If the repair tools on the Vista DVD fail to fix your system, the last resort before a reinstall of Vista is to try a "Vista Repair Installation".
This is done by running an Upgrade install over the existing Vista installation. It is run from the desktop, so you must be able to access Vista.
Not every Vista DVD can be used to run a "Vista Repair Installation”.
Suitable Vista DVDs
A Retail Full Vista installation DVD
An Upgrade Vista installation DVD
An OEM Retail DVD. This DVD would be bought from a store and is the same as a Retail Full DVD apart from the fact that it has an OEM Product Key instead of a retail Product Key. It is different from an OEM Recovery DVD
Unsuitable Vista DVDs
An OEM Recovery DVD which comes with a pre-installed OEM Vista system. It will most likely only be a ghost image of the hard drive and cannot be used to run this repair.
An Anytime Upgrade DVD
Please Note
Personal files, settings and programs will remain intact, but it is wise to take the precaution of backing up all important data first.
If SP1 is installed on your system and it is not on the Vista installation DVD, SP1 must be slipstreamed into the Vista DVD before you can run this repair.
Windows Mail should be backed up first as the repair will reset it to default.
Some drivers may have to be reinstalled after the repair
How to run a Vista Repair Installation
Boot into the Vista desktop
Put the Vista DVD into the drive and let setup run. If Autoplay does not open, go to Computer, right click the DVD drive/Explore. Look for the setup file and click it.
Screen 1
Loading files might take some time.
Screen 2
The installation will load
Screen 3
Select language, time and keyboard
Click “Next”
Screen 4
Click "Install Now."
Select “Do not get the latest updates for installation” for the Upgrade to complete faster.
Screen 5
Do NOT enter the Product Key as it has already been activated for the existing installation of Vista.
Do NOT check “Automatically activate Windows when I'm online”.
Click “Next”
Confirm that you really do want to install Vista without entering a Product Key.
Click “Next”
Screen 6
Accept the Windows Licensing Agreement ( EULA).
Click “Next”
Screen 7
Select "Upgrade”This is not a clean install, but an upgrade to Vista.
Then follow the instructions until the Vista desktop appears.
Remove the Vista installation DVD.
Check that User “Documents” and personal data are present and correct. If any files are missing they will probably be stored in one or both of these folders
C:\$WINDOWS.~Q
C:\$INPLACE.~TR
These are temporary folders which Vista Setup creates during an upgrade.
When certain that no files are missing, run Disk Cleanup to delete files discarded by the Upgrade.
Only put a check at “Files discarded by Windows upgrade”
Click “OK” to delete
Vista must be activated within 30 days or it will lose functionality.
This can be done in 2 ways.
If you have not closed down the Welcome Center, click “Show more details” then click “Activate Windows now”
Otherwise click Start, Control Panel, System & Maintenance, System.
If you have any problems or need help please post your questions in Windows Vista Support
