Alright, so this whole problem is ongoing...in early-September, the problem with my Acer in which Windows would no longer boot. It would try to boot, abort, turn off and then automatically restart to begin the process anew.

I sent this whiny hunk of junk to the computer experts at London Drugs. They told me that it was a bug in the Acer system, and that it was bound to happen. They also somewhat restored it, enabling me to get into my hard drive and copy all my files to my external hd.

Of course, the problem would come back within a few days. I had accepted this as such, and as I thought I had transferred all my important documents, I could just work from my desktop.

But nooo....only today I realize that I had apparently neglected to copy one of my files from the Acer...what I need to know is how I can get Windows working long enough to transfer that very important file before my brain hemorrhages from the acute stress.

Please help....

When I try to boot, the damnable machine insists on performing a disk check, then informs me of an "error in writing the output log."

I would say it's more likely a problem with Windows (big surprise) than with Acer. Try booting it up in 'safe mode' and see where that gets you. Or, try using a recovery disc or system repair from a sys disc. At worst, do a clean reinstall of Windows.

You could try running a Linux Live CD and see if you can get access to your hard drive from that

+1 for this

http://www.ehow.com/how_5260009_recover-files-using-linux-livecd.html

that's a nice user-friendly method.

I've already tried rebooting it from safe mode...and every other option listed on that screen...but no good.

My recovery discs would have been the first thing I did, but they no longer work.

I don't have a Linux live CD. And I'm assuming obtaining one would be expensive. I'm looking for cost effective ways to solve the problem (ideally ways in which I do not have to spend a cent).

The repairman apparently (temporarily) addressed the problem when I sent it off, any ideas on how I could replicate his work?

LiveCD's are free, you just need a working computer that has a working unternet connection and a working CD drive...

His way of "adressing" the problem, was probably some piece of **** hack job, hence why it didn't fully adress the cause, and only temporarily and intermittently.

The Linux way of backing up your files, and a doing full re-install of the OS would be a good start; If it continues, I can probably assist you more, but I would need to see log files from the OS itself, or logs from the Linux LiveCd (Linux logs tend to provide more useable information). Good luck.

Usually if you did not build the computer you only have a partial program on the disc so a wipe and re-install is probably out of the question. Knoppix is one such site that you can probably get done what you need from another working computer after you load the linux on to a CD. The CD contains the new temporary operating for you to limp to the files you need. I had to do it once, successfully.
http://www.knoppix.net/

Knoppix isn't as user friendly as openSuse.

That's why I suggested the guide I did for a non technical user, such as the OP.

And if he gets a copy of XP, or w/e his OS is, he can do a full re-install once he has his important files backed up.

just my 2 ¢

the problem is.....


*drum roll*












it's an Acer!!!

My first PC was an Acer. Great computer, never had any problems with it.

That's what the folks at the repair shop told me. It seems they no longer sell Acers or even stock Acer parts because they received so many complaints about the product from customers.

And you know, I had this exact same problem last year (of course, last year my recovery discs worked which is why I didn't need to go online inquiring about it). It always starts with these stupid balloons telling me my C drive is full...even though I'm not adding files to my C drive...something to do with a defect in how the Acer allocates memory.

Or so I'm told.

i never had any problems either one of mine (this is my second one)
maybe you should get a better virus program...

i have never had or used an Acer that was reliable.Acer's are a Compaq knockoff

i just wont buy a dell, compact or HP...they are a waste of money

i own a Compaq and have had it about 7 years.it has been the most reliable comp i've ever owned.the only thing i've ever had to replace in it was a power supply that was only predicted to last about 6 months and i replaced it 5 years ago and it's still going strong.



it could use a memory and processor upgrade but it's fine for everyday internet use

I have had Compaq, Dell, Acer, Gateway, Toshiba and HP laptops. I am very careful with them and don't dropkick them or anything. Only serious problem I ever had with any of them was the HP had a bad connection to the LCD so that it would blink and go out if you set the LCD at the wrong angle. Nevertheless I used the HP for years without fixing it - just adjusted the angle of the LCD slightly until it was working OK...

Still using the HP matter of fact...Maybe I should take the LCD off and fix the connection one of these days...



So far, the Acer which is a recent i7 machine is working just great! It is lightning fast and very portable. Time will tell I suppose but I have used it for months without the slightest problem.



I third the suggestion to use a live Linux CD to get your data.
Try Puppy Linux.

Wait until you've had your Acer for 5-6 years, as I have...

I should mention that I've solved the problem...of course, I had to boot from the cd drive, and I had to stick the master recovery disc in 6-7 times before it would work, but my important file is saved.