Can I reinstall Vista without deleting everything on the hard drive?

My computer currently runs Windows Vista 64 bit, but it has had some random problems since the beginning. I just got a new Vista 64 bit that contains SP1 clean install disc and I want to reinstall the system. But it's a real hassle having to find all the drivers and software and port all my files, which account up to 170 gb. When I run the installation disc in windows itself, a auto-run window pops up and prompts me to install windows, do I just go with that?

 

Yes, you can.

But I'd recommend you do a clean install with SP1 now, find the latest drivers and updates and install them, and get it over with, rather than get a clutter of files and possible conflicts of drivers with SP1.

 

Why can't you just download SP1?

 

Because it's a better choice to install from a disc containing Windows Vista + SP1, rather than install Windows Vista and then SP1? That's what I think.

 

My current windows already has SP1 installed through Windows Update. But I've had small problems time after time (ex. driver conflict, registry error, programs not funcitoning, etc.)

 

What you need to do is create a partition ( hopefully your MFT isnt sitting in the middle of your hard drive as this would cause a few problems ) and move all of your data onto it. After that you should be able to reinstall windows on the first partition and keep all of your data. Take note that only data can be saved ( files such as .exe, .mp3, .avi, etc, etc, ). Nothing you have installed will be saved.

 

Then, IMVHO, you should get the latest drivers, search for all the updates (both, for Windows, and your applications), back-up your data, and do a clean install with the disc which has SP1 already on it.

 

Thank you!!!

 

Many apps (that don't need registry edit) will still work after re-installating the OS if you moved them to the other partition. For most MMOs, the patcher will ask you to select a location and choose the one they files and it will re-enter the registry keys.

 

You don't even need to partition... just do a clean install over the existing install. It'll move all the files to a directory called Windows.old. (Obviously, don't format or wipe the disk prior to doing the clean install.) Then once it's installed you can just drag the files to wherever you want in Explorer. However, I recommend backing stuff up first just in case something doesn't work right.

I actually recommend re-fetching your drivers since there are probably newer ones. However, Windows Update can grab some of them for you, and there are others you probably don't need at all... the built-in drivers can handle all sorts of generic hardware.