How to Wipe a Hard Drive Reinstall Windows Vista

1. Archive important files and applications. Wiping your hard drive and reinstalling Windows Vista will delete all information on your hard drive. If there are any files or applications you need to make backup copies of, do it before proceeding. You can make backups by burning files to an optical disc (CD or DVD) or by copying them to an external hard drive.
2. Insert the Windows Vista installation disk. Power on your computer and insert the Windows Vista installation CD or DVD.
3. Select Install Now. When the Windows Vista installer opens, choose Install Now. If you have a Internet connection while doing the installation, Vista will ask if you want to download security updates to protect your Vista computer from malicious activity on the Internet.
4. Type your product key. On the next page, type the 25-character Windows Vista product key that came in the box of your Windows Vista CD or DVD. If you do not have the product key handy, you can input it later, once you have booted into Vista.
5. Accept the Microsoft license terms. To continue with the installer, you must accept the Microsoft license agreement. If you do not agree to the terms, the installer will close.
6. Start a custom installation. When prompted to choose an installation type, select 'Custom.' This will let you choose the partition to which you want to install Vista.
7. Select the destination drive. Choose the partition on which your faulty installation of Windows Vista resides. Select Next to begin the installation process. Depending on the status of your installation, you may be asked several questions as the installer proceeds.
8. Restart and log in. When the installer is finished, your computer will restart and launch Windows Vista. You will be required to create a new administrator account before logging in to the reinstalled operating system for the first time.