How to Reformat Vista Without Using Image Restore on a Dell Computer

You can certainly reformat your Windows Vista installation on your Dell computer through the image restore feature of your system, but you always have an option of performing a clean reinstall directly from the Vista DVD. This erases everything on the computer except for the operating system, leaving your PC in factory-fresh condition.

Things You'll Need

• Vista DVD

Instructions

1. Insert the Vista DVD into the computer.

2. Restart the computer. Press any key when prompted to boot from the DVD.

3. Select your language, keyboard and currency options from the menu.

4. Click "Install Now" and click "Get Important Updates."

5. Input your product key, click "Accept" to the license terms, and select a "Custom" installation.

6. Highlight the drive containing your current Vista installation and press "Next" to reinstall Vista to that drive, formatting the drive in the process.

References

• Microsoft: Installing and reinstalling Vista