HELP desperately needed - Win 7 upgrade

[realeyes]

Hello Knowledgeable folkies, I am new to this site and a novice with forums & computers and having a hellish time and just hope someone can help me as Microsoft and Acer won’t. History In brief: I have a new ‘Acer Aspire 2920 250GB laptop. It originally came with Vista but was assured I could upgrade to Win 7 by Acer. Upgrade took 34 hours! Win 7 works but I have incompatibilities with Acer’s ‘e-Management software*’ (a recovery system of sorts) & ‘Acer Arcade’ whatever that is & CD DVD maker platinum 7. My Vista recovery/boot discs no longer work. Acer now admits I need Vista reinstalled – but I want Win7 for obvious reasons. My questions are these:- If I have Vista cleanly reinstalled (by Acer), can I then remove the incompatible programs and then re-install Win 7 so it works smoothly – or would I loose important drivers*? If I can upgrade then I need to create a boot/recovery discs for win 7, is this possible as it was an upgrade? Please if you can help you will be my saviour, and please guide me in baby steps as I am a novice and don’t properly understand computer tech words and which screen to find them in. I will then do my upmost to follow your advice. Thanks so much for reading.

 

[theog]

Are you using ACER's free upgrade to win7?

 

[gregrocker]

Thanks to MS, manufacturers had to include a clean copy DVD of Win7 in the Upgrade Kit. We have two Acer kits here, and successfully booted the DVD to do a Custom install with formatting. This is vastly superior to an in-place Upgrade which imports all of the corruption of the worst OS ever into the best OS yet.

Any favorite apps can be found on the CD included in the kit. Others are on the Acer Support Downloads page for your computer model. I would not rely on Acer tech support for these install issues as I find them to be greatly lacking. You can get the support you need here.

Back up your files first to an external source. Gather any program disk/installers you need.

When you boot the Win7 DVD, it will scan the HD to see the former OS and allow use of the Upgrade key on the insert in your Kit. Then select Custom install, and use Drive tools (advanced) to delete all partitions (the recovery partition is disabled anyway), create new one(s) as you wish, then format all and install Win7 to the first partition.

The DVD Is driver-complete, with newer arriving in Windows Updates. ANy drivers missing in Device Manager can be found on the Apps CD in the Kit, along with favorite apps. Adobe Reader/flash and Java runtime/Free Open Ofc are available at their sites.

Going through this still puts you ahead because those buying new Win7 computers are forced to live with corrupting factory bloatware (which is corrupting your in-place Upgrade now) with no clean-copy DVD to reinstall, just bloated factory recovery disks. Acer will send you a free set within 90 days of purchase if you want to have them on hand, but you'll never likely need them and can reinstall Vista from any Vista DVD.

 

[realeyes]

Are you using ACER's free upgrade to win7?

Hello, not sure if i am replying in the right place. I purchased the Win 7 upgrade kit from Acer for £13. Does this help?

 

[gregrocker]

I think that charge is for shipping in Europe.

Isn't it the same Kit: a Win7 DVD with product key, and a Drivers/Apps CD?

If so, you're all set to do a clean install by booting the DVD. Just back up your files first.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

Post back for any other help needed.

 

[realeyes]

Gregrocker - Win 7 upgrade - please clarify for novice

Hello Gregrocker, Thank you so much for your expert excellent advice- Bless you! I am relieved my update disc will serve as a recovery/boot disc. I will print up your advice (and what I have received from others) because I won’t have access to the internet when working on the laptop so I need to make sure I am absolutely clear in all that I need to do. Please pardon my total ignorance, but I am unsure ‘how to do’ some of the tech things you mention.
1)[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]How do I gather these ‘program disk installers’ and what exactly are they? Do you mean the programs that are pre-installed on my computer? I have listed right at the bottom the programs that are pre-installed. Is it these that I have to somehow collect and store on an external HDD because they won’t be included on Win 7, i.e. NTI CD/DVD Maker – if so how do I do this please?
2)[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]The term ‘Boot’ – is this when I insert the update disc, then turn off the computer and then turn on again? Will this load the CD’s next phase automatically or do I have to press an ‘F’ key to activate it?
3)[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]Will the screen guide me thru when I click ‘custom install’ & ‘driver advance’, ‘partitions’ & ‘format’ etc..? Is it clear instructions so that ‘I’ the novice will understand it?
4)[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]In my update kit, I received another disc with Acer drivers on them BUT these were for models 2930 and not 2920 – how do I view the disc to see if its the drivers I need? Or should I download from Acer before the clean install? Acer refuse to tell me the difference of a 2930 & a 2920.
1A) Here’s the list of pre-installed programs – not sure what they all do, but if you could tell me what is vital for my laptop to work properly this would be fantastic!
NTI Backup Now! 4.7 – New Tech Info Systems
NTI CD & DVD Maker Platinum 7 – New Tech Info Systems
Power Producer – Cyberlink Corp
Realtek High Definition Audio Driver
Realtek USB 2.0 Card Reader
Synaptics Pointing Device Driver
Microsoft Visual C
Intel R TV Wizzard – Intel Corp
Intel R Matrix Storage System
Intel R Graphics Media Accelerator Driver
Java (TM) 6 update 15 – Sun Microsystems
Agere Systems HDA Modem
Touchpad

Also:- Are these the sort of drivers you were speaking about that I need to save – if so, how do I do this?
DISC DRIVES
Generic-multi-card USB driver
WDC WD2500BEVS-22USTO ATA Device
DVD/CD-ROM DRIVES
HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GSA-T4ON ATA Device
IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers
NETWORK ADAPTORS
Broadcom.netlink (TM) Gigabit Ethernet
Intel (R) Pro/Wireless 3945ABG Network Communications
KEYBOARDS
Launch Manager (Acer)

Thanks again – you have so brightened my day and restored my faith in humanity!

Thanks to MS, manufacturers had to include a clean copy DVD of Win7 in the Upgrade Kit. We have two Acer kits here, and successfully booted the DVD to do a Custom install with formatting. This is vastly superior to an in-place Upgrade which imports all of the corruption of the worst OS ever into the best OS yet.

Any favorite apps can be found on the CD included in the kit. Others are on the Acer Support Downloads page for your computer model. I would not rely on Acer tech support for these install issues as I find them to be greatly lacking. You can get the support you need here.

Back up your files first to an external source. Gather any program disk/installers you need.

When you boot the Win7 DVD, it will scan the HD to see the former OS and allow use of the Upgrade key on the insert in your Kit. Then select Custom install, and use Drive tools (advanced) to delete all partitions (the recovery partition is disabled anyway), create new one(s) as you wish, then format all and install Win7 to the first partition.

The DVD Is driver-complete, with newer arriving in Windows Updates. ANy drivers missing in Device Manager can be found on the Apps CD in the Kit, along with favorite apps. Adobe Reader/flash and Java runtime/Free Open Ofc are available at their sites.

Going through this still puts you ahead because those buying new Win7 computers are forced to live with corrupting factory bloatware (which is corrupting your in-place Upgrade now) with no clean-copy DVD to reinstall, just bloated factory recovery disks. Acer will send you a free set within 90 days of purchase if you want to have them on hand, but you'll never likely need them and can reinstall Vista from any Vista DVD.

 

[SIW2]

the worst OS ever into the best OS yet

LOL. I disagree entirely. Vista is an excellent o/s.

 

[realeyes]

Win7 upgrade disc won't boot - can't copy drivers eithe

Hello again; I’ve tried following your instructions but have some major hiccups right at the starting post of re-installing win7 for a clean install –
(1)I’ve downloaded/saved necessary drivers from Acer website on Harddrive, but it will not allow me to copy them (mouse right click) from download screen to paste on EX HDD or temporarily in desktop to put into EX HDD, it will only allow me to open them. Help! Is there another way? As I will need these drivers. The driver disc that came with my Acer win7 upgrade are the wrong drivers for Acer Aspire 2930 and mines a 2920.
(2)Win7 upgrade disc won’t boot: In immediate start-up I click F2 which takes me into set-up. In ‘Boot’ I select CD/DVD: HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GSA-T4ON-( then F10 to save and exit, and ‘yes’ to confirm configuration. Laptop then loads as normal opening windows rather than reading disc. I’ve shut down but same thing happens. Should I be doing something else?

(3) If I go to my computer and click on disc, the disc reads and opens without options to explore. It just tells me I have already completed phases 1 & 2.
I suppose it’s telling me I already have installed Win7 – but I need to do a complete clean install getting rid of the Vista fingerprints. I have printed up from this site the clean install instructions, but no can do until problems 1 & 2 are resolved. My brain is now computered out, time to eat something, so I will log in tomorrow and see if you have any suggestions. Thanks again for your help – this forum is fantastic! I so much appreciate your great advice.

 

[FZ21Z]

So long as your files and photos are backed up, 1 isn't really an issue just now, but perhaps someone can help you with 2.

 

[FZ21Z]

(2)Win7 upgrade disc won’t boot: In immediate start-up I click F2 which takes me into set-up. In ‘Boot’ I select CD/DVD: HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GSA-T4ON-( then F10 to save and exit, and ‘yes’ to confirm configuration.

Have you made sure it's the first thing to boot?

 

[prestwich1]

Ok for 2.. Boot to your vista desktop and then insert you win 7 disk.
It should auto run and open a screen which has the install option, click install now. If it doesn't auto run then open the dvd and click on setup.
You should then get a screen giving you the choice of upgrade or Custom install. Click on Custom install.
A new screen opens and wil show all the hard disks you have and any partions on them. There are options below the window showing the drive.
Select a partion and then select delete to remove it, do this to all the partions. I'm guessing that as it's a laptop you will only have one hdd which has 2 partions. Once you have done this you should have an empty hdd. Select format the hdd and then select the hdd by clicking on it so it's highlighted, go to the bottom of the screen and click on next and win 7 should install.

 

[gregrocker]

You have not answered my intial question:

Did you receive an Acer Upgrade Kit which has a Win7 installation DVD with product key, and a Driver/Apps CD which allows you to choose which drivers and apps your want to install?

If so, then you can clean install from boot with the Win7 DVD. This makes available the Custom Drive Options so you can delete the existing partitoning, create new partition(s) as you wish (or just one big one) and Format before installing Win7 to first partition.

If you have instead received some other Acer Upgrade kit with no bootable DVD installer, then you may not be able to accomplish a clean install of Win7. However we can help you achieve this if you can borrow or obtain a Win7 installer: http://gizmodo.com/5391268/microsoft-fixes-windows-7-student-edition-upgrade-problems

So what does it say on your two disks? Is there a Product Key enclosed?

You can also try running the Win7 DVD from the Win7 desktop as was also suggested, but it will not then make the Drive Tools available to delete, repartition and format your drive before install.

 

[gregrocker]

1)How do I gather these ‘program disk installers’ and what exactly are they? Do you mean the programs that are pre-installed on my computer? I have listed right at the bottom the programs that are pre-installed. Is it these that I have to somehow collect and store on an external HDD because they won’t be included on Win 7, i.e. NTI CD/DVD Maker – if so how do I do this please?

I was referring to Programs you have installed on the Computer: Office, Games, Quickbooks, etc. You'll need to reinstall those. Apps which came with your Acer should be on the Drivers/Apps CD which comes in the Acer Upgrade Kit. There are others on the Acer website Support Downloads page for your computer model.

2)The term ‘Boot’ – is this when I insert the update disc, then turn off the computer and then turn on again? Will this load the CD’s next phase automatically or do I have to press an ‘F’ key to activate it?
3)Will the screen guide me thru when I click ‘custom install’ & ‘driver advance’, ‘partitions’ & ‘format’ etc..? Is it clear instructions so that ‘I’ the novice will understand it?

Did you receive the Acer Upgrade Kit that includes a Win7 installation DVD with Product Key and an Apps/Drivers CD? If so, then you would boot the Win7 installation DVD. Place DVD in drive, restart computer, look for prompt to "press any key to boot from DVD" and follow instructions here: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

If you have a problem booting DVD (not CD): Boot from CD - How to Boot your Computer from a Bootable CD or DVD - Boot to CD[/QUOTE]

4)In my update kit, I received another disc with Acer drivers on them BUT these were for models 2930 and not 2920 – how do I view the disc to see if its the drivers I need? Or should I download from Acer before the clean install? Acer refuse to tell me the difference of a 2930 & a 2920.
1A) Here’s the list of pre-installed programs – not sure what they all do, but if you could tell me what is vital for my laptop to work properly this would be fantastic!

As stated, the Win7 DVD is driver-complete, meaning you don't have to install any drivers unless they are missing after install in the Device Manager. Then you can browse from any Devices lacking a driver (which will have a yellow ! mark next to them) to the Apps/Drivers CD to find that driver. Others are located on your computer model's Support Downloads webpage.

If you want the TV Wizard, NTI disk maker (Win7 has excellent backup Center; ImgBurn is the best free disk burner), or card reader apps then check on the Apps CD or your model's webpage to see if they are available there to download after install, since they will not be in the Win7 DVD installer. Adobe Reader/flash and Java runtime are on their websites.

 

[Pentium3 FTW]

the worst OS ever into the best OS yet

LOL. I disagree entirely. Vista is an excellent o/s.

Excellent in concept; lots of new and promising feature, but I felt like it was half-baked. There were too many little issues, problems or oversights to make it really solid. Windows 7 just feels like a more complete OS all around.

 

[gregrocker]

This user reports resolving a major problem with his in-place Acer Upgrade by clean installing using the Upgrade Kit's Win7 DVD. His is white. Our Acer Upgrade kits also have a white DVD which says Windows 7 Upgrade Media. Is yours similar?

 

[realeyes]

THANK YOU! Win7 now installed without errors!!!

Hello Gregrocker and all you other beautiful people who have helped me these last two days - you are absolutely fantastic with your patience and advice and i send you all lots of cyber kisses!!!
I am jumping up and down - my laptop has now a clean install of Win7 freeing up 60GB from the fingerprints of Vista. I knew absolutely nothing about computers, you guys took me into dimensions that made my head spin - yet with your advice this virgin novice did it - so its proof that anyone can do this with your wonderful help!
Yep, i began completely as a fool, trying to boot the wrong disc (LOL) - Then i had to do things in BIOS - scarey stuff - AND THEN THE MIRACLE HAPPENED!!! I have one happy laptop fixed in an afternoon - Vista's completely removed - uys fixed what Acer couldn't in 6 weeks!
I have been praising you all to my friends, especially gregrocker for his incredible patience - YOU ARE ALL THE BEST!!!
Bless you All - may this unconditional kindness you have given me be sent back to you ten-fold!
Natasha

 

[gregrocker]

Glad to hear it, Natasha
.
Be sure to check Windows Updates for latest Updates and Drivers.

Now type Device Manager in Start Search box, go there and look for any devices in error with a yellow ! mark.

Click on Device, then Driver tab, then Update Driver. First try searching Automatically, then Browse to the Drivers CD which came with your Upgrade Kit to find the driver. Let us know if you need any help.

Finally, when you have it where you want it, save a Win7 Backup Image externally (or to a primary formatted partition) so you never need to reinstall, just reimage the HD or a replacement HD from the Win7 DVD.

 

[realeyes]

Your The Best on Advice!!!

Hi Gregrocker,
Windows automatically sorted out all the driver updates during install - I didn't need to use the Acer disc - cool!
Eveything in device manager is hunky dorry! I will do the back-up image as suggested on an EX HDD.
Thanks for being so thorough - you could teach the manufacturers a thing or two or three (LOL)

Glad to hear it, Natasha
.
Be sure to check Windows Updates for latest Updates and Drivers.

Now type Device Manager in Start Search box, go there and look for any devices in error with a yellow ! mark.

Click on Device, then Driver tab, then Update Driver. First try searching Automatically, then Browse to the Drivers CD which came with your Upgrade Kit to find the driver. Let us know if you need any help.

Finally, when you have it where you want it, save a Win7 Backup Image externally (or to a primary formatted partition) so you never need to reinstall, just reimage the HD or a replacement HD from the Win7 DVD.

 

[K3VL4R]

The built in drivers that are in Windows 7 are sufficient to get most systems working out of the box (ie. after installation). If you do end up having issues and needing drivers, I would recommend downloading new ones from the device manufacturers website rather then from the software dvd which may contain out of date drivers.