Installation Media may not be recognized when you try to install Windows Vista from the CD or DVD
| Article ID | : | 928633 |
| Last Review | : | March 15, 2007 |
| Revision | : | 1.4 |
SYMPTOMS
| • | The disc is not recognized by the computer. |
| • | When you view the contents of the disc in Windows Explorer, the disc appears to be empty. |
| • | The disc is in the CD or DVD drive when you start the computer. However, you are not prompted with the following message as expected: |
Back to the topCAUSE
| • | You insert a Windows Vista DVD in a CD drive. |
| • | The disc is defective or damaged. |
| • | The CD or DVD drive is not configured as a startup device in the BIOS. |
| • | The disc is recognized as invalid media. For example, it is a copy of a disc. |
| • | There is an issue that is caused by the firmware of the CD or DVD drive. |
| • | There is a media compatibility issue. |
RESOLUTION
| 1. | Make sure that you have inserted the Windows Vista disc in the correct type of drive. CD media can be read by either a CD drive or a DVD drive. However, DVD media can only be read by a DVD drive.Make sure that you have not inserted a DVD in a CD drive. If the issue is not resolved, go to step 2. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2. | Inspect the Windows Vista disc for physical damage, such as for scratches or for other visible defects. If the media is defective, obtain replacement media from the place of purchase or by contacting Microsoft. If the issue is not resolved, go to step 3. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 3. | Make sure that the CD or DVD drive is configured as a startup device in the BIOS. To configure the computer to start from the CD or DVD drive, view the documentation that is included with the computer, or contact the computer manufacturer. If the issue is not resolved, go to step 4. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 4. | Make sure that the Windows Vista disc is genuine. Genuine Windows Vista discs have a hologram printed on them that says “genuine media.†Obtain a genuine Windows Vista disc, and then try the installation again. If you have a genuine disc, go to step 5. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 5. | Insert a different startup disc in the CD or DVD drive, and then use that disc to start the computer. For example, try a Microsoft Windows XP CD, or try a disc that was provided by the computer manufacturer for reinstalling the operating system. If you can use a different disc to start the computer, the Windows Vista disc may be defective or damaged. If you cannot use a different disc to start the computer from the CD or DVD drive, go to step 6. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 6. | The CD or DVD drive may require a firmware update before the Windows Vista disc can be read correctly. Contact the manufacturer of the CD or DVD drive to obtain updates for the specific device model. If updates are available, download the update, and then upgrade the firmware on the CD or DVD drive. If the issue is not resolved, go to step 7. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 7. | If it is practical, try to install Windows Vista from a different CD or DVD drive.If the issue is not resolved, go to step 8. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 8. | Other media compatibility issues may prevent the computer from starting from the Windows Vista disc. If the disc can be accessed from an operating system that is already installed on the computer, copy the contents of the DVD or CD to a folder on the hard disk, and then try a flat installation.
Note A flat installation is a software installation that is performed from files that have been copied to a hard disk instead of from other installation media, such as a disc. You must have an additional 3 gigabytes (GB) of free disk space on the hard disk to install Windows Vista from a flat. To install Windows Vista from a flat on the hard disk, follow these steps:
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For information about how to contact the manufacturer of the computer, click the appropriate article number in the following list to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
60781 (/Feedback.aspx?kbNumber=60781/) Hardware and software vendor contact information, L-P
60782 (/Feedback.aspx?kbNumber=60782/) Hardware and software vendor contact information, Q-Z
Microsoft provides third-party contact information to help you find technical support. This contact information may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this third-party contact information.
APPLIES TO
| • | Windows Vista Enterprise 64-bit edition |
| • | Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit edition |
| • | Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit edition |
| • | Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit edition |
| • | Windows Vista Business |
| • | Windows Vista Business 64-bit edition |
| • | Windows Vista Enterprise |
| • | Windows Vista Home Basic |
| • | Windows Vista Home Premium |
| • | Windows Vista Starter |
| • | Windows Vista Ultimate |
Keywords:Â |
kbtshoot kbexpertisebeginner kbprb KB928633 |
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