Acer ES1-411-C1WD recovery/clone image needed.

LCheap Skate on 09/07/2015 - 18:00
Last edited 09/07/2015 - 18:04

Hi OZB's,

I like many of us here purchased this laptop (Acer ES1-411-C1WD).

Unfortunately I've run into a problem which I can't seem to rectify.

I've done the usual upgrades (ram & SSD), where I've come unstuck is I can't get windows re-installed properly. I've downloaded "windows 8.1 x64 with Bing" and have installed it multiple times with varying issues during installation (constant freezes during installation at different stages). When I am able to get it installed there are issues that I simply cannot fix (non working touch pad and missing PCI drivers) I've tried all the acer drivers, no go.

Now the original HDD isn't recognised by the bios during boot, so I can't clone/image it.

I've contacted Acer support multiple times and their conclusion is that I send the machine in for service/repair. Before I do this I'd like to try one more thing, that's why I'm here to ask whether anyone has an image/recovery of the OS they could share?

Any help with this issue would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

TL;DR - Does anyone has an image/recovery of the stock OS they could share?

Computing Acer Computer Laptop

Comments

  • iridiumstem on 09/07/2015 - 18:04

    Wait, you could get your hands on Windows 8.1 with Bing version? I thought those were strictly for manufacturers… Hmmm, I might've been wrong.
    Just out of curiousity, where have you gotten the Windows 8.1 from?

    • Cheap Skate on 09/07/2015 - 18:17

      I downloaded it via a bittorrent. I'm not sure what the policy is here about sharing bittorrent links though.

      • iridiumstem on 09/07/2015 - 18:18

        I don't think the laptop uses "With Bing" version (I didn't buy them, so if they actually use those, I apologise for my ignorance). Why don't you try getting Windows 8 from MS and try those and see whether that changes anything? The files you've gotten might've been damaged. You could join Insiders program and get the Windows 10 iso from MS as well (I've clean installed W10 on a new SSD before).

        EDIT: It seems that it comes with With Bing version. At least Windows 10 would work?

        • Cheap Skate on 09/07/2015 - 18:37

          Thanks AznMitch, I've tried installing multiple flavours of windows (win 8.1 with bing, win 8.1 pro & win 10) with varying flawed results.

  • GaelicAU on 09/07/2015 - 18:22

    Read this thread. There is plenty of comments and tips from people who have updated from a fresh install.
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/194067#comment

    • Cheap Skate on 09/07/2015 - 18:42

      Thanks GaelicAU, I have already read and tried all the suggestions in the threads posted on OZB. Unfortunately nothing has worked so far.

      • GaelicAU on 09/07/2015 - 20:16

        Maybe place original RAM back in. There is mention of drivers on pg5 that I read. Also be sure after you install that the functions keys are activated for the touch pad etc.

  • rompastompa on 09/07/2015 - 19:02

    If your system is constantly freezing/random issues, you should do a memory test. It may also be a dodgy burn or dodgy iso (though unlikely if you've tried three types of media).

    If your laptop came with Windows 8, it will most likely have the product key entered into the BIOS. With the correct edition (MUST be correct, Win8/Win8Pro/Win8.1/Win8.1Pro), it won't ask for you for a key, and will bring up the hard drives/location to be installed.

    If you have access to a desktop system, you may be able to clone all partitions (including recovery partition) to the SSD.

    When you say that the original HDD cannot be recognized, is that in the BIOS, or in the Boot menu? Is the original hard drive untouched (partitions)?

    • Cheap Skate on 09/07/2015 - 19:35

      Thanks rompastompa, the freezing only happens during installations (getting devices ready etc.).

      The machine came with "windows 8.1 with bing x64" pre-installed which I've had the best results doing a fresh install but run into the PCI driver issues.

      On boot the hdd isn't recognised in the bios, all the partitions should be intact. When I put the hdd in another computer I can see that there are all the usual windows files and folders.

      Do you think it may be possible to still recover from this HDD?

  • kiamsup on 09/07/2015 - 19:56

    Just a very small piece of wisdom. If you do not know what you are doing, don't do it. I also bought the same machine from JBhifi. Upgraded the ram & ssd. No problem or issue. Love this machine. Your machine must be different from mine?

  • geek001 on 09/07/2015 - 21:58

    One thing you could try, take a usb drive, go to one of the retailer stores and ask to have a play with the acer laptop. Plug in your usb drive. Create an emergency backup. Go home, restore backup on your computer. Voila..

    Make sure your usb drive is 16gb or above though, otherwise the recovery software will complain the usb drive is too small.

  • Ambush on 10/07/2015 - 00:11

    I had a problem installing Win 8.1 with a Toshiba 16GB USB 3.0 stick. I had success when I switched to an 8GB USB 2.0 stick.

  • bigticket on 10/07/2015 - 00:34

    Acer laptops have a hidden partition from which you can restore the OS to original factory spec.
    You can access this partition with a keystroke like CTRL F10, I don't remember it exactly, check your manual.

    If you place the original HD in your laptop the keystroke may get you into the recovery partition. Then just restore and start fresh.

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