So my Windows Vista laptop is buggered. It won’t boot properly, just getting a blank screen althought I can sometimes get into safe mode. I have a recent backup of all files taken a few days ago so I’m not too worried about the data, but what else should I be doing before I start again and re-install the OS from the recovery disks?

I was going to check out the backup from another PC just to check everything was there.
Try to make a list of software I had installed to ensure I could reload it all.

Anything else I’m missing?
A better way to fix my problems?

Better to swap out the vista for xp or 7.

Jot down your passwords etc from [firefox/chrome/ie…] before you wipe and reinstall – if thats what you end up doing.

Try a system restore first, If you can get it into safe mode

try and boot the vista disk and do a ‘repair operating system’/whateveritscalled – search google if your not sure on exact procedure.

Safe mode with command prompt, run chkdsk.