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Upgrading to Windows 7

This is basic information on upgrading to Windows 7 purchased from WISC or the DoIT Tech Store and is intended for personal (Student Select) purchases. Some of the info here will be relevant for those considering an upgrade, some will apply to those who already have their media and are ready to install, and some is for those who have Windows 7 up and running and want to learn about new and improved features.

• Planning for an upgrade to Windows 7
  • Overview
    http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/
  • Features
    http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/features/default.aspx
  • System Requirements
    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/system-requirements
  • Upgrade Advisor (Can my system run Windows 7?)
    http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx
  • Edition comparison
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_7_editions#Comparison_chart
  • What are the differences between 32- and 64-bit versions?
    http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/compare/32-bit-64-bit-faq.aspx
  • Which operating systems can be upgraded to Windows 7 and which must do a clean install?
    http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-considerations.aspx
    • Changing from a 32-bit to a 64-bit operating system, or vice versa, always requires a clean install.
    • Upgrading from Windows XP always requires a clean install.
    • Microsoft's definitions
      • Upgrade means you can install Windows 7 by simply inserting the Windows 7 upgrade software into your PC's DVD drive and follow the instructions on your screen. While you're not required to backup and reinstall your files, or reinstall your programs, it's a very good idea to back up your files and settings before you start any software upgrade.
      • A clean (aka custom) installation erases the contents of your PC's hard drive. Your files, settings, and programs will not be transferred to Windows 7. That means that to install Windows 7, you'll need to:
        • Backup all the files (documents, images, music, everything) and settings you want to keep
        • Install Windows 7
        • Reinstall all your files
        • Reinstall all the programs you want to use.
        Those four steps take time and some technical skill. If you're not comfortable with this process, please consider having the installation done by a local service provider.
• Installing Windows 7
  • Installation Instructions
    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Installing-and-reinstalling-Windows
  • The Product keys for Windows 7 Student Select media are located on the back of the media sleeve.
  • Activation Issues with clean installs
    http://kb.wisc.edu/12496
• Learning Windows 7
  • Introducing Windows 7
    http://www.microsoft.com/learning/_silverlight/learningsnacks/win7/snack01/Default.html (requires Silverlight)
  • Desktop Experience (User Interface enhancements)
    http://www.microsoft.com/learning/_silverlight/learningsnacks/win7/snack04/Default.html (requires Silverlight)
  • Finding and Organizing Information
    http://www.microsoft.com/learning/_silverlight/learningsnacks/win7/snack10/default.html (requires Silverlight)
  • Setting up a Home Network
    http://www.microsoft.com/learning/_silverlight/learningsnacks/win7/snack05/Default.html (requires Silverlight)