Tutorial quick reference list for Installing Windows 7

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  1. Posts : 12,177
    Windows 7 Ult x64 - SP1/ Windows 8 Pro x64
       #1

    Tutorial quick reference list for Installing Windows 7


    Welcome to Seven Forums.

    In order to help you get answers to any questions you might have about installing Windows 7 we have gathered some of the information from Seven Forums and listed it here for your reference.
    If you have any questions just start a thread and include as much information and details as possible.
    Check the Questions to use for help with Installation Issues sticky thread for general information that we will probably ask for, this information will help us resolve your questions rapidly.

       Information
    To start off you may need your system information, any one of these will give you all the information required.

    System Info - See Your System Specs System Info is free Seven Forums program that CyberZeus has kindly made for us. It let's you easily see all of your system information to make filling out your system specs here at Seven Forums easier to do.

    CPU-Z is a freeware that gathers information on some of the main devices of your system.

    SIW - System Information for Windows - Is an advanced System Information for Windows tool that gathers detailed information about your system properties and settings and displays it in an extremely comprehensible manner. A standalone utility that does not require installation.

    WinAudit v2.27 - Free Computer Audit Software - WinAudit is easy to use, no special knowledge is required to use the program. It is a self-contained single file that needs no installation or configuration.

    The tutorial links listed below are very informative Windows 7 installation tutorials with step by step instructions.
    Have a look at these before you start your new Operating System (OS) installation. Many of your questions will be answered in these tutorials.
       Tip
    Is your computer ready to install Windows 7? Download and run the Microsoft Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor.

    - Find out if there will be any system, program, or devices issues before you start the installation.

    Tutorials for Installation of Windows 7

    Clean Installation with Windows 7 - This will show you how to do a clean installation with Windows 7.

    Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and Vista - This will show you how to install Windows 7 and Vista to dual boot with, when you already have either Windows 7 or Vista installed first.

    Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and XP - This will show you how to install Windows 7 and XP to dual boot with, when you already have either Windows 7 or XP installed first.
       Warning
    If you're Dual Booting and format or delete your old operating system without the correct steps to adjust your Master Boot Record you will corrupt the Windows Boot Manager's ability to function.
    You possibly will not be able to startup your remaining operating system.

    First follow this Seven Forum tutorial.

    How to Delete a Listed Operating System at Boot in Windows 7

    Then you can format or delete Vista, XP is a little more difficult (Will get more info on this soon).

    Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version - This will show you how to do a Clean Install using a retail Upgrade Windows 7 installation disc.

    Install Windows 7 on Computer with Less than 512MB RAM - This is a process that allows you to Install windows 7 on computers with less than 512 MB memory. This is only for 32bit version of windows 7 because it is nearly impossible to run 64bit version of the OS in a computer with less than 512 ram.

    Upgrade Install with Windows 7 - How to Do a Upgrade Installation from Vista to Windows 7 - A upgrade installation allows you to keep intact the files, settings, and programs from your current version of Vista SP1 or SP2. This will show you how to do a upgrade installation with a Upgrade version of Windows 7 from Vista. XP users will now be able to upgrade to Windows 7, but will have to do a clean install of Windows 7 instead.

    Repair Install - to Fix Windows 7 - This will show you how to do a repair upgrade install to fix your currently installed Windows 7 and preserve your user accounts, data, programs, and system drivers.


    Tutorials for Installation media types for Windows 7

    USB Windows 7 Installation Key Drive - Create - This will show you how to create a USB flash key drive that you can boot from to install Windows 7.

    Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool - If you would like to burn your downloaded or converted .iso image to a DVD or create a bootable USB flash drive, this free Microsoft utility is for you.

    Install Windows 7 Without Using Any External Device - With this you will be able to Install Windows 7 as soon as you download the ISO and extract it.

    Burn Disc Image - ISO or IMG file - This will show you how to use the built-in Windows Disc Image Burning Tool to burn a CD or DVD disc image from a ISO or IMG file in Windows 7.
    For Advanced Users
    Install Windows 7 FAST without a DVD or USB device - This method uses technology designed for advanced users. It doesn't require extra bootable media and it leaves your existing Windows install intact. It's fast, it's flexible and it's all command line suitable for scripting.
    Make bootable iso from student d/l - How to make an ISO file with the student down load that has these 3 files : Windows 7-HP-Retail-en-us-x64.exe, setup1.box and setup2.box.


    Tutorials for Backup and Restoring your Hard Drive in Windows 7

    Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup - This will show you how to create a system image (clone) backup of the entire hard drive or partition that Windows 7 is on, and any other selected drive or partition, to be able to restore the hard drive or partition at boot up back to the way it was at the time the backup image was created.

    System Image Recovery - This will show you how to restore your Windows 7 hard disk back to exactly how it was when you created a system image backup.

    Backup & Restore – Go here to see all the tutorials.


    Tutorials for Partitioning a Hard Drive in Windows 7

    Partition or Volume - Create New - This will show you how to create a new primary partition using Disk Management or Diskpart in Windows 7 from an empty unallocated partition or volume.

    Partition or Volume - Shrink - This will show you how to shrink an existing partition or volume using Disk Management or Diskpart in Windows 7 to create unallocated disk space, from which you can create a new partition or volume with.

    Partition or Volume - Extend - This will show you how to extend a hard disk partition or volume into a empty unallocated space on the same hard disk to make it larger using Disk Management or Diskpart in Windows 7.

    Partition or Volume - Delete - This will show you how to delete a hard disk partition or volume using Disk Management or Diskpart in Windows 7 to create empty unallocated space that you can use to create new partitions with.

       Note
    Windows Disk Management is limited to what it can do. It can create new partitions, format, shrink, extend, delete, but can only extend a partition to the right and can not move files to achieve the desired partition adjustment.

    If Windows Disk Management is not able to move or re-size partitions to how you would like them, you will need to use a third party partition manager program. There are several very good programs that can make almost any changes you might require, some of the free programs are listed at the bottom of the page.

    Partition : Recover Space Used by an Older OS - How to Recover the First Partition on a HDD Used by an Older Operating System into the New OS in a Dual Boot Configuration.
    Most dual or multi boot setups have an older Operating System (OS) like Windows XP in the first position on the Hard Disk Drive (HDD) and a second, newer OS like Windows 7 in the second position on the HDD and when the time comes to remove the older OS partition, Windows is not capable of recovering that space into the second partition natively, a third party program must be used, this will show the best way to accomplish this from start to finish.

    Dual Boot : Create Partitions Using PWBD - How to Use the Partition Wizard Boot Disk to Create Partitions Ahead of an Existing Install So It Will be First on the Hard Disk Drive.
    There comes a time when all good things cease to be as useful as they once were and a Windows Operating Systems (OS) is no exception to that rule; this tutorial will show how to use the free Partition Wizard bootable CD (PWBD) to create one (or more) partitions in front of an existing Windows installation so a newer version can be installed to that space, so that at a later time, if the need arises it will be much easier to remove an older / existing OS with little or no actual interruptions to one's routine; it will also make it easier to move data from the older OS to the new one.


    Tutorials for the Master Boot Record in Windows 7

    Operating System to Start - Delete OS on List at Boot - This will show you how to delete a non-default operating system in Windows 7 from the list in the Windows Boot Manager that allows you to select a OS to start.

    Dual Boot - Change OS Name in Windows Boot Manager - This will show you how to change a listed operating system name in the Windows Boot Manager.

    Default Operating System - Change Default Boot OS - If you dual boot with one or more operating systems installed other than Windows 7, then this will show you how to change the default operating system to start in the Windows Boot Manager.

    Operating System to Start - Change Display List Time - This will show you how to change the amount of time the operating system list is displayed before starting the default operating system automatically.

    EasyBCD – Third party software
    EasyBCD, by NeoSmart Technologies, is used to tweak the Windows bootloader. You can use it to setup and configure Windows boot entries, and to quickly boot right into Linux, Mac OS X, or BSD straight from the Windows bootloader. You can also add an entry to your old XP partition or create a duplicate for testing purposes, debug the Windows Kernel, or setup multi-booting to have multiple operating systems.
    For Advanced Users

    MBR - Restore Windows 7 Master Boot Record - This tutorial will show you how to use your Win7 DVD and BOOTSECT.EXE to restore the "bootsector code" of the MBR and allow you to begin booting to Windows 7 again.

    BCDEDIT - How to Use - This will show you how to use BCDEDIT in the command prompt.
    Miscellaneous Tutorials for Windows 7

    Activate Windows 7 Online - Activation is the required process of ensuring that Windows 7 on your computer is genuine and used according to the Microsoft Software License Terms. This will show you how to activate Windows 7 online with your valid product key number. To activate online, your computer will need an Internet connection.

    Activate Windows 7 by Phone - Activation is the required process of ensuring that Windows 7 on your computer is genuine and used according to the Microsoft Software License Terms.
    If you are unable to activate Windows 7 online or do not have the internet, then this will show you how to activate Windows 7 by phone instead with your entered product key number.

    System Type - 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) - This will show you how to tell if you have a 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) Windows 7 version.

    Windows Easy Transfer - Transfer To & From Computers - This tutorial will show you how to transfer your user files and settings from one computer to another using the Windows Easy Transfer tool.


    Miscellaneous software installation & compatibility Tutorials for Windows 7

    How to Use Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor - This will show you how to download and use Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to get a report to see if your computer can run Windows 7. When the report is finished you will see which upgrade options are available and get guidance on fixing the system, program, and devices issues it finds before you install Windows 7.

    How to Run a Program in Compatibility Mode in Windows 7 - Compatibility mode allows a older program written for an earlier versions of Windows to possibly run in Windows 7. You can also use Compatibility mode to always have a program to Run as an administrator.

    Install an Application correctly in Windows 7 - Most of the time when You install an application, it will install and work correctly under the new OS, but for a certain few, You need to work just a smidge harder to get the Application to work correctly.

    How to Create a Take Ownership Shortcut in Windows 7 - To take ownership of files and folders you can use this Tweak and it will give you the option to take ownership when you right click on a file or folder or drive.


       Information
    This is a long list of Free software that will work with Windows 7 32bit and 64bit.

    FREE Great Programs for Window 7 - These are completely FREE programs for Windows 7. The author has tested all of these programs without any problems on the 32 bit and 64 bit Windows 7.

    From the above list here are a few that will be useful for your new Windows 7 installation.

    CD/DVD burning software

    Active ISO Burner - Is a application that will allow you to burn an ISO image file to CD-R, DVD-R, DVD+R, CD-RW, DVD-RW, DL DVD+RW, HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc.

    CDBurnerXP - Is a application to burn CDs and DVDs, including Blu-Ray and HD-DVDs. It also includes the feature to burn and create ISOs, as well as a multilanguage interface.

    ImgBurn - Is a lightweight CD / DVD / HD DVD / Blu-ray burning application. It supports a wide range of image file formats to burn or create - including BIN, CUE, DI, DVD, GI, IMG, ISO, MDS, NRG and PDI. It can burn Audio CD's from any file type supported via DirectShow / ACM - including AAC, APE, FLAC, M4A, MP3, MP4, MPC, OGG, PCM, WAV, WMA and WV.


    Backup Software

    Macrium Reflect - Free Edition is a disk imaging solution. A complete disaster recovery solution for your home and office. Protect your personal documents, photos, music and e-mails. Upgrade your hard disk or try new operating systems in the safe knowledge that everything is securely saved in an easily recovered backup file. Macrium Reflect suports backup to local, network and USB drives as well as burning to all DVD formats.

    GFI Backup - Is an easy-to-use backup and recovery software solution that allows users to backup all their important files and, when needed, recover the data within minutes using the product’s wizard-driven interface. GFI Backup does not use a proprietary format; all data is saved to common ZIP files. This makes it easy to restore data to a computer that may not have GFI Backup installed on it.


    Partition Manager Software

    Partition Wizard - Home Edition is a free partition manager designed by MT Solution Ltd. Home users can perform complicated partition operations by using this powerful but free partition manager to manage their hard disk partition such as Resizing partitions, Copying partitions, Create partition, Delete partition, Format partition, Convert partition, Explore partition, Hide partition, Change drive letter, Set active partition and Partition Recovery.

    EASEUS Partition Master Home Edition - Is a FREE disk partitioning utility for extending system partition, better disk space management, settling low disk space problem.



    Hopefully these links to the tutorials will help with any questions you may have.

    If you have a question or would like further clarification, you can start a new thread.

    .
    Last edited by Dave76; 05 Jan 2012 at 10:28. Reason: Add Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor
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  2. Posts : 1,607
    Windows 7 x64 finally!
       #2

    Great job Dave, as usual
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 12,177
    Windows 7 Ult x64 - SP1/ Windows 8 Pro x64
    Thread Starter
       #3

    wallyinnc said:
    Great job Dave, as usual
    Thank you Wally,
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 237
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64 - SP1
       #4

    Dave76 said:
    Welcome to Seven Forums.

       Information
    To start off you may need your system information, any one of these will give you all the information required.

    CPU-Z is a freeware that gathers information on some of the main devices of your system.

    SIW - System Information for Windows - Is an advanced System Information for Windows tool that gathers detailed information about your system properties and settings and displays it in an extremely comprehensible manner. A standalone utility that does not require installation.

    WinAudit v2.27 - Free Computer Audit Software - WinAudit is easy to use, no special knowledge is required to use the program. It is a self-contained single file that needs no installation or configuration.

    Thanks for a great Tutorial but I'd like to suggest that you add the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor tool to the first the above 'Information' panel'. Download from here.

    Download details: Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor

    This provided me with the 'Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor Report', in my case, 9 pages of detailed advice about compatibility and known issues within my current OS [Vista Home Premium [x86] 32-bit], and what I needed to do in each instance of potentially conflicting hardware, software and drivers etc, in order to complete a successful installation of Windows 7.

    I have found this to be the natural start point in considering whether or not to install Windows 7, as it presents the raw facts of just how my system measures up, and where possible difficulties may arise.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 12,177
    Windows 7 Ult x64 - SP1/ Windows 8 Pro x64
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Thanks sassofalco,

    It's there, down towards the bottom, under:

    Miscellaneous software installation & compatibility Tutorials for Windows 7

    How to Use Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor - ...

    Was thinking about putting higher up, more people can see it then.

    It's a good tool everyone should run before installing to see if there are any system, program, and devices issues to deal with before starting.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 237
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64 - SP1
       #6

    Dave76 said:
    Thanks sassofalco,

    It's there, down towards the bottom, under:

    Miscellaneous software installation & compatibility Tutorials for Windows 7

    How to Use Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor - ...

    Was thinking about putting higher up, more people can see it then.

    It's a good tool everyone should run before installing to see if there are any system, program, and devices issues to deal with before starting.
    ......I feel that it does deserve to be nearer to the start of your Tutorial, because the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor should be the first tool used to determine potential software and compatibility issues in the User's current system, pre-install of Windows 7.

    I am of the opinion that a lot of Users are installing Windows 7, without first running Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor, and consequently generating problems for themselves, post-installation.

    The first question asked of anyone posting a problem with software, devices or compatibility issues, should be -
    "Did you download and run Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor before you installed Windows 7?"
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 12,177
    Windows 7 Ult x64 - SP1/ Windows 8 Pro x64
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Already Done M8,

    See the yellow "Tip" box near the top.

    Thanks for the suggestion.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 285
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
       #8

    Thank you Dave76!

    Your selection of things to know before upgrading or clean to Windows 7 is very good.
    I am now better prepaired for the Windows 7 installation.

    Hope you continue to supply new information!

    Best regards,

    zx81
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 12,177
    Windows 7 Ult x64 - SP1/ Windows 8 Pro x64
    Thread Starter
       #9

    Your welcome zx81,

    Glad that it helped.

    I will add things as they come up, or are suggested.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 237
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64 - SP1
       #10

    Dave76 said:
    Already Done M8,

    See the yellow "Tip" box near the top.

    Thanks for the suggestion.
    .....aaaaaaaaaaah! That's the story Mate! Perfect.
      My Computer


 
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