How to restore Windows vista

chriswade

New Member
I have windows vista home premium on my desktop and i would like to restore my computer back to how it was when i bought it! i have no windows back up disk or anything as it never came with one! could someone run me through how i can do this. ive doen it before on this computer i just cant remember how too.
 
What brand and model of computer do you have? Usually you have to press the f10 or f11 button upon bootup to access the recovery options.
 
Before Vista boots, press F8 and choose "Repair Your Computer". Allow it to load and go through the prompts. If the Startup Repair starts scanning, just cancel it. Go to advanced repair options and at the bottom of the list choose "Dell Image Restore".
 
ok so i hit f8 and then windows repair. it then starts the computer normally but everything looks larger and pixelated as if its starting in safe mode. i have my computer passworded and it takes me to my log in screen but again everything is big and pixelated and it wont allow me to log in. says my username and pass are incorrect! yet they are not as i can log into the computer normally.
 
the larger screen is normal, its not using anything but windows drivers.

The username and password must be different? Admin? Make sure caps lock is not on.
 
Im doing exactly what has been said. when it comes to the login screen there is no drop down. you have to type your name and password. im matching it exactly to how i normally log in and it doesnt work. there is also an ease of access button in the left corner which when you click doesnt work either.
 
there is only my name on this comp so no drop box when i log in normally but my name and icon are already there. when i log in using repair there is no name, no drop box, nothing! only the spaces where it says username, password
 
Yep following that exactly. once i press enter on repair the computer it doesnt offer me language settings. just loads as normal but obviously everything larger and pixelated. then when i try log in it wont let me. im the only user and ive matched the user name and password correctly including caps etc. :(
 
Do you even have HDD RECOVERY data on your hard disk drive at all?
If not then no matter what you do,it will not work and you will need to use the recovery disk.
So check all your partition(s) and make sure that you do have the HDD RECOVERY data.It is usually located in a folder/directory called "HDD recovery",but the name of course varies.
 
Download and run this to download the Vista 32bit ISO. Burn it to DVD, or download this to install it via USB.

Install Windows Vista Home Premium and use your key to activate it.

Note these .iso files may be used with a Dell/non-Dell OEM product Key but phone activation is required (see note at end). This key is typically found on the COA attached to the base of the system.
 
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