What is the correct procedure in installing Vista 64?

zabverz

New Member
Hi, I'm looking to reformat my hard drive, and need some help. My knowledge of computers is very basic at best, so please bear with me. When I first installed Vista, I came across continuous problems. It's been so long, so I cannot remember what exactly the problems were (something along the lines of getting stuck during Windows updating I believe). Eventually I had help from a fellow online who gave me a specific procedure in installing Vista, something like 1) install Vista from CD, 2) download a service pack onto a USB port and update your computer from that 3) turn off automatic update, etc etc. Being foolish, I did not save the step by step procedure, and now am in need of it again.

As far as I remember, after I installed Vista from the CD, I believe I was told to download Service Pack 1? It's still on my USB drive, called kb936330. So I would install SP1 as my second step, then after that I don't remember. I just want to know if my steps so far sound correct, and where to after that. I was told to turn automatic update off, as that was a source of my problem (it was downloading an update that was known to cause many problems with installing vista).

So basically, what is the correct procedure in installing Vista? Any help would be appreciated. I hope I've listed off as much info that is needed, if not please let me know.
 

My Computer

Hi, I'm looking to reformat my hard drive, and need some help. My knowledge of computers is very basic at best, so please bear with me. When I first installed Vista, I came across continuous problems. It's been so long, so I cannot remember what exactly the problems were (something along the lines of getting stuck during Windows updating I believe). Eventually I had help from a fellow online who gave me a specific procedure in installing Vista, something like 1) install Vista from CD, 2) download a service pack onto a USB port and update your computer from that 3) turn off automatic update, etc etc. Being foolish, I did not save the step by step procedure, and now am in need of it again.

As far as I remember, after I installed Vista from the CD, I believe I was told to download Service Pack 1? It's still on my USB drive, called kb936330. So I would install SP1 as my second step, then after that I don't remember. I just want to know if my steps so far sound correct, and where to after that. I was told to turn automatic update off, as that was a source of my problem (it was downloading an update that was known to cause many problems with installing vista).

So basically, what is the correct procedure in installing Vista? Any help would be appreciated. I hope I've listed off as much info that is needed, if not please let me know.
Hi zabverz, welcome to the forum.

Have a look here it will show you how to make a slipstream DVD which in turn will make installing so much easier as you then only have to insert the disc and start the install also once made it is always handy should you need to install again;http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/151606-vista-sp1-slipstream-installation-dvd.html
I hope this helps

Pooch
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Self build
    CPU
    Phenom II x4 Black Edition 940-Arctic-Cooling Freezer Xtreme
    Motherboard
    Asus M3A32-MVP Deluxe
    Memory
    8 gig Samsung PC800 RAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVidia 9600gt
    Sound Card
    AD1988b
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" TFT-MONITOR WIDESCREEN mit VGA/DVI 17" Video7 TFT
    Screen Resolution
    1680 : 1050 1280 : 1024
    Hard Drives
    Drive #1 - SAMSUNG HD252HJ (250 GB)
    Drive #2 - Hitachi HDT721010SLA360 (1000 GB)
    Drive #3 - SAMSUNG HD250HJ (250 GB)
    Drive #4 - SAMSUNG HD103UJ (1000 GB) External eSATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake Toughpower Cable Management 750W
    Case
    Enermax Chakra
    Cooling
    2x 120mm Front and Back 1x 250mm Side
    Keyboard
    Standard
    Mouse
    Easy Line Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    16000
    Other Info
    I have also used Fedora, Suse, Ubuntu Linux
    And all other Windows from 95 to date except ME
This is the way I would do it.
note-there are prerequisites that must be installed in some cases BEFORE SP1 is installed.

the following will also provide you with a SP1 set of recovery disks for simplified reinstallation of Vista in future

steps
insert dvd, restart
at prompt, hit any key to boot from disk
follow prompts to install
If you have sata drives that need installation, click 3rd party driver, and load either from usb or insert disk with the driver on it, and navigate to stoarge controller driver
at partitions screen DELETE all partitions, install Vista into unpartitioned space

after vista is installed-
Vista will install most drivers (go to windows update)
keep going back untill no updates are available for your system
then load sound driver/video driver (and any other driver/software packages not installed (i.e., tv tuner card, video camera driver/software, ATI catalyst driver/software, realtek sound cards need the audio manager HD codecs, etc)

load programs
(including Office/dvd playback/adobe/messengers)
then go back to Windows Update, and keep going back untill no more updates are availalbe for your system

Create sp1 recovery disk
then image your drive with:Drive Backup Express - Free Download!

perform weekly data file backups with Vista file backup utility (type backup in start search bar)
 

My Computer

System One

  • CPU
    T7600G Core2Duo 2.66 Ghz
    Motherboard
    Intel 945PM + ICH7 Chipset
    Memory
    4GB DDR2 PC2-5300 667MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Mobility Radeon x1900 256MB
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    WUXGA 17"
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1200
    Hard Drives
    640GB 7200RPM SATA/RAID 0 (2x320GB)
    and 320GB 7200RPM External
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft 3000
    Internet Speed
    10 mbps/2 mbps
    Other Info
    Optical Drive:
    Panasonic UJ-220 DL BD-RE (Blu-Ray)
Thanks for the quick responses guys. I'm going to try my hand at making a slipstream DVD. I'll get back to you guys once I see how that goes.

Edit: Well, it seems like I misread the directions. I didn't know I had to make the dvd on a machine already running 64bit Vista. I don't have access to my machine to do that right now, so that will have to wait til after I reformat. So I guess it's on to plan B then. I'll try your method Rive and see how I make out, and keep you guys updated.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

Well I've got Vista up and running. My method of installation:

Install vista, install SP1, and then I went ahead and followed Rive's advice. I believe this is how I was originally told to go about it. I'll go about making a slipstream now, will come in handy in the future. Thanks again for the help guys!
 

My Computer

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