Windows 7: Frequently Asked Questions

Visit the Windows 7 Resource Centre .

Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate are available both as full versions and as upgrades from Windows Vista. The full version of Windows 7 is also suitable for upgrading from Windows Vista; however, Microsoft UK is recommending that Vista users perform a custom (clean) installation. That means you will need to back up all of your files and settings, install the operating system, then re-install your files, settings and programs. (This also applies if you are running earlier versions of Windows such as XP.) However, if you are unsure, please, consult the Windows 7 recommended upgrade paths.

2. What are the Upgrade Paths to Windows 7?

3. What are Windows 7 system requirements?
If you want to run Windows 7 on your PC, here’s what it takes:
• 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
• 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
• 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
• DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
Additional requirements to use certain features:
• Internet access (fees may apply)
• Depending on resolution, video playback may require additional memory and advanced graphics hardware
• For some Windows Media Centre functionality a TV tuner and additional hardware may be required
• Windows Touch and Tablet PCs require specific hardware
• HomeGroup requires a network and PCs running Windows 7
• DVD/CD authoring requires a compatible optical drive
• BitLocker requires Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2
• BitLocker To Go requires a USB flash drive
• Windows XP Mode requires an additional 1 GB of RAM, an additional 15 GB of available hard disk space, and a processor capable of hardware virtualization with Intel VT or AMD-V turned on
• Music and sound require audio output
Product functionality and graphics may vary based on your system configuration. Some features may require advanced or additional hardware.

4. How do I upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7?

Important: In a custom installation, your files, settings, and programs will not be transferred to Windows 7. You should back up your data before installing Windows 7.
To install Windows 7:
• 1. Run Windows Upgrade Advisor to see if there are any known issues that might affect the installation and whether you should install the 32- or 64-bit version of Windows 7.
• 2. Back up your existing files and settings by saving them to an external hard drive, CD, DVD, USB flash drive or other media. Use Windows Easy Transfer and an external hard drive to make this process easier. Windows Easy Transfer is included in Windows Vista, here’s how to use it. If you’re running Windows XP, you can download Windows Easy Transfer for free at

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/default.aspx

• 3. Locate the original installation disks for the programs currently on your computer.
• 4. Insert the Windows 7 DVD and follow the instructions for a custom installation by selecting the Custom (advanced) installation option.
• 5. Reinstall your programs and your backed up files and settings. If you used Windows Easy Transfer, launch Windows Easy Transfer in Windows 7 (in the Start menu, click All Programs>Accessories>System Tools) and follow the instructions.
• 6. What is the difference between an in-place upgrade and a custom (or clean) install, and which should I do?
• 7. PCs designed for Windows Vista should run Windows 7 very well. To double check your PC’s capabilities, you can download and run the free Windows Upgrade Advisor. How you upgrade will depend on the edition of Windows Vista on your PC, and the edition of Windows 7 you want to install. You’ll either do an in place installation, which keeps your programs, files, and settings in place, or you’ll do a custom installation, which will set up your PC from scratch. If you’re thinking about upgrading a PC from Windows XP to Windows 7, please download and run the free Windows Upgrade Advisor (http://windows.microsoft.com/upgrade) to see if your PC can run Windows 7 acceptably.
If you decide to install Windows 7 on a PC running Windows XP you’ll need to do a custom installation. This is sometimes called a clean install because it will erase your hard drive and set up your PC from scratch. To avoid losing anything, you’ll need to make copies of all the files, photos, and other information you want to keep. You’ll also need to have installation disks for all the programs you want to use. If you have an external hard drive, you can use it with the free Windows Easy Transfer program to help back up your files and information, then transfer them back to your PC after Windows 7 is installed.
Upgrading a PC with Windows XP to Windows 7 is an involved, technical process. If you’re at all uncomfortable with it, please consider having the upgrade completed by us.

5. Does Windows 7 come with a Web Browser?

The latest information available is that all editions of Windows 7 will include the Internet Explorer 8 web browser, pre-installed for immediate access to the internet. Should you wish to use an alternative browser, simply access the internet using Internet Explorer 8 and then download the browser of your choice. Please note: This information is subject to change.

6. Will I receive a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows 7?

Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Ultimate all ship with 32-bit and 64-bit discs; however, please be aware that only one registration code is provided with each order and this will be applied to whichever disk you choose to register.

7. Can I install Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional or Ultimate on my desktop and my laptop?
Each copy of Windows 7 includes 1 license so you can only install it on one machine. Be aware that each copy of Windows comes with a 32-bit and 64-bit version but you will have to choose which one you want to apply your license to.

8. What is Windows 7 Starter and where can I purchase it?
Windows 7 Starter has been specifically designed by Microsoft for netbooks and PC market to keep the initial cost of Windows 7 PCs down. The main reason for this edition is to provide manufacturers with a Windows 7 edition that they can put cost effectively on their low-end products. You can only get Windows 7 Starter pre-installed on a PC or netbook and it is not for sale separately.