Reinstall ONLY Vista Files

[snapple112]

In Windows XP, there is an option in the repair section of the beginning of an installation of Windows XP. This option allowed you to only reinstall the Windows XP files, in case you had a corrupt Windows file or just needed a fresh install. But, I do not see this feature with Windows Vista. I have searched all over in the "repair" section of my boot disk, but have just found tools that I am not looking for. My next option would be to restore to an earlier point in Vista, although once I do that, there are no restore points created.

So, right now I am stuck.

I would greatly appreciate any help!

Thanks,
Tyler

[CrowdAds]

[budeone]

1. Boot up with the Vista install disc

2. You should see a screen that says "Windows is loading files"

3. After a few minutes you will get a language option. Select your language and hit next.

4. On the install screen select "Repair your computer"

5. Windows will find your copy of Vista on the machine

6. Select your copy of Vista and click next

7. You will now see the following 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 computer's memory hardware for errors
* Command Prompt

8. Assuming you are using this option because you were unable to boot to Windows Vista select the system Restore option and then select the date you would like to go back to. If your OS is fine you can always use the startup repair option.

Pre-Installed and OEM versions: (please check with your manufacturer fist. They may have replaced these tools with their own.
1. Turn your computer on and start pressing the F8 key. If you see the Windows Vista Logo you have gone too far and need to reboot and try again
2. You will get an advanced options screen. Select the "Repair your computer option" and hit enter.
3. Select your language and hit next.
4. Enter your user name and password and then next.
5. The recovery options should now appear.
6. In most cases just using the system restore to set your computer back will solve your issue. If this is not the case try the Startup repair option.

[snapple112]

Originally Posted by budeone

7. You will now see the following 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 computer's memory hardware for errors
* Command Prompt

8. Assuming you are using this option because you were unable to boot to Windows Vista select the system Restore option and then select the date you would like to go back to. If your OS is fine you can always use the startup repair option.

Thanks for the detailed information and steps. Although, like I said, I cannot restore to an earlier point due to it lists nothing to restore too. The restore option says there is no earlier points to restore to.

Anything else I could do?

[Znod]

If you have a Vista DVD that supports the upgrade option you can do a repair install of Vista. Doing so will take care of corrupt, missing, etc., system files. Just run the upgrade option from within Vista--i.e., after starting up from Vista. Yours programs, files, and most settings will be untouched. But, to be safe, always backup your data before doing any kind of install.

[snapple112]

Okay, thanks. I think this will work, although when I attempt to do this, it has the "Upgrade" option grayed out with the following message: "The upgrade cannot be started. To upgrade, cancel the installation and then choose upgrade to to a version of Windows that is more recent then a version you are currently running."

[Znod]

Nope; it can't work if the upgrade option is greyed.

[snapple112]

So it seems as if there is nothing to do to re-enable the upgrade option?