In order to help you can you please tell me some more info as to why you cannot install vista. Like your system specs. etc.
as soon as you post more info i will help you!!
![]() | Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years. Thanks, CNET Support |
Discussion is locked
In order to help you can you please tell me some more info as to why you cannot install vista. Like your system specs. etc.
as soon as you post more info i will help you!!
Ok. First thank you to anyone who puts in the time to read this.
I just bought the Windows Vista Home Premium edition upgrade package at best buy earlier today and i'm having a problem installing it.
PROBLEM: the DVD-ROM/Installation won't start up on my computer. It goes onto loading my original XP software automatically as if the disk isn't even in the cd drive.
Now, I've tried changing the boot process order and i've tried loading the disk while i was on my desktop but nothing had worked. I cleaned the disk too with a cloth and still, nothing, zip, nada. I'm hoping theres some sort of solution to getting the disk to begin working.
I know it's a valid disk because i just bought it from best buy. I think the problem is that my computer drive isn't reading the disk when i insert it. Any solutions???
any type of feedback would be sooo greatly appreciated. thanks to all (especially if you read till now)
Sincercely, Seth
from rhode island, USA
The base question is whether it is a problem with the DVD or a problem with your optical drive. First, verify that you have a DVD-ROM drive and not just a CD-ROM drive...the latter cannot read a disc meant for the former.
With that established, boot to Windows XP, insert the Vista DVD, open My Computer, and see if the icon of the drive changes or remains the same. Try double-clicking on it and tell us exactly what, if anything, happens.
After that has been jotted down, remove the Vista DVD and try inserting any other DVD (not CD) you may have and see if your computer is capable of accessing it.
If you can access other DVDs but not the Vista one, I would return it to Best Buy as being defective. They can't refund your money, but they can exchange the DVD for another. If other DVDs fail, though, I would bet that either it is just a CD-ROM drive or it is a DVD-ROM drive that is going bad.
Let us know what comes of it...you may get lucky and it turns out to be a missing driver or a loose cable, but post an update so we know what path to go down.
John
Well, I tried putting the DVD-ROM disc into the drive and then clicked on my computer but nothing showed up. The more and more i clicked on the CD drive icon, it just kept popping up: "Insert CD into drive."
I'm having a feeling that my drive is in fact a CD-ROM drive and cannot read DVD-ROM's. My computer is a bit old....approx. 5/6 years old and I'm guessing that back then DVD-ROM drives weren't as prominent as they are now.
So, I guess my question now would be, is there any way I might be able to get a CD-ROM version of the installation disk without having to pay for a completely different disk. Or is there any way to get a DVD-ROM driver (adaptor of some sort) to read the files.
Again, thank you very much for your help.
Seth
The laser on a CD-ROM is actually incapable of reading a DVD due to its operation on a different frequency, so it's not possible to resolve the problem by installing special software/driver/adapter. That leaves you with a couple of options:
1.) Purchase a DVD-ROM drive for under $30 and replace your current CD-ROM drive with it. This perhaps the cheapest and fastest resolution to the problem.
2.) Call Microsoft and see if you can order a set of Vista CDs for just the cost of S&H. They do have CD versions for those without DVD-ROM drives, so it's just a matter of getting someone to help you out. You would still use the product key that came with the DVD you purchased at Best Buy.
3.) Take the DVD, along with your computer, to Best Buy and have them install Vista for you. They charge an am and a leg for such installations, though, unless they are running a promotion for those who purchase Vista there.
Good luck.
John
P.S. At 5-6 years old, are you sure that your computer is capable of running Windows Vista reasonably well? I suspect you'll need to have your RAM upgraded to avoid 'jerky' performance, and unless you install a new graphics card you will not be able to take advantage of the new graphical interface (including Aero). If you know any of the specs, or the model number, post them here if you would like some feedback on that.
Ok, well I think that unfortunely I'm going to buy and set up an external DVD-ROM driver and then install Vista from that driver instead of my cd-rom. I tried calling Best Buy to see if they could do anything for me and unfortunely the product cannot be returned as you said.
However, thank you very much for your help. It's greatly appreciated.
Seth
Given the age of your computer, it may not be able to boot from an external drive. Off hand I can't remember if the upgrade installation DVD for Vista must boot from the DVD or if it boots from the extracted files and then accesses the DVD again so I'm not sure if it poses a problem or not, but it's something to be aware of. If it does fail, you'll need to exchange the external drive for an internal one.
Good luck.
John
The first thing we need to know your computer is compatible with Windows Vista or not. Can you give more details about your computer speed, memory... or you can post the model number of your computer.
Don't buy internal or external DVD ROM before you know your computer is compatible with Windows Vista.
Good Luck