Windows 10: Windows Vista Repair Launch

I have an old emachines desktop computer that uses Windows Vista Home Premium 64 bit edition. I'm trying to transfer some old pictures and files to a portable hard drive, but I can't remember my password. I'm the administrator on the computer, so I can't get into it by booting in safe mode. I also don't have the recover disc or original installation disc that came with it.I've tried doing the whole windows rescuer personal, but can't get pc to boot from the USB. I tried changing settings in the BIOS, but that doesnt work.When the PC was rebooting after I pressed F10 and selected "repair your c

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Vista Pre-SP1 vs. Vista SP1

I've been Windows Updating for two straight days and I finally saw SP1. If you want to troubleshoot it, follow these steps:

• Show hidden updates
• Manually install any failed updates (google the KB_____ and install from the windows site)
• Make sure everything in Device Manager is good to go

I had to do step two for like 4 or 5 updates to be able to see SP1.

Any other benchmarks you guys want to see? I might try PCMark05 (I think it works on Vista).

 

Disk boot failure after removing old Vista partition

Thank you for the reply, muchomurka! As I indicated in my post, I have already tried all the steps you suggested to no avail:

- I cannot choose startup repair since the computer does not boot from the installation media
- I cannot use command prompt since the computer does not boot further than the POST screen
- I have disconnected and tried out all hard drives individually.

Since I had Win 10 up and running a few hours ago, I can say with 100% certainty that none of the hardware is faulty.

The real mystery is, how come the system won't boot from any media without an empty disk containing an old Vista boot sector being on top of the boot priority list? And which steps to take now that I've cleaned this disk and it does not exist anymore?

Would appreciate any ideas and pointers!

 

Repair windows vista.

There are no legit Vista ISO downloads available, so they gave you the right advice.

You can use the Vista DVD, as long as it is a Retail, OEM System Builders DVD, but NOT a Manufacturer's Recovery DVD to either Repair or reinstall.

As you don't say what the problem is I'll give you the repair/reinstall methods:

STARTUP REPAIR:

Here is the guide to using the Repair Options while using a Microsoft Vista DVD.

If a friend or work acquantance of yours has one, you may borrow and use it for Repairs.

How to automatically repair Windows Vista using Startup Repair

Table of Contents

1. Overview of the Windows Vista Repair options
2. How to perform an automatic repair of Windows Vista using Startup Repair
3. Advanced Tools overview
4. Conclusion

REPAIR UPGRADE INSTALL or REINSTALL:

The Vista DVD can be used for both these processes.

1.
How To Perform a Repair Installation For Vista​

2.You can borrow and use a Microsoft Vista DVD (Retail or OEM System Builders License) , that contains the files for the various Vista Editions (Home Basic, Home Premium, Business and Ultimate) to be installed. The Product Key on your Computer / Laptop
case determines which Edition is installed.

The COA sticker, which has the Product Key on it, is either on the underside of the Laptop or in the Battery Compartment.

With a Desktop it is either on the side, rear or top of the Computer Case.



Other Manufacturers' Recovery DVDs are not to be used for the above purpose.

And you need to know the "bit" version for Vista, as 32bit and 64bit Editions come on different DVDs.

Here is how to do a clean install of Vista, using a Microsoft Vista DVD:

"How to Do a Clean Install and Setup with a Full Version of Vista"

Clean Install with a Full Version of Vista

And once the Operating System is installed, go to your Computer Manufacturer's website and obtain the latest Drivers for your particular Model Computer or Laptop.

When you use Phone Activation don't follow the Auto Prompts but instead hold on for a real person to assist you.

"How to Activate Vista Normally and by Phone Activation"

Activate Vista by Phone

Microsoft is the one who says yay or nay for Activation.

You have to go through them, but lately a lot of posters have been referred back to here by them when using phone activation.

If that happens use this method of contacting Microsoft:

Contact support

Contact Us - Microsoft Support

Also:
https://partner.support.services.microsoft.com/en-au/contact/menu/software/windows/setup/

Cheers.