how to perform clean install of windows 7

PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU START

The process detailed in this document is only for those who want to perform a clean install of Windows 7. This means that any previous version of Windows (XP or Vista) and all programs and files will be completely removed from the system. This is OK for a public computer system, but if you're planning on following this process on a staff or circulation computer, you will want to backup any important information first.

This document only deals with specific steps on how to install Windows 7, not how to install programs, device drivers, software, or hardware.

Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor

If you have not yet purchased a Windows 7 upgrade, you should run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor utility first in order to make sure that your existing hardware will support Windows 7. Click on the link below to download and the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor utility. You can also run this utility from the Windows 7 Upgrade disc.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=1B544E90-7659-4BD9-9E51-2497C146AF15&displaylang=en

Hardware and Software Compatibility

It is not up to Microsoft to provide compatibility fixes and software updates to ensure that your software and/or hardware peripherals function properly on Windows 7. Therefore please visit the manufacturer’s website for your software or hardware and make sure that it is compatible. There are cases in which your existing software or hardware may not work with Windows 7 and you may have to either upgrade your software, or purchase new hardware.

Note - All software that is provided on the PRL Support CD is Windows 7 compatible. Common applications such as Microsoft Office 2003 and 2007 are also Windows 7 compatible.

A clean install of Windows 7 requires you to boot the computer from the Windows 7 DVD. This will bypass the normal boot sequence which normally is the hard drive. On most modern computers, there is an F-key (i.e. F12) that you will need to press shortly after the computer is turned on which will present you with a boot menu, similar to the one shown in the picture below.