If your Gateway laptop is frequently unresponsive, or won't boot into Windows, it may be time for you to reset the laptop. You can try using System Restore first to return the laptop to a time when the laptop was still functioning normally. Using System Restore does not lose your data so it is recommended that you try it as a first aid. If System Restore can't restore your laptop, try Recovery Manager or a Windows installation CD to factory reset your Gateway laptop.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using System Restore
Step 1. Know how System Restore works
System Restore will restore your settings, drivers, and programs to a date, when the system was still working properly. System Restore does not affect data or documents, but programs installed after the restore point you selected will be removed.
System Restore is highly recommended for your laptop's first aid, because you don't have to worry about backing up data
Step 2. Restart the laptop, then press F8
Make sure you hold down F8 as soon as the laptop restarts. The Advanced Boot Options menu will appear.
Step 3. From the menu list, select Safe Mode with Command Prompt
After the computer loads some files, you will be taken to a command line interface.
Step 4. Open System Restore
If your laptop is running Windows XP, the commands you have to enter are slightly different.
- Windows 7, 8, and Vista - Enter rstui.exe and press Enter.
- Windows XP - Enter %systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe and press Enter.
Step 5. Select a restore point
After entering the command, a list of return points, creation date, and reason for creating the restore point will appear. Try selecting a restore point before the laptop runs into problems. After selecting, click Next >.
You can view restore points that Windows deems less important by clicking Store more restore points
Step 6. Wait for the restore process to complete
The return process may take a few minutes. Once done, your computer will restart, and you will receive a message that Windows settings have been restored.
Keep in mind that any programs you installed after the restore point was created will be lost, so they will need to be reinstalled. Be careful when installing these missing programs, as they could be the cause of your computer's problems
Solve the problem
Step 1. If you can't access Advanced Boot Options, try the following steps
Generally, this problem occurs if you are using Windows 8, which activates too fast so you cannot access the menu.
- Open the Charms menu in Windows by swiping your finger from the right corner of the screen, or moving the cursor to the lower right corner of the screen.
- Click Settings, then tap or click Power.
- Hold Shift, then select Restart. Your computer will enter the Advanced Boot menu.
Step 2. If you don't have a restore point to fix the problem with your computer, or your restore point doesn't fix the problem, you may need to factory reset your laptop
Read the next section of this guide to find out how.
Method 2 of 3: Factory Reset
Step 1. Back up data if possible
Factory resetting your Gateway laptop will erase the data so you need to back up the data you think is important. Read the guide to backing up data on the internet.
If you can't get into Windows, you can use a Linux-based Live CD to access and copy files to an external drive. Read online guides for creating and using Live CDs
Step 2. Connect the laptop to a power supply
The process of restoring a laptop to factory settings can take some time, and if the laptop runs out of power before it finishes, the laptop may suffer serious damage. Before proceeding with the process, make sure the laptop is connected to a power supply.
Step 3. Restart the computer, and after the Gateway or Acer logo appears, immediately press Alt+F10
You may need to press the key several times until the computer responds. The above key combination will invoke Recovery Manager.
If you see the Windows Boot Menu, press Enter
Step 4. Select the Restore Operating System to Factory Defaults option
You will be asked for confirmation several times to continue. Starting the recovery process will erase the data on the laptop, and reinstall Windows and the laptop's built-in programs. This process may take about an hour.
You can maintain data on the laptop, but this is not recommended, because some of the data could be the cause of the laptop not functioning normally
Step 5. Create an account, and use the computer as usual
After the computer has finished resetting to factory settings, the laptop will return to the way it was purchased. You will be prompted to create a Windows account and set personal settings.
Solve the problem
Step 1. If you can't access Recovery Manager, most likely the storage media on your laptop has been formatted before, so the recovery partition is lost
You will need to use a recovery CD or Windows installation CD to delete data on the laptop and reinstall Windows. Read the bottom of this guide to find out how to use the recovery CD or Windows installation CD.
Step 2. If your laptop problem doesn't go away even after the laptop is factory reset, then the problem is most likely with the laptop hardware
Installing a new RAM or hard drive is easy, and might help you solve your laptop problem. If the laptop is still having problems after installing a new RAM/hard disk, contact Gateway to have the laptop repaired
Method 3 of 3: Using the Recovery CD or Windows Installation CD
Step 1. Find the laptop recovery CD whenever possible
Often, laptops require multiple drivers, and installing Windows via a recovery CD is the easiest way to make sure all the drivers are properly installed when you reset the laptop. If you cannot use Recovery Manager because the recovery partition is lost, try using a recovery CD, which can be ordered through Gateway.
Step 2. If you can't get a recovery CD, create or buy a Windows CD
You can use the Windows CD to erase data on the laptop and reinstall Windows. Use a Windows CD with the same version of Windows on the laptop.
- If you are using Windows 7 with a valid product code, you can create a Windows DVD by following the guide at this link. Prepare a blank DVD, or a USB drive with over 4GB of free space.
- If you are using Windows 8 with a valid product code, you can create a Windows DVD by following the guide at this link. Prepare a blank DVD, or a USB drive with over 4GB of free space.
Step 3. Restart the computer, then press F12 many times when the Gateway or Acer logo appears
On Gateway laptops, the key will open the Boot Menu.
Step 4. Change the boot order to install Windows via recovery CD or installation CD using Boot Menu
Set the CD drive first, replacing the hard disk.
If you created an installation USB drive, set it to start the computer via the USB drive
Step 5. Save changes, then restart the computer
Make sure the installation disc or drive is inserted.
Step 6. When prompted, press any key
If you are using a recovery CD, the Recovery Manager will appear, and if you are using a Windows CD, the Windows installation process will begin.
- If you used Recovery Manager to factory reset your laptop, read the previous steps.
- If you are using a Windows installation CD, continue reading.
Step 7. Select the language, then click Install Windows or Install now . The installation process will erase your drive, leaving your computer blank again.
Step 8. If prompted, select the Custom (advanced) installation option to ensure all data is deleted
Step 9. Delete the partition on the laptop
When prompted to choose a Windows installation location, you will see all the partitions on your laptop. Select the partitions one by one, then click Delete to delete all data on the partition.
Step 10. Select one remaining partition as the installation destination
The installation program will format the partition with the appropriate file system, and then start installing Windows.
Step 11. Wait until the installation process is complete
Windows installation usually takes about 30 minutes. The installation progress will appear on the screen.
Step 12. Complete the installation process, and enter the product code
After the installation process is complete, you will be asked to enter the 25 character product code which is usually located on the bottom of the laptop, or in the laptop manual. If you cannot find the product code, contact Gateway.
Step 13. Download the appropriate driver for your laptop
Laptops consist of a wide variety of specialized hardware, therefore, special drivers are required to make optimal use of the hardware. Go to support.gateway.com, then go to the Driver downloads section and enter information about your laptop. On the page that appears, download all the recommended drivers and software.
