Sony Vaio Factory Reset Issue - No longer have an OS

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  1. Posts : 10
    Windows 7 Pro OA
       #1

    Sony Vaio Factory Reset Issue - No longer have an OS


    I recently ordered a Vaio off Amazon. I managed to play a few games on it at full quality, still in great condition everything work great but for matters of security I decided to do a factory reset. A few seconds into the reset it ERROR 320 showed up. I looked into it a bit and found it may be a hard drive error (I have a solid state drive), or RAM issue. Thus far I ran the drive tests that are still available in the Sony Recovery Center and everything is working fine, I've also run Memtest86 off a bootable thumb drive and so far I've let it run 7 passes with no errors so the RAM looks fine as well.

    Is there anyone who has any suggestions on what to try next? I've look through some other posts with similar issues but nothing exactly the same so I was scared to just attempt what they has worked for others out of fear of losing my Restore partition. I don't currently have access to a Windows 7 install CD and the key I have that came with the laptop is for 7 Pro 64 bit (though I have an anytime upgrade to 7 Ultimate but I don't think that's useful until I can get into Windows at all, right? There was no data of mine on the drive yet regardless so formatting the rest of the drive is of no concern as long as I can keep the restore partition safe (unless there's a way I can wipe it all and then get the restore partition back?)

    Thanks for the help in advance
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 50
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #2

    Is it a new PC?

    If so, send it back.

    I remember when you used to get a genuine windows cd / dvd with your purchase, now you get a restore disc / partition.
    If that partition with the image becomes corrupt you could be in trouble.
    The only suggestion is to purchase a copy of Windows and do a new reinstall.........Thats what I do with every new PC purchase.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 10
    Windows 7 Pro OA
    Thread Starter
       #3

    It's not new, I purchased used, but it's like new. I suppose the image could be corrupt. Would it still be legal to download and burn an ISO of Windows 7 Pro and use the serial I legally own?
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 50
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #4

    spgilm said:
    It's not new, I purchased used, but it's like new. I suppose the image could be corrupt. Would it still be legal to download and burn an ISO of Windows 7 Pro and use the serial I legally own?
    Depending on past usage the hard drive could be on it's way to HD Heaven, or...as I said earlier, the restore image has become corrupted.

    Yes it's legal to download Windows 7:

    Official Windows 7 SP1 ISO Image Downloads | Windows 7 Forums
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 50
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #5

    spgilm said:
    It's not new, I purchased used, but it's like new. I suppose the image could be corrupt. Would it still be legal to download and burn an ISO of Windows 7 Pro and use the serial I legally own?
    Depending on past usage the hard drive could be on it's way to HD Heaven, or...as I said earlier, the restore image has become corrupted.

    Yes it's legal to download Windows 7:

    Code:
    http://technetwindows.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/windows-7-iso-download-free.html
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 10
    Windows 7 Pro OA
    Thread Starter
       #6

    The system itself is relatively new as far as I can see so I doubt there's problems with the drives and the drive also passed usage tests, plus before the attempt at factory reset it worked perfectly for a few weeks, there was no issue until I tried to reset and I only did that because I didn't trust that the former owner didn't install something to steal bank info and stuff, not because of any corruption reasons.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 50
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #7

    spgilm said:
    The system itself is relatively new as far as I can see so I doubt there's problems with the drives and the drive also passed usage tests, plus before the attempt at factory reset it worked perfectly for a few weeks, there was no issue until I tried to reset and I only did that because I didn't trust that the former owner didn't install something to steal bank info and stuff, not because of any corruption reasons.

    A suspicious mind!, I like it.

    I'd put it down to crappy restore partitions. I know a good few people who have lost everything due these types of installations.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 10
    Windows 7 Pro OA
    Thread Starter
       #8

    If that's the case then the partition should be useless to me anyway right? I shouldn't worry about just wiping the whole drive for a fresh Windows 7 install and then just get all the drivers from Sony's website? My only worry was I read somewhere Sony's drivers are super specific with install order
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 10
    Windows 7 Pro OA
    Thread Starter
       #9

    ....I'm sure this BIOS update listed on the Sony drivers page for my model would have helped...
    The computer may shutdown at random.
    The computer may not resume from standby or hibernation
    The computer may hang, freeze, (stop responding) or is unable to start Windows® after POST
    Reduces fan noise
    The computer may hang or freeze, (stop responding) during playback of a High Definition video while using battery power
    The computer may display No Boot / No OS Found errors due to a failure in communication between the BIOS and the Hard Drive
    Unable to login to the computer due to a critical battery message when starting Windows using battery power
    Battery status shows as "Not present" when the battery is fully charged
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 50
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #10

    spgilm said:
    If that's the case then the partition should be useless to me anyway right? I shouldn't worry about just wiping the whole drive for a fresh Windows 7 install and then just get all the drivers from Sony's website? My only worry was I read somewhere Sony's drivers are super specific with install order
    I would wipe the HD and do a fresh install (assuming you don't have anything to lose by completely wiping the HD and doing a fresh install)
    I would also suggest collecting all the drivers you need from Sony's website, or another sourcefirst, I'm sure a good friend or family member would oblige if you don't have a PC to dowload on.
      My Computer


 
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