so i restored my laptop to factory setting and when it was "preparing computer for first use." I accidently turned it off and now it is saying that i have to reinstall windows but a disk never came with is because it is a refubished laptop from currys so i googled a bit abd found this : Reinstalling Windows 7
but you need a product key and miine is worn out and i cant see the numbers what do i do ????
Try this tutorial, scroll down the page there is a legit way to find your product key within windows.
So you can carry on with your install.
Product Key Number for Windows 7 - Find and See
What is the make and full model number of the computer. You should be able to run the recovery again by pressing a Fn key during boot. Which one varies with each manufacturer. The Users Guide/Service Guide at the Manufacturers web site should tell you how.
This should be everything
I don't see anywhere in the Users manual it shows how to do this. It does talk about recovering from a backup on a USB drive.
Did you create the backup USB flash drive?
Recovery options are discussed starting on Page 14 of the manual which you can get here:
http://global-download.acer.com/GDFi...C=ACER&SC=PA_6
Web page is here: Acer | Download
Use Or select my product from a list
and choose Ultra-thin, Aspire, Aspire V5-571.
An alternative is to download a legal copy of Windows 7 that matches what you have and do a Clean Install. Clean Install Windows 7
See this note:
try phoning acer and give them the serial number of your laptop and they should give you all the information
You cannot use the Product Key from the factory install to Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7
as it is a batch key used at factory and not the same key on the COA sticker.
Your options are limited now to trying as suggested to use Acer eRecovery Management - Restore Using ALT - F10 - YouTube, or order Acer Recovery disks. Acer Support: Frequently Asked Questions list for Recovery media and Restoring a system to factory load
If these don't work out you can go ahead and do the vastly superior Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 then try using a magnifying glass to piece together the Product Key via trial and error. If it fails use MS Phone Activation and explain the problem and they might activate it with a new key based on information you give them. Activate Windows 7 by Phone - Windows 7 Help Forums .
You can also try contacting Acer Support via chat or phone to ask them what they can do, but don't expect much.
Quote