Windows Vista Archives - Page 2 of 2

Q&A: Can I install Windows 8.1 on a laptop that originally came with Windows Vista?

Posted on June 11, 2015

Question from Glenn W.: I have an old, but awesome 2008 era Dell Inspiron 1525 laptop that came with Windows Vista. It still works great except for the hard drive which just died on me with no warning.

I found out that I can buy a brand spanking new replacement hard drive for less than $50, but I don’t have a set of Windows Vista restore discs.

If I replace the hard drive can I also install Windows 8.1 in place of Vista? (I would actually prefer Windows 7 but they don’t sell it anymore.)

Or is this machine so old that only Windows Vista will work, which would mean I’m out of luck either way?

Sorry for the multiple questions, but this is all very confusing to me. I hate to throw away a perfectly good laptop just because the hard drive died.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Should I order a set of Windows Vista Restore disks for my laptop or just buy Windows 8?

Posted on January 30, 2014

Question from Joseph K.: I have an HP desktop computer that came with Windows Vista. The hard drive died and I had to replace it and I can’t find my Restore disks.

I can order a set of Restore disks from HP but I was wondering if I should just buy Windows 8 instead? A friend told me that I can probably get Windows 8 for about twice what I’d have to pay for the Vista Restore CDs. Your advice will be greatly appreciated.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: How can I retrieve my Windows Vista Product Key?

Posted on April 7, 2013

Question from Michael C.: I have a 4 year old HP Desktop PC running Windows Vista and it has gotten slower and slower in recent months. It’s so slow now that I think I really need to start fresh and re-install Vista.

I have the Windows installation discs, but since I can’t find the case they came in I don’t have a clue what the Product Key is. I know I can find the Windows Product Key somewhere in the Registry, but I can’t seem to find it. Where do I look? Thanks in advance for your help.

Rick‘s answer: Michael, beginning with Windows Vista Microsoft started encrypting the Windows Product key in the Registry which means you won’t be able to find it that way. But don’t worry, there is a very easy way to get it. Simply download and run a free utility called Enchanted Keyfinder. Follow these steps: [Read more…]

How to keep your POP3 email when upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7

Posted on February 12, 2013

migrate-mail One of the first things most people notice after upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7 is that there is no POP3 email client included with Windows 7. Why Microsoft decided not to include one is rather baffling, but it’s really no big deal.

It’s easy to download and install Windows Live Mail and import your emails accounts, settings and emails from Vista’s Windows Mail into Live Mail.

It’s usually easier to make the transition from Windows Mail to Windows Live Mail before you upgrade to Windows 7 because everything will usually be imported for you automatically. Here’s how to do it: [Read more…]