How to install Windows Vista

This article describes how to upgrade to Microsoft Windows Vista from an earlier version of Microsoft Windows and how to perform a clean installation of Microsoft Windows Vista. To upgrade to Windows Vista, the operating system that is currently installed on the computer must be supported in the upgrade path to Windows Vista. This article lists the operating system requirements to upgrade to Windows Vista. This article also lists some methods that you can use to troubleshoot scenarios where you receive an "Upgrade has been disabled" message when you try to upgrade to Windows Vista. Additionally, this article describes two methods that you can use to start the Setup program to perform a clean installation of Windows Vista...

Perform a clean installation of Windows Vista
Warning In a clean installation, existing data is removed. This data includes personal data and settings. After you install the operating system, you must also reinstall all programs. Make sure that you back up personal data before you perform a clean installation. To perform a clean installation of Windows Vista, use one of the following methods.

Method 1: Run the Setup program after you start the computer by using the current operating system
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Start the computer by using the current operating system.
2.
Insert the Windows Vista DVD in the computer's DVD drive.
3.
Use one of the following procedures, as appropriate:
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If Windows automatically detects the DVD, the Install now screen appears. Click Install now.
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If Windows does not automatically detect the DVD, follow these steps:
a.
Click Start, click Run, type Drive:\setup.exe, and then click OK. Note Drive is the drive letter of the computer's DVD drive.
b.
Click Install now.
4.
When you reach the Which type of installation do you want? screen, click Custom (advanced), and then follow the instructions that are displayed on the screen to install Windows Vista.
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Method 2: Run the Setup program after you start the computer by using the Windows Vista DVD
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Start the computer by using the Windows Vista DVD. To do this, insert the Windows Vista DVD in the computer's DVD drive, and then restart the computer. Note To start the computer from the Windows Vista DVD, the computer must be configured to start from the DVD drive. For more 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.
2.
When the "Press any key to boot from CD" message is displayed on the screen, press a key.
3.
Follow the instructions that are displayed on the screen to install Windows Vista.