Aspire F15-572: Clean Install?

Hi,

I'll be given an F15-572something from a (sry) complete noob for a clean-install of Windows 10 (apparantly preinstalled) after a recovery-attempt due to a corrupted Windows-Update.... (i doubt there will be another choice than clean-install)

Unfortunatly, all signs stand for "she will not provide the needed media for a clean-install" aso.

Questions - as I never had an Aspire (or Win10) to tinker with:

a) how to perform a clean-install? Is there a "reset by manufacturer"-Option in the Alt-F10-Settings to do so? (that will do clean-install without leaving traces of the old installation on the c: drive?)

b) if there is no "reset by manufacturer" - can i use Microsoft's Diskmaker to create a Win10-DVD and use that to reinstall? (will the Serial-Number be taken from UEFI or..?)

c) are there any Aspire-specific Shortcuts (like entering UEFI to boot from USB or DVD etc) that could come in handy?

(Thanks for any other hint for an "Aspire-F-Series specific install" - i already downloaded all drivers for the F15 i found on the support-page ;-)

Accepted answers

All comments

IronFly

a) if your recovery still works Alt+F10 kyes will gives you the option to do a factory reset, so your laptop will be reset as the first day you bought it (option will be reset or refresh - reset will do a factory reset< refresh will just revert any windows OS changes retaining your files);

b) you can use Microsoft download utility to create an USB/DVD bootable media (i suggest USB, way more quicker), the product key will be read automatically, if not, simply skip the product key request step and it will authenticate at first web connection

c) on BIOS (press F2 at boot to enter) you can enable F12 key to manage the bootable device (option is under BOOT tab on BIOS), so when you boot, you can press F12 and then choose DVD or USB to boot

mike-k

Thanks IronFly

I have used the "reset with retaining the files"-Option, but the owner of the Aspire said it now runs terribly slow, that's why she wants a clean install...

So if I use the option without retaining any files, i'll get a fresh install with a "clean" harddisc (except the "bloatware"-preinstallations)?

If not - the USB-Option (good hint, thanks - long time since i installed a windows Smiley Wink takes effect; how did Acer solve the "repair-function"? Is there a hidden partition (as seen on some Vaio's) i should leave untempered?

Thanks for the Bios-Shortcuts :-)

IronFly

Yes, it will do a factory reset but if there are 2 partitions C: -

, normally will be erased only the C:.

There's an hidden partition marked as recovery.

mike-k

TNX :-)

mike-k

A little followup:

The F15 put up a real fight.

First, the Recovery somehow stalled.

The USB-Stick and the DVD (took both, they've been working in a Virtualbox-Enviroment) couldn't start on the Aspire (any Linux-DVD or Stick worked)

2nd Recovery worked, but took hours.

Bios-Changes (Boot-Order) didn't do anything; F12 neither, had to go via Alt-F10 all the time...

But finally, i had a clean Windows running (well after removing all the bloatwares.)...

(but I seriously considered "installing Linux and give the owner 5 free hours of Linux-Training")

Just to be prepaired for a "next time": are the F15 somewhat picky when it comes to USB-Sticks with images on it, or is there a "trick" to get a Win10-Installation-Stick (created with the Microsoft-Tool) running?

The Recovery-Option is fairly to unstable/slow and needs far too much "afterwork" to get the System clean...

IronFly

normally i create the windows 10 USB bootable media with Rufus and iso file:

1) download a windows 10 iso using Microsof tool:
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=691209
select the proper windows 10 version (the same installed on your laptop) and choose to save it as iso file when prompted
2) download Rufus:
http://rufus.akeo.ie/?locale=en_US
plug your USB flash drive, run Rufus then:
select ISO image from the dropdown menu near "Create a bootable disk"
click on the little icon on the right and browse to the windows 10 downloaded iso file
as Partitions scheme select "GPT partition scheme for UEFI"
as File system select "FAT32"
click on Start
wait until it finish, then uplug your USB flash drive

mike-k

Well I didn't use Rufus, but a tool that works similar (Stick is with GPT and Fat32...?!), the burned iso didn't work either...?! Well. Will try one with Rufus next time... Maybe..? (Funny thing - either Stick and Disc worked in a Vbox (set up with UEFI))