Installing Windows Vista

The Windows Vista Setup Wizard guides you step-by-step through the process of installing Windows Vista. When the installation is finished, you are ready to log on to Windows Vista. Be aware that your computer restarts several times during the installation process. Depending on the type of installation you need to perform, either upgrade or clean, you start the Windows Vista Setup Wizard in different ways. If you perform an upgrade or clean install on a Windows version, you simply start your computer and insert the Windows Vista installation CD to start the Windows Vista Setup Wizard. However, if you perform a clean install on a nonsupported operating system or a blank hard disk, you need to start your computer by inserting the Windows Vista installation DVD into the DVD drive, which starts the Windows Vista Setup Wizard. A clean install requires you to select additional options as you step through the wizard, but the steps are basically the same.

Did You Know? You can clean up your old installation to save space. Click the Start button, point to All Programs, click Accessories, click System Tools, click Disk Cleanup, click Files From All Users On This Computer, if requested select a drive and click OK, select the check box next to your old Windows version, and then click OK.

Install Windows Vista

Insert the Windows Vista DVD into your DVD drive, and then start your computer.

Click Install Windows Vista.

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Click an option whether to get important updates for installation.

Type the 25-character product key.

Trouble?:

If you don’t have a product key, you can use Windows Vista for a 30-day trial period. Leave the product key blank, and then continue.

Click Next, and then if necessary, click No to continue the installation as a trial.

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Select the edition you want to install, and then click Next to continue.

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Click the type of installation you want: Upgrade or Custom (advanced).

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Click the I accept the license terms check box, and then click Next to continue.

Wait while Setup copies and installs Windows Vista on your computer. Your computer might reboot several times during this process.

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As prompted, select the initial options you want. Options vary depending on the installation type.

• Windows protection. Select Use recommended settings, Install important updates only, or Ask me later.
  
  
• User accounts. Enter user account names and passwords to share the computer, and then click Next.
  
  
• Time zone, date, and time. Select a time zone, date, and time, and then click Next.
  
  

Click Start and then wait while Setup configures Windows Vista and prepares your desktop.