How to Install Windows 7, How to Install Windows 8, Windows XP Professional Install Guide
How to Install Windows 7
This step-by-step guide demonstrates how to install Windows 7 Ultimate. The guide is similar for other versions of Windows 7 such as Home Premium.
The best way to install Windows 7 is to do a clean install. It is not difficult to perform a clean installation. Before you start the installation process I recommend that you check Windows 7 System Requirements list to ensure that your hardware is supported by Windows 7. If you don't have Windows 7 drivers for all your hardware, it is a good idea to download all the drivers from the hardware manufacturers website and save all the necessary drivers on a CD-R or a USB drive before you start the installation.
Windows 7 DVD is bootable. In order to boot from the DVD you need to set the boot sequence. Look for the boot sequence under your BIOS setup and make sure that the first boot device is set to CD-ROM/DVD-ROM.
Step 1 - Place Windows 7 DVD in your dvd-rom drive and start your PC. Windows 7 will start to boot up and you will get the following progress bar.
Step 2 - The next screen allows
you to setup your language, time and currency format, keyboard or
input method. Choose your required settings and click next to
continue.
Step 3 - The next screen allows
you to install or repair Windows 7. Since we are doing a clean install
we will click on "install now".
Step 4 - Read the license terms and tick I accept license terms. Then click next to continue.
Step 5 - You will now be
presented with two options. Upgrade or Custom (Advanced). Since we are
doing a clean install we will select Custom (Advanced).
Step 6 - Choose where you would
like to install Windows 7. If you have one hard drive you will get a
similar option to the image below. You can click next to continue. If
you have more that one drive or partition then you need to select the
appropriate drive and click next. If you need to format or partition a
drive then click Drive options (advance) before clicking next.
Step 7 - Windows 7 starts the installation process and starts copying all the necessary files to your hard drive as shown on the image below.
Step 8 - It will go through various stages of the setup and will reboot your system few times.
Step 9 - When your PC reboots it
attempts to boot from DVD as its the first boot device. Do not press
any key during the boot prompt so Windows 7 will continue with the
installation by booting from the hard drive.
Step 10 - After the reboot your computer will be prepared for first use.
Step 11 - At this stage you need
to choose a user name and computer name. Click next to continue. The
user account you create here is the Administrator account which is the
main account for your Windows 7 that has all the privileges.
Step 12 - Choose your password and password hint just incase you forget your password and need to jog your memory.
Step 14 - Help protect your computer and improve Windows automatically. Choose Use recommended settings.
Step 15 - Review your time and date settings. Select your time zone, correct the date and time and click next to continue.
Step 16 - Select your computer's
current location. If you are a home user then choose Home network
otherwise select the appropriate option.
Step 17 - Windows will now finalize the settings for your computer and restart.
Step 18 - After the final restart Windows 7 will start to boot up.
Step 20 - After you have logged
on to Windows 7 for the first time, you will see similar desktop to the
image below. At this point you can start using your computer. However it
may not be fully configured. You need to make sure that all the
hardware is detected correctly and the necessary device drivers are
installed. This can be done from the device manager.
Step 21 - To go to device manager click - Start Menu -> Control Panel -> System and Security -> System -> Device Manager.
You will see all your hardware listed as shown on the image below. You
need to check if you have any yellow exclamation marks next to the
name of the devices, similar to "Multimedia Audio Controller" on the
image below. This indicates that the driver has not been installed for
this device.
At this stage you can install the driver for this device. To do so, Right Mouse click on Multimedia Audio Controller -> Update Driver Software...
Step 22 - You can choose to
"Search automatically for updated driver software" or "Browse my
computer for driver software". If you have the driver CD or if the
driver is on a USB drive then choose "browse my computer for driver
software". Window 7 will search and install the driver from the CD or
you can locate the driver manually.
Once you have removed all the yellow exclamation
marks from the device manager your Windows 7 configuration would be
fully complete.
Step 23 - Finally check if you have successfully activated Windows 7. Click Start Menu -> Control Panel -> System and Security -> System.
You will get a window similar to the image below. Towards the bottom
you will see Windows is activated followed by your product ID. This
shows that your copy of Windows 7 is fully activated.
How to Install Windows 8
This step-by-step guide demonstrates how to install Microsoft Windows 8 Professional. You can follow this guide if you have Windows 8 basic edition or any other version as the steps are very similar.
The best way to install Windows 8 is to do a clean install. Before you start the installation process I recommend that you check Windows 8 System Requirements to ensure that your hardware is supported by Windows 8. If you don't have Windows 8 drivers for all your hardware, it is a good idea to download all the drivers from the hardware manufacturers web site and save all the necessary drivers on a CD/DVD or a USB drive before you start the installation.
Windows 8 Professional DVD is bootable. In order to boot from the DVD you need to set the boot sequence. Look for the boot sequence under your BIOS setup and make sure that the first boot device is set to CD-ROM/DVD-ROM.
Step 1 - Place Windows 8 DVD in your dvd-rom drive and start your PC. Windows 8 will start to boot up and you will get the following screen with a rotating progress bar.
Step 2 - The next screen allows
you to setup your language, time and currency format, keyboard or
input method. Choose your required settings and click next to
continue.
Step 3 - The next screen allows
you to install or repair Windows 8. Since we are doing a clean install
we will click on "install now".
Step 4 - The setup process starts as shown.
Step 5 - At this stage you need
to type your product key that came with your copy of Windows 8. Click
next once you have entered the product key correctly.
Step 6 - Read the license terms and tick I accept license terms. Then click next to continue.
Step 7 - Choose the type of installation you want. Since you are doing a clean install you need to click on custom.
Step 8 - Choose where you
would like to install Windows 8. If you have one hard drive you will get
an option similar to the image below. You can click next to continue
then go to step 12.
If you have more than one drive or partition
then you need to select the appropriate drive and click next. At this
stage you can go to step 12.
If you want to partition a large drive then do not click next. Go to step 9.
Step 9 - If you want to partition an existing drive then click new. Choose the size of the partition and click apply.
Step 10 - Click OK to create the partition. Windows will create additional system partition which you don't have to worry about.
Choose partition 2 (Primary Partition). This is where I will install Windows 8. Click next to continue.
Step 12 - At this stage Windows
starts to copy files to your hard drive and begins the installation.
This process might take a few minutes depending on your computer
specification. Now is a good time to grab yourself a coffee.
Step 13 - When all the necessary files are copied Windows 8 will automatically restart as shown.
Step 14 - You will go through
various progress bar and information messages as shown on the following
images. Windows might restart automatically second time.
Step 15 - You are now presented with "Let's go through a few basics" screen. It will automatically select personalize option.
Step 16 - Choose your PC name and personalize the color.
Step 17 - Here you can choose express settings or choose customize. I will choose customize to make further customization.
Step 18 - Choose Yes, turn on sharing and connect to devices.
Step 19 - Help protect and update your PC. Choose your preferred option and click next.
Step 20 - Send Microsoft info to
help make Windows and apps better. C
hoose your preferred options or
leave the default settings. Click next to continue.
Step 21 - Check online for solutions to problem. Choose your preferred options or leave the default settings. Click next to continue.
Step 22 - Sign in to your PC. Here you can login to your PC using a Microsoft email account such as your hotmail account.
If you do not have a Microsoft account you can create one by clicking Sign up for a new email address. Go to Step 23.
If you don't want to create an email account and
prefer to create a local user name, click Sign in without a Microsoft
account. Go to step 24.
Step 23 - Sign up for a new email address. If you want to create a new email account you need to complete the form below.
Step 24 - Click local account
Step 25 - Here you can choose a local user name and password. Choose finish to continue.
Step 26 - At this stage
Windows starts to finalize your settings. You will get the following
information screen as the installation moves forward.
Step 28 - Soon as the demonstration finishes windows moves into the final stages of the setup.
Step 29 - Finally the setup
process is finished and you are presented with a completely new and
unfamiliar Metro user interface. You have your most common application
right in front of you. Clicking on any tiles will launch that
application. At this point you can start using your computer. However,
it may not be fully configured. You need to make sure that all the
hardware is detected correctly and the necessary device drivers are
installed. This can be done from the device manager.
Step 30 - To go to device
manager click search on charm bar on the right. Then type devmgmt.msc.
Click on the devmgmt icon on the left.
Step 31 - You will see all
your hardware listed as shown on the image below. You need to check if
you have any yellow exclamation marks next to the name of the devices,
similar to "Base System Device" on the image below. This indicates that
the driver has not been installed for this device.
At this stage you can install the driver for this device. To do so, Right Mouse click on Base System Device -> Update Driver Software...
Step 32 - You can choose to
"Search automatically for updated driver software" or "Browse my
computer for driver software". If you have the driver CD or if the
driver is on a USB drive then choose "browse my computer for driver
software". Window 8 will search and install the driver from the CD or
you can locate the driver manually.
Once you have removed all the yellow
exclamation marks from the device manager your Windows 8 configuration
would be fully complete.
Windows XP Professional Install Guide
Important Information
Before the install/reinstallation of Windows XP, I highly recommend that you download Service Pack 3 “for multiple computers” and burn it onto a CD. The download is approximately 316.4MB. If you choose not to do this step, your system could become infected with a virus or worm exploiting the vulnerabilities that Service Pack 3 fixes. I also recommend that you do NOT have your system connected to the Internet until after the installation of Service Pack 3. This means that you cannot activate your XP installation during setup, but you can accomplish that task following a reboot after Service Pack 3 is installed.1) Shall we begin? (Image 1.1)
After configuring the system for booting from a CD, the Windows Setup screen appears.At this point, Setup is loading the driver files it needs to continue with installation.
1) Shall we begin? (Image 1.1)
2) Welcome to Setup: (Image 1.2)
The “Welcome to Setup” screen appears with the option of Continuing Setup, Repair a previous installation, or Quitting.Press ENTER to Continue Setup.
You may also choose R to Repair, or F3 to Quit and reboot the system.
2) Welcome to Setup: (Image 1.2)
3) Windows XP Licensing Agreement: (Image 1.3)
The “Windows XP Licensing Agreement” screen, otherwise known as “EULA,” displays the legal in’s and out’s of this particular software package.You may press F8 to signify that you agree with the terms, hit ESC if you do not agree and PAGE UP or PAGE DOWN to scroll through each screen. Note: If you do not agree to the terms, setup will quit and reboot the system.
3) Windows XP Licensing Agreement: (Image 1.3)
4) Hard drive partition information: (Image 1.4)
Hard drive partition information is now displayed. This varies with each systems hardware configuration.This example already has a partition defined. I will choose not to use this and create a new one by pressing D.
You may skip this and the next few steps if you do not have any partitions defined.
At this point, the options include pressing ENTER to Install on the selected partition, D to Delete the selected partition, or F3 to Quit and reboot the system.
4) Hard drive partition information: (Image 1.4)
5) Warning screen: (Image 1.5)
After pressing D to delete the selected partition, a warning screen appears explaining the pitfalls of deleting it. This particular screen only appears when the partition selected to be deleted is formatted as a bootable system partition. Other partitions will display the next screen.I want this to happen, so I press ENTER to continue.
The options include pressing ENTER to continue, or ESC to Cancel.
5) Warning screen: (Image 1.5)
6) Confirmation screen: (Image 1.6)
A confirmation screen that displays the logical drive, what file system the partition is currently using, the size in MB and controller information.Options include L to Delete the partition and ESC to Cancel the action.
6) Confirmation screen: (Image 1.6)
7) No partitions have been previously defined: (Image 1.7)
If no partitions have been previously defined, this screen will be displayed. You may section your hard drive in as many partitions as you wish by selecting C to Create a Partition and then entering in a value less then the total available. Here, I will Create a Partition in the highlighted, unused portion.Select the partition you wish to install to using the UP arrow and DOWN ARROW keys.
Press ENTER to use the highlighted partition and Install, C to Create a Partition, or F3 to Quit and reboot the system.
7) No partitions have been previously defined: (Image 1.7)
8) Enter in the partition size: (Image 1.8)
Enter in the partition size in MB within the displayed minimum and maximum. I chose the default or maximum available here.You may choose ENTER to Create the new partition or ESC to Cancel the action.
8) Enter in the partition size: (Image 1.8)
9) Continue to create partitions: (Image 1.9)
Continue to create partitions until all space is used or the configuration meets your requirements.Note: a small portion will be unavailable to partition. This is normal. In this example, it is 2 MB.
I chose drive C: or Partition1 to install the Operating System.
You may choose ENTER to Install to the selected partition, D to Delete the highlighted Partition, or F3 to Quit and reboot the system.
9) Continue to create partitions: (Image 1.9)
10) Format the partition: (Image 1.10)
Since this OS supports NTFS, format the partition with it. If you do not, many folder and file security features will be unavailable. Note: If you are dual booting your system, a previous OS will not be able to read the local information. This is a fact with Windows 9x and Me. If you have a requirement to view this partition from another OS installed on the system, do not format it as NTFS. Also, the boot partition must be formatted with FAT32 if you wish to dual boot. I have found no problems accessing a NTFS partition mapped as a network drive from an older OS.Select what format you wish to use by pressing the UP ARROW and DOWN ARROW keys.
Press ENTER to confirm your selection and Continue or ESC to Cancel.
10) Format the partition: (Image 1.10)
11) Setup formats the partition: (Image 1.11)
Watch the progress bar as Setup formats the partition, or get up and get a soda. It may take awhile.
11) Setup formats the partition: (Image 1.11)
12) Creating File List: (Image 1.12)
Setup is now figuring out what files to copy over to the hard drive.
12) Creating File List: (Image 1.12)
13) Setup copies various files: (Image 1.13)
After the partition is finished formatting, Setup copies various files to support booting from the hard drive and continue on.
13) Setup copies various files: (Image 1.13)
14) Creates various information files: (Image 1.14)
Setup then creates various information files required to continue on with setup.
14) Creates various information files: (Image 1.14)
15) Press ENTER to Restart: (Image 1.15)
The first reboot and the end of the blue background has arrived. If you are impatient, press ENTER to Restart before the 15 seconds expire.ENTER to Restart the Computer is the only option available.
15) Press ENTER to Restart: (Image 1.15)
16) Windows XP boot screen: (Image 2.1)
The new Windows XP boot screen is displayed.
16) Windows XP boot screen: (Image 2.1)
17) Windows XP Installation: (Image 2.2)
If you have installed Windows before, this type of screen will look familiar.Sit back. It may be awhile.
17) Windows XP Installation: (Image 2.2)
18) Faster and more reliable: (Image 2.3)
Every Windows OS that comes out has the same claim. Faster and better. It is subject to debate whether or not it could get “any worse.”
18) Faster and more reliable: (Image 2.3)
19) Region and Input Languages: (Image 2.4)
A little while later, you will be prompted with options of configuring your Region and Input Languages. The default was fine for me, so I selected Next.Options include Customize button, Details Button, plus the standard Back and Next.
19) Region and Input Languages: (Image 2.4)
20) Enter in your Name: (Image 2.5)
Enter in your Name and optional Organization information, then select the Next button.
20) Enter in your Name: (Image 2.5)
21) 25 digit Product Key: (Image 2.6)
Thought you could get away from it? Think again.Enter your unique 25 digit Product Key that came with your CD, then select the Next button.
21) 25 digit Product Key: (Image 2.6)
22) Enter a Computer name and an Administrator Password: (Image 2.7)
The “suggested” name for the computer is always really whacked out. Choose one that meets your needs.Enter an Administrator Password now. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you keep this information safe and remember what it is! “01Pa$$word” is not a good choice. Think of something secure and never lose or forget it.
22) Enter a Computer name and an Administrator Password: (Image 2.7)
23) Date, Time and Time Zone: (Image 2.8)
Configure the proper information for the Date, Time and Time Zone here.
23) Date, Time and Time Zone: (Image 2.8)
24) Network is installing: (Image 2.9)
Wait here while the Network is installing. You could read all the marketing dribble, but I do not recommend it.
24) Network is installing: (Image 2.9)
25) Network Settings Dialog: (Image 3.1)
The Network Settings Dialog is next. Under usual circumstances, the Typical settings are fine, but I never choose them so I can poke around under the hood. I selected Custom settings here.Choose your method and select the Next button.
25) Network Settings Dialog: (Image 3.1)
26) Custom settings: (Image 3.2)
In the Custom settings, many options are abound. I cannot go into all of them here, but I will hit on the high points.
26) Custom settings: (Image 3.2)
27) QoS Packet Scheduler: (Image 3.3)
QoS Packet Scheduler is not required unless your network uses it.For this system, I will choose to uncheck it.
27) QoS Packet Scheduler: (Image 3.3)
28) TCP/IP Properties: (Image 3.4)
TCP/IP Properties contains the standard options. Adjust them for your particular needs as required. For now, I kept the default settings. Basically, it is using DHCP to configure TCP/IP. If you are using a static IP address, enter in the proper information here.Select the Advanced button to further configure your TCP/IP options.
28) TCP/IP Properties: (Image 3.4)
29) Workgroup or Computer Domain: (Image 3.5)
Workgroup or Computer Domain, that is the question. I am not going to set up this system to connect to a domain controller, so I will place it as a member of a workgroup.Please, change “WORKGROUP” to something else. I hate defaults.
Select the Next button after making your choice.
29) Workgroup or Computer Domain: (Image 3.5)
30) Install screen: (Image 3.6)
The system will reboot after all files have been copied over to the install partition. Now may be a good time to take a break. It may be awhile.
30) Install screen: (Image 3.6)
31) Windows XP is starting up: (Image 4.1)
The moment we have all been waiting for, Windows XP Professional is starting up “for the first time.” Remember that quoted statement with Windows 95 setup?
31) Windows XP is starting up: (Image 4.1)
32) Display Settings Pop-up: (Image 4.2)
Windows XP no longer likes the “default” resolution of 640 x 480 and prompts you of that fact.Select OK to continue.
32) Display Settings Pop-up: (Image 4.2)
33) Please wait: (Image 4.3)
800 x 600 is a wonderful thing, however, I chose to have it time out and return to 640 x 480 for this guide.
33) Please wait: (Image 4.3)
34) Login to the Administrator account: (Image 4.4)
With the “Welcome” screen, you no longer have to hit the “Three Finger Salute” combination of Ctrl+Alt+Delete to login to the Administrator account.You did remember your password, right?!?
34) Login to the Administrator account: (Image 4.4)
35) Applying computer settings: (Image 4.5)
Please wait while the Administrator account is configured “for the first time.”No. I will not mention Windows 95 again…
35) Applying computer settings: (Image 4.5)
36) Display Settings Pop-up: (Image 4.6)
Since the initial screen resolution is set to 640 x 480, a balloon dialog appears. You may click the pop-up balloon to raise the resolution up to 800 x 600 automatically. For the rest of this guide, I chose to ignore it.
36) Display Settings Pop-up: (Image 4.6)
37) Windows XP tour: (Image 5.1)
Click the balloon dialog to start a tour of Windows XP.Even if you do not wish to see the information, you should click on the balloon to get rid of the annoyance in a timely fashion.
37) Windows XP tour: (Image 5.1)
38) Windows XP Tour dialog: (Image 5.2)
Windows XP Tour dialog popup is shown.Select the Cancel button to never see it again.
38) Windows XP Tour dialog: (Image 5.2)
39) .NET Passport Wizard: (Image 5.3)
Double-Click the Messenger Icon in the bottom right (system tray) and the “.NET Passport Wizard” dialog appears.Select Cancel to not sign up for Passport at this time.
39) .NET Passport Wizard: (Image 5.3)
40) Windows Messenger: (Image 5.4)
With the .NET Passport Wizard gone, the Windows Messenger is opened.
40) Windows Messenger: (Image 5.4)
41) Windows Messenger Tools: (Image 5.5)
Select Tools, then Options.
41) Windows Messenger Tools: (Image 5.5)
42) Messenger Preferences: (Image 5.6)
In the Options window, select the Preferences Tab.Uncheck “Run this program when Windows starts” and “Allow this program to run in the background.” Of course, if you wish to keep Windows Messenger, do not do this step.
42) Messenger Preferences: (Image 5.6)
43) Close Messenger: (Image 5.7)
Now you can select the Close button and Messenger will be unloaded from memory.
43) Close Messenger: (Image 5.7)
44) That is all! (Image 5.8)
That’s all there is to it! I hope this guide helped you out or gave you a sneak peek at what is to come. More informationabout Windows Xp Located Here!
44) That is all! (Image 5.8)
