[GUIDE] Clean install of Windows 7 on Acer

Great thread. I just did a clean install of Windows 7 and was directed here from another thread.

Kudos to the OP.

 

I just purchased a full version of Windows 7 Pro. x64. Can I activate it using the product key found on the sticker on the underside of my 1810T?

My 1810T comes with Windows 7 Pro. Home Premium x64. I want to save the product key that comes with the full version 7 Pro. x64 I just bought and don't want the key that came with my 1810T to go unused after I install 7 Pro. x64.

 

No For licensing reasons you can't activate a different version with the sticker key.

 

Hi,

is there a way to extract the ACRSYS.xrm-ms file from an existing installation? I'd rather prefer using the certificate that came with my computer than downloading from "somewhere".

To retrieve the OEM preinstall on my own machine, I guess, I can use Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder?

Thanks,
Michael

 

You should be ok with the download assuming it works at all. It is only a souped-up html file
or
Where is activation saved? - MSFN Forums
may provide you with some ideas.

 

First post here...new member. My AS1410 arrives tomorrow from Newegg...

I've read through this whole thread twice and I think what I want to do is easy, but just wanted to verify.

My Acer is coming with Win7 Home Premium 64 pre-installed...so I can...

Make a set of discs using the Acer recovery utility including the driver disc. Just in case.
Do a clean install on the windows partition using the W7 Home Premium 64 ISO I downloaded from post #47 using my OEM key.
(Leaving the recovery partition in case I want to return to factory)
Activate on-line like a normal install...

Correct?

I don't have to delete the ei.cfg file in the ISO?
And I don't have to worry about an SLP key or an OEM Certificate?

Thanks and good forum ya got here...

 

Yes you can reinstall
No the recovery partition wont work then
No you don't activate on line you activate off line or if using the sticker possibly online/by phone

Suggest you read through this thread carefully

 

A far better plan is to make the recovery disks.
Image the entire HDD to another USB HDD or remove the existing HDD entirely

Then either wipe the old HDD or install a new one
Perform your Cleaninstall, use the certificate and OEM key to activate off line
(saves the certificate key as a last resort)
Use the final DVD (Drivers and applications) in non-autorun mode to add back what you need.
Update windows, install other programmes etc
Image the new set up to the external HDD too for a far more useful restore option !

Factory restore is a waste of time operationally, you need it to return the unit for service so you would either take the HDD fromthe laptop and back up files using /put the original image back using a USB caddy. Or if you used the 2 disk option just swap the disks back thus keeping all your data in either case . .

 

Curious...

If the recovery partition is left intact and one has made recovery discs, why wouldn't it work?

 

Because a retail windows install will mark its own partition as active/bootable and overwrite the OEM boot sector that contains the F-10 option boot code.

Also windows 7 will install it's own 100MB recovery environment in a new hidden partition at the start of the disk upsetting the number of the partition the recovery app expects for the recovery sector. You can hack around this but truly it is not the way to go !

The recovery disk set re-writes the C drive but doesn't touch the boot sector or recovery partition (crazy but true)

 

OK....Thanks!

 

No probs. good luck with it

 

Unless you wipe the drive first with something like DBAN for a true clean install.

 

Wiping the HDD wont make acers recovery disks or partition work any better.

I did say wipe the disk in my earlier post regarding a clean install . . Windows 7 has a repair option at the start of the install that takes you to menu that includes a command prompt and then access to DiskPart.

In the command menu box
type: Diskpart.exe
type list disk, identify the HDD you want to wipe by its number e.g. 1
At the DISKPART prompt, type: Select Disk 1 or whatever number from above

At the DISKPART prompt, type: CLEAN (The CLEAN command removes all partition and volume information from the hard drive being focused on.)

At the DISKPART prompt, type: Exit

Advantage of this is you can then return to the install menu and proceed without any further formatting so the disk is 100% native W7 ntfs

 

Details below

 

This is in AUTOUNATTEND.xml. With this, windows will activate on install

HTML:

<settings pass="oobeSystem">
        <component name="Microsoft-Windows-Shell-Setup" processorArchitecture="x86" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
            <FirstLogonCommands>
                <SynchronousCommand wcm:action="add">
                    <Order>1</Order>
                    <CommandLine>cmd.exe /c cscript %windir%\system32\slmgr.vbs -ilc %windir%\System32\Oem\AcerOA21.xrm-ms</CommandLine>
                    <Description>Install OEM Certificate</Description>
                </SynchronousCommand>
                <SynchronousCommand wcm:action="add">
                    <Order>2</Order>
                    <CommandLine>cmd.exe /c cscript %windir%\system32\slmgr.vbs -ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX </CommandLine>
                    <Description>Install OA product key</Description>
                </SynchronousCommand>
                <SynchronousCommand wcm:action="add">
                    <Order>3</Order>
                    <CommandLine>regedit /s %windir%\System32\Oem\import_logo.reg</CommandLine>
                    <Description>Import OEM Information</Description>
                </SynchronousCommand>
            </FirstLogonCommands>
            <OEMInformation>
                <Logo>c:\windows\system32\oem\Logo\Acer_Welcome.png</Logo>
                <Manufacturer>Acer</Manufacturer>
            </OEMInformation>
        </component>
    </settings>
    <settings pass="offlineServicing">
        <component name="Microsoft-Windows-Shell-Setup" processorArchitecture="x86" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
            <OEMInformation>
                <Manufacturer>Acer</Manufacturer>
                <Logo>c:\windows\system32\oem\Logo\Acer_Welcome.png</Logo>
            </OEMInformation>
        </component>
    </settings>

You will also need to create on sources folder of the install cd a forlder named $OEM$ inside it a folder $$ and inside it 2 folders one oobe and Another named OEM, put digital certificate inside it.

burn cd and install. If everything ok your windows will be activated.

Attached is the zip with needed files. Remember to edit autounntend to put key you want

 

I nearly forgot to say "Thank you"

Michael

 

You are very welcome

 

YouTube - Windows 7 Activator FREE!!! ??Genuine Status??

 

It will not end well . . . .

 

succed on installing win 7 (home premium), mine is 5672 WLMI with ati x1400 and RAM upgraded to 2 GB, but still can't connect the camera (logitech orbicam)

 

Hello,

I have a Gateway EC1805U and it has the Acer 2.1 BIOS and Vista Premium. I understand that when it was manufactured it was eligible for the upgrade to 7. Will the instructions in this thread allow me to install Windows 7, even though that promotion ended back in February?

Figured I'd ask since it'll be a while before the W7 iso is finished =) Thanks

 

You did not order the upgrade, so you don't have a valid license.

Michael

 

My guess is that if the SLIC is 2.1, is should work, But I wonder if you would need a different OEM key? Did you have any luck?

 

OP has made it clear that they do not have a license for W7 . . . This thread is becoming a worry . . .

 

No actually it's not clear since the Gateway EC1805 is manufactured by Acer. It is identical to the AS1810, uses Acer's BIOS and is entitled to the same operating systems. They were even eligible for the same free Windows 7 upgrade as the Acer AS1410 and AS1810. If we were talking about a Dell or Lenovo, then yes, it is clear, but Gateway and eMachines are Acer computers with a different logo. As a mater of fact, Gateway doesn't even offer BIOS upgrades on their site and will direct you to the Acer support site if flashing the BIOS is required. (WARNING: DON'T DO THIS UNLESS INSTRUCTED TO DO SO BY GATEWAY. YOU COULD BRICK YOUR COMPUTER!!!!)

So does the Acer license apply to Gateway? I don't know, but I do think it's a valid question and there is no need to worry.

 

I believe the Upgrade offer expired . . So it is not eligible now . .

 

That just means they are no longer sending out the DVDs. The computer is still entitled to Windows 7. It's no different that me not using the DVDs that I received from Acer for my 1410. They will work on my computer anytime I decide to use them. The Gateway EC1805u is identical to my As1410. They are both licensed to use Windows 7 and there is no doubt about that.

 

But the fact is that you got the DVD, and that you took advantage of the offer before it expired.
The computer is no longer entitled to a free upgrade, so therefore it should not be getting one.

The Windows 7 Upgrade officially ended on March 15th, 2010.
So even if your SLIC version is 2.1, you cannot upgrade to Windows 7 for free because you did not take advantage of the offer.
Either purchase the full version like everyone else, or be happy with Vista (which is not that bad).

I'm going to be taking a look at the original post and removing content that promotes piracy. What's stopping someone from upgrading their Acer computer to Windows 7 for free with this information?

 

My Acer has a HP OEM Bios .. and the backup-restore is from Compaq.... for what its worth, Acer A0751h.

 

Since I use Linux on my Acer I used it's Windows 7 key on my Gateway without a problem. A simple internet search will show that Acer/Gateway/e Machines all share the same key. Probably Packard Bell too. So if your machine is "entitled" to a OEM copy of Windows 7 then this guide would have worked. (Too bad the moderators felt the need to water down the OP, but I understand their concern.) If MS ever bothers me, then I'll just swap the OS on the two machines. If my wife didn't need Windows for work, I wouldn't have wasted my time on this crap. I mean Windows 7 is really nice, but I'm more than happy with Ubuntu.

 

hi....thanks to op for this comprehensive guide...but being a complete noob on this whole 'os' issue and installation....i want to put forward a query...(please understand the situation carefully and then guide me in very easy steps)....i have recently ordered for an acer laptop..the 5740g model...this lappy comes preinstalled with the windows 7 Home premium 64 bit edition.....now what i want to ask is that, i have managed to get hands on a win7 home pre 64 bit edition dvd from a friend...a regular retail copy.......and then i want to do a clean install of this os on my lappy...is that possible to do...(where i enter the serial/product key given at the bottom of the acer laptop....)?
thanks in advance

 

First see and consider the advice in my sig line. 75% of people I respond to on this forum about OS/warranty problems would not be in trouble if they had followed this advice

As you will see from that I really really recommend removing your current HDD and replacing it with the same or better model (Check type /model in Device manager and order the same if not sure) and doing the clean install on that. If you have any problems you can be swapped back in seconds.

You can either use various tools to backup and restore the Acer activation certificate /code (works, is probably 'legal' in some circumstances including those you describe, but is not supported here) or just say 'later ' to skip W7 key entry during your clean install, verify it is all working correctly , then enter the key from the bottom (which likely wont be accepted) then call Microsoft on the numbers supplied ; explain you are clean re-installing the same OS on the same laptop without the supplied bloatware which you cant get rid of. They will give you another 1-time key to make the activation. (hence my bold comment above)

HTH

 

Thanks to everyone for this topic!

I just received my new Acer 8943G on Wednesday and the first thing I did was make a recovery disc for all the drivers and applications, and then reformatted the drive and installed a fresh copy of Windows 7.

So far, everything seems to have worked out fine. I haven't received any notices that I have an unlicensed copy of Windows or anything and the computer is humming along nicely.

 

Hi, I am in the process of doing a clean install. I am up to the part were I select "Where do you want to install windows". I have 3 options which do I pick?

PQService (OEM Reserved)
System Reserved (System)
Acer (Primary)

Thanks

 

While u r there...go to advanced delete all the partitions and format the drive. then use the main...

 

Am I not meant to keep the recovery partition in case I want to restore the laptop back to factory settings?

 

If you haven't burned those recovery DVDs using Acer eRecovery, yes you DO want to keep the recovery partition! Make those BEFORE you install Win7 just in case something goes wrong.

Once you've burned them, however, you can nuke the whole hard drive; you should be making your own recovery backups through Windows 7 Backup anyway.

 

You can always take a USB Flash and make a copy of your RESTORE Partition.
easy enough to restore the restore partition.....

 

I plan to format the HDD on my acer timelinex 5820TG & replace win7 home premium with win 7 pro. Are all drivers available on acers website? i.e. for all the extra buttons - turn the graphics card off etc...

 

The best thing to do before a clean install is to use eRecovery management to create a backup driver and app DVD. Then you know that you have all of YOUR drivers when you reinstall. There won't be any compatability problems.

 

thanks, should I also remove the recovery partition?

 

If you're doing a clean install, you normally overwrite the recovery partition. You could probably preserve it if you want to. Are you keeping the original hard drive? If not, you would have to transfer it to the new drive. Even that is not all that hard to do.

As long as you burn a recovery disk and a factory image of your system, I don't see any need to keep it there, but that is a personal preference.

Bronsky

 

Yes I'll be keeping the original hard drive

 

I want to do a clean install of Win7 and Ubuntu on my new Acer Laptop, but i have a couple questions...

Ideally I'd also like to delete the recovery partition. I've made the Acer Recovery DVDs, but will they even work without the hidden partition and/or acer MBR?

If I ever need to send the computer to acer for service does it void the warranty if they recovery partiton junk is not there, or do they charge extra to replace it?

If not, then what would someone do if their hard drive died and had to install a replacement. Are they just out of luck in Acer's view?

 

Hi all
i have done a clean install of windows 7
all is well except that the hard drive ( which is showing 1 local volume(c) and system reserved appears to lost 20gb (it was originally 320gb now its only 298gb

any thoughts
Thanks

 

HELP!

I am about to order an 1810TZ from Spain, but it comes with Vista 32 Bit, and I want to upgrade to Windows 7.

1. Should I keep the 32 Bit also on Windows 7 or should I upgrade to 64 Bit? Will the 64 Bit improve the performance of the computer, if I also upgrade from 3 to 4 GB of RAM? Is it worth the upgrade?

2. I assume the OS will be in Spanish. Will there be any problems in buying the English upgrade version of Windows 7 or do I have to get my hands on the full version to get the OS in English?

Any input is greatly appreciated!!

 

This should help. http://forum.notebookreview.com/ace...rks-tweaks-mods-upgrades-162.html#post6465732

 

Whoa! You've done an amazing job with your system. I'm afraid I'm not in a league to follow your footsteps. I avoided buying it from Germany to avoid the German keyboard. The Spanish one at least I can get on board with...

Any thoughts on the 1810TZ with Windows 7 32 bit vs. 64 bit?
I'm not sure how the difference will play out in real life, which one is faster and will make my days brighter?

Thanks again !!

Edit: I just saw your reply elsewhere about the Bit.
Thanks again, extremely helpful!!

 

For those that don't have an external DVD drive, it might be easier to enable hidden files in windows 7, then just go into
C:\oem\preload\autorun\

the APP directory stores all the crapware installers that Acer loads your laptop with. Copy stuff like ePower, IDCard, Liteoncam (if that is your version), Registration. Welcome Center and Updater if you actually use the eRecovery Manager and stuff like that.

and the DRV is the folder with all the drivers that you want. Make a copy of this for sure.

The above, ABR, and Windows 7 should all fit snugly in one 4 GB USB flash drive and is all that is necessary to do a clean reformat.