Windows Installation Error

[dtmack]

I am working on a computer with Windows Vista. Some of the registry files got
corrupt and I didn't have OS disk (Vista) but I did have XP. So I tried
installing XP and it got stuck at a certain point and now it won't let me
finish the installation. It stopped at installing Windows. Please Help!!!
I now have a Vista OS disk

 

[David B.]

Then reinstall Vista if you now have the disk.

 

[dtmack]

it doesn't recognize it

It is asking for XP disk, but when I put the disk in I receive a fatal error
msg.
One of the components that Windows needs to continue setup could not be
installed

Access is denied

 

[Mark H]

Well I won't go into using sledgehammers to open your front door...

At this point,
1. I hope you have a backup of your data.
2. Is this retail, OEM or upgrade license keys?
3. Are you trying to "upgrade" or clean install?

 

[dtmack]

I want to do a clean install. There isn't anything crucial that needs to be
saved.

 

[Mark H]

Assuming you can do a clean install, put in the Vista disk and select the
options to remove the primary partition.
Then, recreate the primary partition.

It should work from that point.

 

[dtmack]

Ok let me put some clarity in my situation. Originally, I had Vista on my pc
and I tried to install XP on it because I didn't have a Vista disk. During
the installation of XP it stopped because certain files wouldn't copy over
and I am assuming it was because of compatibility issues.
Now setup won't go any further. It keeps prompting me for XP disk, which I
put in it, but to no avail because I keep getting errors. I just want to
format it, but when it reboots it comes up to the setup page and won't let me
do anything

 

[David B.]

You need to boot your computer from the Vista installation DVD, delete and
recreate the primary partition, and install Vista.

 

[dtmack]

Ok gentleman,

Thanks for taking the time to help me resolve my issue. I finally got it up
and running now. I ran system diagnostics and then I put the OS disk in and
it worked.

I hope this helps someone out in the future