Installation Problem-Black Screen Installing and Upgrading Vista Discuss Installation Problem-Black Screen in the Windows Vista forums; I thought I got the trial version of Vista, which I duly proceeded to install on my computer. Everything seemed fine, and installed normally (I installed on anoth drive to ...

[SeaTan]

I thought I got the trial version of Vista, which I duly proceeded to install on my computer. Everything seemed fine, and installed normally (I installed on anoth drive to my current Windows XP). However, I left the room during the installation and when I came back all I saw was a black screen with some windings script and smily faces or something like that on. I waited abit, then reset the computer, but on loading the same thing happened. Is there any way I can get rid of this and go back or resolve the problem?

Many Thanks,
SeaTan

[dazzlin]

Not sure where you got this from, but it sounds like a hacked version. I'd suggest getting a real version, and installing from that. Someone else might have a better idea, however.

[felix8406]

I'm with Dazzlin, you need to get the real version of Vista. I'm curious, where did you get the copy from?

[Seansmit17]

yep, that sounds hacked to me.. best getting another copy.. if you know someone who has vista, see if you can bowro there disk, you can install vista with out a cd key and you have 30days to get one

[SeaTan]

To be totally honest, Im really not sure, my younger brother got it and asked me to install it, but must have gone wrong. The problem is that i cant do anything, I cant open safe mode, it just starts straight to that screen, and Im not sure I know anyone who has Vista. Is there anything else I could do?

[Znod]

Format the drive using XP and suggest that your brother not pirate sofware? Definitely don't try installing it again. IMO, you want to forget you every saw the disk; it probably is virus laden or or who knows what. As far as I know, at this time, there is no such thing as a purely "trial version" of Vista RTM. There is a simulated Vista on, as I recall, the Vista Business site. You can use a legitimate copy of Vista for a 30-day trial period, but that's a different thing. In this regard, I don't understand about trial use. Unless one subscribes to TechNet or is a member of MSDN, then you have to pay to get a legitimate version of Vista. I don't think that you can get your money back if you decide you don't like Vista. Maybe I am missing the current point of people using Vista on a trial basis unless they are bent on EULA breaking.

[Snuffy]

I have to AGREE with all above... and It is known that currently the majority of all downloads for Vista are HACKED very baddly...Last I seen you could still download from TechNet..
Sorry about the Pirate Hacked Version.

[SeaTan]

You recommended I use Windows XP to solve the problem, however, my problem is that this black screen comes up before windows loads, so I cant do anything. I tried F8 to open with safe mode, but it didnt give me that option, only the option to boot from a floppy disk, cd-drive, hard disk and an nVidia graphics card. Is there any way to open safe mode or else access Windows XP? SOmeone also told me that as I installed Vista on a seperate drive, I could open up my computer and just remove that drive, allowing the computer to run as before, just without that drive. Is this true and would it work?

[dazzlin]

I think they meant for you to re-install XP from an XP cd or dvd.

[ProCookie]

That sounds terrible, Shows that pirated software can sometimes have negative effects. you should all ways scan downloaded software genuine or not, to prevent stuff like this from happening.