Many people have waited to upgrade to Windows 7 from Vista due to the many issues surrounding Windows 7. These issues included computer screen freezes, crashes, and memory errors. Fortunately, these issues have been addressed. While you may be ready to install Windows 7, you should follow some very necessary steps to ensure the success of your installation.
Installation Preparation
Unless you have no data or information on your computer, you will need to back up all programs and data. This backup can be to DVD media or other backup media such as an external hard drive or a USB drive. The process usually takes about a half an hour, depending on how much data is involved.
Prepare a Windows Vista recovery disc in case the install fails for any reason. It is also advised that you download the Windows 7 upgrade advisor. This will make sure that your hardware is compatible for the program.
Upgrade or Installation Process
Simply run the Windows 7 DVD. You will just need to follow the instructions that will appear during the installation. HP users should use the DVD upgrade assistant and again follow the on-screen instructions. The total installation time for Windows 7 is usually about and hour and a half; however, this time will vary depending upon your processor speed and RAM.
After Installation Process
After the installation is complete, connect to the Internet and install any updates for Windows 7. You will also want to make sure your anti-virus and security programs are up-to-date.
Scan and defragment the hard drive to improve the speed of your computer. This process will organizes your disk’s data properly, which will result in improved efficiency as well as speed. You may also want to remove any unnecessary programs and applications from the Startup panel using the MSCONFIG tool.