Windows 7 Release Candidate Installation Steps -

May 5th 2:02 am Update: Installed Successfully so you know this guide works.

Installing W7RC Step 1: Getting the Release Candidate

First, download the file, and get and write down your Windows 7 Release Candidate key from http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/download.aspx. W7RC will be available for download until July 2009.

The official windows 7 team blog is a good resource to keep in mind for official updates.

Step 2: Download software that lets you install without burning a DVD

I had written a small post on installing Windows 7 without burning a DVD. Crux is to use one of the available programs -

1. MagicISO – this lets you mount your Windows 7 ISO as a virtual drive and then install from that drive.
2. Virtual CloneDrivefrom SlySoft. They also have a promotion right now (till Jan 11th, 2009) if you want to buy

Step 3: Make a backup of the data on your PC

Make a back-up of the data on your computer and make sure that all your important data is included. Also, for especially crucial data save additional copies on www.box.net or in one of your email folders.

Note: Microsoft recommends installing Windows 7 RC only on a test machine. DO NOT install on your work machine as a messed up install might prevent you from working.

Step 4: Read the Installation Instructions 

Yes, its boring. However, do read the possible issues, such as an issue with some HP PCs - Installation Instructions for W7RC.

If you have a touchsmart you might look at my Windows 7 + Touchsmart post. Although its for the Beta and not the RC it might help you find drivers etc.

Step 5: Mount the Windows 7 ISO file into a virtual Drive using the Magic Iso software.

Start the Magic Iso software and an icon will show up on your ‘currently running’ tray. Steps are -

1. Right Click on it.  
2. Go to the very top and select Virtual Drive. 
3. Selected whatever virtual drive is listed, and choose Mount.
4. Navigate to wherever you saved the Windows 7 RC file and mount it.
5. It’ll give you an option on whether you want to run Startup or open the folder. Choose to run Startup.

Step 6: Sit back and Let the Windows 7 Installation Run.

Things to keep in mind -

1. The Upgrade option is available. However it is not supported. Recommend a fresh install – strongly recommend it.  
2. If you install on a drive that already has ANY version of Windows that version will get overwritten and its files will be moved to the Windows.old directory. If possible install into a new partition.  
3. Once again, make sure you’ve backed up your existing data.
4. After this, Windows 7 will unpack files, install them, and in between reboot a few times. First few times if you get multiple options at start-up, always choose Setup. Do not choose ‘Roll back Setup’. After that choose ‘Windows 7′ – it’ll have an arrow indicator and will be the top option in the list.
5. After installation is complete, you’ll have to choose your region, a name, and also enter your product key. If you forget to write it down (like I did) you can just press next and enter it later.

Let me know how your Windows 7 Release Candidate installation goes, and best of luck.

Congrats – At this point you should have Windows 7 installed and running. Windows 7 RC took exactly 35 minutes from beginning to end for me.

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Filed under: Windows 7 Downloads