Hey all,
I just recently started getting the "Invalid system disk...Replace the disk, and then press any key" error at bootup, and I can't seem to figure out how to fix this. What is interesting is if I change the boot order to boot from the CD-ROM first, and put the Vista install disc in, Windows will boot fine. It says to "Press any key to boot from disc"...I dont press anything, and then Vista boots up. Here is what I have tried so far:

-Made sure all IDE cables are hooked up properly and that the system detects my hard drives in BIOS(it does)

-Tested the Motherboard battery by saving new settings in the BIOS and seeing if it remembers them on the next boot up (it does)

-Put the Vista Ultimate install disc in the drive and running the startup repair test (it passed saying it could not find any errors)

-System Restored back to a previous day (Only boots if the Windows disc is in the CD drive)

-For fun, I defraged my C: drive (the drive with Windows on it)...still doesn't work.

It seems to me like one of the system startup files may have gotten corrupted because Windows boots fine from the disc, so I dont think its the hard drive. Any ideas on how I can fix this problem. Thanks in advance for any help you guys can provide!

There is a Vista forum.

Woops sorry, this is my first time at this site and I didn't see the Vista forum until now....but the site wont let me post it there saying that I can't post duplicates.

Well many of us don't use Vista yet so we can'tbe of much help. What you can do is change the heading of your post and post in Vista.

If you have an older hard drive, it might be a little slow coming ready. Having the CD drive first in the sequence slows the boot process a little and that might be the reason it works that way. Leaving the CD drive first in the boot process without a disc in it might slow the boot process enough. If not, try both the CD drive and floppy ahead of the hard drive. If even that fails, try disabling fast boot in the bios.

Vista have lot of issue especially in harwdware config. first read the doc. if your system can work on vista.
vista is different than XP u can use only one ID in one pc not the same onXP that you can install in more than 2 pc.
if you really like vista make it sure system mate evrything that vista needs.

I am using vista now i have a dualboot XP and vista and working fine, what i did I install my hardware sofware from vista site. first make all your system list, cuz you need that lately when you are done installing your vista and download on there site, a lot f work if really want upgrade your system on vista.