Microsoft has made it difficult for users to “clean install” Windows Vista (that is, install the operating system on a computer that doesn’t have a previous copy of Windows) if you’ve bought an upgrade version of the operating system.
Doing this is difficult, but not impossible, although it is a major hassle. Here’s how:
- Insert the Windows Vista upgrade DVD in the drive and boot up off it.
- Click on “Install Now.” This will begin the installation process.
- Now for the main trick: Don’t enter your Windows Vista product key.
- When asked, select the version of Windows Vista you bought (don’t think you can trick the system--you can’t).
- Continue with the installation normally.
- When the installation has finished, access the DVD through Windows Explorer and re-run the setup process and carry out another installation.
- When prompted, enter your product key.
The information in this tip originally appeared in the Windows Vista Basics online class discussion.