I can't access the system recovery of my e-machine desktop (windows vista)

Question

I can't access the system recovery of my e-machine desktop (windows vista)

Anonymous

My computer didn't come with any cd's, the system recovery cd's supposly are installed in the computer but when I use F10 to access the recovery system it takes me to windows instead of the recovery system features. What can I do

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Answer 1

http://www.emachines.com/support/product_support.html

You will have to contact eMachines for any problems with their Recovery Process.

It is their Recovery Software/Process, not Microsoft's.

Contact eMachines for the EXACT way to use their Recovery Process.

How to obtain Vista recovery Media and/or use the Vista Recovery Partition on your computer.

There is no legal free Vista download available.

Contact your Computer Manufacturer and ask them to send you a set of Vista Recovery disk/s.

They normally do that for a small $ cost.

Also, ask them if you have a Recovery Partition on your Computer/Laptop to restore it to Factory settings.

See if a Manual came with the computer, or go to the Manufacturer's website, email or phone them for info on how to do a Recovery.

Normally, you would press F10 or F11 at Startup to commence the Recovery Process..

Another way I have seen on some models is to tap F8, and go to a list of Startup options, and start a Factory Standards Recovery from in there, by selecting the Repair computer option.

You can also make Recovery Disk/s from the Recovery Partition in case of Hard Driver failure or System Crash.

They will tell you how to do that.

Each Computer Manufacturer has their way of making Recovery Disk/s.

Or borrow a proper Microsoft Vista DVD(not Dell, HP, etc).

A proper Vista DVD contains all Vista versions.

The Product Key determines which Vista version gets installed.

There are 2 Vista disks: one for 32bit Operating System, and one for 64bit Operating System.

If a clean install is required with a proper Vista DVD (not HP, Dell Recovery Disks):

Go into your Bios/Setup, or Boot Menu, at startup, and change the Boot Order to make the DVD/CD drive 1st in the Boot Order, then reboot with the disk in the Drive.

At startup/power on you should see at the bottom of the screen either F2 or DELETE, to go into Bios/Setup, or F12 for the Boot Menu

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/918884

MS advice on doing clean install.

http://www.theeldergeekvista.com/vista_clean_installation.htm

A Tutorial on doing a clean install

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_install_03.asp

Windows Vista Installation Super Guide

After installation > Go to your Laptop/Computer Manufacturer's website > Drivers and Downloads Section > Key in your Model number > Look for latest Vista Drivers for it > Download/install them.

Save all Data, as it will be lost during a clean install.

Cheers.

Mick Murphy - Microsoft Partner