Windows 7 Installation Instructions

1. Due to firewall restrictions, particularly on off-campus and wireless connections, you will need to connect to the your campus VPN service before installing this software.
2. The installation instructions are for doing a clean install, where you wipe your computer clean and reinstall all software. Back up all the files you wish to preserve. More information about backing up your computer can be found at http://www.cites.illinois.edu/backup/.
3. You will want to boot from the installation DVD. Insert the DVD into a DVD drive and restart the computer (you may need to select F12 during the boot process to tell the computer where you wish to boot from). A 7 Installation Window will appear.
   
   
4. Windows will start.
   
   
5. Select your language, time and curency format and keyboard or input method and click on next.
   
   
6. Click on Install now.
   
   
7. The desktop will change to a Windows 7 background with Setup is starting... on the screen.
   
   
8. Accept the license terms and click on Next.
   
   
9. You will get the option of performing an Upgrade Installation or a Custom Installation. In our example we are selecting Custom Installation. This will wipe your hard drive of all data and install a copy of Windows 7. Remember to make copies of any files you want to preserve.
   
   
10. Select where you wish to install windows and click Next.
    
    
11. A dialogue box will appear that will display the progress of the Windows 7 installation.

12. As the installation goes through the above steps the computer will reboot several times. Once it reaches the final step you will see a green progress bar at the bottom of the screen. You will be asked to create a account and to name your computer.
    
    
13. You will be asked to set a password and password hint. Click Next.
    
    
14. Click on Use recommended settings.
    
    
15. You will be asked to set the Time Zone Time and Date. Click Next.
    
    
16. Select your computer's current location. In our example we click on Work Network.
    
    
17. The installation is finalizing.
    
    
18. To activate your installation you will need to download and run the activation file. To retrieve this file login to our website and click on Order History. Find this offer on your list and click on the order number. Save this file to your desktop. Right click on this file and select Run As Administrator to activate your installation of Windows 7. You will see the below two windows. Click OK.
    
    
    
    
19. Then the next two windows. Click OK.
    
    
    
    
    
20. Your installation of Windows 7 is complete. You may wish to update the operating system. You can do this by going to your Start menu and selecting Windows Update. This may fix issues you have with hardware devices like a monitor or CD/DVD burner.