How to install windows 7 for the first time?

Question

I have a personal computer with windows XP and I want to remove this XP and install windows 7.

What steps should I follow to do this without risking my hard drive's data?

Answer 1

What steps should I follow to do this without risking my hard drive's data?

Step 1: Backup your personal files

Step 2: Install Windows 7.

There is no upgrade path from Windows XP to Windows 7. If you install Windows 7, your personal files, installed programs, and settings will be lost.

To upgrade your PC from Windows XP to Windows 7, you'll need to select the Custom option during Windows 7 installation. A custom installation doesn't preserve your programs, files, or settings. It's sometimes called a "clean" installation for that reason.

A custom installation is more complex, and it can sometimes take a couple of hours to complete. We created this five-step tutorial to help guide you through the entire process each step of the way.

In order to install Windows 7 you need the following:

1. An external hard disk. You'll need to move your files off of your PC before you install Windows 7. To make this easier, we recommend a free download called Windows Easy Transfer, which will require an external hard disk. They're readily available at electronics and office supply stores, and they provide an easy way to add additional storage space to your computer.

2. The original installation discs or setup files for the programs that you want to use with Windows 7. You'll need to reinstall your programs by hand after installing Windows 7. When you run Windows Easy Transfer you will get a report that lists the programs that you are currently using with Windows XP.

Microsoft has provided tutorial on this entire process.

If you don't have a Windows 7 installation disk, you can download one, directly from Micosoft by going here

Sources

Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7

Upgrading to Windows 7: frequently asked questions

Answer 2

Honestly? There are hundreds of tutorials out there that take you through these very simple steps. A little of your own research wouldn't have gone amiss!

Windows 7 can be installed over the top of Windows XP.

1. Insert the Windows 7 DVD
2. Restart your computer and select to boot from the CD/DVD drive
3. You will be asked to press any key to boot from the Windows 7 DVD
4. The installer wizard will begin and take you through all the necessary steps
5. When finished the installer will restart your computer and it will then boot into your newly installed Windows 7 to complete the installation and you can then begin using.

Note that these steps will overwrite any existing data already on the disk as the disk will be "quickly" erased (a short erase process that tells the disk it is essentially empty and any free space can be written to) so it is vital that any personal or important files are backed up prior to following these steps!