Problem with Windows 7 and Vista Dual Boot Config

Similar Questions

• Windows 7 and vista dual boot. to remove vista

  I have windows 7 installed on C drive and windows vista on drive H (another partition on hard disk). I removed my computer windows vista by using the System Configuration application. However it has not deleted the files of vista from the hard drive. Don't we have to do it manually? If so, how? Alternatively, the application did not work correctly? Even if it's not showing vista as operating system available nor is he asked to choose for her during the priming that probably shows that the application was functioning properly. I just want to free up space on my hard drive. Please guide.

  Run the disk by right-clicking on computer management, clicking on Manage > storage > disk management. The drive that is labeled as system is where the boot files are stored and it is where the initial startup starts from. If it is on the Windows 7 partition, you can delete the files of Vista or even to delete the partition.

• Problem with windows update and Service pack 1 for Vista 32 bit.

  A screen will appear that says I need to download the Service Pack 1 for Vista. He also says that it is more optimal to download the much smaller file, through Windows Update, rather than on the site. But when I check the Windows Update, it did not for me to download. Update verification that history does not display it has been downloaded before, even if the other Windows updates have been. Do I need? Should I download the version + 400 MB of site or there at - it another way to download smaller files for my PC only? Any help appreciated. Thank you! Here is the text I copied and pasted pop up I got.

  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
  A problem with Windows Vista
  Windows Vista has stopped working properly.

  This problem has been corrected in Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1).

  What is a service pack?

  An update to software that combines new security and performance with existing updates improvements. Service packs can contain new features or changes to the design of a product.

  To resolve this issue, follow these steps:
  Determine if your type of operating system 32-bit or 64-bit.

  How will I know if my system type is 32-bit or 64-bit?

  Click the Start button, right-click computer, and then click Properties.

  Under system, you can view the system type.

  The average of 32-bit and 64-bit?

  Both 32-bit and 64-bit refer manner that your computer (CPU) CPU processes information. The 32-bit versions and 64-bit Windows are designed for use in computers with 32-bit processors or 64-bit, respectively.

  For more information, go online and read this article for Windows Vista online help:

  32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions

  Check online at Microsoft Download Center to download and install Windows Vista Service Pack 1:

  Windows Vista Service Pack 1 for 32-bit systems
  Windows Vista Service Pack 1 for 64-bit systems
   
  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  In the end, P.S. - know what long and thank you in advance for taking the time to read and respond.

  In addition, unrelated question. Does anyone know why my computer would always have an icon in the lower right shows a storage device mass that I did not and when nothing is plugged into ONE of my USB remove locations?

  Ralleny,
  Regarding mass storage disks that appear, you have housing of memory card reader on your PC?  Usually they will appear like this.  I have a HP at home that has a Bay of 5 card reader to the front and I see the same type of items that you see. Mike - Engineer Support Microsoft Answers
  Visit our Microsoft answers feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

• have a problem with windows mail using vista, it won't send mail it's just continues to ask the user to verifery a password

  windows Vista mail problem

  have problems with windows mail with vista, it will not send an email he just keeps asking to verifery user, a password have checked all the settings a knowledge they are correct... can connect to the server an everything is ok... get this error msg... Account: 'att.net', server: 'pop.att.yahoo.com', Protocol: POP3, server response: '-ERR [AUTH] invalid username or password. (#YSH001)', port: 995, secure (SSL): Yes, Server error: 0x800CCC90, error number: 0x800CCC92... on this for 2 days may not understand... Please help?

  Hello

  I suggest you to follow the steps in this link and check if it helps:
  http://Windows.Microsoft.com/en-us/Windows-Vista/troubleshoot-problems-with-Windows-Mail

  For more information, see this link:
  http://Windows.Microsoft.com/en-us/Windows-Vista/working-with-Windows-Mail

  It will be useful.

• problem with windows mail (using Vista) after automatic updates installed

  After the installation of the automatic update of windows I can't receive or send email on windows Messaging.  Get the box asking username and password and when I did, he asked again.  Have checked all the settings and they are as before the problem started. Is there a problem of backward compatibility with one of the windows updates?  I can access my email on the site, so is not their problem but with my computer.

  Hello

  Try the following methods:

  Method 1:

  Try to download and reinstall Windows Mail using the link:

  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/941090

  In the link above, go to download and install the update.

  Method 2:

  Solve problems with Windows Mail

  http://Windows.Microsoft.com/en-us/Windows-Vista/troubleshoot-problems-with-Windows-Mail

  Reference:

  Working with Windows Mail in Windows Vista

  http://Windows.Microsoft.com/en-us/Windows-Vista/working-with-Windows-Mail

• Ad hoc problem with windows 7 and my I protect 3

  Hi I have the same problem with windows 7. It worked perfectly, last week and it now has the same msg. I followed the steps and it does not always help you. It works if I am close to a router and then I can put in place a special but will come with errors as the wi is off and it then resets it. Once reset the same msg saying windows cannot implement... Please help I use my I pad for virtual dj
  Now it is set up, but have a problem. It says no network share and it let me use something else, the I pad I joined and it shows on both devices, but does not open virtual dj. It worked last week

  Hello

  These links may help you.

  http://forums.techguy.org/networking/897027-Windows-cant-set-up-ad.html

  http://Windows.Microsoft.com/en-us/Windows-Vista/set-up-a-computer-to-computer-ad-hoc-network

  http://answers.Microsoft.com/en-us/Windows/Forum/Windows_7-networking/why-win-7-cant-remember-network-location-for-ad/d57f4440-238a-490f-96d5-cd4475888d3b

• Anyone having problems with Windows 7 and the HP LaserJet P2035n?

  It seems, after a few months of service, there are several problems with this printer and Windows 7 only.  We have several offices that use this printer and almost each one has similar problems.  It will printer randomly disappear, not being able to print anything at random times of the day, to the spooler crashing every two minutes or more.  There is no problem at all with Windows XP or Vista, only 7.  Reinsalling the printer driver takes care of the problem for a few days, but the questions up all over again.

  Hello

  The Microsoft Answers community focuses on issues and problems related to the consumer environment. Please join the Technet forums below:

  TechNet forums

• Problems with Windows Update and load XP SP3

  I had a problem with my system and had to replace my HARD drive and reload XP and all my applications and data.  Now, I installed SP2 and try to install SP3. Windows Update does not work (get the 080244019 error code x) and when I try to install the SP3 files from the Microsoft site, it'll run about halfway through and then stop and hang, displaying the message "Finish Installation" with bar at halfway of the progression.  I tried the MSRT and FixIt nothing helps.  I checked services.msc to see all the required services are enabled or started.  I read that some malware will be stop some services without notice.

  After a few attempts to load the file SP3 failed, check Add/Remove programs in Control Panel Windows XP Service Pack lists 3 but no file size or to update the date information as with other programs.  My browser is IE8 and I was doing some Hot fix for Windows XP downloads, this adventure started about 3 weeks ago, but no other automatic update downloads.  I use the following McAfee provided by my ISP for protection AV and firewall with regular full scans.  Scan today revealed there is apparently a single trojan file that cannot be deleted, but there were no further details.  My system is also fully functional; I seem to get the updates for McAfee and other applications OK but not SP3.  I received or otherwise installed following updates or Hot Fix for XP downloads in the past 3 weeks:

  KB954550-v5

  KB932823-v3

  KB915800 v4

  KB884020

  KB926239

  KB2618444 (Windows IE8 security update)

  I found an answer on another forum on editing the registry for the "/ Edit EDWARD CSDVersion value ' but have not yet tried waiting for any response to this request.  I'd like some useful suggestions.  Thank you and happy new year!

  Thanks for the quick response.  I did some checking on my system, I have XP Home Edition ships with the system bought in July 2007.  Add/Remove Programs shows that the aborted install XP SP3 and IE8 installation; I tried to load the SP2 file but it doesn't show here as an addition, so it may have been part of the original XP CD and I just crush.  Even for IE7 so I am not able to drop back to all recommend you.  I will try your solution later today and post my results. I saved SP2, SP3 and IE8 in my office and a flash player to reload later according to your instructions.  Stay tuned.

  It would be unusual for a CD of Windows XP (official) to have integrated Internet Explorer 7.

• Problem with Windows Fax and Scan.

  I have a Canon MG5420 and Win7 64-bit.  All of a sudden, the Office does not see the scanner.  The print function continues to operate correctly.  Problem occurs regardless of USB or WiFi connection.  The only change in my system is a migration towards Office365.  Other than that, no change. I tried all the basics: refreshed drivers, uninstalled the printer and re-installed.  Any thoughts on what could be the cause?  I get the message error is "No. scanners were detected.  The utility Scan Canon IJ can see the scanner, but I prefer to use the Windows fax and scan.  Any ideas?

  Unfortunately his is possible because there are different drivers and stacks of driver for the printer and the component the same multifunction device installed on the client computer scanner. In a case when the right printer driver is installed and available from the scanner driver may be missing or may be incompatible with Windows Fax and Scan requires the parser must be WIA 2.0 compatible, a TWAIN compatible scanner only for example will not work with this app).

• Problem with windows update and get Vista service Pack2 installed

  I'm running Windows Vista Home premium with service pack 1 installed. I have 2.00 GB of memory and running a 32-bit operating system

  When I open some websites it comes immediately closes and you said "Internet explorer cannot open this site" then the cottage site and says '' abandoned operation. ''

  So I thought I would upgrade my system. Whenever I have shut down my computer it asks to install updates - I have let that happen, it always lists the same updates and even though it shows that they have been correctly installed. Next time I'll look in the list of updates - the same updates appear. When I try to update to Internet explorer 6 to 8 or 9 it says I need service pack 2. When I try to install service pack 2, I thought after I have started to install pack 2, service pack 1 must be installed. When I download and try to install service pack 1, it indicates that service pack 1 is already installed.

  Any ideas on how to get my internet explore updated would be greatly appreciated.

  Thank you

  I have version 6.0 (build 6001: Service Pack 1)

  My internet Explorer is:

  Version 7.0.6001.18000

  Thanks for your help.

  When downloding a new application, applet, or executable file or program msi, I always choose to SAVE them to the DESKTOP, then I make a folder and copy the downloaded file to the new folder when the program is fully downloaded, I then run my hand registered antivirus program to ensure that it is virus-free. (right click, then choose scan with "antivirus program").

  Once I know it's clean and stored safely, I disconnect from the internet, disable my antivirus program, & close all processes not essential in the Task Manager.

  Then go to the folder "New folder" and double-click the new application to install it without interference.

  Once it is installed, restart your computer to start your antivirus program and already completed process automatically and then if it needs to access the INet activation or registration, it can do so safely.

  It a new application and ask you if that's OK, you know is very well since you just installed it will say your firewall.

  I've never had a problem with failed facilities or other interference from program using this simple step-by-step process.

  Methods to download the latest service pack (VISTA SP2)

  Method 1: Turn on automatic updates (recommended for most users)

  Method 2: Check the updates on Windows Update (same method 1 but not automatic)

  Method 3: obtain the latest Windows Vista from Microsoft Download Center (full file) service pack http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/935791/#Method3 >

  (Good to use if the computer on which you want to install the service pack is not connected to the Internet)

  Go to http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/dd262148.aspx> and look right.

  Things to know about SP2 and FAQs.

  Examine them carefully and see if it meets most or all of your questions.

  You will also notice the site available for full download download which can be used instead of the Windows Update. service

  As you can see Vista SP2 contains all updates released since SP1, download via AU (automatic updates) you get only what you need, by downloading the full file all you and you have it if you like for later if you need IT.

  For Service Packs, I prefer to download the entire file and then install offline after you have prepared the system first.

  How to obtain the latest Windows Vista service pack

  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/935791/en-us

  How to install or uninstall Internet Explorer 9 IE9

  http://Windows.Microsoft.com/en-us/Windows7/how-do-i-install-or-uninstall-Internet-Explorer-9>

  Support for Internet Explorer in this forum:

  http://answers.Microsoft.com/en-us/IE

  04/12 / 1109:16: 23 pm

• Dual Boot Windows 7 and Vista only boot to Windows 7

  I installed Windows 7 on a new hard drive and Windows Vista has left on the former. When I start the computer it starts with windows 7 automatically and does not give me a choice of boot. The 'C' drive has been renamed had ' by installing and my new drive is labeled 'C', which should have happened?

  Can someone give me idea how to make a choice at startup?

  Try the following in Windows 7:

  Click Start, type: Powershell

  Press enter

  Enter the following command:

  Get-AppXPackage | Foreach {add-AppxPackage-DisableDevelopmentMode-register "$($_.) {"InstallLocation) \AppXManifest.xml"}

  Press enter

  Exit powershell and reboot and you should see a choice to select Vista or Windows 7 at startup.

  If it does not work.

  EasyBCD by NeoSmart Technologies would be your answer, it provides a graphical front-end to the BCDEdit Command line that makes it easy for you to set the boot settings and change the entries start on the new Windows Boot Manager. http://NeoSmart.NET/DL.php?id=1

• Windows 8 and the dual boot XP

  I have Windows 8 is installed on my PC (Athlon, 2 GB of RAM) and want to install Windows XP too due to a need. If I install Windows xp, would windows 8 destroyed as in 7 that he did?
  Any help woud greatly appreciated.

  Forget the drivers and all that... just a simple question "would win 8 work or not after installing XP?

  Nope.

  What follows refers to Windows 7, but the same principles apply to Windows 8:

  The following instructions will show how dual boot Windows 7 and XP on your machine instead of replacing one with the other.

   

  It is important that you have a reinstall or repair disk in case you should reinstall or repair your installation of WIndows 8.

  The following article will show you how to create a repair disk (Windows 7, the same instructions for Windows 8 references):

  http://notebooks.com/2011/02/09/how-to-create-a-system-repair-disc-in-Windows-7/

   

   

  Drivers for Windows XP:

   

  You first need to know if your computer is compatible with Windows XP. Much more modern computers are gradually support for Windows XP.

   

  Create Partition

  Open a command run (press Windows + R key) on your keyboard. Then type diskmgmt.msc, and then press enter on your keyboard.

  Once the disk management is open, select the C:\ or where Windows 8 is installed.

  Right click and click on the retractable menu.

  Please wait while Windows 8 checks the available space on the disc.

  Enter the amount you want to assign.

  Click OK.

  The disk management window should display the unallocated disk space.

  --------------------------------------------

   

  Install Windows XP

  In order to install Windows XP on the partition you created, you will need to boot into your BIOS, then set it to IDE HDD mode.

  --------------------------------------------

  After you set the IDE HDD mode, you can continue to install Windows XP on the partition you created;

  Insert your Windows XP CD, and then restart your computer.

  When you are prompted to boot from the CD, do so. To do this, press any key on the keyboard.

  Windows XP will go into its configuration process.

  Once you arrive at the welcome configuration, press enter on your keyboard to start the installation process

  Press F8 on your keyboard to accept the license agreement

  Select partition

  Select Format the partition using the NTFS file system

  Press F on your keyboard to start the formatting.

  Installation files will now be copied to your hard drive

  Your system will be rebooted, the installation of Windows XP will continue

  ----------------------------------------------

   

  After Windows XP installs successfully, you will not be able to boot in Windows 8, here comes the recovery for Windows 8 disc.

  Boot from the DVD Windows 8

  (a) in the screen install now

  (b) click on repair your computer

  (c) click on Advanced Options

  (d) click on troubleshoot

  (e) click on startup repair

  (f) follow the instructions on the screen

  --------------------------------------------

  After you have repaired your installation Windows 8 and try to start it, you will notice that Windows 8 will not start.

  Boot into the BIOS again and choose the SATA hard drive mode. You will now be able to start Windows 8 again.

  -------------------------------------------

  After that, download EasyBCD and add a startup for Windows XP for Windows 8 boot manager entry;

  EasyBCD by NeoSmart Technologies would be your answer, it provides a graphical front-end to the BCDEdit Command line that makes it easy for you to set the boot settings and change the entries start on the new Windowsboot Manager. http://NeoSmart.NET/DL.php?id=1

  ------------------------------------------

  The next step is now make it possible for Windows 8 start in IDE mode.

  Here are the instructions to do this:

  http://www.Vistax64.com/general-discussion/271218-switch-AHCI-IDE-tutorial-HOWTO.html

  Welcome to all, so let me explain, I installed Windows 8 with AHCI set from the Bios, but after that I wanted to use ide (becose it starts faster) and when I put Ide from Bios, windows 7 loading screan camed upp and BSOD (blue screen of death) with a 0x0000005B error code, I tried the regedit setting thing in the 'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESystemCurrentControlSetServicesMsahci' and then just pan the STARTING value 0 I have set it to 1 and it supposed to work, but it was a location, he always did the Bsod and I was so angry, I wanted to make it work... AND I DID IT!

  Here's the pases:
  (1) I assume that you have installed Windows Vista or Windows 8 with AHCI in the BIOS!
  Download 2) my registry fix (to add keys to the ide to regeditor) simply apply the key
  (3) now manually part regedit go to:

  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE_System_CurrentControlSet_Services_Msahci
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE_System_CurrentControlSet_Services_iaStor
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE_System_CurrentControlSet_Services_iaStorV

  And thease three keys in the right pan, you will find a key named 'START' change all three (Msahci, iaStor, iaStorV) values from 0 to 1
  Now, go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE_System_CurrentControlSet_Services_PciIde
  , and then change the value of start on '0 '.

  (4) now that you're allmost done, restart your laptop computer and go to Bios and set between AHCI and IDE! Save the settings in the Bios and restart

  (5) Windows will be loading and VOILA! NO BSOD! , windows Vista / seven will install new Ide drivers and that you will see in the windows Device Manager you have more AHCI drivers, you have the Ide drivers!
  (6), he is invited to restart another, just restart and you will be happy

• Windows 7 and 8 dual boot

  Hi, I receive a TouchSmart from HP Envy 15-j023sa for Christmas. http://www.johnlewis.com/hp-envy-touchsmart-15-j023sa-laptop-intel-core-i5-4gb-ram-1tb-15-6-touch-sc....

  If I had to choose between Windows 7 and 8, I would prefer 8 to the Appstore, and with the laptop's touch and be impressed with Windows 8, when I tried it. I've been thinking to dual boot Windows 7 and 8 on the laptop, as I have a few games that is not compatible with Windows 8. I understand that the old operating system must be installed first.

  The best sollution would be to upgrade to Windows 7, a copy of Windows 8 and install it on a different partition or y at - it an easy sollution? And will it affect my warranty of 3 years? I would also like to ask quickly on Ubuntu. I find myself probably won't install on this machine that I've read about the compatibility issues with Windows 8, but will it affect my warranty should I choose to do?

  Hello

  Please try the following tutorials:

  http://www.Lifehacker.com.au/2011/09/how-to-dual-boot-Windows-7-and-Windows-8-side-by-side/

  http://www.ComputerShopper.com/feature/guide-how-to-dual-boot-Windows-8-and-Windows-7

  http://www.PCMag.com/Article2/0, 2817,2408280,00.asp

  Good luck.

• Problems with Windows Update on Vista SP1 32 - bit Error: 0x8007000D

  Two updates have been failing install for me for several weeks. I finally decided to try to understand what is happening, and I'm stumped at this point.

  The updates are:
  Update cumulative security for Internet Explorer for Windows Vista (KB969897)
  Internet Explorer 8 for Windows Vista

  These two with an error code of 0x8007000D

  I tried almost everything I can think of, scanned for virus/malware, scandisk, verification of the SFC, several difficulty different sound of Microsoft, I even cleared out / reset Windows Update with several different methods and has run the system preparation tool.

  Then, I tried to install Vista Service Pack 2, perhaps thinking that might help - would not install either.

  The ie8_main.log contains the following:

  00:00.249: started: 2009/07/21 (A, M, J) 22:15:46.875 (local)
  00:00.281: time Format in this newspaper: MM:ss.mmm (minutes: seconds.milliseconds)
  00:00.312: command line: 'C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download\Install\wuiesetup_prereq.exe' /wu
  00:00.468: INFO: checking for C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download\Install\wuiesetup_prereq.exe version: 8.0.6001.18702
  00:00.561: INFO: Package Installer Mutex acquisition
  00:00.593: INFO: operating system: Windows Workstation: 6.0.6001 (SP1)
  00:00.593: INFO: Vista the operating system detected. Service pack major: 1, minor SP: 0, name of Service pack: Service Pack 1
  00:00.608: INFO: check if you have installed the battery update service
  "00:00.608: INFO: SSU version regvalue found: ' 6.0.6002.18005.
  00:00.624: INFO: Servicing stack update found. Permanent installation
  00:00.624: INFO: check the prerequisites
  00:00.639: INFO: met prerequisites: Yes
  00:00.639: INFO: checking for C:\Program may Explorer\iexplore.exe version: 7.0.6001.18000
  00:00.655: INFO: C:\Program may Explorer\iexplore.exe version: 7.0.6001.18000
  00:00.671: INFO: check if s iexplore.exe version current is between 8.0.6001.0...
  00:00.671: INFO:... .and 8.1.0.0...
  00:00.686: INFO: version Maximum on which to run IEAK branding is: 8.1.0.0...
  00:00.686: INFO: success check iexplore.exe version. Proceed with the installation.
  00:00.702: INFO: checking for C:\Program may Explorer\iexplore.exe version: 7.0.6001.18000
  00:00.702: INFO: version for C:\Windows\system32\mshtml.dll check: 7.0.6001.18183
  00:00.717: INFO: version for C:\Windows\system32\wininet.dll check: 7.0.6001.18148
  00:11.481: INFO: EULA accepted
  00:11.497: INFO: user successfully completed the scenario WU. Exit with return code 322376503 so WU will install IE8
  00:11.497: INFO: install return value: HR = 0 x 13371337
  00:11.513: ERROR: installation exit code: 0 x 13371337 (Undefined error Code).

  and the CheckSUR.log file contains the following:

  =================================
  Preparation of control system was updated.
  Binary version 6.0.6001.22375
  Package, Version 5.0
  2009-07-21 20:03

  Checking deployment Packages

  Audit of manifest Package and catalogs.

  Checking package watchlist.

  Control of component watchlist.
  (f) CBS registry 0x8007000D Package_1_for_KB944533 error ~ 31bf3856ad364e35 ~ x 86 ~ ~ 6.0.1.1.944533 - 4_RTM_neutral_GDR enumeration child package failed, index: 9

  Verification of the packets.

  Control components store

  I tried to remove the KB944533 and get an error. I have also tried to install a copy of the KB944533 but told me that it wasn't the version appropriate for my version of Windows.

  I am at a loss and no longer know what to check. I guess that there is a corruption in the registry (or system files) associated with KB944533, but I can't figure out how to get the installation routines for give me more detailed information.

  Any help would be greatly appreciated. While my PC is functional and I have no other problems with it, I would like to be able to try IE8 at a given time.

  Thank you
  -Al

  Success!

  I finally understood what was going on. This is a damaged registry entry.

  The registry entry for the key:
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Component based Servicing\ComponentDetect\x86_microsoft-windows-ie-setup-support_31bf3856ad364e35_0.0.0.0_none_e9aaaad1a6a385a4

  content, which was supposed to be a string value entry for:
  Package_1_for_KB944533 ~ 31bf3856ad364e35 ~ x 86 ~ ~ 6.0.1.1.944533 - 4_RTM_neutral_GDR

  Unfortunately, it was not of type "REG_SZ" but altered with a type of
  0 x 40000001, which was identified as a binary key.

  I could not initially remove/change the key, therefore, found some instructions on how to reset the permissions on your registry using a Microsoft tool called: subinacl

  After the race I could rename the bad registry entry and add it back in manually, by giving the appropriate string value.

  Now, I was able to install IE8, so I think everything is resolved. Going to update to Service Pack 2 for Vista soon.

• Problem with drive HARD and Vista install

  Hi all

  A few weeks ago, my Dell Inspiron laptop computer started to freeze. I could boot ok and my desktop wallpaper and icons were all there, but I couldn't run or open anything. I did the Bios tests and my Vista installation disc and told me there was a problem with my hard drive. I wiped it and tried to reinstall vista and that I could see it wasn't working because it took hours and then seems to have stopped again during installation. So I bought a new one and tried to install Vista. everything was going well until it is restarts a second time and I got a black screen with a mouse pointer icon. I had to reinstall it running for about 4 hours, at least an hour of that time which was all that was going on and the hard disk wasn't spinning.

  How long on avg would take to install Vista, if it is running normally?

  is there anything else that might be a problem that would not appear in the repair of Vista or Bios diagnostics?

  Any advice would help a lot.

  If the new hard drive does not work, then the problem is on the motherboard. Your description of symptoms indicates a power supply or motherboard failure. Contact Dell technical support for repair or replacement. MS - MVP - Elephant Boy computers - don't panic!