In this project you perform a clean installation of Windows 7. You need a Windows 7 Inst...

In this project you perform a clean installation of Windows 7. You need a Windows 7 Installation DVD for the project. Also, if possible connect the computer to the Internet so that you can obtain updates for the installation. To install Windows 7:

1. Boot the system from the Windows 7 DVD (review the steps in Hands-On Project 5-1 for configuring the computer to first boot from the DVD/CD-ROM drive or press the appropriate function key, such as F11 or F12 to see a menu of boot device options). 2. You see an action bar near the bottom of the screen with the message Windows is loading files as the installation files are loading.

3. Select the language to install or leave the default selection as English. Specify the Time and currency format, or leave the default as English (United States); and choose the Keyboard and input method, or leave US as the default. Click Next.

4. The next window enables you to start the installation (see Figure 5-25). Click Install now to start the installation.

5. If you see the Get important updates for installation window (see Figure 5-26), click the option to Go online to get the latest updates for installation (recommended). You see the Searching for installation updates window as the Setup program connects through the Internet to obtain updates.

6. If you see a window asking to choose your edition, x86 (if you have a 32-bit processor) or x64 (if you have a 64-bit processor), make the appropriate selection and click Next.

7. In the Please read the license terms window (see Figure 5-27), click the box for I accept the license terms. Click Next.

8. In the Which type of installation do you want window (see Figure 5-28), click Custom (advanced).

9. You might see the Compatibility Report window to report possible compatibility conflicts and direct you to check information at the Microsoft website.

10. You’ll see a listing of disk partitions that have unallocated disk space in the Where do you want to install Windows? window. Choose the disk partition you want to use, such as Disk 0 Unallocated Space. Click Next. (Note that there is a Load Driver link at the bottom of the window that enables you to install a more recent hard disk driver or a driver for a disk not recognized by the installation program. You can also press F6 at this point to load a new driver.)

11. If you see the message, To ensure that all Windows features work correctly, Windows might create additional partitions for system files, click OK.

12. The operating system is now in the process of being installed on the computer. The amount of time this takes depends on your computer, but may take about 30 minutes or more. You’ll see progress information including Copying files, Expanding files, Installing features, Installing updates, and Completing installation.

13. The installation program will restart the computer. Let it boot from the hard drive. If your computer is set up to boot first from a DVD, you may need to remove the Windows 7 Installation DVD before it reboots, and then put the DVD back in after it reboots.

14. You see the message Starting Windows. You may also see the messages: Updating registry settings and Setup is starting services.

15. The Installing Windows window appears, but showing the Completing installation phase.

16. The computer reboots again. Make sure you let it boot from the hard drive. (Again, if your computer is set up to boot first from a DVD, you may need to remove the Windows 7 Installation DVD before it reboots and then put the DVD back in the drive.) You see the messages Starting Windows, Setup is preparing Windows for first use, and Setup is checking video performance.

17. In the Set Up Windows window, type a user name and a computer name. Click Next.

18. In the Set a password for your user account window enter a password for the account you configured in the last step and retype the password. Also, provide a password hint. Click Next.

19. In the Type your product key for activation window, enter the Product Key and click Next. (If you are using a trial version you may not have to enter a product key).

20. In the Help protect and improve Windows automatically window, click Use recommended settings.

21. In the Review your time and date settings window, configure the time zone, time, and date as needed. Click Next.

22. If your computer is connected to a network, you may see the Select your computer’s current location window (for configuring networking), select an option appropriate for your computer installation out of:

? Home network—(for a home location)

? Work network—(for using the computer in an office or place of work)

? Public network—(for use in public places such as coffee shops)

23. If you select Home network, you will see the Do you want to create a homegroup? window. Select the library types to share from: Pictures, Videos, Documents, Music, and Printers. Also, record the homegroup password for later reference. Click Next.

24. You see the message, Please wait while Windows finishes installing.

25. Finally, you see the Welcome screen and are logged into the newly created account. (For some editions you may not see the Welcome screen, you are just logged in.)

Reference Hands-On Project 5-1

Your hardware system BIOS controls many basic functions of your computer. This chapter discusses the need for being able to boot from a DVD/CD-ROM. You can find out how your system BIOS handles DVD/CD-ROM booting by displaying the BIOS Setup or Configuration screen on your computer. To display your current booting options by looking at your BIOS:

1. Display your computer’s BIOS Setup or Configuration screen. How you do this varies with the machine, but common techniques are to press F1 or F2 during the system bootup process. Other keystrokes or combinations may be used, such as Del, Ctrl+Alt+Esc simultaneously, or F10. Another way is to hold down a key on the keyboard while booting. The BIOS often sees the error and gives you the option to go into Setup. If none of these works, study your computer’s documentation, or carefully read all screens during system boot.

2. Look for settings for boot order or boot sequence. This usually involves using the cursor keys to position the cursor over a field, then pressing the spacebar or Page Up/Page Down to step through the settings.

3. Step through the choices available on your machine.

4. If available (and with your instructor’s permission), choose a DVD/CD-ROM boot, and save and exit the Setup or Configuration screen.

5. Insert your operating system DVD/CD-ROM disk and reboot the computer. Did the DVD/CD-ROM boot your computer? What error messages did you see, if any? Can you reconfigure your system to boot from your hard disk drive?