[rshaffer61]

OK that is exactly what you need to find.
Vista Home Premium and it has to be a OEM version. A retail version will NOT work

[Advertisements]

Ok, if I can't find that then I reinstall the factory image - but lose files and reinstall them via back-up disks?

[aydyty]

Ok, if I can't find that then I reinstall the factory image - but lose files and reinstall them via back-up disks?

[aydyty]

Another thought, will the system recovery disks I made after purchasing the PC work as the OEM version?

[rshaffer61]

Nope they are the image just like the one on the partition.
You can backup the data files but any programs you have installed yourself will have to be reinstalled.

[aydyty]

would it be easier to upgrade to the next windows version?

[rshaffer61]

You can get a Win7 32 bit upgrade if that is what you mean.
Since your system is running Vista right now upgrading it should be no problem.

[aydyty]

As opposed to spending $100+ on a windows 7 upgrade, thought it may make more sense given the age of the computer to restore the factory image and restore files from my back-up discs. Any thoughts or tutorials on that, thanks?

[rshaffer61]

Like I stated before the recovery partition with return the system to factory new condition. Any programs you installed will have to be reinstalled and any data if you have it backed up with be copied back to it's appropriate folders after reinstall.

[aydyty]

Thought I'd circle back with an update...After re-imaging worked only for a short while. I re-seated the memory chips and the video card and seems to have done the trick. The sys has been stable for more tha a week. Thanks.

[rshaffer61]

That is great to hear but I won't call this resolved for a while just in case it peaks it ugly head back up. Please update in another week and then we may be able to consider it resolved. Thank you for the update and I am happy it is stable now.