How to Upgrade Vista to Windows 7

You can now upgrade Windows Vista to Windows 7. If you have waited for Windows 7 to be released because of the inefficiency of the Windows Vista operating system, you no longer need to wait. The Microsoft group that put together Windows 7 actually listened to their customers and made improvements where needed, and cut the system requirements of the new operating system. This article explains how to upgrade Windows Vista to Windows 7.

1. Step 1

   Get a copy of the Microsoft Upgrade advisor to test compatibility with you existing programs and hardware devices before upgrading to Windows 7. A link to this program on the Microsoft website is listed in the resources section of this article. Resolve any issues indicated before proceeding.

2. Step 2

   Determine the current hardware you are using to access the internet. It should be either a LAN card or motherboard feature for the wired network connection or a Wi-fi card or motherboard feature for the wireless network connection. Once you know the manufacturer and model number, go to the manufacturer's website and download a driver for Windows 7. Do not install the driver at this time, you want to keep a copy of the file either on CD, DVD, memory card, or USB drive. This will be a lifesaver if you cannot gain internet access if the card's drivers are not included on the Windows 7 install DVD.

3. Step 3

   Save any important files you cannot live without on an external hard drive, memory cards, USB drive, or burned to DVD's next. This includes important photos, word files, excel spreadsheets, tax information, etc. that cannot be replaced.

4. Step 4

   Use the Windows 7 backup tool to make an image of your current hard drive. This software is included on the Windows 7 DVD. You may want to save some of the larger files like music, photo, and video files separately and delete these files before starting the backup in order to make the image smaller if you ever need to restore the hard drive.

5. Step 5

   Insert the Windows 7 DVD to start the upgrade. If the DVD does not autorun, then go to my computer and select the DVD drive and double click on setup.exe. The direct upgrade will work for only Windows Vista with Service pack 1 or Service pack 2 installed.

6. Step 6

   Allow Windows 7 to download the latest upgrades. During the installation Windows will give you the option. Accept the upgrades and continue. After the update is complete continue installation of Windows 7 upgrade on your existing computer.

7. Then Download MICROSOFT WINDOWS 7 OPERATING SYSTEM