Solved Buggered Netbook. Won't boot, can't restore from live USB.

[Rizaria]

Yeah...was kinda messing around trying to fix things and seemed to make things worse.

My Netbook was dual-booting Windows 7 Starter and JoliCloud OS -essentially, Ubuntu- but I had some partitions and stuff I couldn't use, due to a lot of ChromiumOS mucking around earlier.

Figured it'd be better to start from scratch, wipe, and start again. This is where my problem lies now.

Baring in mind, Acer Aspire One D255, no CD player. So I have Windows XP booting from a USB, that's fine. However, booting like that only shows the USB its on...it doesn't even SHOW the hard drive in the netbook itself. I deleted something crucial earlier, so I can't boot normally either. Something like "Missing operating system error: no such partition" appears.

So...I can boot from USB, yes, but when I do, it doesn't recognise the actual hard drive. Unless I can get it to do so, I can't format and install.

Is there any way at all I can access my hard drive, or have I done something irrepairable? Help please.

 

[Bill2]

Follow steps here to prepare a usb install drive.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2432-usb-windows-7-installation-key-drive-create.html

Also, given the mess, during the install delete existing partitions and let windows use the unallocated space.

Or if you're trying to say something else, create a usb system repair disk and that should see your partitions (Read the entire article below).

http://maximumpcguides.com/windows-7/create-a-windows-7-system-repair-disc/

 

[theog]

   Information

We always assume you have made your Recovery Disks using the OEM manufacturer's app the first day you had your new PC.
& made the Startup Repair CD.
startup repair disc-create
​

Did you make the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks?

Acer Empowering Technology > Acer eRecovery Management.
Acer Support - Answers, E-Mail, Chat - How can I restore my computer with the backup discs I created?

Manual how to use Acer eRecovery Management here:
ftp://ftp.support.acer-euro.com/notebook/empowering_technology/NB%20ET2%20user's%20guide/Acer%20eRecovery%20Management%20English.pdf

Have you tried pressing <Alt+F10> at boot up, to goto the Acer eRecovery Management.
Acer Support: Frequently Asked Questions list for How to use Acer eRecovery

You can Order Acer recovery disks from here:
https://secure.tx.acer.com/RCDB/Main.aspx?brand=acer

 

[karlsnooks]

Rizzaria,

Welcome to SevenForums.

Do you presently have Win 7 on a USB stick? yes or no.

Do you still have sticker on the bottom of the netbook, the Certificate of Authority which will have a number or it which you will probably need.

Do you have a System Repair Disc? Yes/ no. This disc you make using Windows 7. Did you make one? I realize you have a netbook, but do you have an external usb cd/dvd drive?

 

[gregrocker]

Follow Bill2's suggestions but much easier to use this tool to write the Win7 installation ISO to stick -just put Win7 in dropdown menu: Universal USB Installer – Easy as 1 2 3.

Boot under USB, Removable or HD's, choose Custom install and use Drive Options to delete/create/format all,

If the HD isn't seen when you boot into stick use the stick maker above to load Hiren's Boot CD to test the HD.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello Rizaria, welcome to Seven Forums!


If there's anything you need to recover from the Hard Disk Drive have a look at the information in this tutorial linked below on how best to copy out that data to external media.

How to Copy & Paste in Recovery Console on Windows 7 or Vista

​

If not I suggest you run the clean command to over-write the Hard Disk Drive MBR and start the installation again from scratch and be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.

   Information

1) To rule out HDD Master Boot Record format errors, boot the Windows 7 installation media to diskpart and run the clean command, it takes only seconds to complete; once the clean finishes, exit diskpart and use the Windows 7 installer to create and format a single 100GB partition for the installation.

If that doesn't work, after another clean, use diskpart to create, format and mark Active a single 100GB partition to see if that works, use Step Two #2 in the SSD/HDD tutorial for reference.

:info:You can always extend the Windows partition to include the remaining unallocated space on the HDD / SSD or create additional Primary partitions or an Extended partition after the installation completes if you choose.

2) If you have ever had Linux installed to the HDD in any way, a simple clean command will not over-write the Grub boot-loader, you must use the full clean all command to completely over-write the Grub loader so Windows will install.

How to Boot to DISKPART at PC Startup

SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation​

​

 

[Rizaria]

Follow steps here to prepare a usb install drive.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2432-usb-windows-7-installation-key-drive-create.html

Also, given the mess, during the install delete existing partitions and let windows use the unallocated space.

Or if you're trying to say something else, create a usb system repair disk and that should see your partitions (Read the entire article below).

Create a Windows 7 System Repair Disc — MAXIMUMpcguides – Windows 7 tips, tricks, help, and how-to guides

I've tried the latter, which at least lets me boot into some useful tools, but the repair itself is no good. I did use diskpart and was able to locate, clean, format and make the hard drive active. But upon booting with a windows XP installation key drive, it doesn't recognise it. Haven't tried a Windows 7 Installation key drive yet though. Might do that soon.

   Information

We always assume you have made your Recovery Disks using the OEM manufacturer's app the first day you had your new PC.
& made the Startup Repair CD.
startup repair disc-create
​

Did you make the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks?

Acer Empowering Technology > Acer eRecovery Management.
Acer Support - Answers, E-Mail, Chat - How can I restore my computer with the backup discs I created?

Manual how to use Acer eRecovery Management here:
ftp://ftp.support.acer-euro.com/notebook/empowering_technology/NB%20ET2%20user's%20guide/Acer%20eRecovery%20Management%20English.pdf

Have you tried pressing <Alt+F10> at boot up, to goto the Acer eRecovery Management.
Acer Support: Frequently Asked Questions list for How to use Acer eRecovery

You can Order Acer recovery disks from here:
https://secure.tx.acer.com/RCDB/Main.aspx?brand=acer

Neeever assume anything.
It has no disk drive for starters, it's a Netbook. And the Alt F10 thing doesn't work.

Disk is wiped now anyway.

Rizaria,

Welcome to SevenForums.

Do you presently have Win 7 on a USB stick? yes or no.

Do you still have sticker on the bottom of the netbook, the Certificate of Authority which will have a number or it which you will probably need.

Do you have a System Repair Disc? Yes/ no. This disc you make using Windows 7. Did you make one? I realize you have a netbook, but do you have an external usb cd/dvd drive?

Follow Bill2's suggestions but much easier to use this tool to write the Win7 installation ISO to stick -just put Win7 in dropdown menu: Universal USB Installer – Easy as 1 2 3.

Boot under USB, Removable or HD's, choose Custom install and use Drive Options to delete/create/format all,

If the HD isn't seen when you boot into stick use the stick maker above to load Hiren's Boot CD to test the HD.

No I don't, but I may try that next. Going to give Hiren's Boot CD a go though, thanks. Also I made a system restore USB, failed, but does let me access stuff as I said above in this post. No I don't have an external CD/DVD drive unfortunately.

Hello Rizaria, welcome to Seven Forums!


If there's anything you need to recover from the Hard Disk Drive have a look at the information in this tutorial linked below on how best to copy out that data to external media.

How to Copy & Paste in Recovery Console on Windows 7 or Vista

​

If not I suggest you run the clean command to over-write the Hard Disk Drive MBR and start the installation again from scratch and be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.

   Information

1) To rule out HDD Master Boot Record format errors, boot the Windows 7 installation media to diskpart and run the clean command, it takes only seconds to complete; once the clean finishes, exit diskpart and use the Windows 7 installer to create and format a single 100GB partition for the installation.

If that doesn't work, after another clean, use diskpart to create, format and mark Active a single 100GB partition to see if that works, use Step Two #2 in the SSD/HDD tutorial for reference.

:info:You can always extend the Windows partition to include the remaining unallocated space on the HDD / SSD or create additional Primary partitions or an Extended partition after the installation completes if you choose.

2) If you have ever had Linux installed to the HDD in any way, a simple clean command will not over-write the Grub boot-loader, you must use the full clean all command to completely over-write the Grub loader so Windows will install.

How to Boot to DISKPART at PC Startup

SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation​

Thanks for all the welcomes. I did manage to do the steps listed here, although I didn't use clean all, might try that. But I did locate the hard drive, clean it, partition, format and make it active. Still wasn't recognised by my Windows XP Installation on startup though. Not sure if that's a fault with that, might have to make a Windows 7 one. In any case, I have no files I need to keep and seeing as I've wiped the disk, too late even if I did.


So, where I'm at now:

Hard drive is empty. Supposedly partitioned and formatted with diskpart.
Hard drive is not recognised by Windows XP installation; might try Windows 7 installation.
No, I don't have a CD/DVD drive, hence all the kerfuffle with USB.
Going to try Hiren's Boot CD and a Windows 7 installation USB.
Will happily accept any more pointers.

 

[Rizaria]

   Information

1) To rule out HDD Master Boot Record format errors, boot the Windows 7 installation media to diskpart and run the clean command, it takes only seconds to complete; once the clean finishes, exit diskpart and use the Windows 7 installer to create and format a single 100GB partition for the installation.

If that doesn't work, after another clean, use diskpart to create, format and mark Active a single 100GB partition to see if that works, use Step Two #2 in the SSD/HDD tutorial for reference.

:info:You can always extend the Windows partition to include the remaining unallocated space on the HDD / SSD or create additional Primary partitions or an Extended partition after the installation completes if you choose.

2) If you have ever had Linux installed to the HDD in any way, a simple clean command will not over-write the Grub boot-loader, you must use the full clean all command to completely over-write the Grub loader so Windows will install.

How to Boot to DISKPART at PC Startup

SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation​

So, where I'm at now:

Hard drive is empty. Supposedly partitioned and formatted with diskpart.
Hard drive is not recognised by Windows XP installation; might try Windows 7 installation.
No, I don't have a CD/DVD drive, hence all the kerfuffle with USB.
Going to try Hiren's Boot CD and a Windows 7 installation USB.
Will happily accept any more pointers.

I've done all that now and when using a Windows 7 installer, sure enough, it sees the partition. So I gather the problem is with trying to install Windows XP. When trying that, it only shows the USB stick its on, not the hard drive. Am I stuck having to put Win7 back on, or is there a possible way to get XP on there? (Not that I'm hating on Win7, but even with it tweaked, it still runs like crap on a Netbook of this poor specs. That and I'm only keeping a Windows partition for one thing, a thing XP would suffice for.) The ISO I'm using in USB form is called "en_windows_xp_home_with_service_pack_3_x86_cd_x14-92413". This is just a test, but yeah, not showing the harddrive as an option to install to. Not sure what to do.

I suppose I could go back to Win7, but it seems overkill for one thing. Needs a bigger partition too.

EDIT: Had to slipstream SATA drivers to get it working apparently. Making progress now.

 

[theog]

I would stay with Windows 7 & install with:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2432-usb-windows-7-installation-key-drive-create.html
Using method two in the tutorial:

 

[karlsnooks]

Here's a second to Theog's suggestion.

 

[Rizaria]

Thanks for all the replies, I've certainly looked some helpful things for the future.

Got it all worked out now, Windows XP running quite nicely. I'll leave Win7 to hardware with more grunt.

Thanks again everyone, learned a lot.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Good to see you got it running and thanks for the update.