Hi Richard,
A couple more questions!
"Hard Disk Recovery should be enabled by default." How do I access this? Is it via control panel?
Also, I've noted the cd key for the game! And also the details to re-install McAfee.
With regards microsoft, I do have the OEM product code, but I do not seem to have a disc for vista - is this right? Or should I be busy looking for it?! And if I have problems, is this the correct microsoft number I should ring to activate it,0800-096 0137? Or do you know another one that I should be using?
Sorry to be a pain but having never done one, I'm a little jumpy about the system recovery! And am trying to be prepared with correct discs & contact details/websites before the event! (Which will probably be over the next few days I reckon!).
Thanks,
Kev.
Hello,
No problem asking questions. It is better to ask questions than make a mistake! BTW: Congratulations on your new badge!
Hard Disk Recovery should already be enabled, and since you don't know how to access it, you probably haven't disabled it! Only try to enable it if hard disk recovery is failing. So that you know, you switch off the computer, turn it on, and on the very first BIOS screen, you repeatedly press F2 to open the BIOS settings. You then navigate using the keyboard only to Advanced Settings, and then you change the setting from Disabled to Enabled. You then Exit and Save and restart. All done!
To recover an OS, there are three methods: insert your Windows CD, insert your Recovery CD, use a Recovery partition.
If you bought a retail OS (which you haven't in this case) you insert the CD that your just bought and install Windows using it. Sometimes manufacturers supply you with an OEM CD when you buy your computer, but this is nice and rare.
However, there is always an option to make your own Windows CD. That is the Recovery CD you made. Your home made Recovery CD is a Windows CD, just without the pretty, swirling patterns! To test this if you are still worried, put it in your computer, shut down your computer, boot from the CD, and you should get the option to enter keyboard and language then install Vista or repair your computer. Don't worry, there are many, many setup steps and confirms to make, there is not the slightest chance of accidentally reinstalling Vista!
Recovery Partition: All modern computers come with something called a Recovery Partition. This is often D:\ or does not show up at all. If you look in Disk Management, it will show up as the EISA Configuration. Do not worry about this 9and do not ever delete it!) If you want, you boot into this partition using a special key combination given by your manufacturer and this will return your computer to what it was the day your bought it. This will reinstall most drivers and your OS, and because Read/Write is much faster to your hard disk than DVD drive, it will sometimes install 2-3 times faster. This is the best method. I have explained earlier on how to do this for your machine:
Hard Disk Recovery should be enabled by default. If it is not, you may need to go into your system’s BIOS by hitting F2 at boot and enable it under the Advanced tab.
Once Hard Disk Recovery is enabled, restart the system and hit ALT+F10. This will begin the Aspire system recovery process. You will be prompted to type six zeros as a security step. Type 000000 to proceed.
Sometimes it is Ctrl+F10.
Sorry, I do not know the activation phone number off hand, but do not worry. When reinstalling an OEM Vista, the product key and Activation is often kept and not required, but if not, AND online activation is failing once Vista has been installed, then choose the Activate by phone method and you will be told the current number. Do not worry about keeping a copy of this number, you usually have 30 days until activation, which is usually not required, and can be extended to 90 days legally, but the number does ring a vague bell.
Basically, back up your files, unplug external hard disk, press Alt+F10 immediately at boot up, follow on screen instructions, do not worry about activation.
Richard
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