How to clean install Windows 7

This article demonstrates the required steps and information necessary to perform a Clean Install of the Microsoft Windows 7 Operating System. This process will take 1 - 2 hours to complete.

What is a Clean Install?

A Clean Install formats the hard drive before installing the operating system. All user data, files, and settings are erased and a new copy of the operating system is installed. A data backup (to an external drive or media, such as a flash drive or DVD) will be required to save desired files, such as documents, music and pictures. Existing software on your computer will also be lost and need to be reinstalled.

When should I do a Clean Install?

A Clean Install is necessary when upgrading directly from Microsoft Windows XP to the Windows 7 Operating System.

If the Microsoft Windows Vista Operating System is currently installed on your computer, you have the option to perform a Clean Install or, if you would like to keep your settings and applications, follow the Windows 7 Upgrade Instructions instead.

Step 1: Getting started

Please print and carefully read this document before you begin. It is recommended that you keep this document on-hand for reference while you are installing Windows 7.

• If you have not already, you will need to purchase a retail copy of the Windows 7 operating system. Use the Microsoft Upgrade Advisor tool to determine which version you can install.
• If you have changed the configuration of your computer, please review the Windows 7 system requirements to ensure compatibility.

Backup your Data

• WARNING! The Clean Install process removes all current content such as files, programs, etc. from your hard drive.
• It is strongly recommended that you backup any data you want to save to an external drive or media, such as a flash drive, Memory Stick media or DVD.

Download Drivers

Go to the support page for your computer's manufacturer and download the Drivers and Utilities of Windows 7 Operating System for your computer model.

Download and save the following drivers to an external drive or media, such as a CD, DVD or Memory Stick:

• Audio
• Bluetooth®
• Chipset
• Memory Stick
• Memory Card Reader/Writer
• Modem
• Network
• Video
• Wireless LAN

NOTE: Some of the Drivers may not be available depending on the Computer's configuration.

Please keep the external drive or media near by. You will need to install these drivers after you have installed Windows 7.

Step 2: Install and Setup Windows 7

1. Turn on your computer. Make sure your computer is connected to an AC power outlet; do not use battery power.
2. Make sure the computer has an active Internet connection.
3. Insert the Window 7 disc that came with your retail version of Windows 7.
4. Click "Run setup.exe" in the "AutoPlay" box.

   5. If the "User Account Control" appears click the Continue button, otherwise skip to step 6.         6. Click "Install now".

   5. Click "Go online to get the latest updates for installation (recommended)".

        Note: An active Internet connection is required for the installation process.

   6. At the "Microsoft Software License Terms" screen, read the license terms. If you agree, click "I accept the license terms".

    7. Click "Custom (advance)" at the "Which type of installation do you want" screen.

   8. Choose "Disk 0 Partition 2 (C:)" and click "Next" at the "Where do you want to install Windows?" screen.

   9. Click "Custom (advance)" at the "Which type of installation do you want" screen.

  10. Choose "Disk 0 Partition 2 (C:)" and click "Next" at the "Where do you want to install Windows?" screen.

IMPORTANT: It is strongly recommended that you do not select to change or modify the "Disk 0 Partition 1: Recovery".

"Disk 0 Partition 1: Recovery" is where the original operating system is stored in case a recovery to the original system configuration needs to be performed.

   11. Click OK at the "Install Windows" box to confirm the selection.

  12. The Installation of Windows 7 begins. This process may take 1-2 hours to complete, please do not interrupt or power off your computer.

         Note: The computer will automatically restart once the installation portion of Window 7 is complete. After the computer restarts please continue to step 13.

  13. Set up the following options at the "Set Up Windows" screen and click "Next".

• Country or region
• Time and currency
• Keyboard layout

  14. Enter the desired user name and click "Next".

  15. Enter a password and a password hint.

        Note: Write down your password information and keep it in a safe place for future reference.

  16. Enter the Product key at the "Type your Windows product key" screen and click "Next".

         Note: The product key came with your retail copy of Windows 7. It is 25 characters long.

  17. Click "User recommended settings" at the "Help protect your computer and improve Windows automatically" screen.

  18. At the "Review your time and date settings" screen, setup your Time zone, Date and Time and then click "Next".

  19. If applicable, select your wireless network then click "Next" and continue to step 20, or you can click "Skip" and go to step 23.

  20. Select the network location at the "Select your computer’s current location" screen.

  21. Select the type of files that you want to share (Pictures, Videos, Documents, Music, Printers) and create a homegroup password at the "Share with other home computers running Windows 7" screen.

  22. Click "Next".

  23. The computer will now restart into Windows 7. Please continue with the "Install Drivers" section below.

Step 3: Install Drivers

Although your computer may work with the drivers that come with the Windows 7 operating system, the Drivers provided by your Computer's manufacturer helps to improve compatibility for certain functions.

Copy and install the Driver files to your Computer:

1. Insert or attach the external media to which you copied the Windows 7 Drivers you downloaded from the Computer manufacturer's web site.
2. Copy the files to a local directory on your Computer.
3. Install one file at a time.
4. To install a file, double-click the file and carefully follow the on-screen instructions.

After the Drivers are installed, the Clean Install process for Windows 7 is complete.

Optional: Use the Microsoft Easy Transfer tool to migrate settings and files from another computer.