Install Windows from Scratch

Install Windows from Scratch Whether you are installing Windows 7 on a blank hard drive or a newly created partition, the procedure is the same.

To install Windows 7 from scratch:

1. Power on your computer, insert the Windows 7 DVD, and restart your computer.

2. Press the necessary key to initiate booting from your DVD (usually Esc or F12.) (Appendix H: Boot from a CD or DVD.)

3. Windows will now load the installation files.

4. Click Install now.

 

5. On the Get important updates for installation page, I recommend getting the latest updates to help ensure a successful installation and protect your computer against security threats. You need an Internet connection to get updates.

6. On the Please read the license terms page, if you accept the license terms, click I accept the license terms. (You must accept to continue the installation.)

7. On the Which type of installation do you want? page, click Custom.

8. On the Where do you want to install Windows? page:
a. Click Next to begin the installation (unless you want to create a partition.)

b. OR If you already have another existing partition with enough free space and want to install Windows 7 on that partition to create a multiboot configuration, select the partition you want to use, and click Next to begin the installation. (Be sure to install Windows 7 on a different partition from where your current version of Windows is installed.)

 

Figure 1: Installing Updates

Your computer will restart several times during the process as it configures itself and installs updates (Figure 1.) Be sure to leave the DVD in the drive and let Windows take care of itself.

Figure 2: Installation Complete

After some time, Windows will now be installed (Figure 2.) If you are running a dual boot, you should have the choice of either version of Windows when you power on your computer.