Vista - Repair Install For Vista

While it was trying to finish up after entering the time, etc, I noticed an error that stated that the Windows installation was not valid. I was using a Vista Upgrade disk that I had. I wonder if that was the problem....?

From there, I decided to do a complete install, while keeping the original Windows install and user files. I don't keep much on my laptop, because I use a massive external drive, but I did want my emails. So, I copied the user files off the hard disk to save the appdata to an external drive that I have kicking around. I just did a complete restore back to day one with the Toshiba disks. Once I reinstall the few apps that should be there, I'll restore my email data and with a little bit o' luck, I should be on my way. Ugly stuff...

Thanks!

Your welcome Mike. Thank you for posting back your results. I hope the rest goes smoothly for you.

Shawn

I have a question about this procedure; It seems to me that essentially, this is using the update system to update to the same version. My question is this: If I buy an upgrade (for instance, a vista Ultimate upgrade disk), will running that do the same thing as a repair install? Ie, cleaning out my drivers?

Basically, I need to repair my usb printing support but I don't have a disk to run a repair install from (vista was preinstalled on my system). Will buying an Ultimate upgrade disk allow me to do this?

Hi Lordpenguin,

I'm not certain if it will work on your currently installed Vista or not since you have a OEM version of it.

If all you want to do is clear the installed drivers, then have you already tried uninstalling them first to see if that helped. Afterwards, you can try newer drivers or reinstall the others again to see if works.

Uninstall Device and Device Driver

Hope this helps some,
Shawn

It isn't the actual printer driver I have a problem with, just the windows "USB printing Support" driver. Can I reinstall this on its own?

I do not know how with that driver. I suppose you can give the upgrade install a try with the new Vista upgrade DVD and see if it will work. If not do a clean install with it and you will be able to next time if needed.

Clean Install From Upgrade Vista

You might post about the "USB printing Support" driver in the Drivers forum to see another member may know how to though.

I already did, but thanks for your help. I'm going to see if I can get a cheap Ultimate update and have a go; like you said, I can always do a clean install if the problem isn't resolved.

OK, I hope it goes smoothly for you.

Hi,

I tried to use repair install of my vista OS but it says "You can only do a Upgrade install if the currently installed Vista is the same or older version than what is on the Vista installation DVD." I have installed vista using Vista SP1 Slipstream Installation DVD. I tried to uninstall SP1 but there is no option like uninstall SP1 in installed updates section. Now, how can I solve this problem? Or there is no way to use repair install in this case?

Hello Hasan,

The problem has been caused by your currently installed Vista having one or more Windows Updates installed that has triggered it to be newer than even the Vista SP1 Slipstream Installation DVD. I'm afraid that in this case you will not be able to do a repair install.

Have you already tried using a System Restore using a restore point dated before the problem that you may be having?

Shawn