Installing Windows Vista is a simple task. The installation process is now much simpler, smarter and quicker than the old Windows 2000/XP setup. There is no text based stage and now the entire setup is graphical. It still does involve a little planning and a little guidance (though not as much) through some steps but generally it just involves answering questions and waiting for a short amount of time (about 25-30 min). This guide will teach you how to install Windows Vista onto a brand new machine. If you wish to install Windows Vista onto a computer that already has Windows XP, you can choose an in-place upgrade if you wish. Even though Windows 7 does qualify for the Vista upgrade pricing, it does require a clean install. I don't recommend in-place upgrades because they bring all the problems and slowness from your old operating system into your new Windows Vista system. Before you start make sure you have the following items: your Windows Vista installation DVD and your Windows Vista product key.
Stage 1 - Basic Configuration (Language, Product Key, Partitioning and Copying Files)
First you will need to turn your computer on and insert the Windows Vista install DVD. The computer should come up with a message saying "Press any key to boot from DVD...". Press a key and the black Windows Vista installer screen should say "Windows is loading files.....".
Now that Windows Vista setup has loaded it will ask the basic question of, what language do you speak, where you live and what keyboard layout you use. Select your options and click Next.
On the next screen click Install Now. This screen also allows you to repair Windows Vista if something goes wrong. Windows Vista will ask you to please wait while setup loads.
The next screen will ask you to enter your 25 character product key. This key can be found in your documentation that came with your Windows Vista DVD or stuck on the side of the computer if you bought an OEM version from a computer company. If you wish for Vista to automatically activate when you connect to the internet (which I recommend) select the "Automatically activate Windows when I'm online" check box and click Next when done.
The Windows Vista licence agreement will appear. If you accept the terms of the agreement then tick the "I accept the license terms" check box and click next.
Because we booted from the Vista DVD we can't select the Upgrade option. To do an Upgrade you'll need to launch Windows Vista setup from inside Windows XP. We want to select Custom (Advanced) because we're doing a clean install. Click the Custom (Advanced) option.
This screen is where Microsoft has made the most improvements. The partitioning screen now allows you to see what the partitions will look like. If you see the partition you want to install Windows onto, click it and press Next. To make changes to the partitions click the link to "Show Drive Options". The options are very self explanatory and include, delete a partition, create a partition, expand the size of an existing partition, format a partition with NTFS or load drivers if Windows can't detect your obscure drive. When done, click next.
You can now leave the computer for between 25-30 minutes while Windows Vista installs onto you hard disk. The Setup is now completely automatic and the computer may restart a couple of times when necessary. If the computer restarts, just leave it alone and don't press any keys to boot from CD/DVD.
Stage 2 - Basic Settings and Performance Testing
Windows Vista will now restart into the first time setup Wizard. The first screen will ask you what your Name, Password and Picture will be. Type your username into the first box and type your password into the second box. Another two boxes will appear - one of them will need to to type your password in again and the other one is for your password hint. Also select a picture that you want to appear next to your username. Then click Next.
The next screen will ask you for a computer name. This name will be used to tell Windows what to call your computer on a network. Keep it less that 15 letters and then choose a desktop background before clicking next.
On the next screen click "Use Recommended Settings" without even hesitating. The other options are not even worth thinking about if you want a safe and efficient computer.
On the next screen, set the time and time zone that applys to you and click next.
On the next screen, choose where the computer is currently at the moment. e.g If you're installing Windows Vista and you're connected to your home router, then pick Home network. If you're installing Windows Vista at your workplace and are connected to the work internet, click Work network. If for some reason you're installing Windows Vista in a public location, then pick Public network.
The Thank You screen will appear, you've answered all the questions you need to. Click Start.
Now Windows Vista will test your computer to see what performance it can get out of it. Vista will rate your computer out of 5 with 1 being basic and 5 being the best you can get. Just wait about 5 minutes while the score is determined. Your CPU, Memory, Graphics Card and Hard Drive will be tested.
At the logon screen, type the password you choose during the setup wizard. Your computer will now login and create your desktop for the first time.
YOU HAVE NOW FINISHED INSTALLING WINDOWS VISTA. You will now see the Windows Vista Desktop and Welcome Center. You can now choose options from the centre and setup your computer. I now recommend that you install Microsoft Security Essentials, install the drivers you need for your devices and update Windows Vista.
