Windows 7 migration and the system refresh scenario


Windows 7 Migration

A migration install is performed for a system refresh scenario. This involves a system that currently runs a Windows operating system and will be migrated (because the in-place upgrade is not possible) to Windows 7 on the same system. A migration is considered a custom install by Microsoft, and it involves performing a custom install followed by migrating the user's data and settings.

There are three important steps for the migration install: backing up the user data for migration, performing a custom install, and restoring the data. Because there is a current operating system with Windows running, an upgrade license may be used for this install type.

Virtualization and Dual Booting

Virtualization allows the install of Windows 7 to occur on a virtual machine on top of a host operating system. This means Windows 7 can virtually run on top of any operating system that supports virtualization technology. There are multiple products for running virtual machines on desktops. For Windows operating systems, there is VMware Workstation, Player, and Server, Microsoft Virtual PC, and Sun VirtualBox. For Apple systems, there is also VMware Fusion and Parallels. These applications installed on top of the current operating system can then run Windows 7 as a virtual machine.

Dual booting allows for Windows 7 to be installed on a separate hard drive or partition of the current system. The difference between dual booting and virtualization is that dual booting will install Windows 7 on a separate hard drive, which means that the boot loader will change and allow only one operating system to boot up at a time.

Two operating systems will not be able to run concurrently with this option, and the other system's hard drive or partition could be accessed from the other operating system. This is a good option for testing Windows 7 and/or running it alongside another system that does not support virtualization.

Each Windows 7 system in your organization or environment requires a license. Licenses can be obtained through one of the three ways: retail, original equipment manufacturer (OEM), or volume licensing. Each method has its own method of activation to consider.

Retail

Windows 7 may be obtained from retail brick and mortar stores or online stores. Each retail version of Windows 7 brings the installation media and an individually licensed product key for activation. The product key is found inside the packaging and should not be seen by others before your acquisition. The product key is requested during the installation of the system or can be inserted after Windows 7 Setup completes.

Once Windows 7 Setup is complete, it must activate the installation using the product key. The activation process is similar to Windows Vista and can be done online or by phone. To check activation status or activate the product after installing, open the Control Panel and select the System console. Scrolling down will display a Windows activation that states the current status, and allows for activation or change of the product key.

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Note: This article was sent to us by: Dean Raphord at 10042010

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