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I followed all the instructions and yet everytime it copies everything but fails to become bootable..
I followed all the instructions and yet everytime it copies everything but fails to become bootable..
You may have to just use a blank DVD instead. I cannot seem to find a very reliable sorce at the moment, but I have always heard that some flash drives cannot be booted from. I know I have 1 flash drive that I have never been able to make bootable dispite multiple attempts with multiple programs, and 2 which I was able to make bootable on the first try.
And what would happen if I just ran the setup from the usb?
Not sure I follow. You mean within Windows? You will most likely get an error message, because you cannot do an upgrade install from 32-bit to 64-bit. If you mean what happens if you try to do a clean install, if you can get the computer to boot from the USB, go for it IMO.
Is Win7 activated? Look at Computer>Properties activation status.
If it's activated then the repair shop might have provided you the higher edition however this is very unusual. If you can confirm this is what they did, then there's no reason why you can't keep it.
I had assumed they installed the wrong version which was prompting for activation and now the key won't work since it's wrong version.
There is no difference between the drivers for Pro and Home Premium, even if they have them separated on the Sony Downloads page.
If you prefer to go ahead with the install, confirm the ISO's correct size or download another, then write to flash stick using Universal USB Installer which may work better. You may need to wipe the stick first to clean it's boot sector: Clean and Clean All with Diskpart Command
You can indeed run Setup to install over the old Win7 installation but it's best to have a bootable installer which is also used for repairs if Win7 becomes unbootable.
Last edited by gregrocker; 17 Dec 2011 at 12:19.
It was my understanding that Sony did not provide the proper drivers for 32-bit. If you reread the first post, it says that the OPs ethernet port is non-fuctional and that there are items listed as Base System Device in device manager.
Easy way to make bootable Windows 7 usb.
3 things needed;
1. Windows 7 ISO,
2. Winrar or alternative,
3. Flash drive 4GB.
Process...
First, format Flash drive to Fat32,
Second, Extract Windows 7 ISO to Flash drive (might take awhile to complete.)
Third, restart computer and boot from flash drive. (Either set in bios or press F2, F8 or what ever your computer uses to bring up boot menu.)
Four, install.
Have you checked optional Windows Updates for the ethernet driver while you're connected wirelessly?
Have you tried the ethernet driver for both Pro and Home Premium on the Sony Downloads page, as they are normally the same driver? Maker's normally only separate out the versions like that for their OEM software listings.
What error do you get when trying to install either of those ethernet drivers which should be the same?
Whoa too many questions and things I don't understand...
The ethernet driver is working now.. I found it but not on sony's page.. The ones on sony's page won't work because they are for the 64-bit version.. and I'm on 32..
Let's take things one step at a time. Let's start with Gregrocker's first question. Is Windows 7 currently activated?