The Microsoft Windows Vista operating system has a new setup method, which makes it more user friendly. The following guide provides steps to install Windows Vista on your PC. 

Minimum System Requirements

Download Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor

Backup all your critical data

Setting up Vista

1. Minimum System Requirements:

Before you start, ensure your PC meets the Minimum System Requirements recommended by Microsoft to run Windows Vista.

2. Download Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor:

Download a small program called Windows Vista upgrade Advisor.  This tool ensures there is no problem on your computer and can run Vista.

If this tool points out any hardware or software issues, you need to fix those before installing Vista.

3. Backup Critical Data on your PC:

Ensure you have a complete backup of all critical data and applications on an external hard drive or DVD/CD.  You can reinstall them after your Windows Vista is up and running.

4. Set up Vista:

When you are ready to install Windows Vista, just insert the Vista installation DVD into your computer's DVD drive and restart your PC.

Ensure you have set your PC's boot order in such a way that it starts booting up from the DVD disc.

Windows Vista will start loading its files.

Choose the appropriate language settings when prompted and click Next.

Click on Install Now.

When prompted for a product key, key in the product key which will be on the DVD case you got with the Vista installation DVD.

Accept the license terms on the subsequent screen.  (If you decline the terms, the Vista installation would stop and exit).

Now, you will have two options to choose on the next screen:

Upgrade Install: If you are installing Vista on an existing OS (Windows XP) then you can upgrade install.  This will actually retain all the user settings and programs in place.

Clean Install: Clean installation is recommended as it is faster and would avoid conflicts creeping up from old applications and drivers.

On the next screen you will choose the hard disk or partition on which you want to install Vista.

If you want to adjust your disk partitions, click on Drive Options Advanced and choose to delete, format or change the disk partition.

After you are done with the changes, Click Next to begin installation.

Vista will copy the files and will restart your PC several times in this process.

When Vista boots for the first time, follow the instructions to choose a user name and password. (This step is Mandatory).

You need to enter the primary user name and password 

You will need to name your PC for the network to recognize it

And choose automatic updates for Vista.

Next, select the location.  This is a critical part of the setup.  If you are unsure of which option to choose, select Public Location. (This option is best for laptops as you are on the move).

When you click Next, Vista will check for system's performance, this might take a bit on older PC's.

Now, login into Vista using the password you created earlier.

You can start customizing Vista desktop and other settings.

Use Windows Easy Transfer tool to import files and settings from another windows PC.

When you are done with all these steps, you are ready to enjoy the new version of Windows OS.