INSTALLING WINDOS 7

Installing a 64-bit version of Windows 7 on a computer running a 32-bit version of Windows

Before you begin, make sure that your computer can run a 64-bit version of Windows. For more information, see 32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions.

The Custom option installs a new copy of Windows 7 on the partition you choose. This erases your files, programs, and settings.

Back up any files and settings you want to keep so that you can restore them after the installation is complete. You'll need to reinstall your programs, so make sure you have the installation discs and product keys for the programs you want to use in Windows 7, or setup files for any programs you downloaded from the Internet.

Notes

• Some programs such as Windows Mail and Outlook Express are no longer included in Windows 7. If you used Windows Mail or Outlook Express as your e‑mail program, you'll need to install a new e‑mail program after you finish installing Windows 7 to read your messages or to send and receive e‑mail. For more information about programs you can use, go to Looking for Windows Mail? on the Windows website.
• If you don't format your hard disk during installation, data files are saved to a Windows.old folder on the partition you installed Windows 7 on. However, you should still back up your files. If you have data files that are encrypted, you might not be able to access them after installing Windows 7. If you've backed up your data files and then restored them after installing Windows 7, you can delete the Windows.old folder.

To install a 64-bit version of Windows 7 on a computer running a 32-bit version of Windows

To do this, you'll need to start, or boot, your computer using the Windows 7 installation disc or USB flash drive.

1. Turn on your computer so that Windows starts normally, insert the Windows 7 installation disc or USB flash drive, and then shut down your computer.
2. Restart your computer.
3. Press any key when prompted, and then follow the instructions that appear.
4. On the Install Windows page, enter your language and other preferences, and then click Next.
   If the Install Windows page doesn't appear, and you're not asked to press any key, you might need to change some system settings. To learn how to do this, see Start your computer from a Windows 7 installation disc or USB flash drive.
5. On the Please read the license terms page, if you accept the license terms, click I accept the license terms, and then click Next.
6. On the Which type of installation do you want? page, click Custom.
7. On the Where do you want to install Windows? page, choose the partition containing your previous version of Windows (this is often the computer's C: drive), and then click Next.
8. In the Windows.old dialog box, click OK.
9. Follow the instructions to finish installing Windows 7, which include naming your computer and setting up an initial user account.

Note

• You might need to update drivers after Windows 7 installation is complete. To do so, click the Start button , click All Programs, and then click Windows Update . If Windows Update doesn't have the driver you need, see Update a driver for hardware that isn't working properly, or go to the Windows 7 Compatibility Center webpage.