Welcome to Microsoft's Windows Vista Beta Install guide step by step on a used hard drive. This will give you an idea on how to do this when and if the time arises for you to either reinstall the operating system, install for the first time or upgrade your present operating system. This install guide is fully graphical and will take you through each step of the installation. 

What you will require to do this walkthrough is 

1. A Windows Vista CD or DVD

2. A Computer with CD-ROM or DVD-ROM access

3. Bios set to boot of the CD/DVD-ROM drive.

To start this Windows install insert the first CD or the DVD into the drive and start or restart your computer

Remember to backup all important information before performing this task.

 

 

As there is still an operating system on the drive, the following menu will appear. Press any key to boot off the CD/DVD.

Windows will now load files, this may take some time so be patient.

Next the windows vista load screen (Codenamed Longhorn)

 

The installation will begin.

You will now be informed of how easy it is to install Windows, click next to continue.

Now on your CD/DVD, your Windows manual or on your computer will be the Windows product key, find it and input it into the box below "Product Key". Now select or deselect the "Automatic Activation" check box. Click next to continue.

Now the license agreement will appear, read and if you agree with the terms click next.

Now select "Custom". (You may only upgrade if you started install in Windows.)

 

....and select format to clear the drive.

You will be warned that this will permanently delete the contents of the hard drive, click next to continue.

The partition should already be selected, if not select it and click "Next" to continue

 

Now you may get network name for your Vista install, input the name you wish in the box and click next.

Now Windows will install, this may take some time so be patient.

Once installed you will get the login screen. Log in..

and welcome to Windows Vista.

 THE END