Install "issues" Installing and Upgrading Vista Discuss Install "issues" in the Windows Vista forums; Apparently the DVD you burned works since you get to the Boot Manager screen. Now your issue is that your PC does not meet Vista’s minimum requirements due to ...

[felix8406]

Apparently the DVD you burned works since you get to the Boot Manager screen. Now your issue is that your PC does not meet Vista’s minimum requirements due to not enough memory. You didn’t say how much memory your PC has, I’m assuming 64 or 128 MB…that’s not enough as you already found out.

If you want to get your PC back to work with what you currently have, copy the drive of the PC that’s working (we’ll call it PC1) into the hard drive of the PC that’s not working (We’ll call it PC2). It’s not that simple, but it isn’t too difficult either. Here’s how:

1. Click the link to download the software needed to renew the “MBR” application and create a MbrFix floppy. The download link is under: Download fixmbr - MbrFix tool to repair master boot record http://www.ambience.sk/fdisk-master-...ilo-fixmbr.php
2. Remove the HD from the PC2 and install it in PC1. (Make sure to set the pins behind the HD to slave. Also, in some cases the main HD must be set to Master w/Slave Present. The information should be printed on a label on top or back side of the HD).
3. Format the Slave HD: Right-click the drive, select “Format” >”Full”. Then select “Display summary” and “Copy Systems Files”.
4. Now go to “Start”, “Run” and type “XCOPY C:\*.* D\ /c/h/e/k/r” and press OK (If your “Slave Drive” letter is not “D, substitute the letter “D” in this sample with the correct drive letter. Omit the quotation marks).
5. Select yes when ask if you want to overwrite the files.
6. When finished, turn off the PC, remove the “Slave HD”, make sure the pins on the back of the HD are set correctly...should be set to master. Also if you set the PC1 to “Master w/Slave Present”, change it back to its original setting.
7. Now install the HD with the created image into PC2. Start your PC. It probably won start. If it doesn’t, use the floppy disk you created from step one to fix the MBR. Hopefully you’ll get your PC running again. Good luck.

[TheOneNOnlyQ]

Originally Posted by crabby

^^ That 'Windows failed to start' issue means that you HAVENT booted to the disk, and your PC is still trying to boot into windows (which you have removed). Check the disc in your operating system first, you dont want the .iso on the disk, you want the files within the image, when you insert it within windows it should auto start. Remember to check your boot selection in your bios as per my post above so that it checks the DVD first. And also remember to 'press any key to boot from CD'

In regards to your XP request, I need to know what service pack it is, whether it is OEM or retail etc?

crabby

Actuallyyyy........I took the old XP disc and disconnected it. The only things connected are the DVD drive, a floppy and the blank 160G drive I used the XP setup floppys with. I chgd the BIOS to start with the DVD drive, then the floppy and last the hard drive (4th disabled). I'll try the disc on my other machine to see if it autostarts.
On a lighter note regarding 'press any key to boot fm CD', I rebooted 3X's. I kept getting the NTLDR thing. I was hitting the key but I didnt realize I was being a bit slow about it - it only gives you something like 3 seconds to hit the key. Live and relearn.
Regarding my XP - its SP2, retail.

[TheOneNOnlyQ]

Originally Posted by felix8406

Apparently the DVD you burned works since you get to the Boot Manager screen. Now your issue is that your PC does not meet Vista’s minimum requirements due to not enough memory. You didn’t say how much memory your PC has, I’m assuming 64 or 128 MB…that’s not enough as you already found out.

If you want to get your PC back to work with what you currently have, copy the drive of the PC that’s working (we’ll call it PC1) into the hard drive of the PC that’s not working (We’ll call it PC2). It’s not that simple, but it isn’t too difficult either. Here’s how:

Thanks a lot Felix!!! Im going to price another DIMM first. I really want to get started with Vista if I can. If that isnt gonna work with Christmas around the corner, Ill go in the copy drive direction.

[felix8406]

You're welcome. Once you get the RAM installed you may want to visit http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Win...f5f101033.mspx if you run into any problems installing any older programs you may have.

Also, once you get Vista installed, please don't forget to come back here and let us know about your experience with the new OS.