Install Windows 7 on a PC

As soon as Microsoft released its latest OS, Windows 7, being a technician I started getting e-mails & calls from a bunch of people who wanted to get install this new operating system on their PC. I was a big fan of Windows XP (before Windows 7 release) and always believed that nothing can be better than XP. That is the reason, why I never tried using Windows Vista. So I’ve decided to do a complete research on Windows 7 before I wipe out my XP and install it on my PC. On completion, I found that Microsoft has done a great job. The latest Windows 7 is far better than Windows Vista and has a number of improved features.

Though, Windows 7 is a comprehensive OS, however, there are still few limitations which I’ll discuss later most probably at the end of my blog.

Windows 7 doesn’t allow you to perform upgrade also known as in-place upgrade, if you are currently running Windows XP. So does it mean you’ll have wiped out all your data? Not at all! Windows XP users can migrate to Windows 7 but they have to complete a little exercise.

Windows 7 includes a Migration utility for XP users so before performing a clean installation, you must backup of your data and settings by using Windows 7 migration tool. On the other hand, existing users of Windows Vista have an advantage of in-place upgrade.

Being an XP user, I’m writing these general steps, which will help you in performing clean installation of Windows 7 on your XP PC.

Note: Before you start installing Windows 7, I would like to suggest you few things, which you must verify, such as, minimum hardware requirements to run Windows 7, availability of device drivers, a valid product key and which version to install. If you know the answers of above mentioned questions, you are on the right track.

Here are the instructions that you can follow while installing Windows 7:

STEP 1. Insert the Windows 7 setup disc into computer’s DVD/CD drive and boot from it.
STEP 2. On the “Install Windows” page click on Install now.
STEP 4. Read the “License term” page and accept it by clicking on “I accept”.
STEP 5. Select “Custom installation type” on the next page (Recommended).
STEP 6. Install Windows on a specific partition if you’ve created one.
STEP 7. After that you will notice Installing Windows 7 screen. The setup will proceed further and take several minutes to copy files, expand files, install features, install updates and complete the installation. Do not interrupt in between the process. Enter your user & computer name when prompted then select next. Enter your serial Key. Select your update settings. Change Time & Date settings if require then select your Wireless network from the list and security key if applicable.
STEP 8. On a successful installation, run Windows 7 migration tool and install Windows XP data and settings.

Features
There is a wide range of features, which have been added by Microsoft, thus giving you the reason to opt for new Windows 7. Some of its extraordinary features are: Libraries, Multi-touch technology, Instant search, Remote Media Streaming, Windows XP mode and many more.

Usability
There is no doubt that Windows 7 is more than an operating system. Its unique features and various editions will be definitely appreciated by the Microsoft consumers. This time it’s fast, secure, reliable and stylish and most importantly compatible with most of the hardware & software pieces unlike Windows Vista.

Limitation
However, there are certain limitations of Windows 7 that you must be aware of. At first in order to install Windows 7, your PC needs to be a powerful machine that is why most of the people may avoid installing this latest OS. It’s been reported that your favorite XP compatible programs might not work in Windows 7 environment. This is the reason that Microsoft has added XP mode feature. There are total six editions of Windows 7 out of which only three are available across the globe. Due to the total new GUI, you might take some time to get familiar with it.

Sure-shot Way of Windows 7 Installation

Microsoft’s latest Windows 7 has removed the issues of software confliction and difficult user-interface of previous Windows Vista. In addition to that it has been equipped with innovative technologies like multi-core support, handwriting recognition, virtualization and Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6), so that you can experience the next-generation computing features.
Hence, demands of installation/upgrade to latest Windows 7 is on the rise. However, it is always important to prepare yourself before rushing for the upgrade. You should check whether your computer’s configuration will support Windows 7.
If your present operating system is Windows Vista, then you don’t need to think much. Simply go online or purchase CD/DVD of Windows 7 installation.
However, if you have a computer with earlier versions like Windows XP, Windows 2000 etc, then you need to be careful
Firstly, check the compatibility of hardware components in your computer with respect to that of Windows 7. You can easily check it with the help of Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor, which is available for free download in Microsoft’s website. It scans and prompts the report. If your computer is lacking somewhere, it suggests the upgrade requirement.
Following are the minimum hardware configuration to install Windows 7:
• Processor-1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
• Memory-1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
• Hard disk-16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
• Graphic card-DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver

Take the backup of previous files and settings of your computer. You can make use of external hard disk or USB flash drive to take the back up. If you are not an computer expert, then don’t worry. Microsoft presents Windows 7 Easy Transfer that can be downloaded from its website. This program can take back up of your entire computer’s storage, in few minutes in an easy way.
Now, start the process of Windows 7 installation. Drop the CD/DVD on the tray of your DVD drive and restart your computer. You will be prompted to “Press any key to boot from CD/DVD.” However, if you don’t get this option, go into the BIOS and change the boot order from hard drive to DVD drive. After the file is loaded, installation wizard appears. Mention your language preferences, and then click “Install Now.” You have to accept the license agreement and select to do a custom install. Enter username and computer name, when the installation is over.

How can I Remove Shortcut Icon Arrow Overlay in Windows 7.

I find the arrows too ugly and I feel like that they are hampering the look of my desktop. Please tell me how the Shortcut Icon Arrow Overlay can be removed?

Ans:A small, free utility from Frameworkx.com can be downloaded. FxVisor allows you to remove or modify the shortcut arrows.

For more information..
Windows 7

Buyer’s Guide: Windows 7 Ultimate Edition

So if the wave of Windows 7 has hit you and you are curious about which edition to go for, and which one you think would best compliment your case and comfort, then compare the features of the Windows 7 Ultimate with your needs and see if they are compatible.

We all know that the Windows Vista also had a Ultimate version. And true to its name, the Windows 7 Ultimate also has the ability to combine all these features along with added features from the Windows 7 Enterprise.

The Windows 7 Ultimate Extras have been scrapped off. And the advantage this edition has over the other two versions - Windows 7 Home Premium and Professional - are that this edition has Support for BitLocker full-disk encryption. Another major exception of the Windows 7 Ultimate over the two editions is that, it has been built to switch between languages in no time.

Glance at Windows 7 Ultimate and you will find all the features of Windows 7 retail editions combined with features from Windows 7 Enterprise. But unlike its Windows Vista predecessor, it omits Windows 7 Ultimate Extras. Ultimate towers over other editions with features including, support for BitLocker full-disk encryption and the ability to switch between languages on the fly. Retooled BitLocker in Windows 7 can now encrypt external drives (including USB keys) allowing a user to transport data between home and office without being concerned about being mugged and winding up in the next data breach headline.

Well it is pretty obvious that unless your work demands of you to work with multiple languages on the same PC, the option to switch languages can be of no use to you. However, the BitLocker is quite a steal and this might be the option that eventually holds your attention to this edition. Here’s why. The BitLocker can easily encrypt external drives, almost any drive including USB keys. This will enable you to transport data at will from your home and office without the trouble of having to worry about being mugged and probably winding up in the next data breach headline. If this doesn’t seem to impress you and you choose to not upgrade both the ends of a data-transport chain with Windows 7 Ultimate then, here’s another punch to get you off. The BitLocker also comes loaded with a secure Bitlocker to Go feature that can enable Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP users with the proper authorization to procure BitLocker secure media in read only mode.

By and large, these features are pretty unique and can be enabled only by a Windows 7 Ultimate User. This will remain its USP, and sure enough it will find many buyers with these features it has harbored in it.

How smooth is the upgrade to Windows 7

Although upgrade to Windows 7 will be smooth, problem may arise if you are upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7 directly because the hardware of your computer or laptop may not support Windows 7. So you need to upgrade your hardware before you install Windows 7 on it.

In some cases, upgrading will be simply a plug-and-play type of process. The hassle free process only involves loading the Operating System DVD, providing in a code and waiting for approximately 45 minutes to upgrade. Although, there is no need to take a back up of your data but still you must not take chances. Hence, you must take a backup before starting the upgrade.

When you run Windows 7, all your applications, programs, settings, and files will be available as it is. The process is called in-place upgrade. The problem here is that in-place upgrade applies only to those PCs that are running Vista with at least 20GB of free space in disk.

But, the ride is not smooth if you have Windows XP in your computer. You will not be able to enjoy in-place upgrade option. For upgrading XP-to-Windows 7, you will have to do a “clean installation”. It makes taking a backup of your data compulsory. And after the Windows 7 installation, you need to restore all your data and reinstall all the applications that you were previously using.

On the whole there are few issues that make the road to upgrade tough for the users. Because of incompatible applications and drivers, upgrade for Windows XP to Windows 7 necessitates clean installation. Furthermore, most of the old computers lack the power to run Windows 7 to its full capacity. All of this makes XP users think twice before trying to install Windows 7.

Microsoft team is working hard on upgrade issues faced by users so that there is marked improvement before the official release of Windows 7.

Profit off the Agenda in Microsoft's Windows 7

Microsoft plans to deliver much with its new OS Windows 7 with little profit margins for hardware manufacturers.

In what could be a move that could drive profit margins to new bottoms for hardware manufacturers, Microsoft's new operating system, Windows 7, with its smaller footprint and also with its ability to be more adept at memory handling could be targeted at the new netbook market.

Prices of portable computers are at an all-time low and the entry of netbooks, which come small and light with low-cost prices, is not somthing new anymore now. And Windows 7, which comes in innovating types of Linux-based portables, could make a deeper dent into the hardware manufacturers market.

It sure looks bleak for the hardware manufacturers market with increasing pressure to sell products over $800 as becoming more tougher. There is a wide margin in the price of a notebook and a netbook. And, by market trends, it looks like the latter dominates over the former. In addition, the new netbooks, along with its cheap price, will come loaded with latest Windows 7 after its launch on the 22nd of October. This surely entails a steep decline in the revenue of OEMs and with upto an 11% decrease, which has been an outcome of the growth propensity of licenses which have been an offshoot of high Netbook PC sales, there will surely be a lot of thinking and mustering up to do for the hardware manufacturers.