How to Install Vista


Ways to Install Windows Vista

  1. An Upgradation -- When you want to upgrade from a 32 bit version of Windows XP to a 32-bit version of Windows Vista, while keeping your previous setting, files and programs.
  2. A Clean Installation -- When you have no OS already installed or you want to delete your existing OS or you want to partition your hard drive and install the OS in one part.

In both cases you will have to check hardware compatibility with Windows Vista. To do this you can visit the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor on the Microsoft website, or run the advisor during the installation by clicking 'Check Compatibility Online' on the Install Windows page.

After this, the pre-installation process differs for both.

For Upgrading:

  • Ensure that you're currently running Windows XP Service Pack 2. In case you are not, you will have to install it from Windows Update online
  • If you use a biometric device to log on to your computer, you will have to write down your password before upgrading. Windows will require this username and password typed when you use it upon upgrading.

For Clean Installation:

  • Back up all your files and settings since they will be replaced. Also note that you will have to manually install these files and any other software, after installation, so ensure you have their CDs in place.
  • Ensure that the partition on your hard disk where you want to install Vista already has Windows XP or 2000 installed

One you begin the installation, the major difference in both processes is in the 1st and 7th steps.

Step 1: Insert the CD

  • For Upgradation:
    Start the PC and wait for the existing version of windows to boot. Now insert the disc into the CD/DVD drive.
  • For Clean Installation:

    There are two options for doing this:

    i) If you do not have an OS installed and if you want to format, delete, create or extend partition then you will have to start the PC with the installation disc inside. Thus, the PC will boot from the installation CD. You will be asked to press any key to boot from the CD. In case this does not happen you might have to specify that the CD/DVD be used as the boot first device in the BIOS. After this, you will have to restart so that the PC boots from the CD.

    ii) If you already have an OS installed, and if you do not wish to work with the partitions, then simply insert the disc when the PC is on.

Step 2: Install Windows page

Click Install Now, after following any additional instructions that might appear.

Step 3: Get important updates for installation page

This will help protect the PC from security threats. It will however require an internet connection

Step 4: Product Key activation page

Type the 25 character product key that's come with the installation disc in the package.

Step 5: License

Read and accept the terms and conditions

Step 6: Type of Installation page

For Upgradation: Select Upgrade
For Clean Installation: Select Custom

Step 7:

  • For Upgradation:
    There is no specific step 7. All you need to do is follow the instructions in order to install Vista.
  • For Clean Installation: Where do you want the installation page

Step 7 requires you to select where you want windows to be installed.

Here you have 3 options:

i) Multi-boot/Dual boot configurations: This allows you to have 2 OS on the same computer. Use this if you have an existing partition. Only ensure that you install Vista in a different partition and not in the one in which the previous OS was installed.

ii) If you want to create, delete, format or extend the partitions, select Drive Options (advanced) and select the option you want. Follow instructions and click on Next to begin Installation.