Ironically named Virus destroys control panel

[kimsland]

Does it have a Recovery partition then?

When you first start your computer, you may see a prompt like select F10 (or some key) to get into the recovery area

Note: I'm not taliking about bios, which is usually DEL or F2 key on startup

Now if you don't have a Recovery Partition, then you may be stuck!

Oh

Backup before any recovery

 

[ncl1994]

Hmmn I don't have an F10 key but when I press F8 it comes up with options of repairing my PC, running in various safe modes and running in some sort of driver signing mode. On repairing my pc there is:
Scan for reasons why windows isn't starting
System Restore
Complete System Restore (which doesn't work: The file or directory is not a reparse point (0x80071126)
Memory scan, format or something (can't quite remember)
And one more thing which I can't quite remember either

I never made a files backup disk (apart from a Video Archive which I'm doing) and I didn't make any sort of operating system backup disk (not sure what the options for that would have been)

 

[almcneil]

The recovery partition depends on the manufacturer. Also, you might now be able to access it if you after the MBR in any way. We had that problem at the Dell call centre. If you re-isntall Windows or resize partitions, the MBR is updated and the link to the reocvery partition is overwritten. Very difficult to fix once it's gone.

Watch the initial POST screen and see what key you need to press for the Recovery Partition.

Best,
-- Andy

 

[ncl1994]

When my ACER screen loads up it says 'press F2 for setup'. On my old computer it would have said 'F2 for setup', 'F10 for system recovery' and F5 I think it was for BIOS.

Also do you know which .cpl file the main control panel is? Because I may also have a look through the registry to see it the path has been changed. Or perhaps download the file and replace the current .cpl one which isn't working.

 

[ncl1994]

Well I've had a look I don't think I know enough about the registry to manually locate files which could be messing up the control panel files' directories. I will still look for a way to reinstall the control panel. Is there a command prompt way to do it or should I use a recovery service?

 

[kimsland]

Also do you know which .cpl file the main control panel is?

Sorry for the delay

Yes Control Panel is Start->Run->Control

I am concerned that you do not have a Recovery or Windows setup CD

To prove this, you may need to download Gparted
Which will show all partitions on your computer's harddrive:
http://gparted.sourceforge.net/download.php

 

[ncl1994]

How do I use GParted? *Edit* Sorry don't worry I got it. Just didn' want to break it *Edit*

 

[ncl1994]

Okay I've run the makeboot batch file. What do I do now?

 

[kimsland]

Boot from the ISO Burnt CD

Then confirm howmany partitions you have

 

[geekygirl63]

Post Deleted

 

[ncl1994]

Sorry Kimsland I don't quite know what you mean. Don't mean to be a noob but what is the ISO boot CD?

 

[kimsland]

How do I use GParted? *Edit* Sorry don't worry I got it. Just didn' want to break it *Edit*

You downloaded Gparted
Extracted the Zip file
Then you got an ISO file

That you double click on (usually) and allow your burning software to burn to disc
Then you boot from it
And check howmany partitions you have

 

[ncl1994]

Ah damn I think the zip file within the main folder is corrupted. It says there is an error proccessing the internal ISO image. I'll download it again.

When you say disk that can mean external hard drive right? Or rewritable CD. Either's good for me

 

[kimsland]

Actually just a blank CD

That's why I said Disc (with a C at the end)

But good question

 

[ncl1994]

Sorry to be a ******* :haha:. And thankyou for all this help!

 

[ncl1994]

Time for another noobish question: How do I boot from the disk? Sorry about this, certain computing thing I know loads about but loads of stuff (including this) I haven't a clue about :stickout:

 

[kimsland]

Usually leave the CD in the drive and start your computer, you should be prompted to boot from the boot CD

Unless the Bios has been configured not for CD as first boot option

When you first turn on the computer you should notice a prompt like DEL or F2 (or another key) to get you into Bios (sometimes called Setup or CMOS Settings)

Once in Bios setup screen, navigate (using your keyboard arrow and tab keys) until you find the "Boot Order" (this label may be different as well!)
Confirm CD is listed as the first boot device
Then Save and Exit (which is 99% always F10 key)

Then boot from the bootable CD

 

[ncl1994]

Well I've booted from the CD but there is no change. I used all the GParted's defaults. Should I use any different options?

 

[kimsland]

I'm not sure what you mean

Well I've booted from the CD

So you got the CD to boot?
Then you allowed Gparted to startup?
Then you viewed the partitions?

I used all the defaults. Should I use any different options?

Nothing to do inside Gparted except to view the partitions

 

[ncl1994]

I have four partitions:
Partition Filesystem Label Used Unused
/dev/sda1 NTFS PQSERVICE 9.75 GiB 1016.74 MiB
/dev/sda2 NTFS ACER 45.57 GiB 23.71 GiB Boot
/dev/sda3 NTFS DATA 48.74 GiB 17.53 GiB
/dev/sda4 NTFS 3.26 GiB 1.27 GiB

Hope this is the right info. Sorry about the layout. I hope you can understand

 

[kimsland]

Wow 4 Partitions

I'm glad we didn't just remove them

Looks as though this one may be the restore partition, (but not confirmed) /dev/sda1 NTFS PQSERVICE 9.75 GiB 1016.74 MiB

I do not know the exact key that you press on Acer, actually hang on I'll search...

Hello, Thank you for contacting Acer.

Regarding your enquiry,

It sounds like it may be advisable to perform a system recovery on your machine to rule out that the problem is a software related one. In order to do so, you will need to launch the Disk2Disk recovery feature (which should be supported by your machine). This can be initiated by pressing ALT + F10 when the computer is first switched on. You will need to hold down ALT as soon as the Acer splash screen appears, and repeatedly press F10. The window of opportunity is very small, so this may take a few attempts. The Disk2Disk recovery feature allows you to recover the system without recovery CDs. This will return your system to factory settings and will delete everything stored on the machine. If possible we strongly advise backing up anything important on your machine before starting the recovery process.

If you are unable to complete the recovery process, please do not hesitate to contact us again, as there may be another problem with the machine.

You can also order a complete set of recovery CDs from Acer (for a very reasonable price (this would be preferred)

 

[ncl1994]

Thank you ever so much for helping me and sorry I haven't been replying so frequently recently. Been on the move getting service station Wi-Fi

Right, just before I do this I'll check: I should backup all my precious files on disk, all my documents, music, pictures, and the rest of my videos an any Save Game files from games.

 

[ncl1994]

Brilliant! :grinthumb I managed to backup and restore all of my files and everything is as good as new (well obviously :stickout: ).

Thanks so much for your time and effort. Very much appreciated indeed.

 

[kimsland]

Thanks for the update :grinthumb