Installing SharePoint 2010 on Windows 7 (Standalone / Server farm mode)

I) Standalone mode

Refer the msdn article on how to install SharePoint 2010 on Windows 7.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee554869(v=office.14).aspx

II) Single Server Mode 

If you want to install SharePoint in single server mode (or the Server farm mode) you have to follow the below steps.

1) Install SQL Server 2008 R2 (express or developer or standard or enterprise edition). If you choose to install express edition, there is a limitation on the size of the content database.

2) Install SharePoint 2010

• Follow the above msdn article and make sure you have installed all the prerequisite softwares and configured the windows features for IIS
• Run the SharePoint setup.exe and choose the "Server Farm" mode and finish the setup
• Create a new configuration database

Create new configuration database

• Now Run the SharePoint products and configuration wizard and you are done