Download EFI and UEFI repair CDs for Windows

Welcome to the future. Ever since 2000, EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface) has struggled to replace the decades-old BIOS, and now, some 13 years later, it’s finally really here. More than ever before, new computers, laptops, notebooks, and other computing devices are being shipped that use an entirely new and very much different technology as the foundation that powers the actual hardware, sitting between your motherboard/CPU and the operating system.

EFI is pretty nifty and very powerful, and opens a lot of new and exciting possibilities for your computer. It lets Windows theoretically boot faster than ever before, and can protect your computer against malware and viruses thanks to enhanced security features like signed bootloaders. And for Windows users, EFI means GPT (GUID Partition Table) instead of MBR (Master Boot Record). Abbreviations got you confused? Don’t worry – it just means that your computer now supports hard disks that are bigger than ever before (more than 2TiB in size!).

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Windows 8 Recovery Disk and Repair Disc Download

Download our recovery and repair disk for Microsoft Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 (also available for Windows Vista, 7, XP or Server editions) that can be used to access system recovery tools, giving you options of using an antivirus, System Restore, document and picture backup and recovery, automated system repair, and a command-line prompt for manual advanced recovery.

Download recovery disk for Windows 8/8.1

Easy Recovery Essentials for Windows 8

Our recovery disk is compatible with desktops, workstations, laptops, notebooks, netbooks, ultrabooks and servers from Dell, HP, Acer, Asus, Samsung, Lenovo, IBM, Toshiba, Compaq, Gateway or eMachines that have Windows 8 or 8.1 installed.

The disk is compatible with 32-bit and 64-bit editions of Windows 8 or Windows 8.1. It supports x86 and x64 platforms and works with EFI and MBR configurations.

Easy Recovery Essentials – or EasyRE – is a 50 to 135 MB ISO image that you can download and burn to any CD, DVD or USB drives.

With Easy Recovery Essentials you can recover and repair your computer.

About our recovery and repair disk

Windows 8 LogoIt has become harder and harder to get recovery or installation disks for your computer as major PC manufacturers no longer distribute a recovery or repair CD/DVD with your purchase.

A Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 installation DVD can be used to recover your computer. You can use it to access many recovery options, use System Restore and automatically fix boot errors or blue screens.

But instead of giving customers real recovery CDs and DVDs with their purchase of a computer (like notebooks, laptops, desktop computers etc.), PC manufacturers (like Dell, HP, Samsung, Acer, Lenovo, Toshiba and others) usually require you to make the recovery media by yourself.

If you can’t boot into Windows or your PC isn’t working, only a bootable recovery and repair CD/DVD/USB can save you.

Our recovery disk, called Easy Recovery Essentials, is an ISO image that you can download today and burn to any CDs, DVDs or USB drives.

You can boot from our disk to recover or repair your broken computer.

We provided instructions on how to do this below, see Burn to CDs, DVDs or USB drives.

With Easy Recovery Essentials you can:

  • Find and fix errors automatically with Automated Repair
  • Recover your PC from infections with the built-in antivirus
  • Restore your PC to a working state
  • Access and backup your most important data (like documents, pictures, music, videos and so on)

Easy Recovery Essentials is used by computer technicians and IT experts for its many features:

  • Fully-featured visual partition editor
  • Scriptable command line
  • Advanced recovery options
  • Web browser

Read more about EasyRE for computer repair professionals here.

Download recovery disk for Windows 8 and 8.1

Our recovery and repair disk uses a non-destructive repair process that can recover your PC without formatting your hard drive or reinstalling Windows.

Easy Recovery Essentials comes with:

  • Powerful Automated Repair feature
  • Antivirus scanner built-in
  • Ability to access System Restore
  • Web browser to browser the Internet
  • Ability to backup your most important files (documents, videos, pictures, music and so on)
  • Memory diagnostics and a command-line tools for advanced options

Update: Please note that this disk is no longer free, due to licensing restrictions imposed upon us.

Download Easy Recovery Essentials for Windows 8 and Windows 8.1

Our recovery disk supports x86 and x64 platforms and all Microsoft Windows 8 editions:

  • Windows 8 (32-bit and 64-bit editions)
  • Windows 8.1 (32-bit and 64-bit editions)

Our disk is in ISO image format. You can burn the image to any CDs, DVDs or USB drives and then use it as a bootable recovery media.

You cannot use a recovery or repair disk to install or reinstall Windows 8.

Burn to CDs, DVDs or USB drives

We published a guide on how to burn an ISO image to CD or DVD. Our recovery ISO image can be burnt to any CDs or DVDs and USB drives.

You can burn it with your favorite burning program. We published step-by-step instructions and guides on how to do this for any CDs or DVDs:

You can opt for a recovery USB instead: follow our guide on how to make a EasyRE recovery USB drive here.

Compatibility

Our recovery and repair disk works with any desktop computers, workstations, laptops, notebooks, ultrabooks, netbooks or servers computers from all major PC manufacturers:

  • Dell
  • HP
  • Asus
  • Acer
  • Lenovo
  • Samsung
  • Toshiba

It’s also compatible with older or no longer available PC brands, such as:

  • IBM
  • Compaq
  • Gateway Computers
  • eMachines

If your computer runs Windows 8 or Windows 8.1, you can download Easy Recovery Essentials.

Dell

Our recovery disk is compatible with Dell computers:

  • Dell Adamo
  • Dell Inspiron
  • Dell Studio
  • Dell Vostro
  • Dell XPS
  • Dell Latitude

Do you have a Dell computer running Windows 8? Read our recovery and restore guide for Dell.

HP

Easy Recovery Essentials work with your HP computer. It’s compatible with the following series of HP PCs:

  • HP ENVY
  • HP EliteBook
  • HP Essential Home
  • HP Pavilion
  • HP x2 models

Do you have a HP computer running Windows 8? Read our recovery and restore guide for HP.

Asus

Easy Recovery Essentials is compatible with Asus computers.

Do you have an Asus computer running Windows 8? Read our recovery and restore guide for Asus.

Acer

Our recovery disk can be downloaded by Acer customers. The disk is compatible with all Acer series and models:

  • Aspire M and T, Aspire X and Predator G
  • Aspire R, Aspire V3 and Aspire E
  • Aspire S7, Aspire S5, Aspire S3, Aspire P, Aspire M, Aspire V7, Aspire V5
  • Aspire One

Do you have an Acer computer running Windows 8? Read our recovery and restore guide for Acer.

Lenovo

Easy Recovery Essentials is compatible with Lenovo computers:

  • Lenovo ThinkPad
  • Lenovo IdeaPad
  • Lenovo Thinkcentre
  • Lenovo Ideacentre

Do you have a Lenovo computer running Windows 8? Read our recovery and restore guide for Lenovo.

Samsung

Easy Recovery Essentials is compatible with any Samsung laptops or desktops:

  • Samsung ATIV Book, Gaming and Business PC series for laptops
  • Samsung ATIV One for All-in-One desktops

Toshiba

Easy Recovery Essentials is compatible with all Toshiba series and models:

  • Toshiba Satellite
  • Toshiba Qosmio
  • Toshiba Portege
  • Toshiba Tecra
  • Toshiba Kira family series
  • Toshiba All-in-One desktop series

Do you have a Toshiba computer running Windows 8? Read our recovery and restore guide for Toshiba.

IBM, Compaq, Gateway, eMachines

These PC manufacturers were either acquired by another company or they are no longer on the market. Our recovery disk is compatible with these PCs, if your computer runs the supported Windows versions:

  • Windows 8 and Windows 8.1
  • Windows 7 (all editions)
  • Windows Vista (all editions)
  • Windows XP
  • Windows Server 2003, Server 2008, Server 2012

IBM

Lenovo acquired IBM’s personal computer division in 2005.

Easy Recovery Essentials is compatible with IBM computers and laptops (like the ThinkPad series) and Lenovo computers (see Lenovo).

Compaq

HP acquired Compaq in 2002.

Easy Recovery Essentials is compatible with Compaq desktops and laptops (including the Presario series) and HP computers (see HP).

Gateway and eMachines

eMachines was acquired by Gateway Computers in 2007. In 2007, Gateway Computers was acquired by Acer. The eMachines brand was used until 2012.

Easy Recovery Esssentials is compatible with Gateway computers:

  • Series SX, DX and One ZX
  • NE and NV series
  • LT series

Do you have a Gateway computer running Windows 8? Read our recovery and restore guide for Gateway.

Easy Recovery Esssentials is compatible with eMachines PCs and Acer computers (see Acer).

Disk for Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP or Server editions

You can download Easy Recovery Essentials for other versions of Windows, such as Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP or the Windows Server editions.

Windows 7

Read more about our recovery disk for Windows 7.

Our recovery disk supports Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit) and its editions: Ultimate, Enterprise, Professional, Home Premium, Home Basic and Starter.

Download the disk for Windows 7.

Windows Vista

Read more about our recovery disk for Windows Vista.

Easy Recovery Essentials supports Windows Vista (32-bit and 64-bit) and its editions: Ultimate, Enterprise, Professional, Home Premium, Home Basic and Starter.

Download the disk for Windows Vista.

Windows XP or Server editions

If your computer runs Windows XP or Windows Server, you can download Easy Recovery Essentials.

Our disk supports Microsoft Windows XP, including the Service Pack updates:

  • Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1)
  • Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2)
  • Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3)

Download the disk for Windows XP.

You can download the disk for any of the following Windows Server editions:

  • Windows Server 2003
  • Windows Server 2008
  • Windows Server 2012

Download the disk for Windows Server.

Support

Please don’t ask for help below, it’ll get real cluttered real soon!

Open a support thread at https://neosmart.net/forums/ and we’ll help you resolve your problem ASAP.

Windows XP Recovery and Repair Disk

This article shows you how to create a recovery disk for Windows XP, if you have the original CD (can be used as a recovery disk) or, if not, how to create a recovery diskette (floppy disk).

It also shows you how to download our recovery disk for Windows XP, if you don’t have the original CD available or can’t boot into Windows XP.

Download recovery disk for Windows XP

If you aren’t able to boot into Windows or don’t access to the recovery partition to create a system recovery disk, you can use our recovery and repair disk Easy Recovery Essentials to repair your Windows XP.

Easy Recovery Essentials Screenshot

Download Easy Recovery Essentials

Features of Easy Recovery Essentials include:

  • Automatically find and fix boot errors and blue screens
  • Works even when you can’t get into Windows
  • Recover from virus infections
  • Restore your PC to a working state
  • Access and backup your important data
  • Advanced tools for IT experts

Easy Recovery Essentials is an ISO download image ready to be burned directly to a CD, DVD or a USB flash drive.

Easy Recovery Essentials can be used as a recovery disk for computers with Windows XP installed to repair the computer, including the full list of Windows XP editions with Service Packs installed:

  • Microsoft Windows XP SP1 (Service Pack 1)
  • Microsoft Windows XP SP2 (Service Pack 2)
  • Microsoft Windows XP SP3 (Service Pack 3)

It’s compatible with both the Home and Professional editions of Windows XP:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Home
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional

It’s compatible with newer versions of Windows, up to Windows 8.1:

It’s also compatible with Windows Server editions:

Create a recovery disk for Windows XP

Before you continue, check if you still have the original Windows XP installation CD.

That original installation CD can act as a recovery disk that you can use to run Recovery Console (Command line utility) to repair your computer with.

From Recovery Console, you can run the bootcfg, chkdsk, and more commands.

If you have the original CD

If you have the disk, follow these steps to open Recovery Console:

  • Insert the CD in the optical drive
  • Restart your computer
  • At the Welcome to Setup screen, press R to load Recovery Console

  • You’ll need to log in as an Administrator or with any user that has administrative rights to the system. Do so and enter the password.
  • Press Enter
  • The Recovery Console should now be available

To read more about bootcfg, read the Bootcfg guide. To read more about chkdsk (check disk), read the chkdsk guide.

If you don’t have the original CD

If you don’t have the original CD with Windows XP, you can create a bootable floppy diskette.

It’s required that you can boot into Windows XP to create the bootable diskette. Otherwise, if you can’t boot into Windows XP, go to Download recovery disk for Windows XP.

You’ll need to make sure your computer’s floppy disk is working properly first. Your computer with Windows XP must have the floppy disk functioning.

To create the bootable diskette for Windows XP, follow these steps:

  • Boot into Windows XP
  • Insert the diskette in the floppy disk
  • Go to My Computer
  • Right-click on the floppy disk drive. This is usually the A:\ drive.
  • Click Format
  • Check the Create an MS-DOS startup disk option at the Format options section
  • Click Start
  • Wait for the process to finish
  • Once it’s completed, safely remove the diskette for the floppy disk

Once the recovery diskette is created, follow these instructions everytime you need to use it:

  • Check if the diskette is in write-protect mode
  • Insert the diskette in the floppy disk
  • Restart the computer
  • Follow the instructions on the screen after you’ve booted your sytem from the diskette

More Information

Linked Entries

Support Links

Applicable Systems

This article applies to the following operating systems:

  • Windows XP (all editions)

Windows Recovery Discs Updated, Reinstated

Download Now

Windows Recovery Disk Screen

Almost four years ago, NeoSmart Technologies published a Windows Vista repair and recovery CD that could be used to treat common boot issues and recover from catastrophic system failure in case you didn’t have a Windows setup CD handy.

Windows XP Logo Over the years, we’ve added more recovery CDs to the collection, ending up with a complete portfolio of repair CDs for Windows Vista and Windows 7 in both 32- and 64-bit flavors. We’ve had the good fortune of being able to host these CDs on our site in one form or the other for free download to millions of users around the globe.

Three months ago, we were contacted by the legal department at Microsoft Corporation asking us to discontinue hosting these files. Until this point, we were not aware that Microsoft was displeased with our hosting of the CDs and in fact enjoyed a rather healthy relationship with the Microsoft support forums where victims of PC crashes would be directed to our site to download a copy of the repair CDs.

Since then, we have been in talks and negotiations with the Microsoft legal and licensing divisions, trying to work out a method whereby we could provide our users and visitors with access to these CDs once again. Today we’re excited to announce that these CDs are once more available for download!

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Windows 7 Recovery Disk and Repair Disc Download

Download our recovery and repair disk for Microsoft Windows 7 (also available for Windows 8, Vista, XP or Server editions) that can be used to access system restore tools.

It comes with our exclusive Automated Repair feature, option to access System Restore, tools to backup and recover your most important files, a built-in antivirus scanner and a command-line for advanced recovery options.

Download recovery disk for Windows 7

Looking for recovery disks for other Windows versions?

Easy Recovery Essentials for Windows 7

Our recovery disk supports x86 and x64 platforms and all Microsoft Windows 7 editions, including 32-bit and 64-bit editions: Ultimate, Enterprise, Professional, Home Premium, Home Basic and Starter.

Easy Recovery Essentials (or EasyRE), is a 55 to 135 MiB ISO image ready to be downloaded.

You can burn this ISO image to any CDs, DVDs or USB drives and boot from it to recover or repair your broken computer. We provided instructions on how to do this below, see Burn to CD, DVD or USB.

With the Easy Recovery Essentials you can (see list of features here):

  • Automatically find and fix errors using Automated Repair
  • Recover your PC from infections using its built-in antivirus
  • Restore your PC to a working state
  • Access and backup your most important data (like documents, pictures, music, videos and so on)

Easy Recovery Essentials comes with powerful tools that computer technicians or IT experts can use straight away:

  • Fully-featured visual partition editor
  • Scriptable command line
  • Advanced recovery options
  • Web browser

You can read more about EasyRE for computer repair professionals here.

What is a recovery and repair disk

Windows 7 LogoMajor PC manufacturers no longer give customers a real Windows 7 installation DVD along with their purchase of a computer.

A Windows 7 installation DVD can be used to recover your PC, not just install a Windows 7 copy. The DVD has a “recovery center” that gives you options to Automated Recovery (attempts to fix automatically any errors found), System Restore (restores your computer to the last working state) or you can access a command-line for advanced recovery options.

Instead, customers are expected to create a recovery media themselves – on a CD, DVD or USB drive.

Your computer’s hard drive might have a recovery partition added by the manufacturer, but what happens when your PC or Windows isn’t working or you’ve lost the disks you had?

If you can’t boot into Windows or your PC isn’t working, only a bootable recovery and repair CD/DVD/USB can save you.

Download recovery disk for Windows 7

Easy Recovery Essentials, our recovery and repair disk, uses a non-destructive repair process that can recover your PC without formatting your hard drive or reinstalling Windows.

It comes with our powerful Automated Repair feature, an antivirus scanner built-in, the ability to access System Restore, tools to browse the Internet (a web browser) and back-up your most important files (documents, videos, pictures, music and so on), memory diagnostics and a command-line tools for advanced options.

Some of its features include (see list of features here):

  • One-click Windows repair
  • System Restore
  • Web browser
  • File backup
  • Antivirus scanner
  • Partition editor

Update: Please note that this disk is no longer free, due to licensing restrictions imposed upon us.

Download Easy Recovery Essentials for Windows 7

Our recovery disk supports x86 and x64 platforms and all Microsoft Windows 7 editions:

  • Windows 7 Ultimate (32-bit and 64-bit editions)
  • Windows 7 Enterprise (32-bit and 64-bit editions)
  • Windows 7 Professional (32-bit and 64-bit editions)
  • Windows 7 Home Premium (32-bit and 64-bit editions)
  • Windows 7 Home Basic (32-bit and 64-bit editions)
  • Windows 7 Starter (32-bit edition) (Starter is available only in 32-bit)

It works with any Windows 7 that has Service Packs installed:

  • Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1)

The disk is in ISO image format that you can burn to any CDs, DVDs or USB sticks and then use it as a bootable recovery CD/DVD/USB. We provided step-by-step instructions how to burn the ISO image below.

It’s a 120 MiB download file.

You cannot use a recovery or repair disk to install or reinstall Windows 7.

Burn to CD, DVD or USB

NeoSmart Technologies has published a guide on how to burn an ISO image to CD or DVD. This ISO image can be burnt to any CDs or DVDs and even USB drives.

You can burn the ISO with your favorite burning program. We published step-by-step instructions and guides on how to do this:

If you prefer to have a recovery USB instead, follow our guide on how to make a EasyRE recovery USB drive here.

Compatible with PC manufacturers

Our recovery and repair disk works with any desktop computers, workstations, laptops, notebooks, ultrabooks, netbooks or servers computers from all major PC manufacturers, Dell, Asus, IBM and more.

It works with older or no longer on the market PC brands, such as Gateway Computers or eMachines PCs.

Dell, HP

Dell recovery disk

This disk is compatible with Dell PCs and its manufactured series:

  • Adamo
  • Inspiron
  • Studio
  • Vostro
  • XPS
  • Latitude

Do you have a Dell computer running Windows 7? Read our recovery and restore guide for Dell.

HP recovery disk

Easy Recovery Essentials works with your HP computer, including any of these series and models:

  • ENVY
  • EliteBook
  • Essential Home
  • Pavilion
  • x2 models

Do you have a HP computer running Windows 7? Read our recovery and restore guide for HP.

Asus, Acer

Asus recovery disk

It works with any Asus computer model that runs any of the following Windows versions:

  • Windows 8
  • Windows 7
  • Windows Vista
  • Windows XP
  • Windows Server 2003, Server 2008 and Server 2012

Do you have an Asus computer running Windows 7? Read our recovery and restore guide for Asus.

Acer recovery disk

Acer users can download our disk. It’s compatible with all Acer models:

  • Desktops models: Aspire M and T, Aspire X and Predator G
  • Notebooks models: Aspire R, Aspire V3 and Aspire E
  • Netbooks and ultra-thin computer models: Aspire S7, Aspire S5, Aspire S3, Aspire P, Aspire M, Aspire V7, Aspire V5
  • Netbooks models: Aspire One

Do you have an Acer computer running Windows 7? Read our recovery and restore guide for Acer.

Lenovo, Toshiba, Samsung

Lenovo

Lenovo computers are supported by our disk, including any of the following series:

  • Laptops models: ThinkPad and IdeaPad
  • Desktops models: Thinkcentre and Ideacentre

Essentials series for laptops and desktop PCs are also supported.

Do you have a Lenovo computer running Windows 7? Read our recovery and restore guide for Lenovo.

Toshiba

The disk is compatible with any Toshiba computer model: Satellite, Qosmio, Portege, Tecra, Kira family series and All-in-One desktop series.

Do you have a Toshiba computer running Windows 7? Read our recovery and restore guide for Toshiba.

Samsung

Samsung users can download our disk. It is compatible with any Samsung laptops or desktops:

  • ATIV Book, Gaming and Business PC series for laptops
  • ATIV One for All-in-One desktops

IBM, Compaq, Gateway, eMachines

IBM

Lenovo acquired IBM’s personal computer division in 2005. You can download Easy Recovery Essentials if you own a IBM computer.

It is compatible with IBM desktops and laptops models, like the ThinkPad series.

Compaq

The Compaq company was acquired by HP in 2002.

It is compatible with Compaq notebooks and desktops, including the Compaq Presario series.

Gateway and eMachines

Gateway Computers was acquired by Acer in 2007. If you happen to have a Gateway computer, you can download our disk. It is compatible with its manufactured series:

  • Series SX, DX and One ZX for desktop systems
  • NE and NV series for notebooks
  • LT series for netbooks

Do you have a Gateway computer running Windows 7? Read our recovery and restore guide for Gateway.

eMachines computers were available on sale until 2004 when Gateway Computers (above) brought the company. Gateway was acquired in 2007, but the eMachines brand was used until 2012.

If you own a computer from eMachines, you can download our disk as it is compatible with eMachines PCs.

Disk for Windows 8, Vista, XP or Server editions

Easy Recovery Essentials is compatible with other Windows versions, not just 7.

Windows 8

Read more about our recovery disk for Windows 8. It supports Windows 8 and its update, Windows 8.1.

Download for Windows 8.

Windows Vista

Read more about our recovery disk for Windows Vista. Easy Recovery Essentials supports all Windows Vista editions, from Vista Starter to Vista Ultimate, and the 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

Download for Windows Vista.

Windows XP and Server 2003, 2008 and 2012

Windows XP is supported by Easy Recovery Essentials. This includes Service Packs of XP too: SP1, SP2, SP3.

Easy Recovery Essentials supports all Windows Server editions, such as Server 2003, Server 2008 and Server 2012 and the updated versions: Server 2003 R2, Server 2008 R2, Server 2012 R2.

Support

Easy Recovery Essentials supports all Service Packs (SP) of your Windows:

  • Windows XP SP1, XP SP2, XP SP3
  • Windows Vista SP1, Vista SP2
  • Windows 7 SP1, 7 SP2
  • Windows 8, 8.1
  • Windows Server 2003 R2, Server 2008 R2, Server 2012 R2

Download Easy Recovery Essentials from here.

Please don’t ask for help below, it’ll get real cluttered real soon!

Open a support thread at https://neosmart.net/forums/ and we’ll help you resolve your problem ASAP.

Download: Windows Vista x64 Recovery Disc

This disk can be used to access system recovery tools, giving you options of using an antivirus, System Restore, document and picture backup and recovery, automated system repair, and a command-line prompt for manual advanced recovery.

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Recovery Disk for Windows Vista x64

Windows Vista Logo Ever since we first made available the Windows Vista Recovery Disc for download back in January, we’ve been inundated with requests for an x64-compatible version. Flash-forward to three months later, and it’s finally here!

If you don’t already know what the Windows Vista Recovery Disc is and what’s used for, take a quick look at the original article – good luck catching up on the half-a-thousand comments there!

Note that this download is no longer free, due to licensing restrictions imposed upon us.

What it does: The Windows Vista Recovery Disc can be used to access a system recovery menu, giving you options of using an antivirus program, System Restore, Complete PC Backup, automated system repair, and a command-line prompt for manual advanced recovery.

What it doesn’t do: You cannot use the Windows Vista Recovery Disc to re-install Windows – it only fixes (not replaces!) Windows.

Why you need it: If you bought your PC from a major retailer, you didn’t get this CD with your hefty purchase.

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Windows Vista Recovery Disk and Repair Disc Download

Download our recovery and repair disk for Microsoft Windows Vista (also available for Windows 7, 8, XP, 10, 11 or Windows Server editions) that can be used to access system recovery tools, giving you options of using an antivirus, System Restore, document and picture backup and recovery, automated system repair, and a command-line prompt for manual advanced recovery.

Download recovery disk for Windows Vista

Looking for recovery disks for other Windows versions?

Easy Recovery Essentials for Windows Vista

Easy Recovery Essentials (or EasyRE) is a 55 to 135 MiB download image ready to be burned directly to a CD, DVD or a USB stick.

Features of Easy Recovery Essentials include:

  • Automatically find and fix errors
  • Works even when you can’t get into Windows
  • Recover from virus infections
  • Restore your PC to a working state
  • Access and back up your important data
  • Use your PC even when it doesn’t work
  • Advanced tools for IT experts

Disk for recovery & repair

If you’re like most PC users, you probably got Windows Vista with a new PC or laptop. And if you’re like 99% of the population, you get your new machines from one of the major manufacturers.

Dell, Acer, HP, Toshiba, Lenovo, they all have one thing in common: they don’t give you a real Windows Vista installation disk with your purchase.

Instead, they bundle what they call a “recovery disk” (that’s if you’re lucky – otherwise you’ll have a recovery partition instead) with your machine and leave it at that.

It doesn’t matter that you just paid a thousand dollars for a machine that comes with a valid Windows Vista license – your computer manufacturer just don’t want to spend the money (or perhaps take on the responsibility) of giving you a Windows Vista installation DVD to accompany your expensive purchase.

The problem is, with Windows Vista, the installation media serves more than one purpose. It’s not just a way to get Windows installed, it’s also the only way of recovering a borked installation.

The DVD has a “recovery center” that provides you with the option of recovering your system via automated recovery (searches for problems and attempts to fix them automatically), rolling-back to a system restore point, recovering a full PC backup, or accessing a command-line recovery console for advanced recovery purposes.

Download recovery disk for Windows Vista

Windows Vista Logo Easy Recovery Essentials repair process is non-destructive, recovering PCs without formatting or reinstalling Windows.

The powerful repair process can fix many issues that Microsoft’s own Startup Repair cannot. In addition to the industry-leading automated repair features, this disk will give you access to the following:

  • System Restore
  • Web Browser
  • Partition Editor
  • Antivirus Scanner
  • Data/File Backup and Recovery
  • Commandline/Terminal Access

Later update: Please note that this download is no longer free, due to licensing restrictions imposed upon us.

Download Easy Recovery Essentials for Windows Vista

Our recovery disk supports x86 and x64 platforms and all Windows Vista versions, including 32-bit and 64-bit editions:

  • Windows Vista Ultimate (32-bit and 64-bit editions)
  • Windows Vista Enterprise (32-bit and 64-bit editions)
  • Windows Vista Business (32-bit and 64-bit editions)
  • Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit and 64-bit editions)
  • Windows Vista Home Basic (32-bit and 64-bit editions)
  • Windows Vista Starter (32-bit edition)

And all Service Packs:

  • Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1)
  • Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2)

This disk is a 120 MiB download in standard ISO format that you’ll need to burn to a CD or DVD before you can use it as a bootable recovery medium. You can also burn it on a USB stick.

You cannot use a recovery or repair disk to install or reinstall Windows Vista.

Burn to CDs, DVDs or USB sticks

NeoSmart Technologies has published a guide on how to burn an ISO image to CD or DVD with your favorite burning program, which you can read if you need more information or help on this topic. You can burnt it with ImgBurn, Alcohol 120% or ActiveISO:

You can also burn it on a USB stick if you don’t want to use CDs or DVDs. We published a guide on making a EasyRE recovery USB.

Compatible with PC manufacturers

This recovery and repair disk is compatible with desktops, workstations, laptops, notebooks, netbooks, ultrabooks and servers from major PC manufacturers, like Dell, HP, Asus, Acer or Lenovo plus more.

Dell, HP, Asus, Acer

Dell

The disk is compatible with all Dell laptops and desktop computers, including all its manufactured series like Adamo, Inspiron, Studio, Vostro, XPS, Latitude.

Do you have a Dell computer running Windows Vista? Read our Dell recovery and restore guide.

HP

The disk is compatible with HP computers: ENVY, EliteBook, Essential Home, Pavilion and x2 for laptops and ENVY, Essential Home and Pavilion for desktops and All-in-One Desktop PCs.

Do you have a HP computer running Windows Vista? Read our HP recovery and restore guide.

Asus

It’s compatible with notebooks, ultrabooks, laptops and desktops from ASUS.

It works for any computer that was manufactured by ASUS, if it runs Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 or any of the following Windows Server editions: 2003, 2008, 2012.

Do you have an Asus computer running Windows Vista? Read our Asus recovery and restore guide.

Acer

It’s compatible with any Acer computer that has Windows installed, including these manufactured series:

  • Aspire R, Aspire V3 and Aspire E for notebooks
  • Aspire S7, Aspire S5, Aspire S3, Aspire P, Aspire M, Aspire V7, Aspire V5 for ultra-thin computers
  • Aspire One for netbooks
  • Aspire M and T, Aspire X and Predator G for desktops

Do you have an Acer computer running Windows Vista? Read our Acer recovery and restore guide.

Lenovo, Toshiba, Samsung

Lenovo

You can download the repair disk for any Lenovo computers, such as:

  • ThinkPad, IdeaPad, Essential series for laptops
  • Thinkcentre, Ideacentre and Essentials series for desktop PCs

Do you have a Lenovo computer running Windows Vista? Read our Lenovo recovery and restore guide.

Toshiba

It’s compatible with any Toshiba computers running Windows:

  • Satellite, Qosmio, Portege, Tecra, Kira family series
  • All-in-One desktop series

Do you have a Toshiba computer running Windows Vista? Read our Toshiba recovery and restore guide.

Samsung

The disk is compatible with Samsung line of laptops and desktops, including:

  • ATIV Book, Gaming and Business PC series for laptops
  • ATIV One for All-in-One desktops

IBM, Compaq, Gateway, eMachines

IBM

IBM personal computer business division was acquired by Lenovo in 2005.

This disk supports IBM desktop and laptop models, most notably the ThinkPad line.

Compaq

Compaq was acquired by HP in 2002, but some of its famous PC line series are still used by our customers.

Our disk works with Compaq notebooks and desktops PCs, including Compaq Presario series.

Gateway

Gateway Computer was acquired by Acer in 2007.

Our disk is compatible with Gateway Computers netbooks, notebooks and desktops PCs, such as:

  • Series SX, DX and One ZX for desktop systems
  • NE and NV series for notebooks
  • LT series for netbooks

Do you have a Gateway computer running Windows Vista? Read our Gateway recovery and restore guide.

eMachines

eMachines PCs were manufactured up until 2004 when Gateway Computers brought the company. Gateway Computers was later acquired by Acer in 2007, but the eMachines PC brand was used until 2012.

If you own a computer from this computer brand, our disk is compatible with eMachines PCs.

Disk for Windows 7, 8, XP or Server editions

Windows 7

You can get our recovery disk for Windows 7. It supports all versions: Ultimate, Enterprise, Professional, Home Premium, Home Basic and Starter.

Download for Windows 7.

Windows 8

You can also get the recovery disk for Windows 8.

Download for Windows 8.

Windows XP

Easy Recovery Essentials is available for Windows XP users and it supports all Service Packs: Service Pack 1 (SP1), Service Pack 2 (SP2) and Service Pack 3 (SP3).

Windows Server 2003, 2008, 2012

Easy Recovery Essentials supports Microsoft Windows Server editions: 2003, 2008 and 2012.

Support

Our disk supports all Windows service packs (Windows XP SP1, Windows XP SP2, Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista SP1, Windows Vista SP2, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 7 SP2, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2008 R2, and Windows Server 2012 R2.

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