install vista

Hi. I have a computer that belongs to my friend. For a reason unknown to me, it will start botting up and then change to the "blue screen of death" aroudn the time the login screen should show up. I told my firend I would re-install Vista from a flash drive I had. I cannot seem to be able to access the file from the boot menu or anything else. Tips please? All is appreciated.

Hi kouu tori,

We can try few troubleshooting steps. Try to go in safe mode and check if you are able to login in safe mode.

If yes, please if you can get us the mini-dump information; Please use the following link for detailed instructions: http://www.vistax64.com/crashes-debugging/282419-blue-screen-death-bsod-posting-instructions.html

If no, run the built-in diagnostics provided by the manufacturer on the computer to check if the hardware is working fine.

Please post back with the results.

Ok. I attempted the System Recovery options and none of them worked. In Safe Mode, the computer does not make it to the BSOD; however, it only manages to load three files before the list stops and refuses to continue. It is a Toshiba Satellite, if that helps anything.

If we know the make and model of your friend's computer, we may know how to get the boot menu up, so you can select the flash drive as the boot device.

Toshiba Satillite A305-S6858

I don't have a toshiba - think it may be F12 at post to get the boot menu selection.

You need to plug the flash in, start the machine, keep tapping F12 tiil the boot selection menu appears.

I expect it supports booting from usb.

Ok. I have a question though. Do I need to install Vista to the flashdrive, or just have all the system files on the drive?

You need to make a bootable installation flash.

I assume you already have the vista installation .iso file?

If so, easiest is to use the free ( unregistered ) poweriso to create a bootable flash: http://www.poweriso.net/PowerISO5.exe

How to Setup Windows 7 from USB drive?

It is exactly the same for Vista

I am tryign that now and, so far, seems to actually be making progress. I'm making my USB a bootable drive right now, and I will get back to you. Thank you for all your help so far, I really appreciate it.

Missing a part of the Vista file, but I can handle that. Looks like I can make it work from here, thanks guys! I'll be sure to come right back for any more problems. Thanks again!

Missing part of the Vista File?

That doesn't sound good.

You may need to get/make a fresh .iso



Illustrative Guide to Create Bootable ISO Image from Vista .WIN Image Files « My Digital Life