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

Resolved Question

windows reinstall discs

by Apr 27, 2014 7:44AM PDT

Hey all

I am fairly tech savvy, but I need help with finding OS discs or how to use an ISO downloaded copy. I have a licence key for windows vista home premium as it came with my laptop but it's old and I can't find the reinstall media. Microsoft charges 50$ for a replacement copy which is absurd in my opinion. I was wondering if anyone has any advice on how to burn and use an ISO or some other way I can reformat my machine.

cheers!!

Discussion is locked

darcithomson has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer
12 Posts
- Collapse + Expand Details

Best Answer

- Collapse -
Re: iso
by Forum moderator Apr 27, 2014 7:49AM PDT

You burn to iso to a DVD and boot from it.

I use imgburn (free download) to do that burning, but any burning program (like Nero or cdburnerxp) that has the option to burn an image (which is NOT the same as burning a file) would do.

Note that that disk probably only installs Windows. You'll need to install all other things (like drivers) yourself from other sources.

Kees

- Collapse -
awesome!
by darcithomson Apr 27, 2014 12:50PM PDT

I think I may have been burning it wrong, it wouldn't boot from the disc. I felt like a noob asking but I have always had the install media but lost it. thanks!!

- Collapse -
Answer
OEM issues will come into play here.
by Apr 27, 2014 7:49AM PDT

No machine mentioned but try the makers for restore media.

Dafydd.

- Collapse -
Answer
While the license key is there, rarely usable.
by Forum moderator Apr 27, 2014 7:55AM PDT

For example, I could hand you a real Windows DVD and you would repeat the past as the key fails. The key is not for just any Windows ISO you can find. Is this a Dell? What is it? Some have downloads on Digital River but details about the machine are missing.
Bob

- Collapse -
Just in case it's a Dell Vista you need.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Apr 27, 2014 8:02AM PDT
- Collapse -
in the past...
by darcithomson Apr 27, 2014 12:52PM PDT

I used a dell disc to reinstall vista home and then entered the key manually as this is an acer and that worked.

- Collapse -
Answer
Details are slim here
by Apr 27, 2014 8:04AM PDT

For someone being tech savvy, you lack burning an .ISO file if you have one???

Of course, if you get some .ISO off the web that suggests you pay for that service or if freebie, then i thought the legitimacy of the source, if not MS supported. You can check the eBay and Craigslist listing for Vista full/OEM versions and pricing but they're available. Does your PC have a "recovery partition" to access the process. Also, if you have a working PC, does the OEM provide a "recovery/restore" creation process to generate discs? Also, if OEM support have you asked them is they have Vista discs in their wares?

Checkout: http://www.restoredisks.com as a vendor source

tada -----Willy Happy

- Collapse -
I understand your scepticism
by darcithomson Apr 27, 2014 12:46PM PDT

I tried in the past to burn as a data disc within explorer and the laptop wouldn't boot from the disc. I have always had the media in the past but they were all lost in a move. along with a bunch of clothes. woe is me.

- Collapse -
Answer
Ususally best to backup your 'can't afford to lose data'
by Apr 27, 2014 8:22AM PDT

before doing such a reinstall.

Like others have indicated, you can usually arrange to acquire 'Installation Discs' from your laptop mfg' . They're almost always offered at time of purchase but most avoid spending the extra $20. Sometime you can find them on eBay also.

VAPCMD

- Collapse -
it's way out of warranty
by darcithomson Apr 27, 2014 12:44PM PDT

they want 50$. I won't ever buy Acer - this one was given to me. I had the discs from Dell who did provide them at no charge as an exception (I have a crapbox dell too but not with me) but lost the discs in a move.

- Collapse -
Answer
There isn't a recovery partition on the laptop...
by Apr 27, 2014 10:05AM PDT

...from which you can reinstall the OS and all other software back to a like new state? Most PC's of that era had such a partition.

- Collapse -
once upon a time....
by darcithomson Apr 27, 2014 12:42PM PDT

there would have been but this would be the second time I have nuked and paved this machine. It's a crappy machine but I used it as a media station and I would like to make every effort I can at salvaging it before I send it to the big Best Buy in the sky.

Back to Computer Help forum

CNET Forums

Operating Systems
Software
Electronics & Gadgets
Hardware
Tablets & Mobile Devices
General Help
Brand Forums
Roadshow Autos
Off Topic

Other Forums

Forum Info