Windows 7: I don't know what to update?

So my computer was messed up for a long time.
My step-dad did something to it. I think he took the Hard-Drive from a recently burnt out Toshiba Laptop. This is an Windows 7 Acer Laptop. It does work, but their are problems. I really don't know where to start. The screen resolution is 1024 x768 when the resolution on this laptop use to be a 1366 x 768. I need to update my AMD Graphics card. I'm good with computers, but updating drivers and messing with the guts of the computer, I just get lost. Is there away to get it back to my Acer Factory Default Settings? I'm really troubled here.

Let's start with trying to update the drivers. What is your exact model number so I can find the video card drivers? And if you want to return to factory settings, is there a recovery partition? Do you have recovery CD's?

CosmicPoptart,

Please go to the ACER website and download the manual for that ACER

The manual will tell you how to do a factory restore, however, if you took the drive from another computer and simply inserted into the ACER,then the information that the ACER restore needs is missing.

Trying to accomplish what you desire is going to be fraught with frustration.

My recomendation:
1. backup all data from the ACER dear to your heart to a USB stick.
2. 100% clean install Win 7.

The install instructions which you will need are herein:
Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

Please read that tutorial, from start to finish.
After the read is complete,if you still have questions, then please ask.

We are rather skilled at clean install of Win 7, even on an ACER.

Now another step which will help you and will help us:

Update your SevenForums System Specs
User CP (located on the top menu bar) |
Your Profile | Edit System Spec (left-hand column)

To gather info, use Speccy (my favorite) or SIW or System Info

In the System Manufacturer Block, enter:
Ø Manufacturer and Model OR Custom build.
Ø ADD the word laptop, desktop, netbook or tablet.
For example:
Toshiba Satellite L305D notebook.

Provide full windows version info, for example:
MS Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bit

Use the “Other Info” block for Optical Reader,
Mouse, touchpad, wifi adapter, speakers, monitor, etc

Scroll down and click on SAVE CHANGES.

With Speccy, you can select with your mouse/touchpad info from the display
and paste that info into your specs.

SIW is a marvelous program, but the free version does not offer
this capability.

714 - I cannot find the Model number anywhere in the computer because it is not the hard drive manufactured with it. I did though find the model number on the bottom, it is PEW76(B). My computer is a, Acer Aspire 5552 - 3691.

Karlsnooks - Could I ask you why I should do a clean install of Windows 7? I mean, I'm all for it, but how would that get it back to the Acer Factory Default Settings? I will update my specs though, thank you for the program recommendations.

I don't know if the recently replace hard drive has to do anything, but the lighting is really off on my Laptop screen. I have updated my AMD Graphics Driver already.

CosmicPopTart,
If the HDD in the ACER came from a Toshiba, there would be no ACER factory restore info on the HDD!

I've given you the webaddress of ACER so that you can get the latest ACER updates Go there. You have all of the info you need to navigate at the ACER site.

If you want to get factory restore discs for your ACER then:

Acer How to create a set of backup recovery discs

Acer Purchase Recovery Meda Discs

Do you think if I: Put my ACER Hard Drive back in, then reinstalled Windows 7 and bought and used the Recovery Media Discs, it would be exactly back to normal? If so which one would I have to do first?

Acer Recovery Discs Procedures eRecovery Management

Acer Restore using eRecovery Management program

I was kind of looking for a straight forward answer. I haven't had sleep for two days..

We have no magic wands.

I have given you a very straight-forward answer.

if you want effortless repair, then take the unit to a repair shop.

Don't cry to us about how little sleep you have had.

You gave me stuff I already know about. I was wandering if Reinstalling Windows 7 would fix it. Because the problem it had was it would stop on the "Starting up Windows" screen. There was no need to snap.