This_weekend, I took a bold step forward in my computing life and went ahead and downloaded and installed the new Microsoft Windows 7 RC (Release Candidate, which comes before the full Release) Operating System. It was a challenging and time consuming process, and what I am going to share with you in this blog post is the important steps you need to take to make this process work for you, because there are a few things to consider as you perform this upgrade process. I think Microsoft takes you nicely through about 90% of the process, however, the remaining 10% you need to use your wisdom to guide you through to the end.

One. Make sure that you download Windows 7 RC from a Microsoft website! There are websites set up that are not Microsoft websites, and you could possibly compromise your machine if you choose to download something from an non-Microsoft website. Please be careful.

Two. Make sure that you have backed up your files and applications on your computer before you download the installation file. Again, you are downloading a Release Candidate (RC) and not a full release, so there could be bugs or flaws and this could compromise your data and/or applications. Please use caution.

Three. When the downloaded installation file (which is over 2GB) is all on your local drive, you are going to be asked to burn the installation (.iso) to a CD. Make sure you use a CD that is a re-writable CD so that is something goes wrong you can delete the mistake and reburn the installation file to the CD.

Four. From the CD, you will see a file that is the actually installation file. Double-click on this file and then the installation process will take place. Make sure, for example, that you have consulted with Microsoft’s documentation regarding Windows 7 and what you need to do with your current system. For me, for example, I had Windows Vista installed. I had to first upgrade to Windows Vista Service Pack (SP) One (1) before the actual Windows 7 RC could be installed.

Five. Once Windows 7 RC is all installed, you will need to go back ONLINE so that the Microsoft website can send to your machine the latest files you will need for 7 RC. So, what I am saying here is that the download and installation processes take you to about 97% or 98% completion, but not 100%. You MUST go back online and connect with Microsoft to get the latest files that will enable RC to really run and fix any previous bugs that might be there.

Six. If you cannot get back online to the Internet with RC, you will need to contact your Internet Service Provider to create a work around, like I had to. I have a Sprint Wireless Broadband card to access the web, and so the technical support guy there helped me create a modem-access path, bypassing the default GUI application that I normally use. Kudos to Sprint tech support for this!

Seven. When all is downloaded and you are connected to the web and using Windows 7 RC, enjoy! I will share with you in the next post some of the “funky” new things that 7 RC has. It is pretty much a continuation of Windows Vista, nonetheless, it is Windows 7 RC, almost in final release form.

All The Best,

Keith