Acer Vista Service Pack 1 - won't boot!!

Hi guys. Windows installed Service Pack 1 the other day and now it won't boot up. On switching on it tries to fix itself but can't. So I have a dead laptop!

I guessed the only option left was to recover it with my Recovery Discs that I made when I first set-up the PC, but the first disc only reads ony up to 1min 40secs - then freezes.

The PC was not supplied with a Vista disc (I guess this is why I was prompted to make the recovery-discs), and my recovery-discs don't work - so what can I do do you reckon?

Anyone out there with any Acer recovery discs that I can try? Will they work on another PC?

Trev

Can you get into safe mode? press the F8 key continuous when you turn the computer on

No. No safe mode! I have the option of safe mode on F8 but it won't go into Safe Mode - just tries to self repair.

Ok, press F10 when you start the computer...

Windows Vista Recovery Disc Download

Windows Vista Recovery Disc Download — The NeoSmart Files

I have tried the F10 option but it without joy. The link that you provide I have tried previously. It seems that both options (86 and 64) are the same file. I have downloaded it and it looked promising - but was told that it was not compatible with my version (I have 32 bit). Bugger!

32-bit version = x86

Do you know that you need a separate program to download torrent files? x86 works i used it the other day.

Personally, I would ditch Vista anyway and install XP SP3

Ta! Never ralised that 86 was 32 bit. I have downloaded it and tried running it. Selecting 'repair' prompts the repair utility - exactly the same as when I turn the PC on. Selecting 'install' asks for my serial number. After keying the number (and it's accepted) I have a message that the installation was cancelled. Windows cannot open the required file E:\Sources\Install.wim etc... And error code 0x8007002

Mmmm...

Trev, i am assuming you have downloaded "x86" and burnt the ISO to CD (via Nero? if not what did you use?), you can not run it from source, you need to mount on the system or burn it to disk, via ISO.

The error code is impossible if you have gone to recovery, does your computer boot the dvd/cd first? Have you got to press the keyboard when the cd/dvd is in the drive after the BIOS kicks in?

What do you need on that hard drive? could you replace it and start fresh, then recover the other stuff on the drive at a later date?

I downloaded with Limewire and it burns with Roxio - I asume a basic version of Roxio is a part of the file (I usually use Nero).

I am asked at start up to press any key to continue (with the CD in). After it reads the disc I then have a box whereby I can select language etc. Then I have options which include install or repair. The repair utility does not work. It is the same utility that I am presented at start up and it tries to fix itself. Selecting install gives me the message from my previous post.

I am angry that this has hapened. My Vista worked fine until the SP1 auto update. Why my original recovery disc won't read past 1% only adds fuel to the fire! I guess I need some Acer recovery discs or a Vista disc.

I could start again with a new HDD but I still don't have an OS to put on it.

Ta for your help!!

You could "upgrade" to Linux...........

Thanks Scooby Newbie!