Vista anytime Update DVD

Hey guys, the names Dan. I found the site searching for information of how to fix my PC. I was working on re-installing Vista back to where it was when I orginally bought the PC. It's a Dell if that matters. Well I shortly found out (after I already deleted my old version of vista off my computer in a re-format) that the disc that comes with my computer isn't the real vista disc. It can only repair vista.

I also found that Windows was then offereing an update disc that has different versions of Vista so you can re-install it clean on your PC. It was only like $5-$7 depending on where you got it. CompUSA seemed like a common place to pick it up.

The problem is, I can't find this disc anywhere. I've only been able to find ones for like $80-$300 and I"m not trying to spend that much money. Keep in mind I only have access to a computer at work so I can't grab the download that allows you to re-install Vista.

I would really appreciate if anyone can help me locate this disc. I would be forever in debt. Thanks for reading and I hope someone can help

 

Those disks aren't available anymore. You have to buy them now, because Microsoft ended the digital key procedures.

If you have a Dell, it should have a restore partition. If it doesn't, you need to contact Dell for support.

 

Alright. Is there any way to access that partition after I've already formated C partition? There is the D partition which has all that information but my genious self did not burn a back-up DVD because I thought it wasn't neccessary. I thought I could just use the cd that came with my computer to do a fresh/clean install and then I was going to clone my HD so I thought the DVD wasn't needed.

Terrible idea in retrospect.

 

The restore partition is hidden. During boot, hit Ctrl+F11 to access it.

 

Thank you very much. I really appreciate it.