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Acer 5250-BZ853



 
 
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  #1  
Old April 17th 12, 01:40 PM posted to alt.windows7.general
dani
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 1
Default Acer 5250-BZ853

Hello,

I have a bit of a problem! I purchased an Acer 5250-BZ853 last year, in October
(I remember because it was my birthday), and it's been working fine aside from
a
few minor mishaps. But then yesterday, it all wen to hell. I did a windows
update, and I have no idea of what happened but a few hours later, I restarted
it because it was acting up and that usually fixes it. The first time, I
panicked because when I came to the log in screen it said my password was wrong
-- as if while I was gone for a few minutes (giving my laptop time to load up,
because I had to take the dogs out), someone had changed it. Now, this isn't
possible. One, because no one knows my password. Two, my password has been the
same since the day I got it and put one on.

I began panicking and kept restarting it (maybe once or twice), and then it
worked for a bit though the desktop was ALL wrong. It then restarted on its
own,
and has ever since continually been just restarting over and over. I have
important files on there and when I Google'd it, someone suggested I try to
install Ubuntu so I can get my files off (someone else had the same problem),
and so I tried to get into safe mode -- but it won't even let me get that far
into, to where I can log in. It just restarts. I did the pressing F8 button and
disabled the restarting upon error, but it STILL restarts. It acts as if I am
about to log in, but then the blackness continues until it restarts all over
again.

I'm just at a loss. I'd really like to get my files off. My plan was that
apparently the update did something, so I'd use Ubuntu to get my files off and
then reformat it to factory settings. Now I can't even get as far as logging
in/installing Ubuntu!

Help, please?
  #2  
Old April 17th 12, 02:26 PM posted to alt.windows7.general
Alias[_53_]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 147
Default Acer 5250-BZ853

On 4/17/2012 2:40 PM, dani wrote:
Hello,

I have a bit of a problem! I purchased an Acer 5250-BZ853 last year, in October
(I remember because it was my birthday), and it's been working fine aside from
a
few minor mishaps. But then yesterday, it all wen to hell. I did a windows
update, and I have no idea of what happened but a few hours later, I restarted
it because it was acting up and that usually fixes it. The first time, I
panicked because when I came to the log in screen it said my password was wrong
-- as if while I was gone for a few minutes (giving my laptop time to load up,
because I had to take the dogs out), someone had changed it. Now, this isn't
possible. One, because no one knows my password. Two, my password has been the
same since the day I got it and put one on.

I began panicking and kept restarting it (maybe once or twice), and then it
worked for a bit though the desktop was ALL wrong. It then restarted on its
own,
and has ever since continually been just restarting over and over. I have
important files on there and when I Google'd it, someone suggested I try to
install Ubuntu so I can get my files off (someone else had the same problem),
and so I tried to get into safe mode -- but it won't even let me get that far
into, to where I can log in. It just restarts. I did the pressing F8 button and
disabled the restarting upon error, but it STILL restarts. It acts as if I am
about to log in, but then the blackness continues until it restarts all over
again.

I'm just at a loss. I'd really like to get my files off. My plan was that
apparently the update did something, so I'd use Ubuntu to get my files off and
then reformat it to factory settings. Now I can't even get as far as logging
in/installing Ubuntu!

Help, please?


Don't install Ubuntu. Use the Live CD to move your files. You will have
to boot from the DVD drive to do this. On my Acer laptop, F12 needs to
be pressed when it starts booting to be able to choose what to boot to.
Once you're done moving your files, remember that back up is a computer
user's best friend and reinstall Windows which should fix it if it's a
software -- not a hardware -- problem. If reinstalling Windows does not
work, call Acer as you're still under warranty. My experience has been
very positive with Acer warranty work.

--
Alias
  #3  
Old April 17th 12, 02:45 PM posted to alt.windows7.general
Wolf K
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 356
Default Acer 5250-BZ853

On 17/04/2012 8:40 AM, dani wrote:
Hello,

I have a bit of a problem! I purchased an Acer 5250-BZ853 last year, in October
(I remember because it was my birthday), and it's been working fine aside from
a
few minor mishaps. But then yesterday, it all went to hell.

[snip tale of woe]

I'm just at a loss. I'd really like to get my files off. My plan was that
apparently the update did something, so I'd use Ubuntu to get my files off and
then reformat it to factory settings. Now I can't even get as far as logging
in/installing Ubuntu!

Help, please?


Acer has a recovery/repair partition on all its machines. I would try
using that first. See if you can find help on how to boot into that
partition. I'd tell you how if I knew, but I've converted our Acer
laptop to a Linux machine, which wiped out the recovery partition.

IMO most likely your machine is seriously infected, so I would try one
of these solutions first:

http://ask-leo.com/how_do_i_run_an_a...cant_boot.html

Search on "running anti-malware for windows on linux" for more hits.

The "use Ubuntu" is OK advice, but IMO LinuxMint (available as Live CD
download) is easier to use. LinuxMint is Ubuntu with a more familiar
interface. But installing any flavour of Linux on a Windows machine
involves resizing partitions, etc, so I wouldn't advise that route. You
could lose the data you want to save. Instead, use a Live CD version:
you run it directly off the CD/DVD, and don't need to install it. NB
that when the live CD starts it will offer an Install option. Do _not_
choose it!

To run anything from the Live CD, you'll have to make sure the BIOS
boot-sequence is set to boot from CD/DVD first. Hold down / tap F2
repeatedly during boot, and you should get the BIOS screen. Go through
the menus until you find the boot sequence options. Set them all to boot
from CD/DVD first, and if available from USB second. Save and Exit.
Insert the Live CD and restart the machine. It should boot into Linux
from the Live CD. I would buy an external drive for backing up the
must-keep files. Get a big one, 500GV ones cost under $100 these days.

If you can't get to BIOS setting, or it won't boot from Live CD after
resetting the boot sequence, your machine is in very serious trouble,
and the only solution I can see is to take it to a really savvy tech and
ask him to extract the HDD and get what he can from it. That will cost
you. ;(

If and when you get back to a clean Windows, I strongly suggest you
create a repair CD/DVD. See:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/w...em-repair-disc

HTH,
Wolf K.
  #4  
Old April 17th 12, 07:26 PM posted to alt.windows7.general
Yousuf Khan[_2_]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 2,447
Default Acer 5250-BZ853

On 17/04/2012 9:45 AM, Wolf K wrote:
On 17/04/2012 8:40 AM, dani wrote:
Hello,

I have a bit of a problem! I purchased an Acer 5250-BZ853 last year,
in October
(I remember because it was my birthday), and it's been working fine
aside from
a
few minor mishaps. But then yesterday, it all went to hell.

[snip tale of woe]

I'm just at a loss. I'd really like to get my files off. My plan was that
apparently the update did something, so I'd use Ubuntu to get my files
off and
then reformat it to factory settings. Now I can't even get as far as
logging
in/installing Ubuntu!

Help, please?


Acer has a recovery/repair partition on all its machines. I would try
using that first. See if you can find help on how to boot into that
partition. I'd tell you how if I knew, but I've converted our Acer
laptop to a Linux machine, which wiped out the recovery partition.


The problem with using the recovery partition is that it will reset the
boot partition back to factory fresh reinstall, meaning all of the
user's data will be erased.

Yousuf Khan
  #5  
Old April 17th 12, 09:43 PM posted to alt.windows7.general
J. P. Gilliver (John)
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 5,291
Default Acer 5250-BZ853

In message , Wolf K
writes:
[]
If you can't get to BIOS setting, or it won't boot from Live CD after
resetting the boot sequence, your machine is in very serious trouble,
and the only solution I can see is to take it to a really savvy tech
and ask him to extract the HDD and get what he can from it. That will
cost you. ;(

[]
Well, extracting the HD and taking files off yourself (via cable or
enclosure - the cable is cheaper and more versatile) shouldn't cost
much. I assume the OP has a second computer since he's still posting.
--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/1985 MB++G.5AL-IS-P--Ch++(p)Ar@T0H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

Actors are fairly modest...A lot of us have quite a lot to be modest about. -
Simon Greenall (voice of Aleksandr the "Simples!" Meerkat), RT 11-17 Dec 2010
  #6  
Old April 17th 12, 03:38 PM posted to alt.windows7.general
Ken Blake[_4_]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 3,318
Default Acer 5250-BZ853

On Tue, 17 Apr 2012 07:40:23 -0500, dani
wrote:


I'm just at a loss. I'd really like to get my files off.



I can't help with your problem, but for the future...

Your need to get your files off suggests that you don't have a backup
of them on external media. If that's the case, you've been playing
with fire.

It is always possible that a hard drive crash, user error, nearby
lightning strike, virus attack, even theft of the computer, can cause
the loss of everything on your drive. As has often been said, it's not
a matter of whether you will have such a problem, but when.

You might want to read this article on backup I've written: "Back Up
Your Computer Regularly and Reliably" at
http://www.computorcompanion.com/LPMArticle.asp?ID=314


  #7  
Old April 17th 12, 04:15 PM posted to alt.windows7.general
pjp[_9_]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 304
Default Acer 5250-BZ853

Sorry the top post but want to insure you

1st - vacuum it out insuring the heat sinks are cleared and check cables
are secure at same time. Rebooting when overheated easily happens and
it's something people don't think about (including myself once).
  #8  
Old April 17th 12, 04:46 PM posted to alt.windows7.general
Ken Blake[_4_]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 3,318
Default Acer 5250-BZ853

On Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:15:55 -0300, pjp
wrote:

Sorry the top post but want to insure you

1st - vacuum it out insuring the heat sinks are cleared



You should *never* use a vacuum cleaner inside a computer. If you do
so, you run the risk of a static electricity discharge frying the
motherboard.

Instead, blow out the dust with a can of compressed air.

  #9  
Old April 17th 12, 06:43 PM posted to alt.windows7.general
Char Jackson
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 10,449
Default Acer 5250-BZ853

On Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:46:17 -0700, Ken Blake
wrote:

On Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:15:55 -0300, pjp
wrote:

Sorry the top post but want to insure you

1st - vacuum it out insuring the heat sinks are cleared



You should *never* use a vacuum cleaner inside a computer. If you do
so, you run the risk of a static electricity discharge frying the
motherboard.


I agree in theory, but in practice I'm not nearly so strict. I've used
a vacuum cleaner well over a thousand times over the years and never
had a problem. Like registry cleaners, though, there is always a risk.
I minimize or eliminate that risk by leaving the PC plugged into the
AC outlet and periodically touching the wand to the PC's case during
the cleaning operation. That's how they taught it in my Air Force tech
school some 40 years ago and it works well.

Much more effective, however, is using compressed air instead of a
vacuum. It's a lot messier, blowing dust bunnies everywhere and best
done outdoors, but it's much more effective.

Instead, blow out the dust with a can of compressed air.


Cans of compressed air have less than a tenth of the pressure and
volume that I need, so I use an air compressor. I limit the output to
about 30-40 PSI and I'm done in no time.

I have some cans of compressed air here that I've probably had since
the mid 1990's. I would never attempt to clean the inside of a
computer case with them, but they seem to work fairly well to spot
cool a hard drive or a heat sink for testing purposes.

--

Char Jackson
  #10  
Old April 17th 12, 09:19 PM posted to alt.windows7.general
Ken Blake[_4_]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 3,318
Default Acer 5250-BZ853

On Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:43:36 -0500, Char Jackson
wrote:

On Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:46:17 -0700, Ken Blake
wrote:

On Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:15:55 -0300, pjp
wrote:

Sorry the top post but want to insure you

1st - vacuum it out insuring the heat sinks are cleared



You should *never* use a vacuum cleaner inside a computer. If you do
so, you run the risk of a static electricity discharge frying the
motherboard.


I agree in theory, but in practice I'm not nearly so strict. I've used
a vacuum cleaner well over a thousand times over the years and never
had a problem. Like registry cleaners, though, there is always a risk.
I minimize or eliminate that risk by leaving the PC plugged into the
AC outlet and periodically touching the wand to the PC's case during
the cleaning operation. That's how they taught it in my Air Force tech
school some 40 years ago and it works well.



My view is to avoid risk whenever you can. But we are obviously
different in this regard.



Much more effective, however, is using compressed air instead of a
vacuum. It's a lot messier, blowing dust bunnies everywhere and best
done outdoors, but it's much more effective.

Instead, blow out the dust with a can of compressed air.


Cans of compressed air have less than a tenth of the pressure and
volume that I need, so I use an air compressor. I limit the output to
about 30-40 PSI and I'm done in no time.




An air compressor is fine, but very few of us have one. So for all
practical purposes, canned air is what's best.

  #11  
Old April 17th 12, 09:47 PM posted to alt.windows7.general
Char Jackson
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 10,449
Default Acer 5250-BZ853

On Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:19:28 -0700, Ken Blake
wrote:

On Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:43:36 -0500, Char Jackson
wrote:

On Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:46:17 -0700, Ken Blake
wrote:

On Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:15:55 -0300, pjp
wrote:

Sorry the top post but want to insure you

1st - vacuum it out insuring the heat sinks are cleared


You should *never* use a vacuum cleaner inside a computer. If you do
so, you run the risk of a static electricity discharge frying the
motherboard.


I agree in theory, but in practice I'm not nearly so strict. I've used
a vacuum cleaner well over a thousand times over the years and never
had a problem. Like registry cleaners, though, there is always a risk.
I minimize or eliminate that risk by leaving the PC plugged into the
AC outlet and periodically touching the wand to the PC's case during
the cleaning operation. That's how they taught it in my Air Force tech
school some 40 years ago and it works well.



My view is to avoid risk whenever you can. But we are obviously
different in this regard.


There are different levels of risk.

Much more effective, however, is using compressed air instead of a
vacuum. It's a lot messier, blowing dust bunnies everywhere and best
done outdoors, but it's much more effective.

Instead, blow out the dust with a can of compressed air.


Cans of compressed air have less than a tenth of the pressure and
volume that I need, so I use an air compressor. I limit the output to
about 30-40 PSI and I'm done in no time.


An air compressor is fine, but very few of us have one. So for all
practical purposes, canned air is what's best.


That would be fine if canned air worked, but in my view it doesn't. It
only dislodges a tiny fraction of what needs to be removed. Still, if
it's all you have, you don't have much choice.

--

Char Jackson
  #12  
Old April 17th 12, 09:47 PM posted to alt.windows7.general
J. P. Gilliver (John)
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 5,291
Default Acer 5250-BZ853

In message , Char Jackson
writes:
On Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:46:17 -0700, Ken Blake
wrote:

On Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:15:55 -0300, pjp
wrote:

Sorry the top post but want to insure you

1st - vacuum it out insuring the heat sinks are cleared



You should *never* use a vacuum cleaner inside a computer. If you do
so, you run the risk of a static electricity discharge frying the
motherboard.


I agree in theory, but in practice I'm not nearly so strict. I've used
a vacuum cleaner well over a thousand times over the years and never


I think I have seen vacs specially designed for use with computers.
Expensive (overly so, I think), but presumably static-dissipative. I'm
talking about mains (US: line) powered ones, not the USB-powered mini
ones that are really just for cleaning the keyboard.

had a problem. Like registry cleaners, though, there is always a risk.
I minimize or eliminate that risk by leaving the PC plugged into the
AC outlet and periodically touching the wand to the PC's case during
the cleaning operation. That's how they taught it in my Air Force tech
school some 40 years ago and it works well.

Much more effective, however, is using compressed air instead of a
vacuum. It's a lot messier, blowing dust bunnies everywhere and best
done outdoors, but it's much more effective.


ISTR the vac. I saw could be used in suck or blow mode.
[]
--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/1985 MB++G.5AL-IS-P--Ch++(p)Ar@T0H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

Radio 4 is one of the reasons being British is good. It's not a subset of
Britain - it's almost as if Britain is a subset of Radio 4. - Stephen Fry, in
Radio Times, 7-13 June, 2003.
  #13  
Old April 18th 12, 03:44 PM posted to alt.windows7.general
Ken Blake[_4_]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 3,318
Default Acer 5250-BZ853

On Tue, 17 Apr 2012 21:47:14 +0100, "J. P. Gilliver (John)"
wrote:

In message , Char Jackson
writes:
On Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:46:17 -0700, Ken Blake
wrote:

On Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:15:55 -0300, pjp
wrote:

Sorry the top post but want to insure you

1st - vacuum it out insuring the heat sinks are cleared


You should *never* use a vacuum cleaner inside a computer. If you do
so, you run the risk of a static electricity discharge frying the
motherboard.


I agree in theory, but in practice I'm not nearly so strict. I've used
a vacuum cleaner well over a thousand times over the years and never


I think I have seen vacs specially designed for use with computers.
Expensive (overly so, I think), but presumably static-dissipative. I'm
talking about mains (US: line) powered ones, not the USB-powered mini
ones that are really just for cleaning the keyboard.



Yes, I've seen those too. How effective they are at eliminating
static, I don't know. But if you, or anyone else, could point me to a
web site that discusses their effectiveness, I'd like to read more
about it.

If they are effective, and not *too* expensive, I would consider
buying one. Do you remember what prices you saw?


  #14  
Old April 17th 12, 09:45 PM posted to alt.windows7.general
Gene Wirchenko
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 426
Default Acer 5250-BZ853

On Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:46:17 -0700, Ken Blake
wrote:

On Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:15:55 -0300, pjp
wrote:

Sorry the top post but want to insure you

1st - vacuum it out insuring the heat sinks are cleared


You should *never* use a vacuum cleaner inside a computer. If you do
so, you run the risk of a static electricity discharge frying the
motherboard.


There are vacuum cleaners for use inside electronics cases.

Instead, blow out the dust with a can of compressed air.


I wrecked a floppy drive once doing that. The dust got blown
into just the wrong spot. Sucking is more controlled than blowing.

Either way you do it, take care.

Sincerely,

Gene Wirchenko
 




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