Vista reinstall

Hi Bill in JAX--

Instead I'd try to fix it using Startup Repair:

If you have a Vista DVD try Startup Repair. If that doesn't work, try Safe
Mode>System Restore from the Recovery Environment, and you always have the
F8 advanced options and a repair install (with the DVD) as well.

***Startup Repair and System Restore from the Win Recovery Environment on
the DVD***

You can run Startup Repair by putting your Vista DVD in after the
language screen in setup. You can also run System Restore from the same
location.

You run the startup repair tool this way (and system restore from here is
also sometimes effective):

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/925810/en-us

How To Run Startup Repair In Vista Ultimate (Multiple Screenshots)
http://www.windowsvista.windowsreins...rtup/index.htm

Note The computer must be configured to start from a CD or from a DVD. For
information about how to configure the computer to start from a CD or from a
DVD, see the information that came with the computer.
2. Restart the computer. To do this, click Start, click the arrow next to
the Lock button, and then click Restart.

This usually means that you enter bios setup by whatever key or keys
(sometimes there is more than one key that will do it for your model--go to
pc manufacturer site) and configure CD to be first in the boot order (this
will allow you to boot from the Vista DVD as well):

See for ref:
Access/Enter Motherboard BIOS
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm

Boot Order in Bios (Set Boot from HD 1st)
http://www.short-media.com/images/mm...ios/bios03.jpg

Note If you cannot restart the computer by using this method, use the power
button to turn off the computer. Then, turn the computer back on.

3. Set your language preference, and then click Next.

Note In most cases, the startup repair process starts automatically, and you
do not have the option to select it in the System Recovery Options menu.

4. Click Repair your computer.

5. In the System Recovery Options dialog box, click the operating system
that you want to repair, and then click Next.

6. In the System Recovery Options menu, click Startup Repair to start the
repair process.

7. When the repair process is complete, click Finish.

Additional References for Startup Repair With Screenshots:

How to Use Startup Repair:

***Accessing Windows RE (Repair Environment):***

1) Insert Media into PC (the DVD you burned)

2) ***You will see on the Vista logo setup screen after lang. options in the
lower left corner, a link called "System Recovery Options."***

Screenshot: System Recovery Options (Lower Left Link)
http://blogs.itecn.net/photos/liuhui...4/500x375.aspx

Screenshot: (Click first option "Startup Repair"
http://www.leedesmond.com/images/img...SysRecOpt2.bmp

How To Run Startup Repair In Vista Ultimate (Multiple Screenshots)
http://www.windowsvista.windowsreins...rtup/index.htm

3) Select your OS for repair.

4) Its been my experience that you can see some causes of the crash from
theWin RE feature:

You'll have a choice there of using:

1) Startup Repair
2) System Restore
3) Complete PC Restore
___________________

***Using the F8 Environment or a Repair Install from the DVD:***

See for ref:
Access/Enter Motherboard BIOS
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm

Boot Order in Bios (Set Boot from HD 1st)
http://www.short-media.com/images/mm...ios/bios03.jpg

Repair Install
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...ps/doug92.mspx

Repair Install (Method 2):
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/315341

III Taking Full Advantage of the F8 Options (Windows Advanced Options Menu)
by startin gth ePC and tapping F8 once per second:

You could also:

Think: I have 4 different ways to get back my XP at F8 and try 'em in order.
1) Safe Mode 2) Safe Mode with Cmd to Sys Restore which is simply a cmd
prompt in safe mode 3) Safe Mode with Neworking 4) LKG or Last Known Good
Configuration


Try to F8 to the Windows Adv Options Menu>try 3 safe modes there (I don't
use WGA) and Last Known Good>then I go to Win RE in Vista. That gives you a
choice of Safe Mode, Safe Mode with Networking,and Safe Mode with Command
Prompt.

These methods are outlined in

A description of the Safe Mode Boot options in Windows XP/and Vista
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315222/

How to Use System Restore

http://bertk.mvps.org/

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding System Restore from MSFT:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/pro.../faqsrwxp.mspx

Using System Restore

http://tinyurl.com/dvekb

System Restore for Windows XP

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_restore.htm

How to start the System Restore tool at a command prompt in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;304449


Repair Install: (This option has the best chance of succeeding and it
preserves everything in your OS--you do not lose anything with this option):

Make sure the DVD you have is a Vista DVD

Pitfalls: If the DVD came from friend or relative or P2P, you may have
problems. P2P besides being illlegal in many countries including the U.S.
can be corrupt. If CD came from friend or relative, they may have given
you the CD to use but if product key is in use, MSFT is not going to accept
it for activation. Make sure you clean the CD carefully using proper
cleaning fluid and strokes that radiate from center like spokes on a wheel.

Again a repair install has the most likely chance to succeed, but you need
to have an Vista DVD.
First, in order to do a Repair Install You must boot to the bios setup and
position booting from the "CD" first in the boot order--it probably will not
say DVD but might.

Booting to Bios Setup:

For 85% of PC's and all Dells you can tap the F2 key to reach bios setup.

How To Enable DVD/CD Rom Support (put CD boot first) in bios setup boot
order:

http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how..._support_i.htm

Screen Shot of bios setup boot order:
http://www.poy.net/proxy/bios2.jpg

Repair Install Does Not Lose Anything; you may need to try 2-3 times but
that's rare.

How To Repair Install
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/3153...22120121120120
Screen Shot Repair Install
http://www.windowsreinstall.com/winx...exfullpage.htm

Good luck,

CH




"Bill in JAX" <Bill in JAX@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:92F94E0C-BC6E-43DD-8732-CBA8C2245F8C@microsoft.com...

>I bought Vista Home Premium and decided to go to Ultimate. I used the
>Anytime
> Upgrade disc to do that. Windows crashes about once a day (blue screen
> hell).
> Also, email stopped working, Adobe 8 will not load and Norton 360 gets
> kicked
> out at startup. Message is that Norton requested an unusual termination,
> whatever that means.
>
> I thought I would just reinstall Vista from the Anytime disc. It asks for
> a
> key code. The only one I have is from the Home Premium and I get the
> meassage
> cannot upgrade from Ultimate to Home, of course. Sorry to ramble, how do I
> find the key for the Anytime Upgrade disc?
>
> Thanks

I have quite a problem. I paid for a full version of Vista Home Premium and
installed it on my computer. Later I bought and installed the Ultimate
upgrade from Amazon.com. Last night my hard drive died. I bought another
one, and want to install my copy of Vista Ultimate on my HDD, but I don't
have the product key for my copy. Amazon.com has been of no use at all which
is why I am asking for help on this forum. The only thing I have is an
invoice email proving that I paid for the Ultimate upgrade.

John

Hi,

If you've lost your Product Key, you need to contact Microsoft Product
Support:
http://support.microsoft.com/default...en-us;cntactms

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/
Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
My thoughts http://rick-mvp.blogspot.com

"BigE" <BigE@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:83619C2A-144C-46F7-97F7-9C0D2F6A9A47@microsoft.com...

>I have quite a problem. I paid for a full version of Vista Home Premium
>and
> installed it on my computer. Later I bought and installed the Ultimate
> upgrade from Amazon.com. Last night my hard drive died. I bought another
> one, and want to install my copy of Vista Ultimate on my HDD, but I don't
> have the product key for my copy. Amazon.com has been of no use at all
> which
> is why I am asking for help on this forum. The only thing I have is an
> invoice email proving that I paid for the Ultimate upgrade.
>
> John

In article <83619C2A-144C-46F7-97F7-9C0D2F6A9A47@microsoft.com>, BigE
says...

> I have quite a problem. I paid for a full version of Vista Home Premium and
> installed it on my computer. Later I bought and installed the Ultimate
> upgrade from Amazon.com. Last night my hard drive died. I bought another
> one, and want to install my copy of Vista Ultimate on my HDD, but I don't
> have the product key for my copy. Amazon.com has been of no use at all which
> is why I am asking for help on this forum. The only thing I have is an
> invoice email proving that I paid for the Ultimate upgrade.
>

I assume you did the Anytime Upgrade and selected Amazon as the
retailer?

(assuming this works the same as when you use MS as the retailer)

You should have a digital locker that will have a copy of the installer
as well as the product key.

Go to http://www.windowsmarketplace.com/

Click on the "Your locker" link at the top and use the same e-mail
address you used when purchasing the upgrade.


--
Conor

Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright
until you hear them speak.........

Yes, I did order Windows Anytime Upgrade Vista Home Premium - Vista Ultimate.
Like I said, Amazon didn't provide any information in their email invoice or
on their Digital Library web site.

I just tried calling them, and they said that my earlier call was sent to
the wrong department. She told me she would forward my info to the right
department which doesn't accept phone calls. I have to wait for 2 business
days for a reply.

I then call MS who said they could not help me. They transferred me to
DigitalRiver even though I told them I purchased the upgrade from Amazon.

Digital river, of course, said they could not help me. However, she did ask
me to carefully review the invoice and the Digital Library for licensing
information. I did as she asked, but still couldn't find anything. She told
me how upgrade procedures work for DigitalRiver and hopes Amazon's procedures
are the same. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem so.

So here I am with a legit copy of Windows Vista Ultimate and no way to
reinstall it. Guess I will have to wait 2 business days for Amazon to get
their act together and call me unless someone has any other recommendations.


"Conor" wrote:

> In article <83619C2A-144C-46F7-97F7-9C0D2F6A9A47@microsoft.com>, BigE
> says...

> > I have quite a problem. I paid for a full version of Vista Home Premium and
> > installed it on my computer. Later I bought and installed the Ultimate
> > upgrade from Amazon.com. Last night my hard drive died. I bought another
> > one, and want to install my copy of Vista Ultimate on my HDD, but I don't
> > have the product key for my copy. Amazon.com has been of no use at all which
> > is why I am asking for help on this forum. The only thing I have is an
> > invoice email proving that I paid for the Ultimate upgrade.
> >

> I assume you did the Anytime Upgrade and selected Amazon as the
> retailer?
>
> (assuming this works the same as when you use MS as the retailer)
>
> You should have a digital locker that will have a copy of the installer
> as well as the product key.
>
> Go to http://www.windowsmarketplace.com/
>
> Click on the "Your locker" link at the top and use the same e-mail
> address you used when purchasing the upgrade.
>
>
> --
> Conor
>
> Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright
> until you hear them speak.........
>

I finally got the issue solved. After 30 days, Amazon moves your upgrade
download to MS Digital Locker. If you don't have a digital locker account,
you have to create one using the email address used during the purchase.
Once your account is activated, the upgrade download will be in your account.

Now I have another problem. Do I now have to install Vista Home Premium
(full edition, not upgrade edition), run the upgrade software, and then
install Vista Ultimate? Why can't they just sell the product code so I only
have to perform on clean install?

"BigE" wrote:

> Yes, I did order Windows Anytime Upgrade Vista Home Premium - Vista Ultimate.
> Like I said, Amazon didn't provide any information in their email invoice or
> on their Digital Library web site.
>
> I just tried calling them, and they said that my earlier call was sent to
> the wrong department. She told me she would forward my info to the right
> department which doesn't accept phone calls. I have to wait for 2 business
> days for a reply.
>
> I then call MS who said they could not help me. They transferred me to
> DigitalRiver even though I told them I purchased the upgrade from Amazon.
>
> Digital river, of course, said they could not help me. However, she did ask
> me to carefully review the invoice and the Digital Library for licensing
> information. I did as she asked, but still couldn't find anything. She told
> me how upgrade procedures work for DigitalRiver and hopes Amazon's procedures
> are the same. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem so.
>
> So here I am with a legit copy of Windows Vista Ultimate and no way to
> reinstall it. Guess I will have to wait 2 business days for Amazon to get
> their act together and call me unless someone has any other recommendations.
>
>
> "Conor" wrote:
>

> > In article <83619C2A-144C-46F7-97F7-9C0D2F6A9A47@microsoft.com>, BigE
> > says...

> > > I have quite a problem. I paid for a full version of Vista Home Premium and
> > > installed it on my computer. Later I bought and installed the Ultimate
> > > upgrade from Amazon.com. Last night my hard drive died. I bought another
> > > one, and want to install my copy of Vista Ultimate on my HDD, but I don't
> > > have the product key for my copy. Amazon.com has been of no use at all which
> > > is why I am asking for help on this forum. The only thing I have is an
> > > invoice email proving that I paid for the Ultimate upgrade.
> > >

> > I assume you did the Anytime Upgrade and selected Amazon as the
> > retailer?
> >
> > (assuming this works the same as when you use MS as the retailer)
> >
> > You should have a digital locker that will have a copy of the installer
> > as well as the product key.
> >
> > Go to http://www.windowsmarketplace.com/
> >
> > Click on the "Your locker" link at the top and use the same e-mail
> > address you used when purchasing the upgrade.
> >
> >
> > --
> > Conor
> >
> > Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright
> > until you hear them speak.........
> >

Big E

When you "download" the product you arer basicllay downloading an XML file
that contains the product key,

Look in the Windows_Anytime_Upgrade.slupkg-ms file after downloading but not
"installing"
Inside the xml is a key:
<licensingToken description="ProductKey" type="productKey"
version="msft:rm/algorithm/pkey/2005">[your product key
here]<<licensingToken>

Now whether you have to updrade or not is another matter.

"BigE" <BigE@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:F1CEC0D4-3AE9-4C9F-A79F-8983B9269959@microsoft.com...

>I finally got the issue solved. After 30 days, Amazon moves your upgrade
> download to MS Digital Locker. If you don't have a digital locker
> account,
> you have to create one using the email address used during the purchase.
> Once your account is activated, the upgrade download will be in your
> account.
>
> Now I have another problem. Do I now have to install Vista Home Premium
> (full edition, not upgrade edition), run the upgrade software, and then
> install Vista Ultimate? Why can't they just sell the product code so I
> only
> have to perform on clean install?
>
> "BigE" wrote:
>

>> Yes, I did order Windows Anytime Upgrade Vista Home Premium - Vista
>> Ultimate.
>> Like I said, Amazon didn't provide any information in their email
>> invoice or
>> on their Digital Library web site.
>>
>> I just tried calling them, and they said that my earlier call was sent to
>> the wrong department. She told me she would forward my info to the right
>> department which doesn't accept phone calls. I have to wait for 2
>> business
>> days for a reply.
>>
>> I then call MS who said they could not help me. They transferred me to
>> DigitalRiver even though I told them I purchased the upgrade from Amazon.
>>
>> Digital river, of course, said they could not help me. However, she did
>> ask
>> me to carefully review the invoice and the Digital Library for licensing
>> information. I did as she asked, but still couldn't find anything. She
>> told
>> me how upgrade procedures work for DigitalRiver and hopes Amazon's
>> procedures
>> are the same. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem so.
>>
>> So here I am with a legit copy of Windows Vista Ultimate and no way to
>> reinstall it. Guess I will have to wait 2 business days for Amazon to
>> get
>> their act together and call me unless someone has any other
>> recommendations.
>>
>>
>> "Conor" wrote:
>>

>> > In article <83619C2A-144C-46F7-97F7-9C0D2F6A9A47@microsoft.com>, BigE
>> > says...
>> > > I have quite a problem. I paid for a full version of Vista Home
>> > > Premium and
>> > > installed it on my computer. Later I bought and installed the
>> > > Ultimate
>> > > upgrade from Amazon.com. Last night my hard drive died. I bought
>> > > another
>> > > one, and want to install my copy of Vista Ultimate on my HDD, but I
>> > > don't
>> > > have the product key for my copy. Amazon.com has been of no use at
>> > > all which
>> > > is why I am asking for help on this forum. The only thing I have is
>> > > an
>> > > invoice email proving that I paid for the Ultimate upgrade.
>> > >
>> > I assume you did the Anytime Upgrade and selected Amazon as the
>> > retailer?
>> >
>> > (assuming this works the same as when you use MS as the retailer)
>> >
>> > You should have a digital locker that will have a copy of the installer
>> > as well as the product key.
>> >
>> > Go to http://www.windowsmarketplace.com/
>> >
>> > Click on the "Your locker" link at the top and use the same e-mail
>> > address you used when purchasing the upgrade.
>> >
>> >
>> > --
>> > Conor
>> >
>> > Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright
>> > until you hear them speak.........
>> >

What program do I use to view the XML file?

"HSS" wrote:

> Big E
>
> When you "download" the product you arer basicllay downloading an XML file
> that contains the product key,
>
> Look in the Windows_Anytime_Upgrade.slupkg-ms file after downloading but not
> "installing"
> Inside the xml is a key:
> <licensingToken description="ProductKey" type="productKey"
> version="msft:rm/algorithm/pkey/2005">[your product key
> here]<<licensingToken>
>
> Now whether you have to updrade or not is another matter.
>
> "BigE" <BigE@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:F1CEC0D4-3AE9-4C9F-A79F-8983B9269959@microsoft.com...

> >I finally got the issue solved. After 30 days, Amazon moves your upgrade
> > download to MS Digital Locker. If you don't have a digital locker
> > account,
> > you have to create one using the email address used during the purchase.
> > Once your account is activated, the upgrade download will be in your
> > account.
> >
> > Now I have another problem. Do I now have to install Vista Home Premium
> > (full edition, not upgrade edition), run the upgrade software, and then
> > install Vista Ultimate? Why can't they just sell the product code so I
> > only
> > have to perform on clean install?
> >
> > "BigE" wrote:
> >

> >> Yes, I did order Windows Anytime Upgrade Vista Home Premium - Vista
> >> Ultimate.
> >> Like I said, Amazon didn't provide any information in their email
> >> invoice or
> >> on their Digital Library web site.
> >>
> >> I just tried calling them, and they said that my earlier call was sent to
> >> the wrong department. She told me she would forward my info to the right
> >> department which doesn't accept phone calls. I have to wait for 2
> >> business
> >> days for a reply.
> >>
> >> I then call MS who said they could not help me. They transferred me to
> >> DigitalRiver even though I told them I purchased the upgrade from Amazon.
> >>
> >> Digital river, of course, said they could not help me. However, she did
> >> ask
> >> me to carefully review the invoice and the Digital Library for licensing
> >> information. I did as she asked, but still couldn't find anything. She
> >> told
> >> me how upgrade procedures work for DigitalRiver and hopes Amazon's
> >> procedures
> >> are the same. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem so.
> >>
> >> So here I am with a legit copy of Windows Vista Ultimate and no way to
> >> reinstall it. Guess I will have to wait 2 business days for Amazon to
> >> get
> >> their act together and call me unless someone has any other
> >> recommendations.
> >>
> >>
> >> "Conor" wrote:
> >>
> >> > In article <83619C2A-144C-46F7-97F7-9C0D2F6A9A47@microsoft.com>, BigE
> >> > says...
> >> > > I have quite a problem. I paid for a full version of Vista Home
> >> > > Premium and
> >> > > installed it on my computer. Later I bought and installed the
> >> > > Ultimate
> >> > > upgrade from Amazon.com. Last night my hard drive died. I bought
> >> > > another
> >> > > one, and want to install my copy of Vista Ultimate on my HDD, but I
> >> > > don't
> >> > > have the product key for my copy. Amazon.com has been of no use at
> >> > > all which
> >> > > is why I am asking for help on this forum. The only thing I have is
> >> > > an
> >> > > invoice email proving that I paid for the Ultimate upgrade.
> >> > >
> >> > I assume you did the Anytime Upgrade and selected Amazon as the
> >> > retailer?
> >> >
> >> > (assuming this works the same as when you use MS as the retailer)
> >> >
> >> > You should have a digital locker that will have a copy of the installer
> >> > as well as the product key.
> >> >
> >> > Go to http://www.windowsmarketplace.com/
> >> >
> >> > Click on the "Your locker" link at the top and use the same e-mail
> >> > address you used when purchasing the upgrade.
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > --
> >> > Conor
> >> >
> >> > Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright
> >> > until you hear them speak.........
> >> >

>
>
>