Install Windows 7 On Your Computer Without Losing Important Files And Settings

Features and Usability

When I upgraded to Windows 7, it came to me as a nightmare because I was unable to install the compatible drivers and applications. My computer was almost unusable. However, with the support of a remote tech support provider, I am now happy with my decision to proceed with the Windows 7 installation.

Although, there are plethora of technical support providers, which are offering support program for Windows 7 installation, but I preferred the one, where I got the guarantee regarding the safe and secure migration. Now, I have my important files and setting with me under the new Windows 7 environment. This is the best deal, which I have ever made in my computing life.

I got registered with an organization for the technical support for complete 1 year. Along with the support for Windows 7 installation, they are also offering me other comprehensive tech support services, which include:

• Diagnostic & repair of hardware issues
• Troubleshoot software errors
• Update drivers and security to protect against online threats
• Connect to the Internet, devices and peripherals
• Optimize your PC’s speed and performance

Limitation

Although, tech support for Windows 7 is very helpful for giving best support, but if your computer is not well configured in terms of memory, processor, graphic card and other essential hardware components , then you can’t expect an overall good performance.

For smooth functioning of hardware devices and software applications on your computer, I would recommend to install only compatible devices and software application, which can be confirmed from Windows 7 Compatibility Center in Microsoft’s website. For getting real-time assistance pertaining to any hardware or software conflicts call your remotely enabled tech support provider.

Windows 7 Install on a PC

As soon as Microsoft released its latest OS, Windows 7, being a technician I started getting e-mails & calls from a bunch of people who wanted to get install this new operating system on their PC. I was a big fan of Windows XP (before Windows 7 release) and always believed that nothing can be better than XP. That is the reason, why I never tried using Windows Vista. So I’ve decided to do a complete research on Windows 7 before I wipe out my XP and install it on my PC. On completion, I found that Microsoft has done a great job. The latest Windows 7 is far better than Windows Vista and has a number of improved features.
Though, Windows 7 is a comprehensive OS, however, there are still few limitations which I’ll discuss later most probably at the end of my blog.
Windows 7 doesn’t allow you to perform upgrade also known as in-place upgrade, if you are currently running Windows XP. So does it mean you’ll have wiped out all your data? Not at all! Windows XP users can migrate to Windows 7 but they have to complete a little exercise. Windows 7 includes a Migration utility for XP users so before performing a clean installation, you must backup of your data and settings by using Windows 7 migration tool. On the other hand, existing users of Windows Vista have an advantage of in-place upgrade.
Being an XP user, I’m writing these general steps, which will help you in performing clean installation of Windows 7 on your XP PC.
Note: Before you start installing Windows 7, I would like to suggest you few things, which you must verify, such as, minimum hardware requirements to run Windows 7, availability of device drivers, a valid product key and which version to install. If you know the answers of above mentioned questions, you are on the right track.
Here are the instructions that you can follow while installing Windows 7:
STEP 1. Insert the Windows 7 setup disc into computer’s DVD/CD drive and boot from it.
STEP 2. On the “Install Windows” page click on Install now.
STEP 4. Read the “License term” page and accept it by clicking on “I accept”.
STEP 5. Select “Custom installation type” on the next page (Recommended).
STEP 6. Install Windows on a specific partition if you’ve created one.
STEP 7. After that you will notice Installing Windows 7 screen. The setup will proceed further and take several minutes to copy files, expand files, install features, install updates and complete the installation. Do not interrupt in between the process. Enter your user & computer name when prompted then select next. Enter your serial Key. Select your update settings. Change Time & Date settings if require then select your Wireless network from the list and security key if applicable.
STEP 8. On a successful installation, run Windows 7 migration tool and install Windows XP data and settings.
Features
There is a wide range of features, which have been added by Microsoft, thus giving you the reason to opt for new Windows 7. Some of its extraordinary features are: Libraries, Multi-touch technology, Instant search, Remote Media Streaming, Windows XP mode and many more.
Usability
There is no doubt that Windows 7 is more than an operating system. Its unique features and various editions will be definitely appreciated by the Microsoft consumers. This time it’s fast, secure, reliable and stylish and most importantly compatible with most of the hardware & software pieces unlike Windows Vista.
Limitation
However, there are certain limitations of Windows 7 that you must be aware of. At first in order to install Windows 7, your PC needs to be a powerful machine that is why most of the people may avoid installing this latest OS. It’s been reported that your favorite XP compatible programs might not work in Windows 7 environment. This is the reason that Microsoft has added XP mode feature. There are total six editions of Windows 7 out of which only three are available across the globe. Due to the total new GUI, you might take some time to get familiar with it.

Easy Way of Windows 7 Installation

Microsoft’s latest Windows 7 has removed the issues of software confliction and difficult user-interface of previous Windows Vista. In addition to that it has been equipped with innovative technologies like multi-core support, handwriting recognition, virtualization and Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6), so that you can experience the next-generation computing features.
Hence, demands of installation/upgrade to latest Windows 7 is on the rise. However, it is always important to prepare yourself before rushing for the upgrade. You should check whether your computer’s configuration will support Windows 7.
If your present operating system is Windows Vista, then you don’t need to think much. Simply go online or purchase CD/DVD of Windows 7 installation.
However, if you have a computer with earlier versions like Windows XP, Windows 2000 etc, then you need to be careful
Firstly, check the compatibility of hardware components in your computer with respect to that of Windows 7. You can easily check it with the help of Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor, which is available for free download in Microsoft’s website. It scans and prompts the report. If your computer is lacking somewhere, it suggests the upgrade requirement.
Following are the minimum hardware configuration to install Windows 7:
• Processor-1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
• Memory-1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
• Hard disk-16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
• Graphic card-DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver

Take the backup of previous files and settings of your computer. You can make use of external hard disk or USB flash drive to take the back up. If you are not an computer expert, then don’t worry. Microsoft presents Windows 7 Easy Transfer that can be downloaded from its website. This program can take back up of your entire computer’s storage, in few minutes in an easy way.
Now, start the process of Windows 7 installation. Drop the CD/DVD on the tray of your DVD drive and restart your computer. You will be prompted to “Press any key to boot from CD/DVD.” However, if you don’t get this option, go into the BIOS and change the boot order from hard drive to DVD drive. After the file is loaded, installation wizard appears. Mention your language preferences, and then click “Install Now.” You have to accept the license agreement and select to do a custom install. Enter username and computer name, when the installation is over.

Windows Automated Installation Kit for Windows 7

Windows automated Installation Kit is a set of tools and documentation that supports the deployment and configuration of Windows operating systems. By using Windows AIK, you can automate Windows 7 installations, capture Windows images with ImageX, configure and modify images using Deployment Imaging Servicing and Management (DISM), create Windows PE images, and migrate user profiles and data with the User State Migration Tool (USMT). Windows AIK also includes the Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT), which allows IT professionals to automate and centrally manage the volume activation process using a Multiple Activation Key (MAK).

Supported Operating Systems: Windows 7; Windows Server 2008; Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 2; Windows Vista SP1; Windows Server 2008 family; Windows 7 family; Windows Server 2008 R2 family

Instructions: To install the Windows AIK, you must first download the ISO, write the ISO file to a DVD using a third party tool, and then install the Windows AIK from the DVD. Click the Continue button in the Validation Required section to begin the validation process. After validation is complete, you will return to this page to continue the download.

Windows Easy Transfer

This tool helps you to move system or application settings and data. Windows Easy Transfer enables you to copy your files, photos, music, emails, settings, and more from a computer running Windows XP to a system running Windows 7.

Windows Easy Transfer supports the following operating systems:

Windows XP (SP2 and higher) to Windows 7

Windows Vista (SP1 and higher) to Windows 7

Windows Easy Transfer supports transfers using any of the following methods:

USB Easy Transfer Cable

Network connection

Removable media (such as a USB flash drive or external hard disk)

Instructions: Download and install Windows Easy Transfer on your computer running Windows XP PC. First, open and run Windows Easy Transfer on your computer running Windows XP. Then open and run Windows Easy Transfer on your computer running Windows 7. You can open the Windows 7 version of Windows Easy Transfer by clicking the Start button. In the search box, type “Easy Transfer” and then click Windows Easy Transfer. Follow the instructions in the wizard to select and transfer your data.

Deploying Windows XP Mode

This document provides you with instructions on how to deploy Windows XP Mode in small and midsize businesses.

Supported Operating Systems: Windows 7

Instructions: Download this Word document and additional script files.

Hardware-assisted Virtualization (HAV) detection tool

The Hardware-assisted virtualization (HAV) detection tool verifies whether a computer processor supports HAV and if this setting is enabled.

Supported Operating Systems: Windows 7; Windows Vista Service Pack 1; Windows Vista Service Pack 2; Windows XP Service Pack 2; Windows XP Service Pack 3.

Note: Only the following versions of Windows XP and Windows Vista is supported:

Windows Vista Service Pack 1, 2 (Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Enterprise, Ultimate)

Windows XP Service Pack 3 (Professional), Windows XP Service Pack 2 (Professional)

Hard disk requirement: 1MB

Instructions: Download the application (havdetectiontool.exe) on your local machine. There is only one installer for both 32-bit and 64-bit machines. Double click on the application and follow the prompts.

What to do When your Taskbar is Occupied by a Number of Applications?

Sometimes while searching on Internet or doing multi-application work we often see the Taskbar occupied fully.

Ans: If you find your taskbar crowded with opened application then you can combine them as you do in Vista. Do as follow:

Right-click the Start button, then go to Properties -> Taskbar and check “Combine when taskbar is full”.

For further detail...

Windows 7 Help

Windows 7 Installation on a Mac using Boot Camp?

Mac users need not switch to new hardware in order to run Windows 7.

Windows 7 requires an up-gradation for the hardware to run it on old computers or XP installed computers.

This article discusses various ways wherein one can install the Windows 7 Beta on a Macintosh system using boot camp 10 gigs and Windows 7 Beta burned into a DVD ROM.

To quickly start off with the installation process, one will have to go to the Applications folder. From here proceed towards the Utility Folder and double click on Boot camp assistant. You will probably encounter a message mentioning that the Windows 7 is not a valid install. Ignore this and click Continue. Now, we will have to give some space, to the operating system set to be downloaded, to be stored in. And by the manual, 10 gigs is what exactly you need to keep aside. Click the partition button after the space enabled for the download has been created in a small divider between Mac OS X and Windows by dragging it to the left. Once the drive is partitioned, you will see a new boot camp partition showing up on your desktop.

We are almost getting to the point of initiating the installation process as everything has been setup now and all compatibility settings have been enabled. Insert the DVD that had been burned earlier and click Start installation. Once you click on this, your computer will restart by itself and you will be prompted to choose an install location. Quickly choose the Boot Camp and go to the drive options advanced links and click on it. Do not click on anything else. This is a very crucial step.

When you are through with this, click the format button and then on OK. The Windows 7 will automatically begin to install by itself. Remember to remove the DVD from your drive once the system reboots. At this point, you will be asked to add some basic personal information like user name, language, keyboard style etc. Complete the task and once the installation is complete and the Mac has restarted, get yourself connected to the Internet and give your windows the option to install drivers for the video or anything you have set your mind on. Upon completing this, simply restart and boot back into Windows 7.