Solved Looking for help on performing a clean reinstall or repair install

[TommyZing]

Hey! I've been experiencing problems with my laptop for probably a year now, it takes forever to start up when it's either shut down or in sleep mode. After doing some research online and attempting some various fixes, I think my quickest solution is just to perform either a clean reinstall or a repair install.

I'm just wondering which of those 2 options you would recommend for my situation.

Also, I have an Acer laptop that came with Windows 7 Home Premium (with Service Pack 1) when I purchased it. So I found these 2 articles for a clean reinstall and a repair install, and I was just hoping to confirm that following the steps in one of these would work for me:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html

Thanks!
Tommy

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Are you unwilling or unable to do a restore to factory specifications using an Acer recovery partition or recovery disks?

If so, then those other two choices are a possibility.

If you do a clean install, you will need a valid 25-character Product Key.

Back up your personal data in any case.

 

[bassfisher6522]

Is there any of the factory software that came with your laptop you use. If not, then clean install with an ISO of 7 home premium (bit specific - 32 or 64). This will install only the OS and not any of factory bloatware that comes with it. You can download the ISO from here.

Official Windows 7 SP1 ISO from Digital River « My Digital Life

Remember to download all your drivers for your laptop and to include any software that might be viable... ie, for a built in webcam.

 

[TommyZing]

Are you unwilling or unable to do a restore to factory specifications using an Acer recovery partition or recovery disks?

If so, then those other two choices are a possibility.

If you do a clean install, you will need a valid 25-character Product Key.

Back up your personal data in any case.

Thank you for your speedy rely!

What would be the difference between a clean reinstall and a restore to factory specifications (ie. What advantages might that add?)

I don't know if I have an Acer recovery partition or recovery disks, so I wouldn't know how to go about doing that. And I did purchase my laptop so I'm pretty sure I have a valid 25-character product key on a sticker on it somewhere.

Thanks!

 

[TommyZing]

Is there any of the factory software that came with your laptop you use. If not, then clean install with an ISO of 7 home premium (bit specific - 32 or 64). This will install only the OS and not any of factory bloatware that comes with it. You can download the ISO from here.

Official Windows 7 SP1 ISO from Digital River « My Digital Life

Remember to download all your drivers for your laptop and to include any software that might be viable... ie, for a built in webcam.

Thanks for your reply! How do I tell which software is factory software and which is Windows software? And how do I go about downloading all my drivers?

Thanks

 

[gregrocker]

If you'll read through Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 it explains how drivers are handled best in Win7 which is different than XP.

It also explains that leaving out the preinstalled factory crapware and duplicate utilities gives better performance by the OS.

However if you'd like to try running Acer factory recovery: Acer Support: Recovery media and Restoring a system to factory load. Make your Recovery disks first so you have a backup method.

Afterwards you can Clean Up Factory Bloatware. In fact running those steps now may help solve some of the performance issues you're having. If not you can also try these Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7

 

[ignatzatsonic]

What would be the difference between a clean reinstall and a restore to factory specifications (ie. What advantages might that add?)

I don't know if I have an Acer recovery partition or recovery disks, so I wouldn't know how to go about doing that. And I did purchase my laptop so I'm pretty sure I have a valid 25-character product key on a sticker on it somewhere.

I wouldn't be satisifed with "pretty sure" on the Product Key. Confirm yes or confirm no.

A clean reinstall will give you Windows 7 per se, without anything else Acer may have added. You will be able to choose your own partitioning scheme during the installation.

A restore to factory specifications will give you Windows 7 plus whatever other stuff Acer may have included---most of which you are probably better off without. You will end up with Acer's default partitioning scheme, which can be adjusted after the restore.

It's a near certainty you have an Acer recovery partition. You likely don't have recovery DVDs unless you personally made them.

Don't attempt the clean install if you do not have the Product Key.

I would not attempt the clean install if I had not made the recovery disks.

Most would tell you that the primary advantage of a clean install is that the programs Acer included can likely be replaced at no charge with better programs. The included programs that you never use will be gone. Less clutter and less occupied space on your C drive.

We can't really confirm whether you have a recovery partition without a picture of your Windows Disk Management. You likely access recovery from an Function Key during the boot process--or possibly from a program in your list of programs.

 

[TommyZing]

What would be the difference between a clean reinstall and a restore to factory specifications (ie. What advantages might that add?)

I don't know if I have an Acer recovery partition or recovery disks, so I wouldn't know how to go about doing that. And I did purchase my laptop so I'm pretty sure I have a valid 25-character product key on a sticker on it somewhere.

I wouldn't be satisifed with "pretty sure" on the Product Key. Confirm yes or confirm no.

A clean reinstall will give you Windows 7 per se, without anything else Acer may have added. You will be able to choose your own partitioning scheme during the installation.

A restore to factory specifications will give you Windows 7 plus whatever other stuff Acer may have included---most of which you are probably better off without. You will end up with Acer's default partitioning scheme, which can be adjusted after the restore.

It's a near certainty you have an Acer recovery partition. You likely don't have recovery DVDs unless you personally made them.

Don't attempt the clean install if you do not have the Product Key.

I would not attempt the clean install if I had not made the recovery disks.

Most would tell you that the primary advantage of a clean install is that the programs Acer included can likely be replaced at no charge with better programs. The included programs that you never use will be gone. Less clutter and less occupied space on your C drive.

We can't really confirm whether you have a recovery partition without a picture of your Windows Disk Management. You likely access recovery from an Function Key during the boot process--or possibly from a program in your list of programs.

I do have a product key on a sticker on the bottom of my laptop.

I'm not sure what an Acer recovery partition is, or how I would access it. In my dvd book of computer-related disks, I DO have a burned DVD disk that I labelled "Repair Disk Windows 7 64-bit"... would that be my recovery disk? If so would using that be my best option out of all the available ones?

You say "I would not attempt the clean install if I had not made the recovery disks." Why is that?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

The "repair disk Windows 7 64-bit" is not a disk to restore you to factory specifications unless you mislabeled it. It's to repair the Windows installation itself.

All the Acer's I have seen do have a recovery partition. You would access it through a menu in your list of programs or from an F key. I'm not sure exactly how on an Acer, but Google should tell you quickly. I'd look in my programs menu for Acer or Acer Recovery or similar terms. If you reboot, then F10 or alt-F10 may also lead to the recovery option.

Post a screen shot of Disk Management and we can probably identify the recovery partition on sight. It may be called "PQService".

If you restore from that partition, you shouldn't need that Product Key. If you do a clean install, you will need it.

Here's why I would not do the clean install without making recovery disks:

If you do a clean install, the recovery partition will likely be deleted. Even if not deleted, it may no longer work. The recovery disks are a substitute for the recovery partition and can be used even if the partition is gone. However, the disks are not as reliable as the partition---so you should always be prepared to do a clean install. If you ever have to deal with Acer support, they may want you to restore to factory specifications.

 

[TommyZing]

The "repair disk Windows 7 64-bit" is not a disk to restore you to factory specifications unless you mislabeled it. It's to repair the Windows installation itself.

All the Acer's I have seen do have a recovery partition. You would access it through a menu in your list of programs or from an F key. I'm not sure exactly how on an Acer, but Google should tell you quickly. I'd look in my programs menu for Acer or Acer Recovery or similar terms. If you reboot, then F10 or alt-F10 may also lead to the recovery option.

Post a screen shot of Disk Management and we can probably identify the recovery partition on sight. It may be called "PQService".

If you restore from that partition, you shouldn't need that Product Key. If you do a clean install, you will need it.

Here's why I would not do the clean install without making recovery disks:

If you do a clean install, the recovery partition will likely be deleted. Even if not deleted, it may no longer work. The recovery disks are a substitute for the recovery partition and can be used even if the partition is gone. However, the disks are not as reliable as the partition---so you should always be prepared to do a clean install. If you ever have to deal with Acer support, they may want you to restore to factory specifications.

So how exactly would I go about making recovery disks then if I need to do a clean install? Or is it too late since my system is already having issues, causing the need for a clean install in the first place?

Here is a screen shot of my disk management (I think this is what you wanted)? Are you able to help me find the recovery partition and continue on from this:

 

[ignatzatsonic]

So how exactly would I go about making recovery disks then if I need to do a clean install? Or is it too late since my system is already having issues, causing the need for a clean install in the first place?

Here is a screen shot of my disk management (I think this is what you wanted)? Are you able to help me find the recovery partition and continue on from this:

You can see the recovery partition on the left in that graph. It is 11.72 GB in size.

Consult your user manual or the Acer web site for details on how to use it.

As I said in prior post, you most likely start the process from a menu in your program list or by holding down a certain key combination during a reboot.

Look in your programs menu for anything related to Acer or recovery.

If you do a recovery, ALL personal data on the hard drive will be deleted, so back it up first.

Any recovery disks you make should be valid if that partition is still valid. They just aren't quite as reliable as the partition.

If you were satisfied with the performance of the PC when you got it, you would likely be satisfied with a recovery. You can always do a clean install at some later date if needed, assuming you have the Product Key.

 

[TommyZing]

So how exactly would I go about making recovery disks then if I need to do a clean install? Or is it too late since my system is already having issues, causing the need for a clean install in the first place?

Here is a screen shot of my disk management (I think this is what you wanted)? Are you able to help me find the recovery partition and continue on from this:

You can see the recovery partition on the left in that graph. It is 11.72 GB in size.

Consult your user manual or the Acer web site for details on how to use it.

As I said in prior post, you most likely start the process from a menu in your program list or by holding down a certain key combination during a reboot.

Look in your programs menu for anything related to Acer or recovery.

If you do a recovery, ALL personal data on the hard drive will be deleted, so back it up first.

Any recovery disks you make should be valid if that partition is still valid. They just aren't quite as reliable as the partition.

If you were satisfied with the performance of the PC when you got it, you would likely be satisfied with a recovery. You can always do a clean install at some later date if needed, assuming you have the Product Key.

Thank you. So to confirm that I fully understand your recommendations, this is what I now need to do:

1. Back up ALL files on my hard drive to an external.
2. Google how to make a recovery disk and create one.
3. Google how to use the recovery partition and use it.

And then after applying the recovery partition, my laptop should be back to performing how it did when I first got it, and then I just need to restore all my files and reinstall all my programs and stuff?

There was mention of backing up drivers or downloading drivers or something of that nature in someone's response in this thread. Is that a necessity at all when doing the recovery partition method?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Thank you. So to confirm that I fully understand your recommendations, this is what I now need to do:

1. Back up ALL files on my hard drive to an external.
2. Google how to make a recovery disk and create one.
3. Google how to use the recovery partition and use it.

And then after applying the recovery partition, my laptop should be back to performing how it did when I first got it, and then I just need to restore all my files and reinstall all my programs and stuff?

There was mention of backing up drivers or downloading drivers or something of that nature in someone's response in this thread. Is that a necessity at all when doing the recovery partition method?

You've got it about right.

You don't mention looking in your own program menus for some reason.

There may be posts on this forum that better explain the procedure for an Acer laptop, but I haven't really searched for such a post. Or just try Google.

It's a near certainty the procedure is explained in your user's manual, which you should download anyway if you don't have it.

The programs supplied by Acer would be reinstalled automatically when you do a recovery, but you would have to reinstall anything you later installed, as well as restore all of your personal data.

If you do a recovery, you shouldn't need to download drivers or anything.

But----I'd be prepared for the recovery to go completely into the toilet and not even boot. Know what you will do if that happens---namely, do a clean install. So I would go to Acer web site and download drivers anyway now, in case the recovery method fails.

Put all that stuff on a DVD or preferably a USB thumb drive.

You should be particularly certain to get the Ethernet or wireless driver so you can get an Internet connection going.

If you do a clean install from a burned ISO disc, that disc will include most and maybe all needed drivers, but you cannot count on it having the Ethernet/wireless driver. If you have a working Internet connection, you can later download the necessary drivers if you didn't already do so.

 

[gregrocker]

I provided you with the steps from Acer to run Factory Recovery: Acer Support: Frequently Asked Questions list for Recovery media and Restoring a system to factory load.

Are you just going to ignore them and the tutorial I also linked which shows you in detail how to get a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7?

 

[TommyZing]

Thank you. So to confirm that I fully understand your recommendations, this is what I now need to do:

1. Back up ALL files on my hard drive to an external.
2. Google how to make a recovery disk and create one.
3. Google how to use the recovery partition and use it.

And then after applying the recovery partition, my laptop should be back to performing how it did when I first got it, and then I just need to restore all my files and reinstall all my programs and stuff?

There was mention of backing up drivers or downloading drivers or something of that nature in someone's response in this thread. Is that a necessity at all when doing the recovery partition method?

You've got it about right.

You don't mention looking in your own program menus for some reason.

There may be posts on this forum that better explain the procedure for an Acer laptop, but I haven't really searched for such a post. Or just try Google.

It's a near certainty the procedure is explained in your user's manual, which you should download anyway if you don't have it.

The programs supplied by Acer would be reinstalled automatically when you do a recovery, but you would have to reinstall anything you later installed, as well as restore all of your personal data.

If you do a recovery, you shouldn't need to download drivers or anything.

But----I'd be prepared for the recovery to go completely into the toilet and not even boot. Know what you will do if that happens---namely, do a clean install. So I would go to Acer web site and download drivers anyway now, in case the recovery method fails.

Put all that stuff on a DVD or preferably a USB thumb drive.

You should be particularly certain to get the Ethernet or wireless driver so you can get an Internet connection going.

If you do a clean install from a burned ISO disc, that disc will include most and maybe all needed drivers, but you cannot count on it having the Ethernet/wireless driver. If you have a working Internet connection, you can later download the necessary drivers if you didn't already do so.

Thank you very much for your help. I will attempt the solution and I will quote a post of yours in this thread if I have any complications or confusions.

 

[TommyZing]

I provided you with the steps from Acer to run Factory Recovery: Acer Support: Frequently Asked Questions list for Recovery media and Restoring a system to factory load.

Are you just going to ignore them and the tutorial I also linked which shows you in detail how to get a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7?

Hi, sorry about that! I was actually reading through the link you provided to figure out how to do the factory recovery that I now know I need to do.

I work as a cashier when I'm not at school so I've been attempting to sneak off till long enough to reply to these responses via my phone for the most part, so I apologize for not replying to your direct response sooner.

I appreciate your assistance and am currently using the steps in the Acer link you provided me.

It doesn't seem like I need to do a clean reinstall if the factory recovery works for me, correct? Like, if I understand correctly, then I should prepare for a clean install in the event that the factory recovery fails, but otherwise I should be able to get by without the clean install? And then all I'll need to do is use the link you provided to get rid of the factory bloatware afterwards?

 

[gregrocker]

No prob, Ignatz' is always good help but I just wanted you to have the tutorials in hand.

Most tech enthusiasts prefer the Clean Reinstall because it leaves out a lot of sponsored crapware and useless duplicate utilities Acer lards into the factory image. But you can somewhat mitigate these after Factory Recovery by following these additional steps to Clean Up Factory Bloatware.

If you're happy with the Recovery and it meets the OS standards of intantaneous performance without ever hanging on adequate hardware, then you can wait to Clean Reinstall until you have time to take on an interesting tech project.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

It doesn't seem like I need to do a clean reinstall if the factory recovery works for me, correct? Like, if I understand correctly, then I should prepare for a clean install in the event that the factory recovery fails, but otherwise I should be able to get by without the clean install? And then all I'll need to do is use the link you provided to get rid of the factory bloatware afterwards?

Yes to all of that.

Factory restore first; if satisfied with it, do nothing more.

If not satisfied with factory restore, try methods to remove bloatware. If satisfied, do nothing more.

If not satisfied, do a clean install.

Be prepared to do a clean install regardless.

 

[TommyZing]

This is an incredible forum and I deeply appreciate all the help I've received.

I will follow these steps and post back in here if I have any further questions, issues, or confusions. I will return and mark this thread as solved if I am able to successfully reach my solution.

Thanks all!

 

[TommyZing]

No prob, Ignatz' is always good help but I just wanted you to have the tutorials in hand.

Most tech enthusiasts prefer the Clean Reinstall because it leaves out a lot of sponsored crapware and useless duplicate utilities Acer lards into the factory image. But you can somewhat mitigate these after Factory Recovery by following these additional steps to Clean Up Factory Bloatware.

If you're happy with the Recovery and it meets the OS standards of intantaneous performance without ever hanging on adequate hardware, then you can wait to Clean Reinstall until you have time to take on an interesting tech project.

When I download the Windows 7 USB DVD Download Tool and attempt to complete Step 1 of 4 (Choose ISO File), after clicking the ISO File that I downloaded from the tutorial and attempting to click 'Next', a message pops up which says "The selected file is not a valid ISO File. Please select a valid ISO file and try again."

Any ideas?
Thanks