The Windows Vista installation process is designed to be as simple as possible. The chances for installation errors are greatly minimized through the use of wizards and the step-by-step process. However, it is possible that errors may occur.
There are three types of installation problems are as followes:

• Identifying and resolving common installation problems.

• Installing nonsupported hard drives.

• Troubleshooting installation errors using installation log files.

Identifying and resolving common installation problems
Media errors : Media errors are caused by defective or damaged CDs or DVDs. To check the disc, put it into another computer and see if you can read it. Also check your disc for scratches or dirt—it may just need to be cleaned.

Insufficient disk space : Windows Vista needs at least 15GB of free space for the installation program to run properly. If the Setup program cannot verify that this space exists, the program will not let you continue.

Not enough memory : Make sure that your computer has the minimum amount of memory required by Windows Vista (512MB). Having insufficient memory may cause the installation to fail or blue-screen errors to occur after installation.

Not enough processing power : Make sure that your computer has the minimum processing power required by Windows Vista (800MHz). Having insufficient processing power may cause the installation to fail or blue-screen errors to occur after installation.

Hardware that is not on the HCL : If your hardware is not listed on the HCL, Windows Vista may not recognize the hardware or the device may not work properly.

Hardware with no driver support : Windows Vista will not recognize hardware without driver support.

Hardware that is not configured : If your hardware is Plug and Play–compatible, properly Windows should configure it automatically. If our hardware is not Plug and Play–compatible, you will need to manually configure the hardware per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Incorrect product key : Without a valid product key, the installation will not go past the roduct Key screen. Make sure that you have not typed in an incorrect key (check your Windows Vista installation folder or your computer case for this key).

Failure to access TCP/IP network : If you install Windows Vista with Resources typical settings, the computer is configured as a DHCP client. If there is no DHCP server to provide IP configuration information, the client will still generate an auto configured IP address but be unable to access network resources through TCP/IP if the other network clients are using DHCP addresses.

Installing Nonsupported Hard Drives
If your computer is using a hard disk that does not have a driver included on the Windows Vista media, you will receive an error message stating that the hard drive cannot be found. You should verify that the hard drive is properly connected and functional. You will need to obtain a disk driver from the manufacturer for Windows Vista and then specify the driver location by selecting the Load Driver option during partition selection.


Dealing with Incompatible Software Applications
You may have legacy applications that will not run under Windows Vista. Microsoft provides a Program Compatibility Wizard to help address this issue. You should not use this wizard if the application makes kernel-level calls or if the application is Windows Vista–compatible. To use the wizard, perform the following steps:


1. > All Programs > Accessories > Program Compatibility Wizard.

2. You will see a caution statement that this wizard should not be used for older virus detection, backup, or system programs. Click the Next button.

3. Locate the program that requires the compatibility settings. Choose from the options that appear on your screen, and click the Next button:

• Select from a list of programs (Windows Vista will detect all currently installed programs and provide you with a list).

• Use the program in the CD-ROM drive.

• Locate the program manually.

4. The next option allows you to select the compatibility for the application. Choose from the options that appear on your screen and click the Next button:

• Microsoft Windows 95

• Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 (Service Pack 5)

• Microsoft Windows 98/Windows Me

• Microsoft Windows 2000

• Microsoft Windows XP (Service Pack 2)

• Do not apply a compatibility mode

5. The next option allows you to configure the display settings for the program. Choose from the options that appear on your screen, and click the Next button:

• 256 Colors

• 640X480 Screen Resolution

• Disable Visual Themes

• Disable Desktop Composition

• Disable Display Scaling on High DPI Settings


Troubleshooting with Installation Log Files
When you install Windows Vista, the Setup program creates several log files. You can view these logs to check for any problems during the installation process. Two log files are particularly useful for troubleshooting:

• The action log includes all of the actions that were performed during the setup process and a description of each action. These actions are listed in chronological order. The action log is stored as \Windows\setupact.log.

• The error log includes any errors that occurred during the installation. For each error, there is a description and an indication of the severity of the error. This error log is stored as \Windows\setuperr.log.