How to Install Vista on SATA For Compaq Laptops

The major backbone of any computing system is its operating system, and keeping your software up to date can be even more important at times than upgrading your hardware. Windows Vista is Microsoft's latest public retail operating system. While installing an entire operating system may seem like a monumental task, Microsoft Vista makes it a fast and painless process that any laptop owner can accomplish with nothing more than a little bit of time.

Step 1 Ensure your laptop's BIOS is set to boot from the disc drive before the hard drive.

Step 2 Insert your Windows Vista installation disc into your laptop's disc drive and restart the laptop.

Step 3 When prompted on your screen, press any key to enter the Windows Vista installation.

Step 4 After setup loads you will be prompted to choose your language, time, and keyboard layout style from 3 pull down list boxes. Make the proper selections for your region and press the "Next" button.

Step 5 Click the "Install Now" button in the middle of your screen to begin the installation process.

Step 6 Enter your Microsoft Vista serial key and click "Next" to proceed.

Step 7 Read the license agreement carefully and toggle the "I accept the license terms" radio button before clicking "Next" to continue.

Step 8 Select the "Custom Installation" button to proceed to the next stage of installation.

Step 9 Select the drive you wish to install Windows Vista on by clicking it in the selection box displayed and proceed by clicking "Next."

Step 10 Installation will begin at this point and a display of the installation's current progress and the task being performed will be visible. This step can take up to an hour to complete, depending on your system specifications. You will not be required to interact with the setup until it restarts your laptop.

Step 11 Restarting your laptop automatically, Windows will load for the first time and continue the installation process. Do not press any keys to boot from the installation disc when prompted, as the rest of the installation process is run from your internal hard drive. Your laptop will restart automatically several times during this process.

Step 12 Enter your desired user name and password then select a user icon from those offered at the bottom of the screen before clicking "Next."

Step 13 Select the manner in which you would like "Windows Update" to handle downloading and installing updates for your operating system. The "Use Recommended Settings" button is a highly advised choice as it will keep your system up to date without any user interaction.

Step 14 Choose your desired time zone and set the date and time appropriately for your region before clicking the "Next" button.

Step 15 Click the "Start" button at the bottom right of the window when a "Thank You" screen is displayed.

Step 16 A performance assessment of your laptop will be carried out by Windows to adjust visual effects and system features to best suit your hardware needs.

Step 17 Enter your password at the log-in prompt, following the performance assessment, to log into your Vista desktop.

Step 18 Application of features and settings for your laptop will begin as your desktop is loaded for the first time.