Re-install of Vista

Funkiwi75

Hi, my psu and motherboard just blow, so i have installed a new psu and motherboard but now unable to boot into Vista, I just get a reboot loop, even when going into safe mode.

I have tried the Startup Repair but that did not work, says it can not find any problems.

I have also tried to choose the Upgrade option but that was greyed out.

If i choose 'Custom' it just wants to install a new copy of Vista and delete the old one or put the old Vista into .old folder.

I know with windows xp you can do a re-install over the top and 9 times out 10 that works, does any know how you can do that with vista?

ED E

What caused the damage? Are you sure the HDD wasnt damaged aswell?

Funkiwi75

By the looks of the inside of the machine, time and it being use as a vacum cleaner. Lots of dust. I have run hard drive diagnostics on the drive and it's passed.

One thing that might be importent (forgot to put it in the original post sorry) it's/was an acer prebuilt PC but now has an Asus MB in it.

Solitaire

Please don't tell me you already tried to repair or reinstall? :eek:

If you have Vista will have nuked itself and you'll have to buy a new OS. OEM versions of Vista and Win7 are designed to nuke themselves if they detect a mobo change :mad:

Funkiwi75

Ah nuts, I did take a clone of the drive, but no cant remember if it was before or after i did a Startup Repair.

If I read the e-mail right it sounds like you can do a MB swap and not have to format Vista/Win 7, but how?

VenomIreland

Re-activate over the phone, I'm too lazy and tired to look up the link know, so you'll have to google for it.

Funkiwi75

My problem is not with re-activating Vista, it is doing a windows repair like you can do with windows xp.

BostonB

Trying to run a already installed OS on different hardware by swapping the disk is always flaky. If you've a new motherboard and its not the same as the old, one you should re-install.