Emachine t3104 I have an emachine t3104 model and am trying to do a system recovery. I want to completely erase everything that has been installed. However everytime I try I get a blue screen that says it is not readable, or writeable. I am not sure what this means. There is no disk in the drive needed for the first part only to put the programs back on.

original from ja628
try this
Hello,
(1) Go to start menu
(2) Click on all programs
(3) click on Emachine
(4) click on Emachine recovery management
(5) Click on restore on the bar across the top
(6) click on restore to system factory default

It takes about 20 mins.

this will only works if the recovery partition is still intact or you havent deleted it or format it in anyway.
if the above process dont work, you can insert cd installer and choose repair then go to recovery option

do you want that data on their old hard drive. best thing to do is format the hard drive and install fresh operating system

(1) Go to start menu(2) Click on all programs(3) click on Emachine(4) click on Emachine recovery management(5) Click on restore on the bar across the top(6) click on restore to system factory default
Some emachines can be restored by pressing ALT+F10, but not sure on your model. Give it a try if you can't restore it to factory defaults using Emachine recovery management.

(1) Go to start menu(2) Click on all programs(3) click on Emachine(4) click on Emachine recovery management(5) Click on restore on the bar across the top(6) click on restore to system factory default
Some emachines can be restored by pressing ALT+F10 as you turn on the computer, but not sure on your model

It looks like you'll have to either return it or perform a default factory recovery. These instructions are from their site but proceed knowing that this will erase any data that is stored on the primary partition (meaning if you have anything on it, it's gone...). Esentially it resets it to a point as if you just picked it up in the store (which you did.. :( )


How can I restore my computer with the backup discs I created?
With user created backups you are able to restore your computer to the factory default settings. If backup discs were created instead of factory restore discs, these can be used instead and will restore the system to a user backup point.

If you have a recovery disk:

How can I restore my computer with the backup discs I created?
With user created backups you are able to restore your computer to the factory default settings. If backup discs were created instead of factory restore discs, these can be used instead and will restore the system to a user backup point.

1. Ensure that the computer is completely shutdown, then turn on the computer.
2. When the eMachines splash screen appears, tap the Alt and F10 keys simultaneously. A screen stating "Starting eMachines eRecovery" should appear.
3. From the recovery options, choose Restore system from CD/DVD.
4. Insert either the first Recovery or Backup disc that you created.
5. From the on-screen options, choose a backup.
6. Click OK and the installation will begin.
7. Change the disc as necessary when prompted.
   
   
   If you do not have a recovery disk:
   
   
8. Restart the computer.
9. When the eMachines logo appears on the screen, press the Alt and F10 keys repeatedly.
10. If you are prompted with a Microsoft Windows boot screen, press the Enter key.
11. After the system recovery application has loaded, follow the prompts to reinstall the Operating System.

If your computer has a recovery partition on the hard drive to as follows:

1. Restart the computer
2. When the eMachines logo appears on the screen, press the Alt and F10 keys repeatedly.
3. If you are prompted with a Microsoft Windows boot screen, press the Enter key.
4. After the system recovery application has loaded, follow the prompts to reinstall the Operating System.

If your model does not have a recovery partition then you were given the option to make your own recovery CD's. Unfortunately if you did not do so then you will need to contact eMachines to see if they will sell you recovery CD's. I used to sell these models and as I recall they did not come stock with a restore CD.

Go to start menu
Click on all programs
click on Emachine folder
click on Emachine Recovery Management
Click on restore on the bar across the top
click on restore to system factory default
Complete restoration takes about 20 minutes to complete

Are you the original owner? If you did not make a set of recovery discs, you may have to go to emachines and order them. They are about $20. I recently refurbished an emachine and that is what we had to do.
You will need the model number and serial number. They cannot download it to you either.

http://www.emachines.com/support/product_support.html

Available 5 AM to 12 midnight
PT, seven days a week 866-586-2237*
866-598-2237* United States
Canada

*Long-distance charge may apply, depending on your calling area.

866-586-2237 long distance rates may apply

go to download.com

You should contact the support center for your problem, it sounds like the CD for the recovery is corrupt, long with a possible HDD failure, try doing a clean install of windows(if you have a Clean install disk) if you don't, try calling the eMachines support number.