Partitions and System Restore

Okay, I have a TravelMate 8200, 100gig harddrive partioned into 2 FAT32 sections.

If I set a system restore point now (not Acer eRecovery), and changed both partitions to NTFS, would they go back to FAT32 if I used the System Restore?

 

I doubt it. But thats a good question. I really don't think restore changes the files sys. It just caches the files.

Doing a convert will change the the restore files too.

AT LEAST THIS IS WHAT I THINK,

 

Ok this answer is coming not only from a computer guru but a repair tech for a large medical company.

#1. You are able to convert the file system over to NTFS very easiliy within the command prompt. Simply open the command prompt and do the following.


In the command prompt window, type: convert drive_letter: /fs:ntfs

For example, typing convert D: /fs:ntfs would format drive D: with the ntfs format. You can convert FAT or FAT32 volumes to NTFS with this command.

Important Once you convert a drive or partition to NTFS, you cannot simply convert it back to FAT or FAT32!! You will need to reformat the drive or partition which will erase all data, including programs and personal files, on the partition.

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Ok qusetion 2 that you were worried about.

As far as backing up the PC and reinstalling windows etc.

#1. If you delete the restore partiion or backup partition on your acer you will NOT be able to restore windows using the software backup outside of windows..

This means if you decide to format the entire drive you can not use this way of reinstalling windows. This does NOT mean that you can not reinstall windows though. By this I mean you can use the Acer created backup DVD and reinstall windows.

#2. The backup DVD that you can create when you purchase your laptop is bootable. This means you can install windows off of it without needing anything else.

The important stickler you need to be aware of is that when you reinstall windows with the restore dvd it reinstalls it with NTFS not FAT32. If you create an .iso of the restore dvd you can have a second backup of it anytime anywhere.

As I mentioned previously in the other post, go download Acronis 7 for FREE. use this to backup your windows installation after you use an oem disk for windows. Using NTFS gives you a larger cluster in your OS gives you batter peformance.

Hope this clears things up

--ssx--

 

That clears a lot up... however:

Many threads and acer.com say that once your drive is converted to NTFS, then the boot/eRecovery DVD will not work... it doesn't really say how it won't work though. Some people say it worked for them, others say it didn't. I don't really feel like taking that chance. I have a copy of Windows XP available to me cheap (University program). So in the event of a total meltdown, I can put a Windows XP pro disc into my busted computer and all will be well? Is a new copy of Windows XP pretty much a fix-all?

Also, how do I deal with the weird allocation number (512bytes vs. 4kb) when I convert using the command prompt?

 

Thats what I thought.

 

Everything is super double confusing.

What I want to know is if my whole computer crashes totally... like if it can't even start windows. What can I do? I have Acer's backup CD of the drivers and programs that come on the computer from the factory. How do I completely reinstall Windows XP Pro with no disc, and assuming the boot DVD from eRecovery won't work?

 

I can say from personal expierence that the DVD can recover the operating system as I stated previously. Also if you erase the restore table on the HDD you can not do a boot recover like you mentioned (and like I mentioned previously). That is why you make the DVD, store it in a safe location, and wipe the HDD.

I have a copy of every version of windows so I can always use the CD key on the bottom of my laptop and reinstall windows @ any time. I don't need any "E" recovery anything and personally I think it's garbage. Norton Ghost or Acronis can do the same thing and alot easier.

If you reinstall windows off of the restore DVD it will install it with NTFS so just so you know.

the 512bytes vs. 4kb can ONLY be solved in partition magic or by reinstalling windows. I would personally reinstall windows and be done with that junk software and bloat that comes with the pc. That way you get better drivers that are updated + you only get the software you need not extra crap.

Again I'll say it PLEASE read what I say here, I'm an expert on acer laptops and computer hardware in general. When you purcahse your acer notebook and use their E_recovery mangament software tool to backup your windows install to a DVD or CD's, those disks are BOOTABLE. I can prove it in VM ware if you really want with screen shots, but i'd prever not to do that personally.

A. the restore DVD or CD's are bootable and when used to reinstall windows it will use a 512byte + NTFS install

B. If you delete the backup / restore partitions you will NOT be able to reinstall windows by using the RECOVERY BOOT MENU.

These two methods of reinstalling windows are NOT the same. They are different! One used the hdd (duh) and the other uses optical media. This is the difference between the two.



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C. If you use an oem copy of windows xp using the key on the bottom of your pc you can also install windows (which is a 3rd way of installing it). This is what I currently use because of the 4k cluster + I don't get all of the worthless oem software and crap that comes with it. I can create a custom windows disk and install just what I want and leave the bloat and slow performance behind.

Check to see that you have an oem windows disk here - http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=1625191#post1625191

I have proven to the community that this is not only possible but the best way of appoaching a windows reinstall. Please listen to my advice on the matter.

After that follow a guide on reinstalling windows if you have never done this before. The reason I say read up is once you reinstall windows using an oem disk the installation will be a clean slate! This means you will have no oem software after the install!. If you use Acers supplied burning software or other worthless junk you are SOL. This is why you use better software applications such as Nero for burning disks etc.

Just please read up on the faq's and stickies at the top of this fourm. It will answer alot of your questions that you have so far. I'm also willing to help you via PM like I do so many other people here. Just please don't make a new thread before reading up on your question! I'm almost positive that someone else has asked it or something close to it.

--ssx--

 

Okay, I have decided that because I can get a copy of Windows XP Pro at a very cheap price (through my University), I want to do a total and clean reinstall. Step by step from my situation... a stock TravelMate 8204 with the 100gig harddrive... the 2 FAT32 partitions and the 1 hidden one... how do I do that.

In the end, I want to have one large NTFS partition with the 4k cluster.

I already made the Acer CD with all the necessary drivers and programs if I need them. I also already backed up my personal data to CDs, so everything on my laptop is ready to go.

 

This is the best method if you know what you are doing. Before you do this go download Acronis 7 for free like we mentioned and back up your hard drive COMPLETELY. If something ever goes wrong this is the fix for you! If your hdd dies you can image it back to what it was previously. If you decide to sell your laptop in the future and want to sell it stock (factory settings) this is what you do. This is your lifeline so make sure you use it! It's free so why not!

Also make sure to download ALL NEEDED DRIVERS for your laptop BEFORE you image your pc! The reinstall of xp pro will not have any of the needed drivers for your pc (lan / chipset / video / audio / e_power management / etc.). If you only have 1 pc and don't have the drivers after you reinstall windows you are SOL until you find another pc or location to download them from. Here is the place to download all acer drivers for your laptop, just put in the make and model # - http://www.acerpanam.com/synapse/fo...m/us&siteid=7293&areaid=7&formid=3394#results

After you download the drivers read up on my 5672 review here - http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16348055 It's really long and gives you alot of tips as far as reinstalling windows correctly (complete with screen shots).


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After you wipe image your HDD using the windows xp oem disk it will be a SINGLE large partition when you are done (you want to format the complete table and do a full format not a quick one).

If you use the Restore DVD that is bootable it will by DEFAULT wipe all partitions on your hdd (it mentions this during the process) and reinstall a SINGLE NTFS partition with 512bytes.

--ssx--

 

As I mentioned in the post above, and after you edited your previous post.

A. Download the needed drivers before you go and reinstall windows. Burn them to a cd-r and have them ready to go for when you are done installign windows on your pc.

B. Use Acronis 7 as a life line to create a backup of your current version of windows if you ever decide to sell the laptop, or if your terms with your university are tied to you attending that college

C. Create a soft copy of your restore DVD with a program such as Nero or Alcohol 120%. Both have free 30 day trials of their software (and are well worth the money for them). After you have made a soft copy put it on another pc or store it in a safe location.

D. Do a full format of your hdd when you are ready too reinstall windows, don't just do a "quick format" of the hdd. This is because the "quick" just removes the MBR instead of wiping the entire table.

E. Most likely you will need to call Microsoft and activate windows over the phone. If your university does not use a vlk copy of windows this is often times manditory on oem hardware with oem licenses of windows.

F. Have fun and enjoy! ^_^ If you have any questions just feel free to email at [email protected] or pm me at any time.

Hope this makes sense and has been helpful

--ssx--

 

Ahhhhhh hold on.... still writing

 

Okay, how do you do a full format?

And I don't have a university laptop, my University sells cheap copies of Microsoft products to it's students. This is my personally owned computer.

Oh yea, you have been more helpful than I could have ever imagined anyone to ever be. Thanks in advance... double triple thanks.

 

It sounds like you might be a bit inexpierenced when it comes to reinstalling windows. If you can have your I.T. dept help you with the process if they are willing to do so, or if you have a computer guru on campus help you (even if it's for a small fee).

As far as guides go there are tons of them all over the net

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/winxp/install.mspx
http://www.theeldergeek.com/clean_installation_of_windows_xp.htm

I can't make it any easier than that, and I found this all though google incase you wanted to know. Here is the direct link - http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=how+to+reinstall+windows+xp&btnG=Google+Search

google is your friend It knows all if you ask the right questions.

If you still need help fell free to reply but I think this covers everything.

--ssx--

 

Yea, I've never delt with reinstalling windows or anything like it. I just want to make sure I don't muff it up.

So, by looking at the Microsoft turtorial, I can see you have control over the deletion and addition of partitions through the acutal reinstalliation process. And I know that it wipes all info. Good.

So the only question I have left is what's the purpose of formatting your hard drive before the reinstalliation process if it's reformatted there anyways?

 

I belive you have mistaken what I have said. Use the built in windows xp partition software to wipe your hard drive clean and reinstall xp.

I was just worried that you might delete your restore partition and loose your restore DVD. Then if you wanted to resell your laptop with the default software and configuration you would not be able to do so. This is why I suggest that you go download Acronis 7 for free and make a seperate backup.

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Basically yes, if you need help reinstalling windows PLEASE read up before you do so. I do it all the time at work when a hdd dies etc. It can just be tedious for the new user if you have never done it before.

Remember reinstalling windows is 1/2 the battle, configuring it the way you want with drivers and applications is the other half.

--SSX--

 

I will dowload that and make the backups.

But I have to manually wipe my harddrive? I can't just boot the Windows XP CD from the point I'm at right now?

And I have all the drivers from the Acer Backup and the website... that should be all the necessary ones, right?

 

When I say "wipe the hard drive" I'm using that phrase in the context of wiping it though the built in windows xp partition software on the disk. Just forget the whole "wiping your hdd" and just follow the guide provided . you're just gonna confuse yourself.

The drivers on acers site should get you started. Just make sure you have all important documents safely tucked away where you won't loose them. Remember when windows in reinstalled ALL documents and information is lost, so unless you keep them on a backed up cd or flash drive you will never get them back.

Good luck

--ssx--

 

Okay, this is the last thing and I promise.... on average, how much trouble is it to get all the drivers in order? I have everything from the right part of Acers site and the eRecovery disk with the software on it.

What other drivers could I possibly need for everything contained in my laptop?

And downloading the drivers on my FAT32 system and then putting them on a CD won't affect putting them on my new NTFS system from that CD?

Super-mega-ultra thanks to the most helpful person in the world... SSX

 

First off thanks for the thanks ^_^ I'm here to help.

Secondly once you download the drivers and applications burn them to a CD, don't keep them on your hdd. Once your reinstall windows they are gone, so they need to be stored off of your pc.

Also please remember one thing. The eRecovery disk with the software on it can not be installed off of the disk. You will need to go to acers website and download the needed software tools for the laptop, not from the DVD you made.

Of the software on their site I only use 2 things, and that would be the E_Power Management and the quicklaunch software. If you want Acer Arcade or any other wacky other peices of software by all means go use them, but I just find that it slows me down.

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As far as drivers and things you will need there are quite a few if you get nit-picky.

If you reinstall windows certain things will need to be done FIRST and other things in order. Otherwise it just won't work right.

1. Install windows
2. Install your chipset drivers (then restart)
3. Validate and register windows with microsoft
4. Update windows with all critical and secondary patches (don't forget .net framework 1.1 and 2.0! These are needed for the ATI and Acer software). when this is done restart
5. Install your graphics drivers (restart)
6. Install your audio drivers (restart)
7. Install your E_Power Mangament software (restart)
8. Once you restart go into your power managment software and make sure that ALL of your devices are inabled. By default they will be if you are on AC power.
9. Install any left over drivers (restart)
10. Check your device manager (start ---> run --- devmgmt.msc) You don't want to see any yellow exlamation marks when you are done. If you do see some then you are missing drivers / software still.
11. Install your quicklaunch software and configure it how you want
12. Disable / turn off worthless programs that are not needed on startup. Check this post for more info - http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=78256 and here http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=77995
13. Install an anti-virus program (grisofts AVG is free - http://free.grisoft.com/doc/avg-anti-virus-free/lng/us/tpl/v5) If you have a supplied av from your school use that instead.


I also recomend the peice of software called NHC (notebook hardware control) - http://www.pbus-167.com/ when you use this with acers E_power management software it allows yout to maximse your batter life and get better performance out of your laptop.

As always, enjoy!


*edit* Don't forget this is just INSTALLING the pc up to date. you need to consider all of your programs such as microsoft office / open office. Your cd burning software, your .mp3's / pictures / movies / printers / scanners / wallpapers / media players / etc. etc. etc. There is alot to do so please take into consideration everything that needs to be done.

--ssx--

 

I am no stranger to 3 hour "put-back" sessions of all my personals. I had a school laptop in high school and every year they would blank the thing, and I had to replace everything I had... and get all the settings and whatnot to the way I like them.

I just want XP Pro with ALL of the necessary drivers and no problems... is that a possibility? There aren't any obscure drivers located not on Acer.com or in XP that are going to put a wrench in the system?

Anyways, I PM'd you with basically the same questions. I'm off to bed... maybe Monday when I get my copy of XP I can do this and have everything work out.

Thanks again!

 

How do I get OEM discs?the laptop didn't come with one...

 

Well if you are in the United States you can use the "fair use" clause under the DMCA and acquire the origional backup media if you want. Simply go to a brick and mortar store and ask them if they can burn you a copy of the media because you currently own a license for it.

If they say no then you are probally SOL.... hense the problems of bieng an end user in the computer market.

You do have more options becides this but I am not allowed to post them here due to litigation and site rules. For that I suggest that you drop me a PM.

--ssx--

 

I have an Acer Aspire 9504. I needed to rebuild it due to a virus, but didn't use the acer e-recovery program. I did however re-build the notebook with the dvd backup i made from when I first got it. I formatted the drive and created 2 new partitions and I have now found out that I have deleted the hidden partition set by Acer (I'm not too worried about this). The only problem is that whenever I boot it up I end up with a black screen and a cursor at the top left and windows doesn't start. The only way of getting into windows is to press ALT and F10. Is there any way or setting that I can use so that it will boot straight into Windows.

Many Thanks

Ian

 

Check your boot.ini file under your system properties.



This may be the cause of your startup issues. It should by default show 1 install of windows, and look something similar to what you see above.

The other option is to obtain an oem copy of windows xp media. for that do what I stated above or pm me.

--ssx--