Vista ISO - Download and Create Installation DVD or USB

How to Download a Vista ISO and Create an Installation DVD or USB

information   Information
Downloads are available for the 32 (X86) and 64 bit (X64) versions of Vista Ultimate only, in English, French and German, but if, during the install, you do not enter the product key when initially prompted for it then you will be asked to select the version of Vista you want to install. It can be any of these four:
Windows Vista Home Basic
Windows Vista Home Premium
Windows Vista Business
Windows Vista Ultimate
warning   Warning
You must have a valid installation key, which should be on the COA sticker on the computer, to activate the installation once it completes.





STEP ONE
To Download the Vista Setup Files



warning   Warning
The Vista downloads listed below seem to come and go. Right now, 10/12/2014 at 3:39PM EST they are available. I don't know of any other location they are legally available from, sorry.

1. Downloaded the Vista X64 or X86 setup files.​
download
X64 (64 bit):
install.wim​
boot.wim​
X14-63453.exe​
X86 (32 bit):
install.wim​
boot.wim​
X14-63452.exe​

Note   Note
Both X14-63453.exe and X14-63452.exe will be downloaded as MicrosoftInstaller.exe. For consistency, please rename MicrosoftInstaller.exe to X14-63453.exe or X14-63452.exe, depending on which you downloaded.
warning   Warning
Wait for all downloads to complete before continuing
2. Double click (or right click and Open) on the downloaded X14-63453.exe or X14-63452.exe. It extracts all the files into a Vista sub-folder.​
3. If they are not already there, copy boot.wim and install.wim into the Vista\sources folder that is created when you doubled clicked on the .exe file in step 2.
4. Download the Windows Bootable Image Creator zip file, WBICreator.zip.​
download
5. Extract the files in WBICreator.zip to a folder.​




STEP TWO
To Create the Vista ISO File


warning   Warning
You can download the files on any computer but you must be running on a 64bit (X64) system to create a 64Bit install DVD or flash drive

6. Open the folder and double click (or right click and Open) WBICreator.exe
WBICreator1.jpg
7. Click Next
WBICreator2.jpg
8. Select OS Type: Windows Vista (all the way to the bottom)​
9. CD/DVD Label: VistaX64 or VistaX86
10. Setup Location: The Vista folder created when you double clicked on X14-63453.exe or X14-63452.exe.​
11. Output Path: Somewhere with enough free space to hold the .iso file that will be created (X64 = 3,837,112KB, X86 = 3,013,816KB).​
WBICreator3.jpg
12. Click GO. When done a VistaX64.iso or VistaX86.iso file will be created in the Output Path you chose.​
WBICreator4.jpg





STEP THREE
To Create Vista Installation DVD or USB Flash Drive with ISO File

13. You can use the generated .iso to create a Vista Install DVD.​
13a. Download and install and run ImgBurn.​
13b. Make sure you deselect anything other than ImgBurn during the install by always taking the Custom choice.​
Imgburn1.jpg
13c. Click on Write image file to disc
Imgburn2.jpg
13d. Click the Browse for file button and selecta the ISO file you just created.​
Imgburn3.jpg
13e. Click Write. A nice little tune will play when the DVD create completes.​
Imgburn4.jpg
14. You can also create a bootable USB Flash drive (4GB or larger) to install Vista from.​
14a. Download and run Universal USB Installer Easy as 1 2 3
14b. Select Vista from the first drop down list, all the way to the bottom​
USBUniversalInstaller1.jpg
14c. Select the VistaX64.iso or VistaX86 .iso file​
14d. Select your USB flash drive​
14e. Click Create​
USBUniversalInstaller2.jpg


information   Information
I created a X86 flash drive and used it to install a clean copy of Vista Home Basic on my HP DV2200 Laptop. Worked great using the key on the COA sticker of the laptop.

Remember to activate after the install has completed.

Note: You may need to download drivers for the computer from the manufacturers web site so I would suggest getting the Network (LAN and Wireless) and video/VGA drivers ahead of time so you can install them as soon as you finish installing Vista.



 

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Last edited by a moderator:
Tried it again, both 32 and 64 bit and it worked fine. I did not have to copy either of the .wim files to Vista\sources.

I think what happened was I doubled clicked on X14-nnnn.exe files while the boot.wim and install.wim files were still being downloaded so they didn't get copied to the sources folder. This time I waited until all downloads completed before doing anything and it works correctly.

I'm going to leave the new Step 3 I added as it doesn't hurt and may possible help someone else.

Edit: Just tested both 32 and 64 bit iso files I just created and they boot fine.
 
Last edited:

My Computers

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  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro X64
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    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
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    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770 CPU @ 3.40GHz, 3401 Mhz, 4 Core(s)
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750, Intel(R) HD Graphics 4600
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    Realtek High Definition Audio
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    Samsung 27" C27F398 Curved Monitor
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    1920 x 1080 (HDMI)
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 840 EVO 250GB
    Seagate ST2000NM001 2TB
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    Lenovo USB
    Internet Speed
    50MB Down, 10MB Up
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    Windows 7 Pro X64
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    Motherboard
    HP 0A68h
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    5GB
    Graphics card(s)
    ATI FireGL V3300
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer KN242HYL 24" (KVMS)
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    1920X1080
    Hard Drives
    Seagate ST3120026As 120GB SATA (boot)
    Toshiba DT01ACA200 2TB SATA
    Mouse
    Logitech via KVMS switch
    Keyboard
    Dell USB via KVMS switch
    Internet Speed
    50 Down, 10 Up
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    Apache Web Server since 2001
Why do i have to create an iso? can't someone create one and upload an iso so others can just download the iso itself instead of doing all this? wouldn't it be much simpler?
 

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Yes, it is available but not "officially". You need to request it:

Post here and ask Peter (Ex_Brit) to send you the link to the versions of Vista you need, 32 or 64. Include your E-mail address mucked up, like abc at xyz DOT com then edit your post and remove it as soon as you receive the link.

The ISO Peter provides has both SP1 and SP2 applied.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770 CPU @ 3.40GHz, 3401 Mhz, 4 Core(s)
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750, Intel(R) HD Graphics 4600
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung 27" C27F398 Curved Monitor
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080 (HDMI)
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 840 EVO 250GB
    Seagate ST2000NM001 2TB
    Seagate ST31500341AS 1.5TB
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Lenovo USB
    Internet Speed
    50MB Down, 10MB Up
  • Operating System
    Windows 7 Pro X64
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP xw4400 Workstation
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    HP 0A68h
    Memory
    5GB
    Graphics card(s)
    ATI FireGL V3300
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer KN242HYL 24" (KVMS)
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080
    Hard Drives
    Seagate ST3120026As 120GB SATA (boot)
    Toshiba DT01ACA200 2TB SATA
    Mouse
    Logitech via KVMS switch
    Keyboard
    Dell USB via KVMS switch
    Internet Speed
    50 Down, 10 Up
    Other Info
    Apache Web Server since 2001
Thanks for the kind words.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770 CPU @ 3.40GHz, 3401 Mhz, 4 Core(s)
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750, Intel(R) HD Graphics 4600
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung 27" C27F398 Curved Monitor
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080 (HDMI)
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 840 EVO 250GB
    Seagate ST2000NM001 2TB
    Seagate ST31500341AS 1.5TB
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Lenovo USB
    Internet Speed
    50MB Down, 10MB Up
  • Operating System
    Windows 7 Pro X64
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP xw4400 Workstation
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    HP 0A68h
    Memory
    5GB
    Graphics card(s)
    ATI FireGL V3300
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer KN242HYL 24" (KVMS)
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080
    Hard Drives
    Seagate ST3120026As 120GB SATA (boot)
    Toshiba DT01ACA200 2TB SATA
    Mouse
    Logitech via KVMS switch
    Keyboard
    Dell USB via KVMS switch
    Internet Speed
    50 Down, 10 Up
    Other Info
    Apache Web Server since 2001
Not sure if this is the right place to post this. Let me know if it is not.

I need to download Vista Home Premium 32bit and install it on my PC. I have the COA sticker. When I selected it at the beginning of this thread, I was directed to HeiDoc.net. It only showed Ultimate and then 4 .exe's below those. I'm not sure what to download. Could someone help me on this?
 

My Computer

My Computers

System One System Two

  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770 CPU @ 3.40GHz, 3401 Mhz, 4 Core(s)
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750, Intel(R) HD Graphics 4600
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung 27" C27F398 Curved Monitor
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080 (HDMI)
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 840 EVO 250GB
    Seagate ST2000NM001 2TB
    Seagate ST31500341AS 1.5TB
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Lenovo USB
    Internet Speed
    50MB Down, 10MB Up
  • Operating System
    Windows 7 Pro X64
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP xw4400 Workstation
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    HP 0A68h
    Memory
    5GB
    Graphics card(s)
    ATI FireGL V3300
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer KN242HYL 24" (KVMS)
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080
    Hard Drives
    Seagate ST3120026As 120GB SATA (boot)
    Toshiba DT01ACA200 2TB SATA
    Mouse
    Logitech via KVMS switch
    Keyboard
    Dell USB via KVMS switch
    Internet Speed
    50 Down, 10 Up
    Other Info
    Apache Web Server since 2001
I have a 32bit Vista .iso made by SIW2 that has both service packs and all Windows updates up to 11-10-13
I will give the link to interested parties who contact me and not post it publicly

hi new here I cant see a button too rep you or send you a pm hope I find it soon :) great info on here keeping my vista going as long as possible thanks so far for the info
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Not Sure RE Furb Ex Display Pc (Bargin)
    CPU
    AMD 4170 Quad Core
    Motherboard
    MSI 970A-G46
    Memory
    1x4GB Stick
    Graphics Card(s)
    ZOTAC GEForce GT620
    Sound Card
    RealTek High Def
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG
    Screen Resolution
    Depends What I Am Doing
    Hard Drives
    WD 500GB x 4
    PSU
    Coolermaster 600w
    Case
    coolermaster
    Cooling
    FreezerXtreem
    Keyboard
    Logitec Combo
    Mouse
    AS Above
    Internet Speed
    Virgin Media Need I Say More
I have removed the file made by SIW2 as it was causing a few problems for people downloading it without a download manager
I still have a Vista X86 (32Bit) iso and both service packs as stand alone files there if needed.
Sorry for any trouble people had with it.
Both SIW2 and I tested it with no problems but maybe we have faster internet connections than people that tried to download it.
Just for something to do I tried this tutorial and created an iso with it but won't upload it as I already have one on my site that works.
Remember to activate it after you install and not when they ask you to. That way you will get the option of which version you need.

ilikefree_Program_Index
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Thinkpad T400
    CPU
    Intel Mobile Core 2 Duo P8700 @ 2.53GHz
    Motherboard
    LENOVO 64734VM
    Memory
    2.00GB Single-Channel DDR3 @ 531MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Mobile Intel 4 Series Express Chipset Family
    Sound Card
    Conexant 20561 SmartAudio HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15 inch
    Screen Resolution
    1280 x 800
    Hard Drives
    1x 180GB Intel 530 series SSD
    1 x 120GB Hitachi 5400rmp
    1 x 650GB Western Digital Elements 5400rpm
    1x 1Tb Western Digital Elements 5400rpm
    Internet Speed
    Medium for New Zealand
    Other Info
    Weakest part of my computer is the graphics chipset.
    Only ever used a laptop.
    Also use USB Freeview TV Card
    Lenovo Docking Station
    External Speakers
    Other bits a pieces as needed
Hello all. I have a valid Windows Vista Home Premium CD KEY and I needed to re install windows vista 64 bit on this computer, as the hard drive crashed. Didn't have a recovery disc so I found this site and proceeded to follow all directions TO THE TEE, everything seemed to have worked until the installation got to the point of installing files, and it gave me the error that d:\sources\install.wim could not be found. I looked on the install disc and it sure is on there. Like I said, I followed the directions to the tee...any help would be appreciated. As I'm writing this, I am also re downloading the install.wim file and am going to try and create the ISO and burn it one more time, following the exact instructions given on this thread. PLEASE help, as I have a dead computer!!
 

My Computer

Hello all. I have a valid Windows Vista Home Premium CD KEY and I needed to re install windows vista 64 bit on this computer, as the hard drive crashed. Didn't have a recovery disc so I found this site and proceeded to follow all directions TO THE TEE, everything seemed to have worked until the installation got to the point of installing files, and it gave me the error that d:\sources\install.wim could not be found. I looked on the install disc and it sure is on there. Like I said, I followed the directions to the tee...any help would be appreciated. As I'm writing this, I am also re downloading the install.wim file and am going to try and create the ISO and burn it one more time, following the exact instructions given on this thread. PLEASE help, as I have a dead computer!!

OK..so here's an update. I finished re downloading the install.wim file from the link that was given, started over and followed all instructions, burned the ISO and still I'm getting the missing or corrupt install.wim file...ok this is getting frustrating!! PLEASE any suggestions?
 

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Post here and ask Peter (Ex_Brit) to send you the link to the versions of Vista you need, 32 or 64. Include your E-mail address mucked up, like abc at xyz DOT com then edit your post and remove it as soon as you receive the link.

The ISO Peter provides has both SP1 and SP2 applied.

Pick up the Tutorial: How to Download a Vista ISO and Create an Installation DVD or USB here:

STEP THREE
To Create Vista Installation DVD or USB Flash Drive with ISO File

During the install, when asked for the key, don't enter it. You will then be given a menu where you can chose the version you want to install.

Activate once the install is completed.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770 CPU @ 3.40GHz, 3401 Mhz, 4 Core(s)
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750, Intel(R) HD Graphics 4600
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung 27" C27F398 Curved Monitor
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080 (HDMI)
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 840 EVO 250GB
    Seagate ST2000NM001 2TB
    Seagate ST31500341AS 1.5TB
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Lenovo USB
    Internet Speed
    50MB Down, 10MB Up
  • Operating System
    Windows 7 Pro X64
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP xw4400 Workstation
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    HP 0A68h
    Memory
    5GB
    Graphics card(s)
    ATI FireGL V3300
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer KN242HYL 24" (KVMS)
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080
    Hard Drives
    Seagate ST3120026As 120GB SATA (boot)
    Toshiba DT01ACA200 2TB SATA
    Mouse
    Logitech via KVMS switch
    Keyboard
    Dell USB via KVMS switch
    Internet Speed
    50 Down, 10 Up
    Other Info
    Apache Web Server since 2001
I have a 32bit Vista .iso made by SIW2 that has both service packs and all Windows updates up to 11-10-13
I will give the link to interested parties who contact me and not post it publicly
Would like to have that. How do I contact You?
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Compaq Presario
    Memory
    4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    1
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1
I admit I am not totally versed in installing and re-installing OS's as I don't do it that often. But I have been totally confused as to why you need to create an ISO and then burn the ISO to a DVD. Seems like you are just putting the files into one format, and then undoing it. As it turns out, you don't have to do that. If you go to IMGBRN website, and look under help, they have the topic of exactly how to create a Vista bootable install disk. You don't have to create an iso. You just download the exe and two .wim files from digital river (the files given in the beginning of this thread) and then run the exe file to create the vista directory. Then you use IMGBRN exactly as they say in the help topic to create the bootable dvd from the vista directory. I did this today and it works great. This saves you some steps as it is not necessary to create the .iso.
The free (IMGBRN will only burn CDS. That would take too many verses a DVD.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Compaq Presario
    Memory
    4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    1
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1
Would like to have that. How do I contact You?
I have had two people report they had trouble downloading and installing this file so I removed the link to it from my website
I will replace it today
You will need a download manager if your internet connection is slow as it is a larger than normal download
There is a contact us link on my website you can use as well
ilikefree_Contact_us

ilikefree_Program_Index


Edit: Done
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Thinkpad T400
    CPU
    Intel Mobile Core 2 Duo P8700 @ 2.53GHz
    Motherboard
    LENOVO 64734VM
    Memory
    2.00GB Single-Channel DDR3 @ 531MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Mobile Intel 4 Series Express Chipset Family
    Sound Card
    Conexant 20561 SmartAudio HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15 inch
    Screen Resolution
    1280 x 800
    Hard Drives
    1x 180GB Intel 530 series SSD
    1 x 120GB Hitachi 5400rmp
    1 x 650GB Western Digital Elements 5400rpm
    1x 1Tb Western Digital Elements 5400rpm
    Internet Speed
    Medium for New Zealand
    Other Info
    Weakest part of my computer is the graphics chipset.
    Only ever used a laptop.
    Also use USB Freeview TV Card
    Lenovo Docking Station
    External Speakers
    Other bits a pieces as needed
I have a machine that was downgraded to Win. XP Pro 32 bit that came with Vista Business. Now I'd like to update it back to Vista Business. I've downloaded all the files and done as the posts have said in creating and burning the ISO image but when I try to install the software it shuts dow during the install and I get a command screen. Image attached. File burned onto a DVD.
Anyone think they can tackle this problem?
Thanks,
E
Vista.jpg
 

My Computer

My Computers

System One System Two

  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770 CPU @ 3.40GHz, 3401 Mhz, 4 Core(s)
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750, Intel(R) HD Graphics 4600
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung 27" C27F398 Curved Monitor
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080 (HDMI)
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 840 EVO 250GB
    Seagate ST2000NM001 2TB
    Seagate ST31500341AS 1.5TB
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Lenovo USB
    Internet Speed
    50MB Down, 10MB Up
  • Operating System
    Windows 7 Pro X64
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP xw4400 Workstation
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    HP 0A68h
    Memory
    5GB
    Graphics card(s)
    ATI FireGL V3300
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer KN242HYL 24" (KVMS)
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080
    Hard Drives
    Seagate ST3120026As 120GB SATA (boot)
    Toshiba DT01ACA200 2TB SATA
    Mouse
    Logitech via KVMS switch
    Keyboard
    Dell USB via KVMS switch
    Internet Speed
    50 Down, 10 Up
    Other Info
    Apache Web Server since 2001
The Digital River site is defunct as of february 2015. I was only able to find windows vista as a torrent download since microsoft no longer supports it, and HP won't sell me any recovery DVDs to fix my pc with!
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion A1709N
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