As Windows 7 has been officially launched by Microsoft, users are in dilemma regarding various issues related to the Operating System. Windows XP users do not know whether they can upgrade to Windows 7 directly or they only have the option of clean installation. Users running Windows 32 bit Vista wants know whether they can upgrade to Windows 64 bit or they will have to install Windows 7, 32 bit version only. There are many confusions pertaining to the new Operating System installation. But, there is nothing to worry. Both clean and in-place installations are quick and easy.
Before thinking of any kind of upgrade, check whether you system meets the minimum requirements for the new OS, windows 7 installation:
* 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
* 512 MB of system memory
* 20 GB hard drive with at least 15 GB of available space
* Support for DirectX 9 graphics and 32 MB of graphics memory
* DVD-ROM drive * Audio Output

It is true that people running Windows XP on their computer have no choice other than 'clean install". While upgrading through this process, a certain things like taking proper backup should be kept in mind. Once you have taken back up of all the existing data, applications and everything; you can boot to Windows 7 installation disc. Select "Custom Installation" and re create primary drive partitions. It may take anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your system configuration. Now, re-configure the Operating System and restore backup.

Some of the system requirements as suggested by Microsoft are as follows: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit) DVD Drive to install from DVD 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit) DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver

If your system fulfills all the above requirements, you can go for Windows 7 anytime you wish. But, there are some additional requirements to use certain features. For instance, a USB flash drive is required to use BitLocker to go. Or, if you want to run Windows XP Mode, it requires an additional 1 GB of RAM, an additional 15 GB of available hard disk space, and a processor capable of hardware virtualization with Intel VT or AMD-V enabled.

People who have hardware that supports 64 bit Windows can easily upgrade from Vista to Windows 7, 64 bit version through in-place upgrade. All the applications, programs, settings, and files will be available as it is. But, in case you have a 32 bit version of Windows Vista running on your system, you will only be able to do in-place installation for 32-bit version of Windows 7. And, if you want to upgrade 32 bit Vista to 64 bit Windows 7, again you will have to opt for clean windows 7 installation. 64 bit version of any operating system can manage much more information at a time than a 32 bit version.

The install process for Windows 7 is absolutely simple and pain-free, particularly if you have strong hardware configuration.

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