On the next screen, you'll receive a prompt to choose your USB flash drive's drive letter (Figure B). To continue, click Next. Choose the drive letter assigned to your USB flash drive. How To Perform a Repair Install of Windows XP Installing Windows 7 System Recovery Disc onto USB Flash Drive Install Windows 7 and Vista MUI Language Packs on Basic, Home Premium, Business or Pro How To Burn Downloaded Windows Vista to DVD or USB vLite is a Windows Vista Configuration Tool that creates Vista Lite.

Microsoft is retiring Windows Vista on April 11, which means that if you're using a computer with the decade-old version of the OS, the time has come to upgrade. However, this is not to say that Windows Vista will stop working after its life support cycle ends. After April 11, 2017, your device will no longer receive any more maintenance, including security and performance updates, and Microsoft won't provide any kind of support.

If you want to avoid your computer quickly becoming vulnerable to viruses and other security risks, you should start planning to upgrade. Unfortunately, Microsoft doesn't provide a direct path to upgrade to Windows 10, but you can still make the jump and leave behind Windows Vista for good. However, it's a process that requires that you do a full backup of your data and perform a clean installation of Windows 10. We've got you covered with all the steps.

In this guide, we walk you through the steps to upgrade Windows Vista to Windows 10 using a clean installation.

Before you begin

If you're still using Windows Vista, it's likely that your computer has low hardware specifications, considering today's standards. Before going through the upgrade process, you have to make sure your device meets the minimum hardware requirements to install Windows 10.

These are the official minimum system requirements to run Windows 10:

• Processor: 1GHz or faster processor or SoC.
• Memory: 1GB for 32-bit OS or 2GB for 64-bit OS.
• Storage: 16GB for 32-bit OS 20GB for 64-bit OS.
• Graphics card: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver.
• Display: 800 x 600.

Once you know that your device can handle the new OS, you'll need to purchase a genuine copy of Windows 10. You can get a copy of Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro at the Microsoft Store.

Additionally, you'll need a USB flash drive with 8GB of storage to create a bootable media.

How to create a full backup on Windows Vista

Upgrading Windows Vista to Windows 10 requires a clean installation, which means that everything on your computer will be erased. As such, it's a good idea to make a full backup of your data and the entire computer.

To make a backup of your personal files, you can simply connect a removable storage and copy the files over. Once you complete backing up your files, make sure you have the installation files and product keys to reinstall any applications you're currently using.

You can also connect an external hard drive with enough free space and use the Windows Vista backup utility to create and restore a system image, which is a form of backup that includes a copy of everything on your computer. If you want to use this tool, do the following:

1. Open Control Panel.

2. Under 'System and Maintenance,' click the Back up your computer link.

3. Click the Back up computer button.

4. If prompted for permission, click the Continue button.

5. Select the hard drive you want to use to make the backup, and click Next.

6. Click the Start backup button to begin the process.

7. Click Close.

Once the full backup is complete, disconnect the removable storage, and you can proceed with the upgrade process. In case you need to restore the previous version, remember that you'll need a bootable media with the Windows Vista files to use the recovery option.

How to upgrade Windows Vista to Windows 10

While there is not a direct path to upgrade a decade-old OS, it's possible to upgrade Windows Vista to Windows 7, and then to Windows 10. But that's not an ideal approach, as you'll be wasting time and additional licenses.

The best way to upgrade Windows Vista to Windows 10 is to start fresh with a clean installation, which you can do with the following steps:

1. Download the Windows 10 ISO from the Microsoft support site. Note that if you're using an older version of Internet Explorer, you'll probably need to use Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox to load the download page.

2. Under 'Select edition,' choose Windows 10 and click Confirm.

3. Select your product language from the drop-down menu and click Confirm.

4. Click the 64-bit Download or 32-bit Download button depending on your hardware.

   • Quick Tip: Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command, type the msinfo32 command and press Enter. If your system type is x64-based PC and the amount of RAM is higher than 4GB, you can install the 64-bit version of Windows 10. Otherwise, select the 32-bit version.
5. In order to burn the ISO file to a USB flash drive, download and install Rufus, which is a free and easy to use utility to create bootable media.
6. Launch Rufus.
7. Under 'Devices,' select the USB flash drive you want to use.
8. Under 'Format Options,' click the disk drive icon next to 'Create a bootable disk using ISO image' option.

9. Select the Windows 10 ISO file you want to use, and click Open.

10. Click the Start button to continue.
11. Click the OK button to confirm that all the data on the flash drive will be erased and to start the process.

12. Restart your computer with the newly created bootable media.

    • If your device isn't booting from the USB flash drive, you'll need to change your system's BIOS settings to make sure it can boot from USB. Usually, you power up your computer and hit one of the functions or ESC keys to access the BIOS, but make sure to check your manufacturer's support website for more information.

13. Click Next on the first screen of the Windows Setup wizard.

14. Click the Install Now button.

15. Enter the product key for your copy of Windows 10.

16. Click Next.

17. Select the edition of Windows 10 you want to install (if applicable). This selection must match the edition for which you bought the product key.
18. Click Next.
19. Accept the licensing agreement.

20. Click Next.

21. Click on the Custom: Install Windows only (Advanced) option to start a clean installation of Windows 10.

22. Select any partition on the hard drive (usually 'Drive 0') and make sure to click the Delete button to remove the partitions.

23. Select the hard drive (Drive 0 Unallocated Space).

    Version Information. Version information makes it easier for applications to install files properly and enables setup programs to analyze files currently installed. The version-information resource contains the version number of the file, its intended operating system, and the original file name. Edit file version information microsoft. View version history from within a Microsoft Office document Navigate to the document library on your site that contains the file you want to open. Hover over the file name until you see the drop-down arrow and then click Edit in File tab to expose. This worked perfectly when I tried it. For a file that is missing version info completely: After opening the DLL in Visual Studio, go to Edit Add Resource Version and click New. Then in the new Version tab, change FILEVERSION and PRODUCTVERSION, CompanyName, etc. Save the files and you're all set! – twasbrillig Nov 18 '14 at 22:09. The Version Information Editor enables you: To edit a string in a version information resource. Select the item once to choose it, then again to begin editing it. Make changes directly in the Version Information table or in the Properties window. The changes you make will be reflected in both places.

24. Click Next to begin the installation process.

Once you complete these steps, the setup will take over and finish installing Windows 10 on your Windows Vista machine. After the installation, simply follow the on-screen directions to complete the out-of-box-experience (OOBE) with the settings you want.

During the OOBE, you'll be asked to set up an account with a Microsoft account. As such, you should make sure to have this information handy. Alternatively, you could use a local account, but you'll miss out on many advanced features, including the ability to sync settings between devices.

After you finish configuring Windows 10, you'll be presented with the new experience, and the only thing left to do is to restore your files from backup, and reinstall any app you were using on Windows Vista.

It's also recommended to go to Settings > Update & security > Windows Update, and click the Check for updates button to make sure your device has the latest security and performance updates.

Additionally, you may want to use Device Manager to double-check that all your hardware and peripherals are correctly installed on your machine. If something didn't install correctly, make sure to use your manufacturer's support website to download and install the latest drivers.

If you can't find a driver compatible with Windows 10, sometimes drivers designed for the previous version of the OS will still work. But only try this as a last resort.

More Windows 10 resources

For more help articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

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Download our recovery and repair disk for Microsoft Windows Vista (also for Windows 7, 8, XP or Server editions) that can be used to access system recovery tools, giving you options of using an antivirus, System Restore, document and picture backup and recovery, automated system repair, and a command-line prompt for manual advanced recovery.

Looking for recovery disks for other Windows versions?

Easy Recovery Essentials (or EasyRE) is a 55 to 135 MiB download image ready to be burned directly to a CD, DVD or a USB stick.

Features of Easy Recovery Essentials include:

• Automatically find and fix errors
• Works even when you can’t get into Windows
• Recover from virus infections
• Restore your PC to a working state
• Access and back up your important data
• Use your PC even when it doesn’t work
• Advanced tools for IT experts

Contents

1. Compatible with PC manufacturers

Disk for recovery & repair

If you’re like most PC users, you probably got Windows Vista with a new PC or laptop. And if you’re like 99% of the population, you get your new machines from one of the major manufacturers.

Dell, Acer, HP, Toshiba, Lenovo, they all have one thing in common: they don’t give you a real Windows Vista installation disk with your purchase.

Instead, they bundle what they call a “recovery disk” (that’s if you’re lucky – otherwise you’ll have a recovery partition instead) with your machine and leave it at that.

It doesn’t matter that you just paid a thousand dollars for a machine that comes with a valid Windows Vista license – your computer manufacturer just don’t want to spend the money (or perhaps take on the responsibility) of giving you a Windows Vista installation DVD to accompany your expensive purchase.

The problem is, with Windows Vista, the installation media serves more than one purpose. It’s not just a way to get Windows installed, it’s also the only way of recovering a borked installation.

The DVD has a “recovery center” that provides you with the option of recovering your system via automated recovery (searches for problems and attempts to fix them automatically), rolling-back to a system restore point, recovering a full PC backup, or accessing a command-line recovery console for advanced recovery purposes.

Download recovery disk for Windows Vista

Easy Recovery Essentials repair process is non-destructive, recovering PCs without formatting or reinstalling Windows.

The powerful repair process can fix many issues that Microsoft’s own Startup Repair cannot. In addition to the industry-leading automated repair features, this disk will give you access to the following:

• System Restore
• Web Browser
• Partition Editor
• Antivirus Scanner
• Data/File Backup and Recovery
• Commandline/Terminal Access

Later update: Please note that this download is no longer free, due to licensing restrictions imposed upon us.

Our recovery disk supports x86 and x64 platforms and all Windows Vista versions, including 32-bit and 64-bit editions:

• Windows Vista Ultimate (32-bit and 64-bit editions)
• Windows Vista Enterprise (32-bit and 64-bit editions)
• Windows Vista Business (32-bit and 64-bit editions)
• Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit and 64-bit editions)
• Windows Vista Home Basic (32-bit and 64-bit editions)
• Windows Vista Starter (32-bit edition)

And all Service Packs:

• Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1)
• Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2)

This disk is a 120 MiB download in standard ISO format that you’ll need to burn to a CD or DVD before you can use it as a bootable recovery medium. You can also burn it on a USB stick.

You cannot use a recovery or repair disk to install or reinstall Windows Vista.

Burn to CDs, DVDs or USB sticks

NeoSmart Technologies has published a guide on how to burn an ISO image to CD or DVD with your favorite burning program, which you can read if you need more information or help on this topic. You can burnt it with ImgBurn, Alcohol 120% or ActiveISO:

You can also burn it on a USB stick if you don’t want to use CDs or DVDs. We published a guide on making a EasyRE recovery USB.

Compatible with PC manufacturers

This recovery and repair disk is compatible with desktops, workstations, laptops, notebooks, netbooks, ultrabooks and servers from major PC manufacturers, like Dell, HP, Asus, Acer or Lenovo plus more.

Dell, HP, Asus, Acer

Dell

The disk is compatible with all Dell laptops and desktop computers, including all its manufactured series like Adamo, Inspiron, Studio, Vostro, XPS, Latitude.

Do you have a Dell computer running Windows Vista? Read our Dell recovery and restore guide.

HP

The disk is compatible with HP computers: ENVY, EliteBook, Essential Home, Pavilion and x2 for laptops and ENVY, Essential Home and Pavilion for desktops and All-in-One Desktop PCs.

Do you have a HP computer running Windows Vista? Read our HP recovery and restore guide.

Asus

It’s compatible with notebooks, ultrabooks, laptops and desktops from ASUS.

It works for any computer that was manufactured by ASUS, if it runs Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 or any of the following Windows Server editions: 2003, 2008, 2012.

Do you have an Asus computer running Windows Vista? Read our Asus recovery and restore guide.

Acer

It’s compatible with any Acer computer that has Windows installed, including these manufactured series:

• Aspire R, Aspire V3 and Aspire E for notebooks
• Aspire S7, Aspire S5, Aspire S3, Aspire P, Aspire M, Aspire V7, Aspire V5 for ultra-thin computers
• Aspire One for netbooks
• Aspire M and T, Aspire X and Predator G for desktops

Do you have an Acer computer running Windows Vista? Read our Acer recovery and restore guide.

Lenovo, Toshiba, Samsung

Lenovo

You can download the repair disk for any Lenovo computers, such as:

• ThinkPad, IdeaPad, Essential series for laptops
• Thinkcentre, Ideacentre and Essentials series for desktop PCs

Do you have a Lenovo computer running Windows Vista? Read our Lenovo recovery and restore guide.

Toshiba

It’s compatible with any Toshiba computers running Windows:

• Satellite, Qosmio, Portege, Tecra, Kira family series
• All-in-One desktop series

Do you have a Toshiba computer running Windows Vista? Read our Toshiba recovery and restore guide.

Samsung

The disk is compatible with Samsung line of laptops and desktops, including:

• ATIV Book, Gaming and Business PC series for laptops
• ATIV One for All-in-One desktops

IBM, Compaq, Gateway, eMachines

IBM

IBM personal computer business division was acquired by Lenovo in 2005.

This disk supports IBM desktop and laptop models, most notably the ThinkPad line.

Compaq

Compaq was acquired by HP in 2002, but some of its famous PC line series are still used by our customers. Richard bandler mp3 free download mp3.

Our disk works with Compaq notebooks and desktops PCs, including Compaq Presario series.

Gateway

Gateway Computer was acquired by Acer in 2007.

Our disk is compatible with Gateway Computers netbooks, notebooks and desktops PCs, such as:

• Series SX, DX and One ZX for desktop systems
• NE and NV series for notebooks
• LT series for netbooks

Do you have a Gateway computer running Windows Vista? Read our Gateway recovery and restore guide.

eMachines

eMachines PCs were manufactured up until 2004 when Gateway Computers brought the company. Gateway Computers was later acquired by Acer in 2007, but the eMachines PC brand was used until 2012.

If you own a computer from this computer brand, our disk is compatible with eMachines PCs.

Disk for Windows 7, 8, XP or Server editions

Windows 7

You can get our recovery disk for Windows 7. It supports all versions: Ultimate, Enterprise, Professional, Home Premium, Home Basic and Starter.

Download for Windows 7.

Windows 8

You can also get the recovery disk for Windows 8.

Download for Windows 8.

Windows XP

Easy Recovery Essentials is available for Windows XP users and it supports all Service Packs: Service Pack 1 (SP1), Service Pack 2 (SP2) and Service Pack 3 (SP3).

Windows Server 2003, 2008, 2012

Easy Recovery Essentials supports Microsoft Windows Server editions: 2003, 2008 and 2012.

Support

Our disk supports all Windows service packs (Windows XP SP1, Windows XP SP2, Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista SP1, Windows Vista SP2, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 7 SP2, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2008 R2, and Windows Server 2012 R2.

Please don’t ask for help below, it’ll get real cluttered real soon! Open a support thread at https://neosmart.net/forums/ and we’ll help you resolve your problem ASAP.