[Ztruker]

I would just install the new one.

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OK - driver updates installed and the laptop seems to be running well.

 

Is there more to do to check that it is stable?

 

Or can we close this case and my daughter start using it?

 

(And thank you so much for the support on this!!)

 

Sincerely,

Greg

[briz_dad]

OK - driver updates installed and the laptop seems to be running well.

 

Is there more to do to check that it is stable?

 

Or can we close this case and my daughter start using it?

 

(And thank you so much for the support on this!!)

 

Sincerely,

Greg

[Ztruker]

Use it and see what happens. I think that's the best test.

[briz_dad]

Whaw!

 

We're not out of the woods... I've installed the video drivers.

 

And I uninstalled the Display adapters (NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GT) and reinstalled via the executable.

 

This morning's experience is that the computer started up fine - but must have crashed when I was away. I came back to it and it was in the "recovery" mode. And when it restarted, it did the "pixilated" screen thing... like the start up screen has chicken pox.

 

At this point, it seems wise to me to do a clean system install - we don't have a disc for the system.

 

Is there a way to do a clean system install without the disc?

 

I did do a change to the system recovery settings so that it does a complete report - is this useful for further work to fix this laptop?

 

Anything else I should check for, change, do, etc.?

 

Again - I very much appreciate your help.

 

Sincerely,
Greg

[Ztruker]

Best Answer

I would suggest you backup your data before doing anything else. That way if something goes wrong when you are trying to repair the OS, you won't lose the data:

See here: Emergency Kit - save your files from a dead OS - Windows 7 Help Forums

Do you have a Vista install DVD you can use to attempt repairs after you backup your data? If not, 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.

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.
 

[briz_dad]

OK - I'm working on this... just posted to Peter (Ex_Brit). I'm skipping the data back-up part due to my believing there is nothing on there my daughter has yet. Best to give her a clean version to start with.

 

I'll post results here when completed - or you can close this if you want.

 

Thank you very much!

 

Sincerely,

Greg

[Ztruker]

Please do post results, I'd like to know how this turns out.

[briz_dad]

Alright!! we're back in business... and my 10 year old has her own computer - thanks to GTG and your support!

 

 

Thank you!

[Ztruker]

Excellent!!!! Good job, persistence pays off.