A clean install of Vista can be done with either a full Vista DVD or with a Vista Upgrade DVD.
This article is concerned only with using a full Vista DVD.
A clean install with a Vista Upgrade DVD is covered in another article.
Configure your PC to boot from the DVD if it isn't already set up that way. You may need to enter the BIOS to configure the PC to boot from the DVD.
Set the boot order to
Floppy (if present)
CD/DVDROM
Hard Disk
SAVE and EXIT
Reboot your PC with the Vista DVD in the drive. When you see the "Press any key to boot from DVD..." prompt, do so.
Screen 1
Loading files might take some time.
Screen 2
The installation will load
Screen 3
Select language, time and keyboard
Click “Next”
Screen 4
Click “Install now”
Then wait
Screen 5
Enter Product key which can be found on a sticker on the computer case. It is on the bottom of laptops
Click “Next”
Screen 6
Accept the Windows Licensing Agreement ( EULA).
Click “Next”
Screen 7
Select “Custom”
Screen 8
Select hard disk and partition for Vista.
To change or adjust a partition click “Drive Options Advanced”.
Then delete or create a partition.
Format the partition
If you receive a warning that everything will be permanently deleted click "OK" to continue.
Select the required partition and click “Next” to begin installing Vista.
Screen 9
Files are copied to the PC.
Screen 10
Vista will restart for the first time.
Wait
Screen 11
More files are copied and features installed
Vista reboots again
Screen 12
Choose User Name and password
Click “Next”
Screen 13
Choose a computer name and desktop background
Click "Next"
Screen 14
Set up Automatic Updates
Click "Use Recommended settings" to continue
Screen 15
Set the time zone
Click “Next”
Screen 16
Choosing the location is important as it affects critical network settings and determines if
other PCs can discover your machine on a network.
Select the “Home” option if the PC is connected to your home network.
“Public Location” is a good choice for a laptop which will be used to connect to Wi-Fi hotspots.
The laptop will be locked down on the network and only standard Internet traffic will be allowed through.
If unsure which to choose, select “Public Location”
Vista will reboot again.
Screen 17
A “Thank you” from Vista
The interactive part of Setup is complete.
Click “Start” to continue
Screen 18
Vista checks the machine`s performance
Screens 19 to 24
Please wait while Vista continues to install. This will take a while, but no User input is required.
Screen 25
Log into Vista using the password you created earlier.
Click the arrow or press Enter to continue
Screen 26
Vista welcomes you.
Screen 27
Vista is preparing the desktop
Screen 28
The Vista desktop.
Screen 29
You can now customize the desktop and then install drivers and applications
If you have any problems or need help please post your questions in Windows Vista Support
.
