Can I reinstall Vista without a CD?

[R66]

I would like to reinstall Vista Home Premium on my laptop, however I don't have a CD, just a product key.
My laptop came with a Microsoft "External Recovery Media" CD but I don't believe it would reinstall my OS.

Is there any way I could reinstall my OS without the CD?

 

[richc46]

Welcome
Make and model of computer, please.

 

[R66]

Oh, sorry.

It's an MSI M670 laptop.

 

[richc46]

If you did not remove or corrupt the restoration partition, follow these instructions
How to recover your notebook | MSI HQ User-to-User FAQ

 

[R66]

Okay, thanks for the link

But is it possible to install Vista Basic instead of Home Premium?

 

[richc46]

You must install the OS that came with the computer.
The restoration partition is set up that way.
If you use a CD, you do not have the proper Product Key Number, which is on the computer somewhere.

 

[R66]

No, I meant installing Vista Basic from a CD, I have the CD.

 

[richc46]

Do you have the product key number for Basic?
If yes you can install.
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/117366-clean-install-full-version-vista.html
Make sure all your stuff is backed up, everything will be lost.

 

[R66]

Yes I do have the product key.

And the backup I've already done.

Thanks a lot for your help.

 

[richc46]

Let us know how you make out.