Conclusion

Depending on your circumstances, you may still need to turn on your antivirus software, transfer files, reinstall programs or import your email data. Otherwise, you should be ready to start using Windows 7.

Read more »

Installation

Materials You Need to Begin

• Windows 7 installation disc or the Windows 7 installation file if purchased online
• The 25-character Windows product key (found on the disc holder or confirmation email if purchased online)

An external DVD drive will be needed for disc installation to a Netbook or PC without a DVD drive.

You should now be ready to install the Windows 7 operating system. Due to the variety of installation circumstances, we will direct you to the Microsoft tutorials for detailed instructions.

• For a simple upgrade visit Microsoft's Upgrade from Windows Vista tutorial for installation instructions.
• For a custom (clean) installation visit Microsoft's Upgrade from Windows XP tutorial for installation instructions.

Once again, you may want to use a computer service professional to perform a custom (clean) installation.

Read more »

Installing Devices and Hardware

Microsoft's tutorials should have provided specific instructions for installing devices and hardware, but we would still like to point out a few key things you may need to be aware of.
Many of your devices, such as cameras and mobile phones, will be recognized by Windows 7 Device Stage and can be installed by simply plugging them into your PC. Microsoft created Device Stage to make working with devices easier. Upon plugging in, Device Stage will provide a "home page" with a menu of tasks, updates and options for compatible devices and printers. This can be quite convenient, however, not all devices and printers may be recognized. Microsoft is relying on vendors and manufacturers to make their devices compatible with Windows 7. Therefore, it may be too early to tell how well Device Stage will perform.
If you are having trouble installing hardware, go to Microsoft's Hardware Troubleshooting for instructions on Windows Update, downloading drivers, installing printers and more.
Windows 7 has a new Devices and Printers folder where you can view and access everything that is connected to your computer.

• Go to the Search bar and type Devices and Printers to locate this folder.

Devices and Printers folder

If you want to check if the hardware you may be purchasing in the future is compatible with Windows 7, go to Windows 7 Compatibility Center.

Read more »

Introduction

You may still be exploring Windows 7 or you may have already purchased the operating system. Either way, we are now going to look at the installation process.

In this lesson, you will review pre-installation preparation and learn how to install Windows 7 along with any accompanying devices and hardware.

Read more »

Pre-Installation Preparation

There are a few things you need to check before you get started with your installation.
In Lesson 2, we discussed the considerations you needed to be aware of before upgrading to Windows 7. By now, you should have:

1. Downloaded and run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to assess you computer's upgrade needs
2. Determined if your computer has a 32-bit or 64-bit processor
3. Figured out important Upgrade Considerations like whether you have to perform a simple Vista upgrade or a custom (clean) installation
4. Decided upon the Windows 7 version you need

In addition, you will need to make sure you have a working internet connection upon installation, as you may be prompted to download and install security and hardware driver updates.
Microsoft also recommends that you update your antivirus programs. After updating, you should run the antivirus programs and then turn them off. Once the installation is complete, you can turn the programs back on or install new antivirus software that is compatible with Windows 7.

Windows Mail and Outlook Express are not available on Windows 7. If you are currently using these programs you will need to Import your data into Windows Live Mail or another email program after installation.

Backing Up and Transferring Your Files

Before installation, it is a good idea to back up your files, even if you are only doing a simple upgrade. This can be done by copying your files to an external source such as a CD, DVD, an external drive or a USB flash drive.
f you are doing a custom (clean) installation you will need to back up and transfer your files and settings. You will also need to gather your installation discs to reinstall any programs. If any of your programs were downloaded from the internet, then you will need to save the Set Up files for those programs to your external back up source.
Microsoft recommends using Windows Easy Transfer (WET) to back up and transfer your files and settings. A detailed tutorial on this process will be linked in the next part of this lesson. As previously mentioned, you may want to consider using a computer service professional, as performing a custom (clean) installation has the potential to become quite complicated.

Windows Easy Transfer

Do not use the File and Settings Transfer Wizard in Windows XP as it is not compatible with Windows 7.

Read more »

Pre-Installation Preparation

There are a few things you need to check before you get started with your installation.
In Lesson 2, we discussed the considerations you needed to be aware of before upgrading to Windows 7. By now, you should have:

1. Downloaded and run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to assess you computer's upgrade needs
2. Determined if your computer has a 32-bit or 64-bit processor
3. Figured out important Upgrade Considerations like whether you have to perform a simple Vista upgrade or a custom (clean) installation
4. Decided upon the Windows 7 version you need

In addition, you will need to make sure you have a working internet connection upon installation, as you may be prompted to download and install security and hardware driver updates.
Microsoft also recommends that you update your antivirus programs. After updating, you should run the antivirus programs and then turn them off. Once the installation is complete, you can turn the programs back on or install new antivirus software that is compatible with Windows 7.

Windows Mail and Outlook Express are not available on Windows 7. If you are currently using these programs you will need to Import your data into Windows Live Mail or another email program after installation.

Backing Up and Transferring Your Files

Before installation, it is a good idea to back up your files, even if you are only doing a simple upgrade. This can be done by copying your files to an external source such as a CD, DVD, an external drive or a USB flash drive.
f you are doing a custom (clean) installation you will need to back up and transfer your files and settings. You will also need to gather your installation discs to reinstall any programs. If any of your programs were downloaded from the internet, then you will need to save the Set Up files for those programs to your external back up source.
Microsoft recommends using Windows Easy Transfer (WET) to back up and transfer your files and settings. A detailed tutorial on this process will be linked in the next part of this lesson. As previously mentioned, you may want to consider using a computer service professional, as performing a custom (clean) installation has the potential to become quite complicated.

Windows Easy Transfer

Do not use the File and Settings Transfer Wizard in Windows XP as it is not compatible with Windows 7.

Read more »

Conclusion

Now that you know what it takes to upgrade, you have a better idea of whether Windows 7 is right for you. Depending on your circumstances, upgrading may be an easy or complicated process. As previously mentioned you should weigh any complications you may experience with your desire for the improvements and features that Windows 7 has to offer. Time and cost are also factors, especially if you are considering purchasing a new computer.

Read more »

What to Consider before You Upgrade?

Once you have run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor and reviewed your system's Windows Experience Index, you will have a better idea of how Windows 7 will perform on your computer. Just to be sure, here are a few things to consider:

• Do you have a 32-bit or 64-bit processor? The 64-bit processor can handle larger amounts of information and increase the responsiveness of the computer. Microsoft is promoting that Windows 7 can run effectively on both 32-bit and 64-bit processor computers, but in reality some features may not perform as well on the 32-bit processors.
• Will you be upgrading from XP or Vista? Windows 7 was designed to be upgraded from Vista. If you are currently using the XP operating system, then your upgrade experience may be complicated. You will have to back up your current files, programs and settings and do a custom (clean) installation. Microsoft has subtly suggested that XP users should consider getting a new PC for Windows 7. If this is not an option and you are going to do a custom (clean) installation then you may want to get help from a computer service professional.
  Windows Touch Screen
• Are you interested in gaming, multimedia and Windows Touch? Microsoft has put a heavy emphasis on promoting how "new things are possible" with Windows 7. These include graphics capabilities for gaming, the multimedia features of Windows Media Player and the use of touch screen. If these digital media features are important to you, then make sure to review the Additional System Requirements before upgrading.
• Are you in the market for a new computer with Windows 7? Microsoft suggests Windows 7 will work better on a new PC, especially if you are interested in the Digital Media functions. Check out Microsoft's recommendations for Windows 7 Compatible Laptops and PCs.
• Do you currently use Windows Mail or Outlook Express? Windows Mail and Outlook Express are not available on Windows 7. You will need to replace them with Windows Live Mail or another email program.

Read more »

What Kind of Upgrade do I Need?

If you are currently using the Vista OS then your upgrade experience might be quite easy. If you have XP, then upgrading will likely be more complicated. Either way, it is probably best to download and run the Windows Upgrade Advisor before proceeding.
Based on the current version of your operating system, you will need to figure out if you have to perform a simple upgrade or a custom (clean) installation. You may visit Microsoft's Upgrade Considerations to determine what type of upgrade you need and what additional information should be considered before performing the upgrade.

Even if you do not need to do the custom (clean) installation, it is probably a good idea to back up your files before upgrading.

Microsoft provides instructions for doing a custom (clean) installation. However, you may want to consider using a computer service professional if you are not comfortable with this process.

 Windows Operating Systems

Once you have determined which Windows 7 version you want and what kind of upgrade you need to perform, you may go to a retail outlet or the online Microsoft Store to purchase your upgrade.

Read more »

Windows 7 Requirements for Upgrade

In order to run Windows 7, your PC must have the following:

• 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
• 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
• 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
• DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver

Additional System Requirements may be needed to run certain features.

Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor

Microsoft is providing a tool called the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor so customers can determine if their PC is able to run Windows 7. It is a good idea to Download the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor before upgrading. It will analyze your computer's processor, memory, storage, graphics capabilities and any other compatibility issues. If possible, it will also provide guidance for resolving issues.

Please note, you should plug in and connect all USB devices, printers, external hard drives, etc. when running the Upgrade Advisor. This will provide the best analysis of your system..

Windows Experience Index

The Windows Experience Index is another indicator of how well your computer will respond to Windows 7. The Windows Experience Index tests your system and rates it with a score between 1 and 7.9. The higher the score the better your computer's performance. Some Windows 7 features, like Aero, need a score of at least 3 to run.

1. To check your Windows Experience Index, click on the Start Menu and select Computer. The Computer window will appear.
2. Select System Properties in the button bar at the top of the screen. The System Window displays your computer's Windows Experience Index rating.
   
   
   You can also see your system properties and determine if you are running on a 32-bit or 64-bit processor.
   Check the Windows Experience Index
3. Select the Windows Experience Index link to view the ratings of the individual computer components that are scored. The rating is determined by the lowest subscore.
   Explanation of Score

In this case, the score of 4.3 should be sufficient to experience most of the new windows features. If your system scores lower than a 3, you may miss out on some of the digital media and graphics features, including Window's Aero.

Read more »