So after managing to get windows to repair itself:
Boot Manager missing
I restarted the computer and now it hangs on "Starting Windows". This happens when trying to boot from CD/ DVD and the HDD. My WIndows 7 install disk has no scratches and I can load it in another computer. Also I can boot off other CDs( like Linux perfectly).
It doesn't look like you have wiped your HD during the Win7 install. It's likely you have a corrupt boot sector.
Follow these tips to get a purrfect install, making sure to wipe your HD first and unplug all other HD's and peripherals: re-install windows 7
Then use Free Partition Wizard CD suggested in other thread to wipe the HD from Disk tab: Free Download Magic Partition Manager Software - Partition Wizard Online
Where did you get Win7? If you burned it yourself, burn anouther at 4x speed with ImgBurn. Or try installing with flash stick: install UltraISO trial version, on File tab open ISO, on Bootable tab, Write Disk Image, Format button, Write button. Boot under USB or HD's in BIOS Boot menu.
Make sure you have the latest BIOS version update. If so, reset the CMOS: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS
Set SATA controller in BIOS to AHCI first, then IDE mode.
Test your RAM with memtest86 CD for 5-6 passes, then test your HD using maker's diag/repair full CD scan: HD Diagnostic
Its a retail copy that I bought.
It is already updated to the latest BIOS the manufacturer has relesaed. The computer is an Acer Aspire 3680.Make sure you have the latest BIOS version update. If so, reset the CMOS: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS
The BIOS is locked by Acer so I cannot do that.Set SATA controller in BIOS to AHCI first, then IDE mode.
okay will do that.Test your RAM with memtest86 CD for 5-6 passes, then test your HD using maker's diag/repair full CD scan: HD Diagnostic
Hello again mate
Here's the link to the tutorial that outlines the Wipe (secure erase) process by booting to diskpart, this is the best way to get the best possible install of Windows 7 by writing zeroes to the entire Hard Disk Drive.
SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation
DISKPART : At PC Startup
If you are within a year of purchase, would contact Acer to unlock the BIOS as it is your machine now (not theirs) and you are entitled to all of the features of your property. I have not heard of this "locked-BIOS" - can you explain it more, perhaps after confirming with them?
Keep in mind that they will not support anything except their original factory bloatware install, via Recov partition or Recov Disks. So I would not tell them about any clean installs you have done if you want to try to get their help to see where it takes you.
Be sure to keep us updated.
okay, so I ended up just deleting all of the partitions, then let it write zeros to disk overnight, right now I am installing Windows 7 so now it will boot from the DVD.
Regarding the "locked BIOS" it is an ACER laptop and they have basically striped down the BIOS to only allow you to set boot device order and to show system information/and set time/date. The Acer laptop is actually three years old now, so the last BIOS update was in 2007, so thats the one I have.
Last edited by ionbasa; 06 Jan 2011 at 14:00. Reason: grammar
let us know how the install goes.
well the install went flawless, but now I think im having some driver issues. When trying to rate the computer(index score) it sais it cant complete because "cannot compute video playback score". Il try updating to the latest Intel GMA 945 drivers after Windows Update finishes.
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