How to start your computer by using the Last Known Good Configuration feature
Restart your computer.
When the machine first starts again it will generally list some equipment that is installed in your machine, amount of memory, hard drives installed etc. At this point you should gently tap the F8 key repeatedly until you are presented with a Windows Advanced Options menu.
Select the option for Last Known Good Configuration using the arrow keys.
I don't think I can get there. F8 doesn't seem to do anything.
When I start the machine I see ACER then F2 to enter setup then the screen goes blank, after a few minutes I see Starting Windows, then loading files, then startup repair starts. It does the same thing if I tap F8. I never see hard drive or memory info. Did the problem signatures I posted before give a clue as to what's happening?
When I start the machine I see ACER then F2 to enter setup then the screen goes blank, after a few minutes I see Starting Windows
After you see the Acer splash screen start tapping the F8 key. Timing is the key here. You have to tap the F8 key after the Acer screen, but before the Starting Windows screen. Just tap continuously until the Advanced Options menu loads.
The Windows Advanced Options menu is there, we just have to be able to access it.
If the F8 method still doesn't seem to work, try pressing Alt + F10 when you see the Acer splash screen
Still can't get anything with F8, Alt F10 gets me to Acer Recovery Management which has two options.
1. Restore OS to factory default, with a note that all data on C drive will be deleted.
2. Restore OS and retain data, with a note that user account files will be transfered to C:\Backup
didn't try either until I hear from you.
This option restores Windows and the applications to factory default settings and removes all data from the hard disk When you use this option from Recovery DVDs or a Recovery USB drive, it will not restore the special recovery partition used to perform the recovery process quickly.
Restore Operating System and Retain User data
This option copies the personal files located in My Documents or Pictures to a folder named Backup, and then installs Windows and the applications as they were from factory. It does not retain your personal settings, and any software you installed yourself. This option does not restore the special recovery partition, and it is not available on Recovery CDs or DVDs.
Since you didn't recommend using either one I'm wondering if you have any other ideas or maybe want to see if another member might want to take over. Maybe someone will have some ideas that we haven't tried yet?
I thought I made a recovery disk when I first got the machine but I haven't found it so now I'm not sure.
I did get F8 to work and went to last known good, it then showed starting windows then windows loading the files then went to startup repair with the same results of not being able to do the repair. Isn't there a system recovery on the hard disk or is that what it is trying to use now?
Since you haven't been able to locate your Recovery Disk we have a few options.
Most computers have a Recovery Partition on the hard drive. Based on the options you found when you used the Alt + F10 sequence of key strokes your's does have it.
Option #1 - Windows - Using the Recovery Partition
Click the Start button, click the arrow next to the Lock button, and then click Restart.
Do one of the following:
If your computer has only one operating system installed, repeatedly press the F8 key as your computer restarts. You need to press F8 before the Windows logo appears. If the Windows logo appears, you will need to try again.
If your computer has more than one operating system installed, use the arrow keys to highlight the operating system you want to start, and then press F8.
On the Advanced Boot Options menu, use the arrow keys to highlight Repair your computer, and then press ENTER.
Select a keyboard layout, and then click Next.
Select a user name and type the password, and then click OK.
On the System Recovery Options menu, click Windows Complete PC Restore, and then follow the instructions
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Option #2 - Acer
1. Restore Operating System to Factory Defaults
This option restores Windows and the applications to factory default settings and removes all data from the hard disk When you use this option from Recovery DVDs or a Recovery USB drive, it will not restore the special recovery partition used to perform the recovery process quickly. This option requires the Recovery DVD
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2. Restore Operating System and Retain User data
This option copies the personal files located in My Documents or Pictures to a folder named Backup, and then installs Windows and the applications as they were from factory. It does not retain your personal settings, and any software you installed yourself. This option does not restore the special recovery partition, and it is not available on Recovery CDs or DVDs. This option doesn't recreate the recovery partition
Although Acer #2 will get the factory defaults loaded, I'm reluctant to go this route because we don't get the recovery partition re-created. Recovery CD/DVD would need to be created after to ensure you have a back-up for any future need.
I would recommend the Windows Complete PC Restore (option #1)
ok tried the complete pc restore but i guess that also did not work.
it now says something like windows failed to install, the selected entry could not be loaded because it is missing or corrupted, or something close to that.
