Installing and reinstalling Windows

In this article you will find instructions for:

• Upgrading to Windows 7. Choose Upgrade to keep your files, settings, and programs from your current version of Windows, and if your current version of Windows can be upgraded. If your version of Windows can't be upgraded, you need to choose Custom.
• Installing a custom version of Windows. Choose Custom to completely replace your current operating system, or to install Windows on a specific drive or partition that you select. You can also use Custom if your computer does not have an operating system, or if you want to set up a multiboot system on your computer. For more information about setting up a multiboot system, see Install more than one operating system (multiboot).
• Reinstalling Windows 7. Choose this option if you want to restore default Windows settings or if you are having trouble with Windows and need to reinstall it by performing a custom installation.

During the installation process, you need:

• The Windows installation disc.
• Your product key. You can find your product key on your computer or on the installation disc holder inside the Windows package. A product key sticker looks similar to this:
  PRODUCT KEY: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
  Go to the Microsoft website to see examples of product key stickers.
• Your computer name, if your computer is currently connected to a network.

You also need to decide whether to install a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows 7. For help deciding, see 32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions.

Before you begin, to save time and help you avoid problems during installation:

• Update your antivirus program, run it, and then disable it. After you install Windows, remember to reenable the antivirus program, or install new antivirus software that works with Windows 7.
• Back up your files. You can back up files to an external hard disk, a DVD or CD, or a network folder. For more information about backing up your files, search for "back up" in Help and Support.
• Connect to the Internet. Make sure your Internet connection is working so that you can get the latest installation updates. These updates include security updates and hardware driver updates that can help with installation. If you don't have an Internet connection, you can still upgrade or install Windows.