How to Install Vista From a Dell Recovery CD
A recovery CD is a backup disc which contains all of the system files for your particular computer, allowing it to be restored to factory condition if it becomes inoperable due to file corruption, temporary machine failure or a virus. Most manufacturers include recovery CDs with new computers, and Dell is no exception. While the installation process for a recovery CD is quite simple, there are some precautions that you should first take to preserve your important data.
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Instructions
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Utilize a blank CD or flash drive to save all of the important files and folders on your computer. Use the "My Computer" or "Windows Explorer" utility to go through your computer, picking out all of your treasured files (such as family pictures and financial data) and save them to the USB drive or CD in case something goes wrong.
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Insert the Dell Recovery CD into your drive. A menu should pop up listing a number of recovery options. Exit out of this menu and reboot your computer instead.
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Press the indicated key to enter BIOS during the reboot. The key required will be listed on screen during the startup messages, so pay attention. Once in BIOS, go to the 'boot menu' and change the first boot device to read from the CD-ROM. Exit BIOS and save your changes. The computer should restart again and boot into the Vista installation screens.
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Follow the on-screen instructions to continue the Vista installation process. Note that you will need the installation key that came with your computer. The product ID is a 25-digit code that verifies your copy of Vista as legitimate. For most Dell PCs, the installation key is listed on the CD case or on a sticker somewhere on your computer (containing both the service tag and the installation product ID).
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