Does installing a new OS wipe my HD?

[rando10z934]

Hey, does installing a new OS wipe the harddrive?

 

[Williumjone]

Yes, when you install a new OS into any harddrive of your computer than must to wipe your full drive. Evolis Card Printers

 

[Pinhedd]

It depends on the operating system. Older versions of Windows can be installed on top of previous installations. In Windows Vista and Windows 7 folders that would be overwritten (Windows, Program Files, Users, etc...) will be moved to a backup folder.

Installing an OS without wiping the hard drive is not recommended however.

 

[constepatdyak]

windows 7 can make a new OS ontop of your old one, and it will make your old data renamed into like windows.old/programs.old etc. So you will not lose it if you select the option install on existing

 

[dudewitbow]

It will go into a windows.old file. Experienced it before fixing my windows vista a few years back. to avoid problems, you either have to use a different hdd or partition the current one.