System Recovery Fails

HP Pavilion a6400f
Windows Vista SP1

"Windows Setup could not configure Windows to run on this computers hardware".

PC had Windows Update problems and was never upgraded to SP2.
Windows Updates didn't work and the Stand-alone SP1 also didn't work.
Told the owner I'd have to do a complete System Recovery, Install/Repair wouldn't work.
Recovery discs were made but lost.
Recovery Partition still good.
Was able to backup all the data using Safe Mode.

The recovery completes and then the above message appears.

I can move it forward a little by doing the following:

At the first error hit SHIFT F10
Type -
Cd..
Cd..
Cd c:\windows\system32\oobe
Msoobe

After the first time, it moved me to the User Name Logon before it happened again.

Now I can get to the "Thank you"
"Start"

When I click "Start", there's a long, like loading, delay, "....checking your computer's performance"

Then the same message appears "Windows Setup.......Hardware"
in a "Install Windows" message box.

I have a full Vista Ultimate DVD if I could use that.
BTW, owner's one of my kid's teachers so this is like a favor.

You could follow this tutorial to create a DVD or flash drive with the right version/bitness of Vista then use it to install with.

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/301852-vista-iso-download-create-installation-dvd-usb.html

Thanks, neighbor. (I'm down US1 on the Treasure Coast)(Hutchinson Island)

Had everything OK as far as your excellent tutorial went until the final setting up when the same screen appeared.
Used a Vista Ultimate OEM I had and managed to get it installed.
Now fighting the SP1 install battle but I'll get it.
Glad someone is still around when we get a Vista problem.
Thanks again.

Pete

That download includes SP1, you need SP2 then all the updates.

OK, square 1. The OEM that I had didn't work. Remind me why I didn't like working on Vista.
I've created the iso but it won't boot.
Is there something that needs to be done with the
install.wim 3.3GB
boot.wim
I've got them downloaded
The only file I put into the iso creator was the X14-63452.exe

Did you follow the directions in the tutorial I gave you the link to? It has all the steps needed in there.

Download files
Run wbicreatore to gen the iso
Run imgburn to create a DVD ot Universal USB Installer to create a install flash drive.