Hard Drive Install


  1. Posts : 186
    Windows Professional 64bit
       #1

    Hard Drive Install


    My wife has a HP running Vista. Here hard drive is about to fail. Since the OS came pre-installed how can change out the HD and not lose the OS that came with the computer?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 1,670
    win 10
       #2

    hi you can try cloning the drive to a bigger drive. heard good things about Macrium reflect. Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - Information and download
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 11,424
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64
       #3

    Exactly right image or clone the old drive to a new drive. Just to be safe I would back up all vital data, pictures and music first !
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 9,600
    Win 7 Ultimate 64 bit
       #4

    x3 for Macrium Reflect. After making sure all your backups are up to date (you have been backing up your data, right?), I recommend cloning over imaging. If there isn't room to install the new drive in the computer, you can get a dock or cable to connect the new drive to the computer via USB.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 3,371
    W10 Pro desktop, W11 laptop, W11 Pro tablet (all 64-bit)
       #5

    Depending on what you mean by "hard drive is about to fail" you may not be able to get a clean image backup. If the drive is exhibiting read errors while trying to run, it may have bad sectors on it that will not be able to be read during the imaging process. By all means, do the cloning, just be aware that it's possible that some programs may not survive, especially any that are having problems with the current drive.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 6,285
    Windows 10 Pro X64
       #6

    If you need a Vista install DVD or flash drive, you can 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 from Peter.

    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 Computer


  7. Posts : 186
    Windows Professional 64bit
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Looking for Vista 64 bit Home Premium. Please email me at [Removed]

    Thanks.
    Last edited by derekimo; 11 Nov 2014 at 16:49. Reason: Removed email for your protection.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 17,322
    Win 10 Pro x64
       #8

    timlab1955 said:
    Looking for Vista 64 bit Home Premium.
    Thanks.
    You need to go here,

    Vista ISO download

    Which is our sister forum, and then follow Ztruker's instructions about posting with your email to request the ISO.

    I went ahead and removed your email here for your safety.
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:33.
Find Us