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General discussion

How to reformat preinstalled Vista basic

Nov 12, 2010 12:01AM PST

I need to reformat but need info. on how to do it. Seems advice usually is to use the installation disk but how do I do it without a disk? It is on an E System laptop running Vista basic.
The hard disk seems to be in 3 parts 1)No volume label 9.28gb
2)system S 1.46gb and 3) Vista C 138gb.
Tried going via system tools through to disk management but the format options but only the system S part has the format option available, and I guess that is not the part I should wipe clean.
Any advice will be receivede with gratitude.
Thanks
Jeff

Discussion is locked

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Is this the old how to fix a flat tire with no spare?
Nov 12, 2010 12:06AM PST

We can format the drive given a few tools but where is the OS CD or restore media? Without it's like a car with a flat and no spare tire.
Bob

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Reply to Bob
Nov 12, 2010 1:11AM PST

No disc was supplied with the computer.
Vista was preinstalled.
That means it was already on the
hard disk when I got the computer.
Are you saying there should have
been a disc?
Or should I source one from
Somewhere?
Jeff

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Such machines
Nov 12, 2010 1:21AM PST

Such as the Emachines laptops let you create restore media. Far too many opt not to do that and later write "it was already on the hard disk when I got the computer."

The CHEAP fix is to order the media. I can't guess today's price but last month it ran 35 bucks from Acer (now owns Emachines.) If the restore media can't be ordered then the cost can escalate to about 200 USD for a new OS DVD.
Bob

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Reply to such machines
Nov 12, 2010 3:23AM PST

What I wrote was correct.
There was no advice to create restore media with the computer when I bought it.
I suppose it would have cost a few pence to supply a disk so it wasn't done.
Then later there is a nice little earner selling a rescue disk.
No reply needed.

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It's worth discussing.
Nov 12, 2010 4:40AM PST

This one is the event that reminds the rest of us to backup what they can't lose.

As we see computers being sold as appliances the lessons about backup, maintenance and more are removed to not scare off the buyers,.
Bob

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Recovery disk options available
Nov 14, 2010 1:36AM PST

If you had gone to the E-Machine support site, you would have been able to download what is called their generic manual for all laptops. It pertains to most of their models. The Recovery option to re-install back to factory settings starts on Pg 24. It will allow you to create the DVD's needed. Here is the link:

http://support.gateway.com/emachines/Mobile/2008/eMachines/Manuals/eM_Generic_User_guide_OLM_0806.pdf

PS> I don't mind researching your answer, as I will save the manual as a reference guide.