How to Reinstall Window Vista to an Acer Aspire

by Christopher Capelle
An Aspire is a computer manufactured by Acer.

An Aspire is a computer manufactured by Acer.

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Acer is a Taiwan-based manufacturer of computers, peripherals and other electronic devices. It is one of the world's largest tech companies, providing products for both home users and corporate clients alike. One of its lines of computers is named Aspire; Acer Aspire computers are available in both laptop and desktop configurations. As of early 2011, all Acer Aspire computers run on the Windows operating system.

Step 1

Locate the discs (CDs or DVDs) that came with your Acer Aspire, as they contain a number of useful items, including utilities, drivers and other software elements. One of the discs you received with the computer is the Windows operating system. Reinstalling Windows Vista on an Acer Aspire is similar to installing any flavor of Windows, or installing it on any other make and model of computer.

Step 2

Make a safety copy of any data you have on your computer before attempting to reinstall Windows, if you can.

Step 3

Insert the OS disc into the Acer's drive if you're simply upgrading or reinstalling Windows and click on "Install now" on the "Install Windows" page. Then open the "Get important updates for installation" page to ensure you're installing the current version. Enter your product key (a number consisting of 25 characters) when prompted, accept the terms and choose "Custom" on the "Installation type" window and select your "C" drive as the target. Click on "Next" to start the process; don't interrupt the installation process. Reboot when prompted.

Step 4

Boot your computer from the Windows installation disc by depressing any key if your version of Windows is corrupt or you're performing a clean installation on a new hard drive. Select the CD or DVD drive as your boot drive, and then follow the directions described in the previous section when prompted.

Step 5

Buy an authentic Windows Vista disc if you can't locate your Acer-supplied Windows disc or product key. When using a Microsoft installation disc, the process is the same. Make a photocopy of the product key and attach that to the side of the computer, in the event you need to reference it in the future.

Tip

  • Windows and additional software supplied by Acer is already installed when you buy a new Acer computer. Under normal circumstances, there is no need to reinstall Windows on your computer, but it is required when replacing the internal hard drive, repairing corrupt system files or simply upgrading the OS.
  • Back up all of your files before attempting to reinstall Windows.

Warning

  • Using a borrowed copy of Windows Vista is illegal.

Resources

About the Author

Christopher Capelle is a freelance copywriter with over two decades of experience. Subjects of his writing include the business and technology fields, consumer products and home repair/improvement. He graduated from The University of Connecticut and earned a master's degree in journalism from Iona College.

Photo Credits

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