Acer Aspire One D257 Netbook issues

[taz1458]

I am trying to reinstall Windows 7 for my cousin on her computer. However, as you shouod know, the netbook doesn't have a cd/dvd drive. So I have created an .iso of the DVD, transfered it with the windows 7 usb dvd tool and tried to use that. I can get into it all, however when I format the partition and try to install windows, I get "Setup was unable to create a new "system partition" or locate an existing "system partition" Any ideas why?

 

[bassfisher6522]

That Acer should have the recovery partition on it containing the OS on it and using the Acer built in recovery software to do a factory restore.

Acer Support: Frequently Asked Questions list for How to use Acer eRecovery

 

[gregrocker]

Unplug all other HD's and peripherals,

Boot into BIOS setup, reset to defaults, save changes. If an EFI BIOS you'll need to decide if you want UEFI BIOS vs. Legacy BIOS: if UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) - Install Windows 7 with, or enable Legacy BIOS or Compatibility Support Module to proceed with normal install. Set DVD drive first to boot, HD second, set SATA controller to AHCI, Save changes and Exit.

Then boot into Windows 7 installer DVD or flash stick burned or written using tool and latest ISO for your licensed OS version here.

At first installer screen Press Shift + F10, or enter System Recovery Options to open a Command Box, type:

DISKPART
LIST DISK
SELECT DISK 0 (after confirming Windows 7 target HD #)
CLEAN
CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY SIZE=102400 (for 100gb partition, adjust as desired)
FORMAT FS=NTFS LABEL="WINDOWS 7"
ACTIVE
EXIT
EXIT

Next click Install Now, then Custom install to Clean Install Windows 7 to the partition you created. If it fails then report back at which step and the verbatim error message.

In addition read over these steps to understand the tools and methods which work best to get and maintain a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. The steps are the same for retail.

After install you can adjust partition size or Create new partitions for data, etc. in Disk Mgmt.You are creating the partition here for the purpose of marking it Active which overcomes certain install failures.

 

[taz1458]

Working on the format with ntfs part. Taking a while. See what happens.

 

[gregrocker]

So you don't have a UEFI BIOS, I take it? There were some steps before formatting.

 

[taz1458]

Tried it and does the same thing.

Normal BIOS.

 

[gregrocker]

Confirm you unplugged all other HD's and peripherals, removed any SD cards from slots.

Try unplugging the USB drive before clicking Next. Does it still error?

Test your HD with the HD maker's HD Diagnostic extended CD scan, followed by Disk Check (Option 2) run from the same installer Command Line used to format.

 

[taz1458]

The only thing plugged in is the flash drive. I havent opened it up and did anything to it. I ran chkdsk and its ok, no errors. I didnt do the other one because I have no way of telling what the drive is, and I know that the HDD is fine because it was working. She just forgot her password plus wanted it redone so I figured I could do it easily. Boy was I wrong. I also got the screen where it asks where you want to install windows and when I select the drive and hit install windows it gives me taht error, and if I take the usb drive out and try to install it says "Windows is unable to install to the selected location. Error 0X80300001.

 

[taz1458]

Also, If I try the Alt+F10 method, it goes to a thing that says
Intel UNDI, PXE-2.1 (build 083)
Opyright blah blah blah
Realtek PCIe FE Family Controller Series v1.24 (10/07/10)
PXE-E61: Media test failure, check cable
PXE-M0F: Exiting PXE ROM
No bootable device -- insert boot disk and press any key

 

[theog]

Is the HDD showing BIOS?

 

[taz1458]

Yes, Im guessing anyway. I can hit F2 to get to the boot order thing and all that.

 

[theog]

Is it first boot device in BIOS?

 

[taz1458]

Yes, The flash drive is first.

 

[theog]

The HDD should be first.

 

[gregrocker]

Set the HDD first to boot in BIOS, then trigger it to boot using the F12 BIOS BOot Menu key.

Confirm you completed all of the steps in my first post. DId you wipe the HD, remove all other HD's and peripherals plugged into the PC besides keyboard and mouse?

 

[taz1458]

Set hdd to first in boot order. Flash drive 2nd, not sure what you mean by the F12 thing, I hit it right after the startup and it went right into loading the files for the setup. It still gives me the same error afterwards regardless.

 

[gregrocker]

F12 is the key used to choose a boot device manually, so that it doesn't try to boot HD which is set first to boot in BIOS setup.

Let's try writing the flash stick again, this time using UltraISO Software To Create Bootable USB Flash Drive and a new ISO for her licensed version from Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 Step 1. From File tab Open ISO, from Disk tab Write Disk Image, keep defaults, select flash stick drive, press Format button, then Write.

If this fail try to find an external DVD drive, burn DVD.

 

[taz1458]

Got it burnt onto the flash drive. Tried the f12, nothing comes up. Followed the steps and still get the same error.

 

[gregrocker]

Did you reset the BIOS to defaults earlier? If not try that now entering BIOS setup using F1 or F2. Does the HD appear listed there? If so write down it's listing name or Serial Number given to google later for make/model. Dont' forget to save the changes using F10 before exiting.

Now when you reboot and tap F12 the Boot Menu, or any other F key given on first screen for Boot Menu. Does the flash stick show up under HD's, Removable or USB? You may need to reboot and hold the F12 key down at start.

If that fails does the USB flash stick appear in BIOS setup? If so set it first to boot if you need to trigger it and cannot with F12. If it doesn't appear (normally by name) then I'd try another flash stick.

 

[taz1458]

I have reset the BIOS. Doesnt matter what F key I hit(besides F2 to get to the bios) it does nothing other then saying start booting from usb device, then goes into loading the windows install screen. I have the HDD set first and it still loads with the usb but still fails. The thumb drive is listed under BIOS as USB HDD: Lexar USB Flash Drive.