Acer E-Recovery

Hi,
Trying to find a bit of info on this. Any help would be appreciated:-

1. Is Alt+f10 a system shortcut or based in software? If i was to reinstall windows with a clean install will i be able to use the shortcut from within windows or during boot.

2. How can i access the hidden partition if i scrub the C and D drives prior to reinstall?

3. If i boot off the CD that i created from E-Recovery will i get the option to restore from the hidden partition back to Factory Default and not off any other backups i made?

4. If i wipe the the C and D drives and do a fresh install on NTFS into one partition how can i get the laptop back to the point when i took it out the box?

I know these might sound a bit basic but i really want to clear out the HD and install my own custom setup, but still want to be able to get it back to out-of-the-box if i need to. I am a a bit wary after speaking to Acer Support who completely unhelpful, and the supplied documentation being a load of rubbish

cheers

 

1. Alt+F10 is supported by the system BIOS, and useful only when first turning on the machine (at POST)

2. Formatting C and/or D drives will not effect the hidden PQSERVICE partition. The only ways to access the data on PQSERVICE are via the BIOS restore (Alt+F10) or via the eRecovery Managment software. Messing with the PQSERVICE partition (via Disk Managment, Windows Setup etc) is not a good idea though.

3. Yes, in fact it's not optional, it's the only way.

4. Use the recovery DVD you made.

 

Hi,
Thanks for that. I really want to wipe the machine clean, but retain the option to refresh it to factory default.

Your comments have eased my mind a bit.
cheers

 

only a bit?