reinstalling XP issues

  • Thread starter Thread starter Kathy
  • Start date Start date
K

Kathy

I am using a Acer Aspire 5670 laptop
Processor: Intel CPU T2300 @ 1.66 GHZ
RAM: 1.00 GB

I decided to try Vista. After a few days I decided to go back to XP.
The problem is I cannot access the install program on my laptop. I am
supposed to hit alt f10 when the acer screen is up and it will take me
into a restore process. The problem is IT WON'T WORK. I have tried
everything I can think of. I have changed to boot order, I even took
the files off the partition formatted the partition to ntfs (which might
have been a mistake) copied them back and it doesn't work. I have an
unused copy of XP from computer that is toast that I reinstalled, but I
am having a heck of a time getting drivers etc installed and it would be
sooooo much easier to restore it to it's original state with the
manufacturers software. Is there any chance I can get this to work
properly?

Thanks
Kathy
 
Did you create the set of restore CD/DVDs when you first got the Acer? You
may need to delete the partitions on the hard drive except for the Acer
partition then boot from the first restore CD/DVD. Vista alters the boot
sector which is why f10 isn't working. If you don't have the restore CD/DVDs
then you may have to contact Acer and order a set.
 
I have tried downloading the drivers from here, but some of them I can't
get. I would like to have the recovery CD to reinstall without all the
hassle of installing drivers. I got no CDs with my system at all. I
guess I will contact Acer and see if I can get them.

Kathy
 
It's worth a try but most computers that use the "Press a key to restore"
feature have a non-standard boot sector to start with. Possibly restoring a
standard boot sector then unhiding the Acer partition and marking it as
active might work without pressing any keys.
 
They should be able to send you a disc that is system specific. I know
Dell, Gateway, Hp, etc... all do. Probably charge you 20 bucks or so.

Good luck!
 
The OP pointed out that F10 does not start the recovery process. Vista no
doubt mashed the code. The OP will need a utility from Acer to re-enable
F10.
 
I have an Acer laptop too, with 2 HDDs so have XP on one and Vista on
another.

However, if you only had one HDD and therefore only one OS installed you
will have to boot up off the Acer restore CD that you should have gotten
with your notebook.

Or you may have got an XP disc with the laptop?

Or you will have to contact Acer like Kerry said above
 
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