Performing an Update Vista Installation

by Scott Nugati.
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Here's how you upgrade your existing version of Windows to full Vista status. (If you prefer to perform a clean install, skip these instructions.)

  1. Start your computer. Insert the Windows Vista DVD into the drive.

    The Setup program generally opens automatically. If it doesn't, open My Computer, double-click the DVD-ROM icon, and double-click the Setup.exe program in the DVD's root folder.


  2. Click Install Now.

    The "Get important updates for installation" screen appears. Clearly, Microsoft thinks it's a good idea to download any software updates that have appeared since you bought your copy of Vista.

  3. Click "Go online to get the latest updates for installation."

    The installer searches the Web for updates and then downloads them for you. Then the "Type your product key" screen presents itself.

  4. Type in your 25-character Vista serial number (product key).

    The product key comes in the Vista box or on the DVD case.

    If you turn on "Automatically activate Windows when I'm online," Vista will try to activate itself after three days.

    Note: If you leave the product key blank, you'll be offered the chance to enter it after Vista's installed. If you do leave it blank, you'll see a screen where you have to choose the version of Vista you purchased. If you don't pick the right one, your product key won't work with it, and you'll have to perform a clean install at some point.

  5. Click Next.

    A screen full of legalese appears.

  6. Review the work of Microsoft's lawyers, and then click "I accept the license terms." Click Next.

    Now you're asked to choose between an upgrade and clean install.

  7. Click Upgrade.

    Now the installer checks to see if any of your PC's components are incompatible with Vista. If so, the Compatibility Report screen appears. There's not much you can do about it at this point, of course, other than to make a note of it and vow to investigate Vista-compatible updates later.

  8. Click Next.

    The installation program begins copying files and restarting the computer several times.

    Unfortunately, this part can take a lot longer than 15 minutes.

After the final restart, you're almost there. Before you can log in for the first time, you're asked to choose how to configure Vista's protection features. Select "Use recommended settings." After that, you're asked to confirm your date and time settings, and then tell Vista whether your network is at home, work, or a public location.

Finally, Vista pops up a polite screen that says "Thank you". Click Start to begin your Vista experience.

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