Reinstall windows?

[Shanck]

My brother came to me yesterday saying that his laptop is broken.

When he starts up the pc he gets a black screen with a flickering underscore.

 

I think his OS is broken and needs a reinstall. (please correct me if I'm wrong)

 

The problem is that I never installed or reinstalled windows on a pc. So how do you do it?

[Bittenfleax]

Insert the OS disk (if you have one). Then run "Startup Repair" This is a good and SHORT article: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/what-are-system-recovery-options#what-are-system-recovery-options=windows-7

[KezzaMcFezza]

Get a USB stick, then download a windows ISO. Then ask your friend what the product key is. then download rufus and install the iso onto the USB stick. Go into the bios by pressing F2, F12 or Delete. then set the boot priority to your USB stick. then follow the installation.

 

Hope this helps

P.S message me if you dont have the product key i will send you mine in a private message

[Allshevski]

If possible, try to perform a D2D recovery. You will find some information of how to get into it online and the wizard is basically clicking next > next > yes, I want to wipe that freaking drive > next...

[Shanck]

13 hours ago, Allshevski said:

If possible, try to perform a D2D recovery. You will find some information of how to get into it online and the wizard is basically clicking next > next > yes, I want to wipe that freaking drive > next...

I'm trying the D2D recovery but it's nowhere to be found in my boot menu

[Allshevski]

1 hour ago, Shanck said:

I'm trying the D2D recovery but it's nowhere to be found in my boot menu

often it's a special key shortcut, on my acer laptop it was [Alt] + [F10] or [F8], I don't really remember and it opened Acer eRecovery or something like that. Very easy. But if not, just install 

Ah and it works on laptops, desktops may not support it I dunno what witchery stands behind this trick..

[LogicalDrm]

Look if laptop has built-in recovery function and use that. If it doesn't (older models), go to support site and download correct recovery DVD .ISO. Those are better for newbies like you since they install drivers while installing OS.