So you like all the things you are hearing about Windows 7 and feel like you want to give it a spin. Well, it's not as easy as installing an application like Microsoft Office. Upgrading your PC to Windows 7 takes planning, a block of free time, and courage. If you are brave enough to do it on your own, here are the steps:


Step 1 - Check the minimum requirements
You need to verify that your PC hardware has enough ability to power Windows 7. You will want to up your RAM to at least 2Gb and install a more powerful video card. If you want to record TV shows using the digital video recorder function (DVR), then you will need a TV tuner like Hauppauge. Click here are the Win7 requirements.
XP Mode Requirements: If you have legacy applications that are incompatible with Windows 7, you may be able to run the application in XP Mode. XP Mode requires a newer CPU that supports hardware-assisted virtualization. Check here for more information about running XP Mode.
Step 2 - Backup your data
For best results, you will need to erase your hard drive and install a fresh version of Windows 7. So before you get started, backup all your data. The best route is to create an image of your existing system with Acronis True Image or Symantec Norton Ghost. Then if you find that you want to return to your old system, you can just restore the image. Acronis and Ghost will also give you the flexibility to access your data files during the restore step.

Step 3 - Install Windows 7
Take some time to compare the various editions of Windows 7. Once you get the right edition (hint: AXICOM sells it), run the Windows 7 CD from your old operating system. The wizard will take you through the step-by-step process of upgrading your system to Windows 7. If you have Vista, you have a choice to upgrade to Windows 7 and preserve your application and data, or do a fresh installation which formats (erases) your hard drive first (recommended).
If you are running Windows XP, there is no option to upgrade and preserve your applications and data. The Windows 7 installation process will erase your data and install a fresh version of the Windows 7 operating system.

After completing the installation of Windows 7, which will take between 30 minutes and 2 hours, you will want to download and install any available Windows updates.

Step 4 - Install your applications
You will now need to install your applications. Don't forget antivirus: I recommend that you install AVG antivirus which is free for home users or at an affordable cost for business users (hint: AXICOM is an AVG reseller).
If any of your applications are incompatible with Windows 7, then you will have to buy a new version or run the application in XP Mode. Installing XP Mode has it's own set of requirements and additional steps as we will see in Step 5.
Step 5 - Install XP Mode (optional)XP Mode is a great new feature of Windows 7 that allows you to run your old software that you were able to run on Windows XP but is incompatible with Windows 7. This is done by allowing your applications to run in a virtual Windows XP environment.
XP Mode requires a minimum of 2GB of RAM, 15GB of hard disk space per virtual environment, and a CPU that supports hardware-assisted virtulization. XP Mode is only available on Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate Editions. XP Mode is not available on Windows 7 Home or Home Premium.
To install XP Mode, go here for the tools and instructions.
Step 6 - Restore your dataNow the only thing left to do is to restore your data. You will first need to install your backup program that you used to create your backup (e.g., Acronis or Ghost).
CongratulationsYour Windows 7 upgrade is now complete. You can now enjoy all the cool new features of Windows 7. If you run into difficulties with your upgrade, or would like to hire a professional to perform the upgrade for you, or perhaps buy a new PC with Windows 7 preinstalled, you can contact AXICOM at www.axicom.net.