Windows 7 - Sony Vaio Hard Drive Failure: Windows setup could not configure ...

Model No. VPCF115FM.
Windows 7 and Microsoft Office 2007 preloaded.

Recently, received this error:

"SMART Failure Predicted on Hard Disk" and it prompted me to boot using F1 and then backup my data.



Step 1: I used Sony Vaio Care to create 2 sets of Recovery Disks and then used Drive Cloner RX to backup all of my data manually and a system image onto a new Seagate external hard drive.

Step 2: I purchased a new Hitachi 750 GB (7200 rpm) 2.5 SATA hard drive from Comp USA. The computer's original hard drive is a Hitachi HTS545050B9SA00 500 GB 5200 rpm.

Step 3: I removed the original HD and installed the new one. Then, inserted Recovery Disk 1 and then Disk 2. After the prompt to restart the computer to finalize Windows setup I received this error message:

"Windows setup could not configure windows to run on this computers hardware."

I then click okay and subsequently receive this message:

"Windows could not complete the installation. To install windows on this computer, restart the installation."

Q: Is there a workaround to load Windows 7 in this instance and restore my computer to original factory settings using new HD?




Note: There are no outstanding issues with the laptop. The computer came preloaded with Windows 7; I have the product key on the computer base. It also came loaded with Microsoft Office, and retreived all of my licenses for the software on my computer using SIW.



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Try using a HD Drive under 2gb.

To ensure I understand what you are suggesting:

The computer came loaded with a 500 GB 5200 HD. I purchased a new 750 GB (7200 rpm) 2.5 SATA hard drive to replace it.

You're recommending that I use a HD under 2GB? What is the rationale?

I missed read, run Sony Hardware Diagostics
How to use Sony Hardware Diagostics:
View Document

It's a new HD. I ran diagnostics with the new HD installed and it works completely fine.

Is the new HD initialized.

When you run the Sony Vaio Recovery Disks, it formats the C: Drive. Is there some other steps I should take before running recovery after I install the new HD?

Then it is OK.

You may need to replace the Recovery Disks.

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.

Are there any experts that may be familiar with this error and how to fix it?


I removed the original hard drive and installed the new one. Then, inserted Recovery Disk 1 and then Disk 2. After the prompt to restart the computer to finalize Windows setup I received this error message:

"Windows setup could not configure windows to run on this computers hardware."

I then click okay and subsequently receive this message:

"Windows could not complete the installation. To install windows on this computer, restart the installation."