[4arc]

hi

i really need to format my hard-drive as the entire computer is corrupted!

what are the issues with formatting and re-installing vista (home)?

do i need the original vista cd that came with my computer or can i use another one?

will the vista cd require a product key to install? can i get this from dell, where i purchased the laptop?

thanks in advance!

[Mumbodog]

Most PC's these days have some sort of Factory restore, this is the best way to restore the PC.

Installing Vista from DVD will destroy this factory restore option forever, be careful what you do.

Most Dell PC's do have a factory restore, you can reach it by tapping F8 during the Dell bios splash screen, this should bring up more options including the restore feature.

http://support.dell.com/support/topi...7D4&doclang=en

"will the vista cd require a product key to install?" It should be a DVD, and if it is a Dell Vista DVD, No you don't need a product Key, it will install without one and activate itself.

Request a DVD from here
http://support.dell.com/support/topi...dhs&redirect=1

[dustyjay]

Ctrl+F11 At the start up should start the factory restore on your Dell provided the Restore partition is still intact and C: drive has not been formatted since it was originally purchased.

[joeten]

hi you can also use this for recovery http://neosmart.net/blog/2008/window...disc-download/ recovery not reinstall

[Mumbodog]

That recovery disc will not help this issue.

"Ctrl+F11 At the start up should start the factory restore on your Dell"

That is for XP, Dell changed it to F8 for Vista, check the Dell link I posted.

[dustyjay]

I will add that to my repository of retoration facts Mumbodog, Thanks.