Installing Bootcamp update and Windows 7-please help!

[Scylax]

I need to install Windows 7 on my 13" late 09 MBP tonight. I have been waiting for the Bootcamp update, so now I am in a hurry. But I am confused by a couple of things, so please be patient and advise me.

When I read here that the update had been released I went to 'Software Update...' in the start menu and checked for updates, but it didn't show up. So I used the links in the article to reach the download page and downloaded the 64-bit version.

When I clicked on the download to open it, I was warned that it was 'Windows software'. So how do I install the bootcamp update? Do I have to install Windows 7 first?

I read the instructions Apple provides, but they mention only XP and Vista (not surprising since I haven't managed to install the update).

Please forgive these basic questions and help me today. I am really rather scared of installing Windows on my Mac, but I have to for my Uni course, so thank you in advance!

 

[Winni]

When I clicked on the download to open it, I was warned that it was 'Windows software'. So how do I install the bootcamp update? Do I have to install Windows 7 first?
!

Yes, you first have to install Windows AND the version of Boot Camp that came with Snow Leopard. Boot Camp 3.1 is an update, not a full version. (They do this to make sure that you have purchased Snow Leopard - there is no other reason for adding this detour.)

And there is no reason to be scared of a Windows 7 installation on your Mac. Unless, of course, you afraid to find out that you will like Windows 7 as much as OS X or even more. ;-)

 

[Scylax]

Further questions/clarifications in original post.

Thanks so much for the response- and the reassurance. Please could someone clarify for me my questions I put in the edited original post?

Cheers!

 

[CylonGlitch]

The Bootcamp 3.1 are driver updates to support Windows 7. You don't need an update to the Bootcamp Helper app on the Mac side. Just run that, install Windows 7, then run the Apple Updater in WINDOWS and it will download the drivers and install for you. Better yet, download the drivers now, put them on a flash drive and once windows 7 is installed, run them directly.

 

[hideous.ape]

First step for a beginner would be to print off the "Installation Guide"...that will walk you through getting whichever OS you want installed.