Uninstallation error (failure)

[user12]

FD-ISR doesn't seem to be playing well on my new Laptop (don't think it can copy my entire drive into a new snapshot) so I've decided to give Rollback a go. However I encounter an error during unnstallation (just after the cmd command box opens).

I have continued uninstallation with errors and it warned that it has not been completely removed (Yes, I have selected to remove everything). On restart I can see the FD-ISR pre-boot screen. I need to get it off the machine a.s.a.p; Any ideas?

edit:even after re-imaging with my acer backup discs the pre-boot screen still there.

edit2: I have re-installed FD-ISR but I can't disable the pre-boot through actions, even that fails.

Need your help guys

[Peter2150]

{QUOTE-> FD-ISR doesn't seem to be playing well on my new Laptop (don't think it can copy my entire drive into a new snapshot) so I've decided to give Rollback a go. However I encounter an error during unnstallation (just after the cmd command box opens).

I have continued uninstallation with errors and it warned that it has not been completely removed (Yes, I have selected to remove everything). On restart I can see the FD-ISR pre-boot screen. I need to get it off the machine a.s.a.p; Any ideas?

edit:even after re-imaging with my acer backup discs the pre-boot screen still there.

edit2: I have re-installed FD-ISR but I can't disable the pre-boot through actions, even that fails.

Need your help guys <-QUOTE}

When you installed FDISR, did you perchance make the MBR floppy as the program strongly suggested.

Second question. Did you get a Windows CD with your machine.

[user12]

Quick answers:

NO (don't have a floppy drive)
NO

[screamer]

User12,

Try to un-install "Program Only", you can then go back and delete the SS.

hth,

...screamer

[user12]

trued that; same error message (problem). Even tried restoring backup image using acer recovery.

Still can't get rid of pre-boot screen.

what do you mean by the SS? snapshots?

[screamer]

yeah, SS = SnapShots.

Have you tried an un-install in Safe Mode?

If all else fails... Try deleting the FD-ISR folder(s) and then running a reg cleaner. Of course this is a last ditch effort.

...screamer

[user12]

Finally, I think I've got rid of the pre-boot screen.

Restored factory image with acer e-recovery (made the discs on the first day). After that...
Waited around 3 hours for my friend to turn up with his XP (MCE) disc (btw he only lives 10 mins away).

Then booted into recovery console after reading this (http://www.raxco.com/support/windows/fdisr/fdisr_faqs.cfm#15) and then followed this (http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/recovery_console_overview.mspx?mfr=true).

After all of that... I'm wondering whether I want to give Rollback a spin?... Maybe not, or maybe...

Thanks screamer and peter2150.

[ErikAlbert]

user12,
I would be more worried about not having a Windows Installation CD in your case.

The fact that your restoration didn't work properly is another even more serious thing to worry about.
I restored my computer with an image without FDISR over a harddisk with FDISR on it and it worked without any problems.
A restoration of any image has to work properly no matter what is on your harddisk. That is the true meaning of restoration, getting exactly back on your harddisk, what you had in the past.
Fix that first and then try RollbackRx.

[Peter2150]

{QUOTE-> user12,
I would be more worried about not having a Windows Installation CD in your case.

The fact that your restoration didn't work properly is another even more serious thing to worry about.
I restored my computer with an image without FDISR over a harddisk with FDISR on it and it worked without any problems.
A restoration of any image has to work properly no matter what is on your harddisk. That is the true meaning of restoration, getting exactly back on your harddisk, what you had in the past.
Fix that first and then try RollbackRx. <-QUOTE}

Erik

Some recovery CD's dont't do the MBR or track 0 like ATI or SP

USER12

Be careful Rollback, as you can run into the same MBR issues.

Pete

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> Erik

Some recovery CD's dont't do the MBR or track 0 like ATI or SP

<-QUOTE}
That doesn't change anything. If you don't know how to restore your harddisk properly, you can't do such experiments.
If the MBR isn't restored by the recovery CD, you have to solve that problem first.

[user12]

Well I used acer's factory reset installation discs that I had to make after the first boot. Am I concerned about the restoration? Yes; defininately.

Seems like you guys would recommend acronis true image and shadowprotect? right?

Also do you guys know if I was acer usually provides windows installation cd? All I have is a small genuine xp mce certificate stuck underneath.

Don't worry won't be dipping my hands into Rollback, this experience has made me think twice.

[user12]

{QUOTE-> If the MBR isn't restored by the recovery CD, you have to solve that problem first. <-QUOTE}

should I purchase an alternative like ATI or do you suspect I have somehow messed up the recovery? although I can't see how.

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> should I purchase an alternative like ATI or do you suspect I have somehow messed up the recovery? although I can't see how. <-QUOTE}
I don't know how to recover the MBR, because I don't have your problem, but I'm sure that other members can help you with that if you prefer to keep on using the Recovery CD.

ATI recovers the MBR + partition completely and you also can recover them separately, if that would be necessary.
SP does probably the same, but I don't use it. Peter uses SP.

[user12]

{QUOTE-> I don't know how to recover the MBR,... <-QUOTE}

Like I said I ran the mbrfix which seems to have sorted the issue. My major concern is the incomplete snapshot (I presume incomplete as it was only 5 gigs when my original partition was considerably more) and the other concern was the uninstallation error. This is a shame as I has good experience with FD-ISR on my desktop.

Obviously acer's image recovery is also a concern that probably means that I need to use an alternative software. Just wrote a support ticket to acer about the problem and the fact that I don't have a windows XP MCE installation cd. I'll wait to see what they say.

[ErikAlbert]

Do you have enough space on the harddisk of your laptop, because FDISR requires alot of space to make snapshots ?

[user12]

I have 120 gig hard drive split into 2 partitions. It's strange because it doesn't show any errors when it copies the snapshot.

Yesterday when I made a 3rd snapshot from my secondary snapshot, I received a GMAL -04 error and couldn't boot into any other snapshot. Hence the reason for uninstallation.

[ErikAlbert]

I hope the partition of your Windows + FDISR is big enough to make snapshots.
The other partition isn't important for FDISR.

[user12]

They are split equally into 60 gigs each.

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> They are split equally into 60 gigs each. <-QUOTE}
That should be enough, even with 10 snapshots I had about 30gigs.
So the problem must be caused by something else.

[Peter2150]

Hi User12

1. I would contact Raxco(or the vendor you got FDISR) from and see if they can help you work thru the FDISR problem

2. On the imaging, and Erik can correct me if i am wrong, ATI, gives you the choice of restoring the MBR in the image, or not. If I am right, SP has one advantage, you can chose not to restore the mbr, like ATI, but also chose between restoring the MBR in the image, or just re writing a standard windows MBR.

I will be curious to see what feedback you get from Acer.

Pete

[ErikAlbert]

Peter,
You are right about ATI, it doesn't have an option for a standard windows MBR.
ATI never failed on me, but ShadowProtect will be my next choice, if I ever ditch ATI.

[user12]

{QUOTE-> 1. I would contact Raxco... <-QUOTE}

Usually it's my last resort as responses can be slow (maybe Raxco are good). Unfortunately I didn't save any logs or anything else and I don't think I'll be replicating my experience, but I will try contacting them by the end of next week.

{QUOTE-> I will be curious to see what feedback you get from Acer. <-QUOTE}

It's noted. I may try phoning tech support (they supplied the number once I submitted my form). I'll keep you up to date.

btw this is Acer eRecovery (http://global.acer.com/products/et/eRecovery.htm)
edit OMG I'm just reading that eRecovery keeps it's image on the 2nd partition which needs to be FAT32 (http://crippledcanary.se/archives/7), if this is true I may need to re-convert my D partition back to FAT32 as I have converted it to NTFS.

[DVD+R]

OK Firstly I am not trying to sway people from one product to another, as each individual has almost certainly come across some circumstance, with whatever product they use. However I must say user12 I can understand your reluctance to not give Rollback a try, I know how having problems can make people very uncertain, and unwilling, or worried the same problem will happen again. I have to say though, and I'm sure others will agree, trial and error, is sometimes unavoidably nessescary to setup your pc to your likings. As a person who has used Rollback for 4 months and not encountered anything like what user12 has experienced, I have to say I'm satisfied, with the exception of not getting a free ugrade to Version 8 for Vista, Rollback has performed,and saved me several times effortlessly. So do you try? or dont you try? Only one sure way to find out.

Secondly, user12 what partition did you install FDISR on? was it your Primary? or Secondary? and is the Acer Recovery Program installed on your PC. or on CD Only? Usually Pre-Installed Systems have the recovery program built into the Primary Partition, Only if you format this partition will the recovery program no longer work. You didnt format your Partition did you? You may have to get an Acer Technician to come out and reinstall if you did.

I remember once I got a HP Pavillion PC With Windows Home Pre Installed, and I got a Copy of Windows XP Professional, and formatted my Partition ::) Damn that was a mistake I never did again, Luckily I conned HP into believing they told me it was Ok to do So :D And I got it fixed up for free, Infact I got a New PC ;D Whatever you decide user12, I hope All works out well for you :)

[Peter2150]

@ DVD+R

Just out of curiousity, if you use a good imaging program, why do you need their "special" partition.

[DVD+R]

Simply put Peter, an image is exactly that, "An Image" its a replication of the Operating system, it does not duplicate partitions If you dont have a partition, you cant install a OS. So it goes with Pre-installed OS Computers, that partition is there for the recovery of the installed system. If you delete, or format it, nothing is on there, so how is it supposed to recover, from what isnt present? ;)

[Peter2150]

{QUOTE-> Simply put Peter, an image is exactly that, "An Image" its a replication of the Operating system, it does not duplicate partitions If you dont have a partition, you cant install a OS. So it goes with Pre-installed OS Computers, that partition is there for the recovery of the installed system. If you delete, or format it, nothing is on there, so how is it supposed to recover, from what isnt present? ;) <-QUOTE}


Yeah, I guess you are right. I just don't buy computers that handle recovery that way. Also I do know several people who will buy Dells, and immediately nuke that stuff, make a single partition, and reinstall Windows.

Course your last question, also begs the question of how you recover it, if the disk crashes.

[user12]

{QUOTE-> I will be curious to see what feedback you get from Acer. <-QUOTE}

As promised, here is the extract of the email reply from ACER web support

{QUOTE-> The recovery will re-install the C: drives image but will not affect the master boot record.

None of our machines ship with physical disks for the reinstallation of Windows. We supply the Acer eRecovery software which prompts you to create your recovery disks the first time the machine is switched on. This recovery set is then used to reinstall windows and the drivers specific to your machine back to the factory settings if ever required. <-QUOTE}

[Peter2150]

{QUOTE-> As promised, here is the extract of the email reply from ACER web support <-QUOTE}

Okay so if you wanted you could create the disk, I guess test them by restoring, and if good, then you could wipe the disk cleaning up their partition, and then restore to the new c: drive. Not so bad.