Windows 7

Installing the Windows 7 Beta

Before you install Windows 7 beta, you should read this installation instructions that Microsoft has released.

What you need to know before installing the Beta

• The Windows 7 Beta is a pre-release version of Windows. While we consider this a stable and high-quality beta, it’s not the finished product. It could crash your computer or cause you to lose important files or information.
• The Beta will stop working on August 1, 2009. To continue using your PC, please be prepared to reinstall a prior version of Windows or a subsequent release of Windows 7 before the expiration date. You won’t be able to upgrade from the Beta to the final retail version of Windows 7.
• Important Note to Internet Explorer 8 Beta testers: If you’re already testing Internet Explorer 8, please be aware that the version in the Windows 7 Beta is at a different stage of release. If you’re beta-testing Windows 7, you need to use the version of Internet Explorer 8 that comes with it.

Please do…

• Do install the Beta only on a dedicated test computer.
• Do make frequent backups while testing the Beta. You can back up files to an external hard disk, a DVD or CD, or a network folder.
• Do prepare a recovery disc. A recovery disc restores your computer to its out-of-the-box state. Most computers come with one. If yours didn’t, contact your PC maker.
• Do update your antivirus program, run it, and then disable it before installing the Beta. After you install the Beta, remember to re-enable the antivirus program.
• Do connect to the Internet after you install the Beta. Being connected helps make sure you get useful security and hardware updates. (If you don’t have an Internet connection, you can still install the Beta.)
• Do download the Release Notes. Release Notes provide important information that you should know before installing and using Windows 7. You should familiarize yourself with all of the known issues in this document prior to installing the software. For example, the Release Notes describe a bug in which MP3 files may become corrupted and provide information on mitigating risk.

Please don’t…

• Don’t install the Beta if you’re uncomfortable troubleshooting your own PC problems. Microsoft does not provide technical support for the Windows 7 Beta.
• Don’t install the Beta on your primary home or work computer. Microsoft is not responsible for downtime stemming from the Windows 7 Beta.

Getting ready to install the Beta

What you’ll need

• A blank DVD
• A PC with a DVD burner
• A test PC for the Windows 7 Beta that meets these minimum hardware recommendations (specific to the Beta and subject to change in the final version of Windows 7). Please do not use a PC you rely on for your work or daily use:
  • 1 GHz 32-bit or 64-bit processor
  • 1 GB of system memory
  • 16 GB of available disk space
  • Support for DirectX 9 graphics with 128 MB memory (in order to enable Aero theme)
  • DVD-R/W Drive
  • Internet access (to download the Beta and get updates)

Please note: Some product features of Windows 7, such as the ability to watch and record live TV or navigate through the use of “touch,” might require advanced or additional hardware.

Important recommendation

As you know, the point of beta testing is to find things we need to fix. As you help us uncover issues, we’ll post fixes on Windows Update. So we recommend you keep your PC set to automatically check for updates through Windows Update. Please also stay current with the Release Notes, which are regularly updated with new notices and information.

To kick-off this process, before installing the Beta, please read the Release Notes. In particular, review the MP3 files and Windows Media Center notes and install the related updates before using the Beta.

So, to keep your PC running the Windows 7 Beta up-to-date, please:

• Make sure you are connected to the Internet and select the option to “Go online to get the latest updates for installation” when you install the Windows 7 Beta.
• Set Windows Update to install updates automatically.
• Check the Release Notes before you install the Beta, and regularly from then on. In particular, please review the MP3 files and Media Center notes and install the related updates before using the Beta.

How to install the Windows 7 Beta

Step:1 Download the Windows 7 Beta

1. Visit the Windows 7 Beta download page.
2. Choose your language.
3. Choose a 32-bit or 64-bit version of the Beta. To see if your computer can run a 64-bit version of Windows, in Performance Information and Tools (Start>Control Panel>Performance Information and Tools) click View and print details and then look under 64-bit capable. For more information that might help with your decision, see 32-bit and 64-bit Windows: Frequently Asked Questions.
4. Get a Windows 7 Beta product key. (You’ll need it later for installation.)
5. Download the Windows 7 Beta.

Step 2: Create an installation DVD

The Windows 7 Beta download is an ISO file, which you’ll need to burn onto a blank disc before you can install it. To do that, you’ll need to use software designed for burning ISO files.

In addition to commercial ISO burning software, there are free programs such as ISOBuster and Active ISO Burner. To find one, go to a site such as Download.com or Tucows and search for “ISO,” “DVD,” and “burn”.

Follow the instructions that came with your program to create a Windows 7 Beta installation disc.

Step 3: Install the Windows 7 Beta

Testing the Beta

The Windows 7 Beta has lots of features to check out. For some ideas, see What’s New in Windows 7.

As you work with the Beta, your system will automatically send information about errors so we can analyze issues and file bug reports where appropriate. In addition, we’d like to know what you think. Your feedback plays a critical role in the Windows development process. If there’s something you find confusing or annoying—or a feature you absolutely love—please tell us!

To share your thoughts, click the “Send Feedback” link at the top of any window.

The link opens a Send feedback report. Please select a feature category for your feedback, rate your experience, and tell us what you think.

Removing the Beta

The Windows 7 Beta will stop working on August 1, 2009. To continue using your PC, please be prepared to reinstall a prior version of Windows or a subsequent release of Windows 7 before the expiration date. We recommend doing a custom (clean) installation.

Information about Windows 7 is preliminary and subject to change. Some product features of Windows 7, such as the ability to watch and record live TV or navigation through the use of “touch,” may require advanced or additional hardware. The features and functionality you find in the Beta product may not appear in the final version of Windows 7.