Replies

Selwyn,

Thanks for the link and the details.

The thing I found attractive about Fred Langa’s method is that it promises to reinstall Windows without having to resort to reinstalling drivers and programs, restoring user data, or resorting to other contortions and complications.

Bottom line: 1) would you say that Fred’s method does in fact work for Vista; and 2) if it does work, am I limited to using specifically an HP Vista x64 Home Premium DVD (if I can even find one somewhere), or can I use a “generic” Vista x64 Home Premium retail (not OEM or system builder) disk?

I’m hoping that the answer to #1 will be Yes, but I’m not hopeful about #2.

OK, thank you — I’ll see if I can round up an HP Vista x64 Home Premium DVD somewhere, as that does seem to be the safest way to go in order to do this kind of reinstall.

As far as moving to Windows 7: I’m one of the few oddballs around who actually prefers Vista to Win7!! :o:

The reasons are mostly of the esthetic type. I have PCs with both operating systems, and I just prefer the richer visual experience that Vista provides, even if it does come at some cost to performance. (The sluggishness I describe above is only a recent development.) I view the Win7 look as a toned-down, “plain Jane” version of beautiful Vista. Since my work involves sitting at a PC screen all day, I’d rather look at something that’s more pleasing to my eyes.

Call me weird if you must. 🙂

Great forum, BTW — the friendly and helpful reception is very different from some places I’ve been to!

Thanks, something like eBay is an idea. I’m wondering, though, about this part of Fred’s article:

Ideally, you have your original setup DVD tucked away somewhere. But if not, it’s perfectly OK to borrow one from a colleague or friend, as long as it’s the same 32- or 64-bit version as your installation. Ideally, it should also match the general type — retail disk or OEM/vendor-supplied disk — as well.

(emphasis added)

If it’s not a vendor (HP) supplied disk, I gather that trying the nondestructive reinstall is more of a hit-or-miss proposition?

Hi,

Many thanks for your replies — I’m sorry I didn’t get the chance to get back in here ’til now.

So it looks like I’m out of luck with Fred’s idea, unless I can persuade HP to cough up a Vista x64 Home Premium DVD?

One thing I did get to do this week was to set up a new, faster CompactFlash drive for ReadyBoost to replace my previous one. It does seem to have made a performance difference, but I’d still like to explore Fred Langa’s suggestion if possible.