Need instructions for total reinstall of Windows Vista
June 12, 2010 12:52 PM Subscribe
Need instructions for total reinstall of Windows Vista
Where can a newb find instructions for a complete reinstall of Windows Vista? My computer is custom built, so I don't have a restore CD from a manufacturer. Any other words of advice are more than welcome.
Where can a newb find instructions for a complete reinstall of Windows Vista? My computer is custom built, so I don't have a restore CD from a manufacturer. Any other words of advice are more than welcome.
Seconding the comment about getting Windows 7.
If I remember correctly, you need a full install DVD, not an upgrade disc. Boot the computer from it, and go through the install process, making sure you tell it to format the existing hard disk partitions. Shouldn't be that difficult.
posted by spitefulcrow at 1:00 PM on June 12, 2010
If I remember correctly, you need a full install DVD, not an upgrade disc. Boot the computer from it, and go through the install process, making sure you tell it to format the existing hard disk partitions. Shouldn't be that difficult.
posted by spitefulcrow at 1:00 PM on June 12, 2010
Response by poster: @ griphus: I've contemplated that! But I would first have to acquire the $.
posted by keith0718 at 1:00 PM on June 12, 2010
posted by keith0718 at 1:00 PM on June 12, 2010
You can find the product key of your installation using various free programs. There is a list at http://pcsupport.about.com/od/productkeysactivation/tp/topkeyfinder.htm
posted by needs more cowbell at 1:11 PM on June 12, 2010
posted by needs more cowbell at 1:11 PM on June 12, 2010
Best answer: For Vista: open My Computer, click on the "System Properties" button, your product key is right at the bottom. Then you just need an installation disc, which is usually easy to get (borrow a friend's).
The real trick is actually backing up your data effectively, I always miss something.
posted by anaelith at 1:58 PM on June 12, 2010
The real trick is actually backing up your data effectively, I always miss something.
posted by anaelith at 1:58 PM on June 12, 2010
Response by poster: I have a Vista CD. My understanding is that this is different than a manufacturer (e.g. Dell) restore CD.
posted by keith0718 at 2:09 PM on June 12, 2010
posted by keith0718 at 2:09 PM on June 12, 2010
Best answer: It is very easy, get the product key (as already answered), and load the disc. If you want to do a new install and erase the previous one, boot from the disc. It is easy. The hard part is getting all the drivers for your hardware. If you don't care about the data, just trash it. I have done this a number of times on a bunch of computers. Never had a problem. Microsoft has a guide.
As for getting Windows 7, meh, I am probably one of the few people who didn't find Vista problematic (I just configured it to my liking). FWIW, I am primary a Mac person, but I have (and use daily) a few machines running Vista and Windows 7.
posted by fifilaru at 2:15 PM on June 12, 2010
As for getting Windows 7, meh, I am probably one of the few people who didn't find Vista problematic (I just configured it to my liking). FWIW, I am primary a Mac person, but I have (and use daily) a few machines running Vista and Windows 7.
posted by fifilaru at 2:15 PM on June 12, 2010
For drivers download a free app called "double driver". It'll back up all your existing drivers into a folder.
Copy it somewhere else off your computer, reinstall and then point windows at that folder every time it needs a driver.
Way way quicker than hunting for install cd's.
posted by mr_silver at 5:18 PM on June 12, 2010 [3 favorites]
Copy it somewhere else off your computer, reinstall and then point windows at that folder every time it needs a driver.
Way way quicker than hunting for install cd's.
posted by mr_silver at 5:18 PM on June 12, 2010 [3 favorites]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by griphus at 12:58 PM on June 12, 2010