How to re-install Vista?

[tommag]

Hi;
I have a compaq laptop, amd, vista. I'd like to re-install windows, but haven't a clue how. I think I screwed up when I first bought it, as I copied the partition that has the recovery part on it. It now shows 6.35 gb on that partition. Did I create a problem?
I have tried to open that partition, but it gives me a window that says warning, altering could affect it negatively. There are no clickable buttons on that window. How in the heck do I format and re-install?
I burnt that drive onto a couple of discs, but when I put them in, I only get the same window.
I don't know much about computers, and have never tried this before, so you would have to bear with me if I appear ignorant. It's only because I am!
Thanks.
Tom

 

[kimsland]

You should be able to purchase the Recovery discs through HP, contact them here: https://www.techspot.com/vb/topic100655.html
Or if you have a standard Windows Vista disc, see these guides:
http://www.windowsreinstall.com/winvista/index.htm (index page)
http://vistahomepremium.windowsreinstall.com/repairstartup/repairstartup.htm (guide)

 

[tommag]

Thanks. I ordered a recovery disc from HP. That was painless enough, $16.

 

[kimsland]

Now that's cheap :grinthumb