How to Clean Install Windows Vista

1)  To start the Windows Vista installation, please insert the operating system DVD into your DVD-ROM drive and reboot your computer.

2) You’ll be prompted to “Press any key to boot from CD or DVD…” Failure to do so will result in the computer booting to the hard drive instead.

3) Let Windows load the appropriate files and wait for the progress bar to appear on the bottom screen.  Do not be alarmed if you do not see a splash or fancy screen, Microsoft does not include one in the Windows Vista installation.

4) Select your Language to install, Time and currency format, and Keyboard or input method you wish to use during your installation process.

5) Click the Install Now button

6) Enter in the Product Key on the next page.  It should be located on the back of the retail box or cover for your Windows Vista disk.  If your came pre-installed on your machine, your physical computer should have a sticker with the product key on the back or side of the computer.  I recommend you check the box to Automatically activate Windows when I’m online.  It will save time and avoid confusion later if you forget to do so.  Click Next to continue.

6 b) If you do not wish to enter in a product key at this step, leave the input blank and on the next screen select the edition of Windows you purchased and click Next to continue.

7) Review the License Terms and place a check mark in the white empty box next to “I accept the license terms” to signify you agree with the terms and conditions placed by Windows to run this software.

8 ) To do a clean install, you need to select the Custom (advanced) option.  An upgrade from a 32 bit system to 64 bit system requires a clean install as well.  If you are unsure if the Upgrade installation is correct for you, please navigate here to find out more.

9) Determine the hard drive you want to install Windows on.  If you only have one option at this window, select Drive options (advanced) and choose delete and confirm this action.  This will format your hard drive so be sure your data has been backed up before you do this.  Windows Vista will automatically format the drive after it has been wiped.

9 b) If you have multiple drives here, be sure you are choosing the hard drive you want.  You can delete multiple partitions to make one large drive to install Windows Vista. Repeat the procedure in step 5 to each partition you wish to remove.  Choose the new deleted drive to install Windows Vista on.

10) Click Next to continue.

10) Windows will begin to copy and expand the files to your hard drive installing features and updates as it goes along.

11) Your computer will require it to restart several times (will happen automatically) and be ready for more user input when it starts up Windows Vista for the first time.

12) Once Windows has loaded, you’ll be prompted to select a user name and a password.  Feel free to use the existing user name from the previous installation.  Multiple accounts can be created once Windows Vista has been fully installed.

13) Select the password for the newly created account.  Do NOT leave this blank as computer security is very important in our cyber world.  You may select a password hint which will appear if you continue to input the wrong password during log in.  A hint should not contain the clues to spell your password nor contain your actual password, but something that can jog your memory in case you mix up a couple passwords.  Click Next to continue.

14) Next, determine your computer name.  When choosing a computer name, select something that might describe the operating system installed on the PC, whether it is a desktop or laptop and the location of the PC whether it is in the office, bedroom, kitchen…etc. so it is easier when setting up printers or trying to pull data from another computer.  Click Next to continue.

15) On the Help protect Windows automatically screen, choose how you will update your PC.  I recommend Install important updates only because it selects crucial files that are necessary to update rather than extras Windows offers such as Windows Live or Windows Messenger.

16) Review your Time and Date Settings.  Windows will automatically adjust for DST once it connects to Windows Update.

17) Windows will prepare your desktop based on your settings and user input from the previous steps…

18) Arrive at your desktop!  Your installation process is now complete!  I recommend a Windows Update immediately if not prompted to do so already.

For a detailed step-by-step guide of the Windows Vista Installation with Screenshots, please download our PDF version here