How to upgrade your PC to Windows 7

Clean machine
The next step is to decide what method you’re going to use for installing the new OS. The most obvious (and straightforward) route for Vista owners is to perform an Upgrade install (also known as an ‘in-place’ installation) of Windows 7 over the top of your existing software.

This will replace Vista with Windows 7 but leave your personal files, settings, programs and suchlike intact, so you can pick straight up from where you left off after the switchover.

At least that’s the idea. Most upgrade installations will work fine but we strongly recommend that you perform a complete backup of everything on your PC before you start, just in case.

You’ll also need to make sure your copy of Vista has been updated to Service Pack 2 or higher. This is likely to be the case if you have Automatic Updates switched on but to check, go to Start, right-click on Computer and select Properties.

Under where it says ‘Windows edition’ in the window that appears, you should see ‘Service Pack 2’ listed. If not, download and instal Service Pack 2 yourself.

Another way of upgrading to Windows 7 would be to perform a Clean install; this involves wiping your PC’s hard disk clean, erasing all traces of Vista and deleting all your files, settings and programs before laying down a completely fresh installation of Windows 7.

The benefit here is that you have a clean slate, giving your PC that factory-fresh feel and, potentially, a significant performance boost into the bargain.

Naturally, backing up everything before you start is even more important in this case, since everything from your emails and Address Book contacts to your digital photos, music and internet favourites will be completely and irreversibly erased during the upgrade process.

After the Clean install is complete, you will also need to restore all these from your backup copies as well as re-install any programs you require.

Windows XP users will only be able to perform a Clean install – the Upgrade install option is only available for Vista. You can’t perform an Upgrade install from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit one and vice versa. Again, a Clean install is the only way forward.

A final preparation tip is to make sure you have the username and password of your wireless network to hand, if one is in use. Some routers display this information on their setup pages, so check the router’s manual to find out how to access this. If you have mislaid the password, all is not lost – you can set up a new wireless network in Windows 7 with a fresh username and password.

For more advice on upgrading your XP PC to Windows 7 and upgrading your Vista PC to Windows 7 take a look at our online videos.

Boot camp
There is one other option and that is to install Windows 7 in a dual-boot configuration. This can be done on both Windows XP and Vista PCs and enables you to install the new OS alongside your existing operating system – the idea being that this will allow you to select the version of Windows you require every time the computer starts.

In order to set up a dual-boot configuration you will first need to partition your hard disk. This splits the main disk into two ‘virtual’ drives: one that contains your current installation of Windows and another empty one, onto which Windows 7 can be installed. To partition a Windows XP disk you will need additional software and it is a bit more complex.

Vista users have it a bit easier; they have a very simple partitioning tool at their disposal in the shape of the Disk Management applet.

If you wish to pursue this option, read our article explaining how to dual-boot an XP or Vista PC to run Windows 7 as well.

Take the plunge
Whether you’re going to perform a Clean or Upgrade install of Windows 7 – and even if you’re going to install it on a new partition for dual-boot purposes – we cannot stress enough the need to back up all your personal files and folders before you go any further.

If at all possible, use a disk image backup application, such as Acronis True Image Home 10 to make a spare copy of your entire hard drive as it currently stands before proceeding.

Once you’re sure that you’re covered for any eventuality it’s time to install the OS. Depending on your method of choice, however, there might be just one final tweak that needs to be made before you dive in.

Those opting for an Upgrade install won’t need to read this part, since the installation can be performed by simply inserting the Windows 7 DVD into the CD/DVD drive while Vista is running, and following the on-screen prompts.

Take a look at our full step-by-step video guide to the Upgrade install process.

If you’re opting for a Clean installation of Windows 7 or dual-boot setup, however, you’ll need to restart your computer from the Windows 7 DVD rather than the hard disk. Unfortunately not all computers are set up to do this, though it’s easy to set right.

If you do not see a message saying ‘press any key to boot from CD or DVD’ when you restart your PC with the Windows 7 disc in your CD/DVD drive, restart the PC again and this time tap the F2 or Delete key on the initial Bios screen to enter the Bios setup utility.

This is a basic menu that is navigated using the arrow keys and the Enter button, rather than the mouse. Look for a section called ‘Boot’ or ‘Advanced’, then head to the sub-section called ‘Boot Device Priority’, ‘Boot Order’, or something similar. Set the CD/DVD drive so that it is the first boot device in the list (there should be an explanation of which keys to press in order to achieve this), then exit the Bios, saving the new settings.

Now restart once more with the Windows 7 DVD in the drive and this time you should see the ‘press any key...’ message. Hit a key and Windows 7 will start loading the files required for your installation.

And if you’re dual booting, make absolutely certain you select the correct partition when prompted, otherwise you could end up deleting the very Widows Vista or XP installation you’ve been trying to protect.