Clean installation of Windows Vista

Windows Vista from an earlier version of Microsoft Windows or you can perform a "clean installation" of Windows Vista. When you perform a clean installation, files that were part of the previous installation are deleted before you install Windows Vista.
Before you get started
Before you begin to install Windows Vista, make sure that you have everything that you need for the installation. Make sure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements to install and run Windows Vista. Also, determine whether you must perform an upgrade or a clean installation of Windows Vista. Use the information in this section to help you make these
Internet Connection
Make sure that you can connect to the Internet.
System requirements
The following list describes the recommended minimum hardware requirements for basic functionality of the different editions of Windows Vista. Actual hardware requirements vary, depending on system configuration and on the programs and the features that you install. If you install Windows Vista over a network, additional hard disk space may be required.

Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Business, Windows Vista Enterprise, and Windows Vista Ultimate
1-gigahertz (GHz) 32-bit (x86) processor or 1-GHz 64-bit (x64) processor
1 GB of system memory
Windows Aero-capable graphics card
128 MB of graphics memory (minimum)
40-GB hard disk that has 15 GB of free hard disk space (the 15GB of free space provides room for temporary file storage during the install or upgrade.)
Internal or external DVD drive
Internet access capability
Audio output capability
Perform a clean installation of Windows Vista by starting the computer from the Windows Vista DVD
Note The computer must be configured to start from the DVD drive. For information about how to configure the computer to start from the DVD drive, see the documentation that is included with the computer. Or, contact the computer manufacturer.

To perform a clean installation of Windows Vista by starting the computer from the Windows Vista DVD, follow these steps:
1. Start the computer.
2. Insert the Windows Vista DVD into the DVD drive and then close the drive tray.
3. Restart the computer.
4. When you receive the "Press any key to boot from CD" message, press a key.
5. Follow the instructions to install Windows Vista.
If Windows Vista is now running on your computer, you have completed the installation successfully.