Installation Media may not be recognized when you try to install Windows Vista from the CD or DVD

SYMPTOMS:

These problems may happen if the following condition is true:

• You insert a Windows Vista DVD in a drive.
• The disc is defective or damaged.
• The drive is not configured as a startup device in the BIOS.
• The disc is recognized as invalid media. E.g. it is a copy of a disc.
• There is a problem that is caused by the firmware of the CD or DVD drive.
• There is a media compatibility problem.

RESOLUTION:

To troubleshoot this problem, follow these steps:

1. Make confident 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 and 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 problem is not solved, go to step 2.

2. Check the Windows Vista disc for physical damage, such as for scratches or for other visible defects. If the media is defective, get replacement media from the place of purchase or by contacting Microsoft. If the problem is not solved, go to step 3.

3. Make confident that the drive is configured as a startup device in the BIOS. To configure the PC to boot from the CD or DVD drive, view the documentation that is included with the PC, or contact the PC manufacturer. If the problem is not solved, go to step 4.

4. Make confident that the Windows Vista disc is genuine. Genuine Windows Vista discs have a hologram printed on them that says “genuine media.” get 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 boot the PC. E.g. try a Windows XP CD, or try a disc that was given by the PC manufacturer for reinstalling the operating system. If you can use a different disc to boot the PC, the Windows Vista disc may be defective or damaged. If you cannot use a different disc to boot the PC from the CD or DVD drive, go to step 6.

6. The drive may want a firmware update before the Windows Vista disc can be read correctly. If updates are exist, download the update, and then upgrade the firmware on drive. If the problem is not solved, 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 problem may avoid the PC from starting from the Windows Vista disc. If the disc can be accessed from an operating system that is already installed on the PC, copy the contents of the DVD or CD to a folder on the hard disk, and then try a flat installation.

To install Windows Vista from a flat on the hard disk, follow these steps:

a. Right -click Start>> click Explore.

b. Locate and then click the CD or DVD drives that have the Windows Vista disc.

c. On the Edit menu>>click Select All.

d. On the Edit menu>>click Copy.

e. On the hard disk, open the folder in which you want to make the flat.

f. On the File menu, point to New>> click Folder.

g. Type Windows Vista Flat, and then press ENTER.

h. Double-click Windows Vista Flat, and then on the Edit menu>> click Paste.

i. After the files are copied from the Windows Vista disc to the "Windows Vista Flat" folder, double-click Setup.exe.

j. Follow the steps in the Windows Setup Wizard to complete the installation.