7 Easy Steps to Install Windows 7

                                                                         7 Easy Steps to Install Windows 7

If you’re looking to install Windows 7 onto your PC, then it’s important to follow the directions closely to ensure that your computer doesn’t suffer any damage along the way. Follow these seven steps, and you’ll be up and running in no time!

1) Microsoft offers free downloads

Have you always wanted to try Microsoft Office, but couldn’t justify paying for it? You can get it now without charge. Microsoft offers several versions of its popular productivity software on its website. If you are using another operating system, such as Linux or Apple's OS X, visit your program's website for downloads and installation instructions. Many programs allow older versions of their software to be downloaded free-of-charge.

2) Check Compatibility

Before you install your new operating system, make sure that it’s compatible with all of your programs. If a computer is running an older version of Windows, for example, it may not be able to support new software. You can check what operating systems are compatible with each other on Microsoft’s website or by visiting each program’s website individually. You can also use free utilities like PC Decrapifier to remove programs that aren’t being used—especially if you want to use a clean version of an OS instead of keeping everything from your old PC.

3) Burn an ISO File

If you have an ISO file (the file format used by CDs and DVDs), you can burn it to a disc using Windows. This is helpful if you want to install software from an ISO file but don't have access to another computer. To do so, open up File Explorer and navigate to where your ISO file is saved on your hard drive. Right-click it and choose Burn disc image . A pop-up window will appear; insert a blank CD or DVD into your disc drive when prompted, then hit Burn . The image will begin transferring onto your disc immediately; keep in mind that some large files might take more than one try.

4) Boot from DVD/USB Drive

Some computers come with a DVD or flash drive that you can use to run a series of diagnostic tests on your computer. If you have one of these drives, boot from it, and select Repair your computer when prompted. You'll be greeted by a menu offering several repair options, including Safe Mode, which loads only enough files onto your PC's hard drive for it to function. In Safe Mode, open up your Control Panel (in Classic View) and choose Add/Remove Programs. Click each program that you want to remove one at a time. Once they're all selected, click Uninstall in the upper-right corner of each window.

5) Perform the Installation

Use a Bootable CD or USB Drive: Installing an operating system from bootable media is by far the easiest way to install. All you need is a blank DVD, DVD burner, or USB thumb drive (at least 2GB), and about 15 minutes of time. If you want your computer to be able to play DVDs, make sure you use an actual optical disc (i.e., don't burn an ISO image); otherwise, all you need is a blank flash drive with at least 2GB of space.

6) Activate Windows 7

When you buy a new computer with Windows 7, you'll usually get a product key with it. This is what allows you to activate your copy of Windows when you install it. To get started, just follow these simple steps: Open up your computer and insert your disc into your drive. Follow any prompts until you reach the Install Now screen, then click Next. In most cases, you won't need to change anything on this screen, but if prompted (usually after hitting Next a couple times), enter your product key and click Next again. Click Install when asked if you want to continue—again, unless otherwise directed by instructions during installation or on-screen prompts—and wait for installation to complete. At that point Windows will be activated automatically!

7) Activate Genuine Advantage (optional)

Activating your copy of Windows XP through Genuine Advantage is optional. If you choose not to, you can still use Microsoft's free service to download files from Microsoft's Digital Identification (CDN) network. To turn off Genuine Advantage in Windows XP, follow these steps: In Internet Explorer, click Tools and then click Internet Options. On the Content tab, under Downloading files located in Downloading Files section, click Settings button and then clear Check for Publisher's certificate check box. Click OK twice to save changes and close all open windows. When prompted by a pop-up message, confirm that you want to make changes by clicking Yes button. Reboot your computer for changes to take effect.