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    How do I reformat the computer w/o the installation cds?

    Discussion in 'Acer' started by cooldude1015, Jan 16, 2006.

  1. cooldude1015

    cooldude1015 Notebook Consultant

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    I know that a couple of Acer's don't come with the Windows XP installation cd. So that's a problem.

    But I also heard that the hard disk is partitioned and formatted in FAT32 which is possibly the worst format a hard drive can be in.... So the question is...

    How do I first reformat the computer, second change the formatting of the hard drive, and then last reinstall Windows XP without the installation cd?

    Any help would be appreciated.

    Thanks! :D

    (btw, I don't have my Acer yet. I just pre-ordered it and I should get it somewhere around February. I just want to know how to solve this problem so I can do all of this before I start installing things and customizing my laptop)
     
    cooldude1015, Jan 16, 2006
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  2. USAFdude02

    USAFdude02 NBR Reviewer & Deity NBR Reviewer

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    cooldude1015,

    Your computer should come with a restore CD that will let you return your computer to OEM from factory. Depending on how you do it, I believe it can be used as an OS disc and to change the FAT32 to NTFS file system.

    Maybe someone could clarify for the Acer line?
     
    USAFdude02, Jan 16, 2006
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  3. miner

    miner Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Depending on the model, ther will be an Acer Erecovery software which will enable you to restore your hard drive to factory state. The manual will also have instructions on how to do this(mine does).

    If you want to do a clean reformat(not factory restore) then you'll need to get a copy of Win XP disc. The Acer recovery software only restores it to factory condition.

    The FAT32 format can be easily changed to NTFS without reformating or losing any data. See the link below for further instructions...
    http://www.ntfs.com/quest3.htm
     
    miner, Jan 16, 2006
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