How-toWindowsWindows Vista

Windows Vista: how to install it from a DVD

Reinstall Windows Vista from your own DVD, with a Custom (advanced) install, then check it worked and what to do if Setup stalls.

  • Updated
  • 45 min
  • Intermediate
Applies to
  • Windows Vista

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Reinstalling Windows Vista from a DVD? Here is a clean install for a reader with a legitimate copy, with the Setup screens in order and the choices that matter.

Windows Vista no longer gets security updates

Microsoft ended support for Windows Vista on April 11, 2017. Microsoft says an unsupported version is at greater risk from viruses and malware. A new install gives you no protection from newer threats, so keep the computer offline where you can and avoid banking or email on it. Plan to move to a supported system, such as ChromeOS Flex on an old PC.

The stages of a clean Vista install5 numbered steps, one under the other. The full text follows the picture.The stages of a clean Vistainstall1Back upCopy your files to anotherdrive2Start from DVDBoot from the Vista disc andselect Install now3Custom installChoose Custom (advanced)and a drive4WaitSetup copies files and restartsseveral times5Set upCreate your account andchoose settings
Allow about an hour. Back up before anything else.
Text version of this diagram
  1. Back up: Copy your files to another drive
  2. Start from DVD: Boot from the Vista disc and select Install now
  3. Custom install: Choose Custom (advanced) and a drive
  4. Wait: Setup copies files and restarts several times
  5. Set up: Create your account and choose settings

What you need

Microsoft's two Windows Vista hardware levels
ItemVista CapableVista Premium Ready
Processor800 MHz1 GHz
Memory512 MB1 GB
GraphicsDirectX 9 capableSupports the Aero look, 128 MB graphics memory

These figures are the ones Microsoft published in 2006. Vista runs slowly with only 512 MB. You also need:

  • Your own Windows Vista DVD and product key, matching the edition on the key's sticker (Home Basic, Home Premium, Business or Ultimate). Use only media and a key you obtained legally. An upgrade disc may not accept a clean install on a blank drive.
  • Service Pack 2 media if you have it. Service Pack 1 must be installed before Service Pack 2.
  • Drivers for your hardware from the maker's website, saved to a USB drive or disc. Vista Setup can load storage drivers from a disc or USB drive.

Windows Vista needs activation (registration with Microsoft) after installing. Whether Microsoft's activation still works is not something this guide can confirm. Never use a "key generator" or activation tool.

Back up before you format

A clean install can erase the drive you choose, with every file on it. Copy what you need to another drive first. See how to back up your files. If you are not sure the backup is complete, do not continue.

Start Setup

  1. Switch the computer on and put the Vista DVD in the drive. Restart.
  2. If asked to press a key to boot from the DVD, press any key. If it starts Windows as usual, the BIOS boot order needs to put the DVD drive first. Check your computer maker's instructions before changing anything there.
  3. Wait while Setup loads. Choose your language, time and keyboard if they are wrong, then select Next.
  4. Select Install now.
  5. Enter the product key. If you leave it blank, Setup asks which edition you own; choose the one your key is for.
  6. Read the license terms, tick the box to accept, then select Next.

Choose where to install

  1. When asked for the installation type, select Custom (advanced). The Upgrade choice is unavailable on a drive with no earlier Windows.
  2. On Where do you want to install Windows?, select the drive or partition. If the list is empty, choose Load Driver and point Setup to the storage driver from the maker.
  3. To erase the partition first, select Drive options (advanced), then Format. This deletes everything on it.
  4. Select Next. Setup copies files and restarts automatically, several times. Do not press a key at the DVD prompt after the first restart.

Finish the setup screens

  1. Enter a user name and password, and choose a picture.
  2. Accept or change the computer name.
  3. Choose a protection setting. Windows Update for Vista no longer works normally, so this choice changes little now.
  4. Choose your time zone and check the date and time.
  5. Choose the computer's location. Home or Work suits a private network; Public location is safer anywhere else.

When the desktop appears, Setup is finished.

Check that it worked

  1. Select Start then Control Panel then System and Maintenance then System. It shows the edition, service pack, and whether Windows is activated.
  2. Open Device Manager from the task list on the left. A yellow mark beside a device means its driver is missing. See how to install software and drivers in Windows Vista.

Updates

Windows Update for Vista no longer works normally. Install Service Pack 1 and then Service Pack 2 from your own media if you have them, and do not use unofficial update packs.

If something goes wrong

Setup will not start or finishA top-to-bottom flow chart with 6 boxes. Work through them in order and stop when the problem is fixed. The full text follows the picture.Setup will not start or finishNoNo1Check the DVD is cleanand in the drive2Does Setup load?Yes: Continue the install3Check the boot order inthe BIOS screen4Does Setup load now?Yes: Continue the install5Use Load Driver if nodrive is listedCheck the maker's page foryour model.
Work from the top. Stop when Setup runs.
Text version of this diagram
  1. Step 1: Check the DVD is clean and in the drive
  2. Question 2: Does Setup load? If yes: Continue the install. If no, go on to the next item.
  3. Step 3: Check the boot order in the BIOS screen
  4. Question 4: Does Setup load now? If yes: Continue the install. If no, go on to the next item.
  5. Step 5: Use Load Driver if no drive is listed
  6. If nothing worked: Check the maker's page for your model.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep my files and settings?

Not with a clean install, which erases the drive you format. Running Setup from inside a working copy of Windows offers Upgrade, which is a different process. Back up either way.

Should I use the 32-bit or 64-bit version?

The 64-bit version can use more memory but needs 64-bit drivers for every device. Use the version that matches your disc and the drivers you can get.

Is it safe to go online afterward?

No more than any unsupported system. Keep it offline where you can.

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