Important Information for AOL Users About Windows 7

Make Sure You Take the Right Steps Before Switching or Upgrading

If you're upgrading your existing computer or purchasing a new one with Windows® 7, you'll want to make sure to use AOL® 9.5, the latest version of our free, all-in-one software. Though older versions of the AOL software may work on Windows 7, AOL 9.5 is fully compatible.

As always, Windows 7 users can access AOL email, instant messaging, channels and many other features at the AOL.com Web site.

Here's a checklist to run through before making the move to Windows 7:

1. If you're upgrading an existing system to Windows 7 -- especially from an operating system other than Windows Vista® -- run Microsoft's Upgrade Advisor to check your system's compatibility.
   
   
2. Windows XP® users should be aware that upgrading to Windows 7 requires a clean hard drive. Therefore, XP users will need to back up all their files prior to switching, and reinstall AOL once the upgrade to Windows 7 is complete. For instructions on how to back up your saved AOL emails and other AOL files, click here. (Microsoft also provides instructions for how to back up your other files to an external hard drive, CD, DVD or network drive.)
   
   
3. After upgrading, you should install AOL 9.5 and the McAfee security software.