Installing the Microsoft Windows 7 Release Candidate under VMware Fusion on the Mac isn’t difficult at all. Probably the hardest step is downloading Windows 7 RC itself. But for those who still are unsure (or plain lazy), this guide was written! And if that wasn’t enough, a Flickr photoset with even more screenshots is available.
Warning! Since Microsoft Windows 7 RC is still pre-release software, and the fact that officially VMware Fusion doesn’t support Windows 7 yet, install at your own risk!. As always, backup first.
Without further ado, let’s begin!
Downloading Windows 7 RC
Microsoft Windows 7 Release Candidate can be downloaded for free at:
www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/download.aspx
Don’t forget to actually read the instructions and information provided on this page. It’s actually very helpful and informative. Also please note that you’ll need a Windows Live ID if you want to download Windows 7 RC. If you have a Hotmail, MSN or Live.com email address, you already have a Windows Live ID. Otherwise, sign up for one for free.
Scroll down to the bottom of the page and choose whether you want to test drive the 32 bit or 64 bit version and pick your preferred language.
After logging in with your Windows Live ID you’ll eventually get to a screen with a big ‘Download‘ button. More importanly, this page also displays your product key. You’ll need this key to install Windows 7 RC so WRITE IT DOWN!
When the download finishes, you are left with an iso disk image file. You can burn this disk image to a DVD-R, but since VMware Fusion also allows you to mount an iso file and use it like regular DVD media, we will do just that.
Setting up your VMware Fusion virtual machine
Select File > New from the menu to create a new virtual machine.
If you (like me) are installing Windows 7 RC directly from the .iso file you downloaded, choose ‘Continue without disk‘.
If you are installing Windows 7 RC from a DVD, choose ‘Use operating system installation disk‘ and select the correct DVD drive.
If you are installing Windows 7 RC from a .iso disk image file, Choose ‘Use operating system installation disk image file‘ and choose the Windows 7 RC disk image you downloaded.
Although Windows 7 RC isn’t yet supported by VMware Fusion, choosing ‘Windows Server 2008‘ as the operating system you will be installing works fine for installing Windows 7 RC. Of course, choose the 64 bit version of Windows Server 2008 from the list if you downloaded the 64 bit version of Windows 7 RC.
Enter the account name and password you like to use and enter the Windows product key you received during downloading Windows 7 RC.
Before Windows 7 RC will install, VMware Fusion will present you with a confirmation window. If you like to change some settings, like the amount of memory Windows 7 RC is allowed to use, choose the ‘Customize Settings‘.
Choose the filename for the virtual machine. In my case, ‘Windows 7 RC‘ is descriptive enough.
Installing Windows…
Since we chose the VMware Fusion Easy Install option, and provided VMware Fusion with all the details it needs, there’s no need to enter any data during installation.
Depending on your system the installation will take 30 to 60 minutes. Also your virtual machine will reboot a few times. Don’t worry, this is normal.
Log in for the first time
At this point, Windows 7 RC is done installing. All we need to do now is log in with the credentials you entered earlier while creating the virtual machine.
Installing VMware Tools
Immediately after your first log in, VMware Tools will start installing. Just let it run because it will install some drivers needed for Windows 7 RC to operate correctly within VMware Fusion . Your virtual machine will reboot one more time after VMware Tools is installed.
Congratulations… Enjoy Windows 7 RC!
Log in again and you’re all done… At least, until Windows 7 RC will expire on June 1, 2010 :-)
If you still have any questions, please post them in the comments.
