Vista on the blink - can I install Win 7 ok?

[aratatatat]

Hi.

My Fathers PC is running vista home premium (64bit) and has decided to go wonky.

It is a genuine install, but he has lost the CD and the boot options / system restore etc is not making a difference to the problems.

I have advised upgrading to win 7, but I just wanted to check with you guys, that we can run the upgrade (with a new win 7 home premium disc) from the disc drive, even though vista itself is not booting up?

We will of course want to keep all programs and files etc?

Thanks for your help in advance...

 

[IownAmoneyPit]

Since you are using an upgrade disk you will have to use this tutorial a Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version as widows 7 will not activate trying to directly upgrade from vista. Also some of the errors from the Vista installation may be carried over to the Windows 7 installation if a direct upgrade was possible, however If you thoroughly read & follow the tutorial in option two there is a way to retrieve some of your data from the windows.old folder but not installed programs.

I would also recommend that you get a second, third opinion from many of the skilled members here before proceeding as some have lifelong experience dealing with computers.

Another option if you do not want to lose all your data and programs would be to check the Vista forums (see link just below search) as many of the same members here are also members of that forum too and may be able to fix the wonky vista installation

 

[aratatatat]

Thanks for your response.

hmmmm...

not as simple as i first thought then?

do not want to clean install as my father has not backed up all pics and docs (I have told him off for this many times!!)...

Maybe a better option would be to purchase a new copy of vista and make a repair install...?

All help on this appreciated guys...

 

[aratatatat]

any help out there guys - sorry for the impatience, just not sure weather to buy vista or win 7?

Thanks...

 

[boohbah]

I'd hold off purchasing a new vista as you already own it you could probably get a disc to dl and use the license you already have there should be a sticker on the pc case.

 

[aratatatat]

Hi - thanks for the reply...

could I download vista from here for example, run and use the product key on side of PC...

Is this the correct download BTW? If not could someone help me find it?

Windows Vista Home Premium upgrade - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com

Thanks guys

 

[aratatatat]

any help on this guys?

 

[Tews]

Sorry, but that will not work on your system.. that is an upgrade version and you cant upgrade from Windows 7 to Vista... Can you borrow a disc from a friend, then use your key??

 

[aratatatat]

Ok, so just want to check....

I cannot upgrade to windows 7 in the pc's current state?

So the only way to repair install vista (whilst keeping files and docs etc) is to use a full vista home premium disc?

Is that correct? I would love to just purchase windows 7 and upgrade grrrrr!!!!

Please clarify.

Thanks.

 

[aratatatat]

can someone clarify - thanks

 

[Tews]

You can do a clean install, no problem .. an upgrade is not advised as the current Vista is as you say "wonky"... the chances are that you would bring your Vista problems with you with an upgrade... You should just bite the bullet and format and perform a clean install...

 

[aratatatat]

Tews - thanks but let me summarise prob as I think you have misundrstood.

Pc is already running vista hp - cannot boot / restore does not fix...(I DO NOT HAVE BACK UPS OF FILES)
I would like to upgrade to win 7, but keep files etc...
Can I do this from a full win 7 disc?
If not can I repair install from vista upgrade disc - or do I need full vista disc?

Please respond - thanks

 

[Hopalong X]

Just an idea.
I don't know what will work but if you follow the link below you will get Vista help on what is needed for your Vista repair.
If you get Vista working you can get your files/programs saved and then put on Win 7 later if you choose.
It is worth a try I think.
Mike
Vista Forums

 

[Tews]

Tews - thanks but let me summarise prob as I think you have misundrstood.

Pc is already running vista hp - cannot boot / restore does not fix...(I DO NOT HAVE BACK UPS OF FILES)
I would like to upgrade to win 7, but keep files etc...
Can I do this from a full win 7 disc?
If not can I repair install from vista upgrade disc - or do I need full vista disc?

Please respond - thanks

You can attempt an upgrade sure, just be aware that without a good install of Vista to work with, the results will be problematic at best and an unusable system at worst... Let us know how you make out...

 

[aratatatat]

You can attempt an upgrade sure, just be aware that without a good install of Vista to work with, the results will be problematic at best and an unusable system at worst... Let us know how you make out...

Hey Tews...

This sounds risky - would you advise repair installing with vista as a safer bet?

 

[Tews]

You can try it, but whether it will work or not is anyones guess.. you really didn't say what his problem is, and without knowing, its hard to say if the repair install will work or not..

 

[Hopalong X]

I think Tews is telling you to repair Vista to get your programs and files.
Probably the only way to save them.

If that is not possible do not get a Win 7 upgrade on top of the bad Vista. You will probably end up with a bad Win 7 instead of a bad Vista. So it still won't work right.

 

[aratatatat]

Thanks guys...

 

[aratatatat]

One very last question though!!!

Can I repair install from an upgrade disc or an oem? Or does it have to be the full version?

Thanks again

 

[OldMX]

If vista was preloaded on that computer, OEM from dell, sony, gateway, etc,

After that, perform a clean install with a regular vista install dvd (previous url has a step by step tutorial, also there are many tutorials here on how to do a clean install), load drivers and restore the certificate and license, it should be reactivated now.