Restart your system while retaining the operating system.
Restart your system while retaining the operating system.
You're asking how to restore Windows 7 on your brother's PC without keeping the hard drive, since it's full of unnecessary files. You'll need to create a bootable USB drive with a fresh Windows 7 installation and then boot from it to reset or reinstall the OS. Make sure you have the right setup and backups before proceeding.
Is this the optimal method? Also, I’d prefer not to erase anything from his HDD.
Avoid erasing the files by transferring them to his new machine and removing the contents from the original drive. If you don’t, you’ll need to obtain a Windows ISO (or a disc if available) and reinstall on a brand-new hard disk.
I tried to move files from Windows 7 to a new HDD while keeping everything organized on the old one. We’re not able to buy SSDs right now, so we’re sticking with an HDD. :^)