How to Install Windows From Scratch
- 1). Back up any files that you want to save from your current installation, since installing Windows from scratch can completely overwrite existing files. You can do this using an external hard drive, a secondary internal hard drive or by copying the files to a flash drive or DVD.
- 2). Place your Windows installation disc into your CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive. While this can be done during the boot-up phase of your computer, you will generally have to restart the computer in order to boot the CD or DVD; it's much easier to place it into the drive before rebooting your computer in the first place. Once the CD or DVD is in the drive, shut down and restart your computer.
- 3). When the computer starts up, you will see the BIOS screen; you will see options including "Setup" and "Boot Menu." Press the appropriate function key (generally F10) to access the boot menu, then select the CD or DVD drive that your Windows disc is in. This will cause the computer to boot up the Windows installation process instead of loading your existing operating system.
- 4). Following the on-screen directions, make your selections as to the install directory and any other configuration options for your new Windows installation. Make sure that you select a full installation instead of an upgrade, since this will cause the installation process to completely overwrite the existing installation instead of just modifying it. You should also input your valid Microsoft Windows product key when prompted. Much of the installation process will be automated, though you will be required to input information at a few points of the installation.
- 5). The computer will automatically reboot one or two times during the installation process in order to properly configure the new Windows installation. The final portion of the install process will let you set up the administrator's user account, which you will be able to use to log in to Windows once the installation has finished.
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