Format and factory install a Gateway Laptop

[Yard Dog]

Seems that something is not right as far as this not working. RKill stops the processes associated the malware rogue, I am thinking that it has hidden something that you did not stop. Use the Rkill and then continue with the steps in order again. Lets give the full steps a try again please. I see no other way unless you just order yourself a new OEM disk from your computer manufacture for a small fee. Bleeping Computer removal guides are written by Expert people and this should work if followed step by step, Please try again .

 

[elzorro2003]

So i have done every step 3 times already. from rkill, to tdsskiller to mbam.

The desktop is there now, but still, the programs in the start menu show "empty" and also, the control panel doesn't show either. It's strange because the instructions said to make sure not to delete any temp folders, and I didn't.

So i'm assuming there is no way to "RUN" the partition drive? Is my only hope here to order the Gateway Recovery Disks?

 

[Yard Dog]

One thing to possibly try, Run it 3 times, then restart and see if you are ' fixed " Post back how this worked please : http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/66978-system-files-sfc-command.html

 

[elzorro2003]

I will try this. However, I just did a search on the start menu for "restore" and it did find the back up and restore center. I don't see in there anything that says restore back to factory default. The options it gives me are "Back Up Files" and "Restore Files"

I also searched for control panel and it found that as well.

I'm wondering since it found these 2 things, is there anything else I can "Search" for that will find the factory default shortcut?

 

[Yard Dog]

If i am correct, advanced options in the restore may get you to it. . Try the SFC scans . and lets see.. now, you did in fact do the unhide exe step. correct ?

 

[elzorro2003]

ok let me run this and i'll let you know. yes, I did the unhide program like 3 or 4 times. It unhid the desktop but nothing else. I'll report back. thanks.

 

[elzorro2003]

by the way, for step C and D when it asks for full file path, what should I enter?

C) sfc /scanfile=(full path of file)

 

[Yard Dog]

sfc /scannow should be all needed . Does that not work ?

 

[elzorro2003]

it's still running. so I shouldn't do the VERIFYONLY part?

 

[elzorro2003]

So SCANNOW ran and it said it didn't find any integrity violations.

 

[Yard Dog]

Let that one do what it does.. do it 3 times please , then i want you to restart and try the steps on that page 88 or 89 of your manual again. Post how that works out.

 

[elzorro2003]

OK so I did all of this.

It does the same it did earlier. When I go to "REPAIR COMPUTER" it then takes me to a screen and it says "OTHER USER" When I click on that it takes me to a user and password form. I try entering "admin" "Administrator" my own name and it always says the same thing, something like "This domain can not be contacted and is not specified".

What can I try from here?

 

[Yard Dog]

Well, you gave it all you could give it . re: Gateway Support - Full Factory Recovery no work,, dang .. you may have to just go ahead and spend a few bucks. shipping and such. read this : http://www.vistax64.com/vista-news/...-discs-how-get-replacement-media-legally.html

 

[elzorro2003]

Thanks for trying to help me fix it. I'll go ahead and see if I can order those discs, unless you know how to try and "find" the recovery center from that start menu.

 

[Yard Dog]

Well, if you can not find it in start > search . then i have no idea, UNLESS a developer can help you out. I am shot out on ideas.. Good Luck either way.

 

[elzorro2003]

Wow, do check this out. I tried to get the recovery center from GATEWAY and they just responded:

" unfortunately the recovery CD is not available for your computer, but you can still purchase a retail version windows disc and if you purchase such a disc, you will get all support regarding the operating system from Microsoft. "

Amazing. Do you know of any other places I can try and buy one? thanks.

 

[Yard Dog]

Dang, how old is your computer ? I am out of ideas, maybe someone else can assist.

 

[townsbg]

If you have a computer that supports Vista than it can probably support 7 provided there are drivers for it. Note that some Vista drivers work on 7 whereas some don't. That said you can buy an OEM copy of 7 home premium for $100 usd from Newegg. Technically you are suppose to be a system builder to buy an OEM license but Newegg doesn't care. Also an OEM license can only be used on one computer unless you buy a multi-license copy. Microsoft will not let that copy of 7 be transferred to another computer. Otherwise you can go with Linux for free.

 

[elzorro2003]

Thanks. The computer is like 4 years old. 2mb ram 1.46 ghz. I did find a company called restoredisks.com let's hope that works and it's not a scam !

 

[townsbg]

I suggest that you research them first. Not only might they rip you off but they might provide you an illegal or overused license. If you use your own license then you shouldn't have any problems there provided you get the disk for your model.