Format HDD before installing new Mobo/CPU?

[Stívarðr Reynitré]

I have a HDD with Windows 7 and around 120GB of stuff (I'd rather clear out for a fresh start)


Getting a GIGA/GA-Z77-D3H Mobo and a CPU/COREi5/3470 as well as a 2GB ZOTAC GTX760 AMP Edition GPU.


I am wanting to know if I should do a complete HDD format tonight before installing the new parts tomorrow? I've got the Windows 7 DVD and key code so does that mean I'll be able to boot with appropriate chipset drivers if I have a formatted HDD when I do so?


Also, if I format the HDD, will that mean the Windows licence will "reset" and allow a clean install or is there something I must do so that it isn't registered to my "old" PC?




I have a Retail Windows 7 (Office Home & Student 2007) Premium and my previous Mobo was a Asus P8H61 PLUS.


Haven't yet partitioned the drives - at least not to my knowledge - as memory and HDD are still areas I feel quite green around.


Really not sure what to do for the best... I am assuming a HDD format will allow me a clean slate with appropriate chipset drivers and thus a more efficient system from the outset.


I'm not a massive fan of having to download my Steam collection again, but I'd take that over Mobo integration problems at a snip.




Thanks in advance.

[karamazovmm]

yes you will need, since windows probably won't boot

[AqD]

OMG DON"T REFORMAT!


Windows 7 is NOT Windows XP. You may need to re-activate, but it does work unless it's unable to boot (very unlikely on recent systems).


I used my windows 7/2008 installation for different PCs/laptops and none of them have issues.






Am I too late?