This project enables you to perform a clean install of Windows Vista. You need a Windows...

This project enables you to perform a clean install of Windows Vista. You need a Windows Vista Installation DVD for the project. To install Windows Vista:

1. Boot the system from the Windows Vista DVD (review the steps in Hands-On Project 5-1 for configuring the computer to first boot from the DVD/CD-ROM drive or press the appropriate function key, such as F11 or F12 to see a menu of boot device options).

2. Wait for a few minutes for the Install Windows window to appear (see Figure 5-17). If necessary, choose the language to install or leave the default selection as English. Specify the Time and currency format, such as English (United States); and choose the Keyboard and input method, or leave US as the default. Click Next.

3. The next window enables you to start the installation (see Figure 5-18). Notice that this window also has the option to find out more before starting the installation by clicking, What to know before installing Windows. It also has the option, Repair your computer, which can be invaluable later if the operating system develops a boot problem, for example. Click Install now to start the installation.

4. Enter the Product Key and click Next. (If you are using a trial version you may not have to enter a product key).

5. Some Windows Vista Installation DVDs come with the components needed to load any of the Vista Editions (with the exception of Windows Vista Enterprise Edition). If you see the Select the edition of Windows that you purchased window, click the edition of Windows Vista to install, such as Windows Vista Business, and then click Next.

6. In the Please read the license terms window (see Figure 5-19), click the box for I accept the license terms. Click Next.

7. In the Which type of installation do you want window (see Figure 5-20), click Custom (advanced).

8. You might see the Compatibility Report window to report possible compatibility conflicts and direct you to check information at the Microsoft website.

9. You’ll see a listing of disk partitions that have unallocated disk space in the Where do you want to install Windows? window (see Figure 5-21; also refer to Chapter 4, “File Systems,” for information about partitions). Click the disk partition you want to use, such as Disk 0 Unallocated Space. Click Next. (Note that there is a Load Driver link at the bottom of the window that enables you to install a more recent hard disk driver or a driver for a disk not recognized by the installation program. You can also press F6 at this point to load a new driver.)

10. The operating system is now in the process of being installed on the computer. You’ll see progress information including Copying files, Expanding files, Installing features, Installing updates, and Completing installation (see Figure 5-22).

11. The installation program will restart the computer. Let it boot from the hard drive. If your computer is set up to boot first from a DVD, you may need to remove the Windows Vista Installation DVD before it reboots, and then put the DVD back in after it reboots.

12. The following message appears: Please wait while Windows sets up your computer.

13. The Installing Windows window as in Figure 5-22 appears, but now showing the Completing installation phase.

14. The computer reboots again. Make sure you let it boot from the hard drive. (Again, if your computer is set up to boot first from a DVD, you may need to remove the Windows Vista Installation DVD before it reboots.)

15. In the Set Up Windows window (see Figure 5-23), type a user name and password.

16. After you enter the password, retype the password and provide a password hint. Click Next in the Set Up Windows window.

17. In the Type a computer name and choose a desktop background window, enter the computer name and click one of the selections for a desktop background. Click Next.

18. In the Help protect Windows automatically window (see Figure 5-24), click Use recommended settings.

19. In the Review your time and date settings window, configure the time zone, time, and date as needed. Click Next.

20. If your computer is connected to a network, you may see the Select your computer’s current location window (for configuring networking), select an option appropriate for your computer installation out of:

? Home network—(for a home location)

? Work network—(for using the computer in an office or place of work)

? Public network—(for use in public places such as coffee shops)

You may see the message, Please wait while Windows finishes installing.

21. In the Thank you window, click Start.

22. The Setup program displays a series of informative messages as it completes the setup configuration.

23. In a few moments the log-in screen is displayed. At this time you can enter the password you provided for the account you created and log in to use the computer.