What is the procedure for "reloading" the OS?

jeffd
jeffd Member Posts: 4 New User
in 2013 Archives

I had problems with windows 7 hotfix installations and the windows suggestion was to repair (update) the OS from the system discs. So I did that using a matching win7 OS that I have around the house. I had known I'd need my product key at some point, but didn't realize the product key sticker on my aspire has been worn away and I can't read the complete key.

 

I called support and was told that they have no way to give me my OS key. I was also told Acer doesn't have unique keys for each PC. Microsoft told me Acer better have provided a unique key for every PC they sell and that the key is on the sticker. Acer's response was that they don't have unique product key with the computer. I understand there's and OEM key which is the factory installed key, but that doesn't work for activating the OS.  The rep was kind enough to tell me that if I "reload" the OS to the laptop the key will be restored and I won't destroy my files. That is what I need. But there's no description of how to reload the OS, there's lots of descriptions of how to restore the OS, but that's distructive.

 

I have a set of 5 discs which I got from Acer including a Recovery Disc. But, I've found no documentation for what I'm trying to do. There's a message here on the board which also references reloading from the recovery disc, but stops short of describing how to do it. It may be a simple and straight-forward process, but I've got too much on this disk to risk doing the wrong thing. I know what I'm doing with PCs *and my data is backed up*, I'm just clueless about the Acer software and don't want to have to reinstall all my applications. Some applications are eduction related and will be very difficult to replace.

 

Is there a guide for how to do the non-distructive reload of the OS so I can restore the OEM key?

Answers

  • sjfishon
    sjfishon Member Posts: 6 New User

    i am not really sure i understand all. but,, if you are still running your system you can do a system restore, this will take you back, to a point where you did not have any problems, just go to the control pannel, type in system restore, it will give you a choice of dates, go back and restore, many times this will be a simple fix, good luck

  • jeffd
    jeffd Member Posts: 4 New User

    Thanks for the suggestion, but that's not exactly what I need to do. Apparently something in the system is not in a favorable state. Windows sfc also reports a problem with a similar soution method. So the windows restore point may not work given that something happened outside of an update and I don't frequently create restore points.

     

    Windows was having a problem with installing some hotfixes. The solution from Microsoft's knowledge base to recover the system involves "updating" the operating system. This process uses a Windows Installer to replace all the system files with known good file without messing with installed programs or user documents. The problem is that this updating of the OS overwrites the OEM product key installed on the computer. Normally it's not a problem, to fix just use the product key which comes on a sticker with the PC (there's a sticker attached to every window's licensed pc sold with a unique product key), but my product key has worn away to the point where I can't read one of the sequences of characters.  My laptop keeps nagging me to enter the product key.

     

    I was told to do by Acer/Gateway support is to use the "reload" option which is part of 5-disc RECOVER set I have. The rep said I could find directions for how to do this online. There is a sheet of paper which came with the disc but provides steps to "restore" the system (ie restore the disk to a factory state, and wipe out my files) My concern is the disc set has no documentation on how to do this "reload". I just want to be able to run a the correct piece of software which Acer provided to reload the system files from this disc set, without trashing my data, so the OEM product key gets restored to my system.

     

    Side note: Acer phone support says there is no unique product key per computer. But according to microsoft there better be a unique product key sticker on every computer sold, otherwise Acer is in violation of their licensing agreement. Microsoft wanted specifics on the laptop. I calmed them down my telling them I have a sticker, but I just can't read it. They said Acer should be able to provide me that key. But MS wasn't sure if Acer would keep that information or just put the sticker on the laptop and be done.

  • sjfishon
    sjfishon Member Posts: 6 New User

    even if your product key is worn off, you can still get it, as i remember go to my computer, right click, then click properties, then find windows actavation heading, from there you should be able to find the key; good luck, let me know''

  • sjfishon
    sjfishon Member Posts: 6 New User

    i just checked mine,, i have windows 8, i go to control pannel, then system, then at the bottom of the page, it shows the complete product key,,,,,,,,,,,,,yours will to;;

  • jeffd
    jeffd Member Posts: 4 New User

    Thanks for the idea, but the one that comes back is the default one from the windows repair. I should have written it down before I did the repair, now I'm stuck. The reload is suppose to restore the OEM key, I just need to figure out how do to that instead of the factory restore.

  • sjfishon
    sjfishon Member Posts: 6 New User

    was hopeing that was it,  i dont know, the only other thing, look through all the paperwork  that came with it. they used to send a copy of it, itwas yellow,  will keep thinking..........

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