Can't Open Files I've Downloaded

[karen45]

I don't have a Vista install DVD, but I made a set of restore disks when I first got the computer. Is that the same thing?

 

[richc46]

Im thinking that you are referring to dot number 4. The OEM Disc. If correct you made it to restore the entire Drive. It is a complete install. You would be like the day that you made the image. Cant do repair with that.
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/88236-repair-install-vista.html

 

[karen45]

When I first got the computer, I was advised to make a set of restore disks. There are 12 of them in all. I didn't receive a Vista O/S disk with the computer.

 

[karen45]

When I first got the computer, I was advised to make a set of restore disks. There are 12 of them in all. I didn't receive a Vista O/S disk with the computer.

 

[richc46]

What I am saying with those discs you can reinstall the OS, but not reapair. It will be like new, but you will lose everything; mail, pics, doucments, programs. It cannot be used to make a repair install. It is not like the reinstall DVD that you would have if you bought the OS and put it on the computer yourself. It is bascially just an image.

 

[karen45]

Ugh..... Okay, I understand now. Vista came installed on the PC, so there was no DVD with the O/S on it. So, I'm sunk.... I have to use the restore disks and just bring it back to factory defaults, rather than just reinstall the O/S and not lose all my programs and data in the process. Right?

 

[richc46]

Yes if you reinstall you will lose everything, but you can back up your stuff now. You can still do that?
It seems like a problem that we should be able to fix, however
Go to search, type -eventviewer- and look for critical errors.

 

[karen45]

I typed in "eventviewer" and nothing happened. --- It's really not fair of Microsoft not to supply the repair disk with a new computer. What would it cost? 25 cents at most??? ARGH. My next computer is going to be an Apple for sure. You get what you pay for.

 

[richc46]

Its not MS its the computer mfg, Dell, Toshiba or whatever.

 

[karen45]

Give me your opinion..... would I be better off just to go purchase Windows 7 and install it on this computer, and say sayonara to Vista altogether? I can call it an early Christmas present to myself! It would be easier than restoring the whole computer and having to reinstall all my programs and data and search for all the License Keys..... Wouldn't installing a new operating system retain all my data and programs?

 

[karen45]

It's HP in my case. I've always been satisfied with their product, but now I can see the shortcoming.... again, what would it cost to give me the O/S DVD with the computer.... 25 cents? I just don't understand why someone who buys a computer is a second-class customer, while someone who buys the O/S off the shelf is first-class. I guess HP, or other mfrs, want you to think your computer is toast and hope you'll buy a new one?

Its not MS its the computer mfg, Dell, Toshiba or whatever.

 

[richc46]

Good questiions
You can do an upgrade install with 7 and save everything, but its not as good as a clean install where you lose everything.
All in the know agree that clean is better than upgrade (you can use an upgrade DVD for either) Its about 120 dollars USA, Home Premium
At this point, if you want to reinstall Seven is the way to go.
I had Vista, for a year. I went with 7, July of last year. They had the preorder special for $49.99 Home Premium
If you decide to go with Seven, post here. I will give you all kinds of information so it is done correctly

Summary
Upgrade- you save everything but not the best way
Clean install the best way but you lose documents.
Why not back up your stuff, now?

 

[richc46]

Me Bad
I forgot, you may be able to call HP and get an install DVD for cost about 25 USA or so.

 

[karen45]

Yes, but that would be Vista. I have friends that absolutely HATE Vista. I haven't had any problems with it except that it seems slow at times. I like the idea of upgrading to Windows 7, which is what I have on my laptop. At least then I'd be consistent between machines. I'll look around for the best price for Windows 7 and order it. It might just solve all my problems. I've uninstalled and reinstalled so many programs so many times over the years, that's not a big issue. It takes time, but it's not something I'm unfamiliar with.

I tried to run Belarc advisor so I'd get all my License Keys in one fell swoop, but that's not working, either. This computer is going downhill fast! Thank goodness I have my laptop as a backup!

Thanks so much for your help. I'll post again to this thread when I get the Windows 7 DVD.

Karen

 

[richc46]

If you get Seven go to our affilliated Forum, SevenForums here:
Windows 7 Forums

The key number that you need is right on the computer. Belarc will give another number, it is not correct.

 

[karen45]

One last question..... Should I get the Windows 7 upgrade, or the full version? Would it be safer to just start from scratch rather than risk carrying whatever is wrong with my computer now into the new O/S?

Thanks
Karen

 

[richc46]

Very astute question
You have a choice of two types of DVDs. The full retail which is expensive and it does a clean install
or
Because you qualify you can get a upgrade DVD for much less
Heres the thing, with both you can do a clean install with formatting, which is what you want. It is called a clean install and not an upgrade install.
Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version - Windows 7 Forums[2]=General Tips
Buy the upgrade version for much less and have the same install when done.
I enjoyed working with you.
Thanks for the rep Karen