Do you want to install Windows Vista on an old computer? Maybe your computer is running slow and you want to reinstall it. Installing Vista is quick and largely automated, and with a little preparation the installation process can be completed in about an hour. Read on how to do it below.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Converting OS to Windows Vista
Step 1. View the computer specifications
To run Windows Vista, your computer must have a minimum of an 800 MHz processor (1 GHz recommended), 512 MB RAM (1 GB recommended), 15 GB of hard disk space (20 GB recommended), and a DirectX 9 graphics card. Any operating system have different system requirements.
To view system specifications in Windows XP, open the Start menu and right-click My Computer. From the menu, select Properties. This will open the System Properties window. On the General tab, the system specifications of the computer are listed under the Computer heading
Step 2. Backup data first
To upgrade the system from another OS (Operating System), all files and programs must be deleted. These programs cannot be supported and must be reinstalled. Any files-including documents, music, pictures, and videos-that you want to save should be copied to a backup location.
You can use DVDs, CDs, external hard drives, flash drives, or the cloud, depending on how much data you are backing up
Step 3. Set the BIOS to speed from the CD
Restart the computer and enter the setup screen when the manufacturer logo appears. A button to do this will appear on the screen, and may vary by manufacturer. The most common keys are F2, F10, F12, and Del.
- Once in the BIOS menu, select the Boot menu. Change the order of the devices so that the computer starts from the CD before the hard drive. Save changes and exit. Your computer will restart.
- If you are installing from a flash disc, then you must set the BIOS to speed up from removable storage.
Part 2 of 3: Installing Windows Vista
Step 1. Restart the Computer
Make sure the installation DVD or USB drive is inserted. If the boot sequence is set correctly, you will see the message “Press any key to boot from CD…”. Press any key and the Windows Vista Setup process will begin.
The computer system may automatically launch the Setup program without prompting you to press a key
Step 2. Pay attention to the files loaded by Windows
When finished, the Windows Vista logo will appear. No files have been modified on your computer yet. The data will be deleted in the next steps.
Step 3. Select preferences
You will be asked to confirm your language, time & money format, and keyboard or input method. Select the appropriate option and then click Next.
Step 4. Click Install Now
Do not click repair computer for any reason. Once clicked, Setup will start loading all the files it needs.
Step 5. Get the update
If your computer is connected to the internet, you can download the update before the installation begins. This can save installation time, and allow you to start using Windows as soon as the installation is complete.
Step 6. Enter the product key
This 25 character key is in the Windows package. Check the “Automatically activate Windows when I'm online” box to have Windows automatically verify the key the next time you connect to the internet.
Step 7. Read and accept the terms
You must indicate that you have read and agree to Microsoft's terms of use. Make sure you have read it so you know your rights and limitations as a user.
Step 8. Choose Custom installation
This is so you can perform a clean install. Even if you are upgrading from a previous version of Windows, it is highly recommended that you perform a clean install. Selecting Upgrade will cause the device and programs to not operate efficiently and effectively.
Step 9. Delete the partition
A window will open asking you to install Windows. To perform a clean install, you must delete the old partition and start with a clean partition. Click “Drive options (advanced).” This is so you can delete and create partitions.
- Select the partition of the existing operating system, then click the Delete button.
- If you are installing the operating system for the first time on this hard disk, there are no partitions to delete.
- If the hard drive has multiple partitions, be sure to delete the correct partition. The data on the deleted partition will be lost.
- Confirm the deletion process.
Step 10. Select Unallocated Space then click Next
There is no need to create a partition before installing Windows Vista, it will be done automatically.
Step 11. Wait while Windows installs the files
The percentage next to the Expanding Windows file will continue to rise. This process can take up to 30 minutes.
- Windows will automatically restart the computer when it's done.
- Setup will run again, and a message will tell you that Setup is updating registry settings.
- Setup will configure computer services. This happens every time you start Windows, but will happen in the future.
- A window will open letting you know that Windows is completing the installation. The computer will reboot again after this process is complete.
- Setup now loads the driver and checks the video settings. This section requires no input from you.
Step 12. Enter the user name and computer name
The username is used to log into the computer and customize the account. Computer name is the name of the computer that will be displayed on the network.
- You can later add more users through the Windows Vista Control Panel.
- Windows will ask for your password. This is optional, but highly recommended especially if your computer is accessible to users other than yourself. If you prefer not to have a password, leave it blank and then click Next.
Step 13. Select the Windows Update option
To ensure that your copy of Windows is running safe and stable, it is highly recommended that you choose one of the first two options. The first option will install all automatic updates; the second option will ask for your confirmation when important updates are available.
Step 14. Select the date and time
This setting should be correct as it relates to the BIOS, but you can change it if you haven't already. Check the box if your area observes Daylight Savings.
Step 15. Select network preferences
If the computer is connected to a network, you will be given the option to identify the network. Most users will choose Home or Work network. If your computer is being used in a public place, select Public network. Mobile broadband users should always choose Public network.
Windows will now try to connect the computer to the network. This process is fully automated
Step 16. Browse desktop
After the last load screen is displayed, the new Windows Vista desktop will appear. The installation is now complete. Read on to learn how to keep your computer updated and protected.
Part 3 of 3: Finishing the Installation
Step 1. Activate Windows Vista
Before you can fully use Windows, you must activate it. Activation can be done automatically via the internet. Click the Activation icon in the System Tray to start this process.
Step 2. Run Windows Update
If you prefer not to automatically upgrade, run Windows Update as soon as possible. This is to ensure that you have the latest security and stability fixes. If you choose to automatically upgrade, the computer will start downloading and installing the update as soon as it connects to the internet.
Step 3. Check the device and driver
Most hardware should be installed automatically, but you can get drivers for more specialized devices, or download the latest version from the manufacturer. You can see what the driver needs from the Device Manager.
Step 4. Install Antivirus
Although Microsoft provides a free antivirus solution called Microsoft Essentials, it is not a strong virus deterrent against viruses. On the other hand, installing a third-party antivirus program will help protect your computer and information. You can find both free and paid antivirus software.
Step 5. Install all programs
Once Windows is updated and protected, you can start installing the necessary programs. Keep in mind that not all programs you use in previous versions of Windows will be compatible with Windows Vista.
Tips
To activate your copy of Windows Vista immediately after installation, your internet connection must be active and properly configured. If you are not already connected to the Internet, you can activate it later, or use the toll-free number shown in the wizard to contact Microsoft and register by phone. If you don't activate your copy, Windows expires in 30 days and locks you out of Vista until you register or reinstall it
Warning
- Before installing Windows Vista, make sure your computer meets the minimum requirements. You can run a test program that will scan your computer before installing Windows Vista, so you can see if your PC is capable of running Windows Vista.
- If your computer is already running a version newer than Windows Vista, do not try to install Windows Vista, as this may render your computer inoperable. Startup files will not recognize older files. For example, installing Windows Vista on a Windows 8 computer will render the computer inoperable.
