I need help :(

[FreakNasty188]

Ok so I built a custom PC a few months back. When I did, my dad gave me an OS that was on a blank disc with "Windows 7 Pro" written on it. Well turns out it was only 32-bit, and also now it fails validation. So I'm running a 32-bit operating system and am constantly being reminded that my version isn't genuine, and Microsoft Security Essentials also won't work like this. I have a retail copy of Windows 7 64-bit and Microsoft Security Essentials, but I've never reformatted a PC before which that's what my friend is telling me my best option is. How do I do this?

Also I have my OS and only a few other things on an SSD. Everything else I have on a HDD. So when I reformat everything should stay on my HDD right? Sorry if these are noob questions.

 

[The Fat Controller]

If you format the SSD and install Windows on it, then stuff on your HDD will be unchanged.

You mainly need to be careful that in the Windows 7 installation you don't select and format your HDD by mistake. And of course back up anything essential (passwords, emails, programs) from the SSD before you do it.

 

[FreakNasty188]

This probably sounds stupid, but can you tell me how to back shit up? I've never done it before

 

[The Fat Controller]

Depends on what you want to back up. You can just copy-paste files like word documents from your SSD to your HDD or to be safe, to a USB stick or something...

Figure out what needs saving, it shouldn't be too tough since you only had the PC for a couple months.

 

[Rahman]

Before you reformat all you do is transfer the files from the SSD over to the HDD while the computer is on. Simple right?

Okay, turn off the computer and unplug the data cable from the HDD, this will ensure that you don't end up installing windows on your HDD and losing everything.

Now once everything important is off your SSD is gone, just put in the windows CD and follow the prompts, pretty sure it's done like that, cause reinstalling windows would delete everything on the SSD and format it again.

Note: After you reinstall windows make sure you install all your drivers again from CDs or from the net.

 

[slikwilly444]

The data will be unchanged on the HDD but on a greater note, I found this Korean software on frostwire that will validate your OS and reinstall it with the upgraded version if you choose. I used it because my harddrive came out of my old build because I didn't want to lose my data. Anyways it started to say mine wasn't genuine, then I found this. I'm sorry I don't have the exact name but if you type in "Windows Vista Key Gen" it will be one of the first to show up. This works on Windows XP to Windows 8.
Sorry if this is irrelavant.
Thanks.