My Averatec just died overnight. I went to reboot and it wouldn't get past the first screen before shutting down so I hit F2 real quick to check set up, boot sequence etc....nothing changed, so I messed around and tried changing stuff to help. I went back to original settings since nothing worked. So as a last resort I used my recovery disks. The computer reads the disks but when I press to continue I now receive an error message #256, a problem occurred trying to install factory image drive- recovery failure. Any guesses? Have I lost my hard drive and/or motherboard?
If you have an XP disk, or even one you can borrow, you might want to try to see if you can boot from that. I have one of those machines that I run with regular XP, I wish you well. A still small voice told me to get the extended warranty, and I am so grateful. Since buying mine in Nov 2004, it's gone in for factory warranty at least 12 different times.
How to obtain Vista Recovery Media and/or use the Vista Recovery Partition on your computer to put it back to Factory Settings.
There is no legal free Vista download available.
Contact your Computer Manufacturer and ask them to send you a set of Vista Recovery disk/s.
They normally do that for a small $ cost.
Also, ask them if you have a Recovery Partition on your Computer/Laptop to restore it to Factory settings.
See if a Manual came with the computer, or go to the Manufacturer's website, email or phone them for info on how to do a Recovery.
Normally, you would press F10 or F11 at Startup to commence the Recovery Process..
Another way I have seen on some models is to tap F8, and go to a list of Startup options, and start a Factory Standards Recovery from in there, by selecting the Repair computer option.
Also ask them if it is possible to make Recovery Disk/s from the Recovery Partition in case of Hard Drive failure or System Crash.
They will tell you how to do that.
Each Computer Manufacturer has their own way of making Recovery Disk/s.
Or borrow a proper Microsoft Vista DVD(not Dell, HP, etc).
A proper Vista DVD contains all Vista versions.
The Product Key determines which Vista version gets installed.
There are 2 Vista disks: one for 32bit Operating System, and one for 64bit Operating System.
If a clean install is required with a proper Vista DVD (not HP, Dell Recovery Disks):
Go into your Bios/Setup, or Boot Menu, at startup, and change the Boot Order to make the DVD/CD drive 1st in the Boot Order, then reboot with the disk in the Drive.
At startup/power on you should see at the bottom of the screen either F2 or DELETE, to go into Bios/Setup, or F12 for the Boot Menu
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/918884
MS advice on doing clean install.
http://www.theeldergeekvista.com/vista_clean_installation.htm
A Tutorial on doing a clean install
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_install_03.asp
Windows Vista Installation Super Guide
After installation > Go to your Laptop/Computer Manufacturer's website > Drivers and Downloads Section > Key in your Model number > Look for latest Vista Drivers for it > Download/install them.
Save all Data, as it will be lost during a clean install.
Post back if it is not working we will be happy to help you.
Hope this helps.
Cheers!!!!
399 views
Usually answered in minutes!
Yes I do have the same problem with my C3500 my media recovery won't work either and shows error 256.
my pc flash for boot,but it is not booting.
I have teh same problem with my 3700. I even reinstalled Xp and it does nothing.
Hi, I have same model of Averatec C3500 tablet notebook , but I lost my factory image drive- recovery CD, if anyone can give me 1 copy or send the file over internet , please let me know , my email address is [email protected] ... thanks !! MC
×