collection of music, pictures, films or Back up files on another partition these will remain untouched and you will be able to access these files again with the new OS.

I hope this helps

Pooch

Hi Ruined

Programs that were installed on your D partition will not be in the registry of the newly installed o\s on the C partition.

However I have no problem running them as executables from the D partition. Depending on which programs you have, you may find there are some that won't and need to be reinstalled.

( This does not include my security apps. , which I always install on the same partition as the o/s - so they need reinstalling ).

You may find it easier to create shortcuts to the .exe files and place them on your desktop. Alternatively, making a shortcut to the D drive and putting it in Quick launch works well.

Hope this helps

SIW2

Hi Pooch and SIW2,

No one could have explained any clearer. Thanks to both of you. Now I know what a total mess I'm in!^_^