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Hey guys. Why would a PE instead of a full version be installed?

 

Because you are seeing the version of the DVD you booted from, not the version that is on the hard disk drive!

 

I still believe this is the best option. An IDE/SATA to USB connector is not expensive, Linux is free, and trying to repair Windows Vista is a waste of time if you don't have the original disc or the product key. And even if you do have the latter... it's still a waste of time.

 

There's nothing wrong with Vista Eldon. A couple of the ppl I support are still using it and I have it in a VM. Nowadays it's a stable OS. It isn't looking that hopeful for the OP but as he/she is hard up I for one would like to carry on for the time being.

 

Vista SP2 will only be supported until 11 April 2017. After that, no more security updates.

So in less than a year, an alternative would need to be considered if using the computer online.

 

The OP's biggest concern seems to be getting back his MS products so he can perform work on the MS files he has.

 

Sure, and hopefully in that time his/her finances will improve. In the meantime he/she needs this computer working again.

 

Thank you all for your help...I understand that I have been fortunate that my Laptop has lasted this long...and I will likey have to replace...and thank you for the google key suggestions.

And...I am able to download and save the data...the problem is I am not certain if it will be able to be read any of it via a new computer...due to the age of this software and compability.

Regardless, before I surrender, I will continue with your suggestions in solving what the mystery Vista is or is not and will let you guys know.

Again...thank you all for your help and patience with a non techy.

Side Bar Question...does any one know why I am not able to upload a "screen shot" to this site from my android galaxy? I think if you could see what I see the translation may be better.

 

Unfortunately, that's your destiny.

Don't worry about this. If there's nothing wrong with the file system, your files will be OK.

Do you not see Upload a File?

 

I do..and when I try to choose a file, it does no respond. I then tried to upload a photo in the profile and could not.

 

I was finally able to copy Explorer to Flash...but I am still not clear what OS or version, are you?

File Description Windows Explorer
Type Application
File Version 6.0.6002.18005
Product Name Microsoft(R) Windows(R) Operating System
Product Version 6.0.6002.18005
Copyright Microsoft Corporation
Date Modified 4/10/2009 10:27PM
Language English United States

 

I think that means it's Vista...
s.

 

Hummm...I just googled the title and the number and got:

Windows Vista and Server 2008 RC (Build 16670 Direct Links for x86/x64/ia64)

The link below is showing multiple downloads for this...would I
it help if I downloaded a copy or make everything worse?

http://www.mydigitallife.info/downl...8-rc-build-16670-direct-links-for-x86x64ia64/

 

My Digital Life has had some bad ISOs listed. Are you running 32-bit on the VIAO or 64-bit (I read you had tried a friend's 32-bit)? I'll find you a link from GetIntoPC.com. I've downloaded several ISOs from there and the ISOs are legit.

 

I am 32 bit...I am still trying to fix my computer...I will have to get a new computer...but I will not be able to do that for a while.

I downloaded the event log explorer you sent...but I am unable to connect to the internet via the computer. I was just about to read the help section, via my phone when I saw your post.

It is saying Error code 2138.

Thank you!

 

Here's a link for Vista Home Premium:

http://getintopc.com/softwares/oper...ista-home-premium-download-iso-32-bit-64-bit/

The only Vista Ultimate I could find was 64-bit only.

 

Okay..thanks.

 

I have a Vista .iso in my OneDrive which is 64 bit. It can install any version of the OS, all you need to do is enter a valid license key. The original license key under the battery or on the bottom of the laptop should work with this disc. The disc automatically selects the windows version based on the key. If I were in your shoes, I would connect your hard drive to another machine, take ownership of your folders, and copy all your files to a flash drive. Then, do a fresh install. This does mean you lose all your apps, however.

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=4F3197666AED38EB!170&authkey=!AG7A9xvgBQ8YIWs&ithint=folder,iso

The only hitch is whether or not your laptop can support a 64 bit OS. Can you give us the CPU information from the BIOS screen?

P.S. For all you geeks out there, there are W7 and W8 images on the OneDrive as well. I have retained quite a collection of images in my archives.

 

The OneDrive link for the Vista ISO required me to sign in to my Microsoft account. I don't know if the OP has one.

Is the ISO an All-in-One?

 

Never mind, I got my answer — it is an All-in-One.

 

I didn't realize MSoft was putting a hitch on EVERYTHING these days. It seems they are.

It also bears mentioning that this is an aging machine. There could possibly be bad bits on the RAM writing bad data. That would screw the pooch for an OS. I've seen that cause a failure to boot.

It really can be tough to diagnose a machine without it in front of you.

 

Just an update...and thank you for assistance. It would have helped you guys help me had I actually know what type of Vista and server I had when I began my querys. So sorry about that!

It seems my system is equipped with Vista Sp2 Window Server 2008. 32 Bit - x86. Apperantly, when I ran an ordinary windows update I had an error message 0x80000005 and 0x80000002. Which seems to be root of the problem. It seems these errors occured several months ago...I would run PCTools that appeared to repair any problem...however it seems to have only delayed until the final blow that caused black screen.

Now...when my computer failes to boot Windows automatically fails over to the Windows RE environment. This explains why when I ran the recovery repairs, Hard drive check and Memory check, no errors were shown. However, when I ran the SFC scan the boot log was full of "unable to reload or repair" most of which are drivers.

Needless to say: it is understood that the Windows RE enviroment is able to restore everything to an eariler date..via Wbadbim...of which is where I am now. It is not showing an eairler date to restore of which I know there is one...or there was. I think the limited diagnostic state is blocking of which I am currently attempting to determind.

I do appericiate everyone help and Good Lord I have a new apperication for all you technology tech's. Gezzzzz...I have just about broke my brain.

 

If you have access to a working PC download this -

https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/details.aspx?id=16468

burn it to DVD and reinstall.

But first you must make sure you have backups of your files and have, or can get the means to reinstall your key softwares.

 

Okay...will do Thanks!

 

The link brings up the standalone installer for SP2 for Vista (348.31MB). The OP states he's already got SP2 installed, Were you attempting to direct him to a Vista re-install/recovery DVD?

 

Okay. Is it okay to download both to a memory stick? Also are both able to be installed and launched via command prompt?

Black screen...I have tried with f:\ but unless it is a download ending in .exe it doesnt work.

I dont have any cd's, but can get some...just will have to be later.

 

For now I do need recovery...but if it I am unable I assume I will need restore also.

 

Okay..I am confused. I want to restore and repair if possible...Which link do I use?

 

Just hold off for the time being, mdonah is right, the link I gave isn't to a full installer, it's an SP2 upgrade only. I've been trying to locate a full Windows Server 2008 32-bit download, so far without success. I can find 64-bit but not 32-bit but of course there is also the potential problem with your key. Looking like you may need to buy and install a new Vista disc and key if you can find one or better still, take up the mekanic's offer of a Vista ISO in #68.

 

Okay...I have downloaded Mdonahs link. I will wait to hear back. Thks!

 

That ISO I linked you to is for Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit which is what you said you originally had. It is for burning to DVD only unless you have software that will allow you to make a bootable flash drive from the ISO. just copying the ISO to a flash drive won't make it bootable.

Because it's Home Premium like you had originally, your OEM Key will activate it but, you'll have to do a telephone activation — not by the automated system, but by talking to a Microsoft representative.

The standalone SP2 installer Earthling linked you to is an .EXE.

 

I have a question.

What type of CPU does this PC have?

It it's 64bit capable, that changes the game a bit.

 

If you want Server 2008, here's the link for it:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=5023

Click on the Download button and on the next screen, select the architecture you need (32-bit or 64-bit).

 

Thank you and I am not sure about CPU...where would I find that information?

I bought a 128 GB USB to back up my files. Is there any way I can download my microsoft office software and other software, as well?

Allie

 

You can use a program like SPECCY or BELARC ADVISOR to tell you detailed information on all parts.

 

Which version of Microsoft Office are you using?
The setup files should be in a hidden folder named MSOCache in the root of C: drive.
Backup that folder.

 

Hummm...well to my understanding thus far...I have Vista sp2 with windows server 2008...not 2008 r2.

The file and product version number is 6.0.6002.18005

I am not sure about MSOC folder...if you will send me a comand to use at the comand prompt I will try and access.

I also am haing difficulty backing up my files. It will download files...but an error appears after about two minutes. Doesnt say what error is, just that it is going to exit.

 

Not Windows.
Do you have access to another PC?

 

I do have access to a friends computer.

I am currently attempting to back up my files on my broken laptop and find a key finder that will decode my Microsoft Office...so I am able to download if I have to do a a complete restore.

However my data is not allowing me to backup. ..which is causing concern.

 

I suggest you remove the HDD and connect it to the other PC using an IDE/SATA to USB connector. Then you can copy your files including the hidden MSOCache folder.

 

This has been suggested twice previously. I suspect the OP has neither the means nor the confidence to remove a Sony Vaio drive.

 

This happens when the thread just goes on & on.

AllieP, you can get your MS Office product key from Microsoft.

https://support.office.microsoft.co...origin=HP012340111033&ocmsassetID=XT001234051

 

As I see it you are in a position now to reinstall Vista thanks to mdonah but are being held up by two issues -

- Copying off your files
- Reinstalling MS Office

As regards Office I can only hope Eldon's solution works for you, but for your files I would go back to the repair shop and plead with them to get your files backed up without charging you the Earth. Than you could finally move forward.

 

Allie,

Believe it or not, pulling the drive from the VIAO laptop isn't difficult at all. What is the model number of the laptop? I'll locate instructions for you.

Doing it yourself will give you some experience, confidence and save you money. I had to replace the system board on one of my Dell laptops so, I downloaded the Service Manual for it, followed instructions and had the laptop back up and running in half an hour.

It required a complete tear down of the laptop. Pulling the drive is no where near as complicated.

 

I an not sure about removing a hard drive and I would not know how toextract data afterwards.

It is a Sony Vaio VGN-NR330E.

I think I have shadow copies of my files...I am trying to find out if I am able to copy those to my USB.

 

See post #90.

 

Yea...I do not think my friends are willing to allow me to download my broken hard drive to there computer...knowing I have no clue about what I am doing.

If I cant figure out how to upload my data to a USB via some method at least part of it...I will just have to lose it. Taking it to the computer guy is to expensive...he said it would cost more than a new laptop...and he is not userfriendly.

 

Unfortunately, on this particular model, it is a bit more complicated to remove the hard drive because it sits under two USB ports and there are different types of screws in the base plate which has to be removed first.

Well, I thought it would be worth a try...

 

There is another option...
Connected your PC to a friends PC using a 'bridged' USB cable.
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/connecting-two-pcs-using-a-usb-usb-cable/

 

The only thing with this is some of the bridged cables (I have one) require proprietary software be installed on BOTH machines. Mine requires Easy PC Sync software.