How to install Windows 7

Planning the Installation

The following are Microsoft's minimum recommended specs for Windows 7:

• 1 GHz 32-bit or 64-bit processor
• 1 GB of system memory
• 16 GB of available disk space
• Support for DirectX 9 graphics with 128 MB memory (to enable the Aero theme)
• DVD-R/W Drive
• Internet access (to activate and get updates)

32-bit or 64-bit Version

The Windows 7 installation disc package includes both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 7. Basically, the 64-bit version of Windows handles large amounts of random access memory (RAM) more effectively than a 32-bit system. So if you plan on using Windows 7 on a computer with more than 3 GB or RAM, it is recommended to use the 64-bit version. Most programs designed for the 32-bit version of Windows will work on the 64-bit version of Windows, and if they don't, you can always use Windows XP Mode.
Note: Either way, you cannot use an existing 32-bit version of a previous OS to perform an in-place upgrade to a 64-bit version of Windows 7, and you'll need to format and install a fresh copy. Also, you cannot use an existing 64-bit version of a previous OS to perform an in-place upgrade to a 32-bit version of Windows 7.

Type of Installation

There are 2 approaches to installing Windows 7:

1. Upgrade (In-place upgrade) - This option replaces your current version of Windows with Windows 7, and keeps your files, settings, and programs in place on your computer.
2. Custom ("fresh" installation) - This option replaces your current version of Windows with Windows 7, but doesn't preserve your files, settings, and programs. It's sometimes referred to as a clean installation for that reason.

A fresh installation is always better. Even if you've got an existing Windows XP/Vista OS on your computer, it is recommended that you format it and install a fresh copy of the OS.

Prepare The Boot Sequence
Windows 7 DVD is bootable. In order to boot from the DVD you need to set the boot sequence. Look for the boot sequence under your BIOS setup and make sure that the first boot device is set to CD-ROM/DVD-ROM.
Ggo to the BIOS by hitting “DEL” or “F12″ when your system is starting up. Then Go to Boot order and make sure cdrom is on the first place. The boot sequence should look like this in your bios :

Step 1 - Starting the Installation

Insert your Windows 7 DVD media into your DVD drive and reboot your computer. If you're asked to press a key to boot from DVD or CD, press any key. A black window will appear momentarily while the DVD content is read.

Step 2 - Windows starting screen
Next, a Starting Windows screen will appear to show the installation is starting

Step 3 - Set the language, time and curreny formats, and keyboard or input method

The next screen allows you to setup your language, time and currency format, keyboard or input method. Choose your required settings and click next to continue.

Step 4 - Start the install or repair process

The next screen allows you to install or repair Windows Vista. Since we are doing a fresh install we will click on "install now".

Step 5 - Accept the license terms

Click the "I accept the licence terms" box and press next.

Step 6 - Choose the installation type

Next, unless you're upgrading an existing Windows installation, press the Custom (Advanced) installation type button. Note that in this case, the Upgrade button is disabled because this specific installation if performed on a new computer without any previous operating system on it.

Step 7 - Choose the location to install

The next phase is to pick the installation partition. Since this computer has a new hard disk that hasn't been formatted before, you will only have the option to create a new partition on it.

If you don't want to specify a specific partition to install Windows on, or create partitions on your hard disk, click Next to begin the installation. If you already have another existing partition with enough free space and want to install the Windows 7 on that partition to create a multiboot configuration, select the partition you want to use, and then click Next to begin the installation. If you want to create, extend, delete, or format a partition, click Drive options (advanced), click the option you want, and then follow the instructions.
If you don't need to perform any additional task, just click on the "Next" button. The installation process will then create a partition on all the available disk space, and format it.

Step 8 - Copying Windows 7 files

Windows starts the installation process and starts copying all the necessary files to your hard drive as shown on the image below. It will go through various stages of the setup and will reboot your system few times. When your PC reboots it attempts to boot from DVD as its the first boot device. Do not press any key during the boot prompt so Windows 7 will continue with the installation by booting from your hard drive.

Step 9 - Choose a user name and computer name

Now, set the user name and computer name. By default, the computer's name will be username-PC, where username is the username you've entered. Click next to continue.

Step 10 - Choose the user password

Now, enter the user's password. Remember this password, as it will be the ONLY user on the system, and unless you create an additional user or enable the built-in administrator account, if you forget this password you'll need to crack it to gain access to the system. The best option would be to choose a complex password made of at least 7 characters or more (something like Pssw0rd or MYpa$$w0rd). You must also enter a password hint. Click on "Next" to continue.

Step 11 - Enter the product key

Next, type in your product key. If you do not have the product key at hand you can still click "Next", and proceed with the installation. You will be asked to enter the product key after Windows is installed.

Step 12 - Choose the Windows protection settings
Choose what sort of protection your computer gets. The recommended settings are best for someone that doesn't plan to hide their computer behind a corporate firewall (and even then, in some cases, this would be the best option). If you plan to install a 3rd-party firewall later you can opt to be prompted later. Note that this setting will also have effect on how the computer uses the Microsoft Windows Update (Automatic Updates) features.

Step 13 - Set the time zone, time and date

Select your time zone, correct the date and time and click next to continue.

Step 14 - Choose your network location type

Now, select your network location type. This setting can be changed later, but do note that choosing a profile will have effect on the Windows Firewall and sharing settings. Click on "Next".

Step 15 - Completing installation

Windows will finalize the settings and your desktop will appear.

This concludes the Windows 7 installation. Next, you should update your computer with the latest hotfixes and/or patches from Microsoft.