• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Re-installing XP w/ out a system disk ACER system

D

dxpaap

Senior member
😱

first off, appologies if this question is in the wrong form BUT it has to do w/ OS.

Just bought an ACER system that didn't come with an OS disk.

1. Question - the 160gb drive has 2 80gmFAT32 partition - Wouldn't it be better to just create a large NTFS formated drive?

BUT

2. Question - with no system disk, how is one to reinstall - except for creating a backup with the ACER emergency backup utility. BUT the ACER utility instructions said it only works on FAT32 formated drives. SO that pretty much forces to stick with FAT formated drive to use the ACER restore utility.


Any known work arounds? If we bought the system w/ the OS, shouldn't ACER or Microsoft provide a system disk (even if it is an extra charge)?

Any suggestions greatly appreciated
 
First of all, I would probably make the emergency recovery backup utility from ACER onto a CDR or DVDR when possible (I'm not sure if it allows you to burn a copy of the system recovery onto the CDR and DVDR). Make sure the CDR or DVDR is bootable from CD/DVD drive and that the RESTORING DATA is contained on the CD/DVDR and not the Hard Drive.

It's possible to COMBINE and CONVERT the two partitions together as NTFS with a third-party utility without losing data. However, you should have a method to restore your ACER to its original before attempting (hence the backup) using CDR or DVDR in case something bad happens.

Windows XP:
You can also convert a FAT32 into NTFS with Microsoft's own utility. Go to RUN and type "cmd" without quotes. Then type "convert /?" (without quotes - google for more detail) for the switches. Again, backup all important user data before attempting.
 
I work in a ACER repair shop. Most ACER computers actually have 3 partitions, two times fat32 and a hidden recovery partition. While you're booting hit alt F10 as if you were trying to enter bios, but only after the post. It should bring up a reinstall menu. Only the C: drive will be deleted with this. So copy your things to D:
What we do when we get a new computer, is update it with Windows Update, disable firewall and security center, and convert it to NTFS, as it gives you more space, and more speed.
I can show you the script tomorrow if you want me to, i normally hang out on Anandtech while at work.

If you ask me, delete all the crap ACER put's on it, and throw on some debian.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top