"WINDOWS 7" UPGRADE--STEP-BY-STEP
SUMMARY:
To upgrade a "Windows XP" or "Windows
Vista" computer to "Windows 7", do the
following:
Step 1: Procure the following:
A
copy of "Windows 7..Upgrade License"
installation DVD
An
external hard drive,
Drive
imaging software
such as "Macrium Reflect Free
Edition"
or "Acronis True Image
2010"
Step 2: Use drive imaging software such as "Macrium Reflect Free Edition"
("Macrium") or "Acronis
True Image 2010"("Acronis")
to back up your computer.
Step 3: Run the "Belarc
Advisor".
Step 4: Run "Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor".
Step 5: Run "Magical Jelly Bean Key Finder".
Step 6: If your computer connects to the Internet with a
wireless Wi-Fi
connection, run "Wireless Key View".
Step 7: Make screen shot files of "Disk
Management", "Services", "Processes",
and "Programs".
Step 8: Use the free version of "DriverMax"
software to back up an initial copy
of all drivers in your computer:
Step 9: Run "Windows Update" to update your
current copy of Windows.
Step 10: Use the free version of "DriverMax"
software to back up a second
copy of all drivers in your computer:
Step 11: Run "Disk Error Checking".
Step 12: Run "Disk Defragmenter".
Step 13: Run "PageDefrag" to defragment swap files and registry hive
files of
the
existing copy of Windows:
Step 14: Run a full scan with your antivirus/antimalware
program.
Step 15: Run a full scan with the free version of Malwarebytes "Anti-Malware"
or "SuperAntispyware".
Step 16: This step is only required if this is a
"Custom Installation"("Clean Install")
into a blank hard drive:
Use "GParted" on the "Parted Magic 4.x" LiveCD to create a single
NTFS partition for
"Windows 7".
(Many
thanks to Dennis McCormick for this advice.)
Step 17: This step is only required if this is a
"Custom Installation"("Clean Install")
into a blank hard drive:
De-activate application software
programs that require de-activation
before you can
re-install them:
Step 18: Run "Windows Easy Transfer" and save
the "SaveData.MIG" file to a new
folder on the external hard drive
called "Windows Easy Transfer<today's date>".
Step
19: If this is an "in-place upgrade" from "Windows Vista",
turn on
"Virtual Disk"
service in the existing "legacy" version of Windows.
Step 20: Insert the installation media for "Windows
7" and run it.
Step 21: Run "Windows Update".
Step 22: Run "Windows Easy Transfer" and use
the saved "SaveData.MIG" file
to restore selected data files and Windows settings to the
computer.
Step 23: Perform post-installation steps:
1) Use drive imaging software such as
"Macrium
Reflect Free Edition"("Macrium") or
"Acronis True Image
2010"("Acronis") to back up your computer.
2) Speed
up the computer
3) Share
files and printers with other "Windows XP"/"Windows Vista"
computers on the local area network
4) Share
files and printers with other "Windows 7" computers
on
the local area network
Etc.
Etc.
99)
Activate Windows with the "Product Key".
100) Use drive imaging software such as
"Macrium
Reflect Free Edition"("Macrium") or
"Acronis True Image
2010"("Acronis") to back up your computer again.
STEP-BY-STEP
DETAILS:
STEP 1: PROCURE "WINDOWS 7 UPGRADE LICENSE", DRIVE IMAGING SOFTWARE, AND AN EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE
Select between
a "Boxed set" or download with an upgrade license,
a "Boxed set" or download with a full license,
or
an OEM DVD or download with a full license?
The
above selection depends on whether you will be doing
an "upgrade"
installation
(also known as an "in-place upgrade")
or
a "custom" installation
(also known as a "clean install").
Do not confuse "upgrade license" with "upgrade"
installation.
"Upgrade
license" versus "full license" is a purchase decision.
"Upgrade"
versus "custom" installation is a decision that you
make as part of the both the installation of the
"upgrade
license" and the "full license".
With
an "upgrade" installation, the installation of "Windows 7"
leaves all of your data files on your C: drive, and it
leaves all software applications, and all Windows settings
"in place"
and all of these items are available for you to use
after loading Windows 7.
With
a "custom" installation, the installation process of "Windows
7"
removes all of your
data files on your C: drive,
removes all software applications, and
removes all Windows settings.
After
loading "Windows 7", you have to
restore backup up copies of your data files to your C:
drive,
re-install all software applications, and
restore all Windows settings.
(Microsoft's
"Windows Easy Transfer" can assist you in restoring
data files to your C: drive and in restoring all Windows
settings.)
Notes:
"Windows
7" is sold with a "full license" or an "upgrade"
license
According to Microsoft, you are
entitled to use the "upgrade license"
of "Windows 7" to upgrade any computer that has a
legitimate
copy of "Windows XP" or "Windows Vista".
See
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-considerations.aspx
"Boxed set" arrives with
both a 32-bit DVD and a 64-bit DVD
in the same box.
It only arrives with one "Product
Key".
The
product key is inside the inner package.
The
product key is unique.
The
product key consists of 25 alphanumeric characters.
For
information on the decision between installing the 32-bit version
versus the 64-bit version, see
http://aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/32bit-vs-64bit/32-bit-vs-64-bit.htm
"OEM
version" is cheaper and just as good as the fancy
boxed
See http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=1561
The "OEM version"
only is available as a "full license".
It
is not available in "upgrade license".
The
"OEM version" (with a "full license") is usually cheaper
than
the "non-OEM version" (with an upgrade license).
The
"OEM version" only arrives as
a single 32-bit DVD (or iso file
download)
or a single 64-bit DVD (or iso
file download)
so be careful about selecting
the 32-bit version or the 64-bit version when ordering the
"OEM version".
The "OEM version"
is usually cheaper
than a consumer "boxed set" or
"download" purchase of a consumer "boxed set".
The "OEM version" is a
"full license", but it will not allow you
to do an
"in-place upgrade" of a comparable version of
"Windows
XP".
The
consumer "boxed" set version of "Windows 7"
is the version that you should
buy
if you are undecided about whether you
want to install the 32-bit version or the 64-bit version,
since you get both DVDs or downloads.
Do
not buy a higher version of "Windows 7" than you need:
Read Microsoft's comparison of the
three versions of
"Windows 7 upgrade" at
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/compare
For most business or home
use, "Windows 7 Home Premium"
has all the features that you need.
If you want to run Microsoft's
"Virtual PC" or "XP Mode",
you need to buy "Windows 7 Professional"
or "Windows 7 Ultimate".
For
most business or home use, the extra features of
"Windows
7 Ultimate" will be totally unneeded and a waste
of money.
It
is very easy to upgrade from one version of "Windows 7" using
"Windows
Anytime Upgrade" (for a price, of course!).
If
you purchased "Windows 7" as a download of an .iso
file, you will have
to burn this .iso file to a DVD-R or DVD-RW disc.
If
you need software for doing this burn, you can download
"ImgBurn" from http://www.imgburn.com
External hard drive for storing data
files, driver files, and the
"Windows
Easy Transfer" file.
See
http://aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/addingharddrives.pdf
Drive imaging software such as
"Macrium Reflect Free Edition"
or "Acronis True Image
2010".
To download a free copy of
"Macrium Reflect Free Edition", go to
http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.asp
or
To purchase, a deeply-discounted copy
of "Acronis..", either go to
http://www.ugr.com
and purchase with your computer user groups'
"group code" or buy a discounted, downloadable copy at http://www.newegg.com
If you are
doing a "Custom Installation"("Clean Install"),
you will need the installation CDs or DVDs for all
applications software
such as:
Microsoft Office xxxx
installation CDs
Adobe Photoshop Elements x
installation CD
Adobe
Dreamweaver installation CD
etc.
If you are
doing an "Upgrade Installation" which is also known as an
"In-place
Upgrade", you will only need the installation CDs or DVDs
for any applications
software that becomes inoperative after the
upgrade to "Windows 7".
STEP 1A (OPTIONAL): VIEW MICROSOFT'S TUTORIALS ABOUT THE INSTALLING "WINDOWS 7":
Microsoft's Web page and streaming
video tutorials are great ways to prepare
your mind for an "upgrade" to "Windows 7":
Their
tutorial about upgrading a single computer from "Windows XP" to
"Windows
7" is at
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/help/upgrading-from-windows-xp-to-windows-7
Their
tutorial about upgrading a single computer from "Windows Vista"
to "Windows
7" is located at
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/help/upgrading-from-windows-vista-to-windows-7
Step 2: Use drive imaging software such as "Macrium
Reflect Free Edition"
or "Acronis True
Image 2010"("Acronis")
to back up your computer.
Microsoft
recommends that you create a backup image of the hard drive of your
computer, before you perform the upgrade to "Windows
7":
Install "Macrium Reflect Free Edition"("Macrium") or "Acronis
True Image 2010"("Acronis").
The
instructions for installing "Macrium" are
at
http://www.aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/macrium/1/1_installing.html
If you
installed "Macrium", create a Macrium "Rescue CD" using the instructions at
http://www.aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/macrium/1/1_installing.html
Attach the
external hard drive to your computer.
Use
"Windows Explorer" to make sure that it is operational.
Use "Macrium" or "Acronis"
to create a "backup image file set" of
1) the hard
drive and/or hard drive partition where
2) any hard
drives or hard drive partitions that contain just data files
that you
have not already backed up through another method.
The "target
location" for the "backup image file set" should be a folder
on the external hard drive.
If you are
using "Macrium", follow the instructions at
http://www.aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/macrium/3/3_backingup.html
If you are
using "Acronis", follow the instructions at
http://aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/AcronisBackup.pdf
Step 3: Run the "Belarc Advisor"
Go to
Click on "Free Download".
Download a
file called "Advisor.exe".
Double-click
on this file.
After
"Belarc Advisor" installs into your computer,
click on the Windows "Start"
button.
Click on "All Programs".
Click on "Belarc Advisor".
Make a
folder called "Belarc Advisor" your
external hard drive.
Save the
"Belarc Advisor" report as an .mht file inside this new
folder.
Step 4: Run THE "Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor"
Go to
Click on
the "Download" button.
You will
be downloading a file called "Windows7UpgradeAdvisorSetup.exe".
After it
downloads, double-click on it to install it into your computer.
If a
"User Account Control" box pops up, click on its "Yes"
button.
Click on the option button for "I accept the license
terms":
*
Then click on the "Install" button:
*
*
*
Click on the "Close"
button of the "Installation complete" box.
Click on the Windows "Start
button":
*
Click on "All
Programs".
*
Click on "Windows 7
Upgrade Advisor".
*
If a "User Account Control" box pops up, click
on its "Yes" button.
*
*
Make sure that you connect and
turn on all devices such as printers, scanners, and secondary monitors.
Then click on the "Start check" button.
*
*
Even though the dialog box tells
you to, do not click on any of the hyperlinks on
dialog so that the "Windows 7
Upgrade Advisor" has as much RAM and CPU
cycles available to it as
possible.
*
*
*
Read this report carefully. It gives you an idea of what hardware
and software
components might break after you upgrade your computer to
"Windows 7".
Print a hard copy of this report. You will need it for
reference after you upgrade
your computer to "Windows 7".
For all hardware and software issues that are noted in
the report of the
"Windows
7 Upgrade Advisor":
Use the
"Belarc Advisor" report to get more details
on the exact model,
version, and manufacturer of any software and hardware
issues that are
noted in the "Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor" report.
Use Google
search to attempt to find solutions for the incompatibility with
"Windows 7".
For each
hardware or software incompatibility, go the
the manufacturer's Web site and attempt to find out if the
hardware
or software manufacturer has addressed the problem.
Then,
save the "Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor" report as an
.mht file,
a .txt file, or an .htm file to a
new folder called
"Windows
7 Upgrade Advisor" on your external hard drive.
If
you never put any "Service Packs" into your old Vista computer, you
have to put
in at least
"Service Pack 1". Otherwise, the "Windows 7..upgrade"
will not
allow you to
install.
Step 5: Run "Magical Jelly Bean Key Finder"
Go to
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/
Download
the "keyfinder.n.n.n.zip" file.
Expand the
contents of "keyfinder.n.n.n.zip" into a new, separate folder.
Open the keyfinder.n.n.n folder.
Double-click
on the "keyfinder.exe" file.
Click on
"File" on the "Menu bar".
Click on
"Save As."
Save the
"keyfinder report" as a text file to a new
folder on your external hard
that is named "Keyfinder
Report on <today's date>".
Step 6: if your computer connects to the internet
wirelessly through "wi-fi",
Run "Wireless Key
View"
Go to
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/wireless_key.html
Download
either the 32-bit version or the 64-bit version of
WirelessKeyView, depending on whether your current version
of
Windows
is a 32-bit version or a 64-bit version.
Extract
the contents of "WirelessKeyView.zip" to a new folder.
Open the
"WirelessKeyView" folder.
Double-click
on "WirelessKeyView.exe".
A "WirelessKeyView" window will be displayed.
Press
"Ctrl" + "A" on the keyboard of your computer.
All of the
items in the list of wireless connections will be highlighted.
Click on
"File" on the Menu bar of the "WirelessKeyView"
window.
Click on
"Save Selected Items".
Save the
text file to a new folder called "WirelessKeyView
on <today's date>
on the external hard drive.
Step 7: Make screen shot files of
"Disk Management",
"Services",
"Processes",
and "Programs"
Create a
.doc or .rtf file called "Disk Management Screenshots"
in a new folder named "Disk Management"
on your external hard drive:
Make a screenshots file of "Disk
Management".
Create a
.doc or .rtf file called "Services Screenshots" in a new folder
named "Services" on your external hard drive:
To
start the "Services" console:
Click on the Windows "Start
button".
Type in
services.msc
into the "Run" box or the "Search" box.
Press the <Enter> key of your
keyboard.
Make a screenshots file of all of your computer's "Services".
Create a .doc or .rtf file called "Disk Management
Screenshots"
in a new folder named "Disk Management" on your
external hard drive:
To start
"Disk Management":
Click
on the Windows "Start button".
Click
on "Settings" if there is such a "Start menu" item.
Click on "Control Panel".
Click on "Administrative Tools".
Click on "Computer Management".
Click on "Disk Management".
Widen
the "DIsk Management" window so that the
text description
for all of the
partitions are displayed.
Make a screenshots file of "Disk
Management".
Create a .doc or .rtf file called "Processes"
in a new folder named
"Processes
in Task Manager" on your external hard drive:
Press
"Ctrl" + "Shift" + "Esc"
Click on the "Processes" tab.
A
"Task Manager" window will be displayed.
Make a screenshots file of
"Processes" and save it to new a folder
called
"Processes" on the external hard drive.
Create a .doc or .rtf file called "Programs in
Former Version of Windows."
into a new folder named "Programs" on your
external hard drive:
If you are upgrading a "Windows
XP" computer, make screenshots
of the "Add
or Remove Programs" applet of the
"Control Panel".
If you are upgrading a "Windows
Vista" computer, make screenshots
of "Programs and Features" of the "Control
Panel".
Step 8: Use the free version of "DriverMax" software to
back up an
initial copy of all
drivers in your computer:
Use the
free version of "DriverMax" software to back up an initial copy of
all drivers in your computer:
Go to http://download.cnet.com/DriverMax/3000-18513_4-10572602.html?part=dl-85782&subj=dl&tag=button
Download
and install "DriverMax".
Run
"DriverMax" and back up all of the drivers in your computer to a
new folder named "<today's date> DriverMax"
on the external hard drive.
Step 9: Run "Windows Update" to update
your current copy of Windows.
To access "Windows Update",
click on the Windows "Start button".
Then click on "All
Programs". The click on "Windows Update".
Run "Windows update" to
update any hardware drivers that it
recommends,
unless you know that the manufacturer's hardware
driver
is better than Microsoft's hardware driver.
Run "Windows update" to
update Windows
and
Microsoft software applications.
Step 10: Use the free version of "DriverMax" software to back up a
second
copy of all
drivers in your
computer:
(This is a
repeat of the drivers backup that you performed in
"Step 8".)
Run
"DriverMax" and back up all of the drivers in your computer
to a new folder named "<today's
date>DriverMax"
in the external hard drive.
Step 11: Run "Disk Error Checking".
Run "Error-Checking" for all
hard drives and/or hard drive partitions of the old computer:
Open "Windows
Explorer" or "My Computer".
For each hard drive:
Right click on it.
Click on
"Properties" in the popup context menu.
Click
on the "Tools" tab.
Click on the
"Check now" button in the "Error-checking" section.
If a "User
Account Control" box is display,
click on its "Yes" button.
Make sure that
there is a checkmark in
"Automatically
fix file system errors".
Place checkmark in
"Scan for and attempt recovery
of bad sectors".
Click on the
"Start" button.
Step 10: Run "Disk Defragmenter".
Run "Disk Defragmenter" for
all hard drives and/or hard drive partitions of
the
old computer:
Click on the Windows
"Start" button.
Click on
"All Programs".
Click on
"Accessories".
Click on
"System Tools".
Click on
"Disk Defragmenter".
Click on the
"Defragment disks" button.
If
a "User Account Control" box is display, click on its "Yes"
button.
Step 13: Run "PageDefrag" to defragment
swap files and registry hive
files
of the existing copy of
Windows:
Follow the instructions at
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb897426.aspx
Step 14: Run a full scan with your antivirus/antimalware program.
Step 15: Run a full scan with the
free version of Malwarebytes
"Anti-Malware"
OR "SUPERANTISPYWARE"
Use the free version of either Malwarebytes "Anti-Malware"
or
"SuperAntiSpyware".
The free version of Malwarebytes "Anti-Malware" can be downloaded at
http://malwarebytes.org/mbam.php
The free version of "SuperAntiSpyware" can be downloaded at
http://www.superantispyware.com/download.html
STEP 16: THIS STEP IS ONLY REQUIRED IF THIS
IS
A "CUSTOM INSTALLATION"
("CLEAN
INSTALL")
ONTO
A BLANK HARD DRIVE:
If this is a "custom installation"
("clean install") into a new, blank hard drive,
make
a "Parted Magic 4.x" LiveCD by following
the instructions at
If this is a "custom
installation" ("clean install") into a new, blank hard drive,
use
the "Parted Magic 4.x" LiveCD to boot up
your computer.
If this is a "custom
installation" ("clean install") into a new, blank hard drive,
use "GParted" on the "Parted Magic 4.x" LiveCD to create a single
NTFS partition for
"Windows 7".
If this is a "custom installation"
("clean install") into a new, blank hard drive,
making
a blank NTFS partition on the hard drive prevents the
installation
wizard of "Windows 7" from making a separate
"System Reserved"
partition on your hard drive.
STEP 17: THIS STEP IS ONLY REQUIRED IF THIS
IS A "CUSTOM INSTALLATION"
("CLEAN INSTALL")
ONTO
A BLANK HARD DRIVE:
De-activate application software
programs that require de-activation before
you
can re-install them:
Examples
of such software:
Adobe Dreamweaver
Adobe Acrobat Professional
Adobe
Photoshop CS3
Step 18: Run "Windows Easy Transfer" and
save the
"SaveData.MIG" file
to a new folder
Called
"Windows Easy
Transfer<date>"
on
the external hard drive.
On the old computer, run "Windows
Easy Transfer" to create a *.MIG file.
Store this *.MIG file inside a new
folder called
"Windows
Easy Transfer<date>" on the external hard drive.
"Windows
Easy Transfer" is Microsoft's free way for you to "copy" your
data files, Windows user profiles and accounts (but not your application
software programs), from one Windows computer to another. When an upgrade to
"Windows 7" requires a "fresh install", you have to run
"Windows Easy Transfer" before installing "Windows 7".
According
to
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd446674(WS.10).aspx:
<start of quote>
Windows Easy Transfer is a software wizard for
transferring files and settings from one computer running Windows to another.
You can transfer data from one user's profile, or from multiple user accounts.
The Windows Easy Transfer application helps you choose what to move to your new
computer, enables you to set which transfer method to use, and then performs
the transfer. When the transfer is done, Windows Easy Transfer Reports displays
what was transferred and provides a list of programs you might want to install
on your new computer, as well as links to other programs you might want to
download.
With Windows Easy Transfer, files and settings can be
transferred using a network, a USB flash drive (UFD), or the Easy Transfer
cable. However, you cannot use a regular universal serial bus (USB) cable to
transfer files and settings using Windows Easy Transfer. You can purchase an
Easy Transfer cable on the Web, from your computer manufacturer, or at an
electronics store.
Note:
You cannot use Windows Easy Transfer to move program
files. Windows Easy Transfer can move only data and program settings. You must
then install your software programs on the new computer.
Windows Easy Transfer also does not transfer any system
files such as fonts and drivers. To do this, you must install custom fonts and
updated drivers again in Windows 7.
<end of quote>
When you run "Windows Easy Transfer" and click on "This is my old computer", it makes a "SaveData.MIG" file on your USB flash drive or an external hard drive. You then use the "Windows Easy Transfer" to "import" this file into your new copy of "Windows 7". Do not delete this SaveData.MIG file for a while. You might need it again if you need to repair or re-install your new copy of "Windows 7".
To learn more about using "Windows Easy Transfer", for going from "Windows Vista" to "Windows 7", see
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-vista/get/easy-transfer.aspx
"Windows
Easy Transfer" is not an integral part of the "Windows XP"
operating system.
To
download it and install it for free into any "Windows XP" computer,
see
(Note:
"Windows XP" has an obsolete applet called "Files and Settings
Transfer Wizard".
Do not attempt to use it to move files and settings to "Windows 7".)
"Windows
Easy Transfer" is an integral part of the "Windows Vista"
operating system.
To
start "Windows Easy Transfer" from within "Windows Vista":
Click
on the "Start" button.
Click on "All Programs". Click
on "Accessories".
Click on "System Tools". Click
on "Windows Easy Transfer".
Click
on "Continue" if an "User Account
Control" dialog box is displayed.
For
advice on using "Windows Easy Transfer" for going from "Windows
XP"
to
"Windows Vista", see
To view
your "Windows Easy Transfer Reports", see
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Transfer-files-and-settings-from-another-computer
Also, according to
this Web page:
Windows Easy Transfer can't transfer files from a 64-bit version of Windows
to a 32-bit version of Windows. If you're transferring from a 64-bit version of
Windows Vista to a 32-bit version of Windows 7, you can move your files
manually or use Backup and Restore in Windows Vista. For more information, see Back up your files and Restore a backup created on a
previous version of Windows on the Windows website. If you're transferring from
a 64-bit version of Windows XP, you'll need to move your files manually.
Step 19: If this is
an "in-place upgrade" from "Windows
Vista",
turn on "Virtual
Disk" service
in the existing
"legacy" version
of
windows.
Click on the Windows "Start"
button
Click on "Run".
Type in
services.msc
Look for the "Virtual Disk
Service".
Right click it and choose
"Properties"
Make sure the Startup Type is "Automatic"
Close the "Services" window
by click on the "X" button in the upper right-hand
corner.
Click on the Windows "Start"
button.
Reboot the computer.
(Many thanks to
David Redmond for this information.)
Step 20: Insert the installation media DVD for "Windows 7" and run it.
Insert the installation media for
"Windows 7" and start the actual installation
process.
If this is an "upgrade"
installation, insert the installation media DVD
while
you are running "Windows Vista".
If this is an "custom installation", you can try to start the
installation process
from
within your currently Windows operating system.
If the
installation terminates with a warning of some sort,
you will have to boot up the computer
with the the "Windows 7" installation DVD to
re-start
the installation process.
During the actual installation you
will encounter two critical screens:
The above screen is actually a test of
you knowledge of the Windows 7
installation
process.
If you select "Upgrade", it means
that you want to do an
"Upgrade Installation"("In-Place
Upgrade") from a like version of
"Windows Vista" to a like or higher
version of "Windows 7".
If you are not
allowed to "Upgrade" and you click on it anyway,
the upgrade process will then show you with a screen that
tells you that you have selected an unauthorized option.
Your
only choice at this point will be to terminate the
installation process and power down the computer
(and then boot up the computer with the "Windows 7"
DVD
in order to do a "custom installation".
If you select
"Custom", it means that you want to do a "Custom
Installation"
("Clean
Install") which starts off by wiping out any data, software
applications,
and existing Windows settings on the hard drive
partition
where the installation will take place.
If
you select "Upgrade" when you are not allowed to, the installation
will terminate with the following error notice.
On
some of my installations of "Windows 7", I ended up at the above
error message box, even when I selected "Custom" when I tried to
start a "Windows 7" installation from within the existing legacy
version of Windows. In these cases, I was able to complete the
"custom" installation" by booting the computer with a
"Windows 7..upgrade license" DVD.
*****
When you encounter this screen, do not
enter the 25-character "Product Key". You can enter it in a few days or
after an extended trial period of up to
120
days when you absolutely have to. This gives you the flexibility
make multiple attempts to perform the the upgrade to
"Windows 7"
without
having to phone the "activation agents" at Microsoft.
To run "Windows 7"
for up to 120 days before putting in a
"Product Key", see
http://windowssecrets.com/2009/08/20/01-Use-any-version-of-Windows-7-free-for-120-days
Repeat: Leave the "Product
Key" text box blank.
Also, remove the checkmark from
"Automatically activate Windows when
I'm online" to keep the
"Activation" reminder from bothering you while
you
are in the trial period.
Step 21: Run "Windows Update".
The "Windows 7" installation
program attempts to find updates for itself during
the
installation process but it usually does not find all of them so you need
to run
"Windows Update" after the installation is completed.
Step 22: Run "Windows Easy Transfer" and
use the saved
"SaveData.MIG" file
to restore selected data files
and Windows
settings to the
computer.
Run "Windows Easy Transfer"
and selectively "restore" the files and settings
from the "SaveData.MIG"
file that you created earlier.
Step 23: Perform post-installation steps:
1) Use drive imaging software such as
"Macrium
Reflect Free Edition"
("Macrium") or "Acronis True Image 2010"("Acronis")
to back up your
computer.
2) Speed up the computer
3) Share files and printers
with other "Windows
XP"/"Windows Vista"
computers on
the local area
network
4) Share files and printers
with other "Windows
7" computers
on
the local area network
Etc.
Create a "System Repair
Disc" for your new copy of "Windows 7".
Follow
the instructions at
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Create-a-system-repair-disc
To make "Windows 7" log you
in automatically without requiring you to enter
a password, follow
the instructions at
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/make-windows-vista-log-on-automatically/
Follow the instructions for "Speeding Up Windows 7" at
http://aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/speedupWindows/windows7_speedup.html
To familiarize yourself with the new-fangled features of
"Windows 7", see the
"Using Windows 7"
documentation at
http://aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/win7howto/win7using.html
If "Aero Snap", "Aero Shake", and/or
"Aero Peek" do not work, follow the
troubleshooting procedures
at
http://aztcs.org/meeting_notes/winhardsig/win7howto/aerotroubleshooting.html
To share files and printers between "Windows 7"
computers and
"Windows XP"/"Windows
Vista" computers, see the advice at http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9142864/Set_Up_Your_Home_Network_Wind ows_7_Edition?taxonomyId=89&pageNumber=1
To share files and printers with other "Windows
7" computers, create a new
"HomeGroup" and make sure that all "Windows
7" computers belong to it.
Do not activate "Windows 7" with the
25-character "Product Key" until you are
absolutely sure that it is working correctly and you do
not have to re-install
"Windows 7".
To extend
your evaluation period beyond 30 days for a maximum
of 120 days, follow the instructions at
http://windowssecrets.com/2009/08/20/01-Use-any-version-of-Windows-7-free-for-120-days
99) When you are sure that your upgraded "Windows
7" is working properly, you can
activate "Windows
7" by following the instructions at
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3408-activate-windows-7-online.html
If you are
unable to activate Windows, follow the command line commands
and registry
hacks mentioned in the following articles:
and
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9139837/Windows_7_install_trick_saves_up_to_100
and
and
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/howtos/how_use_your_windows_7_upgrade_disk_fresh_pc?page=0%2C1
100) Use drive imaging software
such as
"Macrium
Reflect Free Edition"
("Macrium") or "Acronis True Image 2010"("Acronis")
to back up your
computer again.