How To Perform a Clean Install of Windows 7

admin — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:16:54 +0000

The absolute best install method for any operating system is a clean install. Whether you’re installing Windows 7 on a new hard drive or creating a Virtual Machine for testing in a lab environment, the clean install is your best choice. A clean install means that you’re installing a fresh copy of Windows, not performing an upgrade.

To begin, boot your computer from the installation DVD. You may need to either change the boot order to place the DVD drive before the hard drive or hit a hotkey(F12 key on Dell) to open a boot menu during post. I’ll be installing Window 7 Enterprise version. The install method for the other flavors of Windows 7 should be identical.

Much like the Vista install process, Windows 7 is completely GUI based. The first thing you’re prompted for is your install language. Make that selection and click Next .

Select Language

Next click Install Now

: Click Install Now

Accept the License Agreement and click Next

Next click on Custom (advanced) to continue with the install. You’ll next be presented with a window that lets you make changes to your hard drive. You can use this window to delete partitions and manually format the hard drive if necessary. If you’re installing to an old hard drive, you’ll want to delete any existing partitions. Since Windows 7 is an image based installation, it’s not necessary to format the drive if you delete the partition.

The bulk of the installation now begins. It’s a good time to go refill your coffee or grab some snackie cakes and chessy poofs.

The PC may reboot a couple of times during the install, this is normal. Eventually it will come up to the following window. Enter a Username and the computer is automagically filled in. You can either accept the autogenerated computer name or enter your own.

Next enter a password and a password hint.

Now set up the automatic behavior of automatic updates and Windows Defender. It’s strongly recommended that you choose Use Recommended Settings.

Next set your timezone and make any adjustments to the time and date as needed.

Select the type of network that best reflects where the computer will be used. Typically this will be either Home network or Work network.

The next thing you’re presented with is Homegroup setup. WARNING: Unless ALL of the computers in your home network are WINDOWS 7, DO NOT use Homegroups. Either choose Skip or complete the required information and click next.

You’re in the home stretch. The Install will be finalized and then the computer will reboot for the final time.

All Done! Welcome to Windows 7.

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How To Perform a Clean Install of Windows 7