Solved Windows 8 laptop HDD dead? Pondering resurrection options

twinbee

New Member
Messages
13
Basically, my Acer Aspire laptop's HDD appeared to have died, since I boot and it says "No Bootable Device". And under BIOS, under the 'Boot' tab and next to "HDD:", it is blank. However, I took the HDD out the computer, put it into a external HDD caddy/enclosure, and it still makes a whirring sound, so I'm not convinced it's completely dead. Unfortunately, when connecting the HDD/caddy to another computer, I can't access the files from the broken HDD (no disk appears under the Computer / Hard Disk Drives window).

I contacted Acer who said unless I have a recovery disk (I don't), I can't reinstall Windows 8. They would charge £50 to send a recovery disk to me (complete rip-off).

So options...

I'm wondering if the MBR may be broken. Is this a possibility? Can I use a Windows 7 CD (which I have) to fix the Windows 8 HDD? More specifically, can I use the Windows 7 CD to fix the MBR for the Windows 8 HDD?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit 9600 Multiprocessor Free
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    GenuineIntel (ProcessorID=BFEBFBFF00030678)
    CPU
    Intel(R) Celeron(R) CPU N2840 @ 2.16GHz
    Motherboard
    Acer, Base Board, Aspire ES1-512, V1.07
    Memory
    4.00 GB - Samsung, SODIMM
    Graphics Card(s)
    Microsoft Basic Display Adapter (Device ID = VideoController1)
    Sound Card
    Microsoft - High Definition Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768 x 32 bits (4294967296 colors) @ 1 Hz
    Hard Drives
    Crucial_CT512M550SSD1, 476.94 GB, 3 partitions
    PSU
    -
    Case
    -
    Cooling
    -
    Keyboard
    -
    Mouse
    Microsoft wireless mouse
    Internet Speed
    Fiber
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    No
    Other Info
    Language: English (United Kingdom) - English (United Kingdom)
    BIOS: Insyde Corp. V1.07
If it's still spinning but making noise and the PC can't see the drive then it is dead. In this case you have no choice but to replace the HD.
If you know the Windows 8.1 version in your PC then you can download Windows 8.1 from the link below and install it, the key is embedded in your MB and will activate for you. Just make sure you download the same version as before.

Create installation media for Windows 8.1 - Windows Help
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1x64PWMC Ubuntu14.04x64 MintMate17x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Brewed
    CPU
    I7 4970K OC'ed @4.7 GHz
    Motherboard
    MSI-Z97
    Memory
    16 GB G-Skill Trident X @2400MHZ
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTS 450
    Sound Card
    X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Professional Series
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dual HP-W2408
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1200
    Hard Drives
    256 GB M2 sm951, (2) 500GB 850EVO, 5TB, 2 TB Seagate
    PSU
    Antec 850W
    Case
    Antec 1200
    Cooling
    Danger Den H20
    Keyboard
    Logitech
    Mouse
    Logitech Performance Mouse MX
    Internet Speed
    35/12mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
So if the MBR is wrecked, then in theory, you're saying the drive should still show under BIOS?

Thanks. Just out of interest, is it possible to use a Win 7 DVD installation disc to attempt to repair a Win8 HD? (for MBR stuff etc.)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit 9600 Multiprocessor Free
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    GenuineIntel (ProcessorID=BFEBFBFF00030678)
    CPU
    Intel(R) Celeron(R) CPU N2840 @ 2.16GHz
    Motherboard
    Acer, Base Board, Aspire ES1-512, V1.07
    Memory
    4.00 GB - Samsung, SODIMM
    Graphics Card(s)
    Microsoft Basic Display Adapter (Device ID = VideoController1)
    Sound Card
    Microsoft - High Definition Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768 x 32 bits (4294967296 colors) @ 1 Hz
    Hard Drives
    Crucial_CT512M550SSD1, 476.94 GB, 3 partitions
    PSU
    -
    Case
    -
    Cooling
    -
    Keyboard
    -
    Mouse
    Microsoft wireless mouse
    Internet Speed
    Fiber
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    No
    Other Info
    Language: English (United Kingdom) - English (United Kingdom)
    BIOS: Insyde Corp. V1.07
So if the MBR is wrecked, then in theory, you're saying the drive should still show under BIOS?

Thanks. Just out of interest, is it possible to use a Win 7 DVD installation disc to attempt to repair a Win8 HD? (for MBR stuff etc.)
I updated the previous post above. Please read on how to download Windows 8.1.

BIOS still can see it If the MBR is corrupted. If it does not recognize it then how can you do a repair ?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1x64PWMC Ubuntu14.04x64 MintMate17x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Brewed
    CPU
    I7 4970K OC'ed @4.7 GHz
    Motherboard
    MSI-Z97
    Memory
    16 GB G-Skill Trident X @2400MHZ
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTS 450
    Sound Card
    X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Professional Series
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dual HP-W2408
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1200
    Hard Drives
    256 GB M2 sm951, (2) 500GB 850EVO, 5TB, 2 TB Seagate
    PSU
    Antec 850W
    Case
    Antec 1200
    Cooling
    Danger Den H20
    Keyboard
    Logitech
    Mouse
    Logitech Performance Mouse MX
    Internet Speed
    35/12mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
Getting there... Windows 8 installed on the new SSD successfully. Almost...

the key is embedded in your MB and will activate for you.
If only it were that easy... When I look to see if Windows 8 is activated, it claims it isn't.

When I try to activate Windows, it says: "That key can't be used to activate this edition of Windows. Please try a different key.". I've tried both the "Single Language" version and the standard Windows 8.1 version from the program in the link you supplied. Painfully went through the entire process twice.

My laptop is this one:
Aspire ES1-512 | Laptops - Tech Specs & Reviews - Acer

For help installing the key, I used this article found here. I initially obtained a temporary generic key because Windows wanted that at the beginning of the installation onto the SSD. Once Win8 was fully up and running, I then used the program "RW Everything" to obtain the real key that's stored in the BIOS. Is there a special OEM version of Windows 8.1? Shall I try the ISO from something like here?: Windows 8.1 OEM Core Single Language 64 Bit Download
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit 9600 Multiprocessor Free
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    GenuineIntel (ProcessorID=BFEBFBFF00030678)
    CPU
    Intel(R) Celeron(R) CPU N2840 @ 2.16GHz
    Motherboard
    Acer, Base Board, Aspire ES1-512, V1.07
    Memory
    4.00 GB - Samsung, SODIMM
    Graphics Card(s)
    Microsoft Basic Display Adapter (Device ID = VideoController1)
    Sound Card
    Microsoft - High Definition Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768 x 32 bits (4294967296 colors) @ 1 Hz
    Hard Drives
    Crucial_CT512M550SSD1, 476.94 GB, 3 partitions
    PSU
    -
    Case
    -
    Cooling
    -
    Keyboard
    -
    Mouse
    Microsoft wireless mouse
    Internet Speed
    Fiber
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    No
    Other Info
    Language: English (United Kingdom) - English (United Kingdom)
    BIOS: Insyde Corp. V1.07
If the embedded key is not being used then it's almost surely because you downloaded a version different than what was installed originally.

WHich one did you download when using the MediaCreationTool?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel Quad Core i7-4770 @ 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Integrated HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP h2207
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050@59Hz
    Hard Drives
    250GB Samsung EVO SATA-3 SSD;
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 SATA-2;
    1.5TB Seagate ST3150041AS SATA
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Wired USB
    Mouse
    Wired USB
    Internet Speed
    3GB Up, 30GB Down
    Browser
    SeaMonkey
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender; MBAM Pro
    Other Info
    UEFI/GPT
    PLDS DVD-RW DH16AERSH
WHich one did you download when using the MediaCreationTool?
I've tried three now:
Windows 8.1
Windows 8.1 N
Windows 8.1 Single Language

(64 bit versions)

Been researching and trying to get this to work for 10 hours. I am not in any way bitter towards MS over this. Not at all.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit 9600 Multiprocessor Free
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    GenuineIntel (ProcessorID=BFEBFBFF00030678)
    CPU
    Intel(R) Celeron(R) CPU N2840 @ 2.16GHz
    Motherboard
    Acer, Base Board, Aspire ES1-512, V1.07
    Memory
    4.00 GB - Samsung, SODIMM
    Graphics Card(s)
    Microsoft Basic Display Adapter (Device ID = VideoController1)
    Sound Card
    Microsoft - High Definition Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768 x 32 bits (4294967296 colors) @ 1 Hz
    Hard Drives
    Crucial_CT512M550SSD1, 476.94 GB, 3 partitions
    PSU
    -
    Case
    -
    Cooling
    -
    Keyboard
    -
    Mouse
    Microsoft wireless mouse
    Internet Speed
    Fiber
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    No
    Other Info
    Language: English (United Kingdom) - English (United Kingdom)
    BIOS: Insyde Corp. V1.07

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel Quad Core i7-4770 @ 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Integrated HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP h2207
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050@59Hz
    Hard Drives
    250GB Samsung EVO SATA-3 SSD;
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 SATA-2;
    1.5TB Seagate ST3150041AS SATA
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Wired USB
    Mouse
    Wired USB
    Internet Speed
    3GB Up, 30GB Down
    Browser
    SeaMonkey
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender; MBAM Pro
    Other Info
    UEFI/GPT
    PLDS DVD-RW DH16AERSH
Okay, done. Thanks for looking into this.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit 9600 Multiprocessor Free
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    GenuineIntel (ProcessorID=BFEBFBFF00030678)
    CPU
    Intel(R) Celeron(R) CPU N2840 @ 2.16GHz
    Motherboard
    Acer, Base Board, Aspire ES1-512, V1.07
    Memory
    4.00 GB - Samsung, SODIMM
    Graphics Card(s)
    Microsoft Basic Display Adapter (Device ID = VideoController1)
    Sound Card
    Microsoft - High Definition Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768 x 32 bits (4294967296 colors) @ 1 Hz
    Hard Drives
    Crucial_CT512M550SSD1, 476.94 GB, 3 partitions
    PSU
    -
    Case
    -
    Cooling
    -
    Keyboard
    -
    Mouse
    Microsoft wireless mouse
    Internet Speed
    Fiber
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    No
    Other Info
    Language: English (United Kingdom) - English (United Kingdom)
    BIOS: Insyde Corp. V1.07
run systeminfo from a Elevated Command Prompt. Post the results here:

For instance, for my Window 10 TP system:

Code:
C:\Windows\system32>[B]systeminfo.exe[/B]

Host Name:                 LAPTOP
OS Name:                   Microsoft Windows 10 Pro Insider Preview
OS Version:                10.0.10130 N/A Build 10130
OS Manufacturer:           Microsoft Corporation
OS Configuration:          Standalone Workstation
OS Build Type:             Multiprocessor Free
Registered Owner:          ztruk@cfl.rr.com
Registered Organization:
Product ID:                00137-10010-52743-AA097
Original Install Date:     5/30/2015, 6:55:02 PM
System Boot Time:          6/8/2015, 8:53:13 PM
System Manufacturer:       TOSHIBA
System Model:              Satellite A305
System Type:               x64-based PC
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel Quad Core i7-4770 @ 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Integrated HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP h2207
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050@59Hz
    Hard Drives
    250GB Samsung EVO SATA-3 SSD;
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 SATA-2;
    1.5TB Seagate ST3150041AS SATA
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Wired USB
    Mouse
    Wired USB
    Internet Speed
    3GB Up, 30GB Down
    Browser
    SeaMonkey
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender; MBAM Pro
    Other Info
    UEFI/GPT
    PLDS DVD-RW DH16AERSH
Microsoft Windows [Version 6.3.9600]
(c) 2013 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.


C:\Windows\system32>systeminfo


Host Name: ANNE-PC
OS Name: Microsoft Windows 8.1
OS Version: 6.3.9600 N/A Build 9600
OS Manufacturer: Microsoft Corporation
OS Configuration: Standalone Workstation
OS Build Type: Multiprocessor Free
Registered Owner: Anne
Registered Organization:
Product ID: 00259-60600-00001-AA739
Original Install Date: 28/05/2015, 14:03:52
System Boot Time: 09/06/2015, 23:18:19
System Manufacturer: Acer
System Model: Aspire ES1-512
System Type: x64-based PC
Processor(s): 1 Processor(s) Installed.
[01]: Intel64 Family 6 Model 55 Stepping 8 GenuineIntel ~2159 Mhz
BIOS Version: Insyde Corp. V1.07, 11/09/2014
Windows Directory: C:\Windows
System Directory: C:\Windows\system32
Boot Device: \Device\HarddiskVolume2
System Locale: en-gb;English (United Kingdom)
Input Locale: en-gb;English (United Kingdom)
Time Zone: (UTC) Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
Total Physical Memory: 3,978 MB
Available Physical Memory: 2,752 MB
Virtual Memory: Max Size: 4,682 MB
Virtual Memory: Available: 3,376 MB
Virtual Memory: In Use: 1,306 MB
Page File Location(s): C:\pagefile.sys
Domain: WORKGROUP
Logon Server: \\ANNE-PC
Hotfix(s): 76 Hotfix(s) Installed.

....

Network Card(s): 2 NIC(s) Installed.
[01]: Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller
Connection Name: Ethernet
Status: Media disconnected
[02]: Broadcom 802.11n Network Adapter
Connection Name: WiFi
DHCP Enabled: Yes
DHCP Server: 192.168.1.1
IP address(es)
[01]: 192.168.1.6
[02]: fe80::f5bc:8ba8:8d56:287b
Hyper-V Requirements: VM Monitor Mode Extensions: Yes
Virtualization Enabled In Firmware: Yes
Second Level Address Translation: Yes
Data Execution Prevention Available: Yes
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit 9600 Multiprocessor Free
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    GenuineIntel (ProcessorID=BFEBFBFF00030678)
    CPU
    Intel(R) Celeron(R) CPU N2840 @ 2.16GHz
    Motherboard
    Acer, Base Board, Aspire ES1-512, V1.07
    Memory
    4.00 GB - Samsung, SODIMM
    Graphics Card(s)
    Microsoft Basic Display Adapter (Device ID = VideoController1)
    Sound Card
    Microsoft - High Definition Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768 x 32 bits (4294967296 colors) @ 1 Hz
    Hard Drives
    Crucial_CT512M550SSD1, 476.94 GB, 3 partitions
    PSU
    -
    Case
    -
    Cooling
    -
    Keyboard
    -
    Mouse
    Microsoft wireless mouse
    Internet Speed
    Fiber
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    No
    Other Info
    Language: English (United Kingdom) - English (United Kingdom)
    BIOS: Insyde Corp. V1.07

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel Quad Core i7-4770 @ 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Integrated HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP h2207
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050@59Hz
    Hard Drives
    250GB Samsung EVO SATA-3 SSD;
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 SATA-2;
    1.5TB Seagate ST3150041AS SATA
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Wired USB
    Mouse
    Wired USB
    Internet Speed
    3GB Up, 30GB Down
    Browser
    SeaMonkey
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender; MBAM Pro
    Other Info
    UEFI/GPT
    PLDS DVD-RW DH16AERSH
Thanks. Had time to return to this problem today. Your supplied link recommends to use the Media Creation Tool thing which I already tried near the start of this thread (see topgundcp's post at number 2, and also see my post at number 7 which shows the ones I've tried).

It also recommends to use Win 8.1 Pro - which I don't have. I just have 8.1.

What do you advise at this stage?
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit 9600 Multiprocessor Free
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    GenuineIntel (ProcessorID=BFEBFBFF00030678)
    CPU
    Intel(R) Celeron(R) CPU N2840 @ 2.16GHz
    Motherboard
    Acer, Base Board, Aspire ES1-512, V1.07
    Memory
    4.00 GB - Samsung, SODIMM
    Graphics Card(s)
    Microsoft Basic Display Adapter (Device ID = VideoController1)
    Sound Card
    Microsoft - High Definition Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768 x 32 bits (4294967296 colors) @ 1 Hz
    Hard Drives
    Crucial_CT512M550SSD1, 476.94 GB, 3 partitions
    PSU
    -
    Case
    -
    Cooling
    -
    Keyboard
    -
    Mouse
    Microsoft wireless mouse
    Internet Speed
    Fiber
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    No
    Other Info
    Language: English (United Kingdom) - English (United Kingdom)
    BIOS: Insyde Corp. V1.07
Is this what you have downloaded?

MCTool.jpg
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel Quad Core i7-4770 @ 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Integrated HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP h2207
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050@59Hz
    Hard Drives
    250GB Samsung EVO SATA-3 SSD;
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 SATA-2;
    1.5TB Seagate ST3150041AS SATA
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Wired USB
    Mouse
    Wired USB
    Internet Speed
    3GB Up, 30GB Down
    Browser
    SeaMonkey
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender; MBAM Pro
    Other Info
    UEFI/GPT
    PLDS DVD-RW DH16AERSH
Yes I tried that approach in the 7th post.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit 9600 Multiprocessor Free
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    GenuineIntel (ProcessorID=BFEBFBFF00030678)
    CPU
    Intel(R) Celeron(R) CPU N2840 @ 2.16GHz
    Motherboard
    Acer, Base Board, Aspire ES1-512, V1.07
    Memory
    4.00 GB - Samsung, SODIMM
    Graphics Card(s)
    Microsoft Basic Display Adapter (Device ID = VideoController1)
    Sound Card
    Microsoft - High Definition Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768 x 32 bits (4294967296 colors) @ 1 Hz
    Hard Drives
    Crucial_CT512M550SSD1, 476.94 GB, 3 partitions
    PSU
    -
    Case
    -
    Cooling
    -
    Keyboard
    -
    Mouse
    Microsoft wireless mouse
    Internet Speed
    Fiber
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    No
    Other Info
    Language: English (United Kingdom) - English (United Kingdom)
    BIOS: Insyde Corp. V1.07
I just (finally) looked at the Tech Specs link you posted and it says that laptop comes with Windows 8.1 with Bing. That is not one of the versions you can download with MediaCreationTool so I think you are out of luck.

Either spend the Money to get the recovery disc from the manufacturer or search around and see if you can find a download for it somewhere.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel Quad Core i7-4770 @ 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Integrated HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP h2207
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050@59Hz
    Hard Drives
    250GB Samsung EVO SATA-3 SSD;
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 SATA-2;
    1.5TB Seagate ST3150041AS SATA
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Wired USB
    Mouse
    Wired USB
    Internet Speed
    3GB Up, 30GB Down
    Browser
    SeaMonkey
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender; MBAM Pro
    Other Info
    UEFI/GPT
    PLDS DVD-RW DH16AERSH
If I manage to find a version, is it okay to post it here to help other users?

It is a shambles of Microsoft that this hasn't been easier, so I have no qualms about posting a link here if you don't mind. I think it may be available on bittorrent, but I'd like a less risky version, or at least one where I can check the checksums match.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit 9600 Multiprocessor Free
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    GenuineIntel (ProcessorID=BFEBFBFF00030678)
    CPU
    Intel(R) Celeron(R) CPU N2840 @ 2.16GHz
    Motherboard
    Acer, Base Board, Aspire ES1-512, V1.07
    Memory
    4.00 GB - Samsung, SODIMM
    Graphics Card(s)
    Microsoft Basic Display Adapter (Device ID = VideoController1)
    Sound Card
    Microsoft - High Definition Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768 x 32 bits (4294967296 colors) @ 1 Hz
    Hard Drives
    Crucial_CT512M550SSD1, 476.94 GB, 3 partitions
    PSU
    -
    Case
    -
    Cooling
    -
    Keyboard
    -
    Mouse
    Microsoft wireless mouse
    Internet Speed
    Fiber
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    No
    Other Info
    Language: English (United Kingdom) - English (United Kingdom)
    BIOS: Insyde Corp. V1.07
No, can't post any non official links for downloads here, sorry.

This is not a Microsoft problem though. This version was specifically for OEMs so they could sell cheap ($300 or less) computers. The OEMs should make recovery discs available for a reasonable price, not the 50 pounds you mentioned.

Also, you should have created a set of recovery discs when you first got the computer or made an image backup so recovery would be easy.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel Quad Core i7-4770 @ 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Integrated HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP h2207
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050@59Hz
    Hard Drives
    250GB Samsung EVO SATA-3 SSD;
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 SATA-2;
    1.5TB Seagate ST3150041AS SATA
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Wired USB
    Mouse
    Wired USB
    Internet Speed
    3GB Up, 30GB Down
    Browser
    SeaMonkey
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender; MBAM Pro
    Other Info
    UEFI/GPT
    PLDS DVD-RW DH16AERSH
Thanks for your help.

I will respect the rules of the forum, but I can't help feeling that Microsoft have messed this one up good and proper. I have legally paid for a copy that I rightfully own, and we have a situation where Microsoft's lack of unification and common sense has resulted in a situation where I have wasted many hours of my time trying to solve this. Microsoft should have a version for download like they do for the standard versions, so they are to blame just as much as Acer. Yes, I should have backed up, but a mistake was made, and I assumed the PC (which is not my own, but my mum's) had a hardware fallback mode to reinstall Windows like the previous one did.

It's also a cynical money-making scheme from Acer, and just brings about bitterness from customers. The hard drive failed after only a short time, and Acer hold *us* accountable as if it's our fault.

If Microsoft come after this forum as a result of the posting 'forbidden link' (which pirates couldn't even make use of), I bet you Microsoft would just request you to take the link down. Anything more than that, and it would also create a storm, where the resulting controversy may make it to Reddit, Slashdot and many other sites. Eightforums.com would be a champion of the honest customer in such a case against Microsoft's incompetency and heavy-handedness. You guys already do a great job, but I would love this forum more as a result and I'm sure many others would too.

If I can't post a direct link, can I least post information such as the checksum? I want to get this fixed for myself, but I also don't want others to go through the utter pain that I had to go through. Superuser.com had someone asking this question, and the answer was not ideal - I might post something there if I have any luck.

Thanks again for the feedback.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit 9600 Multiprocessor Free
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    GenuineIntel (ProcessorID=BFEBFBFF00030678)
    CPU
    Intel(R) Celeron(R) CPU N2840 @ 2.16GHz
    Motherboard
    Acer, Base Board, Aspire ES1-512, V1.07
    Memory
    4.00 GB - Samsung, SODIMM
    Graphics Card(s)
    Microsoft Basic Display Adapter (Device ID = VideoController1)
    Sound Card
    Microsoft - High Definition Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768 x 32 bits (4294967296 colors) @ 1 Hz
    Hard Drives
    Crucial_CT512M550SSD1, 476.94 GB, 3 partitions
    PSU
    -
    Case
    -
    Cooling
    -
    Keyboard
    -
    Mouse
    Microsoft wireless mouse
    Internet Speed
    Fiber
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    No
    Other Info
    Language: English (United Kingdom) - English (United Kingdom)
    BIOS: Insyde Corp. V1.07
Yes, anything but the link is probably okay. If not, John or one of the Admins will delete it and let you know why (Brink maybe).

I can't say I disagree with anything you said. MS should make ISOs for all versions of all it's OSes available. I'm still annoyed that they took down all the Windows 7 ISO links.

I guess this is one of those cases that proves the axiom, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger"!

Let me know how you make out and the link if you find one please.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel Quad Core i7-4770 @ 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Integrated HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP h2207
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050@59Hz
    Hard Drives
    250GB Samsung EVO SATA-3 SSD;
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 SATA-2;
    1.5TB Seagate ST3150041AS SATA
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Wired USB
    Mouse
    Wired USB
    Internet Speed
    3GB Up, 30GB Down
    Browser
    SeaMonkey
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender; MBAM Pro
    Other Info
    UEFI/GPT
    PLDS DVD-RW DH16AERSH
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