Acer recovery mode not working. Out of luck?

I have a client with a Acer Aspire 5733Z-4633 running Windows 7 stuck at a "windows cannot complete the installation. To install windows on this computer, restart the installation" error with a constant loop of this message when rebooting. Apparently this happened while his son was applying an update to Windows 7.

I'm trying to get into recovery mode and reformat/reset to factory settings.

After numerous attempts, ALT + F10 only brings up a "Edit Boot Options" screen, none specific to Windows. While fighting with the "Windows Startup Error" screen at the same time, It's as if the recovery mode does not exist whenever attempted.

The recovery DVD specific to the serial number is out of stock on the Acer website.

I can search online for a Acer XP cd as a last ditch effort to get the machine running again, but what are my options other than that to get 7 back on it?

Of course, I have every generic OS OEM disk except for Acer.

-Blez

 

You can burn functional Windows 7 discs with these files:

Home Premium (32bit)
http://msft-dnl.digitalrivercontent.net/msvista/pub/X15-65732/X15-65732.iso


Home Premium (64bit)

http://msft-dnl.digitalrivercontent.net/msvista/pub/X15-65733/X15-65733.iso


All you need is a program like ImgBurn, or Nero to create a bootable disc. And yes, you will need a valid license key. And, you most likley will need a USB stick for drivers. Often if the install sees a previous Windows installation, it will put the data in a folder called Windows.old. All you have to do when completed, is copy whatever you want from it, and delete it.

If you have an Apricorn DriveWire tool, there is the possiblity of recovering the files from the old install via a USB interface.

How much memory is installed?

 

Thank you, I use Nero as an image burner, always works with this type of thing. The license key off the label on the laptop will work, right?

 

Yep.

And pick the right version too. Most likely 64-bit. You will also need a USB stick to gather any drivers you may need from Acer's site. If you get the wireless, or the ethernet card up that may be all you need to get started.

And, you'll be doing ALOT of updates. This is not an SP1 .iso, nor does it have dotnet 4 either.

 

Excellent. I already have the audio, video, wi-fi, chipset drivers on my flash drive for him since I knew I'd have to go this route.