ignatz: I have Dells and HP - both have recovery parts. Both vendors protect the part and that's probably why the Sony recovery part is represented differently by DiskMgmnt and computer, but I'm not sure. I've never been close enough to a Vaio.
But yeah, if biturbo can get the software to launch the Sony recovery manager then a factory restore would allow a restart (get the key, write it down, reinstall Win7 ISO.
I'm not sure that is correct. I once thought it was true.
There was a similar case on this forum within the last month.
I think it was Gregrocker who said that a key retrieval program will retrieve ONLY the key used to activate the then current installation. In this case, that key would be the OEM key, not the sticker key. Recovery installs don't need the user to input any key---activation is done automatically via the OEM key.
The OEM key won't activate a clean install. You need a sticker key.
If you know otherwise from personal experience, please advise.
Windows 8 looks too tablet based for my liking. I really like the look and feel of 7 if im really honest.
I think I need to either pester Sony or Microsoft again see if I can persuade them to provide a new key for me, seeing as the sticker always gets worn. lol
If Microsoft can tell that I am using the product key from a different machine on this VAIO, then they must have some record of the original Key, and can give me the remaining 15 digits?
Failing that, Ill see what I can buy.
Greg is right, that will only provide the mass activation key used by Sony.
Yes, I know. It's one of those #@$#$#$@#$#@ moments.
What I'm suggesting is that if you can't locate the recovery mgr software, ask Sony for that. Tell them that you have the recovery partition, but the f10 doesn't work and software is gone from your machine. They shouldn't have an issue telling where you can download their recovery manager software. Just make sure they know that you;re only looking for the software to drive the recovery, not the Windows media.
Yep UK model. I can't find it on support. Can you? If you can get there look around for the Sony Recovery Manager or something similar. You might have to download all of their bloat just to find it or to find out that they don't offer it.
do you know someone with a sony? I don't know how much trouble it would be to cobble togther the Recovery software. It might be as easy as copying a hidden folder on the c:\drive - putting it on your machine and launching what ever sony named their Recovery Manager. Or it might be very painful, grabbing this piece and the next piece.
what can you see if you go the the recovery part in a Command Prompt?
HP adds entries in desktop.ini files so you can see anything but their warning html from insdie explorer. but in cmd, you can see more dir /a /s
The point has been answered. It has to be provided by the manufacturer.
Gregrocker will be able to help you with ? #2
The point of the sticker underneath is to allow you to do a clean install of Windows.
Full stop. No more. No less.
Why doesn't that make sense to you?
OEMs MUST include the sticker and key per their contract with Microsoft. It's easier for an OEM to install a jillion Windows on a jillion machines with a single OEM product key and Microsoft allows them that freedom.
You can be sure there are 2 keys: OEM and sticker. In a typical situation, the user never has to pay any attention to the OEM key.
I think we agree that the Recovery Restore to Factory condition will automatically activate windows and that no user input is required.
The rest I'm not sure, so I can't confirm it. I was always under the impression that the key used by the OEM for automatic activation matched the sticker key. I'll defer to Greg's judgment on this, but reserve the right to confirm with biturbo
If biturbo is willing to go through all the trouble. then I'll be able to advise =:>
Ok, ok. There are two keys.
Gregrocker will be able to help with #2. which would be the same as f10 - is that correct?
And then biturbo can at least get back to factory condition with all the bloat.
Greg knows his stuff. Good luck biturbo.
Quote
