Reinstalling Windows 7 on Sony Viao (without disc drive)

Hi there,

I have a Sony Viao which does not have a disc drive and came with Windows 7 ready installed (installation was done automatically along side the process of starting computer up for first time after purchase). I cannot remember my administrator password which in itself has caused many problems; to get around this, I think I need to re-install windows - but to do this as a function on the computer (i.e. through the 'recovery' option on 'Assist' button/function) I must access it as an administrator. I think I need to reinstall manually through command prompt, can anyone tell me how to do this? Or do they have any additional advice?

I don't have a Windows 7 disc (I've seen the 'creating a bootable USB installer' videos etc, but these seem to require a disc with windows on from which the USB is made, which I don't have!) Hence I think I need to go through command prompt...

My computer literacy is not very good and I am, to be honest, at a loss of how else to get around this problem(and I would rather not spend a massive amount of money I don't have sending it to a PC shop, if i can help it)...the computer itself is not old (it was brought in August 2011) and already once or twice there had been an issue with Windows were an error occured and it appeared to 'forget' windows existed (box appears saying "operating system not found..."), I switched it to 'safe mode' and restarted it and the problem appeared to correct itself but...

Please help! The problem is fairly urgent! I am also worried that it has a virus as I haven't been able to install new anti-virus software (requires admin password for installs etc) and hence I would like to correct the underlying problem of having no administrative authority to correct other problems asap!

I would really appreciate any advice you can give me with regard to the above!
Thanks!

Hi Okio,

If you want to reinstall Windows but do not have an installation disk your best bet is to download the Win7 Disc images again, which you can torrent or download from sites like Digital River. If you torrent it you can usually choose which version of Win7 you would like so can choose the version you have the paid license for.

To create a bootable USB simply unpack the ISO onto the USB and boot it up in BIOS.

Make sure you have a license before doing this for obvious reasons!

Hi 0kio and welcome to W7 Forums arty:

What is the full model number of your Sony Vaio (should be on a label afixed to the underside) ?

Thanks, Dwarf!

Did you mean the 'product name'? That is: VPCYB2M1E
Or Product Key?
There are four labels, lol, covering serial no., product key, product name, service tag...

Please delete your product key from your post above, it's an open invitation for someone else to use it.

It is the product key that you'll need to activate your re-install.

Have a look here: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2432-usb-windows-7-installation-key-drive-create.html

However, you should have the facility to create a set of recovery discs, which I advise you to do as soon as possible. Check your user manual for instructions.

@Okio, I believe that your Sony Vaio is installed with Windows Home Premium 32 bit. If so you can download the official ISO from Digtal River servers.
Windows 7 Home Premium SP1-U ISO
English x86: X17-58996.iso

Personally, I would avoid any torrent downloads.

Did you make the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks?

How to make Sony Recovery Disks:
View Document

How to use Sony Recovery:
View Document

How to use Sony Hardware Diagostics:
View Document

How to order Sony Recovery disks:
1.Go to http://servicesales.sel.sony.com.
2.Enter your computer's model number (for example, PCV-XXXX), and click List Parts and accessories.
3.Follow the online instructions to order the Recovery Media Kit.
If you are not able to access the Sony Direct Accessories and Parts Center Web site, contact a customer service representative at 1-800-488-7669.