Windows Installation

The procedures for installing all editions and versions of windows are the same, including windows 7, 8 and 8.1. A clean installation of any edition or version of windows can be performed using a DVD or USB flash drive. During the installation, the user enters the language of preference, enter a product key, accepting license terms and selecting a custom type of installation.

System Requirements for All Editions and Versions of Windows

Before installing the latest or previous release of an Operating System, it is necessary to check the compatibility of that software with your PC. Crashing issues associated with pc’s are due to insufficient hardware, storage or memory. To avoid crashes and low speed, you need to choose the right versions of windows for your PC.

          Windows 8, 8.1 and 10
          Processor: 1GHz or faster processor
          Hard Disk: 16GB (32-bit) or 20GB (64GB-bit)
          RAM: 1GB (32-bit) or 2GB (64-bit)
          Graphics: DirectX 9 graphics device with windows display driver model 1.0 or higher.

          Windows 7
          Processor: 1GHz or faster processor. 32-bit (x86) or 64bit (x64bit)
          Hard Disk: 16GB of available disk space (32-bit) or 20GB (64-bit)
          RAM: 1GB of RAM (32-bit) or 2GB of RAM (64-bit)
          Graphics: DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver


Windows 7 Installation - Step by Step Procedures


STEP 1:
Insert a bootable CD/DVD installation disk or bootable flash drive and restart your computer. While restarting, press Esc for boot options. You will be presented with a boot option which says press any key to boot from CD or DVD. Windows will start loading files




STEP 2:
This step requires the user to enter the language, time and keyboard type according to your preference. When done with all these, click the Next button at the bottom right to continue.


STEP 3:
The setup installation window will be displayed. Notice that windows bootable CD/DVD can be used to repair your computer as shown at the bottom left of the installation window.  It can be used to solve issues related to abnormal shut down, slow down and system recovery. This is a clean installation so you will need to click install now.



STEP 4:
In order to proceed with the rest of the installation you need to read and accept Microsoft Software license terms and conditions. Don’t bother to read the text in there, just check the box for ‘I accept the license terms’ and click Next.



STEP 5:
Here you will be given options as to which type of installation you would like to perform. There are two types of installation namely Upgrade and Custom. Choose Upgrade if you want to move from one version of windows to another. Choose custom if performing a clean or new installation of windows. This tutorial is for clean installation so we will go with a custom (advanced) installation. Click on Custom (advanced) to proceed.



STEP 6:
This is the most crucial part of the windows installation as you get to format, delete and create new drive partitions and select one on which you want to install windows operating system. To see all the options for these tasks, click drive options. If you already have hard disk partitions, all the drives will be displayed.


You can choose to format (erase drive content) the drive or delete (erase drive content and add to total disk size) the drive by clicking on format or delete in the window. The best thing to do is to format the drive and then delete it. Whether you format or delete a partition, you will receive a warning message, notifying you of data lost. Just click OK to continue with the formatting or deleting.

When you are done with the formatting and deletion of drives, they sizes of deleted drives add up to form single sized drive.


You can create new partition by clicking on ‘new’. Note that no matter the number of partitions you create here, a default system partition of 100MB size will be created to store windows system files.


STEP 7:
 In this step, windows will start installing all of its files. You will need to exercise patience as the installation process will take some time. This will be a perfect time to grab a cup of coffee, sit back and relax. During this process do not interrupt with power as this might cause you to loose data and have to begin the process all over again.



  STEP 8:
When all windows files have been installed, your PC will restart and also check for the video performance of your computer system. Never do anything on the screen at this stage.

You will then be presented with a user account window. Simply enter your Name and click next. The next window will be for you to enter a password for your PC. You can choose to skip this step and click next as this can be done later.


STEP 9:
Another crucial part of windows installation is this part where you need to enter your windows product key. The product key is a 25 digit text usually at the back of the retail CD/DVD box. The product key is to allow for certification of the copy of windows you are installing on. The right product key when entered will check if windows is genuine and also allow for all the installation of windows updates and features for full functionality and performance.


If you don’t have a product key and wish to continue, make sure you uncheck the box for ‘Automatically activate Windows when I’m online. There are a lot of pirated windows activators available for download although the authenticity of these activators cannot be guaranteed. These software can help activate windows for free but have its own disadvantages of not enjoying all windows updates and features. In either case just click Next to continue.


STEP 10:
Windows operating system offer security and improvement features to ensure better performance. Click on ‘Use recommended settings’.



Then set your time and date depending on the region or location. You can skip this step as it can be done later. Also select from the three options the location of your computer base on its network; Home, Work or Public network. Windows will then apply the appropriate network setting based on your network location.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!
You have installed Windows on your PC, there you have your desktop with a recycle Bin icon. Windows Operating System is very easy and simple to use, enjoy.