Before you upgrade Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit to Windows 7 Home Premium or Windows 7 Ultimate, you must confirm that your computer is ready for the installation of the new operating system. If you install Windows 7 to your computer without first making the necessary preparations, you may lose data, have difficulty upgrading to the new OS, or find that some hardware or devices fail to work on Windows 7 64-bit. Once you've prepared Windows Vista for the upgrade, installing the new OS to your computer is simple.
Instructions
1. Download the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor from the Microsoft Download Center (see Resources). Install and run the software to confirm that Windows 7 is compatible with your computer. Take note of any potential issues.
2. Download Windows 7 from the Microsoft website (see Resources). Save the download to a USB flash drive. Alternatively, purchase a physical copy of the operating system and remove the DVD from its protective packaging. Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit users can upgrade to either Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit or Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit.
3. Download the Windows Vista Service Pack 1 or Service Pack 2 from the Windows Download Center or from Windows Updates (see Resources). Click "Open" or "Run" to launch the installer. Follow the onscreen instructions to install the SP to your PC. Restart your computer following the installation.
4. Launch your antivirus software from the system tray on the taskbar, or from the Start menu. Click "Settings." Uncheck the box next to "Enable real-time protection." Click "OK."
5. Insert the Windows 7 Upgrade DVD or USB drive into the appropriate location on your computer. Click "Computer." Double-click the disc or USB drive, then double-click "setup.exe," if autorun does not automatically launch setup.
6. Click "Install now." If you are connected to the Internet, click "Go online to get the latest updates for installation." Otherwise, click "Do not get the latest updates for installation."
7. Read the End User License Agreement. Check "I accept the license terms," then click "Next," to continue the installation.
8. Click "Upgrade." Windows 7 64-bit will install the necessary files to your system to update your system.
Tags: your computer, Home Premium, Windows Vista, Download Windows, Home Premium 64-bit, Premium 64-bit
