Installing Windows 7 - Clean Install
Current Operating
System: None
New Operating System: Windows 7 [Any Version] |
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This
scenario is the easiest of all possible Windows 7
installations. There is no previous operating system
already in place on the computer to be considered,
so that hassle is eliminated. Without a previously
installed operating system, the installation will be
started by booting from the Windows 7 DVD. If you're
unsure of how to initiate the boot process from the
DVD, see the article
Set BIOS to Boot from CD/DVD Drive for guidance.
There is a possibility the hard drive was used
previously and contains some partitions with data
you want saved. Actually, that happens more often
than you might suspect, especially on enthusiast
systems. If you find yourself in that situation,
just be sure the partition used for the Windows 7
install isn't one where data is stored, or that you
don't blow the partition away if you make some
formatting changes to the disk.
One more thing to mention before the installation
begins and that's what Windows 7 DVD do you use.
That sounds like a pretty straightforward question,
but I get a constant stream of e-mails asking about
what can and can't be accomplished with full
version, upgrade version, and a number of other
different varieties of media such as .iso images,
USB sticks, etc that can contain the Windows 7
installation files. Truthfully, there are many
variables that influence what media is best suited
to each type of installation. I suggest you read
through
Windows 7 Installation Media and see what is
best suited for your individual situation. |
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Like most operating
system installations this begins by tossing the DVD
into the drive and firing up the system.
If the system isn't set to boot from the DVD drive
first you'll have to enter the BIOS setup utility
and make that change.
Watch for an onscreen message saying something to
the effect of "Press any key to boot from CD/DVD"
and do so within the allotted timeframe. |
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As long as you press
the spacebar or some other key within the allotted
timeframe while the "Press any key to boot from
CD/DVD" is visible you'll see the screen saying
"Windows is loading files...". |
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Next up is the window
showing the new Win7 logo to kill some time while
background processes complete. |
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If you want to change
the default [Language], [Time and Currency], or
[Keyboard or Input Method] settings, this is the
place.
Click [Next] button to proceed. |
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Unless you're looking
for repair options or some additional knowledge
before installing, that big blue 'Install Now'
button is beckoning.
Go ahead - click it. |
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Hey, look here -- a
little digital pat on the back? Reassurance? Maybe
just some eye candy to keep you informed what's
happening.
Moving on --- |
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It's quite likely
you'll never see this screen listing the different
operating systems available.
Most DVD's are tied to a specific version, and
instead of displaying this screen, you are taken
directly to the license terms screen shown below in
the next screen capture.
The question is frequently asked what version
Windows 7 DVD I'm using in this screen capture that
allows all the different x86 versions to be visible
on the same DVD. It's a specially modified DVD I
made from a Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade DVD. Go
here for instructions on how to modify and burn
your own version. |
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Two choices: Accept
the license terms and move on or click the red X at
upper right and enjoy your day - but enjoy it
without Windows 7. |
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It's time to pick the
type of installation that will be performed;
[Upgrade] or [Custom].
What strikes Me as funny is that obviously you can't
upgrade an operating system that isn't present, yet
the [Upgrade] option appears clickable, and in fact
you can select it. However, if you do, you'll get a
Compatibility Report stating the installation was
started using the installation disk which negates an
upgrade possibility. Surely they could have coded
this to disable the upgrade option when it's
unsuitable.
The [Custom (advanced)] option lets you pick where
Win7 is installed and you can make changes to disks
and partitions. |
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The list of available
drives appears after you make the 'Custom' selection
in the previous screen. In this case, I only have
the one drive available so my options are limited.
Select the drive you want, implement any desired
drive options, then click 'Next' to begin the
installation. |
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That's it for now.
Just sit back and wait while the green checkmarks
begin to appear. There will be a few automatic
restarts --- |
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--- eventually you'll
see the 'preparing your computer for first use'
splash screen appear --- |
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--- followed closely
by the 'checking video performance' splash screen
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--- and finally you
arrive where it's necessary for your input to
continue setting up Windows 7.
Type in the user name you want to use on the system.
Whatever user name you select will be automatically
entered in the 'Computer Name' field, stripped of
any spaces and with a -PC appended to the end for
network identification purposes. You don't have to
accept what is suggested. Feel free to change it to
something appropriate to your current naming scheme. |
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Next up is your user
account password.
In spite of a password being recommended, you don't
have to enter a password to complete the setup.
You'd be foolish not to password protect the
account, even in a home situation, but it isn't
required.
I do know in previous versions you could skip the
password 'hint' if so desired, but I see now it's
required when you enter a password. Of course, you
have the option of making the hint totally unrelated
to your password if that's your desire. |
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Time for the famous
(infamous) product key activation screen. If you
were thinking it had been eliminated, sorry, but no
-- it has just been relocated to the tail end of
the install procedure.
If you want to skip entering the key now, that's
fine. A product activation key will still be
required somewhere down the line. |
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As expected, Microsoft
still wants you to grant carte blanche for Windows
Update to do its thing. How you handle this is up to
you, but I still suggest 'Ask Me Later' so you can
review the full set of options available and make an
appropriate choice. |
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There's nothing new
here at all. Just set the clock if it isn't already
correct and move on. |
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Select whether you
want to join a [Home], [Work], or [Public] network.
If you want to use the HomeGroups feature in Windows
7 you'll need to select the Home network as opposed
to the Work network.
In this example I'm going to select 'Home Network'
and follow up with the screens that appear after
that selection is made. |
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Once 'Home Network' is
selected in the previous screen, this screen will
appear advising you Windows 7 is connecting to the
network and applying settings. |
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That's it. Windows
goes about the business of finalizing your settings
while you check the clock to see how long the
installation took from start to finish.
While you're doing that --- |
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-- a [Welcome] screen
will flash by -- |
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--- and then the
[Preparing Your Desktop] screen appears for a few
moments -- |
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-- and then -- The
Windows 7 Desktop. That's all, folks.
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