With less than two weeks from the Windows 7 launch many users will be deciding on whether they should make the move to Windows 7. Once that decision is made the question becomes, should they upgrade or perform a clean install. Personally, I would always chose and suggest that a user do a clean install, for a few reasons:
- Clean installations will always run faster and more efficient than an upgrade.
- It is usually quicker to clean install than to upgrade (of course, you will need to reinstall any programs and files).
- Upgrades can be quite buggy, because there are more issues that can arise.
- A clean install allows you to begin with a clean slate, chosing to reinstall only the programs which are necessary.
- It’s usually not a bad idea to format the hard drive every so often anyhow.
The one major reason a user would have for choosing an upgrade over a clean install would be the “ease factor”. If the user is not used to formatting and installing a new OS, there will be a small learning curve. Previous versions of Windows were a bit more difficult to clean install, but Windows 7 proves to be the simplest clean install that I’ve ever done. We’ll go through the clean install process step-by-step for users not accustomed to doing them.
Backup, Backup, Backup!
One of the most frustrating things when installing a new OS is to do so and then afterwards, realize that you have deleted files without a backup. For that reason, the first step in moving from XP or Vista to Windows 7 will be to backup all of your personal files (Videos, Documents, Pictures, Music…). Programs will need to be reinstalled, so you will want to make sure that you have any manufacturer’s disc for these programs. Once you have everything backed up, you will begin by placing the Windows 7 disc into your disc drive.
Boot from the Windows 7 Disc
To do a clean install of Windows, we will need the computer to avoid loading the current version of Windows and first look to the disc drive, where the Windows 7 disc is located. In order to achieve this, we will need to enter the BIOS setup. When the computer initially begins to boot you will need to look for which key it is that needs to be pressed to enter the BIOS setup. Look at the screen for a message similar to this: Press F2 for Setup or Press Delete to Enter Setup. (For more help entering the BIOS setup, click here.) Once the correct key is pressed, you will be taken to the BIOS setup. (Every manufacturer’s BIOS setup varies a little, so you may want to consult their website or manual to assist with this step) You will then want to look for an option for the Boot Priority or Boot Order. The Boot Order tells the computer which devices it is to boot first, then second and so on. We want the disc drive that contains the Windows 7 disc to be the first option in the boot order. Once this is the case, you can save and exit the BIOS setup. ( it is usually the F10 or F7 key to save and exit. It should say which one at the top or bottom of the screen).
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BIOS Setup
Question?
Does the DVD you get automatically know if your processor is 32/64 bit? I understand they are packaging Windows 7, as 1 or 2 DVD of either 32/64bit?
Is there a way to clarify how the install is able to go 64 bit if the DVD is 32/64 bit?
When buying Windows 7, you’ll get two DVDs in the box: one is 32-bit and the other is 64-bit. If your processor is 32-bit, you’ll have to install the 32-bit version. If it was 64-bit, you could install either the 32- or the 64-bit one. But you should obviously go for the 64-bit one if processor is 64-bit to take advantage of it.
What’s the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit? Basically 64-bit has better performance. Microsoft is only providing 32-bit so that older (32-bit) processors can run Windows 7.
What happens if you insert the 64-bit DVD on a 32-bit machine? Nothing, you’ll just get an error message telling you that it’s not compatible. So you’ll have to use the other disk anyway!
Good luck
I’m not sure exactly how they will do it, but you will have to chose to install the 32 or 64-bit version. Some people are saying there will be two disks. Some say it will be a dual layer DVD and give an option for which you’d want to install. I do hear that the product key will be the same for both editions. I will try and get a definitive answer. Anybody else know for sure?
‘upgrade install’ from vista home basic (x32) to win 7 home premium on toshiba L305-S5919 here: http://bubhutsa.blogspot.com/2009/09/clean-inst…
Thanks for sharing these tips. For XP users, doing a clean install and wiping your hard disk seems intimidating, but it is the only option. For Vista users, it depends on their system—if it is only a few months old, they should go for the upgrade option, but if it has problems and runs slowly, a clean installation will be their best bet. XP and Vista users should definitely make sure their PC is ready for Windows 7. To make the upgrade a smooth process, you should remove any unnecessary programs, defrag your hard disk and of course back up your data, as you mentioned! These posts have more details on upgrading to Windows 7 and should be helpful: http://bit.ly/3A8OPq and http://bit.ly/u4SVo.