FaXcooL Windows 7 Ultimate ENG X86x64 ACTiVATED Iso: The Most Complete and Genuine Version of Windows 7
How to Install Windows 7: A Step-by-Step Guide
Windows 7 is one of the most widely used operating systems in the world, thanks to its user-friendly interface, fast performance, and rich features. However, if you are still using an older version of Windows, or you want to install Windows 7 on a new computer, you may need some guidance on how to do it properly. In this article, we will show you how to install Windows 7 from scratch, as well as answer some common questions about the process.
FaXcooL Windows 7 Ultimate ENG X86x64 ACTiVATED Iso
Introduction
What is Windows 7 and why install it?
Windows 7 is an operating system developed by Microsoft that was released in October 2009. It is the successor of Windows Vista, and the predecessor of Windows 8 and Windows 10. Windows 7 offers many advantages over previous versions of Windows, such as:
Better performance and stability
Improved security and reliability
Enhanced support for touch, speech, and handwriting recognition
Support for virtual hard disks and additional file formats
New features such as Aero interface, themes, gadgets, jump lists, and snap
If you want to enjoy these benefits, or if you want to upgrade your computer to a more modern and secure operating system, installing Windows 7 is a good option.
What are the system requirements and compatibility issues?
Before you install Windows 7, you need to make sure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for running it. According to Microsoft, these are:
1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
DVD-R/W drive
Internet access (to activate and get updates)
You also need to check if your hardware and software are compatible with Windows 7. Some devices may not work properly or at all after the installation, and some programs may not run or function correctly. You can use the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor tool to scan your computer and get a report of any potential issues. You can also visit the Windows Compatibility Center website to search for specific products and see their compatibility status.
What are the activation methods and product keys?
To use Windows 7 legally, you need to activate it within 30 days after the installation. Activation verifies that your copy of Windows is genuine and not used on more than one computer. Activation can be done online or by phone, depending on your product key type and location. A product key is a 25-character code that is required to install and activate Windows 7. It looks something like this: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX. There are different types of product keys, such as: - Retail product key: This is the product key that you get when you buy a boxed copy of Windows 7 from a store or online. You can use this key to install Windows 7 on any computer, as long as you uninstall it from the previous one. You can activate this key online or by phone. - OEM product key: This is the product key that comes preinstalled on a computer that you buy from a manufacturer or a reseller. You can only use this key to install Windows 7 on the same computer, and you cannot transfer it to another one. You can activate this key online only. - Volume license product key: This is the product key that is used by organizations or businesses that have a volume licensing agreement with Microsoft. You can use this key to install Windows 7 on multiple computers, as long as they are part of the same network and domain. You can activate this key online or by phone, or by using a Key Management Service (KMS) server. You can find your product key on the packaging of your Windows 7 disc, on a sticker on your computer, or in an email confirmation if you bought it online. If you lost or misplaced your product key, you can try to recover it using a third-party tool such as Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder or Belarc Advisor. Preparing for the installation
How to backup your data and create a recovery disk
Before you install Windows 7, you should backup your important data and create a recovery disk in case something goes wrong during or after the installation. You can use an external hard drive, a USB flash drive, a CD/DVD, or an online service to backup your files, such as documents, photos, music, videos, emails, etc. You can also use the Windows Easy Transfer tool to transfer your files and settings from your old computer to your new one. To create a recovery disk, you need a blank CD/DVD and a CD/DVD burner. A recovery disk can help you restore your computer to its original state if it becomes corrupted or unbootable. To create a recovery disk for Windows 7, follow these steps: - Click Start and type "backup" in the search box. - Click Backup and Restore in the results. - In the left pane, click Create a system repair disc. - Insert a blank CD/DVD into your drive and select it from the drop-down menu. - Click Create disc and wait for the process to complete. - Label the disc and keep it in a safe place. How to download and create a Windows 7 installation media
To install Windows 7, you need an installation media, which can be either a DVD or a USB flash drive. You can use an original Windows 7 disc that you bought from a store or online, or you can download an ISO file from Microsoft and create your own installation media. An ISO file is an image of a disc that contains all the files and folders of the Windows 7 installation. You can download an ISO file for Windows 7 from Microsoft Software Download website. You need to enter your product key to verify your edition and language of Windows 7. To create an installation media from an ISO file, you need a blank DVD or a USB flash drive with at least 4 GB of space, and a tool such as Windows USB/DVD Download Tool or Rufus. To create an installation media using Windows USB/DVD Download Tool, follow these steps: - Download and install the tool from here. - Run the tool and browse for the ISO file that you downloaded. - Choose whether you want to create a DVD or a USB flash drive. - Insert your DVD or USB flash drive into your computer and select it from the drop-down menu. - Click Begin copying and wait for the process to complete. To create an installation media using Rufus, follow these steps: - Download and run Rufus from here. - Plug in your USB flash drive and select it from the Device list. - Under Boot selection, click SELECT and browse for the ISO file that you downloaded. - Under Partition scheme, choose MBR for BIOS or U EFI for UEFI, or GPT for UEFI (non CSM). - Under File system, choose NTFS or FAT32, depending on your preference. - Under Cluster size, choose the default option. - Under Volume label, enter a name for your USB flash drive. - Check the Create a bootable disk using ISO image option and click the icon next to it to browse for the ISO file that you downloaded. - Click START and confirm the warning message. - Wait for the process to complete. How to check and update your BIOS settings
The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a software that controls the communication between your hardware and your operating system. It also determines the boot order of your devices, which means the order in which your computer will look for an installation media when you turn it on. You need to check and update your BIOS settings before you install Windows 7, to make sure that your computer can boot from the DVD or USB flash drive that you created. To check and update your BIOS settings, follow these steps: - Restart your computer and press the key that is displayed on the screen to enter the BIOS setup. The key may vary depending on your computer model, but it is usually one of these: F1, F2, F10, F12, Del, or Esc. - In the BIOS setup, look for a menu or a tab that says Boot, Boot Order, Boot Priority, or something similar. - Use the arrow keys to select the DVD or USB flash drive that you created as the first boot device. You may need to use the + or - keys to move it up or down in the list. - Save and exit the BIOS setup by pressing F10 or another key that is indicated on the screen. Your computer will restart and boot from the installation media. Installing Windows 7
How to boot from the installation media
Once you have created your installation media and updated your BIOS settings, you are ready to boot from it and start the installation process. To do this, follow these steps: - Insert your DVD or plug in your USB flash drive into your computer. - Turn on or restart your computer and wait for it to detect the installation media. - Press any key when you see a message that says "Press any key to boot from CD or DVD" or "Press any key to boot from USB". - Wait for the Windows 7 setup to load. How to choose the installation type and partition options
After the Windows 7 setup loads, you will see a screen that asks you to choose your language, time and currency format, and keyboard or input method. Select the options that suit your preferences and click Next. On the next screen, click Install now to begin the installation. You will see a window that asks you to accept the license terms. Read them carefully and check the box that says "I accept the license terms". Click Next. On the next screen, you will see two options: Upgrade and Custom (advanced). Choose Custom (advanced) if you want to install Windows 7 on a new partition or drive, or if you want to format your existing partition or drive. Choose Upgrade if you want to keep your files, settings, and programs from your previous version of Windows. If you choose Custom (advanced), you will see a screen that shows your hard disk partitions and drives. You can create, delete, format, extend, or shrink partitions using the options below. You can also load drivers for any devices that are not recognized by Windows 7. Select the partition or drive where you want to install Windows 7 and click Next. If you choose Upgrade, you will see a screen that checks for compatibility issues with your hardware and software. If any issues are found, you will be notified and given options to resolve them. Click Next when you are ready to proceed with the upgrade.
How to follow the setup wizard and enter the product key
After you choose your installation type and partition options, Windows 7 will start copying files and expanding them on your hard disk. This may take several minutes or hours depending on your computer speed and size of files. When this is done, Windows 7 will restart your computer and continue with the installation. You will see a screen that says "Starting Windows" with a colorful animation. On the next screen, you will be asked to enter your product key. Type it in carefully and click Next. You can also choose to skip this step and enter it later after the installation is complete. On the next screen, you will be asked to choose how you want Windows 7 to be activated. You can choose one of these options: - Activate Windows online now: This option will activate Windows 7 automatically using an internet connection. You need a valid product key for this option. - Ask me later: This option will postpone activation until later. You have 30 days to activate Windows 7, or else it will stop working properly. - Use the automated phone system: This option will activate Windows 7 using a phone call. You need a valid product key and a touch-tone phone for this option. Choose the option that suits your situation and click Next. You can also change your activation settings later by going to Start > Control Panel > System and Security > System > Windows Activation. On the next screen, you will be asked to choose your computer name and a password for your user account. You can also enter a hint for your password in case you forget it. Click Next. On the next screen, you will be asked to choose a security setting for your computer. You can choose one of these options: - Use recommended settings: This option will turn on automatic updates, firewall, and other security features. - Install important updates only: This option will turn on automatic updates for important security and performance issues only. - Ask me later: This option will turn off automatic updates and let you decide when to install them. Choose the option that suits your preference and click Next. On the next screen, you will be asked to set your time and date settings. Choose your time zone, date, and time, and click Next. On the next screen, you will be asked to choose your network location. You can choose one of these options: - Home network: This option is for computers that are connected to a home network or a wireless network. It will allow you to share files, printers, and devices with other computers on the same network. - Work network: This option is for computers that are connected to a work or school network. It will allow you to access network resources such as servers and printers, but not share files or devices with other computers. - Public network: This option is for computers that are connected to a public or unsecured network, such as a coffee shop or an airport. It will prevent other computers from accessing your files or devices, and turn on additional security features. Choose the option that suits your situation and click Next. How to configure the initial settings and user account
After you choose your network location, Windows 7 will finalize the installation and restart your computer. You will see a screen that says "Preparing your desktop" with a progress bar. When this is done, you will see your desktop with a welcome message. You can now start using Windows 7 on your computer. You may want to configure some initial settings and user account options before you explore Windows 7 further. To do this, follow these steps: - Click Start and type "user" in the search box. - Click User Accounts in the results. - In the User Accounts window, you can change your password, picture, account type, name, or create a new account. - Click Change your account name to change the name of your user account. - Click Change your password to change the password of your user account. - Click Change your picture to change the picture of your user account. - Click Change your account type to change the type of your user account. You can choose between Standard user or Administrator. A Standard user can use most programs and change some settings, but not install software or make changes that affect other users. An Administrator can do everything on the computer and make changes that affect all users. - Click Manage another account to create a new user account or manage an existing one. You can create accounts for other people who use your computer, such as family members or friends. Each user account has its own files, settings, and preferences. Post-installation tasks
How to activate Windows 7 online or by phone
After you install Windows 7, you need to activate it within 30 days to continue using it legally and without any limitations. Activation verifies that your copy of Windows is genuine and not used on more than one computer. You can activate Windows 7 online or by phone, depending on your product key type and location. To activate Windows 7 online, follow these steps: - Click Start and type "activate" in the search box. - Click Activate Windows in the results. - If you have not entered your product key during the installation, enter it now and click Next. - If you have entered your product key during the installation, click Activate Windows online now. - Wait for Windows 7 to connect to the activation server and verify your product key. - If the activation is successful, you will see a confirmation message. Click Close. To activate Windows 7 by phone, follow these steps: - Click Start and type "activate" in the search box. - Click Activate Windows in the results. - If you have not entered your product key during the installation, enter it now and click Next. - If you have entered your product key during the installation, click Show me other ways to activate. - Click Use the automated phone system. - Select your location from the drop-down menu and - Click Next. - You will see a window that shows you a toll-free phone number and an installation ID. Call the phone number and follow the instructions. You will be asked to enter the installation ID using your phone keypad. You will then receive a confirmation ID from the automated system. - Enter the confirmation ID in the window and click Next. - If the activation is successful, you will see a confirmation message. Click Close. How to install drivers and updates
After you activate Windows 7, you may need to install drivers and updates for your hardware and software. Drivers are software that allow your devices, such as printers, scanners, cameras, etc., to communicate with your operating system. Updates are software that fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features to your operating system and programs. To install drivers and updates, follow these steps: - Click Start and type "device" in the search box. - Click Device Manager in the results. - In the Device Manager window, you will see a list of devices that are connected to your computer. Some devices may have a yellow exclamation mark or a red cross next to them, indicating that they are not working properly or do not have drivers installed. - To install drivers for a device, right-click on it and select Update Driver Software. You can choose to search automatically for updated driver software, or browse your computer for driver software if you have downloaded it from the manufacturer's website. - Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the driver installation. - Repeat this process for any other devices that need drivers. - To install updates for Windows 7, click Start and type "update" in the search box. - Click Windows Update in the results. - In the Windows Update window, click Check for updates. Windows 7 will scan your computer for any available updates and display them in categories such as Important, Recommended, Optional, etc. - To install updates, select the ones that you want and click Install updates. You may need to accept some license terms or restart your computer for some updates to take effect. - Repeat this process regularly to keep your computer up to date. How to customize your desktop and preferences
After you install drivers and updates, you may want to customize your desktop and preferences to suit your taste and needs. You can change things such as your wallpaper, theme, screen resolution, mouse settings, power options, etc. To customize your desktop and preferences, follow these steps: - Right-click on an empty area of your desktop and select Personalize. - In the Personalization window, you can choose from different themes that change the appearance of your windows, icons, sounds, etc. You can also create your own theme by clicking on Desktop Background, Window Color, Sounds, or Screen Saver and changing the settings as you like. - To change your screen resolution, click on Display in the lower left corner of the Personalization window. In the Display window, click on Adjust resolution. Use the slider to select the resolution that fits your monitor size and quality. Click Apply and OK. - To change your mouse settings, click on Mouse in the lower left corner of the Personalization window. In the Mouse Properties window, you can change thing