KoLAddict

Acer doesn't give you the Windows XP OS disc when you get your computer. However, hitting Alt+F11 brings up a system that will reset the computer's C: Drive to default. Now, I want to know if I format the C: Drive manually (My Computer->Right-Click C: Drive->Format), then hit Alt+F11 afterwards, will the Acer system that restores the computer to factory condition still be there? Is that on a separate, invisible partition or something?

TheMatt

You won't be able to format the C: drive from within Windows since that was the partition you booted from. The restore partition is infact a separate partition, so it doesn't matter what you do to the C: or D: partitions.

KoLAddict

Ah. Well, with that regard, does restoring fix my computer from viruses/spyware and such?

laboye

It restores it to a factory state, so, yes, it should get rid of that stuff.

KoLAddict

Thanks. That's what I thought, just wanted to double-check on that:)

laboye

Excellent! Let us know if you have any other questions.

Fox

Hi Addict,

Did you by any chance make the recovery DVD that acer prompted for on first boot?

That image contains a copy of windows XP as well as the drivers and software that Acer bundles. In my opinion, that's a better route to take than the recovery partition.

In fact, if you have the chance and the machine is still new, I would recommend wiping the hard drive down completely (delete all partitions) and start over from scratch, with only one partition. Acer, for whatever reason, puts XP on a FAT32 partition, and splits half the space into a second one. This sounds cool in theory, but in practice, it's just pointless. It doesn't protect against anything, and I don't even know why they wouldn't use NTFS.

I have this system too, if you haven't figured that out by now :)

This machine has some strange quirks to it, so I'll outline some of them here for your future reference:

1. As mentioned, the two partitions / recovery disk setup is silly. This machine is better when wiped done-over.

2. The touchpad driver that is on it by default is crap. Synaptics (the company which manufactures it) has an updated driver that is loads better. It tracks nicer, doesn't cause the little navigator button to crash its tray program, and actually scrolls properly after some tweaking.

3. Display drivers are also crap by default. Either download omega drivers for the ATi mobility radeon x1600, or go to the revamped amd page and download the mobile catalyst driver.

4. This system tends to overheat when you put it on your lap. To remedy this, just make sure that the little air intake on the bottom is left, and the side exhaust are left uncovered.

5. Bluetooth can be tricky on this laptop. The drivers that come on it seem like an afterthough, but no worries- if they give you trouble, just uninstall them and let the windows driver go on there. Surprisingly enough, it's better, and your devices are much more easily configurable with it.

Hope this helps. This laptop has been great to me. I know I picked a winner, and I've recommended it to anyone who wants a screaming budget machine.

KoLAddict

Thanks. Actually, regarding the Recovery Disk I made when I first got the computer: It was like 5 CDs. How do I format my computer and use the discs?

Fox

Well, the unfortunate thing is that by using the disks, you'll restore the system to factory specs, which means outdated drivers, dual partitions, the works.

It's a shame you don't receive an actual XP install disk with the computer, but if you can find someone else's XP home disk to borrow, you'll be able to use the key that's printed on a seal on the bottom of the laptop to reinstall without all the other crap.

darkhackthesys

Hi All,

Don't know if you guys know anything about this, my Acer Aspire 5670 is the 2GB memory, 120GB HDD, and ATI X1400 one. Anyway, I think this laptops comes with some amazing hardware, but recently i've been experiencing error problems with the Acer Empowering Software. I think it might actually have something to do with running the system on NTFS although I'm not sure. The software is made to be integrated very closely with the system and so I think that may be the reason i'm having problems because the system originally comes formatted in FAT32. Has anyone else been getting error messages every once in a while from either using the eNet Management, ePower Management, or ePerformace Management progrmas? Also those are the only 3 I use, so I was wondering if there is an easy way to uninstall the others. Thanks.

Also for those of you having problems with putting this version of the 5670 into hibernation mode I found a hotfix available through Microsoft. http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=909095 It has something to do with the fact the computer has more than 1 GB of memory.

TheMatt

Hi darkhackthesys,

You should probably start a new thread in the Windows XP forum. Also post what the errors are.

I have converted my FAT32 C: partition to NTFS and have not experienced problems, so I don't think that is it.

KoLAddict

How do you convert a drive from FAT32 to NTFS? I know it's possible, I just can't remember how to do it.

TheMatt

Type in the command prompt:
Then answer yes to both questions that follow.
That is to convert the C: drive to NTFS. To do others, replace the C: with D:.

vierkantje

How can I get reinstall my laptop (aspire 5670) without any cd or dvd?
I tried the combination Alt + F11 when booting, but that doesn't work...

KoLAddict

Alt+F11 while re-booting should work. If it doesn't, then try it once the computer loads up completely and your desktop is viewable. If ALT+F11 doesn't work, then there is something wrong with the hidden partition that images your computer.