b/u vista

bougght acer aspinre laptop. it seeems not to have Vista CD.

how do i make a backup copy of Windows Vista. bear in mind i don't have any
Pdt. Key as no Vista media was included in box.

BTW: is this SOP or should i be looking for Vista CD with computer?

Most computer manufacturers who pre-install Windows do not include an
installation DVD. Some will include a recovery DVD that will reset the
system back to the state it was in when you purchased the PC.

Some manufacturers will install a hidden partition on the hard drive that
can be used to recover the system, but this works just like the recovery DVD
and will just reset the system back to the state it was in when you
purchased the system. Your computer manual should explain what type of
recovery options are included with the system.

The product key should be on a sticker attached to the bottom of the laptop.

Depending on the version of Vista that you purchased, there are backup
programs included that you can use. Go to Start/All
Programs/Accessories/System Tools/Backup status and configuration to see
what optins you have.

--

Ronnie Vernon
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User


"joblow" <joblow@xxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1D7E8CE2-DAFC-42E5-A600-A93FDB83501D@xxxxxx

On Fri, 28 Sep 2007 09:24:01 -0700, joblow
<joblow@xxxxxx> wrote:


OEM vendors are required by their agreement with Microsoft to give you
a means of reinstalling, should it be necessary. They can do this in
one of three ways:

1. An OEM copy of Windows
2. A restore CD
3. A hidden partition on your drive, with restore information.

If you don't have 1 or 2, you should have 3, but you should contact
your vendor to find out.

Personally, I find both 2 and 3 unacceptable (especially 3; a hard
drive crash can leave you with nothing), and would never choose to buy
a computer that came with an operating system unless I got a complete
generic installation CD for that operating system.

As far as how to create a CD (or whether you even can), unless someone
else here knows exactly what Acer provides (I don't), you should ask
Acer.

--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP Windows - Shell/User
Please Reply to the Newsgroup

i know this is probably like starbucks calling a small coffee, large, but
what is difference between OEM windows vista and recovery or restore cd?

nfortunately there is no docs with acer aspire.

so i open "backup satus and configuration" and yo can clik to box that ask you
'which disks do yo want to include in backup?'

choices are

Acer(c)system)
or
Data(D)

it will not let me choose acer (c)system)


what do i do next?

Ken Blake, MVP wrote: joblow, I made the same mistake and bought an Acer recently. The
salesman assured me that on bootup, I would be given one (and only one)
chance of creating a 'Vista Business' CD.

I got no such option.

As Ken says, there is a hidden partition on the drive (see at the
'eRecovery' tool) which allows you to restore the factory image of the
OS. (I also find this a pathetic option, even if you are able to back it
up onto a CD.)

When I asked ACER Europe (where I am) about the promised 'Vista CD' I
got a bland 'Use the eRecovery facilities provided' answer.

Never Acer again.

You should have a Empoweing Technology Icon on your desktop....by opening
this and going to the Erecovery section you will see the various options for
creating a backup disk....setting up a F key recovery at start up.....the
ability to reinstall specific programs or everything.On Your C drives you
should also have a directory called BOOK in which you will find the manual
in .pdf format which explains all of the options available under Empowering
Technology

I personally used Acronis True Image and imaged my HD to an external HD and
made an Acronis Emergency recovery disk which does not need the OS in order
to place that image back.
peter
"joblow" <joblow@xxxxxx> wrote in message
news:0E95453E-DCE4-46FB-AD71-09CEE8ADC844@xxxxxx

thanks all ..i will try my best to folow thess directions.

but i agree with ken,,,,

no acer ever again......

way to go acer,,,,,making computing MORE dificult