You should be able to create one off another pc. make should not matter but the OS should be the same. Have you tried holding down the F10 key while powering the system on? Sometimes this will put the PC into a reload software mode.
http://support.apple.com/kb/ts1440
If you see a flashing question mark when you start your Mac, it's probably because it can't find the system software it needs to start up. Usually, all you have to do to get your Mac back up and running is remind it where its software is.
If your computer starts up normally after a brief delay, you probably just need to reselect the startup disk in Startup Disk preferences. It's normal to see the flashing question mark when a startup disk has not been selected. In most cases, reselecting the startup disk is all that is required to resolve the issue.
Sometimes, your computer may not start beyond the flashing question mark.
Tip: If your computer has a gray screen (with no flashing question mark) startup issue, see Mac OS X: Gray screen appears during startup.
Check the mouse and keyboard
This issue might occur if a mouse or trackpad button is pressed during startup. Make sure the button isn't pressed.
If the issue persists, shut down your Mac with its power button, disconnect any external mouse and keyboard, then turn on your Mac with its power button. If the flashing question mark issue persists, reconnect the keyboard and mouse.
Additional steps
If your Mac still starts to a flashing question mark, follow the steps below. If any step resolves the issue, you don't need to continue to the next one.
MacBook Air note: On a MacBook Air, there are two options for starting up from Mac OS X media: Either connect a MacBook Air SuperDrive to the MacBook Air via the USB port and restart the computer, holding down the C key during startup, or use Remote Install Mac OS X to startup from a system software DVD that's located on a partner computer. Once started up from Mac OS X media, skip to step 3.
A flashing question mark appears when you start your Mac
Symptoms
Resolution
Last
Important: If Disk Utility finds issues it cannot repair, you may need to back up as much of your data as possible (or use Time Machine to back up to a different disk), then erase the disk and reinstall Mac OS X. You should back up important files and data before erasing a drive. Erasing deletes everything on the hard disk (including things on your desktop). Also, you can install Mac OS X onto an external disk, start from the external disk, and use Migration Assistant to transfer items from your usual internal Mac OS X startup disk to the external disk, then erase the internal disk and reinstall Mac OS X.
How to obtain Vista Recovery Media and/or use the Vista Recovery Partition on your computer to put it back to Factory Settings.
There is no legal free Vista download available.
Contact your Computer Manufacturer and ask them to send you a set of Vista Recovery disk/s.
They normally do that for a small $ cost.
Also, ask them if you have a Recovery Partition on your Computer/Laptop to restore it to Factory settings.
See if a Manual came with the computer, or go to the Manufacturer's website, email or phone them for info on how to do a Recovery.
Normally, you would press F10 or F11 at Startup to commence the Recovery Process..
Another way I have seen on some models is to tap F8, and go to a list of Startup options, and start a Factory Standards Recovery from in there, by selecting the Repair computer option.
Also ask them if it is possible to make Recovery Disk/s from the Recovery Partition in case of Hard Drive failure or System Crash.
They will tell you how to do that.
Each Computer Manufacturer has their own way of making Recovery Disk/s.
Or borrow a proper Microsoft Vista DVD(not Dell, HP, etc).
A proper Vista DVD contains all Vista versions.
The Product Key determines which Vista version gets installed.
There are 2 Vista disks: one for 32bit Operating System, and one for 64bit Operating System.
If a clean install is required with a proper Vista DVD (not HP, Dell Recovery Disks):
Go into your Bios/Setup, or Boot Menu, at startup, and change the Boot Order to make the DVD/CD drive 1st in the Boot Order, then reboot with the disk in the Drive.
At startup/power on you should see at the bottom of the screen either F2 or DELETE, to go into Bios/Setup, or F12 for the Boot Menu
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/918884
MS advice on doing clean install.
http://www.theeldergeekvista.com/vista_clean_installation.htm
A Tutorial on doing a clean install
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_install_03.asp
Windows Vista Installation Super Guide
After installation > Go to your Laptop/Computer Manufacturer's website > Drivers and Downloads Section > Key in your Model number > Look for latest Vista Drivers for it > Download/install them.
Save all Data, as it will be lost during a clean install.
Post back if it is not working we will be happy to help you.
Hope this helps.
Cheers!!!!
Contact your Computer Manufacturer and ask them to send you a set of Vista Recovery disk/s. They normally do that for a small $ cost. Also, ask them if you have a Recovery Partition on your Computer/Laptop to restore it to Factory settings. See if a Manual came with the computer, or go to the Manufacturer's website, email or phone them for info on how to do a Recovery. Normally, you would press F10 or F11 at Startup to commence the Recovery Process.. Another way I have seen on some models is to tap F8, and go to a list of Startup options, and start a Factory Standards Recovery from in there, by selecting the Repair computer option. Also ask them if it is possible to make Recovery Disk/s from the Recovery Partition in case of Hard Drive failure or System Crash. They will tell you how to do that. Each Computer Manufacturer has their own way of making Recovery Disk/s.
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