Solved USB Install w/Laptop Restore disks.

[symp]

Hi,
I have a problem, that's why I'm here right?
heh.

Issue:
HD died - Need to re-install Vista.
New HD purchased.

Problems.
DVD drive is broken.
I've tried another dvd drive in it, and it powered up and went through the motions but was also did not show up in the boot menu as an option.
Something must be internally wrong with the connection or something.

I'm at a loss here trying to figure out a way to run the recovery dvd's.
I've tried..
Using a USB HD - Actual HD in External Enclousure.
I followed the typical install for turning a thumbdrive into a usb boot drive.
For some reason, it did not boot but was selectable in the laptop boot menu.
However I ran win7 bootsect on it, after not being able to locate bootsec on the vista recovery dvd's that came with either of my HP computers.
Will try to get a 16gb usb thumb drive today and try, but that leads me to another problem.
Is it ok to run the bootsect for win7 to run vista?

Also,
I dont know if the recovery disks will even work this way, putting them on a USB Thumb drive that's bootable, I dont see why not..
anyone try this?
I cant seem to find much info about it on the web.

I'm pretty sure if I can get a copy of a real vista install to make an install disk if needed, but am I right thinking the COA on my laptop would not work with a retail/oem copy of vista?

Resources I have atm,
1 HP vista machine running - has restore disks - no bootsec file found.
1 custom desktop running Win7 - have retail disks.
1 dead hp laptop with vista recovery disks.

thx for any help.

 

[Golden]

I'm pretty sure if I can get a copy of a real vista install to make an install disk if needed, but am I right thinking the COA on my laptop would not work with a retail/oem copy of vista?

Hi,

Actually, YES, it will work perfectly fine - I just did this very thing today on a friends laptop. Everything you need is here

You might also be better off seeking specific Vista advice at our Vista forum here:
https://www.vistax64.com/

Regards,
Golden

 

[symp]

Thx, that has helped so far so good.
The USB HDD is in the process of installing Vista now as I type this,
hope everything else goes as smoothly.

Life saver man thx.

 

[Golden]

 

[symp]

Everything went smooth, and the laptop is alive..
thx again.

 

[Golden]

No worries