32. Install Windows Vista
While Windows Vista is a completely new operating
system, how you install or re-install is not much
different to other versions of the Windows operating
system. The most important thing is to make sure you
have everything to hand before you actually make a
start. You certainly don't want to be having to
search around for SATA drivers and things like that
just after you have started the installation
process.
Another important thing to remember is, if you
have USB peripherals attached to your PC, i.e.,
Printer, Webcam, Card Reader, Modem etc, make sure
that you disconnect them from the PC prior to
installing the operating system. The only USB
peripheral you do not need to remove is USB Mouse
and Keyboard.
To install Windows Vista, you should have the
following:
- Windows Vista DVD
- Windows Vista Product Code Number
- Any relevant drivers; this is not always the
case as Windows Vista does have many drivers on
the DVD. However, it may be necessary to update
the driver that Windows Vista initially
installs. be particularly aware of Modem
drivers.
- Make sure that your PC is capable of booting
from your CD/DVD-ROM
1/ Switch on your PC.
2/ As the system starts to boot quickly insert
the Window Vista DVD.
3/ If all goes well a black screen should appear
with the words Press any key to boot from CD
or DVD. If you find that the PC boots into
Windows XP then you probably weren’t quick enough
inserting the DVD into the DVD drive. Don’t worry,
just let XP load, then click the Start button and
select ‘restart’ and go through the procedure again.
4/ After you press Enter or
'any key' Windows will start to
load files into memory.
5/ Depending upon the available physical memory
in your PC you will find that it takes a few minutes
to initially load the Windows Vista files into your
PCs memory.
6/ After the main files have finished loading a
black screen will appear with a green progress bar.
7/ A short time later the progress bar screen
will change to a blue screen like the one above.
8/ When the language Window
appears select, using the drop down menu, the
language you need for installation and then press
the Next button.
9/ At the Install screen, click
the Install Now button to start the
installation of Windows Vista.
10/ After clicking the Install Now
button, you will be asked to wait.
11/ After a moment or two the product key
screen will appear. At this point type in
your Windows Vista product key number
and then click the Next button.
12/ The next step is to accept the EULA
(End User Licence Agreement). Just click in
the box next to the I accept the license
terms option and press Next.
13/ You are now asked to choose the type of
installation you require. If you are doing a
clean install, select Custom.
If you are upgrading from another
version of Windows, click Upgrade.
You should note that, if it is not possible for you
to upgrade i.e., you are doing a clean install, the
upgrade option will be disabled (grayed out).
14/ Having got through the preliminaries you now
need to select the drive or partition where you want
to install Vista. Once you have selected the drive
or partition press the Next button.
15/ Windows Vista will now start to install. You
can instantly see the installation progress as files
are copied, expanded and installed.
16/ After the files have been installed your PC
will need to restart. You can either allow Windows
Vista to automatically restart your PC or,
alternatively, you can press the Restart Now
button on the Windows needs to
restart to continue screen.
17/ Your system will now restart.
18/ After restarting you will be asked to wait a
moment while Windows prepares to start for the first
time. This may take a while.
19/ The next screen you should see is a
please wait screen.
20/ After a short period Windows Vista continues
to install the installation files. After it finishes
your PC will restart again.
Please Note Currently there is no warning of
this restart, so don’t worry if the screen goes
blank and the PC restarts on its own.
21/ After restarting the progress bar appears
again before Windows Vista starts asking for user
details.
22/ The first user detail screen asks for your
name, password,
and picture. Type your user
name, followed by your password.
You will also need to confirm your
user password. After this has been completed you may
select a picture of your choice. If
you don’t want to change the default picture simply
press the Next button. If you want
to change the picture, simply highlight
the new picture you want and then press the
Next button.
23/ The next screen allows you to choose
a name for your computer and also to
change the desktop background. Type
the name of your computer and then
click on a suitable background picture
(unless you prefer the default one) and then press
the Next button.
24/ On the next screen you have the option of
selecting how you will deal with updates,
firewall etc. It is wise to click the
use recommended settings option and
then press the Next button. You can
make changes to the security settings, if you wish,
after installation has finished.
25/ Now review the date and time settings
and make any necessary adjustment. Press
Next after completing this screen.
26/ Finally the Thank You screen
appears. The major part of the installation has now
been completed. All that is required now is for
Windows Vista to check your PCs performance, so to
get started, press the Start button
27/ Prior to Windows Vista starting, the
operating system first needs to check your
system performance.
28/ As performance tests are being carried out a
sequence of around 6 windows like the one above will
appear on screen.
29/ Each screen gets you nearer to your ultimate
aim, the Windows Vista desktop.
30/ The sequence of these screens may repeat
depending upon how quickly they appear.
31/ Almost there
32/ Just a little bit longer.
33/ At last! The performance check is finished
and Windows Vista is ready to start.
34/ Windows Vista is now loading.
35/ Type in your user password
and then press the Arrow button to
the right of the password dialogue box to
log on to Windows Vista.
36/ Welcome To Windows Vista.
37/ Windows Vista is now preparing your desktop.
This is the last hurdle.
38/ Congratulations you have now
arrived at the Windows Vista desktop!