Sony Vaio Factory Reset Issue - No longer have an OS

[spgilm]

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

 

[sparks72]

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.

 

[spgilm]

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?

 

[sparks72]

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

 

[sparks72]

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:

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

 

[spgilm]

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.

 

[sparks72]

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.

 

[spgilm]

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

 

[spgilm]

....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

 

[sparks72]

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.

 

[sparks72]

....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

On that note.........can you update ther bios?

 

[spgilm]

well I'm on my older laptop right now posting this. So I should fresh install on the full drive. I have the driver downloads and the 7 Pro ISO downloads being worked on now hopefully they'll all be done by the time I get home from work.

 

[sparks72]

well I'm on my older laptop right now posting this. So I should fresh install on the full drive. I have the driver downloads and the 7 Pro ISO downloads being worked on now hopefully they'll all be done by the time I get home from work.

Great, let us know how it goes.

 

[spgilm]

I don't think I can update the BIOS with what I currently have to work with (no bootable OS except a Linux Mint bootable thumb drive) and this is the update from Sony Sony eSupport - VPCSB190X - Drivers & Software as far as I can see it's only availabl as an .exe

 

[theog]

   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?
How to make Sony Recovery Disks:
how to create recovery disk - Sony Community
http://www.kb.sony.com/selfservice/documentLink.do?externalId=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/microsites/search.do?cmd=displayKC&externalId=C459775&fes=true
How to use Sony Hardware Diagnostics:
http://www.kb.sony.com/selfservice/documentLink.do?externalId=C459960


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

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.

 

[spgilm]

well I'm on my older laptop right now posting this. So I should fresh install on the full drive. I have the driver downloads and the 7 Pro ISO downloads being worked on now hopefully they'll all be done by the time I get home from work.

Great, let us know how it goes.

Will do thanks a lot you guys were very quickly responsive and quite helpful. I had a general idea of what I needed to do I just didn't want to accidentally cross a point of no return and be out the $900 I just spent x.x

 

[spgilm]

   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?
How to make Sony Recovery Disks:
how to create recovery disk - Sony Community
http://www.kb.sony.com/selfservice/documentLink.do?externalId=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/microsites/search.do?cmd=displayKC&externalId=C459775&fes=true
How to use Sony Hardware Diagnostics:
http://www.kb.sony.com/selfservice/documentLink.do?externalId=C459960


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

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.

I made disks the first day I received the PC but like I said it was used, who knows what happened before that

 

[sparks72]

well I'm on my older laptop right now posting this. So I should fresh install on the full drive. I have the driver downloads and the 7 Pro ISO downloads being worked on now hopefully they'll all be done by the time I get home from work.

Great, let us know how it goes.

Will do thanks a lot you guys were very quickly responsive and quite helpful. I had a general idea of what I needed to do I just didn't want to accidentally cross a point of no return and be out the $900 I just spent x.x

You're welcome, nothiing worse than being stuck with an expensive machine you can't use.

 

[sparks72]

Just a little info as to what I do if purchasing a machine that ONLY comes with a backup DVD or partition.

1) Hunt down the drivers for the machine (Unless they come on a seperate disk with your purchase)
2) Purchase or 'legally' download a copy of the installation system.

Last but not least........... Always backup your data. I use a DVD or an external HD to do this.

 

[spgilm]

Fresh install worked great, thanks everyone , now I have to work on the drivers. Is there any tools that will do it automatically (once I get the wireless driver done) or do I have to download and install each individual one?