How do I restore computer to the original status

Neo11 · 03 Sep 2014

Hi,
I'm using a Sony Vaio Laptop, and was pre installed with windows 7 , I've been using since 2 years now. And suddenly my laptop wasn't starting up... It recommended me to use repair disk and repair . Since I have no repair disk or any backed up disks, I borrowed a windows 7 OS disk from a friend and installed the new Windows 7 professional. Now how can I get all the drivers and softwares which were originally installed? There were Vaio care and etc. How do I restore it to the original status. I'm unable to connect to Internet either (using home LAN ), it doesn't detect any. Please help.
Thank you.
- NEO

gregrocker · 03 Sep 2014

Had you asked we would have helped you Troubleshooting Windows 7 Failure to Boot however now you have the chance to get a much better install so don't blow it by using outdated methods or counterfeit Win7.

You should be following closely the steps in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. If you haven't then I'd start over to get it right.

Did Professional come with that PC? If not I would download the official installer for your licensed version to use to reinstall so you don't waste an expensive license that came with that PC which is yours to reinstall as often as you want. Make sure the Product Key on COA sticker is readable.

Mayank Parmar · 03 Sep 2014

What kind of installation did you do?
Is there any folder "windows.old" in C drive?

AddRAM · 03 Sep 2014

All your drivers are at Sony.com, just punch in your model in the search bar and everything will come up.

Neo11 · 04 Sep 2014

Hello There,
The Windows 7 OS disk belongs to my other laptop(Acer), as this had an OS of Windows 7 Professional and 64 bit, I installed it. I have just downloaded all the drivers from the Sony Website for my Model. And YES there is an Windows.old folder in my C drive now, I tried installing the drivers from that folders, but only few were successful others dint have set up files.And How do I get the licensed version of my original Windows 7 Home Version? I do have the product Key. Is there a way I can get this Genuine OS which I originally had ?.
Thank You.

Mayank Parmar · 04 Sep 2014

if some drivers didn't install as setup file were missing, then you can try to install them manually. you need to right click on the device (in device manager) and choose update driver manually, you will have to browse to the location where you have that folder, as this should look for an inf file, so it may install the drivers this way.
Also you can download Win 7 Home Premium x64 ISO from (http://msft.digitalrivercontent.net/win/X17-58997.iso) . install win 7 and then activate it with the KEY that you have

gregrocker · 04 Sep 2014

Neo11 said:

Hello There,
The Windows 7 OS disk belongs to my other laptop(Acer), as this had an OS of Windows 7 Professional and 64 bit, I installed it. I have just downloaded all the drivers from the Sony Website for my Model. And YES there is an Windows.old folder in my C drive now, I tried installing the drivers from that folders, but only few were successful others dint have set up files.And How do I get the licensed version of my original Windows 7 Home Version? I do have the product Key. Is there a way I can get this Genuine OS which I originally had ?.
Thank You.

If you would have even bothered clicking on the link for the tutorial I told you that you need to follow Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 you would have seen that the official installation ISO and tool to burn to DVD or flash stick is provided in the first and second steps.

Is there some reason you asked for our help and then ignored it when it was given?

The tutorial could not be more specific about how drivers are to be handled in Win7. The steps for drivers are printed in red so that they cannot be missed.

You will achieve and maintain a perfect install of Win7 to the exact extend you stick with the steps, tools and methods given in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7.

Neo11 · 04 Sep 2014

Thank you. It was helpful . And yes, is the Windows 7 Ultimate better than the home premium ? Just a though.
Ty.

gregrocker · 04 Sep 2014

They are the exact same OS with Ultimate having a few extra expensive features that most consumers don't need.

You already own Home Premium which came with the PC to reinstall as often as you like, so why waste that license?

theog · 04 Sep 2014

Information

We always assume you have made your Recovery Disks using the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Media Creator app the first day you had your new PC.
& made the Startup Repair CD.
startup repair disc-create

Did you make the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks?

You can order Microsoft official OEM Recovery disks from your OEM manufacturer's website.

How to make Sony Recovery Disks:
how to create recovery disk - Sony's Community Site
http://www.kb.sony.com/selfservice/d...rnalId=C196685
Your.Start - How to Create a Set of VAIO Recovery Discs - YouTube
VAIO - How to create recovery media - YouTube

How to use Sony Recovery:
http://www.kb.sony.com/selfservice/m...59775&fes=true
How to use Sony Hardware Diagnostics:
http://www.kb.sony.com/selfservice/d...rnalId=C459960
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.