Computer Help

[Nasir]

Hi all, I know there are many knowledgeable IT guys on here so I was hoping somebody could help me.

I'd like to reinstall Windows Vista 32 bit on my laptop which didn't come with a recovery CD, how do I do this? I've read there could be a hidden partition with it on, how do I find out if it has this? 

If I do get to the point of reinstalling how can I save my iTunes library without having to mess around moving songs?

[stealthwolf]

Look up how to back up your database. Think there's a guide on the apple website.

Press F8 or Ctrl on boot up and you should get a boot menu. Failing that, I'd imagine any windows vista disc should be fine since what you need is the product key.

[vRS_Pagey]

I backed my i-tunes HHD, then copy the music to my new laptop, very straight forward.  If you follow the instructions on the apple site I think it shows how to save play lists etc.

[bacillus]

What laptop is it as manufacturers differ slightly on what keys you need to press at start up to start the recovery process.

[Nasir]

Many thanks for the replies, I'll back up my iTunes on an external HDD.

I have Microsoft Office which I installed a while ago, it only let you use the software code twice. Do I have to buy it again?

[Ifti]

If you have a genuine license code with office, you can reinstall it as many times as you like. The install 3 times limit may be referring to being able to install it on 3 different machines at any one time.

When it comes to Windows - may be a good time to ditch Vista and go for Windows 7? Its much more stable.
If you know any students, you will be able to get a copy as a student pretty cheap.

[Nasir]

What laptop is it as manufacturers differ slightly on what keys you need to press at start up to start the recovery process.

It's a Sony Vaio, does this make a difference?

[Nasir]

If you have a genuine license code with office, you can reinstall it as many times as you like. The install 3 times limit may be referring to being able to install it on 3 different machines at any one time.

When it comes to Windows - may be a good time to ditch Vista and go for Windows 7? Its much more stable.
If you know any students, you will be able to get a copy as a student pretty cheap.

Oh so the software will remember that it went on my computer? Shouldn't be an issue then.

Yes I am a student  . To be honest, I don't think the hardware could hack Windows 7 and I plan on replacing the laptop in a few months anyway.

[Zaf2616]

It won't actually, a fresh instal of the operating system will mean office see's it as a new computer.

As for it not being able to hack win 7 - vista is known to eat up ram and resource needlessly while win 7 is much better at resource management. If you still dont think it's suitable I'd chose xp over vista any day

[james]

windows 7 will run fine on most things and you wont need to find any drivers.   Windows Vista was a major flop.

Regarding office you can install it loads of times with out anyworry..  Just run though the windows phone activation.

http://www.software4students.co.uk/Microsoft_Windows_7_Professional_32_bit_Upgrade_Edition-details.aspx

that will do you.   You dont need to be a student just select a local uni to you 

[Nasir]

Ahh you're all very knowledgable. So Windows 7 is faster than Vista? Might as well do that then, oh and a great deal^^^

Now just to get iTunes to open again, it keeps saying Windows DEP stopped iTunes from opening

[neg]

If it runs Vista it will run Windows 7 ... and better.

I reinstall loads of Vista PC's with Windows 7 for customers - change no hardware and they are amazed at the different. 1-2yr old laptops.

[Nasir]

If it runs Vista it will run Windows 7 ... and better.

I reinstall loads of Vista PC's with Windows 7 for customers - change no hardware and they are amazed at the different. 1-2yr old laptops.

Cool, I may do that then. Does anybody why iTunes is playing up? I updated it and it doesn't open now