Tattoo acer aspire

Solved
toto888 Posted messages 23 Status Member -  
rodriguez73 Posted messages 3266 Status Member -
Hello,
I have just discovered to my great dismay that my Acer Aspire 1522WLMi has been blocked by a kind of tattoo that prevents installing any OS other than the original one, namely an obsolete and underperforming Windows XP OEM (it doesn't even support the laptop's 64-bit processor since it is 32-bit...). Moreover, it seems that the tattoo is level 2 because when I change the original 60GB hard drive for a 120GB one to upgrade capacity, the lock engages. Here are the symptoms:
*with the original hard drive
- boot using an original Windows XP CD (other than the provided one):
the boot is ok, the CD loads the executables but after about 30 seconds the computer shuts down on its own before the load is complete.
on the next boot, the shutdown happens faster (about 15s) and it is impossible to enter the BIOS as it locks
- boot with a bootable Ubuntu CD: same
- boot with a DOS CD (ubcd): same
- boot with the provided CD (original XP OEM): no problem, the computer installs without stopping.
*with a hard drive different from the original:
- boot using the provided CD: the machine stops after 30s of loading
- boot with any other CD: same

I’ve searched for information on how to unlock this laptop on forums, I even wrote to Acer to understand what’s going on; having never faced this kind of situation, I don’t see how to resolve it unless I just throw this PC in the trash. if anyone has the secret to making this laptop “normal,” that is, installable with any OS and not just the original, please share this information. Sincerely.

Configuration: ubuntu
Firefox 2.0.0.12

7 answers

  1. Anonymous user
     
    hi toto. avoid multi-posting please. look here maybe a solution by flashing the bios!
    http://www.depannetonpc.net/...
    hey toto! .... good luck : )
    --

    The important thing is to keep your feet on your shoulders
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    1. toto888 Posted messages 23 Status Member
       
      hello tomsawyer, thanks for your link but I had already seen it, there’s nothing concrete in it except explanations of the tattooing principle, flashing the bios didn’t help, the problem is still there. I posted in "windows" and "hardware" because I didn’t know where to put my question, I’m looking for a solution if it exists.
      @+
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  2. Anonymous user
     
    otherwise another discussion here: http://www.commentcamarche.net/forum/affich 2809902 for questions about tattooed PCs and OEM
    --

    The important thing is to keep your feet on your shoulders
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    1. toto888 Posted messages 23 Status Member
       
      also seen, thanks.
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      1. Anonymous user > toto888 Posted messages 23 Status Member
         
        You're welcome. (not sure about your story) if I find something better I'll let you know but given the techniques already "advanced" suggested I'm wondering if there's a solution to your problem halala there are things you must not buy!!! -- The important thing is to keep your feet on your shoulders
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      2. toto888 Posted messages 23 Status Member > Anonymous user
         
        It's clear that I'm abandoning this computer brand; on top of that they don't even reply to my emails. Their phone support (which is supposed to handle technical issues and still costs 0.15 per minute with a constant 10-minute wait) is unable to give me an answer and even tells me that their computers aren't locked! but that my PC must have a technical problem... those clever kids, since it could bring them a few extra euros... what’s certain is that I won't let myself be taken in because this level-2 tattooing procedure is absolutely illegal, especially since it wasn't stated at the time of purchase. a scam when it grabs you...
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      3. toto888 Posted messages 23 Status Member > Anonymous user
         
        for criminal procedure I know how to get there, take a look at the latest noises quite pleasing:

        Pay less for your computers or Stop preinstalled Microsoft!

        This is addressed to anti-Windows!!
        Since June 2005, it is possible for you to request that, when you buy your computer, Windows and other Microsoft software are not installed on it and to request a refund for these, under Article L.122-1 of the Consumer Code on sale
        subject to...

        In the June 2005 issue of 60 Millions de Consommateurs, on page 10 you can read good news:
        “Refusing Windows is possible!
        [...]When you buy a PC in a large store, you pay for [...]
        Windows, Word, Excel,... Or you have the right to refuse them. The minister in charge of consumer questions has taken a position on this sensitive subject in response to two questions asked by members of parliament. He has confirmed that Article L.122-1 of the Consumer Code on conditioned sales applies to this case.
        The consumer is therefore entitled to request the deactivation of the software and the reimbursement of their price.”
        The article ends somewhat discouragingly by explaining that it is still difficult to do without because Linux is tricky to install...

        In summary, it’s all good because you can invoke this ministerial response before a reseller who is a bit “hard to understand” and invoke the fraud repression services, or even the courts.

        One can find the question and ministerial reply here:
        http://questions.assemblee-nationale.fr/ by searching for question no. 57099
        They were published in JO on 08-02-2005 and 08-03-2005



        =================================================================================



        Twisted Evil 260 euros per PC: an illegal tax that you are forced to pay Twisted Evil
        December 5, 2003
        National Day of Tax-Free Windows (*)
        and transparency on the price of software
        From the admission of a manufacturer (*), 25% of the price of a PC is attributable to the software sold with it.

        By comparison, VAT is only 19.6%.

        * The real price of the computer is not displayed, and that is illegal. (*)
        * We are obliged to buy the software with the computer, that is illegal. (*)
        * There exist other software, much cheaper: operating systems, office suite, image processing. (*)

        When you make your next computer purchase at your favorite supermarket:

        1. Ask for a detailed quote of your computer or hardware stating the price of the software. If they refuse to detail the quote, affix the following note to the invoice before signing, it will facilitate your later complaints:

        I make all reservations regarding the acceptance of software contracts proposed with this hardware, their texts have not been presented to me, in violation of the provisions of articles L.111-1 and L.113-3 of the Consumer Code. (*) In accordance with the provisions of these contracts, which I have become aware of elsewhere, I consider that I am due the transactional amount generally accepted for the reimbursement of software not accepted, namely (divide the invoice amount by 4).

        Signature of the consumer: your signature.

        Seen, the person in charge of the sale: signature of the seller (otherwise: “refuse to sign”).

        2. Demand a partitioned hard drive, as well as the installation CD-ROMs.

        If you have only one partition (C drive), your personal documents are stored with your Windows operating system (*). They are therefore vulnerable in the event of a serious Windows failure (*).
        If on the contrary your disk contains two or more partitions (C, D, etc), you can store your personal documents separately: they are safe in case of reinstallation of the operating system (for which you need the Windows installation CD-ROMs). For Windows (*), a 10GB C drive is sufficient, even if you install many software programs. The rest of your hard drive can be divided into other partitions (D drive, etc), particularly for your personal documents.

        With multiple partitions (C, D, etc), not only are your personal documents more secure, but you are not trapped by Windows (*): you can also install another, more reliable, user-friendly and cheaper operating system, with which you will process your documents even better. Contact enthusiasts near you (*) to help you with this fairly simple installation.

        If you only have a C drive, these enthusiasts (*) can still help you, provided you have backed up your personal documents and you have the Windows (*) installation CDs and your software CDs.

        In other cases, either use an expensive partitioning software, necessary for recent versions of Windows (*), or consult an expert who will perform complex and tedious operations.

        (*) Websites to consult.
        A refund of 261 euros:
        https://www.zdnet.fr/actualites/ [...] 185,00.htm

        Information and advice on the Détaxe discussion list:
        http://aful.org/wws/info/detaxe

        Information, references:
        http://dona.ferentes.free.fr
        http://www.linux-center.org/detaxe [...] s2003.html

        Information, legal file:
        http://www.linuxfrench.net

        Free software:
        http://gnuwin.epfl.ch/fr

        Contact, near you, enthusiasts in free software:
        https://aful.org/gul

        Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation https://www.microsoft.com/fr-fr/
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  3. Anonymous user
     
    and otherwise a question like this! have you tried partitioning the disk with the original OS provided?
    suggestion with Linux you can install your bootloader on a USB key. which could allow you to install your Linux without touching the MBR of your disk
    inconvenients require selecting the USB key as boot device
    --

    The important thing is to keep your feet on your shoulders
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    1. toto888 Posted messages 23 Status Member
       
      Frankly, I don’t want to tweak something that might work but isn’t logical, that wastes a huge amount of time and is especially risky in case of a wrong move (already with the Windows problems I’ve never wasted so much time in my life). I simply refuse to let my machine be locked, so either there’s a method to remove this damn tattoo and the machine becomes “standard” again, or I’ll mess with them until I get my way. Wait, do you think it’s normal that you’re sold a Ferrari with a 2CV engine, and on top of that you’re forced to buy fuel from a single supplier? honestly, I have a hard time swallowing that…
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      1. Anonymous user > toto888 Posted messages 23 Status Member
         
        yes don’t worry i understand you i put myself in your shoes and i believe i would be mad too. i wish you good luck for the rest.
        find a way to remove their f...ing tattoo maybe something quite orgasmic that’s why i suggested this boot on a usb key solution but it’s true that a good complaint against these crooks (one more) would be more useful since it makes noise this kind of story. : ))))
        --

        what matters is to keep your feet on your shoulders
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      2. toto888 Posted messages 23 Status Member > Anonymous user
         
        yes, for now I’m nice, I made a ridiculous request like "I’m a good customer who just wants it to work," and it’s true that I just want my PC to be like everyone else, nothing more! but if I don’t get a technically proven answer, I’ll bare my teeth, all my documents are ready to go to the lawyer and I won’t back down. anyway, these methods are illegal if the user isn’t aware of them at purchase, there’s no need to look for the why or how, so if this can also help other wronged customers, that’s great.

        ps: if we let this kind of thing go on, tomorrow, when you install freeware or just firefox, your Windows will refuse to start?! i’m starting to believe it, boooh it gives me chills...
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  4. toto888 Posted messages 23 Status Member
     
    well, the verdict is in. According to an independent research institute the laptop is indeed tattooed at level 2, and Acer's support has never replied to my letters...
    so I bought a Dell, much more serious and above all real quality, nothing to do with painted plastics or Acer's pitiful after-sales service. at the same time, it's not worse that it's 2-buck plastic, since ACER considers its products (and its customers?!) as "consumables," it will be easier to recycle...

    Warning to buyers: 20 euros less on the purchase invoice does not necessarily mean "a good deal" in the long run...

    reputable honest brands (no tattoo, customer service reasonably serious):
    - DELL
    - ASUS
    - MSI
    - TOSHIBA
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  5. Anonymous user
     
    same opinion as you about the four you just mentioned ;)
    --

    The important thing is to keep your feet on your shoulders
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  6. Sébastien
     
    I’m in the same situation with an Acer tower and I’m calling for BOYCOTT ACER!!! This tattoo principle is shameful and ILLEGAL!!! I find this comparison very fair and I allow myself to reuse it: A Ferrari with a 2CV engine that only runs on one brand of fuel!!! My problem still isn’t solved and my desktop computer is still broken (I hadn’t made the restore CDs … I’ll have to PAY for them at ACER!) Finally, to conclude, since then I treated myself to a laptop Don’t worry Mr. Acer, it’s an Asus, you won’t get even one of my € anymore!!!
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  7. rodriguez73 Posted messages 3266 Status Member 298
     
    I am the head of the IT unit at a town hall and I use Acer, and I can tell you that I have never had any problems at that level.

    I bought about twenty laptops for the members of the services and I asked each of them if they had preferred operating systems, and I installed them without any issues. There were XP Pro, XP Home, and even Linux.
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