I can't access Factory Reset.

Legacy_user

Because of long standing issues with my acer aspire 9420 running vista ultimate I want to do a factory reset. For the last week or so, the only way I can surf is to force closure (long power press). Then when rebooting and the black screen, use Safe Mode with networking.. This gives limited use.

I have saved anything I want and have now for the last couple of hours tried to embark on the factory reset with no luck.

Via Start>Acer Empowering Tecnology>Acer erecovery management I get no further.

Using the safe mode with networking dosen't get any further.
Using normal, meets with a rotating curser.

I've searched for the Acer installation disc but after a house move, it could either be in the loft or discarded.

Would anyone care to offer advice please?.

macman

Is the restore partition still visible in 'Computer'?

gunte

Power on your computer. When the Acer logo is displayed, press and hold the ALT key while pressing repeatedly the F10 key. Release the keys when a message displays that Windows is loading files.

System

Thanks, I managed it at lunchtime. It is amazing how fresh crisp and clear everything is. I broke my wireless mouse in the excitement and have been out for a replacement, now I am logging in everywhere. Thanks for advice. The secret is, for want of a better word, is to time it just right when the logo appears before pressing the key.