Windows Vista Problem, Your Advice

Greetings,

First time to the forum. I've read a lot of advice off here for quite a while and am satisfied this is the best place to post my question/concerns. Hopefully, we can tackle it:

My Vista PC recently contracted the horrible "Vista Anti-Malware" virus that completely stripped my computer from functionality. The virus prevented me from installing Malwarebytes Antimalware, which I was told through various sources was the only known antivirus program that could detect "av.exe". Frustrated, I followed some, perhaps, renegade advice and manually deleted suspicious files from my WINDOWS/SYSTEM32 folder and whatnot. Unfortunatly, I must have deleted something important, because at restart I came across a *new* error: After logging in, the "activation" process could not detect validity (i.e.) and therefore could not continue start-up. I must have deleted my activation files and now could not log-in properly.

I then realized that the only possible solution had to be a fresh install of my OS. I did not have my original Vista disc (lost it while moving last year) so I decided to "get current" and purchase Windows 7 Ultimate. I put the disc in at startup but found the computer did not read it at bootup, like I was used to beforehand with the other OS's. Then I thought as an 'upgrade' version of Windows 7, it may not do that. So I figured I had to run it from My Computer and install it that way.

Problem was...I couldn't log on! I was able to log on after getting into Safe Mode, but the problems continued. I was able to start the Windows 7 installation off the disc but it ran up an error during installation stating something like "could not read disk information". I figured in system restore only a limited amount of the pc's assets were enabled. I googled this problem and found out the reason to be the virtual disk service was "not started" and could be turned on in SERVICES.MSC. Apparently, Windows 7 setup had to detect the disk information only available when the virtual disk was "on". After locating "vds" and attempting to start it, I ran into ANOTHER error, this time a "Code 3 Error" and the device could not start. I googled this problem, and well, another wild goose chase.

Needless to say I need help, so I worked out a list of available options, in my humblest of opinions:

1. I have the computer's XP (original OS) disc. I fresh install this (if it will let me, based on whether or not it will read on bootup) and when I have a stable desktop, install the Windows 7 Os from My Computer.

2. I have tried using the Vista Recovery disc (which I made after dling the ones available online) but: (a) nothing to detect for errors during startup, (b) I don't have a memory problem, (c) the virus shut off my system restore points and I don't have any available, (d) I can't restore a version of windows from my hd because none exist.

"sfc /scannow" from cmd does not work. TrustedInstaller.exe is not in the "services" folder in C:/WINDOWS, and I don't have the "rights" to put it there, even though I am the admin.

Are there any other recovery options?

3. I am simply doing something wrong, and its a PEBCAK error.

4. Nothing can be done, I am, to say the least, screwed.

I'd really like your advice on which on the above options to choose OR suggest a new one. I am at my wit's end and would appreciate ANY and ALL feedback. I'd be happy to expound on any facets of the problem.

Thanks,
Zach
:confused

 

So you bought the Win 7 upgrade?

And you must first install XP. When booting from this disk, you'll be given an option to format, don't choose quick format, do the full.

Then here is an article from MS to help with the upgrade to 7;
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/help/upgrading-from-windows-xp-to-windows-7

And you do have the BIOS set to boot from the CD/DVD? :wave:wave

 

brandypeppy,

I do have the boot parimeters set to use the CD/DVD first. It will boot from the Vista Recovery Cd, just now the Windows 7 DVD.

I will follow the instructions you sent me, and see if that works. Will this create an "XP" folder retaining older information when installing 7? or will a complete wipe be done?

 

According to that article, and I haven't done this so maybe there is further advice here at MG's, your data will be lost.
If you asking will you have both OS's, no, you'll just have Win7, but I don't know how much of XP actually remains.:wave