vista doesnt load

So the green loading bar at the bottom of the screen appears but then it switches to a black screen and nothing happens, vista doesn't load. I've read other threads and they don't help me. I've used the operating disc, clicked on Install Now but the menu doesn't open. A loading hourglass stays on the screen for a long time. Also, Ive clicked on Repair Your Computer------>System Repair but it stays searching and fixing for more than 4hours. I don't think anything is happening. Can anyone help me?thanks in advance.

 

Do you have a retail version, and OEM version, or an upgrade version? Which version (Basic, Premium, etc) did you buy? Does your laptop meet the minimum requirements for Vista?

 

I have home premium. its not a laptop its a desktop computer that had vista already installed. so yes my computer does have the minimum requirements for Vista. i bought it about 3 months ago. im not really sure what happened b/c my bro was using it and then i turned it on and this problem happened.

 

Bear in mind this is a laptop forum, so don't be disappointed if we can't help fix your problem. That being said, if you don't know what your brother was doing, you need to ask him. That information will definitely help the troubleshooting process. He could have removed some vital Vista files, accidentally removed some drivers, or any number of things that could have killed Vista.

Have you considered doing a clean install?

 

yeah of course. I want to do a clean intall, but not sure how to do that. how?

 

Put in the Vista OS disk, reboot from the DVD drive, follow the directions.

 

i've done that. it takes me to a menu that says Install Now and Repair Computer but I click on Install Now and nothing loads. An hourglass appears and stays there and nothing ever happens.

 

back up all your data first, documents, etc. you can always use a linux live disk, like ubantu, to boot into linux, then you can copy your files to a cd or another partition- much easier than it sounds- you don't have to install ubantu, just boot into it from the cd and you can then look at the files and move then around

then do a clean install

 

did you happen to try a "system restore" and set your pc back to b4 your brother screwed it up?? that often solves the problem.....

 

yeah i tried a system restore to the oldest one but it gave me some error.can't remember it. right now im running off a Ubuntu live cd to use the internet.

 

Backup your data, then clean install, Here is a walkthrough(it's a 3 part series, I believe).

 

http://supcontent.gateway.com/suppo...icrosof/vista/graphics/software/install02.gif
when i click on Install the menu doesnt load. An hourglass appears and stays there for a long time. heres a link of the menu that im talking about.
http://supcontent.gateway.com/suppo...icrosof/vista/graphics/software/install02.gif

 

Broken disk maybe?
Have you used any programs to modify your disk?
I'd suggest borrowing someones install DVD but using your license

 

the disc works b/c i tried it on my laptop and everything is fine. its the first time ive used it so no scratches or anything

 

So, if the disc works, whats this thread for?
Just because it loads doesn't mean much.
I'd borrow a disk from a friend or something.

 

Like was mentioned above, you should copy all your personal data within Ubuntu to an external storage system, and then wipe the HD and reinstall.

 

lol thats my problem. i can't reinstall. the menu doesn't load.

 

Try another disc.

 

Try wiping the HD with the GParted LiveCD.