HELP - Reinstall from recovery partition.

[Slartybart]

ignatz: I have Dells and HP - both have recovery parts. Both vendors protect the part and that's probably why the Sony recovery part is represented differently by DiskMgmnt and computer, but I'm not sure. I've never been close enough to a Vaio.

But yeah, if biturbo can get the software to launch the Sony recovery manager then a factory restore would allow a restart (get the key, write it down, reinstall Win7 ISO.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

But yeah, if biturbo can get the software to launch the Sony recovery manager then a factory restore would allow a restart (get the key, write it down, reinstall Win7 ISO.

I'm not sure that is correct. I once thought it was true.

There was a similar case on this forum within the last month.

I think it was Gregrocker who said that a key retrieval program will retrieve ONLY the key used to activate the then current installation. In this case, that key would be the OEM key, not the sticker key. Recovery installs don't need the user to input any key---activation is done automatically via the OEM key.

The OEM key won't activate a clean install. You need a sticker key.

If you know otherwise from personal experience, please advise.

 

[biturbo]

Windows 8 looks too tablet based for my liking. I really like the look and feel of 7 if im really honest.

I think I need to either pester Sony or Microsoft again see if I can persuade them to provide a new key for me, seeing as the sticker always gets worn. lol
If Microsoft can tell that I am using the product key from a different machine on this VAIO, then they must have some record of the original Key, and can give me the remaining 15 digits?

Failing that, Ill see what I can buy.

 

[AddRAM]

Greg is right, that will only provide the mass activation key used by Sony.

 

[Slartybart]

Yes, I know. It's one of those #@$#$#$@#$#@ moments.

I actually reinstalled originally using the VAIO recovery centre via F10 on startup and after seeing how much crap it was bundled with made me want a totally fresh install - which is what I did, and where I am stuck now.

What I'm suggesting is that if you can't locate the recovery mgr software, ask Sony for that. Tell them that you have the recovery partition, but the f10 doesn't work and software is gone from your machine. They shouldn't have an issue telling where you can download their recovery manager software. Just make sure they know that you;re only looking for the software to drive the recovery, not the Windows media.

I have phoned Sony, and they have told me that I will need to buy recovery discs at the cost of £50! A new copy of windows isn't much more.

Yep UK model. I can't find it on support. Can you? If you can get there look around for the Sony Recovery Manager or something similar. You might have to download all of their bloat just to find it or to find out that they don't offer it.

Model number is: vpcec4s0e/WI
It is a UK model, which may be why you cant find it?

Thanks again for all of your help

​

do you know someone with a sony? I don't know how much trouble it would be to cobble togther the Recovery software. It might be as easy as copying a hidden folder on the c:\drive - putting it on your machine and launching what ever sony named their Recovery Manager. Or it might be very painful, grabbing this piece and the next piece.

what can you see if you go the the recovery part in a Command Prompt?
HP adds entries in desktop.ini files so you can see anything but their warning html from insdie explorer. but in cmd, you can see more dir /a /s

 

[biturbo]

ignatz: I have Dells and HP - both have recovery parts. Both vendors protect the part and that's probably why the Sony recovery part is represented differently by DiskMgmnt and computer, but I'm not sure. I've never been close enough to a Vaio.

But yeah, if biturbo can get the software to launch the Sony recovery manager then a factory restore would allow a restart (get the key, write it down, reinstall Win7 ISO.

That was my thinking. If they had separate OEM key, what is the point in the sticker underneath - It only makes sense to me this is the same key for this machine.

So, back to job in hand. How to recover from partition without SONY discs?

 

[AddRAM]

The point has been answered. It has to be provided by the manufacturer.

Gregrocker will be able to help you with ? #2

 

[ignatzatsonic]

That was my thinking. If they had separate OEM key, what is the point in the sticker underneath - It only makes sense to me this is the same key for this machine.

The point of the sticker underneath is to allow you to do a clean install of Windows.

Full stop. No more. No less.

Why doesn't that make sense to you?

OEMs MUST include the sticker and key per their contract with Microsoft. It's easier for an OEM to install a jillion Windows on a jillion machines with a single OEM product key and Microsoft allows them that freedom.

You can be sure there are 2 keys: OEM and sticker. In a typical situation, the user never has to pay any attention to the OEM key.

 

[Slartybart]

I think we agree that the Recovery Restore to Factory condition will automatically activate windows and that no user input is required.

The rest I'm not sure, so I can't confirm it. I was always under the impression that the key used by the OEM for automatic activation matched the sticker key. I'll defer to Greg's judgment on this, but reserve the right to confirm with biturbo
If biturbo is willing to go through all the trouble. then I'll be able to advise =:>

I'm not sure that is correct. I once thought it was true.

There was a similar case on this forum within the last month.

I think it was Gregrocker who said that a key retrieval program will retrieve ONLY the key used to activate the then current installation. In this case, that key would be the OEM key, not the sticker key. Recovery installs don't need the user to input any key---activation is done automatically via the OEM key.

The OEM key won't activate a clean install. You need a sticker key.

If you know otherwise from personal experience, please advise.

​

 

[Slartybart]

Ok, ok. There are two keys.

Gregrocker will be able to help with #2. which would be the same as f10 - is that correct?

And then biturbo can at least get back to factory condition with all the bloat.

Greg knows his stuff. Good luck biturbo.

 

[AddRAM]

Hey Slarty, how did your area make out with the storm ? Hope all is well.

 

[biturbo]

Ahh I see now, my apologies! So it is a mass installation key that is embedded in with the original software, Hence why doing a reinstall using VAIO recovery centre it doesn't ask for key.

I have another Sony VAIO, a smaller 15" one, but the hard drive I think is knackered and wont boot. Although can get into the hard drive and access files through a USB running linux.

Give me a mo, let me have a look with CMD, see what I can find - Although plenty of folders in the E: drive itself.

 

[Slartybart]

I apologize to all as well - I only contributed to the confusion.

Nah, don't bother trying to look in the cmd. Greg should be able to get you booting from the recovery part, just as if you hit f10. go in that direction.

 

[biturbo]

Sorry, got the gist of the OEM key and sticker a few posts back, just was replying and also mucking about with the laptop at the same time.

 

[biturbo]

Ok thanks SlartyBart.

Greg, what to do next then?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Greg should be able to get you booting from the recovery part, just as if you hit f10.

Greg would be the authority, but I'm not sure he has had success in this type of situation.

I do recall several posts to the effect that a reinstallation can render recovery partitions useless and beyond repair---although I'm guessing that in such a situation a recovery could still be done from a set of recovery disks, if the user made them.

 

[Slartybart]

Yeah, I guess I put quite a load on Greg with that statement. Thanks for clarifying that it's a possibility, not a forgone conclusion.

Bill

Greg should be able to get you booting from the recovery part, just as if you hit f10.

Greg would be the authority, but I'm not sure he has had success in this type of situation.

I do recall several posts to the effect that a reinstallation can render recovery partitions useless and beyond repair---although I'm guessing that in such a situation a recovery could still be done from a set of recovery disks, if the user made them.

​

 

[gregrocker]

First off if you still have the Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 you did on the PC, try to activate it with the Product Key on the COA sticker as best you can. If it fails then use MS Phone Activation and explain that you are trying to CLean Reinstall your factory OEM and cannot fully read the Product Key on the sticker. We have had reports they can confirm this with other remains on the sticker and the Product ID listed at Control Panel>System enough to issue a new key. That's worth a try. How To Activate Windows 7 by Phone Step-by-Step Guide

If this fails you can try booting the Recovery partition as suggested by Marking Partition Active then rebooting and tapping the F10 key vigorously as before.

If this fails you can try adding the Recovery partition to a Dual Boot menu using EasyBCD as demonstrated in this post: Boot Recovery Partition using EasyBCD If you get stuck we can help you with the files which need locating after unhiding all Hidden and System Files in Control Panel>Folder Options>View.

You can also contact Samsung to see if they provide Recovery Disks or OS Reinstallation DVD for your model.

Once you get Factory Recovery you can see how it performs after you Clean Up Factory Bloatware.

While it's true the key you'd audit off of the HD after Recovery cannot be used for a Clean Reinstall, there is a method to back up the Factory mass-activation file to reinstall it and activate after reinstall, however it is not supported here by decision of the Administrators so you'd have to research it yourself.

 

[biturbo]

WOW! Thanks Greg!

Right Im off to bed now, Its gone 4am here! Will post back tomorrow.

Thanks to everyone for your help here.

Tony.

 

[biturbo]

First of all apologies for causing confusion last night, I was very tired.

First off if you still have the Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 you did on the PC, try to activate it with the Product Key on the COA sticker as best you can. If it fails then use MS Phone Activation and explain that you are trying to CLean Reinstall your factory OEM and cannot fully read the Product Key on the sticker. We have had reports they can confirm this with other remains on the sticker and the Product ID listed at Control Panel>System enough to issue a new key. That's worth a try. How To Activate Windows 7 by Phone Step-by-Step Guide

If this fails you can try booting the Recovery partition as suggested by Marking Partition Active then rebooting and tapping the F10 key vigorously as before.

If this fails you can try adding the Recovery partition to a Dual Boot menu using EasyBCD as demonstrated in this post: Boot OEM Recovery partition with EasyBCD. If you get stuck we can help you with the files which need locating after unhiding all Hidden and System Files in Control Panel>Folder Options>View.

You can also contact Samsung to see if they provide Recovery Disks or OS Reinstallation DVD for your model.

Once you get Factory Recovery you can see how it performs after you Clean Up Factory Bloatware.

While it's true the key you'd audit off of the HD after Recovery cannot be used for a Clean Reinstall, there is a method to back up the Factory mass-activation file to reinstall it and activate after reinstall, however it is not supported here by decision of the Administrators so you'd have to research it yourself.

I have tried to activate the clean install, but only have the first 10 digits remaining of the sticker, so it isn't possible. I haven't tried telephone registration, but I have phoned Microsoft to see if they could help and the kind lady in the Indian Call centre could barely understand a word I was on about.

I have phoned Sony and they want £50 for recovery discs - Thats $80!

Ill have a go at using BCD. Ive unhid files in recovery partition so can see everything.