iTechtalk

prem · 11-12-2008, 11:43 AM

Installing Windows 7

Windows 7 is one of the easiest Windows systems to install. Simply inserting the DVD will get you started on the approximate 30-minute installation. The following will step you through the process:

1) Log on to your current Windows (or other operating system) and insert the Windows 7 DVD (or specially ordered CD). Restart the system and boot the system by DVD-ROM or by CD-ROM.

Windows 7 by default must be activated within 30 days (by online). The product activation basically informs Microsoft that the particular product key is being used so they can track additional installations and control software piracy.

Checking the Automatically Activate Windows When I'm Online option will configure Windows to automatically try activating itself three days after your first logon, which is useful because you probably won't have to bother with it again.

2) If the updates screen appears, choose an option to continue.

It is best to get the Windows updates now in case you don't remember to do so later. The updates contain fixes and patches that address found bugs, issues, and security holes.

3) It will take your product key automatically at the first time.

You can actually try out any Vista edition regardless of the one you purchased. Just don't input a product key and click Next. Then, a window appears where you can select the desired edition to install.

Remember that you must activate Windows 7 within 30 days after the installation by inputting a product key matching the installed Windows 7 edition.

4) Review the terms, check the I Accept the License Terms option, and click Next. The installation screen appears.

5) Choose the appropriate type of installation. To perform an in-place installation, select Upgrade. To perform a clean installation, choose Custom (Advanced).

6) If you select Custom (Advanced), you will see a screen on which you are asked to choose which hard disk or partition you want to install Windows 7.

Select where you want to install Windows 7 (and make any desired changes to your drives and partitions). If chosen partition is already having any other OS then it will alert you. If you click YES then it will move your previous OS to windows.old folder and installs Windows 7.

It won’t ask you to partition the hard drive. It will directly install in the chosen drive. So before trying to install Windows 7, make partition of your hard drive and keep backups of your data from the previous OS.

After Windows 7 has been installed, you will need to do the initial setup:

1. First, you are prompted to create a user account. Type a user name and, if desired, a password, and click Next.

2. Next you are prompted to specify whether to download and install updates for Windows 7. This setting enables or disables Windows Update. It does not install updates during the Windows 7 installation process. Choose a desired option and click Next.

3. Next you are prompted to review/set the time and date settings. If needed, select the correct settings and click Next.

4. If the PC is connected to a network, you are prompted to specify its type/location.

5. After doing all the above steps, you are prompted to login. Just login with your username and password.

6. After you are completely done, you will see the Welcome Centre screen. Close that screen and start working with your new Windows 7 operating system.