Will a fresh windows 10 install delete the files from ALL of my drives? Quick answer please

[imnotagamer007]

Right now I have my windows 10 installed on an ssd. It has all my programs on it and I want to do a fresh install because of adware/malware. I also have a 500gb HDD with all of my games and movies on it. I want to keep the files on my HDD intact, while erasing everything on my ssd because I'm sure that is where the malware is. Would a fresh install let me keep the files on my HDD?

 

[knobgoblin]

Don't just reinstall Windows 10! I'd look at getting an application called HitmanPro and cleaning your drives up that way. It practically does all the work itself, you just need to give it the go-ahead and it'll do everything you need to maintain your PC. Here's a link in case you're wanting to do things the easy way: http://www.surfright.nl/en

 

[psoohoo]

When you install windows you choose which drive/partition you want erase/overwrite. If you want to be complete safe, unplug the HD while you install it. Plug it back in afterwards.

ONE CAVEAT is If you enable bitlocker encryption on the drive(s). you will NOT be able to decrypt it after you wipe the installation, which also wipe away your user account, which holds your encryption key.
This is not an issue for most people, but its just a friendly reminder.

 

[imnotagamer007]

Don't just reinstall Windows 10! I'd look at getting an application called HitmanPro and cleaning your drives up that way. It practically does all the work itself, you just need to give it the go-ahead and it'll do everything you need to maintain your PC. Here's a link in case you're wanting to do things the easy way: http://www.surfright.nl/en

I ran it and it did not help. I still have the adware

 

[WINTERLORD]

if you do an update to windows 1`0 it will put all your files into0 a folder vcaqlled windows old in your root directory

 

[tkhsda]

First off windows 10 is malware 😛. If you are adamantly for it just unplug your secondary drive (data or power is enough) and wipe the ssd. I also store important files on a secondary drive and I wipe windows a half dozen times a year for various reasons.