Thursday, July 26, 2012

Windows 7 Install Guide on laptops

Windows 7 Install Guide

Introduction After many requests for this information, I have drafted this general guide to help.
Take note: Regardless of flavor of Windows 7 or if it is 32/64-bit that you will be installing, the steps listed here are the same. The only difference would be which product key is entered to determine which flavor of 7 is installed.

Important Information

This guide assumes a “clean” installation and not an “upgrade” from a previous OS. Ensure that you backup all of your important files (documents, music, etc) to CD/DVD/another hard drive before following these steps.
If you are using Hard Disks in a ACPI or RAID setup, you will first need to download the latest Windows 7 compatible (32-bit or 64-bit) for your particular hardware before installing clean. Check with your chipset/hard drive controllers manufactures web site for the latest drivers/information before starting.
This guide is for OEM (purchased separately from the computer) and retail versions of Windows 7. Installation instructions specific to computers with “recovery partitions” or recovery DVD’s are very different. Consult your manufactures instructions for details.
Selecting the image in the guide loads a larger version.

1) Shall we begin? (Image 1.1)

After configuring the system for booting from a DVD, the Windows Setup screen appears.
At this point, Setup is loading the driver files it needs to continue with installation.

Windows 7 Install (Image 1.1)

2) Progress Bar: (Image 1.2)

The next screen is a more graphical progress bar indicating Windows 7 is still working in the background.

Windows 7 Install (Image 1.2)

3) Option Selections: (Image 1.3)

The first options you will come across are selections for Language, Time and currency format, and Keyboard layout.

Windows 7 Install Guide

Important Information

1) Shall we begin? (Image 1.1)

After configuring the system for booting from a DVD, the Windows Setup screen appears.
At this point, Setup is loading the driver files it needs to continue with installation.

Windows 7 Install (Image 1.1)

2) Progress Bar: (Image 1.2)

The next screen is a more graphical progress bar indicating Windows 7 is still working in the background.

Windows 7 Install (Image 1.2)

3) Option Selections: (Image 1.3)

The first options you will come across are selections for Language, Time and currency format, and Keyboard layout.

Windows 7 Install Guide

Important Information

1) Shall we begin? (Image 1.1)

After configuring the system for booting from a DVD, the Windows Setup screen appears.
At this point, Setup is loading the driver files it needs to continue with installation.

Windows 7 Install (Image 1.1)

2) Progress Bar: (Image 1.2)

The next screen is a more graphical progress bar indicating Windows 7 is still working in the background.

Windows 7 Install (Image 1.2)

3) Option Selections: (Image 1.3)

The first options you will come across are selections for Language, Time and currency format, and Keyboard layout.
Make your selections by using the pull down menus and press the Next button.

Windows 7 Install (Image 1.3)

4) Install Now: (Image 1.4)

Here we have the option of repairing a previous installation or “Install Now.” Since this is a clean installation of Windows 7 and not a repair, Install Now is the proper choice.
Highlight the “Install Now” button to continue to the next screen.

Windows 7 Install (Image 1.4)

5) Please Wait: (Image 1.5)

Windows 7 is working in the background. This may take several minutes depending on the system.

Windows 7 Install (Image 1.5)

6) License Agreement: (Image 1.6)

Here we see the License Agreement you must accept before continuing.
After reading the agreement, check the box next to “I accept the license terms” and select Next button.

Windows 7 Install (Image 1.6)

7) Option Selections: (Image 1.7)

Here we would be able to choose an “Upgrade” install (if running setup from a previous version of Windows, such as Vista) or a “Custom” (clean) install.
Select the whole box containing “Custom (advanced)” to continue to the next screen.

Windows 7 Install (Image 1.7)

8) Hard Drives: (Image 1.8)

This is where you can select which hard drive/partition to install Windows 7 on. Since this system only has one hard drive, only one place Windows 7 can go. Advanced options are shown in the next screen shot.
This is also where you would install drivers for your ACPI/RAID/SATA controller by using the “Load Driver” option. After the installation of the ACPI/RAID/SATA drivers, your hard drives should appear as shown on the right.
If no additional drivers are needed, select the Next button.

Windows 7 Install (Image 1.8)

9) Advanced Options: (Image 1.9)

The advanced options allow creation of multiple partitions and the option of formatting existing partitions.
After finishing your particular partition configuration that you desire, select the Next button.

Windows 7 Install (Image 1.9)

10) Installing: (Image 1.10)

Here is where Windows 7 installs major components of the OS. This process can take 10 to 60 minutes depending on the system.

Windows 7 Install (Image 1.10)

11) Reboot: (Image 1.11)

Here we see the system needing to reboot to continue installation tasks.
You can hit the Restart Now button or just allow the reboot to happen automatically after several seconds.

Windows 7 Install (Image 1.11)

12) Setup Registry Entries: (Image 1.12)

Here we see progress as Windows 7 updates the registry settings. This process may take several minutes before going to the next screen.

Windows 7 Install (Image 1.12)

13) Starting Services: (Image 1.13)

Windows 7 starts up required services at this point in the setup process.

Windows 7 Install (Image 1.13)

14) Installation Continues: (Image 1.14)

Windows 7 continues to install at this screen.

Windows 7 Install (Image 1.14)

15) Another Reboot: (Image 1.15)

After initial setup is complete, another reboot is required with no user input.

Windows 7 Install (Image 1.15)

16) Starting Windows: (Image 1.16)

This is the screen you will be greeted with upon each boot. Windows 7 is starting up!

Windows 7 Install (Image 1.16)

17) First Use: (Image 1.17)

Setup is now preparing the system for initial booting. Unlike the previous screen capture, you will not see this on each boot.

Windows 7 Install (Image 1.17)

18) Video Test: (Image 1.18)

Here is where Windows 7 tests the systems video performance to see if Aero will be enabled or not. This test will only last a few minutes.

Windows 7 Install (Image 1.18)

19) Account Creation: (Image 1.19)

Here is where the initial account creation happens. This user will have full administrator privileges and automatically be logged in after setup is completed.
Enter in your user name and computer name as you would like it to be identified on the network and then select the Next button.

Windows 7 Install (Image 1.19)

20) User Password: (Image 1.20)

This screen prompts you to enter a password for the account that you just created. I highly recommend that you password your account. Enter it twice, then include a “password hint” to help remind you of what it is if you misplace or forget it. You, of course, should not enter in your actual password in this field, but a subtle reminder to jog your memory.
After this information is entered, select the Next button.

Windows 7 Install (Image 1.20)

21) Product Key: (Image 1.21)

Windows 7 now asks you to enter the product key that was included with your purchase. This key determines what features and which version will be installed on the system. 32 and 64-bit versions have the same product key.
I highly recommend to uncheck “Automatically activate Windows when I’m online”. The reason is that you only have a finite amount of times that you may activate online. After this limit is reached, you will need to call Microsoft directly to have them activate your installation. This can be a big hassle, especially when you are in a hurry to get the computer back up and running. Windows 7 will nag you every so often to activate upon logging in, but this is a minor nuisance compared to the phone call method of activating Windows 7. After verifying that everything works as you intend, you can activate and know that you could have avoided problems later on if you let Windows 7 do it right after logging in for the first time.
30 days is the intended grace period before requiring activation with retail versions, even with this method. However, you can boost that number up to 116 days using the following method:
Open up a command prompt with administrator privileges
Type:
slmgr -rearm
After a reboot, you will have an additional 30 days to ensure everything is running properly. You can perform this action up to 3 times with the current Windows 7 retail release, bringing the required activation time to 116 days, if the Software License Manager is invoked at the end of the required activation period (on the 29th day). I would recommend not waiting until the 30th day to run the command, thus 116 days total and not 120.
After this information is entered, select the Next button.

Windows 7 Install (Image 1.21)

22) Use Recommended Settings: (Image 1.22)

This is where Automatic Updates and problems and reports solutions are offered as an option. I recommend to most users to “Use Recommended Settings” here. These options can always be changed later.
Make your selection to continue to the next screen.

Windows 7 Install (Image 1.22)

23) Time and Date: (Image 1.23)

Ensure that your time zone is entered correctly and make adjustments as necessary. Also ensure the proper time is set. This information is extracted from the BIOS settings, so if the time was set correctly in a previous installation of Windows (or most any other OS), it should still be correct here.
After this information is verified, select the Next button.

Windows 7 Install (Image 1.23)

24) Network Profile: (Image 1.24)

Here, you can select the “general” security measures put in place for your particular network. Most people will want to use “Home network” for desktop installations or “Public network” for a portable system, like a laptop.
Make your selection to continue to the next screen.

Windows 7 Install (Image 1.24)

25) Network Connecting: (Image 1.25)

Windows 7 is now connecting to the network. This is where your initial IP address is acquired and internet connectivity is verified.

Windows 7 Install (Image 1.25)

26) Finalizing Settings: (Image 1.26)

Windows 7 is finally… finalizing settings. This should only take a few moments to complete.

Windows 7 Install (Image 1.26)

27) Welcome: (Image 1.27)

Not much to say here. Just wait some more.

Windows 7 Install (Image 1.27)

28) Desktop Setup: (Image 1.28)

Your initial desktop is setup here. This process will take a few moments, but only happen once.

Windows 7 Install (Image 1.28)

29) The Desktop: (Image 1.29)

Windows 7 is now finished being installed and are greeted with the desktop. It is worth noting that you did not need to log in this time, but after rebooting (or logging off), you will see the login screen and you must enter the user name and password created earlier to return to this point.

Windows 7 Install (Image 1.29)

I hope that you enjoyed reading my Installation guide.

Step-by-step guide to installing Windows 8

Step-by-step guide to installing Windows 8 Release Preview

In this guide I will cover the installation of Microsoft Windows 8 Release Preview 64-bit from a installation image. The installation of 32-bit and 64-bit are the same as this guide. I will try to explain certain options and provide helpful hints along the way, so rather than just following the guide, you can understand the reasoning behind the decisions.

If there are any mistakes please draw my attention to them and I will correct as needed. I have tried to make this as simple as possible, whilst covering the vast majority of scenarios users will come across whilst installing this operating system.

Step 1:
The first thing you should do is head to http://www.techspot.com/downloads/5330-windows-8-release-preview.html and download the installation image for your chosen architecture. The image used in the creation of this guide is the 64-bit (x64) ISO.

Step 2:
Using your disc burning software, burn the .iso you downloaded to a DVD.

Step 3:
Before you go any further, ensure all important data is backed up in case of data loss on your drives. This guide assumes you have media backups of your hard drives and you are safe to proceed.

Warning: Installing another operating system without first ensuring you have backups of your current files and operating system is a big risk. If you have no data to lose or you’ve backed up important data, you’re ready to proceed. YOU are responsible if you lose data.

Disclaimer: It goes without saying, that neither me or TechSpot accept any liability or responsibility for any errors or damages made to your computer during, or after installing this operating system. It is up to the user to ensure proper backups are made of important documents and files.

Step 4:
Ensure you have a network cable connected, restart your computer, and boot from the DVD drive.

Step 5:
The DVD will begin to load up, and you'll be presented by the following screen as the installer starts.

Step 6:
Once loaded you will see the following screen.

How To Install Windows 7 on a MacBook Pro With Retina Display

Heresy, we know. But for those who want to play PC games such as “Batman: Arkham City” in full 2880 x 1800 glory on their new MacBook Pro with Retina Display, currently, there’s no other option than to install Microsoft’s operating system. (Yes, there’s Parallels, but that consumes even more system resources.) Fortunately, Apple makes it fairly easy to install Windows on its systems, going so far as to include a utility called Boot Camp Manager to help the process. Follow along as we detail the steps for you.
The Boot Camp Manager utility lays out the three major steps involved in installing Windows 7, and guides you through the process.

1. Create a Windows ISO

Here’s where not having an optical drive will trip you up. We attached an external DVD drive to our MacBook Pro, and using the Disk Utility app, created an image of our Windows 7 installation DVD.

You’ll want to save the image as a CD/DVD (.cdr) file, and then rename the extension “.iso”. If you don’t have an external drive, you can also create a Windows 7 iso file on a PC using any number of free utilities.

After creating the image, you have to copy it to a USB stick that’s at least 4GB in size. However, you simply can’t drag and drop it; you have to create a bootable image. In the Boot Camp Manager, select the option to copy it to a USB drive.

2. Download the Windows Drivers
In order for all the hardware to work correctly–such as getting the full resolution of the Retina Display–Apple provides drivers for everything from the Wi-Fi card to the touchpad to the graphics card. Using the Boot Camp Manager, it will download the drivers as a single file. Copy these to a second USB stick (it can be 1GB in size) and save it for later.

3. Partition the Drive

Like a Catholic school dormitory, the Windows and Mac OSes can’t cohabitate, so you’ll have to partition a section of the hard drive for Windows. If you’re planning on installing more than one game, you’ll want to give the Windows side of things a fairly large space. The Windows OS itself takes up about 30GB and a single game, such as Batman, takes around 16GB of storage. If you want to expand the partition later, you’ll have to completely reinstall Windows, so choose carefully.

4. Install Windows 7

Make sure the Windows 7 USB stick is inserted into the Mac. After the drive has been partitioned, the system will reboot, and the Windows 7 installation process will begin. A screen will appear that asks you where you want to install Windows. Select the partition that’s called “BOOTCAMP.” Then, click “Drive options (advanced),” and then “Format.” Then, follow the rest of the onscreen instructions.

5. Install Drivers

After Windows has been installed, insert the USB stick with the Windows 7 drivers you previously downloaded. Then, run the installer on the stick. The notebook may restart a few times during this process, but when it’s finished, everything should work correctly. One of the nicer things about these drivers is that the Mac function row keys–brightness, volume, etc.–will work just as they do in the Mac OS. Of course, functions such as copy and paste, (Command+C and Command+V in Mac) are Control+C and Control+V in Windows.

Switching Between the Mac and Windows OS
And now you’re all done! All told, the entire process takes about 30 minutes. If you have any additional questions, Apple also provides a handy guide on its website.
But how do you get back and forth between the two operating systems? When you first turn on the notebook, hold down the option button. You’ll be presented with a screen asking you which OS you want to boot into. Now, sit back and enjoy your dual-booting Mac.

Step-by-step beginner's guide to installing Ubuntu 11.10

In this guide I will cover the installation of Ubuntu Linux 11.10, 32-bit version from a LiveCD. The installation of other 'buntu versions including 64-bit will be very similar to this guide. I will try to explain certain options and provide helpful hints along the way, so rather than just following the guide, you can understand the reasoning behind the decisions.

This guide is drawn from my experience. As some of you are aware, I'm passionate about open-source software and OS', in particular Linux. I'm no professional though, just a person that enjoys spending his spare time using Linux and open-source software in-between dissecting others' computers, and somehow managing to turn my own systems into fireballs of destruction!

If there are any mistakes please draw my attention to them and I will correct as needed. I have tried to make this as simple as possible, whilst covering the vast majority of scenarios users will come across whilst installing this operating system.

Step 1:
The first thing you should do is head to http://www.ubuntu.com/download/ubuntu/download and download Ubuntu 11.10 LiveCD. Just click the big orange Start download box.

Step 2:
Using your disc burning software, burn the .iso you downloaded to a CD.

Step 3:
Before you go any further, ensure all important data is backed up in case of data loss on your drives. This guide assumes you have media backups of your Windows partitioned hard drive and you are safe to proceed.

***Warning: Installing another operating system without first ensuring you have backups of your current files and operating system is a big risk. If you have no data to lose or you’ve backed up important data, you’re ready to proceed. YOU are responsible if you lose data.For those of you using Windows, and installing Linux for the first time I recommend you either use a separate hard disk that does not contain the Windows OS, or create a partition big enough for Linux within Windows using Disk Management in the Administrative Tools menu of the control panel. 30GB of hard disk space is absolutely plenty of space for you to begin exploring Ubuntu whilst at the same time having room to grow.

Step 4:
Ensure you have a network cable connected, restart your computer, and boot from the CD drive.

Step 5:
The LiveCD will load up, and you'll be presented by the following box:

For the purposes of this guide, we will assume you've already tried Ubuntu and want to proceed with an installation, so click "Install Ubuntu."

How to Install RAM in Your Laptop

The general of installing , or , in a is very similar from one brand to another; today, nearly every laptop design places an access panel on the bottom of the laptop and uses similarly latching sockets. The description used here is for the Toshiba P205 laptop.
You first want to make sure that the laptop has no electrical power and is cool and stable. Take these steps:

Turn off the computer using the Windows shut-down process.

Keep in mind that you lose stored data if you use Sleep or Hibernation mode.
Unplug the AC adapter cable that runs to the laptop.

Why remove the AC adapter and the battery before installing memory modules? First of all, plugging them in while power is on could result in damage to the RAM. Secondly, doing any work on a laptop while power is applied could result in a damaging spark.
Remove the battery.
Disconnect any other cabling to the laptop, including an Ethernet cable or a telephone modem wire.

If the laptop has been running recently, allow it to cool for about 15 minutes; memory modules can become quite hot when they are in use.
Locate a small Phillips-head screwdriver.

This is the screwdriver with an X-shaped head.
Place a soft cloth or other protective mat on a desktop.
Turn the laptop over so that its bottom is facing up.
Locate the memory module slot cover.

Credit: Courtesy of Toshiba America, Inc.

The illustration above shows the proper technique for removing the memory module slot cover on the bottom of a laptop.
Carefully remove the screw that holds the cover over the memory compartment.

Hold the screwdriver at a right angle to the bottom of the laptop and turn the screw carefully; it shouldn’t require a lot of force to remove. Once the screw is removed, put it in a safe place. Use a piece of clear tape to attach it to the desktop or the side of the computer.
Ground yourself before touching the memory module.

Touch any grounded metal surface, like a light stand, or touch the center screw on an electrical outlet.
Carefully remove a new memory module from its packaging.

Avoid touching the connectors; doing so can reduce conductivity because of oils on your finger.
Locate an empty module slot.

If two sockets are in the compartment and the top one is filled and the bottom is empty, remove the top module first.
Pick up the memory module by its sides and aim its connectors toward the socket.

Be sure to align the notch in the connector with the matching key in the socket. See the figure below.
Slide the module into place.

Credit: Courtesy of Toshiba America, Inc.

Align the notch in the connector of the memory module with the corresponding key in the socket.

Most sockets align at about a 30-degree angle.
Once the module is fully inserted into the socket, press down on the top edge of the device to latch it into place.

This way it’s flat to the laptop’s bottom. The carrier should snap into place with latches. See the following figure.
Replace the memory compartment cover and lock it down with the screw.

Credit: Courtesy of Toshiba America, Inc.

Gently push the module, in its carrier, back to a flat position on the bottom of the laptop. It should gently latch into place.

Don’t over tighten the screw.

Here’s what you do after installing memory:

Reinstall the main battery.
Turn the laptop right side up.
Reattach the AC adapter cable and other connections.
Restart the computer.

How to Install Mac OS X Lion on Your HP laptops (or Compatible Laptop)

There’s nothing more satisfying than building a hackintosh, i.e. installing Mac OS X on a non-Apple machine. Although it isn’t as easy as it sounds, but the end result is worth the effort. Building a PC with specific components and installing Mac OS X on it can save you thousands of dollars you might spend on a real Mac. And now, it’s time to step into the portable world. Today we will show how you can turn an HP ProBook (or any compatible Sandy Bridge laptop) into a 95% MacBook Pro!
Why should (or shouldn’t) you do it?
Let’s clarify whether or not it should be done. Firstly, we all know Apple makes awesome laptops. The design, build quality, and the aesthetics (not to mention, the glowing Apple) would make you crave for one. Secondly, all these Apple laptops are bundled with Mac OS X, which (for some people) is the most user-friendly and annoyance-free operating system. Digital artists, musicians, video editors, they all prefer Mac for a reason. So the verdict is, if hardware design is what you really look for, you should get a real Mac, and we are not at all stopping you from doing so. But if you’re only concerned with the OS (and saving a few bucks in your pocket), you may consider giving this a shot. But remember, it may not perform as good as a real Mac does. The results vary, so hope for the best, and proceed with caution.

How to replace a Laptop Screen

How to take an LCD screen off of a laptop and reconnect a new one.

When the screen on a laptop breaks, it can be a very intimidating problem indeed for those who have never taken a laptop apart in the past before,