Computer Hardware:
     • Tools, Static & Cleaning
     • Form Factor
     • PC Case & Fans
     • Motherboard
     • Processor (CPU)
     • Power Supply Unit
     • RAM
     • Hard Drive
     • Solid State Drive
     • Optical Drive
     • Floppy Disk Drive
     • Graphics Card
     • Sound Card
     • Network Card
     • Computer Monitor
     • Keyboard & Mouse
     • Laptop / Netbook
     • Building a Computer
     • Overclocking

Operating System & Backup:
     • Operating System
     • Drivers
     • Windows Tools
     • User Accounts
     • Backup
     • Windows 10

Internet & Network:
     • Internet
     • Wi-fi or Cable
     • Improve Broadband Speed
     • Network Computers

Computer Peripherals:
     • Printer
     • Scanner
     • External Hard Drive
     • USB Flash Drive

Computer Security:
     • Anti-virus
     • Anti-Spyware
     • Phishing
     • Firewall

Common PC Problems:
     • Slow Computer
     • Hardware Failure
     • Software Failure
     • Printing Problems

Miscellaneous:
     • Windows Shortcuts
     • Glossary of Terms
     • HTML Colour Picker
     • Number Base Converter

Windows 7 Installation

Below are details on installing the Microsoft Windows 7 Operating System on your computer including performing an upgrade installation from Windows Vista to Windows 7 and also performing a clean installation.

An upgrade installation replaces your current version of Windows (Vista) with Windows 7 without deleting any files, settings, or programs on your primary drive. A clean installation will delete all your files, settings and programs before installing Windows 7.

Although an upgrade installation can be quicker and retains your files and programs, i would recommend a clean installation as it will delete any existing malware, unused registry data, and will be less bloated so that everything will run much quicker and more efficiently. A clean install will force you to install all the correct drivers, as well as re-installing programs, and user data but will likely cause less problems later on.

Before installing Windows 7 then you should check that your computer is compatible with the 'Minimum System Requirements' which can be found on the Microsoft website.

You can also download and run the 'Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor' on the Microsoft website which checks if your hardware is compatible. You should connect all your devices such as printers, and scanners so that they can all be checked by the program.

The following editions of Windows Vista can be upgraded to Windows 7:

Vista Home Basic to Windows 7 Home Premium, and Windows 7 Ultimate.
Vista Home Premium to Windows 7 Home Premium, and Windows 7 Ultimate.
Vista Business to Windows 7 Professional, and Windows 7 Ultimate.
Vista Ultimate to Windows 7 Ultimate.

Note that a 32-bit version of Vista cannot be used to upgrade to a 64-bit version of Windows 7. You would need to do a clean (custom) installation.


Windows 7 Upgrade from Windows Vista:

Even though your important files on your primary drive will not be deleted with an upgrade installation, you should always back them up somewhere safe.

Note that you must run the Windows 7 Upgrade software from your current operating system (Vista). You cannot boot from the DVD and try to upgrade.

1. With the computer already booted up, put in the Windows 7 disk into the Optical Drive (DVD) and run 'setup.exe' and select 'Install now'.

2. You will then be given an option to install or not to install the latest updates to your current Operating System. You should install the latest updates to prevent any problems in upgrading.

3. Accept the License Terms.

4. Select the 'Upgrade' installation to upgrade to Windows 7.

5. The software wil then check to see if there are any compatibility problems.

6. If everything is okay it will install Windows 7 and then reboot.

7. Next, enter the 'Product Key' - You will have the option to automatically
* 'Activate' your new Operating System.

8. You are given the option to switch on Windows Updates.

9. Next you can set your Time Zone, Date and Time.

10.You will also be asked to set up 'Network options' which is usually 'Home Network'.

11. The computer will then 'Finalise settings' and the Operating System will be fully installed.


Clean installation of Windows 7:

First of all you should back up all your important files before installing a clean installation as all data on your primary drive will be deleted.

So that you can boot from your Optical Drive (DVD) you will need to access your CMOS set up page and find 'Boot Device Priority' and select your Optical Drive (DVD) to be your first boot device and then save your settings.

1. Put in your Windows 7 installation disk into the DVD Drive and reboot your computer.

2. Press any key to boot from the DVD when prompted.

3. You will be asked to select your preferred language, time & currency format, and keyboard for your country.

4. Next you have to accept the License Terms.

5. You then select the 'Custom' installation for a clean installation.

6. There will then be options to partition and format your primary Hard Drive.

7. The computer will then install Windows 7 and reboot.

8. Type your Username and Computer's Name when prompted.

9. You are then asked to enter the 'Product Key' - You will have the option to automatically * 'Activate' your new Operating System.

10. You are given the option to switch on Windows Updates.

11. Next you can set your Time Zone, Date and Time.

12. You will also be asked to set up 'Network options' which is usually 'Home Network'.

13. The computer will then 'Finalise settings' and the Operating System will be fully installed.

* It is usually best not to select the option to Activate until you have fully installed the new operating System and set up your Internet connection as you have 30 days until it must be Activated.

Once your Operating System has been fully installed and you have downloaded all the 'Windows Updates' then you are ready to install the 'Device Drivers'. More details can be found on the Device Drivers page.

MENU (Operating System):
1. Operating System 2. Installation