it looks like i have to reboot my computer because ov viruses, unwanted shutdowns and other issues but the backup discs aint working can u tell me how to delete all files and folders on vista without deleting vista i used to format my hard drive and reinstall windows on my old laptop but that was win xp but i aint got a vista disc or product key

How did you get Vista on it? Playing to the angels Les Paul (1915-2009)

I understood very little of that steviebear. Any reason you can't clean the machine of virus, etc.? Anyway, to start with, answer jefro's question. Skip

"...but i aint got a vista disc or product key" If you do not have a Vista disc or a legally acquired product key, you are better off obtaining one or go back to XP ... casual piracy is not encouraged on computing.net. Moreover, you are going to need to have a Windows media & a valid product key if you intend to run Vista as your productivity OS. Windows 7 News!

i bought the laptop with vista allready on the anti virus showes nothin wen a scan is done and it wont let me install a new anti virus

i have just found my product key for vista will i be able to download vista re install it using the same product key

Now we need to know the exact manufacturer and model number of your laptop. Recovery procedures ain't the same for all laptops. Did you buy it new or used? Skip