How to Wipe an HDD & Reinstall Vista Now That the Computer Won't Boot
When the operating system on your computer will no longer boot, there's a not a whole lot you can do to fix it, because once you are blocked out of the operating system you can no longer use any applications that might be able to resolve the problem. The best solution is to reformat the hard disk drive (HDD) and reinstall your operating system. A Windows Vista installation disc can be used to wipe the HDD and reinstall Windows Vista on a computer that will no longer boot.
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Instructions
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Insert your Windows Vista disc, then restart your computer. If your computer does not automatically boot the Vista installation disc or give you the option to "press any key to boot from CD," you will need to enter the BIOS and change your boot order to boot from CD first. Refer to the owner's manual for your computer for instructions on entering the BIOS and changing boot order.
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Follow any instructions that appear on the "Install Windows" screen, then click on "Install now." On the following page you will be given the option to "Get important updates." Microsoft recommends that you get the updates, but it's not mandatory. You will need to be connected to the Internet if you want to get the updates.
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Type in your 25-character product key for activation (optional). If you do not want to activate Windows, just click "Next."
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Click on "I accept the license terms" to continue with the installation if you agree to the terms. Follow the on-screen instructions.
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Click on "Custom" when you get to the "Which type of installation do you want?" screen.
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Select the partition where Vista is already installed when you get to the "Where do you want to install Windows?" screen. Click "Next." The installation will begin. Continue to follow the on-screen steps to complete the installation.
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