Press the <F12> key on Dell Logo and then in the One Time Boot Menu Select CD/DVD drive.
Boot from the Windows Vista CD
To begin the Windows Vista clean install process, you will need to boot from the Windows Vista CD. Watch for a Press any key to boot from CD... message similar to the one shown in the screenshot.
Step 2: Windows will load files, this may take some time so be patient.
Step 3: The Windows 7 install will begin to load.
Step 4: Some of these stages can take quite sometimes so be patient. Now select your install Language, plus keyboard type, once you are happy with the settings, Click on "NEXT" to continue.
Step 5: From the next screen click on "Install Now" to continue. Windows will begin to carry out some processes.
Step 6: Setup will begin...
This is were "Part1" of the install officially starts.. You will now see the bar pictured below at the bottom of the screen. It has no relevance to "Time" in general. It moves fast sometimes, slow other times, If you insist on watching it then don't be worried if it stays in any particular spot for long periods of time.
Step 7: Now the "License agreement"...... read them click on "I accept the License terms", then click "Next" to continue.
Step 8: Now the "Type of installation". Click on "Custom (Advanced) to continue..
Step 9: Hard drive setup comes next. Click next for "Automatic Harddrive setup using full capacity", otherwise click on "Drive Options" to configure the drive yourself.
Step 10: Drive Options Menu: Now click on "New"
Step 11: Drive Options Menu: Select the size you want the partition to be (Or manually type it in, in the box). Then click "Apply" to continue.
NOTE: Remember Windows 7 needs 16GB of space to operate in.
Step 12: Drive Options Menu: Windows warns that it may need to create a few partitions for the system, Click "OK" to continue.
Step 13: Drive Options Menu: Setting the drive up may take a few moments.
Step 10: Drive Options Menu: The partitions are now setup, select the partition that says "Primary" underneath "Type" and click on "Format" to finalize the hard drives setup.
NOTE: There are now two partitions, Windows 7 created the first "Disk 0 Partition 1" by itself for Windows files. "Disk 0 Partition 2" is the one you wanted to configure, and its the only one you should format, and any others you setup after this stage of course.
You will be warned about the format, all data will be lost that's on this drive, click "OK" to continue.
Step 11: Now the "Where do you want Windows to go question" select the drive you created ("Disk 0 Partition 2" in my case), the same drive that you formated in the previous step....
Step 12: Once selected click "Next" to begin the install of Windows 7.
Step 13: Windows will now begin copying files
Step 14: Once done it will begin expanding the "Quite quickly copied files" and expand....
Step 14: After the files are "Expanded", now for installing features, this bit is quite quick....
Step 15: Windows will to check for Updates and try install them. If no updates downloaded, it moves on...
Step 16: A restart, wait 10 seconds or like me click "Restart" to reclaim these precious moments back....
Step 17: The computer will restart and post again. Now "Press any key" boot menu. Do not do this as it will only start the install from the beginning again. Wait the 10 seconds that it appears on screen and resist the temptation...
Step 18: Windows 7 is now "Starting Windows".....
Step 19: and now Windows sets up the Registry
Step 20: Now another screen appears, setup is "Starting Windows 7's" services....
Step 21: Setup now completes the installation....
Step 22: and once again a "Restart" is needed....
Step 23: Same as above, do not press a key as installation will begin again, requiring you to reboot to get back to this screen.
Step 24: "Windows is starting" again......
Step 25: Setup now prepares the system for "First use"....
Step 26: The first time it starts the Account and computer name is required....Fill these in and click next to continue....
Step 27: Next the all important password setting screen, leave bank and click next to continue without one, otherwise........fill in the password box, retype to confirm, and leave yourself a hint in case it become forgotten. Click "Next to continue.
Step 28: You will now need your Windows "Product Key". This will be on the disk packaging provided with your CD's/DVD's, or from Microsoft's website just before downloading. The product key will be 25 digits long and will contain letters and numbers. Input key (Dashes will be added automatically), "Automatically activate Windows when online" option is selected by default, deselect if you wish, and then click next to continue.
NOTE: OEM Installation disks do not require the Product Key
Step 29: Now the built in Windows protection modes. We would recommend the top option "Use Recommended settings", this will enable updates to be downloaded and installed, click on your selection too continue.
Step 30: Now you must review your time and date settings. Change your time zone to your present location. If all is OK or once done then click on "Next" to continue...
Step 31: Now your Network configuration, if you want to setup the new "homegroup" network system for easy to configure, password protected configuration, then use this option.
If you want a standard network setup then use "Work Network", allowing you to browse and see other computers
Anywhere that's public, that would be a risk to your files and security, select "Public Network"
Step 32: Windows 7 setup will now connect to your network , and setup required settings, depending on your choice in the previous memory....
Step 33: The "Homegroup" option in "Home networking" allows you to select what you want to share, and also provides a password, for others to access. Note this password down as its needed for others to get access to your network.
Users of Media center, Vista Premium (And above), and XBOX 360 will be familiar with this type of setup. You can of course skip this now and setup later, or make selections, note password and press "Next" to continue.
Step 34: Windows 7 will now finalize your settings.
Step 35: Windows Welcomes you..
Step 36: Prepare the desktop..
Step 38: Windows desktop will update...Browser customisations will install.....
Step 39: ......and finally you are there. Windows 7 installed without hitch, any updates will now install. Remember though on next reboot you will be prompted for a password (If you setup one), so don't forget it as I successfully managed to do...
