How do I restore the preinstalled windows7 in Vaio laptop after format

[Le Omar]

Hi everyone ..

I have a problem in my vaio laptop i7, I used to have the preinstalled windows 7 home premium but i mistakingly formatted the recovery partition while installing Ubuntu 11.04 in the machine.

Previously I have made 4 discs which are the recovery discs. The current problem is when i insert disc#1 the recovery process stops at 9% .. I was able to get the partition back by setting the BIOS into the default value. but still it cant seem to be restoring..

any guidance would be much appreciated ..

Thanks

 

[theog]

All Linux code must be deleted using the CLEAN ALL command.As you have had linux on the HD you need do a Clean all & full format.

Try a full clean & full format in command prompt.
1) Boot DVD & Press Shift+F10 (for command prompt)
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/119713-diskpart-pc-startup.html
2) Boot DVD, & http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/682-command-prompt-startup.html
(for command prompt)

Type in command line
DISKPART
LIST DISK
SELECT DISK # (win HD)
CLEAN ALL
CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY
SELECT PARTITION 1
ACTIVE
FORMAT fs=NTFS
ASSIGN
EXIT
EXIT




http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html

 

[Le Omar]

Thank you very much theog for the wonderful explanation, i just finished the steps mentioned but i still have the same problem, when i choose the recovery option it starts with formatting and then restoring which stops at 9% and does not move further. the CD tray suddenly stops spinning the disc but the hard disk LED is always blinking and on because of processing..

I need some help ..

 

[theog]

One of your Sony Recovery Disks may be a bad burn.
1) Clean the DVD Drive.
2) Clean the DVD Disks.

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.

 

[Le Omar]

Thank you theog for the quick reply, yes it seems like a problem in the dics. I couldnt access the web address mentioned. when i contacted the customer service online, they directed me to contact www.hermanelectronics.com to buy the recovery dics whereas i stay out of the US at the moment.

Thank again mate for the help

 

[theog]

The link is OK from the UK.

 

[Le Omar]

inaccessible in Malaysia .. probably something wrong with my browser!

 

[gregrocker]

Find a Win7 installation DVD for your licensed version and reinstall with the Product Key on COA sticker. The detailed steps are in the link below in my signature.

 

[Le Omar]

Thank you gregrocker for the suggestion, that was my first solution i tried before i do anything else, I managed to update and everything is good, but it is not the Vaio edition of Windows 7, hence its not what i am looking for. But thanks anyway for the reply ..

 

[Le Omar]

I just called Sony center in The US and they said they don't have the CD recovery for the model, plus if they have they wont be able to send it overseas, both ways I have to look for an alternative.

any suggestions ?

 

[gregrocker]

This is still your best option and cleanest install:

Find a Win7 installation DVD for your licensed version and reinstall with the Product Key on COA sticker. The detailed steps are in the link below in my signature.

 

[Le Omar]

thanks .. i read the post (Perfect Reinstall) and i wanna ask does that mean i will make a recovery disc for the actual preinstalled image to get the factory condition windows 7? or is it the recovery disc for the installed and activated copy of windows 7?

 

[gregrocker]

Recovery Disk and the Recovery partition are booted or run to restore your computer to factory condition with all of the preinstalled bloatware and factory utilities.

Finding a Win7 installation disk to clean reinstall only installs the OS without any of the factory bloatware programs or utilities.

 

[fseal]

The sony website seems to be pretty good about having all the drivers and even the utility an addon software available seperately as well.

Here: Sony eSupport - Computers - Laptop - Select Your Model

Select your model and DL all the software and drivers you want.

Then you can just reinstall windows from a normal disk (using your already paid for reg code) and add these drivers and software as you wish. No need for the official sony windows install disks.

 

[fseal]

Actually, just to eat my own dog food...

After finding this out and being very dissapointed in the horrendous performance of the HD in my VAIO when the laptop itself is otherwise amazing, I took the SSD I have being wasted in the guest computer and stuck it in my vaio. I then installed W7 ultimate on it while DLing the 40 or so driver and app files for my model off the above website. and burned them to a DVD.

I then installed everything one by one (Except some of the dubious sony specific software).

ALL the hardware works, camera, SD card slot, touchpad, 3d, DVD/blueray, WiFi, audio, video, all the special function keys on the KB and along the top of the case, everything.

I've decided that I may stick with sony from now on. This kind of thing is simply not done by most other manufacturers, it's really sort of amazing!

So now my laptop feels 10 times faster after about 4 solid hours of work with the new SSD (And 1/4 the HD space )