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    Clean os install without PQService/backup/...

    Discussion in 'Acer' started by Beckero, Jan 20, 2008.

  1. Beckero

    Beckero Newbie

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    Hi guys,

    I have an Acer Travelmate 6460 with Windows XP on it. I want to format my harddisk and put a Vista Business on it (no OEM).
    With that format I mean complete one, including the PQService partition from Acer.
    Basically I want to have an 'Acer clean' laptop in the end (I only want the drivers for the hardware, and the downloads to make the soft keys working).
    Now first of all i can not delete the PQService partition (not in Windows, not in the Vista installation program after booting from dvd. Can't unhide it either with ptedit32.exe). That made me curious and searched the internet.
    Now I've read that it is possible that after deleting the PQservice partition, you loose the MBR and can not boot anymore. I don't want to take that risk because I do not want to loose many time during working hours.
    I'm a software developer, knows a fair bit of hardware but I really like some advice of some 'manual' of what to do to accomplish what I want. (If that is possible).
    I've searched this forum but did not really found what I'm looking for. Can someone help my out, or give an url where I can find the solution to my problem?

    Thanks in advance!
     
    Beckero, Jan 20, 2008
    #1
  2. goofball

    goofball Notebook Deity

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    I removed it using Acronis Partition Manager outside of Windows, then did a clean install of Vista.
    Download the drivers from acer support site first, have them on CD/DVD/USB key or some other type of removable storage, then wipe the drive using whatever partition software you want, then clean install Vista like you normally would.
     
    goofball, Jan 20, 2008
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  3. Beckero

    Beckero Newbie

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    To remove it with Acronis oustide of windows, you need a bootable cd/dvd with that software on it I suppose? Is it free, or does a trial do the trick?
    With that I can delete PQSERVICE (and other partitions if I want), format, reboot with the Vista dvd in it and do an install. Correct?
    What about the Acer BIOS then? There is a setting 'enable D2D software', does that give a problem? And does the BIOS then search to the 'Acer MBR', or doesn't it matter what info is written in the MBR?
     
    Beckero, Jan 20, 2008
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  4. e30sep11

    e30sep11 Notebook Guru

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    you can use partition magic to removed pqi service. you need to disable D2D in bios. if all have been removed in HD. you can know clean install vista. i already done this to my ferrari and 5920g.


    PS: make recovery DVD first before you do this process!
     
    e30sep11, Jan 20, 2008
    #4