How to Upgrade or Clean Install Vista
Microsoft Vista is a simple and user-friendly software that doesn't require much user interaction. The installation DVD is required to install Vista. It is recommended that the PC have at least a 1 GHz processor, 512 MB of memory and a 20-GB hard drive with at least 15 GB of available space for Vista Home. For Vista Premium, you need at least a 1 GHz processor, 1 GB of memory and a 40-GB hard drive with at least 15 GB of available space.
A clean install will completely reformat your PC's hard drive, removing data and software files, and install a fresh copy of Vista. You will need to reinstall any previous programs when performing a clean install. An upgrade installation allows you to upgrade your operating system software without losing any of your data. All of your installed programs will remain intact.
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Instructions
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Insert the Vista installation disc into the computer. The installation will begin. Choose "Install Now" at the installation screen. The Windows Update screen is displayed. Choose the option to install updates and choose "Next."
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Enter your product key at the product key page. Click "Next." This brings you to the license agreement page. Choose "Accept" to accept the agreement. If you don't agree, you won't be able to install Vista. Click "Next." The next screen will ask what type of installation you want. Choose "Upgrade" if you are upgrading your operating system. Choose "Custom Install" if you are performing a clean install.
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Choose "Next." The next screen will ask what location or partition you want to install Vista. This step is the same for a clean install or an upgrade. The partitions available are listed. Choose the partition, such as "C:" by clicking on it to highlight it and click "Next." The setup files will begin to copy to your PC. This process will complete on its own and does not require any user interaction. Once the files have completed the copying process, your PC will restart.
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Allow your PC to restart. Once it has restarted, you will be presented with the "Completing Installation" screen. During this process, Windows is copying setup files, updates and features to your PC. This process will take a few minutes. Your PC will be restarted again. Once it has restarted, you will be asked to choose your user name, password and picture to associate with your login name. Enter a name, type a password in the box provided and click on the picture of your choice from the pictures listed.
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Click "Next" to choose a computer name and background picture. Enter the computer name that you wish to use, click on the background picture of your choice and click "Next." The next screen will ask you to set Windows to automatically install updates. It is recommended that you choose "Use Recommended Settings." Click "Next." The "Time and Date" screen is displayed. To accept the time and date displayed, click "OK." If changes are necessary, click the down arrow next to "Time Zone" and choose the correct setting. Choose "Next" to complete the installation. Windows will display a "Thank You" page and allow you to use Windows Vista.
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Tips & Warnings
Be sure to back up any important data on your PC before performing an installation.
