how do i install windows 7 on my dell laptop?

Question

about a year ago i got my laptop with ubuntu linux. yeah it sucks. so two months ago i asked my dad to order windows 7 just the home premium for my laptop cuz linux isn't the greatest thing ever. i payed my dad back for the windows software but for some reason he won't install it... like he avoids doing it, so i'm going to do it myself (i really don;t care if he gets pissed at me). and i'm asking this question so that i know exactly what to do and i don't mess anything up while it's installing. can someone help me?

Answer 1

I love ubuntu!!!! It is so amazing. I wonder why you don't like it? It's so simple... and FREE!



OK enough of that. If you want to change to Win 7 (also VERY great operating system).



Ok. Step 1: Make sure you have the right version. The word Upgrade should NOT be visible on the front.



Step 2: Insert Disk



Step 3: Turn off Computer



Step 4: Turn on Computer



Step 5: Follow prompts



Step 6: ENJOY



PS: Your lappy may not be capable of running Win 7. If it shipped with ubuntu it may be "low spec". (this is not a slap against linux btw, win 7 would probably run really crappy too if the specs weren't fly)



PPS: If you are asked if you want to make a partition. Say yes if: You want to be able to dual boot. Say no if: you want nothing to do with Ubuntu again!



Post your system details (ram, processor, model, etc)

Answer 2

Well usually its nothing more than putting the disk and letting it run. However I would have to ask a few questions first. Are you the only user of that laptop? Is that copy of windows 7 retail or part of the free upgrade promotion if its a vista machine. If a vista machine and that partition is on there and you can run vista you may not have any problems with the install; just so long as its the upgrade promotion disks! They have the proper drivers for that laptop, but the retail copy won't! In other words he's being very smart by not putting on because with a retail copy he loses the drivers for most of the ports including the ether net. This may not be the only problem as it may also shut down the built in wireless card and if both of these are out you will have to use another computer to get drivers and install them.



There is one other plausible reason: if he uses Linux and also uses that laptop installing windows 7 may wipe this out by accident. If this is a dual boot system he also runs the risk of corrupting Linux which mean he loses everything on that side.



Otherwise if its the upgrade from vista you got nothing to fear, and if you don't want the Linux part just wipe the entire sucker clean... upon backing up what you want first... music, videos the list goes on



good luck.

Answer 3

I am assuming it is not a upgrade version but the full version (new boxed version), put the disc one into the CD/DVD drive turn off then restart and the installation should load select full install and follow the directions, register the software when asked by using the key code on the disc or envelope it comes in, set up user accounts and administrator account (write down any passwords you use and keep in safe place), install your Internet security and any additional programs after the install completes, do not stop the install for any reason (allow plenty of time, 2 to 3 hrs.). I assume it is a full featured lap top and not a netbook. Would suggest you find all the drivers for your model before doing the install in case you need one or more of them after the install by going to Dell support and finding them by your model number and the new operating system.



Installing and reinstalling Windows 7

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Installing-and-reinstalling-Windows-7

Answer 4

Put your Windows 7 cd in, when it says dell, keep pressing f12 repeatedly until you see a boot menu. Then highlight cd/dvd drive and press enter. Then continually press any button to boot from the cd. Then follow the instructions on screen. But when you get to the option for a Custom install and upgrade, do custom, then you will see a list of all your hard drives. Click the one that says OS or something like that, go to the bottom of the screen, click drive options, click format. After it is formatted, click install and your on your way!

Make sure you have ALL of your drivers for after the installation. The drivers are to make everything work.

If you need more in depth help, you can email me.

I'm not sure my email is available on YA so here is my main email, [e-mail]

Answer 5

You need to reformat the hard drive completely, install the laptop drivers and then install windows. I would look for professional help if you haven't done it before.

Answer 6

Pop in the cd in your cd rom push esc when the computer turns on and put boot from cd rom and follow the Windows 7 instructions its fairly easy if you need help email me.