Despite the confusion of all the Vista editions and installation methods, Windows Vista is one of the easiest Windows systems to install (after you get the version you're going to use picked out and your data backed up). Simply inserting the DVD will get you started on the approximate 45-minute installation. The following will step you through the process:
1. Log on to your current Windows (or other operating system) and insert the Windows Vista DVD (or specially ordered CD). The DVD should be automatically detected and the Install Now screen will appear(see figure 2.2)
Figure 2.2. Windows Vista installation install screen.
Notes:
1.Click here to install Vista
2. Click here to learn more about Vista
If Windows does not automatically detect the DVD, you need to manually run the setup program: Click Start, click Run, click Browse, find and select the setup.exe file from the DVD, click OK to return to the Run prompt, and then click OK to run the setup program file.
2. Click Install Now. The product key screen (see Figure 2.3) appears.
Figure 2.3. Windows Vista installation product key screen.
Notes:
1. Enter the product key here
2. Check this box to automatically
activate you copy of Vist the
next time you connect to the
Internet.
Windows Vista by default must be activated within 30 days (online or by telephone) or it will stop working. The product activation basically informs Microsoft that the particular product key is being used so they can track additional installations and control software piracy.
Checking the Automatically Activate Windows When I'm Online option will configure Windows to automatically try activating itself three days after your first logon, which is useful because you probably won't have to bother with it again.
3. If the updates screen (see Figure 2.4) appears, choose an option to continue.
Figure 2.4. Windows Vista installation updates screen
Notes: 1. Click here to launch Windows Update and download updates that
have been added.
2. Click here to skip the updates (though you should update Vista
as soon as you get it installed if you skip it here).
2. Click here to skip the updates (though you should update Vista
as soon as you get it installed if you skip it here).
3. Click here to send anonymous information to Microsoft to help
Microsoft improve the installation process.
It's best to get the Windows updates now in case you don't remember to do so later. The updates contain fixes and patches that address found bugs, issues, and security holes.
Checking the I Want to Help Make Windows Installation Better option will securely share information about your installation experience (such as any errors you encounter) and PC specifications to Microsoft. It's part of the Windows Installation Customer Experience Improvement Program. For more information, click the What Information Will Be Sent to Microsoft? link.
4. Type your product key into the field and click Next. The license terms screen
appears.
You can actually try out any Vista edition regardless of the one you purchased. Just don't input a product key and click Next. Then, a window appears where you can select the desired edition to install. Keep in mind that you must activate Vista within 30 days after the installation by inputting a product key matching the installed Vista edition.
5. Review the terms, check the I Accept the License Terms option, and click
next the installation type screen appears.
6. Choose the appropriate type of installation to perform an in place installation,select Upgrade.To perform a clean installation, choose Custom (Advanced).
7. If you select Custom (Advanced), you will see a screen on which you are asked to choose which hard disk or partition you want to install Vista.
Select where you want to install Windows Vista (and make any desired changes to your drives and partitions) and click Next.
From this screen, you can make configuration changes to hard drives and partitions. For example, if you're doing a clean install or have properly backed up your data, you can reformat your hard drive(s) which can help eliminate any current or future disk errors.
To access these drive options, you must start the Windows Vista installation from bootup: Exit the installation and with the installation DVD in the drive, restart the computer, and, if prompted, hit a key after the initial boot to load from CD.
After you're back on the drive and partition screen, click the Drive options (Advanced) link to access the tools. Then, use the buttons to perform the configurations. For example, click on a partition and hit Format to reformat the drive/partition.
8. After you're done choosing and/or setting up partitions, click Next to continue. The installation will begin.
After Windows Vista has been installed, you'll need to do the initial setup:
1. First, you're prompted (see Figure 2.5) to create a user account. Type a user name and, if desired, a password, and click Next.
Figure 2.5. Creating a user account during the Windows Vista installation.
2. Next you're prompted (see Figure 2.6) to define the computer name and desktop background. Type a computer name and, if desired, select a desktop background, and click Next.
Figure 2.6. Defining the computer name and desktop background during the Windows Vista installation.
3. Next you're prompted to specify whether to download and install updates for Windows Vista. This setting enables or disables Windows Update. It does not install updates during the Vista installation process (you were prompted to do that earlier in the installation process). Choose a desired option and click Next.
Notes: Remember, you must be connected to the Internet (such as via DSL, cable modem, or a network connection) to download and install the updates.
4. Next you're prompted to review/set the time and date settings. If needed, select the correct settings and click Next.
5. If the PC is connected to a network, you're prompted to specify its type/location.
Figure 2.7. Specifying a network's type/location during the Windows Vista installation.
6. After you're completely done, you'll see the Thank You screen. Click Start to begin using Vista.
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