Need to reinstall Windows on Vista PC

If it's not a particularly old computer I'd be a little surprised if it was the case that yours does NOT have on it what seems quite popular (indeed almost all do it in UK these days)...use a 'Hidden Partition' that you can access at the very early stage of a boot-up..VERY early.. BEFORE the first screen appears keep REGULARLY pressing (usually) F10 key..that is the one most used and it then brings up the Recovery partition which itself is a complete re-install.

I've used this maybe twice..but it has to be realised that it is in fact a virtual copy of the original installation..most importantly with quite often specific files such as the makers own Drivers and other extras that many new computers tend to give..you do not get these on an external disc..so I'd suggest you try for the Hidden Partition first. If you have the original Manuals etc etc that usually are in a new computer box...that may well instruct you how to uise that Partition in the circumstances you now seem in.

Remember though that this IS a system setup and exactly as the computer was when new...so it will of course date itself (in content) at the original purchase time. You will likely HAVE to then get such as MS updates etc etc to bring it back up to the present time.. but it often is the only best way to be sure of having the actual original things like Drivers and other installation essentials as they were. It generaly needs no such thing as Installation/Registration details, as of course it IS in order from the original itself.

A quick way of checking IF you have such Hidden Partition is to do a RIGHT click on your "My Computer" icon on your Desktop..then from the list drop-down click on "Disc Management"...it should give you a screen with details of your computer content and all drives are listed.. IF there is a Hidden Partition it will be very obvious in the list as it will be shown as such..or maybe just another Drive..but ONLY be of about 5-10Gig size at most

OOPS !..completely sorry...must be having one of those times..if youare removing the original drive of course that Partition will go !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...Argghhhh...  !  ..  although I just wonder IF that can be moved from the old to the new drive ??  There must be SOME way  ??

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/eric
Staffordshire, UK