Re-install windows?

funkyphantom · 8 Dec 2011 at 09:13

Hi,
My friends laptop seems to have lost some vital system files, and now won't boot up. Ive given her a slap and told her she should be backing up her important files, but is now resigned to the fact that they are lost. I would usually restore the laptop back to factory settings using the backup drive. But there is no back up, and she doesn't have a windows vista disk. However there is a license on the underside of the laptop. Can i use any old vista disk, and then, when the time comes enter that license/serial number? Would this still register as a legit version of windows?
Thanks

Deception · 8 Dec 2011 at 09:18

As long as you get the right version of Vista, then yes, should be fine just to re-enter that key. If you get the disk, you might be able to do a repair install without having to format it first.. Depends if it detects the current OS when putting in the disc

funkyphantom · 8 Dec 2011 at 09:21

Excellent thanks buddy

BigBoy · 8 Dec 2011 at 10:52

Vista is not fussy about meida version as the key is what makes the difference.

You will probably have to ring Microsoft to get it to activate but other than that it should be all good.

Also why not use a Linux live disk to get all get files off the drive?

meths · 8 Dec 2011 at 11:18

Only issue could be that because it's a laptop there might be some manufacturer specific drivers you need. The can sometimes be a pita to find.

I found this out the hard way when re-installing the OS on my brother's old Dell laptop.

Duke · 8 Dec 2011 at 11:27

Might be worth running SFC as it can fix some problems.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929833

Meths said:
Only issue could be that because it's a laptop there might be some manufacturer specific drivers you need. The can sometimes be a pita to find.

I found this out the hard way when re-installing the OS on my brother's old Dell laptop.

Just go to the manufacturers website and download them? Should be even easier on the Dell you had as you can just use the Service Tag to bring up the exact model.

meths · 8 Dec 2011 at 11:39

Duke said:
Just go to the manufacturers website and download them? Should be even easier on the Dell you had as you can just use the Service Tag to bring up the exact model.

Yeah, that's what I did eventually but the lappy I was working on was the only computer I had available at the time and I couldn't get online as the generic windows LAN driver didn't cut it.

Just saying it took a bit of faffing about because I expected to at least be able to load the internet.

Was years ago and on an XP system so maybe their driver support is much better now.

funkyphantom · 8 Dec 2011 at 20:06

Thanks guys i'll give your ideas a go.

theheyes · 8 Dec 2011 at 21:37

Meths said:
Was years ago and on an XP system so maybe their driver support is much better now.

Old laptops running Windows XP are pretty much a recipe for arse ache. You're lucky it was from a big brand as some of the more obscure ones are extremely difficult to find.