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Formatting And Installing Vista

Started by VidenTheColdOne , Jun 08 2011 08:01 PM

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#1
VidenTheColdOne

Posted 08 June 2011 - 08:01 PM

Member

Member
53 posts

I found a computer and got it in working order, one of the memory chips was bad, that's all. So im trying to install vista but there seems to be some problems. I can get onto windows because the accounts are password protected from it's previous owners. How can i format the whole drive, like it was from the factory and do a clean install of windows WITHOUT using the windows disk or logging into windows. Any programs i can boot from cd or usb? thanks.

#2
Ztruker

Posted 09 June 2011 - 08:38 PM

Member 5k

Technician
7,091 posts

You need a Vista Install DVD, use the built in Recovery partition if there is one or you can setup Vista to install from a flash drive if the computer supports this. I just did this on a Dell Inspiron 1720 when I replaced the hard drive. To use a flash drive, you have to have a Vista Install DVD though.

I followed these directions to create the installable flash drive: USB Bootable Vista Installation USB Key

What is the make and model number of the computer? The users guide at the manufacturers support site should tell you if it has a Recovery Partition or not and ow to access it.