so i got a new computer that already had vista loaded onto it. the comp didn't come with a vista DVD, but i have the product key on the bottom of the computer.

now i want to start clean because that's how i like things, and i can't figure out how to format and reinstall with no disc, though my harddrive is partitioned with a recovery drive. how do i access it to format?

anyone know what im talking about?

[Edited on October 23, 2007 at 10:54 AM. Reason : .]

10/23/2007 10:50:13 AM

yea, just insert your XP cd

10/23/2007 11:25:32 AM

as i understand it vista shipped with oem installs so while it may only look like a system restore disc, i'm pretty sure it's just the oem version of vista that you can use to install

10/24/2007 4:46:46 PM

seriously, do yourself a favor and

Quote :

"yea, just insert your XP cd"

10/24/2007 4:47:51 PM

Usually when your hard drive comes with a recovery partition, you don't want to remove it. Or else, you remove your factory image. Secondly, if your system comes with a recovery partition, 99.9% of the time they don't include the CD's. It's all about the $$$.

10/24/2007 5:00:05 PM

yeah when we order them, we have to specify that we want the media, which is always an extra charge

10/24/2007 5:40:15 PM

I've gotta Full version Retail copy of Vista Home Basic with an unused serial code I'll sell ya for $80... I have the receipt from where my dumbass paid $199.99 for it at BB and everything... I reverted to XP-pro when vista made me hate my life (more so my aging pc)...

10/25/2007 4:18:46 PM