Planning for the Installation of Windows 7 : Local Installation

Place the Windows 7 installation DVD in the DVD drive and boot the system. After a moment, the Install Windows screen will appear, as shown in the following graphic.

Although it looks like you have minimal choices here, you can press Shift+F10 to access the command line from this menu

Select the appropriate Language To Install, Time And Currency Format, and Keyboard Or Input Method, and click Next.

Click Install Now.

Review the license terms, and select I Accept The License Terms. Click Next.

Select Custom (Advanced) to install a new copy of Windows. If an existing version exists that can be upgraded to Windows 7, you can select Upgrade.

Select the partition where you want to install Windows.

Notice that you can create additional partitions from this screen. However, if you start with anything other than a single precreated partition, Windows will create a partition labeled System Reserved of about 100 MB, as shown in the following graphic. This partition includes the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) and ensures that all Windows features can work correctly. Also, once it's created, you can't get rid of the partition without reinstalling the OS.

If you don't want this partition added, you must format the entire drive as a single partition before starting the installation. You can do so by accessing the command prompt by pressing Alt+F10 at the Install Now page and using DiskPart. You can later shrink the volume to create additional partitions.

Notice that you can also delete, extend, and format partitions from this page. You can also load a driver from this page if your hard drive isn't recognized. Beware though—if you repartition the drive, you'll lose access to data that would normally be stored in the Windows.old folder after the installation. Once you have selected the partition, click Next.

The installation will take several minutes to complete, but it will be automated from this point.

When the installation completes and reboots, you will be prompted to type a user name, as shown in the following graphic. As you enter the user name, the computer name will be created by appending the user name with -PC. You can accept this computer name or type in a different computer name. Click Next once you're satisfied with the user name and computer name.

The Set A Password For Your Account page screen prompt will appear. This password is for the account you created in the previous step. You need to type in a password, retype the same password for confirmation, and type a password hint. Once you've entered this information, click Next.

Enter the product key for your edition of Windows on the Type Your Windows Product Key screen. The check box Automatically Activate Windows When I'm Online is checked by default. Leave it checked and click Next.

You'll be prompted to configure the computer for automatic updates. The Use Recommended Settings selection will automate the download and installation of updates, but you can choose Only Install Important Updates or set it to ask you later. Select one of the choices.

Choose your time zone on the time zone and clock screen. Make sure the time and date are accurate, and click Next.

Select Work Network as the computer's current location.

The Windows 7 desktop will appear. The installation is complete.