Windows 7: Windows 7 Installation problem with Sony Vaio

Hi All,

I am using Sony Vaio since 10 months with below configuration:
Sony Vaio E Series Model no. VPCEB21EN
Windows 7 Home Basic 64 bit
Intel® Core I3-350M Processor 2.26 Ghz
2 GB RAM, 320 GB hard disk

Had upgraded from 64 bit to 32 bit , 4-5 months back.
Was playing a video and system hanged and nothing responded, had to reboot with power button.
The OS was not getting loaded and had to restore it with Sony restore option.
It didn't helped much and made my mind to re-install OS.

Though it took 1-2 hrs to reach installation option screen that I was trying with Windows 7 setup DVD (for 32 bit).

Thinking to have a clean install, selected partition and tried formatting it and got error 'Failed to format selected partition [Error: 0x80070057]]'.
Then selected the partition and clicked 'New' from Advanced option (advance option providing format & etc.) and it gave error 'Setup was unable to create new system partition or locate an existing system partition. See log files for more information'.

Had rebooted and now am not able to get the installation option screen while booting with windows 7 setup disk.

It shows 'Starting windows' and after some time it comes up with black blank screen and a mouse pointer and doesn't go ahead even after 3-4 hrs.
Had tried with ALL Advanced option (Safe mode/Safe mode with command prompt/Debug mode) but no luck.

Somehow got options for tests (memory test, disk test) and they were passing successfully 100%.
Had confirmed that BIOS shows correct HDD size so its alive.
So i think there is no hardware failure and seems to be boot sector issue.
But am not getting much options to perform 'Bootrec' and am only having Windows 7 setup disk.

Am located at other country as of now and so don't have warranty option.



Am looking badly for Windows 7 recovery disk to purchase but not sure if that's going to help to fix the problem.

Can you please assist me on how can i overcome the issue and start the installation.
Will Windows 7 recovery disk help booting to command prompt and run 'Bootrec' tool?

Sorry for lengthy details but thought to be more precise to get correct solution.

Please help me

I would Check the hard drive with the manufacturer's diagnostic tools.
Hard Drive Diagnostics Tools and Utilities (Storage) - TACKtech Corp.
HD Diagnostic

Hello ritushetty, welcome to Seven Forums!


Have a look through this information below to see a best option for your situation and be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.

After you have copied out or made back-ups of the data you need to save to external media.

If you can find, or download an exact Windows version installation media that the PC shipped with you can do a clean install using the activation key on the COA sticker attached to the PC though it may require a robo-call to MS to sort the OEM batch-key.

How to Activate Windows 7 by Phone

If you can't find an exact same version, you could use the information in this tutorial to create an "all versions" installer of any version Windows installation media to install your version using the same activation method I posted above.

Windows 7 Universal Installation Disc - Create

After you have made backups of everything you care to save, the best method is to do a complete wipe secure erase of the entire Hard Disk Drive first, it over-writes everything, all the old Windows code including all the old drivers/programs, giving you the best possible space to install Windows to.

SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

Additional Secure Erase / Wipe Information

You should be able to start that installation disk...
Are you familiar with bios? I guess not..
here is tutorial, to how to change the order of bootable devices:
YouTube - ‪How To Change First Boot Device in BIOS To Enable Windows XP Repair Boot from CD or DVD Drive‬‏
Note: BIOS is the "main menu" of your motherboard, it contains heavy setting, so change nothing than you are sure about..
Ask if something is unclear!

Thanks for quick replies:

theog
Had already checked with Sony disk test that went till 8 times with 100% success, and then ended it.
Will soon check with the tools you had recommended.

speedgamer01:
Thanks for the video link:
Actually am aware of basic details of BIOS and 1st boot is for CD-ROM as since its asking 'Press any key to boot from CD-ROM' after which am able to get advance option(F8) but it blanks out after that with mouse cursor only.

So is it recommended to go for Windows Recovery disk or that won't help much as since its already part of Windows installation disk?
Please suggest options that can be tried with Windows installation disk as that's only source i have as of now.

When you have done HD test, & is OK.

Do a full clean & full format in command prompt.
SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

Than try reinstalling.

theog:
Thanks for reply
Am actually trying my best to get on command prompt but am not able to get the same.
As since am not even getting initial Windows installation screen with 'Install now' & 'Repair install' options, and seems by selecting 'Repair install' i can get 'command prompt' option.
Is there any way for me to come on command prompt ?

Hope am clear with my current position

You are aware that Windows 7 installer is a DVD and not a CD, correct? Do you have a DVD drive set first to boot with a known-good DVD which has installed before and is not dirty?

The correct way to clean boot sector corruption is wiping the HD. If you cannot get to a Command Line to access Diskpart by pressing the Shift + F10 key at Windows 7 DVD first screen, then burn to CD free Partition Wizard bootable CD which will autostart, click on HD to highlight it, then from Disk tab Wipe HD with one set of zeroes.

This will force the installer to autostart if it is a good burn from an intact ISO. If not check the installer integrity and burn another at 4x speed with ImgBurn, or write the confirmed ISO to flash stick using this tool with Windows 7 in dropdown: Universal USB Installer – Easy as 1 2 3 | USB Pen Drive Linux

The DVD drive is set to boot first and the DVD is new, good, tried it once and worked fine and not dirty too.

Below are the sequence of screen I am getting as of now:

-After starting the laptop, it goes to 'Windows is loading files' screen 2 times, if I click F11 & then F8, it gives advance options and if i click SHIFT + F10, it gives screen with below details:
Edit Windows boot options for: Windows setup

Path: \windows\system32\boot\winload.exe

[ /MININT /REDIRECT RDIMAGEOFFSET=8192 RDIMAGELENGTH=3161088 RDPATH=multi(0)disk(0)cdrom(0)\sources\boot.wim

-Then pressing enter, i get 'Starting Windows' screen.
-After 3-4 mins it goes to black screen with nothing but just mouse pointer.

Since i am looking for command prompt, thinking to wait and let it take its time
Let me know for any other way to get on command prompt of fix the issue.

I take it you using the Sony Recovery Disk.
If you have not made your Startup Repair
System Repair Disc - Create
Do you have a mate with Windows 7 & CD/DVD RW Drive, how could burn one off.




A bit of info.
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.