Windows 7: Installing Windows 7 on a new PC

Hi there,



I've recently ordered a new PC - it doesn't come with an O/S so I'm going with Windows 7 Home Premium (I'm comfortable with it and I'm very unsure about Windows 8). Have a couple of questions I'd be grateful for assistance with:

1. I've seen Windows 7 Home Premium and Windows Home Premium Family Pack advertised. Are they the same and if not what's the difference?

2. I know my current system is 64 bit and aware that there's a 32 bit. What factor determines which one you use (i.e. do I choose or is this chosen my the set-up of the PC)?

Many thanks in advance!

Scamander

Hi,

The family pack allows you yo install Windows 7 on up to 3 computers - its effectively 3 licences.
Questions on Windows 7 Home Premium Family Pack License - Microsoft Community

The biggest factor to determine using 64 or 32 bit is the amount of installed RAM, and to a lesser degree the type of applications you will be using. Since you have 4GB of RAM, I recommend using 32 bit.

You physically install the 32 bit version, by installing from the Windows 7 disc marked "32 bit".

Regards,
Golden

Hi Golden,

Ahh - makes sense. The PC I will be getting will have 16GB of RAM so would 64-bit be needed?

Hi,

Since you will have 16GB of RAM, then yes, definitely install the 64 bit version (I previously recommended 32 bit after looking at your existing system specs).

Note : you dont "need" to install 64 bit, but in your case you would since it will allow the applications to use of the extra RAM if they need too.

Some useful installation tutorials for you:
Clean Install Windows 7
SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

Regards,
Golden

that's really helpful - I will update my specs once I've got it.

cheers again!

No worries - post back if you need to check anything or need any more help.

Regards,
Golden

One detail: the Family Pack was an upgrade license. It's not intended to be installed on a system with no OS.

Also: Windows 7 Home Premium X64 supports 16GB of RAM. If you want more (up to 192GB, if memory serves), you'd need Pro or Ultimate.

The least expensive license that I know of for a new PC is the System Builder (generic OEM) one, but the license is intended for systems for resale. (As far as I know, there is no enforcement of that by Microsoft.)

thanks - I'll definitely be looking at the Home Premium then.