Solved Reinstalling Vista using ISO file

[nativetexan2]

I had to replace my hard drive and do not have the recovery disks for my 5 year old ACER computer. Where can I get a Vista ISO file and how do I reinstall Vista on my computer. I have the product key stuck on the side of my computer. What can I do about the drivers?

Thanks

 

[Brink]

Hello nativeTexan2, and welcome to Vista Forums.

You can download an official Vista with SP1 ISO file here: Dell Community, and use Windows 7 USB-DVD Download Tool to create a bootable DVD or USB flash drive with the ISO to do a clean install with.

You can download drivers for your Acer computer at the link below at Acer. You would just need to select your model number to get them.

Download

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[nativetexan2]

Thanks Shawn, I went to the Dell Community and downloaded the Vista files and then downloaded wintoflash. Went through the process and created a bootable USB flash drive. At the end of WinToFlash, there was a message "just boot from this USB drive to start Windows setup." Was I finished or do I still have to create a bootable .iso using ImgBurn? I'm confused at this point.

Thanks
Richard

 

[Brink]

Well, you could install from the bootable USB if you like since you already have it created.

You would just need to scroll down a bit further at the "Dell Community" site until you see the Creation of a .iso file section for that.

 

[nativetexan2]

I actually did both. I followed the instructions for Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool to create a bootable DVD and I created the .iso file for the bootable USB. I tried one then the other and got the message "NTLDR is missing" "press Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart" each time.

Finally got the DVD to read and boot up. Windows loaded files. Entered language, keyboard, etc. Clicked "install now" and entered product key then got "this installation is canceled" with the following error message: Windows can not open the required file E:\sources\install.wim. Make sure all files required for installation are available and restart the installation. Error Code 0x80070026

 

[Brink]

Sounds like a corrupted file or installation disc.

 

[nativetexan2]

OK, I'll go back and start the whole process fresh from the beginning and keep you posted.

 

[nativetexan2]

Shawn, I went to Dell Community and downloaded X14-63453.exe, install.wim, & boot.wim. I ran the .exe file and got the following message (see attachment). I don't know what I am doing wrong. Help!!!!



It did create the Vista Folder but not sure if everything is in the folder.

 

[Brink]

Did you place those files on your desktop, then run the .exe?

 

[nativetexan2]

no, I am using Firefox and downloaded them to my default Download Folder.

Created a Vista Folder on my desktop and opened Explorer. Downloaded .exe, install.wim and Boot.wim to the vista folder. Ran the .exe file and got the same message.

 

[Brink]

Not sure why. Double check the steps at Dell to make sure that you are doing all of them exactly as written.

 

[nativetexan2]

I gave up on the dell. I tried three other computers/laptops and got the same message every time. I found this site:
[Direct Download Links] Download Official Windows Vista RTM with SP1 Setup Files (32-bit and 64-bit) and this is want I did. (1) Deleted the Vista Folder on my desktop. (2) Created a new Vista Install Folder on the desktop. (3) downloaded X14-63452.exe (32-bit), install.wim, Boot.wim to the new desktop folder. (4) ran X14-63452.exe and it created a new Vista folder and continued to open the install windows. Everything seems to be working so far. (5) opened Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool and could not find a .iso file anywhere in the new vista folder than the .exe created. So now I'm stuck again. What folder would I find the .iso file and what is the name of the file?

 

[Brink]

From here: Dell Community

1. You must download the .exe, the boot.wim and the install.wim in the same place. Run the .exe file and it will extract all the files into a folder called Vista.

2. Scroll down to "Creation of a .iso file"

3. Download, install, and run Imgburn. Launch imgburn and select "Create Image file from files/folders". You would do this with the Vista folder.

4. finish steps there.

 

[nativetexan2]

Hallelujah.... I'm installing Vista. My only question is will I get asked to install the drivers? I downloaded the drivers from ACER.

Thank you, Thank you.

 

[Brink]

Great news.

Nope, you'll need to install them one by one after Vista is finished installing.