Do this first!

- Take backup of your computer!

- Be sure that you have a product key to Windows 7!

- You have about 30 min. wait time

(If you want it as PDF, download it here!)

Having trouble installing windows 7 over your machine? Let us guide you through the entire step by step installation with pictures, so you know you are doing it right the right way.

Step 1: Make sure you’ve got the right installation disk and you have the product activation key handy. To find the product key, refer to the Windows 7 Box that you bought. The product key will be printed on a small paper with a Windows Hologram on it.

Step 2: It doesn’t matter if you are installing Windows over your Laptop or desktop. The entire set up guide is helpful for both. Now, Put the Windows 7 Disk in your CD-ROM and boot/start your machine. I am assuming there is no operating system installed in your machine. When you boot your machine, it should appear like this:

Step 3: The above screen is basic loading; the machine is retrieving files from the disk and preparing itself for the installation. Once the loading is complete, an installation window should appear. Select the language you want the windows in. If you are from an English Speaking Country, then choose English. Windows is available in various languages. Choose the time and currency format. English for US – English for UK or other. Keyboard or input method will be US. Once you complete selecting – Click on NEXT to proceed to next step.

Step 4: Now if you are installing a fresh copy of Windows then you can click on ‘install now’ and proceed with the installation, however, if you are looking to repair your existing Windows copy then you can click on repair your computer. We are moving ahead with a fresh copy and we’ll click on ‘Install Now’.

Step 5: Accept the licensing terms and agreement. Check the dialog box and click on NEXT to proceed. If you do not agree to the license and agreements, you can return the Box back for a refund.

Step 6: Windows screen will look like this after you agree to the licensing. Windows is now compiling all the necessary files required for the installation purpose. This shouldn’t take more than a minute or two depending largely on your Processor and RAM.

Step 7:  After the loading is complete, you will be asked to choose between two options – they are Upgrade and Custom(advanced). If you want to install a fresh and clean copy of windows then click on the ‘custom (advanced)’. This will remove the existing data from the diskdrive and install a fresh clean copy of windows 7.

Step 8:  Once the Windows compile the necessary files required for the download, a dialog box will appear asking you for the storage location. An advance user can choose the drive for installation or can provide the path via ‘drive options’. Begineers are recommended to click next as windows. You can choose to create a new ‘disk drive’ by selecting ‘NEW’ or you can format the existing drive to allot more space.

Warning: If you choose to format the drive, then it will erase all the data present in the disk drive.

Step 9:  After you proceed from Step 7, the installation will begin. Windows will copy and expand files, the over all process time is about 20 minutes depending on your processor and RAM.

Step 10:  Once the installation is complete – it should appear something like this:

Step 11: As the installation is complete, the windows will perform a restart

Step 12: Once the Restart is complete, a window should pop up for Windows 7. Type your user name and the computer name. Your username is required, and there can be multiple user name set once the installation is complete. The computer name is required for network channeling and sharing

Step 13: You can set up a password to the user account for privacy purpose. The password can be left blank if you don’t choose to set up a password right now, however it is recommended.

Step 14: If you have your product key handy, then you are recommeneded to put your key in this dialog box. Product Key is necessary from keeping your windows to expire. If you don’t choose to enter your product key at this moment, then you will be able to use Windows 7 as a Demo copy which will last only for 31 days. Once it is expired, you will need to re-install the windows 7 operating system again. Anytime later you can activate your Windows copy from My Computers.

Step 15: Once you complete the activation process, you can choose your timezone and set your time and date settings. It’s a one time setting and will keep your system updated  even after you restart it.

Step 16: You will be greeted by a Windows Welcome Screen..

Step 17:  The Windows will prepare your desktop for its first start. This will take about 3-4 minutes. Please be patient.

Step 18:  Congratulations! You have now sucessfully installed your Windows 7 Operating System. You can create more users from Control Panel. If you haven’t, activate your copy of Windows 7 Operating system for free upgrades.