Windows Vista clean install

Source

• If Vista is still not working properly afterwards, then a Clean Install would be recommended.
• You may need to reinstall some of your drivers after the Repair (upgrade) install.
• You will not be able to do a upgrade install in Safe Mode.

1. Insert the Vista DVD into the DVD drive while your current Vista is running.
WARNING: Do not boot the computer and run the Vista installation DVD from boot. A upgrade install will not work this way.

2. Click on Install Now to start the upgrade. (See screenshot below)
NOTE: If AutoPlay does not load the Vista setup screen, then open your DVD drive in Computer and click on the Setup file.

3. If you want Vista to check for updates during the installation, then click on that to select it. (See screenshot below)
NOTE: It will install faster if you select Do not get the latest updates for installation. You can install them later through Windows Update.

4. Do not type in a product key. (See screenshot below)
WARNING: If you do type in the same activated product key that you already have installed, then you can end up in Reduced Functionality Mode.

5. Leave the Automatically activate Windows when I'm online box unchecked.

6. Click on Next.

7. Click on the No button for the Do you want to enter your product key now? prompt. (See screenshot below)

8. Select which edition of Vista you have. (See screenshot below)

9. Check the I have selected the edition of Windows that I purchased box and click on Next. (See screenshot below)

10. Click on the Upgrade option. (See screenshot below)

11. Follow any instructions left until Vista is through installing and has rebooted to the final welcome screen on the Vista desktop.

12. Remove the Vista installation DVD.

13. Check to see if any files are missing. If so look in the bolded files shown in step 14 below to see if they are in there. You can then just copy them back.

14. Run Disk Cleanup.

A) If listed, check Files discarded by Windows upgrade. (See screenshot below)
NOTE: These will be the leftover upgrade files, C:\Windows.old, C:\$INPLACE.~TR and C:\$WINDOWS.~Q, that did not get copied over. If any personal username files are missing, it would be in these folders.

B) Click on OK to delete it.

15. Now all you need to do is to activate Vista.

A) Right click on Computer (Start Menu) and click on Properties, or open the Control Panel (Classic View) and click on the System icon.

B) Scroll down a bit and click on: Activate Windows Now. (See screenshot below)