[pompanoguy]

Every time I try to boot my computer I need to put in the original Vista disk, or I get a screen telling me to do so. I have checked to see if I am missing any files, and the system32 files are all intact, including a file that the screen says I am missing. I have tried a new install with a formatted drive and same result.

I also get a message about counterfeit software. I was on the phone with Microsoft ( in India ) for over 3 hrs. I got them to give me now product ID #'s. Now, the same thing happens. Any ideas as to either of my problems?

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You can use Vista Boot Pro or EasyBCD (google for them) to edit the options in the bcdedit configuration.
Or, you can try running Startup Repair from your installation CD to repair it.

Others have also had success with other methods, so if the above doesn't work out post back for more info.

[usasma]

You can use Vista Boot Pro or EasyBCD (google for them) to edit the options in the bcdedit configuration.
Or, you can try running Startup Repair from your installation CD to repair it.

Others have also had success with other methods, so if the above doesn't work out post back for more info.

[pompanoguy]

You can use Vista Boot Pro or EasyBCD (google for them) to edit the options in the bcdedit configuration.
Or, you can try running Startup Repair from your installation CD to repair it.

Others have also had success with other methods, so if the above doesn't work out post back for more info.

I tried the startup repair with no success. I still need to put the original cd in to start vista.

[usasma]

Then you'll have to use Vista Boot Pro or EasyBCD to change the entries to reflect booting from the hard drive and not from the CD.
You can also use the in-built command line tool - bcdedit - to change the entries, but I'm not able to help with that.

[pompanoguy]

Then you'll have to use Vista Boot Pro or EasyBCD to change the entries to reflect booting from the hard drive and not from the CD.
You can also use the in-built command line tool - bcdedit - to change the entries, but I'm not able to help with that.

I just did a fresh install of windows 7 from the download site. Installed it, and guess what? Same problem! I have to put in the original disk for the computer to go int o windows.

[usasma]

This is likely due to some setting on your system that isn't involved in the bootup process (such as non-traditional drive assignments). You're going to have to edit the Boot Configuration Data file in order to get it to boot.

Go to Start and type in "cmd" (without the quotes). Then right click on the cmd.exe at the top of the search box and select "Run as administrator"
In the black window that opens, type "bcdedit" (without the quotes) and press Enter.
Mark and then copy the contents of that window and paste it into your next post.