How do I use Acer Recovery CDs? - Page 2

Hard drive could be failing

cheers ...

Thanks qhn. You are correct. The hard drive is failing. However, I got brand new hard drive and tried using eRecovery CD to get the system back but still got hung-up. Here are the details, and hopefully experts here can help.

 

Acer Aspire 5738Z

original (failed HD) WD Scorpio Blue 320 GB

new HD WD Scorpio Black 500 GB

 

I installed the new HD, run the recovery disks. But  I got the following error message "Install Windows: Windows could not complete the installation. To install Windows on this computer, restart the installation." during Windows setup. I am not able to pass this.

 

Interestingly, I was able to finish restoring the system on a smaller hard drive (OCZSSD2-1VTX30G, 30GB, SSD). So it seems that the size difference of the hard drive does not matter here, and certainly the eRecovery disks work.

 

I am puzzled and really frustrated. And FYI, contacting Acer tech support did not help at all. And from the above observation, I am hesitate to get a brand new WD Scorpio Blue 320 GB

to try, since the the size does not seems to be the issue.

 

Any thoughts on this are greatly appreciated--I want to both get my system back, and understand the underlining reason for this.

 

uslee

Edited by uslee - 9/16/11 at 4:44am

Size can be an issue here - I have seen it happening many times with my own comps. Not sure, but sometimes the factory recovery can be hard pressed to look at the max size of the drive

You can try first partitioning the 500GB into 2 (300 & 200) and see.

cheers ...

 

Thanks for responding, and sorry that I left out what all I did.

 

I did make one 30 GB partition (so that it has the same size as the SSD) and tried but with no good. Did format in both FAT32 and NTSF. Have to admitted though that since I do not have a Windows 7 boot disk, I used the Dos functions from the Herin's Boot CD, and even using the Acer Disk Formatter that Acer tech support suggested. But somehow none worked.

 

I noted that the Acer Formatter appears to be windows XP version though. Now I am wondering if it has anything to do with the MBR. But still, how can it worked on SSD? 

 

And Acer tech support now want charge me to send it to them for service--it is out of warranty already.

 

I am so frustrated, and at the same time, mesmerized.

 

uslee

I guess at this point you just have to try with a smaller size disk (no partition) - can you return and replace the larger one from the same seller?

cheers ...

Thanks for the suggestion. I will keep the 500 GB drive--will use it as an external with an enclosure. Not fond of the idea getting another new, smaller drive though. 

Used drives from (reliable) eBay sellers (from users who just upgrade their systems) work wonder

cheers ...

When i bought my machine.  They told me to do a recovery backup onto a CD.  I used 3 CD's. After a year i decided to format my Acer Laptop.  So i inserted CD one and did a Recovery management powered by acer.  It gave me two options, one: "Completely Restore System to Factory Defaults"    two: "Restore Opperating System and Retain User Data".  So I choosed one! 

 

I still have all 3 CD's but only used one, The first CD.  So how can i use the other CD's to install the other backup data??

I have tried to: Hold tab and pressing F10 but that does not open anything usefull only some strange window asking me the boot path.  Please Help

Were there any modifications done to the laptop, processor change etc..has the BIOS been upgraded...sometimes restore CDs do not recognize the model it was produced for if there are changes..
Confirm they are made for the exact same model that you have..I assume tht you have changed the boot sequence to the dvd drive vs the harddrive..also make sure there are no thumbdrives etc plugged in while doing this..laptop should also be on a/c power and not battery..(not saying that has anything to do with it but just a reminder, that if you lose battery power part way thru the install, you will be in a big world of hurt)

Nothing was changed since.  Only my charger cable was pluged in. ?

Don bother getting a smaller drive... I got the same sized and brand drive replaced for Aspire 4820TG and went through the erecovery disc (reset to factory defaults) and I have the same message of not being able to complete installation when the system is booting into windows. Have not been able to solve the problem. Also, I am now thinking to just installing winXP on it, but anyone knows if the touchpad would still work if I do that? Or do I need an acer software for the touchpad to work?

If you are installing a factory copy of XP, then you will have to go to the Acer site and get all the drivers for your Model...might be an idea to do it before you try to make sure they have all the xp drivers