How to Install a New Operating System on Your Computer

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So your computer has problems and you want to reinstall your current operating system, or install a totally new one. This is simple, but very time-consuming. This article discusses how to either reinstall, upgrade, or start a fresh installation of an operating system on your computer.

Steps

1. Decide what you would like to do. Are you going to reinstall your operating system because of problems, upgrading your current version, or are you installing an operating system on a new computer? Make sure that you have the new operating system install program. Windows and MAC require that you purchase a CD or DVD Rom(s). Ubuntu and other Linux are free and can be installed from a flash drive too.
2. When possiable back up your data. If you are reinstalling your operating system, it is likely that you will need to wipe the disk. Back up your data before doing so, as everything on the disk will be destroyed. If you are simply upgrading, it is okay to skip this step, but it is advisable to save at least the most important files on your computer.
3. Conect to the internet through a wired connection. During the install process the computer will automatically atempt to connect to the internet to download the newest drivers and updates.
4. Insert the operating system disk or flash drive into your disk drive or USB port and then boot up. – turn on your computer. Quickly enter the boot menu. The owner’s manual for your computer or motherboard should have instructions on how to do this. It will show on the screen for a breif moment too. Select the drive that contains the setup disk. Save the setting and exit.
5. Start the installation. It may take the install program a few minutes to load, this is normal. Once it has loaded, follow the onscreen instructions. If you are installing a new operating system on a new computer or reinstalling due to a problem, wipe the disk. Be sure you have saved everything that you would like to save before starting this process.
6. Sit back and relax. The installer may ask you for some information while it’s installing, but for the most part, just waiting is okay. Near the end of the installation, the installer will ask you for last-minute information, like your name, the name of the computer, sign in name, password, time zone, etc. Do not be alarmed by this, none of this information can be used to identify you, it’s all for personal preference. If provided – write down the user name and password. If you forget what they are the process will have to be repeated and all will be lost.
7. Enter the product ID. if you are installing a consumer operating system. Look at the back of the CD case for the product ID.
8. Reboot. Once you reboot, the computer will finalize everything and log you in. At this point, you may need to install drivers. Insert any disks that came with your computer or it’s parts that are NOT an operating system, and allow the drivers to be installed (if necessary).
9. Use it! You’re done, now what you do is totally up to you. Set a password, install programs, customize, create user accounts, etc. If you have any files you backed up, you may restore them now. Or, just enjoy the clean slate and redo everything, whatever you like.
10. Go to the upate function of your computer and do all up dates.
11. If any hardware on your computer does not work you will need to go to the website of the manufacturer of that item to download and install the drivers.

Tips

• Make sure you back up ALL of your pictures and documents that you want to keep!

Warnings

• When you format your C:\ drive, you are wiping ALL information off of it, forever. Before you start back up everything that you want saved.
• Write down the user name(s) and password(s) and save it. If it is forgoten all may be lost. It may be impossiable to install new software on the computer without it. For a personal computer write it on a piece of paper and tape it to the computer, or inside the case, whever it can be easily found when needed.
• If you don’t feel comfortable installing a new operating system, have a friend who is experienced with this process help.
• Windows 7 does not have an upgrade option for Windows XP. You will have to back up everything before installing it over XP.

Things You’ll Need

• A computer
• An operating system disk or flash drive.
• Computer Experience is helpful but not a requirement.
• A friend or professional help if you are not comfortable doing this)

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