Here’s where you’ll find detailed instructions about how to install E editions of Windows 7 when they're available in the European Economic Area, Croatia, and Switzerland on October 22.

Windows 7 launches in the UK on the 22nd October and the main version sold within the UK will be the “E version”. This includes Windows 7 E Home Premium, Windows 7 E Professional, Windows 7 E Ultimate and Windows 7 E Starter editions. This version of Windows 7 (along with the N version*) will not include a browser (for example: it will not come with Internet Explorer 8). We recommend therefore you have an Internet browser from Microsoft or from another software manufacturer saved onto a CD/DVD or another medium before you install Windows 7.

Guidance on installing Windows 7 :

Step One: Back up your files and personal data

As you need to perform a custom (clean) install, you need to generate backup copies of all personal data including documents, pictures, music and videos, this is independent of whether Windows Vista, Windows XP, or another operating system is installed on your PC. You can save your files to a USB, external hard drive or to an online storage device such as Windows Live SkyDrive.

With Windows Easy Transfer you can simply transfer user accounts and data from one Windows operating system to another. In addition you can read Windows help instructions, and watch a video on Windows Easy Transfer. You can also learn how you can restore certain files in this article. Click here for more information.

Step Two: Save your preferred browser (e.g Internet Explorer 8 or a browser from another software manufacturer)

Go to your preferred browser of choice and instead of running the application, save it to your preferred storage device whether that is a DVD, USB or an external storage device, have that handy for when you install Windows 7 as this will be needed for you to be able to get onto the internet.

Please see here to obtain Internet Explorer 8.
You can learn more about saving Internet Explorer 8 or alternatively order a CD by clicking here.

Step Three: Install Windows 7

Next, install Windows 7 by following the included instructions.

Step Four: Re-install your browser

Re-install your browser from your DVD, USB, or other external storage device.

Step Five: Re-install all your personal data

Re-install all your personal data including your files and media that you want to use on your PC.

* N version will be available in some retailers and this is a version of Windows 7 which includes the same functionality as Windows 7 E, except that it does not include Windows Media Player and related technologies. Like Windows 7 E it does not include a browser (e.g Internet Explorer 8). As a result, you will need to separately install a media player in order to play or create audio CDs, media files, or personal videos; organize media library content; create playlists; transfer media to portable media players; share photos on a home network; or perform other media player–related tasks.

Computer manufacturers may pre-install third party media players on computers running Windows 7 N. Consumers may also separately install media players, either from Microsoft or a third party.

SOURCE : Installing E editions of Windows 7

Posted By: Legacy Code
15 Jul 2009