From Newsgroup: uk.comp.homebuilt

I have 'inherited' an Acer Aspire Switch 10 tablet running Windows 10.
Just the table part, not the detachable keyboard.

I do not have any login details but was wondering if there is any hope
of being able to do a complete factory reset. It might make a useful
cheap tablet for web browsing - can't imagine doing much else with it.

Any pointers would be appreciated.

--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.comp.homebuilt

Andrew <andrew_d_may@hotmail.com> wrote:

I have 'inherited' an Acer Aspire Switch 10 tablet running Windows 10.
Just the table part, not the detachable keyboard.

I do not have any login details but was wondering if there is any hope
of being able to do a complete factory reset. It might make a useful
cheap tablet for web browsing - can't imagine doing much else with it.

Any pointers would be appreciated.

It looks like it has a 64GB SSD so a 'normal' Win 10 install should fit. I think the tablets from the early Win 10 era with 16GB or 32GB were tricky to install given the small size.

It appears to have a 64 bit CPU with a 32 bit UEFI so 32 bit Windows should install but 64 bit won't natively. There are some tricks via bootia32.efi
and GRUB/Ventoy that may work, I haven't tried them: https://forums.ventoy.net/showthread.php?tid=1576 https://github.com/lamadotcare/bootia32-efi

I would guess that if you ran the Windows 10 installer from a USB there
would be enough to get it going - you may need to search Acer's site for drivers for eg wifi to add to it. I'd maybe try the 64 bit first and see if that will boot, else go with the 32 bit.

They likely shipped with Windows 10 v1511 which is very old, so I'd probably prefer to reinstall 22H2 rather than try and factory reset the current OS install.

You should be able to plug in a USB hub and then keyboard, mouse, storage, ethernet etc into that to install.

Theo
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.comp.homebuilt

Andrew wrote:

I have 'inherited' an Acer Aspire Switch 10
I do not have any login details but was wondering if there is any hope
of being able to do a complete factory reset.

"To factory reset your Acer Aspire Switch 10, shut it down, then turn it
on while holding Alt + F10 to access the recovery screen, and select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC. You'll have the option to Remove
everything (for a complete reset) or Keep my files (to reset apps and settings)"
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.comp.homebuilt

On 20/09/2025 12:16, Andrew wrote:

I have 'inherited' an Acer Aspire Switch 10 tablet running Windows 10.
Just the table part, not the detachable keyboard.

I do not have any login details but was wondering if there is any hope
of being able to do a complete factory reset.

With the Win10 installation media on a USB, you can do that - or do some
file hackery to give you an administrator command shell on reboot....

It might make a useful

cheap tablet for web browsing - can't imagine doing much else with it.

Home Assistant dashboard. Nail it to a wall.
Replacement Car Infotainment system?

Any pointers would be appreciated.

I've got an older Acer Switch 3 Tablet, also has an old windows 10 built
that also not going to go much further with updates.

However mine does work with a HP 3005pr USB 3.0 Port Replicator https://www.amazon.co.uk/HP-3005pr-USB-Port-Replicator-black/dp/B008HNA5KC

Which can be picked up used on eBay for -u15 inc. PSU.

It gives you network, additional DisplayLink screens, audio and more
USBs - however the CPU and memory might luckout with horsepower running
all that, it does work....
--
Adrian C
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.comp.homebuilt

Adrian Caspersz <email@here.invalid> wrote:

On 20/09/2025 12:16, Andrew wrote:

I have 'inherited' an Acer Aspire Switch 10 tablet running Windows 10.
Just the table part, not the detachable keyboard.

I do not have any login details but was wondering if there is any hope
of being able to do a complete factory reset.

With the Win10 installation media on a USB, you can do that - or do some file hackery to give you an administrator command shell on reboot....

It might make a useful

cheap tablet for web browsing - can't imagine doing much else with it.

Home Assistant dashboard. Nail it to a wall.
Replacement Car Infotainment system?

I have a Windows 10 tablet of that era that's serving dedicated use as a car diagnostics tool. It's running the manufacturer's official software which
is supposed to be installed on a Panasonic Toughbook they supply for $$$$$,
but is designed for XP so works fine on one of those. I plug in the OBD
reader into the single micro USB port. It's never been on the internet.
It's small enough to keep in the car's storage bin and is easily charged
from any USB port.

Theo
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2