Hard Drive Install

[timlab1955]

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?

 

[oscer1]

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

 

[linnemeyerhere]

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 !

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

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.

 

[strollin]

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.

 

[Ztruker]

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.

 

[timlab1955]

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

Thanks.

 

[derekimo]

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.