Windows 7 FAQ
My PC is running Windows XP. Can I upgrade it to Windows 7?
If you're thinking about upgrading a PC from Windows XP to Windows 7, please download and run the free Windows Upgrade Advisor 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 erases the contents of your PC. 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.
After Windows 7 is installed, you'll need to reinstall your programs and use Windows Easy Transfer to move your files and information back onto your PC.
My PC is running Windows Vista. Can I upgrade it to Windows 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 install Windows 7 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 upgrade," which keeps your programs, files, and settings in place, or you'll do a custom installation (see related FAQ) which will set up your PC from scratch. Here's how to tell which kind of installation you'll need to do:
| To | Windows 7 Home Premium | Windows 7 Professional | Windows 7 Ultimate | |
| From | Windows Vista Home Basic | In-place upgrade | Custom install | In-place upgrade |
| Windows Vista Home Premium | In-place upgrade | Custom install | In-place upgrade | |
| Windows Vista Business | In-place upgrade | Custom install | In-place upgrade | |
| Windows Vista Ultimate | Custom install | Custom install | In-place upgrade |
How many copies of Windows 7 Professional can I order?
Eligible students are allowed to purchase one copy of either Windows 7 Home Premium or Windows 7 Professional from the online store.
What is the difference between what I can purchase from the online store versus in a retail store?
There is no difference between the Windows 7 software you will install from the online store versus in retail stores. However, if you need to perform a custom (clean) install on your PC, we recommend you purchase the back-up DVD.
What is the difference between an in-place upgrade and a custom (or clean) install, and which should I do?
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 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 process. If you're at all uncomfortable with it, please consider having the upgrade done by a local PC or electronics retailer.
After I did a clean (or custom) installation, my copy of Microsoft Office disappeared, what can I do?
If you purchased Microsoft Office as a download (e.g. from the Ultimate Steal website, Microsoft Store or Office Online), you should visit the online store where you made your purchase to re-download and install.
If you purchased a box product, please contact Microsoft Customer Service to get a replacement disk or product key.
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.
After Windows 7 is installed, you'll need to reinstall your programs and use Windows Easy Transfer to move your files and information back onto your PC.
Windows Vista Ultimate Custom install Custom install In-place upgrade
Will Windows 7 work on my PC?
Before you take advantage of this offer, please check the PC you want to upgrade. The Windows Upgrade Advisor can help you determine which features and editions of Windows 7 will run on your computer.
For quick reference, here are the Windows 7 System Requirements:
These additional requirements are needed to use certain features:
Product functionality and graphics may vary based on your system configuration.
How do I do a custom installation?
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.
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. Please visit http://windows.microsoft.com/upgrade for more information.