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Computing Help & Information Place (CHIP)

Installing Windows 7

You will need

  • 2.2 GB free hard drive space
  • A blank DVD and DVD burner
  • A valid Watiam/Quest username and password
  • Identify if you need the 32-bit or 64-bit version, this depends on the hardware in your computer. 
    • To check this, bring up system properties on your machine (right-click on “My Computer” and select properties, or press windows key + Pause/Break).  Here your systems computer processor should be listed.
    • Visit your manufacturers web site to determine its capabilities.

Download the Software

  • Visit: http://msdn04.e-academy.com/elms/Storefront/Home.aspx?campus=waterloo_ist
  • Click “Log In” on the left side, and use your Watiam/Quest username and password to enter the site.
  • Select “Software” from the top left of the screen. 
  • Choose one of the following from the drop-down menu:
    • If you need 64-bit, choose “Windows 7 Professional (x64) –DVD (English)”
    • If you need 32-bit, choose “Windows 7 Professional (x86) – DVD (English)”
  • Click “Go” to continue.
  • On the next page select “Add To Cart”.
  • Read the guidelines and click “I Agree” to continue the installation. 
  • On the next page, click “Check Out” to continue.
  • Verify your information and click “Next” to continue
  • Under the “Item” column in the second table, click the “Download” link.
  • Record the Serial Number, you will need this during the installation of Windows 7
  • Click the “Download” button.
  • Run the file you just downloaded (Either Downloader_for_Windows_7_Pro_RTM_x86_en.exe or Downloader_for_Windows_7_Pro_RTM_x64_en.exe)
  • Choose a file destination with enough free disk space and click continue to start the download.
  • Once the download is finished, click “Launch Download”, this will bring up the folder containing the file you just downloaded in a windows explorer window. 
  • Burn this file to a disc, it is an .iso file and needs to be burned as an Image, several programs can do this, Roxio, Nero, Alcohol 120%, etc.

Install the Software

  • At this point you will need to decide:
    • if you want to delete all the information on your hard drive with a new installation, or
    • if you want to upgrade your current installation. 
  • Back-up any data files that are essential, in the case something unexpected happens.  Upgrading carries risks, backing up data should be done before you proceed any further. 
  • It is advisable to backup everything and do a completely new installation to get the largest performance gains.
  • Restart your computer with the DVD in the drive, a prompt should appear asking you to press any key if you would like to boot from the CD. Press any key.
  • Once the installation begins, follow the prompts, choosing upgrade will attempt to keep your data files intact, a custom installation will reformat your hard drive and delete all data on the drive.