Here are some answers to common questions about installing Windows.
For step-by-step tutorials, go to Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7 and Upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7 on the Windows website.
If you don't have a product key to type during the installation process, you need to buy a new product key and activate Windows within 30 days after installation.
For more information, see:
Where do I find my Windows product key?
Get a new Windows product key
Activating Windows: frequently asked questions
You might need to specify that your computer use its CD or DVD drive as the first startup device in the computer's basic input/output system (BIOS).
Be careful when changing BIOS settings. The BIOS interface is designed for advanced users, and it's possible to change a setting that could prevent your computer from starting correctly.
Turn on your computer, insert the Windows installation disc, and then turn off your computer.
Restart your computer.
Newer computers usually display a startup (or boot) menu. On the startup menu, select "BIOS setup," or "BIOS settings," or something similar.
Procedures vary depending on the BIOS manufacturer. Usually, you must press a key (such as F2, F12, Delete, Esc) or a key combination immediately after you turn on your computer but before Windows starts. For more information, check the information that came with your computer or go to the computer manufacturer's website.
The BIOS setup screen appears. On the BIOS setup screen, select the option called "Boot order," or something similar.
Select your CD or DVD drive as the first startup device, save the setting changes, and then exit the BIOS.
Restart your computer, and then start Windows from the installation CD or DVD as previously described.
Installation might stop if the system cannot copy files. Here are some possible causes and solutions for this problem:
Try cleaning your Windows installation disc. It might be scratched, smudged, or dirty. Clean the disc with a soft cloth, insert it in the CD or DVD drive, and then begin the Windows installation again. If your installation disc is damaged, you might need to replace it. For more information, go to How to replace Microsoft software or hardware, order service packs and product upgrades, and replace product manuals on the Microsoft website.
Make sure your CD or DVD drive is working properly. If it isn't, the disc might be vibrating too much for the laser to accurately read the data. For more information about this problem, consult your hardware documentation, or contact the CD or DVD drive manufacturer.
If your computer has multiple CD or DVD drives, make sure your computer is trying to locate files on the correct drive. If your computer has a feature to disable CD or DVD drives that are not being used, disable the drives that you aren't using. Otherwise, try inserting the disc into a different drive, and then start the installation again.
Check to see whether a virus is on your computer. Run an antivirus program to scan your system and identify needed repairs. Be sure to disable the antivirus program before beginning the installation again.
Your computer might have hardware or software that is incompatible with Windows 7. If you have this problem, follow these steps:
Wait about 10 minutes to see if the installation continues. Watch the hard disk indicator (often a small light on your computer that blinks when your hard disk is running) to see if there's any activity. If your hard disk appears to be working, the installation should be in progress. If your hard disk doesn't appear to be working, go to step 2.
Uninstall all antivirus software, and then restart your computer. Don't forget to enable antivirus software after you install Windows.
If the installation fails again, there might be a hardware incompatibility problem. For more information, go to the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor webpage.
If you have compatible hardware and your computer still stops responding, disable any unnecessary hardware. Remove universal serial bus (USB) devices; remove or disable network adapters, sound cards, and serial cards; and then restart the installation.
If the computer still stops responding during installation, contact your computer manufacturer or retailer.
Purchasing and downloading Windows 7 online from the Microsoft Store is the simplest way to install Windows 7 on a netbook or other PC that doesn't have an internal DVD drive. After you make your purchase, download the installation package to your netbook's hard disk. When the download is complete, you can begin installing Windows 7. For more information, go to Installing Windows 7 on a netbook on the Windows website. For more information about the options available in your country or region, go online to the Microsoft Store.
First, try reinstalling the device. If that doesn't solve the problem, check with the manufacturer for a newer version of the device driver that's designed to work with Windows 7. For more information, see Update a driver for hardware that isn't working properly.
Most programs written for Windows Vista will also work in Windows 7, but some older programs might run poorly or not at all. For more information about program compatibility, see Make older programs run in this version of Windows.
If you perform a custom installation of Windows 7, you'll need to manually reinstall the programs that you want to use in Windows 7. Make sure you have the installation discs and product keys for your programs, as well as the setup files if you downloaded any programs from the Internet.
Additionally, if you are running a 64-bit version of Windows and plan to install a 32-bit version of Windows 7, programs that were designed to run only on a 64-bit operating system might not work. Check the software manufacturer's website for more information, or go online to the Windows 7 Compatibility Center. You can search the Compatibility Center for product names or browse many different categories of hardware and software tested to be compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 7.
Some programs such as Windows Mail and Outlook Express are no longer included in Windows 7. If you used Windows Mail or Outlook Express as your e‑mail program, you'll need to install a new e‑mail program after you finish installing Windows 7 to read your messages or to send and receive e‑mail. For more information about programs you can use, go to Looking for Windows Mail? on the Windows website.
If your computer loses power during installation, Windows will attempt to revert to your current operating system. You can continue to use your current version of Windows, but some features might not work.
Before you try to install Windows again, troubleshoot and eliminate the problems that might have caused your computer to lose power. Check power cables and power strips and replace any faulty parts. After you've done this, try installing Windows 7 again, and choose a custom installation (an installation that automatically replaces your existing version of Windows).
A custom installation deletes all of your settings and programs. Be sure to back up your files before you begin. After the installation is complete, you must manually reinstall your programs, and restore the files you backed up. For more information, see Installing and reinstalling Windows 7.
