Installing Windows 7 in 4 Steps

Windows 7 is the newest operating from Microsoft and it promises to be the best one they have created thus far. According to Microsoft, Windows 7 does away with many unpopular features and is streamlined so it takes less time to process data. This article will show you how to correctly install Windows 7.

Step 1 - Computer Compatibility

If your computer runs Windows Vista without issue then you can run Windows 7. Although this is mostly true, you should still check the specifications of your system. Windows 7 is suitable for systems with at least 1-GHz of processor speed and 1GB of memory. You can locate this information if you open "Control Panel" and then double click on "System".

Step 2 - Back Up

When installing any major software it's important to back up important documents, programs and any other information you cannot live without. There are several ways you can back up the system. You can run the backup software that came with your computer, burn your information to CD-Rom or DVD discs, upload the information to an online storage site or move the files to an external hard drive.

Step 3 - Run the Windows 7 Installer

Microsoft has made it easy to install Windows 7. Open your CD or DVD tray and insert the Windows 7 disc. Close the tray then reboot. The computer will look for an operating system and will find one on the CD. If it doesn't see it then you need to restart the computer and enter setup. Make the disc drive readable before the hard drive. Restart the computer again and this time it will read it. It will appear on your screen asking you wish to boot from the disc. Hit any key to accept. The setup will run and you will need to do the following:

1.  Choose the language you wish to use

2.  Click on the "install now" button

3.  When the license agreement comes up select to accept it

4.  Select to do a custom install

5.  Pick which partition you want to install Windows 7 to (if you are using a new hard drive you may have to click "new" in order to create a new partition)

6.  Format the partition you are installing Windows 7 to in order to remove all instances of the old operating system

At this point Windows 7 will begin copying files over to the hard drive. This can talk about half an hour to complete.

Step 4 - Finishing Installation

When the system reboots you will need to choose a name for the computer. You can create a login name and password if you like and then enter the activation key that came with Windows 7. Use the recommended settings and set your clock and date.