"JerryF" <youare@xxxxxx> wrote in message
news:MPG.24e8ade9e6abfd1198976b@xxxxxx
> My daughter's ASUS Vista Home Premium (64 bit) laptop
> has the dreaded empty list in "Turn Windows options on
> or off". I have tried everything to fix it including:
>
> -running SFC /scannow
>
> -setting an earlier restore point (unfortunatley the
> oldest is 5 days, as Windows Update keeps creating
> restore points when before it fails to install updates)
>
> -running KB931712 standalone
>
> -remove the reg key HKLM\COMPONENTS /v StoreDirty (not
> present)
>
> I suspect the problem was caused by a faulty download of
> .netframework 3.5 sp1. The system problem is also
> preventing the computer from upgrading to Vista SP2. The
> word is that if nothing works to fix this problem an
> Upgrade/Repair is necessary.
>
> ASUS unfortunately only supplies a Recovery Disk which
> overwrites everything (not the ideal option for her)
>
> Is it possible to do a repair/upgrade with a retail copy
> of Vista Premium? If so when I enter the Product Key
> number I would like to use the product key for the ASUS
> laptop, not my Vista Premium Retail. Is this possible?
>
> The Vista Premium is without SP1 or SP2 is it possible
> to slipstream up to SP2?
>
> Thanks Yes, you can do an upgrade installation (Vista's equivalent to XP's repair
install) with a retail dvd and yes you can use the product key on the
sticker (side or bottom of the computer) rather than the one in the retail
box. The service pack level of the Windows installed on her computer cannot
be lower than the sp level of the dvd, however.
I take it that your daughter's system shiped at SP1 so you need the retail
dvd to be at sp 1 as well. A Vista gold dvd would not work.
Also, you can upgrade to SP2 by starting the computer in safe mode and then
installing the standalone sp so you might want to try that as a last resort
before doing a restore to factory condition.
I have not kept up with the state of the art regarding "slipstreaming", but
another poster will undoubtedly clear that one up.