Windows 7 Upgrade Considerations

Upgrade means you can install Windows 7 by simply inserting the Windows 7 upgrade software into your PC's DVD drive and follow the instructions on your screen. While you're not required to backup and reinstall your files, or reinstall your programs, it's a very good idea to back up your files and settings before you start any software upgrade. Get more information about software upgrades and best practices.

A custom (clean) installation erases the contents of your PC's hard drive. Your files, settings, and programs will not be transferred to Windows 7. That means that to install Windows 7, you'll need to:

• Backup all the files and settings you want to keep

• Install Windows 7

• Reinstall all your files

• Reinstall all the programs you want to use.

These four steps take time, some technical skill and Windows Easy Transfer can help. However, If you're not comfortable with this process, please consider having the installation done by a local service provider.

A custom (clean) installation completely erases the contents of your PC's hard drive. Your files, settings, and programs will not be transferred to Windows 7.

Here's what you need to do:

• Run Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to make sure your PC can run Windows 7. to see if there are any known issues that might affect the installation and whether you should install the 32- or 64-bit version of Windows 7.

• Back up your files To avoid losing anything, you'll need to save copies of all the files, photos, and other information you want to keep on an external hard drive. Windows Easy Transfer is a free tool you can use to copy your information (but not programs) off your PC and then put them back after you install Windows 7.

  
  

  Note: Windows Easy Transfer does not support moving from a 64-bit version of Windows to a 32-bit version of Windows.

• Locate the original installation disks for the programs currently on your computer.

• Insert the Windows 7 DVD and follow the instructions for a custom installation by selecting the Custom (advanced) installation option.

• Reinstall your programs and your backed-up files and settings. If you used Windows Easy Transfer, launch Windows Easy Transfer in Windows 7 (in the Start menu, click All Programs>Accessories>System Tools) and follow the instructions.

  
  

  Note: If you're moving files that you backed up with the Windows XP backup software, you'll need to download a free tool to restore the files to your Windows 7 PC. Here are more technical details about the installation process.

• All editions of Windows XP and Windows Vista qualify you to upgrade. So, if you're running either on your PC today, buy a package labeled "Upgrade".

• Put simply, a 64-bit PC can handle larger amounts of information than a 32-bit system. Since it can use more RAM—4 GB and up—a 64-bit computer can be more responsive when you're running lots of programs at once. Read more.

• Use this chart to find the right Windows 7 edition for you.

• Visit the Windows 7 Compatibility Center to check compatibility with other parts of your system or new things you might want to add.

• You can use a USB drive. Here’s how: Go to Microsoft Store and buy a download of Windows 7 . While you’re there, get the free Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool and the instructions for how it works. Then use the tool to set up a USB drive that you can use to install the operating system.