If your Gateway laptop crashes frequently or won't boot into Windows, it's time to consider reconfiguring it. As a first step, it is necessary to perform a system restore, that is to say, put back in place a previous configuration which worked without bugs. The advantage of such an operation is, if all goes well, that you will not lose any data. If this restore fails, then you should use the Recovery Manager or Windows installation disc to reset your Gateway laptop to factory settings.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: try a system restore
Step 1. Understand the value of a system restore
When the restore is complete, you end up with a computer that is the same one you had one, two, or six months ago, with the same system settings, programs, and drivers as on that date. It will be assumed that this system was then functioning perfectly. The restoration does not affect any personal data, no files. On the other hand, you risk, for example, having versions of software a little older than those which you had lately.
If we offer you this first procedure, it is because it preserves all your work, even that of an hour ago and all your data
Step 2. Restart your laptop by pressing the F8 key
Keep it pressed while restarting. Screen Advanced boot options then appears.
Step 3. Select Safe Mode with a command prompt
Specific files are then loaded, a command prompt appears. It is thanks to it that you will open the System Restore utility.
Step 4. Open the System Restore utility
The opening command is a little different in XP.
- Under Windows 7, 8 and Vista, type rstui.exe, then validate with the key Entrance.
- Under Windows XP, type% systemroot% \ system32 \ restore \ rstrui.exe, then validate with the key Entrance.
Step 5. Select your restore point
Depending on the age of your computer, you will see a list of restore points appear, with indications of the day and time, as well as an explanation of the existence of this point. Choose the restore point just before your first problems appeared. Then click on Next>.
- You may not have a suitable restore point. In this case, tick Keep more restore points for later.
Step 6. Quietly wait for the restoration to complete
Depending on the size of your system, the recovery time will vary, so allow a few minutes. At the end of the procedure, a message informs you, normally, that all has gone well and that you can restart your computer.
You will certainly need to update, if this is the case, your software or utilities which may be a little outdated. However, we would like to draw your attention to the fact that it may be one of these programs (or one of the updates) which is the cause of the crash of your laptop
Problems encountered
Step 1. I cannot access the Advanced Boot Options screen
This is a very common case in Windows 8, because the system starts up too fast.
- Open the Windows charms bar either by sliding your finger from the right edge towards the screen for about 1 cm (touch screen), or by placing the cursor in the lower right corner of the screen.
- Click on Settings, then click or tap On Off.
- Hold down the shift key and press To restart. Your computer will restart to advanced boot options.
Step 2. I don't have a restore point that can fix the problem
Unfortunately, if you don't have a restore point that is old enough or even none at all, you have to go through a reset to factory settings. This is the whole point of the following part.
Part 2 of 3: reset your laptop to factory settings
Step 1. Back up any data you deem necessary
A reconfiguration to the factory settings erases everything on a hard drive, hence the need for a backup. Click here to learn more about data backup.
If you cannot boot from Windows, it is possible to use a Linux Live CD to access the files. You can then copy them to an external medium. Click here to create and use a Live CD
Step 2. Connect your laptop to the mains
Indeed, a reconfiguration to the factory settings takes time. Any power failure during this procedure will cause serious problems. The reconfiguration must be done on the sector.
Step 3. Restart your computer
As soon as the Gateway or Acer logo appears, press and hold the keys Alt and F10. You have to press several times for the command to be taken into account. This will launch the recovery manager.
- When the menu Starting Windows appears, press the key Entrance.
Step 4. Select Restore Factory Settings
You will be asked several times to confirm your choice. The procedure erases everything on your hard drive, then reinstalls Windows and any software and drivers that were preinstalled on your system. Allow a good hour of restoration.
- There is another restore option called Personalized catering which will try to keep your files. This is not a very good choice, as it could well be that one of these files is causing the crash.
Step 5. Create your personal account
After restoration, you are now on a computer which is in the same configuration as when it was purchased. You will be able to create your account (and others), then configure your computer on your own.
Problems encountered
Step 1. I cannot access my recovery manager
If the hard drive has been formatted or replaced, you will not be able to restore the partition. A Windows restore or install disc will erase the hard drive and reinstall Windows. Read the following section on the use of such discs.
Step 2. The restore had no effect
You wiped everything fine and then successfully reinstalled Windows to factory settings, but your problems did not go away. In a very high probability, your computer is experiencing a problem of a hardware nature.
Installing a new hard drive or more RAM could solve the problem. If none of this worked, contact the appropriate service at Gateway
Part 3 of 3: use a restore or install disc
Step 1. Find your recovery disc
Laptops need a number of drivers to function. Thanks to the recovery disc, you will be able to reinstall them. If the Recovery Manager is unavailable because the Recovery Partition has disappeared, use the Recovery Disc. New recovery discs can be ordered directly from the manufacturer Gateway.
Step 2. Get or create a Windows installation disc for yourself
This is what to do if you don't have a recovery disc. The installation disc is used to erase and reinstall a brand new system. There is only one precaution to take: the system that will be reinstalled must be the same as the one installed.
- In Windows 7, with a valid product key, you will be able to create a disc here. You need a blank DVD (or USB stick) with a minimum capacity of 4 GB.
- In Windows 8, with a valid product key, you will be able to create a disc here. You need a blank DVD (or USB stick) with a minimum capacity of 4 GB.
Step 3. Restart your computer
Press the key several times F12. With a Gateway laptop, a start menu appears. Press the key as soon as the Gateway or Acer logo appears.
Step 4. Change the boot order
Before you can boot from the recovery disc or install Windows from a disc, you must set up your computer to boot to the disc drive, before it does so from the hard drive. The boot order can be changed from the boot menu.
If you are booting from the installation USB key, select that key. It should be plugged into the computer at this time
Step 5. Save your settings
Then restart your computer. The Windows installation disc (or USB key) must be in (or on) the computer.
Step 6. Press any key when prompted
There, of two things, one: either the recovery manager is started (recovery disc) or it is the Windows setup process (system installation disc).
- If you go through the recovery manager, read the previous part on restoring the laptop.
- If you are using a Windows installation disc, read on.
Step 7. Configure your language preferences
Choose between Install Windows and Install now. During installation, all data is erased, the hard drive is initialized.
Step 8. Select Custom Install (Advanced)
You will then be sure that everything will be erased.
Step 9. Erase all partitions
You will be asked to choose the partition where Windows will be installed. All partitions will then be displayed. Select each partition, then click Wipe off. All data on the partition in question will then be erased. Keep only one!
Step 10. Select the remaining partition
It is on it that the installation will be done. The installer will format it correctly first, then gradually install the Windows files.
Step 11. Quietly wait for the installation to complete
Windows installation takes about half an hour. A progress menu shows you the progress of the installation in real time.
Step 12. Complete the installation
Enter your product key. Once the installation is complete, you will be prompted for it. This 25-character key can be found on a sticker attached to the back of your laptop or in your computer documentation. If you cannot find anything, contact Gateway Service.
Step 13. Download all the necessary drivers
Laptops can be equipped with many peripherals and hence you must have the drivers (modem, LAN…) to make them work. Go to support.gateway.com, choose the Canadian French version of the section Drivers and Downloads. Choose your computer model from the list and you will see the available drivers.
Encountered problem
Step 1. The restore had no effect
You erased everything fine and then successfully reinstalled Windows to factory settings, but your problems did not go away. In a very high probability, your computer is experiencing a problem of a hardware nature.
