Plan Your Windows 7 Installation
If you're planning on installing Windows 7 on a new, empty hard drive (or on any currently unused partition) then this tutorial is for you. This step by step guide is broken into two parts for a total of 29 steps and will walk you through every part of a new Windows 7 install.The most important thing to do before beginning a new Windows 7 installation is to check the minimum system requirements for installing Windows 7. Microsoft sets these minimum requirements based on their own tests of what kind of computer system will be able to handle the basic tasks of the Windows 7 operating system.
Because a faster system will make for a much more enjoyable Windows 7 user experience, I highly recommend that you exceed these requirements as much as possible within your budget.
Note: The steps and screen shots shown in these 29 steps refer specifically to Windows 7 Ultimate but will also serve perfectly well as a guide to installing a new copy of Windows 7 Professional or Windows 7 Home Premium (or any Windows 7 version).
Boot From the Windows 7 DVD
To begin the Windows 7 install process, you'll need to boot from the Windows 7 DVD.- Watch for a Press any key to boot from CD or DVD... message similar to the one shown in the screenshot above.
- Press a key to force the computer to boot from the Windows 7 DVD. If you do not press a key, your PC will attempt to boot to the next device in the boot order, which is probably your hard drive. Since your hard drive has no operating system on it, the boot process will fail.
Note: If you see a "No Operating System Found"
or "NTLDR is Missing" error here instead of the screen above, the most
probable reason is that your PC is not setup to boot to the CD/DVD drive
first. To correct this problem, you'll need to change the boot order in BIOS to list the CD/DVD drive first.
Note: It's perfectly fine if, instead of the screen above, the Windows 7 setup process begins automatically (see the next step). If this happens, consider this step complete and move on.
Note: Planning on having more than one user on your computer? Don't worry - you can set up more users inside Windows 7 later.
Don't treat this as a recommendation - consider it a requirement.
In the Type a password (recommended): text box, enter a complicated but easy-for-YOU-to-remember password. Retype the same password in the Retype your password: text box.
Type a hint to give yourself in the Type a password hint (required): text box. This hint will display if you enter the wrong password when logging on to Windows 7.
As you can see in the example above, the hint I entered was What is my favorite food?. The password I entered (which you can't see above) was applesauce.
Note: If Windows originally came preinstalled on your computer and you're now completing a new install after a hard drive replacement, your product key is probably located on a sticker attached to the side, back, or bottom of your computer's case.
Important: You may be able to avoid entering a product key at this point but you will eventually need to do so in order to continue using Windows 7. I highly advise that you enter your product key here and choose to Automatically activate Windows when I'm online.
I recommend that you choose Install important updates only. This option is the safest because it restricts Windows 7 from doing anything with your data or to your computer automatically except when important security and stability updates are available.
You are more than welcome to choose Use recommended settings but I do not recommend that you choose Ask me later.
Note: These settings can easily be changed within Windows 7 after you're doing stepping through these configuration questions.
The time and date is likely already correct but be sure to verify the time zone and change if necessary.
If your area observes Daylight Saving Time be sure to check that box here.
Note: If the date and/or time of Daylight Saving Time changes, Microsoft will issue an update via Windows Update to change the automatic time change so don't avoid checking this box assuming that DST changes won't occur correctly.
Note: It's perfectly fine if, instead of the screen above, the Windows 7 setup process begins automatically (see the next step). If this happens, consider this step complete and move on.
Wait for Windows 7 Installation Files to Load
You don't need to do anything at this point but wait for Windows 7 to finishing loading files in preparation for the setup process.
Note: No changes are being made to your computer at this time. Windows 7 is just temporarily "loading files" into memory for the setup process.
After the Windows 7 installation files are loaded into memory, you'll see the Windows 7 splash screen, indicating that the setup process is about to begin.
You don't need to do anything at this point.
Click Next.
Click on the Install now button in the center of the screen, under the Windows 7 logo.
This will officially begin the Windows 7 installation process.
Note: Do not click the Repair your computer link at the bottom of the window even if you're completing this new installation of Windows 7 as part of some larger repair project for your computer.
The Repair your computer link is usually used to start a Windows 7 Startup Repair or perform another task from System Recovery Options in Windows 7.
No need to do anything here.
Read through the agreement, check the I accept the license terms checkbox under the agreement text and then click Next to confirm that you agree with the terms.
Note: You should always read "small print" especially when it comes to operating systems and other software. Most programs, Windows 7 included, have legally binding limits on how many computers the application can be installed on, among other limitations.
Click on the Custom (advanced) button.
Note: Since you're performing a new installation of Windows 7 on a new or previously formatted hard drive, there is no previous operating system to upgrade from so an Upgrade installation is not possible.
In this step, you'll be choosing the physical location to install Windows 7 to.
Choose the appropriate unallocated space or previously partitioned space on a hard drive to install Windows 7 on.
If you're installing Windows 7 on a never-used hard drive in a computer with no other hard drives, your screen should look like the one above, aside from your hard drive being a different size.
Note: The number of partitions displayed and whether those partitions are unallocated portions of a hard drive, previously partitioned spaces, or previously formatted and blank partitions will depend on your specific system.
Note: In a new install, you will not be required to manually partition or format the drive. Windows 7 Setup will do this automatically.
Wait While Windows 7 is Installed
Windows 7 Setup will now install Windows 7 to the location you chose in the previous step. You don't need to do anything here but wait.
This is the most time consuming of any of the 29 steps. Depending on the speed of your computer, this process could take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes.
If you do nothing, your computer will reset automatically after 10 seconds or so. If you'd rather not wait, you can click the Restart now button at the bottom of the Windows needs to restart to continue screen.
Wait for Windows 7 Setup to Begin Again
Windows 7 is now continuing.
You don't need to do anything here. There are a few more automatic Windows 7 setup steps to come.
Important: Do not restart your computer manually at this point. Windows 7 Setup will restart your PC for you. If you interrupt the setup process by restarting manually, you may need to start the Windows 7 setup over again from the beginning.
No user intervention is required here.
Windows 7 is now loading drivers, checking to make sure everything has been setup properly, removing temporary files, etc.
You don't need to do anything here.
Windows 7 needs to know how well your video card and related hardware works so it can properly adjust performance options for your computer.
For example, if your video system is too slow, Windows 7 may disable features like Aero Peek, translucent windows, and other graphically intense features of the operating system.
In the Type a user name (for example, John): text box, enter your name. You can enter a single name, your first and last name, or any other identifiable text you like. This is the name you'll be identified by in Windows 7.
In the Type a computer name: text box, enter the name you'd like your computer to have when being viewed by other computers on your network.
A good computer name might be Office-PC, Windows-7-Test-PC, Bob-Dell, etc. You get the idea. Anything identifiable that makes sense to you will work.
Click Next when you're done entering both the user name and computer name.
Note: No changes are being made to your computer at this time. Windows 7 is just temporarily "loading files" into memory for the setup process.
Wait for Windows 7 Setup to Finish Loading
You don't need to do anything at this point.
Choose Language and Other Preferences
Choose the Language to install, Time and currency format, and Keyboard or input method that you'd like to use in Windows 7.Click Next.
Click the Install Now Button
This will officially begin the Windows 7 installation process.
Note: Do not click the Repair your computer link at the bottom of the window even if you're completing this new installation of Windows 7 as part of some larger repair project for your computer.
The Repair your computer link is usually used to start a Windows 7 Startup Repair or perform another task from System Recovery Options in Windows 7.
Wait for Windows 7 Setup to Begin
The Windows 7 setup process is now beginning.No need to do anything here.
Accept the Windows 7 License Terms
The next screen that appears is a textbox containing the Windows 7 Software License.Read through the agreement, check the I accept the license terms checkbox under the agreement text and then click Next to confirm that you agree with the terms.
Note: You should always read "small print" especially when it comes to operating systems and other software. Most programs, Windows 7 included, have legally binding limits on how many computers the application can be installed on, among other limitations.
Choose the Type of Windows 7 Installation to Complete
In the Which type of installation do you want? window that appears next, you're offered the choice of Upgrade and Custom (advanced).Click on the Custom (advanced) button.
Note: Since you're performing a new installation of Windows 7 on a new or previously formatted hard drive, there is no previous operating system to upgrade from so an Upgrade installation is not possible.
Choose a Physical Location to Install Windows 7 On
Choose the appropriate unallocated space or previously partitioned space on a hard drive to install Windows 7 on.
If you're installing Windows 7 on a never-used hard drive in a computer with no other hard drives, your screen should look like the one above, aside from your hard drive being a different size.
Note: The number of partitions displayed and whether those partitions are unallocated portions of a hard drive, previously partitioned spaces, or previously formatted and blank partitions will depend on your specific system.
Note: In a new install, you will not be required to manually partition or format the drive. Windows 7 Setup will do this automatically.
Wait While Windows 7 is Installed
Windows 7 Setup will now install Windows 7 to the location you chose in the previous step. You don't need to do anything here but wait.
This is the most time consuming of any of the 29 steps. Depending on the speed of your computer, this process could take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes.
Restart Your Computer
Now that the Windows 7 setup process is complete, you need to restart your computer.If you do nothing, your computer will reset automatically after 10 seconds or so. If you'd rather not wait, you can click the Restart now button at the bottom of the Windows needs to restart to continue screen.
Wait for Windows 7 Setup to Begin Again
Windows 7 is now continuing.
You don't need to do anything here. There are a few more automatic Windows 7 setup steps to come.
Wait for Windows 7 Setup to Update Registry Settings
Windows 7 Setup is now updating registry settings in preparation for the final stages of the operating system installation.
Wait for Windows 7 Setup to Start Services
Wait while Windows 7 Setup starts various necessary services. This starting of services will occur during every Windows 7 boot as well but you won't see it like this again. Services start in the background during a normal Windows 7 startup.
Wait for Windows 7 Setup to Complete
This last Windows 7 Setup screen says "Completing installation" and may take several minutes. All you need to do is wait - everything is automatic.
Wait for Your PC to Automatically Restart
Wait while the Windows 7 setup process automatically restarts your computer.Important: Do not restart your computer manually at this point. Windows 7 Setup will restart your PC for you. If you interrupt the setup process by restarting manually, you may need to start the Windows 7 setup over again from the beginning.
Wait for Windows 7 to Start
Wait while Windows 7 starts.No user intervention is required here.
Wait for Windows 7 to Prepare Your PC for First Use
Windows 7 Setup is now preparing your computer for first use.Windows 7 is now loading drivers, checking to make sure everything has been setup properly, removing temporary files, etc.
You don't need to do anything here.
Wait for Windows 7 to Check Your PC's Video Performance
Wait while Windows 7 checks the video performance of your computer.Windows 7 needs to know how well your video card and related hardware works so it can properly adjust performance options for your computer.
For example, if your video system is too slow, Windows 7 may disable features like Aero Peek, translucent windows, and other graphically intense features of the operating system.
Choose a User Name and a Computer Name
Windows 7 needs to know what use name you'd like to use and how you'd like your computer to be identified on your local network.In the Type a user name (for example, John): text box, enter your name. You can enter a single name, your first and last name, or any other identifiable text you like. This is the name you'll be identified by in Windows 7.
In the Type a computer name: text box, enter the name you'd like your computer to have when being viewed by other computers on your network.
A good computer name might be Office-PC, Windows-7-Test-PC, Bob-Dell, etc. You get the idea. Anything identifiable that makes sense to you will work.
Click Next when you're done entering both the user name and computer name.
Note: Planning on having more than one user on your computer? Don't worry - you can set up more users inside Windows 7 later.
Choose a Password to Access Windows 7
Microsoft recommends that you choose a password that will be required when starting Windows 7 before access to your user account will be allowed.Don't treat this as a recommendation - consider it a requirement.
In the Type a password (recommended): text box, enter a complicated but easy-for-YOU-to-remember password. Retype the same password in the Retype your password: text box.
Type a hint to give yourself in the Type a password hint (required): text box. This hint will display if you enter the wrong password when logging on to Windows 7.
As you can see in the example above, the hint I entered was What is my favorite food?. The password I entered (which you can't see above) was applesauce.
Enter the Windows 7 Product Key
Enter the product key that came with your retail purchase or legal download of Windows 7. If Windows 7 came as part of your complete computer system, enter the product key you were given as part of that purchase.Note: If Windows originally came preinstalled on your computer and you're now completing a new install after a hard drive replacement, your product key is probably located on a sticker attached to the side, back, or bottom of your computer's case.
Important: You may be able to avoid entering a product key at this point but you will eventually need to do so in order to continue using Windows 7. I highly advise that you enter your product key here and choose to Automatically activate Windows when I'm online.
Choose a Windows Update Option
On this Help protect your computer and improve Windows automatically screen, Windows 7 is asking you do choose how you want to automatically install updates from Microsoft's Windows Update service.I recommend that you choose Install important updates only. This option is the safest because it restricts Windows 7 from doing anything with your data or to your computer automatically except when important security and stability updates are available.
You are more than welcome to choose Use recommended settings but I do not recommend that you choose Ask me later.
Note: These settings can easily be changed within Windows 7 after you're doing stepping through these configuration questions.
Choose the Correct Time Zone, Date, and Time
On the Review your time and date settings screen, choose the correct Time zone, Date, and Time.The time and date is likely already correct but be sure to verify the time zone and change if necessary.
If your area observes Daylight Saving Time be sure to check that box here.
Note: If the date and/or time of Daylight Saving Time changes, Microsoft will issue an update via Windows Update to change the automatic time change so don't avoid checking this box assuming that DST changes won't occur correctly.
Choose a Network Location
In the Select your computer's current location window you
see now, Windows 7 is asking where your computer is located at so it can
setup the proper network security - tighter security for public areas
and lighter for private ones like home and work.
Choose Home network or Work network if that applies to you. Most of you reading this will choose Home network.
Choose Public network if you use a mobile computer and you connect to the Internet or other computers away from home. Also, be sure to choose Public network if you access the internet via a mobile broadband network - no matter if you're at home or not.
You don't need to do anything here. Everything is automatic.
Note: If Windows 7 detects another computer on your network running Windows 7 that also has a homegroup setup, you will be prompted to choose what kinds of files you'd like to share on that homegroup and for the homegroup password. You can enter this information or Skip the setup entirely.
I did not show this additional screen in my guide.
Choose Home network or Work network if that applies to you. Most of you reading this will choose Home network.
Choose Public network if you use a mobile computer and you connect to the Internet or other computers away from home. Also, be sure to choose Public network if you access the internet via a mobile broadband network - no matter if you're at home or not.
Wait for Windows 7 to Connect to the Network
Windows 7 is now connecting your computer to the network.You don't need to do anything here. Everything is automatic.
Note: If Windows 7 detects another computer on your network running Windows 7 that also has a homegroup setup, you will be prompted to choose what kinds of files you'd like to share on that homegroup and for the homegroup password. You can enter this information or Skip the setup entirely.
I did not show this additional screen in my guide.
Wait for Windows 7 to Prepare the Desktop
Windows 7 will now put all the "finishing touches" for your new
installation like adding icons to the desktop, prepare the start menu,
etc.
You don't need to do anything here. All of these changes are done automatically in the background.
Important: If you chose not to enable automatic updates (Step 24) then the first step after installing Windows 7 is to visit Windows Update and install all the important service packs and patches that have been issued since the version of Windows 7 on your DVD was released.
If you did enable automatic updates, Windows 7 will prompt you about any important updates needed.
You don't need to do anything here. All of these changes are done automatically in the background.
Your Windows 7 New Install is Complete!
This completes the final step of your new install of Windows 7. Congratulations!
Important: If you chose not to enable automatic updates (Step 24) then the first step after installing Windows 7 is to visit Windows Update and install all the important service packs and patches that have been issued since the version of Windows 7 on your DVD was released.
If you did enable automatic updates, Windows 7 will prompt you about any important updates needed.
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