Clean install is easy. Backup everything that you need. ex. documents, pictures, video's etc... put them on another pc, or another hard drive separate from the one that contains windows. Then pop the dvd in, boot to it. go through the setup process but when it asks if u want to upgrade or custom install. go to custom install. from there what i usually do is go to drive options, then format the drive that contained windows vista. then click next and it will do a fresh install to that. I just read the last part of that about creating a partition. That's allitle more complicated. I ususally have bad luck with partitions on drives so i try to stay away from them. lol.