Problem when trying to format vaio (win7)

[apolosisk]

I tried to format my Sony Vaio (svs1511n3es). I formatted the partitions first and then proceeded to the install of the win7 cd. The cd had a problem so I had to restart and put another one. Since then, I get a message "Operating System not found". The computer does not boot from the cd or the flash drive (both fat32 and ntfs) although I changed the boot priority from the bios settings (F2). I put a cd of win7 32bit and I successfully installed the windows (I still do not know how the cd was recognized). But I want x64 as my laptop will work better on that. I tried to format again and still I get the message of the operation and the cd/flash won't load. It is just like I do not have a cd or flash connected to my pc. What should I do ? I tried many things like changing the bios settings (uefi or legacy) etc.

 

[Ztruker]

Where did you get the 64bit DVD? You can download a legal copy with SP1 integrated from here:

Windows 7 Direct Download Links

Make sure you get the same version you have, Home Premium, Pro or Ultimate and 32 or 64 bit. Note that Basic or Starter is not available.

I recommend using ImgBurn at 4X speed (or the slowest available) to create the DVD from the downloaded .iso file. Just be careful during the install not to accidentally install some of the bundled junk that comes with it. Always take The Custom Install option.

You can do this on any Windows computer capable of burning a DVD.

YOU MUST HAVE A VALID KEY TO INSTALL THIS .ISO.
The one on the COA sticker on your computer will work.
If you are just using the Recovery Console you do not need a key.

You can also create a bootable USB Flash drive (4GB or larger) to install Windows 7 from.

• Download and run Universal USB Installer Easy as 1 2 3
• Select Windows 7 from the first drop down list, all the way to the bottom
• Select the downloaded Windows 7 iso file
• Select your USB flash drive
• Click Create

For techies or folks who work on computers:

Create Windows 7 Universal ISO With All Editions Selection On Install with ei.cfg Removal Utility.

This will fit on a 6GB flash drive or can be burned to a DVD.

 

[gregrocker]

Follow these steps to get and keep a perfect http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html#post1839164.

Read the Special Note for Vaio owners at the end.

During the booted install delete all partitions (not just format them) then create new as you wish to format. It discusses how to decide on your partitioning in the tutorial. You do not just leave the same partitions and format them over. That's nonsense.

 

[apolosisk]

Here are the stages I followed :

01) I tried to format with a corrupted cd after I deleted the partitions.
02) I tried to do it again with a cd that I used in the past successfully (32/64 bit version cd).
03) I got the message "Operating System Not Found".
04) I switched the BIOS mode from UEFI to LEGACY.
05) I was continuously trying to boot from the cd but it did not work most of the times.
06) Finally, it did work ! But I had 32bit version.
07) I tried to reinstall windows by using another dvd but I would get the message "setup was unable to create a new system partition or locate an existing" when I selected the partition. I got the same message even with the dvd that worked before !
08) I tried to make a new dvd with Win7 Professional N 64bit with SP1 (Legaly downloaded from Dreamspark).
09) I installed the windows although it took long in the "Installing Features" part.
10) Windows 64bit version installed but it is very slow. I installed the drivers and nothing changed.
11) I got some strange messages like "Duplicate Memory Free operation. Get a stack trace and report bug against the calling app (not against OLE Automation)" and "Internet explorer encountered a validation error".
12) I changed the BIOS mode to UEFI again as it was and it now says again "operation system not found".
13) I switched it back to LEGACY and windows start again but with the same problems I mentioned.

 

[gregrocker]

Download this ISO, not an N: Win7 Professional x64 English Official ISO Download

Burn to disk or stick with http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31541-windows-7-usb-dvd-download-tool.html?filter.

Then follow these steps for Overcoming Windows 7 Installation Failures - Windows 7 Help Forums
which overcome almost all installation failures while clearing the disk for best install.

I would set your BIOS to UEFI and boot the installer as a UEFI device. Wiping the disk should clear any errors about formatting.

Once it installs then continue with these same steps to get and keep a perfect http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html#post1839164

 

[apolosisk]

I installed win8. I switched to UEFI and this time, the cd was recognizable. The pc booted from the cd and everything is fine. I will have to learn the new interface though. I do not risk to install win7 again.

 

[gregrocker]

You probably had a bad installer. Why did you use "N" version?

If you want to continue to work with us, we always get it installed and running perfectly. We hadn't really begun to help you.

 

[apolosisk]

I used 2 different dvds of windows7. The one was the N version. The other was the win7 professional. This dvds worked for me in the past. It was very strange. There was no sense !

 

[gregrocker]

Try this install method to get it cleanest: Overcoming Windows 7 Installation Failures - Windows 7 Help Forums

Set BIOS to UEFI to try that first. Boot media as a UEFI device only.

If you have questions about any BIOS settings for UEFI, CSM, Legacy BIOS or Boot order, post back pictures of your choices: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9733-screenshots-files-upload-post-seven-forums.html