Hi Brink. I've followed everything here but when I double click on the recdisk.exe shortcut nothing opens or happens. Any idea where I've gone wrong? Thanks Kevin

Hi Kev,

Have you got the vista installation dvd?

Hiya Shawn,

That isn't actually a winpe disc. It is Linux.

http://neosmart.net/blog/2012/introducing-windows-recovery-essentials/

Mahmoud made it. It can still do startup repair, and I suggested he include restoring from the shadow copies - so he found a way to replace the registry hives from a shadow copy using Linux.

Now I remember he said he would let me have a copy. I might get around to asking him for one.

Originally Posted by Brink

Hello Mike, and welcome to Vista Forums.

Sorry, but a Vista Recovery Disc can only be created on another same 32-bit or 64-bit Vista unless you wanted to purchase one.

However, does she have a retail installation disc? If so, that can be used instead.

If it's a factory OEM Vista that came preinstalled on the computer, then you could also possibly do a factory restore to fix it if she has backups of her files and doesn't mind starting from scratch again. If that is an option, then please post back with the brand and model # of her computer, and I'll be happy to see if I can find instructions for how to do a factory restore.

@kevin,

I am working on a way to create one on your own Hard drive. I have made one already -I just need to knock up a little program so others can use it to make their own.

It will mean downloading a small part of WAIK from microsoft - only about 140mb - the program will do that for you.

Hi SIW2, Ah! No I don't have a recovery disk. Damn! I thought the recovery disk part is after I double click on recdisk.exe though? Should a windo not open after I double click anyway? That's great that you're working on a way to create one. Any idea when you'd have it ready? I may be able to get hold of one too. I'll ask around.
K

Kevin, The problem with Vista recdisc (even if you mange to get ot working ) is it will just ask you to put the installation dvd in the drive.

It makes the recovery disc from the files on the installation dvd.

If you don't have an installetion dvd - you cannot use recdisc to make a recovery.

That is why I am doing it a different way.

I have it working fine.

My method does need a small download from microsoft - about 130 mb for 32 bit users and about 150mb for 64 bit users.

The program will do that for you - the great thing is you do not need to download the whole of MS WAIK - just a little bit of it.

Just FYI.

MS have a distributor called Digital river. Hundreds of thousands of people download from there - for example, the windows 7 iso's are available for direct download for those who don't have them. Vista is also there, but unfortunately, only the SP1 version - it is possible to use that to make your own Vista installation media, but it needs sp2 integrating and hundreds of updates since then.

MS do not mind - probably because they know they do not contain any activation cracks, and you must have a valid product key (license key ) to use them .

MS also provide a very large download called WAIK (Windows Automated Installation Kit ). Anybody can download that and make all kinds of things with it . The problem with WAIK is a) it is HUGE b) You need to use MS command line tools - which they provide.That is far too difficult for most people.

Originally Posted by Brink

Kev,

Did you use the 32-bit download in the STEP ONE section?

Yes Brink. I used the 32-bit download in step one.

Originally Posted by SIW2

Kevin, The problem with Vista recdisc (even if you mange to get ot working ) is it will just ask you to put the installation dvd in the drive.

It makes the recovery disc from the files on the installation dvd.

If you don't have an installetion dvd - you cannot use recdisc to make a recovery.

That is why I am doing it a different way.

I have it working fine.

My method does need a small download from microsoft - about 130 mb for 32 bit users and about 150mb for 64 bit users.

The program will do that for you - the great thing is you do not need to download the whole of MS WAIK - just a little bit of it.

SWI2, are you saying that you're doing it differently from what's on this tutorial? Is that the program you mentioned that you're working on?