51. Windows Vista Repair Options
Windows Vista does not contain a Recovery
Console, therefore doing a repair install like that
we are familiar with in Windows XP is not possible.
Instead, if you need to replace the operating
system, you either have to re-install Vista from
scratch, or else re-image the drive from a backup
source created using the Windows Vista Backup Status
and Configuration application; this then effectively
replaces the current copy of Windows Vista with a
shadow copy you backed up previously.
This backup option is the only one provided by
Windows Vista. of course there are other ways of
imaging your hard drive, but these require the user
to purchase a third party application.
Of course, re-imaging is one option. If, however,
you are simply experiencing startup problems or
perhaps you cannot readily access your system and
need to do a system restore, then you need to look
at Windows Vista's Repair Your Computer options.
How you access the repair options will depend
upon whether you have a Windows Vista installation
disk or whether your operating system came
pre-installed by your PC manufacturer.
Windows Installation Disk
NOTE
With the Complete PC Restore
Option you must have made a backup
of your system, either on your hard drive
or on a set of DVDs, in
order to use this option. If you don't have a backup
then don't use this option.
1/ Make sure your PC can boot
directly from the Vista DVD.
Obviously, most modern PCs can. With older machines
you may need to check the PC's BIOS.
2/ Start the PC.
3/ Immediately insert the Windows Vista
DVD into the DVD drive.
4/ A Black screen will appear with the words
Press any key to boot from CD or DVD.
5/ Press Any key to start the
booting process.
6/ A new screen will now appear with a progress
bar. The legend say's Windows is loading
files.
7/ After a few minutes the Microsoft copyright
window ill appear and another small progress bar
will be visible.
8/ You will next see a Blue curtained
screen.
9/ After a short while the Language
option screen will appear.
10/ Select your language and
keyboard language and the Click the
Next button.
11/ At the bottom left of the
next screen - the Install screen,
Click on the Repair Your Computer
option.
12/ The System recovery options
will now search for your Windows Vista installation.
13/ Once the Vista installation
has been located, Highlight it and
then Click the Next button.
14/ You are now presented with the following set
of recovery options.
- Startup repair - This
automatically fixes problems that are preventing
Windows from starting.
- System Restore - This will
Restore Windows to an earlier point in time
Windows.
- Complete PC Restore - This
will completely restore your entire PC -
programs, system settings and files - from a
back up that you have previously created
(Available in Windows Vista Business, Enterprise
and Ultimate editions only).
- Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool
- This checks your computers'memory hardware for
errors.
- Command Prompt - This opens
a Command Window.
15/ Click on the Option you require and follow
the onscreen prompts.
Pre-Installed Operating System Options
NOTE
If no repair options are available your PC
manufacturer may have replaced the tools or
customised them. Check your Computer Manual
before proceeding.
1/ Start your PC.
2/ If your PC has one operating system
Press and Hold the F8 key as your PC
starts. If the Windows Logo appears
you will need to start again.
3/ If you have a dual boot
system a Boot option menu will
appear. Highlight the Vista
operating system and Press the F8
key.
4/ In both cases, if all has gone well, an
Advanced options screen will now
appear.
5/ Highlight the Repair Your Computer
option and Press Enter.
6/ Select a keyboard layout, and
then Click the Next button.
7/ Next select your User Name
and Enter your Password, then Click
OK.
8/ The recovery options should now appear.