Windows 'Windows Installation Cannot Procceed'

I have a urgent problem, my grandad bought a computer abroad and when we boot the computer up an error message appears stating 'The computer restarted unexpectedly or encountered an unexpected error. Windows installation cannot proceed. To install windows, click "OK" to restart the computer, and then restart the installation.'

Unfortunately, we do not posses the installation disc for Vista basic and I was wondering if by chance the serial key provided with the computer might work with a vista ultimate install?

The notebook model is 'HP Compaq 6720s'

Would be graterful for any replies, thanks.

 

If the serial is for Vista Ultimate, I don't see the harm in downloading an ISO and re-installing it via that way as you have a legit serial. But then, you'd have to go to the notebook's website to download all the drivers you would need.

I suppose once you have the disk you could always perform a Repair?

 

Sorry the computer has vista basic installed, and I was wondering if the serial would work with a Vista Ultimate oem disc?

 

I believe the recovery is on the disk. Try pressing F11 at boot (after the HP logo disappears).

If that doesn't work I think you could use a vista ultimate DVD. (If the computer ship with vista, of course)

 

It shipped with vista basic pre-installed and did not come with the installation disc, this is the problem.

 

I know, but instead of shipping with DVDs HP have a recovery solution on disk.

You could call HP and get them to send you the recovery kit. (DVD kit) IIRC it's free

 

Every version of Vista is installed from the same DVD. An "Ultimate disk" will install Home, if a Home serial number is entered.

 

Thanks, for the help. The problem has now been resolved.