Perform a clean installation
There are two ways to perform a clean installation of Windows Vista. The first method is to install Windows Vista by running the Setup program from the current version of Windows on your computer. The second method is to start the computer from the Windows Vista DVD. First, try method 1. If it does not work, try method 2.
Warning In a clean installation, existing data on your computer is deleted. This data includes personal data, settings, hardware driver information, and software programs. After you install the operating system, you must also reinstall all programs. Make sure that you back up personal data to disks or other external storage devices before you perform a clean installation.
Method 1: Perform a clean installation of Windows Vista by running Setup from the current version of Windows
To perform a clean installation of Windows Vista from the current version of Windows on the computer, follow these steps:
- Start the computer and make sure that the current version of Windows has started.
- Insert the Windows Vista DVD into the DVD drive and then close the drive tray. Wait a moment for the Setup program to start automatically.
- If the Setup program does not start automatically, follow these steps:
- Click Start and then click Run.
- Type Drive:\setup.exe and then click OK.
Note Drive is the drive letter of the computer's DVD drive.
- When the Setup program starts and the Install now screen appears, click Install now.
- When the Which type of installation do you want? screen appears, click Custom (advanced). The follow the instructions to install Windows Vista.
If Windows Vista is now running on your computer, you have completed the installation successfully.
If the installation does not finish or you receive an error message, and you are comfortable trying to troubleshoot the problem, go to the "Troubleshooting" section for more information about common issues and their resolutions. If you are not comfortable trying to troubleshoot the issue, go to the "Next Steps" section.
Method 2: Perform a clean installation of Windows Vista by starting the computer from the Windows Vista DVD
Note The computer must be configured to start from the DVD drive. For information about how to configure the computer to start from the DVD drive, see the documentation that is included with the computer. Or, contact the computer manufacturer.
To perform a clean installation of Windows Vista by starting the computer from the Windows Vista DVD, follow these steps:
- Start the computer.
- Insert the Windows Vista DVD into the DVD drive and then close the drive tray.
- Restart the computer.
- When you receive the "Press any key to boot from CD" message, press a key.
- Follow the instructions to install Windows Vista.
If Windows Vista is now running on your computer, you have completed the installation successfully.
If the installation does not finish or you receive an error message, and you are comfortable trying to troubleshoot the problem, go to the "Troubleshooting" section. If you are not comfortable trying to troubleshoot the issue, go to the “Next Steps†section.
