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General discussion

Acer laptop 5315, I want to format hard drive

by thamajik Dec 4, 2009 1:26PM PST

All I want to do is format hard drive and reinstall Vista.I want to bring the computer back to its Default state like the day I bought it. it would not let me make a set of restore disks, so I bought a set from Acer. It says insert System disk and press F12.It goes to the next screen and gives me this error- ( Restore Failed - Reason:0xa000000e ). What the heck is that??? Is there a way to manually format Vista so I can reinstall. It seems to me that I am not the only one here with this problem. Please help

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4 Posts
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Couple of things
by MarkFlax Forum moderator Dec 4, 2009 9:46PM PST

I don't know Acer products at all, but does Acer not give a hidden recovery partition for just such eventualities? For instance, when you turn on the system and it begins to load, (BIOS and POST checks), is there an option to press ALT+F10 to enter the recovery options? The keyboard combination may be different, but if it is there then recovery will reformat and reinstall Vista from that hidden partition.

If not, then may be your BIOS is not recognising that you want to bootup from a CD/DVD. When you turn on the system, look for any keyboard options to enter the BIOS, or enter Setup. When in the BIOS, look for Boot Order, and make sure the CD drive is at the top of the list. Exit out with Save the changes, then insert the CD or DVD and restart.

I suspect, (but am not sure), that this last method will only work on proper Vista Installation disks, and not some recovery disk or whatever. Make sure Acer sent you the proper disks, including any drivers disk.

Mark

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So let's say you have no files to lose?
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Dec 4, 2009 10:31PM PST

Go get GPARTED and delete the partitions on the drive. NOW use the restore media. DO NOT FORMAT DRIVES. Let the installers create partitions and do the format.
Bob

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Re Gparted
by thamajik Dec 6, 2009 2:54AM PST

Proffitt, This looks like what I need. I am not worried about loosing files, I bought the laptop from Ebay, it has two partitions, C and D. I want delete everything and start fresh. Your suggestion on letting my restore disks do the rest sounds right. Is this a complicated program to use as the reviews are saying, or will I be ok to do just the deleting of partitions trough menus I hope. Oh, thanks so much for your reply, and everyone else.

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I'll write no.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Dec 6, 2009 3:22AM PST

I used GPARTED without reading any manual or site. Just boot the CD and hit return and wiggle, click the mouse, etc.

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