Find out about Windows 7 - from upgrading from previous version of Windows, to hints and tips for moving files and settings, to information on free and paid for access technology - and all about our new book Windows 7 and Vista Explained.
If you have information you would like to contribute and share with others about Windows 7, please email us at windows7explained@rnib.org.uk.
New guide to Windows 7 and Vista
Windows 7 and Vista Explained, A guide for blind and partially sighted users is the only book you'll need to learn about Microsoft Windows 7 and Windows Vista from a non-visual perspective. It is designed to empower blind and partially sighted computer users, IT trainers and support staff.
For further information, and to read selected extracts from the book, visit the Windows 7 Explained book pages.
Order a copy from our Online Shop or contact us on 0303 123 9999 to place an order.
Upgrading to Windows 7
The most common way to move to Windows 7 is by purchasing a new PC with Windows 7 already installed, but it may also be possible to put Windows 7 on a PC currently running Windows XP or Windows Vista. There are two ways this can be done:
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A clean install removes everything from the computer and replaces it with a new installation of Windows 7. This will require you to take copies of any files and settings you want to keep, and then restore them after the Windows 7 installation has completed. All applications will also need to be reinstalled.
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Upgrade the current installation to Windows 7. This leaves files, settings and applications in place, but is only possible in some scenarios.
An upgrade is the easier of the two options, but it is only available to Windows 7 from the comparable Windows Vista edition, for instance from Vista Home Premium to Windows 7 Home Premium. It is also possible to upgrade from one edition of Vista to some higher editions of 7, for instance Vista Home Premium to Windows 7 Ultimate. Windows XP requires a clean install of Windows 7 in all cases.
If you do decide to upgrade a computer to Windows 7, you need to make sure the computer is powerful enough to handle the new operating system. The recommended system requirements are:
Windows has some features which have additional requirements, for instance to use Windows Update you need an internet connection.
For more detailed information, see Microsoft's Get Windows 7.
Moving files and settings
If you are going to perform a clean install of Windows 7 to an existing PC, be aware that this will wipe all existing information from your hard disk, including all applications, files and settings. Here are some points to bear in mind before you start the installation of Windows 7.
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Any files you want to use after the install should be backed up. This means not only documents, music files and photos, but web browser favorites/bookmarks, and, if you use an email application, your messages and address book.
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Make a list of all the applications you will want to use after the install and make sure you have the installation media and serial numbers.
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The Windows Upgrade Advisor can give you an idea of whether any software or hardware you have should work with Windows 7.
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It is also a good idea to check with the manufacturers of any software or hardware you use on its compatibility with Windows 7. For software, check the version of software you have. For hardware, get the exact model.
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Don't forget your access technology needs to be checked for compatibility!
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If you have made changes to application settings after you installed them, these will need to be redone after a new installation.
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Access technologies (and other applications) may allow you to take copies of your settings and this may make this job easier if you will be using the same version of software after Windows 7 is installed. If you are upgrading your access technology, check with your supplier about the best way to transfer your settings.
Files and settings can be backed up manually using Windows Explorer, or you can use a Windows utility designed for this purpose and found in Start Menu, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools.
When you have used this method of transferring your files and settings to another drive, you can then install Windows 7 and use the Windows Easy Transfer tool within it to restore your files and settings.
Free access technology
Free access technology doesn't have the range of features that paid-for software does, but it should be good enough for the basics of navigating the desktop, creating documents, managing email and using the web. The websites given here should tell you what versions of Windows are supported.
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DesktopZoom is a zoom/magnify program with lots of options.
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Lightning Express is a magnification utility that can be run from the internet.
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NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA,) is an open-source screen reader with support for 20 languages, and can be run from a pen drive without installation.
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System Access To Go offers a web-resident version of the System Access screen reader that makes any computer with internet accessible.
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Thunder is an award-winning free screenreader talking software for people with little or no sight.
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ZoomIt is screen zoom and annotation tool for technical presentations that include application demonstrations.
Paid for access technology
The websites given here should tell you what versions of Windows are supported.
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Dolphin Guide offers a simple menu system that shields you from the complexity of the modern computer and is ideal for seniors or anyone who has never been taught to use a computer and who may have deteriorating sight, be partially sighted or completely blind.
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Hal reads the screen interactively and communicates through a speech synthesiser or a refreshable Braille display.
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iZoom is a screen magnifier and reader that can be run from a pen drive without installation.
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JAWS for Windows is a powerful accessibility solution that reads information on your screen using synthesized speech.
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Lunar offers magnification for computer users who find themselves straining to read the screen, whether it is text, graphics, toolbars, icons or emails.
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LunarPlus adds speech to Lunar's magnification.
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MAGic is screen magnification software with speech.
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Supernova combines Lunar and Hal (see above).
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System Access is Serotek's award winning screen reader.
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Window-Eyes is a stable screen reader with braille support.
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ZoomText integrates magnification and screen reading for vision impaired computer users.
Accessibility resources from Microsoft