How to do a clean install of vista without cd

If you are installing an operating system for the first time on this hard drive, then there will be no partitions to delete. If your hard drive has multiple partitions, be sure to delete the correct one. Any data on a deleted partition is lost for good. Confirm the deletion process. Select the Unallocated Space and click Next.

There is no need to create a partition before you install Windows Vista, this is done automatically. Wait while Windows installs files. The percentage next to Expanding Windows files will steadily increase. This part of the process can take up to 30 minutes. Windows will automatically restart your computer when finished.

Setup will launch again, and a message will tell you that Setup is updating registry settings. This happens every time you start Windows, but will happen in the background next time. A window will open letting you know that Windows is completing the installation.

Your computer will restart again when this is complete. Setup will now load drivers and check video settings. This part does not require any input from you.

Enter your username and computer name. Your username will be used to log in to the computer and personalize your account. Your computer name is the name that your computer will display on the network. You can add more users later through the Windows Vista Control Panel. Windows will ask you for a password. This is optional but highly recommended, especially if the computer will be accessible by users other than yourself.

Select a Windows Update option. To make sure that your copy of Windows runs securely and stably, it is highly recommended that you choose one of the first two options. The first option will install all updates automatically; the second option will prompt you when important updates are available.

Select the date and time. These should be correct already as they are linked to your BIOS, but you can change them now if they are not. Check the box if your area observes Daylight Savings.

Select your network preferences. If your computer is connected to a network, you will be given an option to identify that network. Most users will select Home or Work network. If your computer is being used in a public place, select Public network. Mobile broadband users should always select Public network. Windows will now attempt to connect your computer to the network.

This process is completely automated. Explore your desktop. After one final loading screen, your new Windows Vista desktop will appear. Installation is now complete. Read on to get your computer updated and protected. Part 3. Activate Windows Vista. Before you can use Windows to its fullest, you will need to activate it.

Activation can be done automatically over the internet. Click the Activation icon in the System Tray to start the process. Run Windows Update. If you selected not to update automatically, you should run Windows Update as soon as possible. This will ensure that you have the latest security and stability fixes. Yes No. Sorry this didn't help. Thanks for your feedback. I need to format my laptop which has windows vista. My windows is original so i have an original product key. Can i download an original copy of windows and insert my product key??

However, they do provide options for recovery with manufacturer-specific tools. There are also ways to access manufacturer-specific restore options by hitting the following shortcuts during the boot screen:.

There is also another option for Dell Studio Vista users. The process involves using the Dell Factory Image Restore option. Why use this method? Plus, it requires fewer steps. One problem that might come up is if a user has forgotten the password. Since System Restore and other methods through Safe Mode require the administrator password, users will need that.

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Boot up the PC. Step 6. Click "Next". How to transfer Windows 10 to new hard drive without reinstalling? Hot Products. Hot Articles. Editors' Pick. All rights reserved.