How to “clean install” when all you have is an upgrade copy of Windows Vista

Microsoft have made it difficult for users to "clean install" (that is, install the operating system on a computer that doesn't have a previous copy of Windows) Vista if you've bought an upgrade version of the operating system. Difficult, but not impossible, although it is a major hassle.

* 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 which you bought (don't think that 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.
* Now continue with the installation. You now have a working installation of Windows Vista.

I told you it was a major hassle.

iTunes 7.0.2 and Windows Vista - There could be problems

Tunes 7.0.2 may work with Windows Vista on many typical PCs. Apple recommends, however, that customers wait to upgrade Windows until after the next release of iTunes which will be available in the next few weeks. This document will be updated as more information becomes available.

Some currently known compatibility issues with iTunes 7.0.2 and earlier versions include:

* iTunes Store purchases may not play when upgrading to Windows Vista from Windows 2000 or XP.
* iPod models with the "Enable Disk Use" option turned off may be unable to update or restore iPod software, and make changes to iPod settings.
* iPod models configured to Auto Sync and have the "Enable Disk Use" option turned off may require being ejected and reconnected to resync.
* Ejecting an iPod from the Windows System Tray using the "Safely Remove Hardware" feature may corrupt your iPod. To always safely eject an iPod, choose Eject iPod from the Controls menu within iTunes.
* Cover Flow animation may be slower than expected.
* Contacts and calendars will not sync with iPod.

Here's the upgrade process that Apple recommends:

1. Deauthorize all iTunes Store accounts External Link.
2. Enable Disk Use External Link on all iPod models.
3. Uninstall iTunes External Link.
4. Perform a clean install of Windows Vista (Highly recommended but not required).
5. Reinstall the latest version of iTunes External Link.
6. Open iTunes.
7. Choose Authorize Computer from the Store menu in iTunes.

If you're still having problems:

Customers who have upgraded to Windows Vista and are still experiencing issues playing iTunes Store purchases should download and run the iTunes Repair Tool for Vista after re-installing iTunes 7.0.2. Click here External Link for more information about this tool.