Is there a way to install Vista, over W8?

I am fairly disgusted with Windows 8. Unfortunately, someone installed it on my computer and uninstalled Vista. With W8, I am unable to use some of the programmes which I like and have used regularly. Is there any way or anywhere, I can get a Vista again and install it on or over, W8? It would save me much grief.

Thanks so much,

Mo

Just do it as you have in the past. If the computer came with Vista originally then you should have an install disc or some form of a backup disc to reinstall Vista. Just do a clean install of Vista so that you will have no future problems. If you need more help please ask and we will see if we can be of assistance. . .

If you can't do what Lee suggests, then you might be able to find a Vista ISO online. Burn it to a disk and install. I usually don't make such recommendations, so that's all I'm going to say--except that you need to ensure that the ISO is authentic. "Someone" installed Win8 on your machine??? Maybe you should be a tad more careful.

You must have your Vista License (product) key.

If you have that, you can use any Vista install dvd - all the Editions are on the dvd. It doesn't matter if it says oem , retail, etc - they are the same. It is only the product key you enter which determines the Edition that is installed.

Vista install media is not that plentiful around the net. It will be easier if you get it with sp2 already integrated.

If you can't find that ( it is pretty easy ) - then you could use the media including just sp1 - Heidoc

Yes, product key. I sort of forgot about that little detail. Would an OEM preinstalled Vista product key do?

Yes, if he has the coa - on a sticker on the machine - possibly under the battery. That is what he would use.

Then just do a clean install by booting dvd, put prod key in when asked. - easiest way.

Clean Install with a Full Version of Vista

If he use dvd with sp1 included, there will be a lot of updates.

If he uses dvd with sp2 included - still quite a lot, but saves a fair bit of time.

( Having said that - a clean install with 8 results in about as much updating in terms of size - already )

Thanks guys for jumping in and helping. Forgot about the serial key (don't use them much as all my machines (other then iMac) are OEM))

This is a little long, but it works:

If you do not have a Windows Vista installation DVD, you can download a legal copy with SP1 integrated from here:

Download Official Windows Vista RTM with SP1 Setup Files (32-bit and 64-bit).

Only Windows Vista Ultimate with SP1 (X64 or X86) download is available, but if, during the install, you do not enter the product key
when initially prompted for it (which you must have to use the download), then you will be prompted to select the version of Vista you
want to install. You can activate once the install is done.

Windows Vista Home Basic
Windows Vista Home Premium
Windows Vista Business
Windows Vista Ultimate

Downloaded the Vista X64 or X86 files.

X64:
install.wim
boot.wim
X14-63453.exe

X86:
install.wim
boot.wim
X14-63452.exe

Double clicked on X14-63453.exe or X14-63452.exe. It extractes all the files into a Vista sub-folder.

Downloaded Windows Bootable Image Creator zip then extract the files to a folder:

Open the folder and run WBICreator.exe
Click Next
Select OS Type: Windows Vista
CD/DVD Label: VistaX64 or VistaX86
Setup Location: The Vista folder created when you double clicked on X14-63453.exe or X14-63452.exe.
Output Path: Somewhere with enough free space to hold the .iso file that will be created (X64 = 3,837,112KB, X86 = 3,013,816KB).
Click GO.

When done a VistaX64.iso or VistaX86.iso file will be created in the Output Path you chose.

You can use the .iso as input to a burner program like ImgBurn to create a Vista Install DVD, or you can use it as Input to
Universal USB Installer – Easy as 1 2 3 to create a Vista install flash drive.

I created a X86 flash drive and used it to install a clean copy of Vista Home Basic on my HP DV2200 Laptop. Worked great using the key on the COA sticker of the laptop.

Remember to use the X64 or X86 version of Vista you currently have.

Note: You may need to download drivers for the computer from the manufacturers web site so I would suggest getting the Network (LAN and Wireless) and video/VGA drivers ahead of time so you can install them as soon as you finish installing Vista.

Thank you all, very much. Yes znod, I should never allow a husband to take a computer to be 'fixed'.

For the last 17 years, I have almost always used my desktops. However, I became laid up last year and had to use my little Inspiron 1525 laptop. Worked ok most of the time, but occasionally and always after updating, I would get a message stating NTLDR was missing. Most of the time, I was able to fix it myself, but the last time, I just couldn't. Husband found a 'local' on the net, who said he could 'fix' it. Well he didn't of course. All he did was install W8 and the dreaded NTLDR still comes up. I can overcome it by turning it on a certain way, but with W8, I cannot use some of the programmes I always use on my desktop, which still runs Vista.

I am fairly sure I have the original disks somewhere, when I can get up and about again, and/or will follow the instructions here.

Over the months I have been ill, I have of course, built up a lot of new Favourites, so I suspect I had better file them in Dropbox, before doing anything.

Thanks again, to all who answered. This is most appreciated.

Mo

Moenna said:

Thank you all, very much. Yes znod, I should never allow a husband to take a computer to be 'fixed'.

For the last 17 years, I have almost always used my desktops. However, I became laid up last year and had to use my little Inspiron 1525 laptop. Worked ok most of the time, but occasionally and always after updating, I would get a message stating NTLDR was missing. Most of the time, I was able to fix it myself, but the last time, I just couldn't. Husband found a 'local' on the net, who said he could 'fix' it. Well he didn't of course. All he did was install W8 and the dreaded NTLDR still comes up. I can overcome it by turning it on a certain way, but with W8, I cannot use some of the programmes I always use on my desktop, which still runs Vista.

I am fairly sure I have the original disks somewhere, when I can get up and about again, and/or will follow the instructions here.

Over the months I have been ill, I have of course, built up a lot of new Favourites, so I suspect I had better file them in Dropbox, before doing anything.

Thanks again, to all who answered. This is most appreciated.

Mo

Click to expand...

I apologize if this sounds rude, but I'm just curious (as a computer tech): What programs are lacking in Windows 8 that you used in Vista?

Nearly every program that works in Vista could work in 8, and some programs may have just changed names or been wrapped up with other programs. Also, Windows 8 is objectively a "better" operating system- more secure, more stable, and less prone to having major startup issues.

That said, if you are still having ntldr not found errors, then there's still something wrong with the machine.

So, if you want to move back to Vista, that's totally alright... but it may be worth giving 8 a shot if we can figure out what programs you need.

Moenna said:

Thank you all, very much. Yes znod, I should never allow a husband to take a computer to be 'fixed'.

For the last 17 years, I have almost always used my desktops. However, I became laid up last year and had to use my little Inspiron 1525 laptop. Worked ok most of the time, but occasionally and always after updating, I would get a message stating NTLDR was missing. Most of the time, I was able to fix it myself, but the last time, I just couldn't. Husband found a 'local' on the net, who said he could 'fix' it. Well he didn't of course. All he did was install W8 and the dreaded NTLDR still comes up. I can overcome it by turning it on a certain way, but with W8, I cannot use some of the programmes I always use on my desktop, which still runs Vista.

I am fairly sure I have the original disks somewhere, when I can get up and about again, and/or will follow the instructions here.

Over the months I have been ill, I have of course, built up a lot of new Favourites, so I suspect I had better file them in Dropbox, before doing anything.

Thanks again, to all who answered. This is most appreciated.

Mo

Click to expand...

Understand. Good luck on getting back to Vistaland.

Hi there
I'd suggest using W7 instead since at least it's still current and seems to have got a thumbs up from previous VISTA users --you should be able to find a W7 upgrade copy (legit). Most of those out in the wild will have had their serials blocked by Ms now.

If you are a TechNet subscriber you can still download W7 Pro with the service pack integrated.

Cheers
jimbo