Vista Premium - replacement disc?

Mangochutney · 26 Feb 2011 at 17:02

Hi, my Aunty has given me her laptop to repair. It is a HP f500.
It looks like the hard drive is cream-crackered so I'm about to order another.
The problem is that she has lost her repair disc.
So, does anyone know if it is possible to get a replacement Vista installation disc, there is a product code sticker on the bottom of the laptop.
I haven't asked HP or Microsoft about this yet, I just know from experience that asking you guys is far quicker!!

Deleted member 77746 · 26 Feb 2011 at 17:05

Visit MDLF - My Digital Life Forums.

Bane · 26 Feb 2011 at 17:35

As it will be an OEM version you will need to contact HP. Who will probably direct you to a third party company to buy recovery disks.

If you can borrow a Vista DVD (doesn't matter if its a retail version of Vista) you should be able to manually install using the HP sticker product key.

Edit: You could buy a Windows 7 upgrade instead if it works out cheaper.

Deleted member 77746 · 26 Feb 2011 at 17:43

Bane said:
As it will be an OEM version you will need to contact HP. Who will probably direct you to a third party company to buy recovery disks.

If you can borrow a Vista DVD (doesn't matter if its a retail version of Vista) you should be able to manually install using the HP sticker product key.

Edit: You could buy a Windows 7 upgrade instead if it works out cheaper.

OEM/Retail, Same media now. It install from the version of the key that is installed.

Mangochutney · 26 Feb 2011 at 17:45

Ok, thanks. So any disc will do, discs aren't tied to product key?
Oh, and would the upgrade not need a copy of Vista installed?

Deleted member 77746 · 26 Feb 2011 at 17:56

What does it say on the sticker? What version is it? You can grab a copy over at MDLF, burn it and your good to go.

Mangochutney · 26 Feb 2011 at 18:11

Ok, sorry I'm a bit slow when it comes to software, all those different types of files!
I did have a look there and got a bit overwhelmed by it all.

Think I'll ask around, someone is bound to have an installation disc. Even Vista!!

Deleted member 77746 · 26 Feb 2011 at 18:14

Mangochutney said:
Ok, sorry I'm a bit slow when it comes to software, all those different types of files!
I did have a look there and got a bit overwhelmed by it all.
Think I'll ask around, someone is bound to have an installation disc. Even Vista!!

I wanted to no what version it says on the sticker so I could provide you with a link.

Windows Vista

Mangochutney · 26 Feb 2011 at 18:27

Oh, I see!

Windows Vista Home Premium OEMAct

So, I would just need to download it then burn it to a disc and its ready to install like a normal copy?

Deleted member 77746 · 26 Feb 2011 at 18:29

Mangochutney said:
Oh, I see!

Windows Vista Home Premium OEMAct

So, I would just need to download it then burn it to a disc and its ready to install like a normal copy?

Correct. Aslong as you get the Windows Vista Home Premium OEM.

Mangochutney · 26 Feb 2011 at 18:39

Right, thanks for the help.
You can stop shaking your head and rolling your eyes now!!

Bane · 26 Feb 2011 at 18:46

Mangochutney said:
Ok, thanks. So any disc will do, discs aren't tied to product key?
Oh, and would the upgrade not need a copy of Vista installed?

I have no experience of using the upgrade media, but have read of people using the upgrade to do a clean install Windows 7 without having an existing Windows installed. An example guide.

Can get for under £40 if the aunty meets criteria.