I NEED TO REINSTALL WINDOWS VISTA BUSINESS 32 BIT ON A COMPAQ SR 5350F AFTER REPLACING A THE HARD DRIVE. IT TAKES ALMOST 8 MINUTES TO ENTER SET UP PAGE AFTER START AND PRESSING F10? IS THIS A SETTING THAT NEEDS TO BE CHANGED IN SET UP PAGE?

You'll need an installation disk, but why would you want to invest the time and effort with Vista. Upgrade to Win7 instead (stay away from 8).

1. Before you begin To upgrade to Windows 8.1 from Windows Vista or Windows XP, you'll need to install it from a Windows 8.1 DVD and perform a clean installation. This means you won't be able to keep any files, settings, or programs when you upgrade.
Windows 8.1 isn't designed for installation on PCs running Windows Vista or Windows XP, so we strongly recommend you do the following before buying the Windows 8.1 DVD.

Review system requirements

We recommend that you download and run the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant to check if your PC meets the system requirements for Windows 8. The Windows 8.1 system requirements are nearly the same as the Windows 8 system requirements-so if your PC can run Windows 8, in most cases, you can get the free update to Windows 8.1. Upgrade Assistant will also check program and device compatibility, and provide a free compatibility report.
Still be sure to review the system requirements for Windows 8.1 before buying the Windows 8.1 DVD. We also recommend that you visit your PC manufacturer's website for info about updated drivers and hardware compatibility.
Here is a summary of the system requirements:

• Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster
• RAM: 1 gigabyte (GB) (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit)
• Free hard drive space: 16 GB (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
• Graphics card: Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver

If you're unable to install Windows 8.1 on your current PC, you might consider shopping for one of the new generation of PCs that are available today. For more info, see the Windows PC buying guide.

Notes

• If you don't have enough room on your hard drive, you might be able to free up some space. For more info, see Tips to free up drive space on your PC.
• You need touch input hardware to experience the touch capabilities in Windows 8.1. For more info, see Multitouch hardware requirements.

Check compatibility of programs and devices

The Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant will check if your programs and devices are compatible with Windows 8, but you can checkWindows 8.1 compatibility info for a specific program or device (including info from community forums) in the Windows Compatibility Center, or contact the program or device manufacturer.
Most programs created for earlier versions of Windows will work in Windows 8.1, but some older programs might run poorly or not at all. There are several things you can try to fix compatibility problems. For more info, see Get your apps and devices working in Windows 8.1.
Drivers for basic device functionality are available "in-box" (meaning, as part of the Windows image). This includes drivers for storage, networking, input, and display. These drivers allow you to complete the Windows installation and connect to the Internet. You can get more drivers from Windows Update or from the device manufacturer once you're online. For more info, see Download and install drivers.

Back up your data

Since you won't be able to keep any files, settings, or programs when you upgrade from Windows Vista or Windows XP, we recommend you back up all files and locate any program installation discs (or purchase confirmation emails) prior to updating.
You can transfer files before you upgrade by copying them to an external hard drive, USB flash drive, or CD, and then moving them to the location you want on your new PC. Be sure that the drive or disc has enough space to hold everything you want to move. If don't want to use an external hard drive, USB drive, or CD, you can move your files to SkyDrive to have all your files in one place and have the latest version on your PCs. For more info, see Getting started with SkyDrive.
After you upgrade to Windows 8.1, you'll need your original program installation discs, or purchase confirmation emails if you purchased programs online, to reinstall your programs. Insert the program CD or DVD into your PC or follow the directions in the confirmation email.
If you've been using Outlook Express, Windows Live Mail, or the version of Windows Mail that came with Windows Vista, your email messages and contacts can be imported into Outlook.com using the Mail Migration add-on. For more info, see Import email from a desktop app to Outlook.com.

Note

• You can still restore your personal files after you upgrade to Windows 8.1. Your files are saved to the Windows.old folder, where you can retrieve them after the upgrade. For more info, see Retrieve files from the Windows.old folder.

Compare and decide webpage.

Determine if your PC can run a 64-bit or 32-bit version of Windows

After you open the Windows 8.1 packaging, you'll see two installation discs: a 64-bit version of Windows and a 32-bit version of Windows.
The terms 32-bit and 64-bit refer to the way a PC's processor (also called a CPU), handles info. The 64-bit version of Windows handles large amounts of random access memory (RAM) more effectively than a 32-bit version. To install a 64-bit version of Windows, you need a CPU that's capable of running a 64-bit version.

1. Open Performance Information and Tools by clicking the Start button , and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type Performance Information and Tools, and then, in the list of results, click Performance Information and Tools.
2. Click View and print details.
3. In the System section, you can see what type of operating system you're currently running under System type, and whether or not you can run a 64-bit version of Windows under 64-bit capable. (If your computer is already running a 64-bit version of Windows, you won't see the 64-bit capable listing.)To find out if your PC running Windows XP is 64-bit capable

To see whether a PC running Windows XP is capable of running a 64-bit version of Windows, do the following:

1. Click Start.
2. Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
   • If "x64 Edition" is listed under System, your processor is capable of running a 64-bit version of Windows.

Notes

• If you start your PC using a 64-bit Windows 8.1 installation disc, but your PC isn't capable of running a 64-bit version of Windows, you'll see a Windows Boot Manager error. You'll need to use a 32-bit Windows 8.1 installation disc instead.
• Most programs designed for a 32-bit version of Windows will work on the 64-bit version of Windows. Notable exceptions are many antivirus programs. Programs designed for a 64-bit version of Windows won't work in a 32-bit version.
• Device drivers designed for the 32-bit version of Windows won't work on PCs running a 64-bit version of Windows. If you're trying to install a printer or other device that only has 32-bit drivers available, it won't work correctly on a 64-bit version of Windows. To learn how to check for drivers, see Download and install drivers, or go to the device manufacturer's website.

Find your product key

Your product key should be on the box that the Windows 8.1 DVD came in. It looks like this: PRODUCT KEY: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX.
You'll need to input your product key during installation. It's a 25-character code used to activate Windows, which helps verify that Windows hasn't been used on more PCs than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow.
It's a good idea to save a copy of your product key for your records in case you ever need to reinstall Windows.
Enter your Microsoft account email address and password.If you have more than one Microsoft account, you'll need to choose one. For more info, see Which email address should I use for my Microsoft account?If you already have a Microsoft account

1. We'll send a security code to the alternate email address or phone number you've set up for this account, and you'll need to enter that code to verify that you're the account owner. This helps us protect your account and devices when you access sensitive info. If you don't have alternate contact info set up for the account yet, you'll be asked to provide it now.
   If you signed in to your PC using a Microsoft account before you installed Windows 8.1, then you might not see this step.If you want to create a Microsoft account

1. Click Create a new account.
2. Next, you'll be asked to choose an email address you'd like to use as a Microsoft account. This can be any email address you use, and isn't limited to just addresses that come from Microsoft. Enter the email address that you use the most. We'll use it to set up the Mail and People apps for you with email and contacts that you already use every day.
3. Enter the password you'd like to use, and fill in the rest of the info, including your first name, last name, and your country or region.
4. Next, you'll be asked to provide an alternate email address or phone number where we can reach you by email, phone, or text message (SMS). This helps us protect your account and devices whenever you access sensitive info using this account. After you enter this info, we'll send a message to you containing a security code, and you'll need to enter that code to verify that you're the account owner.If you want to keep using a local account

Windows 8.1 is designed to be used with a Microsoft account, so we recommend that you give it a try. Simply put, a Microsoft account is the glue that holds together so many useful features of the new Windows. Without one, you won't be able to, for example, get new apps from the Windows Store, automatically sync your settings and documents between PCs, back up your photos to the cloud so you can get to them from anywhere, or see all your contacts from multiple email and social networking accounts together in the People and Mail apps.
But if you're sure you want to use a local account instead, click Create a new account, and then on the new account page, click Continue using my existing account.

Your notebook does not have compatible drivers for Windows Vista. It only supports Windows 7 (32 bit and 64 bit). It is highly advisable to just go back to Windows 7.

Compaq CQ61 - 319WM

BUT if you really want to download the specific driver for your wireless card, you can find it here:

Atheros ar5b95 drivers


I hope this helped you.

To reinstall Windows Vista, 1. Backup your data, if possible. 2. Insert your Windows Vista DVD into your DVD drive, selecting the 32-Bit or 64-Bit, depending on the system. If you are not sure, use the 32-Bit DVD. 3. Turn on your computer, press the key that lea you t your BIOS setup, usually the DEL, F2 or F10 Keys. 4. Find your boot sequence options, and set your DVD drive to boot first. 5. Save changes, restart the computer, make sure the DVD is in the DVD drive. 6. Follow the on-screen instructions, entering your product key, and other information requested. 7. Format your main hard drive if installing to first hard drive, or format the partition you are installing to. 8. Select the drive or partition you want to install to and click next. 9. Wait for system to finish install, system will reboot a couple times. Make sure to take out the DVD after the first reboot. 10. Let setup finish, after final reboot, follow onscreen instructions to create a user account, and other options. 11. Customize and put your files back if needed and enjoy!

windows 7 os requires atleast 16GB avilable space while windows vista requires atleast 15gb. It could be true that your system requirements are not sufficient for the new os you want to install
If you want to run Windows 7 on your PC, here's what it takes:

• 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
  

• 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
  

• 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
  

• DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
  

• DVD-ROM drive

If you want to run Windows Vista on your PC, here's what it takes:

• 1 gigahertz (GHz) 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
  

• 1 gigabyte (GB) of system memory (512 megabytes (MB) for Home Basic)
  

• 40 GB hard drive with at least 15 GB of available space (20 GB for Home Basic)
  

• Support for DirectX 9 graphics with WDDM and 128 MB of graphics memory (32 MB for Home Basic)
  

• DVD-ROM drive
  

If you think this solution helps you then your token of appreciation in the form of Rating and a testimonial will be esteemed.
Thank you and Keep Visiting FixYa!

Try HP Print Diagnostic Utility was created to help users troubleshoot and correct many common problems on Windows-based computers that can prevent printing.Follow the on-screen instructions to run the utility. Details and specifications File name: HPPDU.exe [1/1, 1.54M] System requirements: No additional prerequisites Released: 2010-08-13 Version: 3.0.0.013 Compatibility: Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit), Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic (32-bit), Microsoft Windows Vista Business (32-bit), Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate (32-bit), Microsoft Windows 7 (32-bit), Microsoft Windows 7 Home Basic (32-bit), Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (32-bit), Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (32-bit), Microsoft Windows 7 Enterprise (32-bit), Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate (32-bit), Microsoft Windows 7 Home Basic (64-bit), Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit), Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (64-bit), Microsoft Windows 7 Enterprise (64-bit), Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate (64-bit), Microsoft Windows 7 (64-bit), Microsoft Windows Vista (64-bit), Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic (64-bit), Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit), Microsoft Windows Vista Business (64-bit), Microsoft Windows Vista Enterprise (64-bit), Microsoft Windows Vista Enterprise (32-bit), Microsoft Windows XP Fix/Enhancement: This version of the HP Print Diagnostic Utility provides an improved user interface in multiple languages, improved diagnostic and problem resolution capability, and support for usb and network connected devices.

Hi,
For Vista Home Basic >>>

• 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
  
• 512 MB of system memory
  
• 20 GB hard drive with at least 15 GB of available space
  
• Support for DirectX 9 graphics and 32 MB of graphics memory
  
• DVD-ROM drive
  
• Audio Output
  
• Internet access (fees may apply)
  

Additional requirements Actual requirements and product functionality may vary based on your system configuration. Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor can help you determine which features and edition of Windows Vista will run on your computer.
While all editions of Windows Vista can support multiple core CPUs, only Windows Vista Business, Ultimate, and Enterprise can support dual processors.


For Vista Home Premium, Business and Ultimate >>>>>>

• 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
  
• 1 GB of system memory
  
• 40 GB hard drive with at least 15 GB of available space
  
• Support for DirectX 9 graphics with:
  
  • WDDM Driver
    
  • 128 MB of graphics memory (minimum)
    
  • Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware
    
  • 32 bits per pixel
    
• DVD-ROM drive
  
• Audio Output
  
• Internet access (fees may apply)
  

Additional requirements Actual requirements and product functionality may vary based on your system configuration. Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor can help you determine which features and edition of Windows Vista will run on your computer.
While all editions of Windows Vista can support multiple core CPUs, only Windows Vista Business, Ultimate, and Enterprise can support dual processors.
Home Premium / UltimateTV tuner card required for TV functionality (compatible remote control optional).
Home Premium / Business / UltimateWindows Tablet and Touch Technology requires a Tablet PC or a touch screen.
UltimateWindows BitLocker Drive Encryption requires a USB Flash Drive and a system with a TPM 1.2 chip.

Windows Vista minimum supported system requirements Home Basic / Home Premium / Business / Ultimate

• 800 MHz processor and 512 MB of system memory
  
• 20 GB hard drive with at least 15 GB of available space
  
• Support for Super VGA graphics
  
• CD-ROM drive
  

Regards.

Windows Vista recommended system requirementsWindows Vista Home Basic

• 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
  
• 512 MB of system memory
  
• 20 GB hard drive with at least 15 GB of available space
  

Home Premium / Business / Ultimate

• 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
  
• 1 GB of system memory
  
• 40 GB hard drive with at least 15 GB of available space
  

Source: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-vista/get/system-requirements.aspx

First check the System requirements The following list describes the recommended minimum hardware requirements for basic functionality of the different editions of Windows Vista. Actual hardware requirements vary, depending on system configuration and on the programs and the features that you install. If you install Windows Vista over a network, additional hard disk space may be required.

Windows Vista Home Basic

• 800-megahertz (MHz) 32-bit (x86) processor or 800-MHz 64-bit (x64) processor
• 512 megabytes (MB) of system memory
  Note On system configurations that use system memory as graphics memory, at least 448 MB of system memory must be available to the operating system after some memory is allocated for graphics.
• DirectX 9-class graphics card
• 32 MB of graphics memory
• 20-gigabyte (GB) hard disk that has 15 GB of free hard disk space
• Internal or external DVD drive
• Internet access capability
• Audio output capability

Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Business, Windows Vista Enterprise, and Windows Vista Ultimate

• 1-gigahertz (GHz) 32-bit (x86) processor or 1-GHz 64-bit (x64) processor
• 1 GB of system memory
• Windows Aero-capable graphics card
  
  Note This includes a DirectX 9-class graphics card that supports the following:
  • A WDDM driver
  • Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware
  • 32 bits per pixel
• 128 MB of graphics memory (minimum)
• 40-GB hard disk that has 15 GB of free hard disk space (the 15GB of free space provides room for temporary file storage during the install or upgrade.)
• Internal or external DVD drive
• Internet access capability
• Audio output capability

Note A Windows Aero-capable graphics card is a graphics card that meets the following requirements:

• Supports a Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) driver
• Has a DirectX 9-class graphics processor unit (GPU) that supports Pixel Shader 2.0
• Supports 32 bits per pixel
• Passes the Windows Aero acceptance test in the Windows Driver Kit (WDK

If your computer is compatible follow directions below.

Option 1
loadTOCNode(3, 'summary'); To perform a clean installation of Windows Vista from the current version of Windows on the computer, follow these steps:

1. Start the computer and make sure that the current version of Windows has started.
2. Insert the Windows Vista DVD into the DVD drive and then close the drive tray. Wait a moment for the Setup program to start automatically.
3. If the Setup program does not start automatically, follow these steps:
   1. Click Start and then click Run.
   2. Type Drive:\setup.exe and then click OK.
      
      Note Drive is the drive letter of the computer’s DVD drive.
4. When the Setup program starts and the Install now screen appears, click Install now.
5. When the Which type of installation do you want? screen appears, click Custom (advanced). The follow the instructions to install Windows Vista.

If Windows Vista is now running on your computer, you have completed the installation successfully.

OR
loadTOCNode(3, 'summary');
Option 2
Note for the option below The computer must be configured to start from the DVD drive.

To perform a clean installation of Windows Vista by starting the computer from the Windows Vista DVD, follow these steps:

1. Start the computer.
2. Insert the Windows Vista DVD into the DVD drive and then close the drive tray.
3. Restart the computer.
4. When you receive the "Press any key to boot from CD" message, press a key.
5. Follow the instructions to install Windows Vista.

If Windows Vista is now running on your computer, you have completed the installation successfully.


Please rate this a fixya

Yes and no. Think of 'platform' as a general header when looking at operating architectures (there are different types) and Vista choices.
Vista choices under the 'platform' 32-bit are:
• Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit
• Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit
• Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit
• Windows Vista Business 32-bit
• Windows Vista Enterprise 32-bit

Another example of the "64-bit platform" and Vista choices are:

• Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit Edition
• Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition
• Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit Edition
• Windows Vista Business 64-bit Edition
• Windows Vista Enterprise 64-bit Edition