XpWindowsVista

Although this has been a question since birth of windows we explain what the major differences are between the two. When upgrading Windows you must already have a different version of Windows installed on your system and you wish to keep your files, already installed programs and settings. This is one of the easier ways of installing operation system but I always choose not to go down this path. Full (clean) installation will replace your current operating system or use this option if you have no operating system.

To upgrade to Windows Vista - follow these steps
1. Insert the Windows installation disc into your computer's DVD or CD drive
2. If your computer's Autorun feature is not enabled you might have to navigate to your computer's DVD/CD drive and double clicking the drive. One of the options you will see it “Check compatibility online.” You should use this feature and check if your computer can run Windows Vista.
3. Once you are sure that your system has passed system check go back to install page and click "Install now".
4. Make sure that your computer is connected to the internet as the installation will check for latest update updates to ensure a successful installation and to help protect your computer against security threats.
5. Type in your product key for activation page.
6. Read the license terms and if you accept click I accept the license terms.
7. On the "Which type of installation do you want?" page, click Upgrade.
8. Everything from now on is a simple step by step instructions. Read everything carefully and continue to follow the instructions.

Full installation of a new copy of Windows Vista
When installing a new copy of Windows please be aware that your existing version of Windows and all your files, settings, programs, pictures, music, email and everything else that you have on your computer will be deleted. Make sure that you have backed up everything before proceeding with this option as you will not be able to recover lost files.
1. Insert the Windows installation disc into your computer's DVD or CD drive. If your autorun feature is enabled lose the installation window.
2. Reboot your computer.
3. You must enter your BIOS settings and look for something that is called "Boot order" and make sure that your DVD or CD drive is the first drive to be checked during the start up. Save your settings in BIOS and exit.
4. Watch your computer booting and watch the line "Press any key to boot from CD...". you only have few seconds to do this so make sure you don't miss it and press any key while the message is displayed. If you missed this section and your computer has already started in your previous version of windows you must restart your computer again.
5 . One of the options you will see it “Check compatibility online.” You should use this feature and check if your computer can run Windows Vista (this is same as in Upgrade option)
6. Make sure that you are connected to the internet as the installation will check for latest update updates to ensure a successful installation and to help protect your computer against security threats. (this is same as in Upgrade option)
7. On the Install Windows page, follow instructions and then click "Install now"
8. Type in your 25-character product key on the product key for activation page.
9. Read the license and if you accept click "I accept the license terms"
10. On the "Which type of installation do you want" page select "Custom"
11. "Where do you want to install Windows" page is one of the most difficult parts of the installation (that's if you don't know much about partitions and how your drive is divided). In this part you get to decide whether you wish to use same partition for windows as you used on your last installation, you can also create new partitions in this section. When finished select the partition for installation and click "Continue"
12. You're done. Follow the instructions to finish your installation.