[singledadinia]

I could use some help from all of the experts on this forum...

I have a Gateway GM5474 pc that I would like to do a clean OS install on. I do NOT have any of the original discs that may or may not have come with this pc, as I am not the original owner. But, I do have the original Vista Home Premium product key sticker still on the machine.

I know this pc has a recovery partition, so here are my questions:
1. Can I do a fresh OS install using the recovery partition?
2. Do I need an OS disc to do this?
3. Can I download or create a recovery disc and do a fresh OS install without the OEM OS disc.

Any guidance would greatly be appreciated.

Thanks.

[TerryNet]

Assuming it hasn't been messed up you can use the Recovery Partition to "recover" the system to the way it was when it left the factory. This is not exactly the same as installing the OS (you get Gateway's crap along with the OS) but is about your only choice w/o buying a new OS.

Usually, and check out this first, you can make one set of Recovery CDs or DVDs from the Recovery partition. I advise doing this if it is possible with Gateway and if the previous owner did not do so.

If above doesn't work you can probably buy the Recovery disks from Gateway for a reasonable price.

[singledadinia]

So, clarify this please... When I use the Gateway Recovery Center to do a full system restore, this will erase the hard drive and re-install everything as it was when it came out of the box without having to use any discs...Correct?

And, if I make a set of recovery discs, I would be able to do this again using them without having the OS disc... correct?

[joeten]

that's about it Terrynet has given you the correct info

[TerryNet]

Yep; here is what Gateway has to say about it. What is Gateway System Recovery?