Win 8.1: Reset vs Install on partitioned drive (XP- upgrade 8- upgrade 8.1) now need clean install

This is a little complicated.
I have a Thinkpad T-60 (4GB) and a T-61p (8GB)
Both machines have SATA drives partitioned in 3 (System, Images, Data)
Originally, both had XP (the T-61p was RAM upgraded to 8 GB before upgrade (remember the $50 early-bird special?)
I upgraded the T60 without problem (as I recall).
I had to get the 64-bit physical upgrade as you could only download the version you already had (32-bit; remember that disaster?) for the T-61p.
Figuring I had 4 GB on the T-60, I used 64 bit as well, ending up with only 3 GB active.  I take it this was a waste and should have just used the  32-bit, right?
I clean installed (as I recall) 8.1 using a generic 8 key (right?) and then an 8.1 key (right?, or is that an 8 key that will still activate 8.1?)
So here it is 3 years later +/- and both 8.1 installs are pretty trashed so...
I downloaded both the 8.1 32-bit and 64-bit .iso's
I have my serial #'s
I tried a Reset on my Server last night (whole disk, no partitions) - it worked, and gave me an option to wipe all disks, or just the C: system disk (which I did, others intact). It is fine, all settings gone, no trash.
Now the question is what will happen with my partitioned drives. I want a clean install on the C: partition, and D: and E: left alone.
Will Reset trash all the partitions and load the entire disk? (NOT what I want) .. or ..
Should I use the Install option? (which I assume will go through the partition manager) and allow me to clean install on C: only.
Lastly, if I have read correctly, there is no point in putting 64-bit on the T-60 (4 GB) as all you end up is 3 GB active anyway, so I should go back to 32-bit and avoid the 64-bit headaches?
Thanks!!!

Hello qudrcps,
About the ThinkPad T-60 can’t only recognize 3GB ram, please take a look the follow thread.
http://forums.lenovo.com/t5/T61-and-prior-T-series-ThinkPad/T60P-Windows-7-64-bit-only-using-3-GB-of-RAM/td-p/377623
Intel Chipsets 945GM and 945PM do not support more than 3GB system memory (RAM), even when a 64-bit operating system is installed.
Please contact the  manufacturer to confirm if the laptop support 4GB ram.
Please note: Since the website is not hosted by Microsoft, the link may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this information.
Please explain a bit about other requirements.
What do you mean about the physical disks 0,1? Do you have several disks?
About reset the Windows 8.1, please refer to the following article.
How to refresh, reset, or restore your PC
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-HK/windows-8/restore-refresh-reset-pc
How to perform a clean installation of Windows
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-HK/windows-8/clean-install
Best regards,
Fangzhou CHEN
Fangzhou CHEN
TechNet Community Support

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