Quick Vista and OS question...
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_____ like a rabbit
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Edgewater, Chicago, IL
Quick Vista and OS question...
my computer just crapped out on me and i cant find the restore CD. Is it possible to use the upgrade version of vista to reinstall the OS or do i need to buy the full version? thanks 
Go Giants
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: PA
Originally Posted by stangg172004
^was that a haha tease or is there an elaboration coming? 
Thread Starter
_____ like a rabbit
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,594
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From: Edgewater, Chicago, IL
a small detail, my computers OS is completely gone to shit. It says something to the effect of "Windows cannot load. Missing necessary file C:/windows/system32/system" thats not verbatim but it was something like that. Would i still be able to boot using the Vista upgrade CD? and how about if its student licensed version? I can get a copy for $99 through my university...
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Go Giants
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 70,003
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From: PA
Originally Posted by stangg172004
a small detail, my computers OS is completely gone to shit. It says something to the effect of "Windows cannot load. Missing necessary file C:/windows/system32/system" thats not verbatim but it was something like that. Would i still be able to boot using the Vista upgrade CD? and how about if its student licensed version? I can get a copy for $99 through my university...
Put the CD in and boot...
Thread Starter
_____ like a rabbit
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,594
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From: Edgewater, Chicago, IL
CD is MIA per my original post 
thought if im going to pay Dell to get another recovery CD, i might as well just go all out and get vista already. Ive been reading the links you posted and it seems like you can upgrade on a blank HD, does that mean i can install on a HD w/ a corrupted OS on it?
thought if im going to pay Dell to get another recovery CD, i might as well just go all out and get vista already. Ive been reading the links you posted and it seems like you can upgrade on a blank HD, does that mean i can install on a HD w/ a corrupted OS on it?
Big Block go VROOOM!
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Chicago Burbs
FYI - I think the Vista upgrade CD is still going to ask you to insert a valid XP CD to verify you're eligible for upgrading. In theory pointing the Vista upgrade at the corrupted XP OS that's on your drive might work, but leaving that corrupted OS there and running the Vista upgrade on the same drive doesn't really sound like a good idea to me. 
Big Block go VROOOM!
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Chicago Burbs
If what I posted is correct (don't put too much faith in my memory), then you're in a catch-22. You'd ideally want to reformat the drive to get a cleaner Vista install off of the Vista upgrade CD, but the Vista upgrade CD may in turn ask you for a copy of XP to verify your upgrade eligibility. In that case you're SOL because you've now formatted your drive and don't have an XP CD.
In case you're wondering, Microsoft's boilerplate answer for this situation would probably be for you to purchase your Vista upgrade from your computer manufacturer.
In case you're wondering, Microsoft's boilerplate answer for this situation would probably be for you to purchase your Vista upgrade from your computer manufacturer.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Long Island, NY
There is a way to do it
http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=5932
Microsoft internal documentation reveals workaround for Vista Upgrade DVDs with no need for a previous version of Windows
DailyTech reported on Monday that Microsoft no longer performs disc checks during an operating system install. In the past, when performing a clean install, a user could boot from an install CD and insert a disc from a previous version of Windows for upgrade compliance.
However, per Microsoft's new licensing requirements for Vista, users are required to install a Windows Vista Upgrade from within Windows XP. When this occurs, the Windows XP license is forfeited and the Windows Vista installation process can take place.
DailyTech has confirmed a new workaround proposed by Paul Thurrott (via Microsoft internal documents).
This workaround allows users to perform a “clean install.” The process is a bit tedious, but is not hard at all to complete. Users have to perform these simple steps to perform a clean install of Vista without a previous version of Windows installed with an upgrade DVD:
1. Boot from the Windows Vista Upgrade DVD and start the setup program.
2. When prompted to enter your product key, DO NOT enter it. Click "Next" and proceed with setup. This will install Windows Vista as a 30-day trial.
3. When prompted, select the edition of Vista which you have purchased and continue with setup.
4. Once setup has been completed and you have been brought to the desktop for the first time, run the install program from within Windows Vista.
5. This time, type in your product key when prompted.
6. When asked whether to perform an Upgrade or Custom (advanced) install, choose Custom (advanced) to perform a clean install of Vista. Yes, this means that you will have to install Vista for a second time.
7. Once setup has completed for the second time, you should be able to activate Windows Vista normally. You can also delete the Windows.old directory which contains information from the first Vista install.
There's no telling why Microsoft left this loophole wide open with Windows Vista Upgrade DVDs, but this means that any retail upgrade DVD can be used as a fully functioning full retail copy of Vista.
DailyTech reported on Monday that Microsoft no longer performs disc checks during an operating system install. In the past, when performing a clean install, a user could boot from an install CD and insert a disc from a previous version of Windows for upgrade compliance.
However, per Microsoft's new licensing requirements for Vista, users are required to install a Windows Vista Upgrade from within Windows XP. When this occurs, the Windows XP license is forfeited and the Windows Vista installation process can take place.
DailyTech has confirmed a new workaround proposed by Paul Thurrott (via Microsoft internal documents).
This workaround allows users to perform a “clean install.” The process is a bit tedious, but is not hard at all to complete. Users have to perform these simple steps to perform a clean install of Vista without a previous version of Windows installed with an upgrade DVD:
1. Boot from the Windows Vista Upgrade DVD and start the setup program.
2. When prompted to enter your product key, DO NOT enter it. Click "Next" and proceed with setup. This will install Windows Vista as a 30-day trial.
3. When prompted, select the edition of Vista which you have purchased and continue with setup.
4. Once setup has been completed and you have been brought to the desktop for the first time, run the install program from within Windows Vista.
5. This time, type in your product key when prompted.
6. When asked whether to perform an Upgrade or Custom (advanced) install, choose Custom (advanced) to perform a clean install of Vista. Yes, this means that you will have to install Vista for a second time.
7. Once setup has completed for the second time, you should be able to activate Windows Vista normally. You can also delete the Windows.old directory which contains information from the first Vista install.
There's no telling why Microsoft left this loophole wide open with Windows Vista Upgrade DVDs, but this means that any retail upgrade DVD can be used as a fully functioning full retail copy of Vista.
Thread Starter
_____ like a rabbit
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,594
Likes: 12
From: Edgewater, Chicago, IL
update for those who care, i got it to work using the link beelzebub and whiskers provided. No problems so far but i wish it came with plugins like flash, shockwave, java, adobe reader etc etc. Its amazing how useless the internet is with out them but its a quick 20 minute fix. My only gripe is that it is impossible to use or install any questionably attained software; had to buy office 07 
Anyways, thanks for help gents!
Anyways, thanks for help gents!
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