Solved Recovery from HD failure on Acer Aspire M5-581T, Win8

largodad

New Member
Messages
9
My system started pausing/freezing, log files showing some errors about not finding some *.dll files. The system will still boot; I enabled the administrator account, but have lost the original user profile. All the docs/files are still there in the usual c:\users\username\... directories. Installed Seagate's SEATOOLS app and it reported a failure, not completing the process. I used the recovery app from Acer and created a bootable recovery device (Seagate expansion portable drive) and a CD of drivers and apps. I am told this system has a small SSD, but it is hidden because it is for the OS, Win8.

I've put an identical replacement drive in; I changed bios to boot from the external USB device and it comes up in what appears to be recovery mode. I select option to completely refresh system, but it then comes up with "drive where windows is installed is locked". I select the reset option, it asks whether I want to re-partition. If I select yes, it returns 'unable to reset pc system drive cannot be found'. If I select no to repartition, it returns 'unable to reset. A required drive partition is missing.'

Using the recovery app, I can get to command prompt; it comes up as windows ver 6.2.9200, x:\windows\system32, The c:\ dir<enter> command returns efi (D), bootmgr, boot (D), bootmgr.efs and sources (D). I insert another usb stick and those files show up correctly.

Also, a byproduct of installing drive it indicates it can't find a battery now!

Any suggestions as to why the reset or recovery options are not able to see the replacement drive? Since I used a Seagate expansion portable drive rather than a 16gb USB drive, is that the problem? I believe Win8 won't allow the use of a DVD for the recovery process (size issue?).

Could I consider doing a reformat and clean install of Win7 pro? Will I need to change the boot bios setting from UEFI to legacy? Would I still be able to reinstall Win8 at some point in the future if necessary, or should I try to work with the Win8 configuration?

Thanks for your assistance.
Tom
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W8
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire M5-581T
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3337U
    Memory
    6gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6 widescreen 1366 x 768
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    Seagate 500gb, 20gb SSD
    Browser
    Chrome
Sounds like it is really messed up and you are losing a lot of time and headaches.

It would be better to do a factory restore, you could order factory restore discs from Acer for a nominal charge if the recovery partition is corrupted. Make sure that the drive is healthy, do the S.M.A.R.T. test diagnosis tool from Acer verifying the health of the disc. As always, backup your data first.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1 Update 1 Pro 64bit
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Pavillion H8-1202
    CPU
    I7-2600 @ 3.4 GHz
    Motherboard
    PEGATRON
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NIVDIA GeForce GT 520
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC656GR CODEC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster S22B350
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080 32 bit color
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 850 EVO SSD 500GB
    Keyboard
    Razer Blackwidow Ultimate 2013
    Mouse
    Logitech M510
Sounds like it is really messed up and you are losing a lot of time and headaches.

It would be better to do a factory restore, you could order factory restore discs from Acer for a nominal charge if the recovery partition is corrupted. Make sure that the drive is healthy, do the S.M.A.R.T. test diagnosis tool from Acer verifying the health of the disc. As always, backup your data first.

Yes, time is an issue.
I did the SMART option on Seagate's Seatool and there were no errors. The Seatool long test is where the app came back indicating failure. I've got a new drive in there, but the recovery app on the external drive is not successful as noted above. I don't want to try to re-use a failing drive.

Could it be that I am useing the Seagate expansion drive, rather than a USB stick; both using USB connections.

I'll see what I can do about getting the recovery disks from Acer or creating a USB recovery device.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks.
Tom
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W8
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire M5-581T
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3337U
    Memory
    6gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6 widescreen 1366 x 768
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    Seagate 500gb, 20gb SSD
    Browser
    Chrome
Yes, time is an issue.

I'll see what I can do about getting the recovery disks from Acer or creating a USB recovery device.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks.
Tom

Yes get your recovery disks from Acer, whatever you had for the recovery partition is probably not reliable anyway. When you system is back up and running healthy then create your USB recovery stick. Best to get rid of the bloat ware first.

If you haven't already done so backup your data above all else.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1 Update 1 Pro 64bit
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Pavillion H8-1202
    CPU
    I7-2600 @ 3.4 GHz
    Motherboard
    PEGATRON
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NIVDIA GeForce GT 520
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC656GR CODEC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster S22B350
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080 32 bit color
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 850 EVO SSD 500GB
    Keyboard
    Razer Blackwidow Ultimate 2013
    Mouse
    Logitech M510
update

Just letting you know I've ordered the recovery disks from Acer and waiting on delivery. I will be creating a new system disk and let you know the status.
Thanks.
Tom
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W8
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire M5-581T
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3337U
    Memory
    6gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6 widescreen 1366 x 768
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    Seagate 500gb, 20gb SSD
    Browser
    Chrome
received distribution disks

I've received the dist disks purchased from Acer (~$20.00). One system disk, three recovery disks and a language disk. I successfully installed W8 on the REPLACEMENT drive and started to re-configure apps and site logins. System appears to be running fine.

Selected a Windows update and have encountered a problem. There were a couple of hundred updates necessary, I allowed them all to be processed. It indicated success and to select restart. I left machine for a period of time and it came back with message "failure configuring windows update reverting changes do no turn off computer". I let that run (overnight at this point) and the activity indicator was still running in the morning - no other messages on screen. Powered off/on system and it would not boot. I thought maybe the power management may have put the machine to sleep during its reverting process, so I installed from dist again. Selected 3 of the updates, let it process; received same "failure configuring ..." message, but this time it was successful in reverting. That is where the system sits now. While installing Chrome, FF etc I did notice that the power mgt icon was showing 'no battery is detected'. I had not closed up the case completely yet, in case I had other issues. I found that the battery needs to be grounded and that is accomplished when a couple of the case screws are re-installed, as a possible solution. I will be trying that shortly.

I will create a new issue regarding the Windows update problem specifically.

Thanks
Tom
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W8
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire M5-581T
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3337U
    Memory
    6gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6 widescreen 1366 x 768
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    Seagate 500gb, 20gb SSD
    Browser
    Chrome
Installing the updates in batches of 5 or 10 at a time saves a lot of frustration. If you are still having trouble installing the updates, use the Windows Update troubleshooter in the troubleshooting section of Action Center or from here:
Troubleshoot problems with installing updates - Windows Help
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1 Update 1 Pro 64bit
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Pavillion H8-1202
    CPU
    I7-2600 @ 3.4 GHz
    Motherboard
    PEGATRON
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NIVDIA GeForce GT 520
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC656GR CODEC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster S22B350
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080 32 bit color
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 850 EVO SSD 500GB
    Keyboard
    Razer Blackwidow Ultimate 2013
    Mouse
    Logitech M510
Installing the updates in batches of 5 or 10 at a time saves a lot of frustration. If you are still having trouble installing the updates, use the Windows Update troubleshooter in the troubleshooting section of Action Center or from here:
Troubleshoot problems with installing updates - Windows Help

After the second restore that is what i did. It was not successful when I manually checked only three of the possible updates. It downloaded them, attempted the install, then indicated failure, but was able to revert back successfully. System works, but without the updates.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W8
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire M5-581T
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3337U
    Memory
    6gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6 widescreen 1366 x 768
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    Seagate 500gb, 20gb SSD
    Browser
    Chrome
And if you try those first 3 updates one at a time do they go through?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1 Update 1 Pro 64bit
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Pavillion H8-1202
    CPU
    I7-2600 @ 3.4 GHz
    Motherboard
    PEGATRON
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NIVDIA GeForce GT 520
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC656GR CODEC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster S22B350
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080 32 bit color
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 850 EVO SSD 500GB
    Keyboard
    Razer Blackwidow Ultimate 2013
    Mouse
    Logitech M510
And if you try those first 3 updates one at a time do they go through?

Yes, if I do one at a time they work. There were approx 78; I've done about 6, some required reboot, others did not. Rebooted system and everything appears to be working. The majority of the updates are MS .net Framework 3.5 on W8 and Wserver 2012 for x64. Could I just try to find a complete .Net Framework 3.5 and 4.5 download as alternative to individual updates? There are about 40 .Net, others are security updates for W8. I have the KB article numbers I've installed if necessary.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W8
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire M5-581T
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3337U
    Memory
    6gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6 widescreen 1366 x 768
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    Seagate 500gb, 20gb SSD
    Browser
    Chrome
I am unaware of any Framework update package that would be available. Security up dates should not be a problem.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1 Update 1 Pro 64bit
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Pavillion H8-1202
    CPU
    I7-2600 @ 3.4 GHz
    Motherboard
    PEGATRON
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NIVDIA GeForce GT 520
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC656GR CODEC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster S22B350
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080 32 bit color
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 850 EVO SSD 500GB
    Keyboard
    Razer Blackwidow Ultimate 2013
    Mouse
    Logitech M510
Thanks

Thanks for all your help. I'll continue the update process, making restore points along the way and then hopefully will be able to restore the data backups.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W8
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire M5-581T
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3337U
    Memory
    6gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6 widescreen 1366 x 768
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    Seagate 500gb, 20gb SSD
    Browser
    Chrome
Once you are fully updated you should have not have future problems.

As a suggestion, use Macrium Reflect (Free) to create an image backup on a external HD once healthy so you will not have to go through this routine in the future.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1 Update 1 Pro 64bit
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Pavillion H8-1202
    CPU
    I7-2600 @ 3.4 GHz
    Motherboard
    PEGATRON
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NIVDIA GeForce GT 520
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC656GR CODEC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster S22B350
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080 32 bit color
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 850 EVO SSD 500GB
    Keyboard
    Razer Blackwidow Ultimate 2013
    Mouse
    Logitech M510
thanks. I will look into the backup solution you mentioned.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W8
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire M5-581T
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3337U
    Memory
    6gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6 widescreen 1366 x 768
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    Seagate 500gb, 20gb SSD
    Browser
    Chrome
Completed

Just finalizing this issue. Installation with the recovery disks from Acer and a new hard drive completed the process. The issue with the system not seeing the battery after I did the installation was resolved when I closed the system back up after testing. Must be some type of issue with grounding with one of the case screws.

Thanks
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W8
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire M5-581T
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3337U
    Memory
    6gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6 widescreen 1366 x 768
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    Seagate 500gb, 20gb SSD
    Browser
    Chrome
Glad you got it sorted out.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1 Update 1 Pro 64bit
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Pavillion H8-1202
    CPU
    I7-2600 @ 3.4 GHz
    Motherboard
    PEGATRON
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NIVDIA GeForce GT 520
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC656GR CODEC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster S22B350
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080 32 bit color
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 850 EVO SSD 500GB
    Keyboard
    Razer Blackwidow Ultimate 2013
    Mouse
    Logitech M510
Back
Top