An ISO Image is a file that contains all the contents precisely duplicated from a disc. It’s like a package that contains all the material required to build something. The file itself is not of much use unless it is unpacked, assembled and installed properly.
You may want to install Windows Vista from a USB, for this purpose you will need a Windows Vista ISO image.
Install Windows Vista Using an ISO Image
We will take you to step by step on how to install Windows Vista on your personal computer using an ISO Image or ISO file.
What you will need to install Windows Vista on your PC
You require:
- A USB drive (minimum of 4GBs)
- An ISO image of the Windows version
- Software needed to write the ISO image to the USB drive (Microsoft Download Tool)
Note: Make sure the USB drive that you’re using contains no files already otherwise it will lose all the data during the process. It will automatically be formatted. You can use Rufus to create bootable USB device.
Create the Windows Vista Bootable USB drive from ISO File
- Root for Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool and Run the program
- In the SOURCE FILE box, type the name and path of your Windows ISO file, or click BROWSE and select the file from the OPEN dialog box. Click NEXT.
- Select USB DEVICE to create a copy on a USB flash drive
- To copy the file to a USB flash drive, select your USB device in the drop-down list and click BEGIN COPYING.
When your Windows ISO file is copied to your drive, install Windows by moving to the root folder of your USB Drive and then double-click Setup.exe.
Install Windows Vista from USB Drive
Now we’re going to explain step by step how to use this flash drive to install Windows Vista on your computer.
Step 1: Boot your system with a USB drive that has Windows Vista files in it.
Plugin the USB device in the right port and boot your computer system. You’ll see the message like “Press any key to boot from external device….” Press a key to force the computer to boot from the Windows Vista USB storage device. If you do not press a key, your computer will attempt to boot to the next device in the boot order, which is probably your hard drive. If this happens, chances are your current operating system will boot.
Step 2: Wait for the Windows files to load
Step 3: Choose Language and other preferences
Step 4: Click on Install Now Button
Step 5: You do not need to enter a license key if you don’t want to. Click on “Automatically activate Windows when I’m online” box checked. This will cause Windows to activate itself once you install Windows Vista and are online. Keep in mind that if you do not choose to activate your copy, you will receive no support from Microsoft. Click on NEXT
Step 6: Click on No for confirmation of not entering the Product key.
Step 7: If you did not enter the license key in the previous steps, you will be asked to enter the copy of Windows Vista that you are installing.
Note that you need to select the correct version here. If you do not, it warns that you may need to purchase the version you select or re-install a different version. Once you have your version selected, check the checkbox at the bottom, and click NEXT
Step 8: Next is the License Agreement box, check the checkbox that says “I accept the license terms” and click NEXT.
Step 9: Choose the Custom (advanced) option
Step 10: Choose where you want to install your Windows.
Step 11: Sit back and relax while the computer installs the files from the USB drive to your computer.
Your computer will boot several times while installing windows. When the installation will be completed you will be asked some questions like your name and you’ll be good to use newly Installed Windows Vista on your personal computer.
You may also want to install Windows 7: How to Clean Install Windows 7 Using an ISO image