You often say that, my computer failed to do an specific action or I didn’t broke my PC, my Windows is slow or is running extremely slow, my computer is virus infected, my computer has no sound or my webcam is not working any more … and so on. Often, the solution of computer problems resumes to Windows reinstall.
All of you should know that this operation is not very pleasant: you have to format your windows drive, reinstall drivers and all the applications and it can also be expensive if you pay some professional support. What if I tell you that for Vaio PC’s this operations is made with some few clicks? No disks, no flash usb memory, no other external devices … just few clicks.
Vaio PC’s has a tool called VAIO Recovery Center. This tool allows you to create backup points and restore your windows, to create hardware diagnostics, or you can have the possibility of reinstall programs or drivers, wipe and erase data, creating recovery disks or erase all data and restore your entire system to factory settings.
In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to restore your Vaio PC to it’s factory settings. In other words how to restore your computer to it’s original settings (in the exact state you bought it).
For that you have to:
1. Back-up all your data. Restoring to factory setting means to erase all data and reinstall Windows, drivers and preinstalled applications. If you have a single drive (C:) you have to backup your data to external drive or disks.
2. Start VAIO Recovery Center. Click on Start button and then click on All Programs. From the program list select “VAIO Recovery Center“.
3. Restore complete system menu. From the left menu of Vaio Recovery Center select “Restore complete system“
4. Start button.
5. Select “Restore C: drive” and hit Next.
6. Read the information on this new window, select “I understand” and hit Start.
7. “Are you sure?” If you made backup for all your data and really want to restore your Vaio as it was when you bought it you have to make sure that have it plugged in to a stable source of energy and press YES.
8. So … next you should sit back and relax. Your computer will start showing the next messages
Shuting Down
Windows is loading files …
Restoring your operating system
Please wait a moment while Windows prepares to start for the first time…
Windows Vista setup: The initial setup may take up to 15 minutes. Do not turn off the computer. Click OK to continue the setup process and wait until the “Set up Windows screen appears”. Select OK
9. Take your time until your system install VAIO software
Finish to restart.
10. That’s all. Now, your VAIO has the original operating system, drivers and software. Now you have to configure your VAIO as you want.
Thanks so much, i was looking for a good guide to help with the restore. I just wish i was able to print out the guide to use during my restore, it would have been much more handy. (seeing as my attempt at printing the webpage showed the lack of words.)
love you man! thanks for this good help
I tried the same steps but there was a message “buffer overrun detected”. so the process was terminated. I tried the procedure several times but the same message appeared. Any help please.
Try make your own recovery disks and use them to restore your computer to the factory settings.
https://withsteps.com/114/how-do-i-create-a-backup-disk-for-an-sony-vaio.html
If doesn’t work please tell me you computer model and system operation (your windows version).
I have a VAIO VGC M1 all in one desktop, purchased in 2005
theold hard disk ide 160gb with WIN XP SP2 HOME EDITION is not functioning well. When booting it shuts down and restarts and at times it give blue screen errors So i got a new 160gb hard drive how can i get back all my pre installed software back on this new disk.
i made recovery DVDs from the old hard disk before it started having problems so can i use this or what path do in take to enjoy my VAIO ONCE AGAIN
THANKS SO MUCH!!!!! Looking everywhere and ive finally found info that works!!!! Thank u!! :)
hi a have a vaio vpcee2e1e,, the screan was broken 3 week agot and i got it replace, it was working fine for a week and now it won’t boot , so i need to push the one bouton many time to make it load, when it load it work fine but when i shut down, it won’t boot again, i wanted to reset it but on start menu and all program i couldn’t see a vaio recovery staff, i don’t know what to do …please help
1. Your Vaio has a new software called “VAIO Care” that includes the same options. To to Start and search for Vaio Care software. The left meniu, select “Recovery & restore” then Recover Computer. Read all the instructions and follow the wizard. It should be quite easy.
or 2. After you push the power on button press F10. Here you may have the “VAIO Recovery Environment” option. Go there and follow the steps.
Useful information you can find in your manual ftp://ftp.vaio-link.com/pub/manuals/RecoTS/2010Q2_TRG_EN.pdf
If you need further help please let me know.
my son rebooted vaio laptop and nothng happens now windows or anything else doesnt show up phoned my insurance and told me i got to purchase setup discs because ii bought it ready setup came with no dics and didnt back any when bought is there any way i can set it up wiyhout buying it
Hello Lisa. Please tell me your Sony Vaio model and I will check what are your options. Thank you!
i have a sony nr32 laptop..on the screen where it says preparing to install software…
under it where it says the program and drivers are noe being installed…
thyre is the software bar under which it says copying software to c:drive the software isnt coming on to the pc i easily cn wait 5 hours and it still remains at 0 percent..i hve the errory check memory diagnistics….thts all well just here its frozen on i cnt log into the pc at all knw.. help
I don’t’ understand exactly the problem. Are you able to use your windows 7 or the problems appears in the recovery process?
i have vgn-cs36gj and already upgrade to win7..recently my microsoft office have problem i want to uninstall in but cannot. alot of come out..should i format my laptop? if i use this steps..will it install the vista back?please help me?
thank you
No … you should be able to remove your Office Suite software. If classic remove option doesn’t work try with CCleanear.
its keep telling me that product keys is missing when i want to reinstall again..how to completely remove it? thanks
which one of your answer is no? will it install to vista ?
Your original OS is Windows Vista. This means you have a license only for Windows Vista. If you want to update to Windows 7 ask Mircrosoft for a new license.
No is for Microsoft Office. I your case you should be able to remove your Office software without changing your Windows.
I have a VAIO VPCEB13FX that i tried to restore using the F10 key when the VAIO screen appears, i do this since i can’t log on to the windows 7 main screen. When i reformatted it the computer restarted after it however it lead to a blank screen and nothing happens after that. Can you please tell me what may be the problem? Just to let you know i did the VAIO diagnostics option and it says that my CPU and Hardware are all OK. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Hello Paul.
Do you still see the first screens (boot screen) and eventually a windows logo? Or it’s all black when you push the start button?
i have a sony vaio model VGN-NS10L laptop. I tried to restore my vaio to its factory settings. I followed your step but when it reach step 9 where it starts setting up window after loading the windows. Two boxes open one is showing the progress bar and one small box which says window is installing follwoing items and underneath it VIAO RECOVERY SYSTEM. I left computer for about 5 hours to install the software during recovery process but the bar still showing 0%.
Could you please help me. I have shut down the laptop several times and tried to do the same steps again but still same problem.
Do you recover your VAIO with disks (DVD)?
https://withsteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/restore-a-sony-vaio-pc-to-its-factory-settings-01-460×294.jpg
Can someone please send me the installation file for VAIO RECOVERY CENTER? Not the update file, I need the installation, it’s very important for me.
Sony Vaio VPCF11M1E
Your computer should use “VAIO Care” – it’s the new version of recovery center. You can find a download link here:
http://www.sony.co.uk/support/en/product/VPCF11M1E_H/downloads/EP0000261503_6068
If this doesn’t work (if it’s only the update) you can find and install this software via VAIO Update
http://www.sony.co.uk/support/en/product/VPCF11M1E_H/downloads/EP0000260866_6066
Please let me know if you need further instructions.
I have Vaio Care 6.4.2.11150, but I don’t have the option to Create Recovery Disks in Recovery menu ( Recovery and Restore ) , I don’t have it at all and that’s why I’m looking for Vaio Recovery Center or something like it, just to make backup dvd’s ’cause dvd no.1 get damaged.
Under “Recovery and rescue” click on Recovery. In de right part or the VAIO Care window you will find 4 Options:
1. Reinstall Applications and Drivers
2. Create recovery media
3. Recover Computer
4. BIOS Settings
Take the second options. The terms media and disks are describing the same thing.
Sry but my menu looks like http://pokit.org/get/?ee4609fc7674d6714fb69d536f57866c.jpg :D
Ahhh … sorry :) That’s strange.
Try to update your VAIO Care if any update available (I saw that you have the last version but check Vaio Update one more time) and maybe you’ll get that option.
If not, you can choose “Reinstall Applications and Drivers” and hope to have a complete version of VAIO Care. Hmmm… you can also ask the community around http://esupport.sony.com/ and maybe someone else had a similar problem.
If I can find something else I will contact you.
I tried Vaio Update and I didn’t find anything interesting.
I had done the “Reinstall Applications and Driver”, but the problem is that it never install because while I’m installing it, I have to have the Vaio Care on so there’s so effect.
Where are you from, Bogdan?
:) Hello Arman. I’m from Romania but now I’m in Germany with my studies.
Hi,Bogdan
I have Sony Vaio VPCEB26GM, i tried to update BIOS,but it failed,then i replaced its BIOS, everything is ok,except CPU FAN,that doesn’t run. When i take its connection off from motherboard and connect it here again,it works only for the 1st time.I formatted it for several times,now i need vaio POWER MANAGEMENT UTILITY to fix it. Could you please tell me, if i use alt+10 in startup,can it fix my problem or restore it to factory settings?I haven’t formatted it professionally
It’s strange … a software problem is usually not responsible of problems with cooling fans. Those fan’s should work automatically, depending on the temperature of the CPU – turning off and on when is needed -. It is normal if it doesn’t work all the time but is strange when is not working at all.
1. Tell me if you can open your computer, load windows and operate with it.
2. Tell me if you computer has any other strange behavior, excepting the fact that your fan doesn’t seem to work … Especially if your computer turns off suddenly when you work or/and play video-games.
Your fan works at start-up and then is turned off automatically. Laptop computers (also the new desktop) use an automatically system that measures the temperature of your CPU and if cooling is required, then starts the fan … otherwise, the fan is turned off to lower the power consumption.
Thanks for your reply. But it doesn’t work at all. I opened it,looked closer,and saw that it doesn’t run,i checled the temperature,however it rises up 96 degree,but the fan doesn’t run. It happened after changing the BIOS. I contacted to sony support,and they recommended me to fix it by using power management. As formatted it for several times,the power management utility and system restore partition have been deleted. Now i need a restore recovery disc to rstore it to factory settings. Could you please tell me, what can be a problem here? Can there be a lack in the BIOS programme?How can i fix it? Please any idea
Not sure about the cause of the problem … it can be an awkward configuration of your BIOS like increasing the temperature threshold or reporting inaccurate temperatures (firmware errors).
I saw on the SONY support page that the BIOS update has a note: “This utility updates the BIOS to version R0300Y8 to provide improved fan control.”. This confirms that there were some changing in that specific firmware that controls your fan.
You can update your BIOS from CD/Flash Drive (I hope). Go and ask again the VAIO support for a CD/Flash version of your BIOS. On the Support page they only offer a windows version update that doesn’t work in your case.
Or you can try with those Power Management tools. Unfortunately for you, the recovery disks are required if your health (recovery) partition was deleted. Maybe they can provide a BIOS update that works from a CD or flash disk.
I’m trying to reconfigure a Sony Vaio right now, as it is locked by a password that I do not know. I just hit F10 while it was booting up, and now it is reconfiguring on its own. Let me know if this is the best way for me to unlock this computer please BogDan.
Hello Vikki
Yes, it should work if your only concern is to remove a Windows password. If you choose the “Restore to factory settings” then you will lose all the information on your computer, including password or other settings.
Hello Bogdan
Could you please tell me, why the windows version will not work in my case?
How can i use its flash version?I don’t know whole process in using flash version of Bios update. Looking forward to hearing from you
Regards
Hello Ariz …
I said that the Windows version doesn’t work in your case because you can’t load your Windows right now – at least this is what I’ve understood from you. Is that correct?
If yes, then you need to find another way to repair the potential BIOS errors. This is why, in your case, BIOS update/restore from a CD or external drive can be a solution.
Or you have to use your recovery disks (you may need to buy them).
I accidentally restored backup of recovery IMG instead of windows IMG onto my C drive.
I have vaio e series vpcea23en. I have ubuntu dual booted. Now I am not able to recover and get an error saying that “C drive may not exist or too small”.
I checked from ubuntu that 14Gb hidden partition, 650 MB recovery partition and 108 GB C drive partition are all intact. I formatted the C drive too. Still I get the same error. I did not seem to have a working back up, what are my options?
Except the hidden partition/recovery partition, how many drives do you have? Only C: ?
A solution is to backup all your files, restart your computer and press F12 before entering to your OS (Ubuntu I guess). You will enter the recovery mode. Here choose to restore your operating system. This will delete all your files from C: drive (but i think it’s OK if you formatted it).
Follow the steps from that recovery processes and it should work (if your recovery drive and files are intact).
Good luck!
Ubuntu is there on the extended partition along with the other folders.
I am able to enter the recovery, my original query was that I am not able to restore from recovery and I am getting an error that my C drive is too small.
I don’t know if works but you can try to install a windows version from a disk (hope you can find a copy).
There is a step “Where do you want to install windows”. Go to advanced Drive options and delete C: (make it as unallocated space) and then create the partition again. Be very careful not to delete any recovery/health partition.
Install windows as normal and then use the recovery option to put all back in the right place (your licensed windows with all drivers and software).
I don’t know why you get that error (c: is to small) but hope this thing works.
my sony vaio VGN-NW265F laptop is having “Recovery Partition” as hidden with capacity of 7.90 GB and it is showing as 100% free when checked in Control Panel/Computer Management.
What should I do to make this recovery partion ACTIVE and make it useful for OS recovery purpose ?
Thanks in Advance…
Hello … that’s all right. You don’t have to anything. Using the recovery options are just strait forward…. open your recovery tool and choose from those option . Don’t worry about how that partition is reported and you should never try to modify it (like a format or trying to see it’s actual content).
Your recovery partition should be active and you have to use the recovery tools to make it work. Simple as that.
I HV 1 VAIO LAPTOP AND SAY TO ME ERROR THE HARD DISC IN START PRESS F1 TO CONTINUE BUT NOTHINK I DO IT FORMAT AND INSTALL XP THE SAME BUT WHEN I PRESS F1 START OK BUT AFTER 15 MINS STUCK THE LAP ITS PROBLEM THE HARD DISC …SOME SOLUTION CAN I USE EXTERNAL HARD DISK TO WORK AND HOW I CAN DO IT OR CAN I FIX THE HARD DISC ???????
If you have a hardware problem with your hard disk then you may need to replace it. If your computer is old (why XP?) then you may consider that your hard disk can not be repaired.
You can use Ubuntu live CD or USB to boot and see more about your computer state.
http://www.ubuntu.com/download/help/try-ubuntu-before-you-install
I think you better find a compatible hard disk and replace your old one.
is not old my pc vaio 1 year pc .why xp because i hv ready in cd xp :) that why :) but my question is simple now can i use external hard disc for all ? and i leave the hard disc inside ???
If you can configure your computer to boot from your external device (hdd) then you should also be able to instal windows there.
Check your bios options about booting and choose to boot from external drive. A possibility is this:
1. option: Optical Driver (DVD)
2. option: External device (if possible)
3. option: internal HDD
Sir pls let me know at ur earliest convenience if I go for FACTORY SETTINGS in my Sony Vaio model no VPCEH25EN, will Factory Settings erase all my data that I have kept on D, F and G Drives or it will only erase the data of C drive only.
Hello … I personally didn’t tried that but guys from Sony are saying this:
source: sony.com
For your silence, you better backup your data. If you don’t have a external drive or other possibility you can use some services like Dropbox, Microsoft SkyDrive. Microsoft offers you 25GB for free.
Hi,Bogdan
Could you please tell me where can i get a factory reset recovery disc for VAIO VPC EB26GM? I looked for it but i couldn’t find. Please give me any information about it? Or can i use other VAIO E series recovery disc for my model? When i press the fn+F10 in startup it shows that something is nonexecutible and some codes,it’s because i’ve formatted it for several times. And is it possible to recover deleted partition on by using any software?
It is possible to have problems with your recovery partition. Then you need to contact a sony service to deal with this problem. You ca not use a copy of the recovery disks from another vaio because those includes different licence.
Most probably you need to pay a fee to receive your recovery disks from the Sony Service.
Hey so im on restoring C: Drive screen right now. I wait on the screen for like ever and its still at 0% also it says on the bottom how its “starting in 0 seconds…” but nothing is happening. I’m not using any CD’s and got to the recovery center from the f10 key.
Restart your computer and try again. Be sure to make this operation with the battery charger connected (even the battery is full).
So yeah i’ve restarted it countless number of times, and nothing is happening its still at 0%. Also my actualy battery died like is literally out and can no longer be charged so at the moment its being held up by a charger. Any recommendations?
Hmmm … that may be a problem with you recovery partition. You may need to do it in the classic way … by installing Windows from external disk (you may use your serial number from the sticker).
After that, install all the drivers manually from internet (sony website). And you can try to make the recovery disks … to see if it works.
hello i recently purchased vaio E-series laptop, bt during the work time my laptop suddenly stops working and a blue window appears saying window saved from a serious issue n den again i have to turn off the laptop n den restart it again , do i need to format my laptop n also how? n my vaio update is nt getting updated :((
please help
If you connected any additional devices, be sure you have the right drivers. If you have connected any incompatible devices then you have to remove them.
If no additional or external drives/devices/memory are connected then be sure you have all the drivers installed properly and updates.
If your computer is new and you still have problems then you better go back to the store and tell them about that. You may get a replacement if there is any hardware problems.
my Sony Vaio is running super slow only when i turn it on… when i turn it on a screen pops up that says vaio well it takes 5 minutes to actually start the window where I can log on
HI bogdan. I have a F sere vaio. I had a problem with webcam and tried to become factory settings. I have no disc. Process had began but after several hours it´s still on %76… What kind of stuation is it? IF I reboot com. there will be a problem for my settings and hardware? PLEase help. Thank you
Hey bogdan so I’m following your steps and while installing the custom programs I get a message saying I have encountered an error installing a google program? Can you tell me what this means?
Hello. I have VAIO model VPCEA12EG. I sent it for service because of fans problem and i found out that the recovery partition had been deleted. And now i have Windows 7 but not the VAIO version. Do you know how i can restore it back to VAIO version because the my recovery disc won’t work since the recovery partition is missing. Thank you. :)
:) that happened in a certified sony service? If you have your recovery disks than it should work without your recovery partition.
Hi Bogdan,
I have attempted to do as you recommend, I get as far as the “please wait a moment while windows prepares to start for the first time screen”, and no further, no matter how long I leave it. I have a vaio VGN-AR41E, running windows vista, it was bought as an exdisplay model and the vendor didn’t supply any discs at all with it, we literally got a computer and a box. What can I do? Many thanks for an informative article, btw.
nw my laptop model no VPCEH25EN is working fine havng installed W-7 home basic bt my laptop is nt able to set free themes wich i have downloaded from the official windows website, it says its nt compatible bt earlier *before formatting* wen i had installed it was working fine bt now its facing problems :((
sir i have a sony vaio vpceb46fg laptop.it recovery parttetion have been deletet and i dont make any recovery disk so can i get back the recovery parttetion
Hi Bogdan
I appreciate your kind help to all these ppl how faced problems with Sony Vaio laptop.
As like others I bought a Sony Vaio laptop probably on 2003. Model no. VGN-FS93G.
Problems:
1. I lost all my cds.
2. I installed a pirated copy of win 7 just to try how it works.
3. now I want to go back to my originals soft.
4. from where can I download winXp home edition. because I have the CD key with me.
Plz help me with this ASAP
thanks
Ashiq
Hi Bogdan
My VAIO laptop was very slow and I try to factory restore bcz I hav no backup! But the process if restoring takes about 36 hr and it has just 87% progressed! I am wondering if this time is usual to complete the restoring!
+ I skip “Hardware Diagnostics”.
Tnx for help in advanced!
Usually is a couple of hours (one or two) but definitely not more than, i don’t know, 5 hours. In my case, an 5 years old VAIO takes around one hour to completely restore (including preinstalled software).
sir, i want to know that how can i recover window 7 on vaio laptop..?? my laptop is not starting and it shows only black screen.even its not starting in safe mode. how can i recover window without losing data on my other drives? it only showing message either to repair the window or to start the window normally.
I have sony vaio VPCEB36FA,
Is this model suits the same proceedure to restore it’s original factory settings?
Yes, except the fact that your recovery software is called “VAIO Care”. https://withsteps.com/275/restore-a-sony-vaio-pc-to-its-factory-settings.html#comment-1493
I have a vgn-cr23g vaio laptop. I could manage to go into safe mode to access the recovery centre. However, the program just stopped responding after I clicked start to restore the com. What should I do then?
Do you have your recovery disks?
tank you
for your help
iwish for you happy time
You’re welcome! All the best for you!
I have a different problem here. After factory restoring my pcg71211v my sony vaio notebook becomes very slow and lagging especially when i starts internet application like mozilla or chrome… am i having a hardware problem here? Thanks in advance!!!
Hmmm … is recommended to update your windows and drivers … if you have multiple drives (partitions) be sure your defragment all of them.
i have a vaio VPC S129FJ and i have problems concerning luminosity NOTHING works in solvin it so i thought about restoring the laptop but for instlling vaio recovery center i find thati must already have some drivers that i can’t find for my model which is a bit new (2010) help me plzzzz
You may have “VAIO Care” instead of “Recovery Center” … This softwares come with your laptop … ussualy you don’t need to install additional software for recovery.
hey bogdan , i didt set a password after recovery but my vaio ia asking for password ?? do you have solution for that
by vaio laptop model -sve 15116enb
What password? For your user account or something else (like BIOS) ?
I have sony vaio VPCEB36FA,
How to install Quick web access?
Press the WEB button on your laptop when your computer is OFF. Follow the initial instructions and then you’ll have it.
http://esupport.sony.com/docs/pc/VPCEG1_EH1_EJ1_EL1_series/EN/contents/03/03/01/01.html
Hi Bogdan,
I am trying to restore to factory settings an old PCG- 7X1L without recover disks an using recovery center. However, whenever it reaches 82% in the step 9 of your guide, it stops completely. The program that is being installed when this happens is Quickbooks
If normal restore doesn’t work then install Windows from a official Microsoft disk. Use the Windows Serial from the sticker you find on the back of your laptop.
Be aware of the health partition. Do not change it in any way. Just choose to install Windows on the C: drive (eventually format C: drive).
Install all the driver and additional software from the Sony support page. Then if you need it, try to create the recovery disks and then make a normal restore.
Hola pudieran ayudadme a darme los pasos de como puedo recuperar todo de mi laptop vaio mi nino me borro todo y la prendo y sale todo en blanco y no tengo la opia del disco alguieb me ayuda por favor.
Hola. Sorry, but I can’t speak spanish, hopefully you can understand me in english.
Do you have any message on that black screen or is just black (blanco)?
Hi Bogdan,
I have a Sony Vaio Model no PCG-7G1M . I’m trying to use Sony recovery utility, but get an error at about 94℅. The error is “error reading from stream” I’ve tried booting from CD, but it won’t do it. I have recovery discs, but they won’t load now and when I reboot I get an error “error loading operating system”. I even tried the BIOS, it too was a dead end as I can’t change the boot to CD. Please help.
Why doesn’t allow you to boot from CD? Can you go to BIOS settings and check if booting from CD is activated?
Normally the booting from cd is off and may require an activation. Press F10 or F8 immediately after you turn on your VAIO and access BIOS.
Please let me know if worked.
When I’m trying to create recovery discs it says ” cannot start program because another application is accessing the recovery partition.” but I don’t have any programs running. What can I do?
Maybe is a bug in the software. Update your Sony softwares (via VAIO updates) or by visiting the Sony support page.
hi, I was currently restoring my sony vaio E series VPCEA43EG when I saw you guide and I didn’t know that it was possible to do that instead of using F10. So right now my laptop is restoring to its original factory settings through the F10 key, but now it’s asking me to insert windows installation disc to continue. I was rummaging through my cds and I saw a Windows 7 starter 32-bit software. So I’m wondering if this would do the trick. I’m scared that my computer crash if the cd wasn’t compatible with the Sony Vaio E series. Thanks in advance for your reply
Oh yeah, I’d like to add that along with that cd, it also has a “Windows 7 OEM Preinstallation Kit” CD. So right now I’m even more confused with this.
There are some “Recovery Disks” that includes all you need, also your OS (Windows). If they ask for the recovery disk then you should go back in your windows (hopefully it still works) and create your recovery disks https://withsteps.com/114/how-do-i-create-a-backup-disk-for-an-sony-vaio.html
Those are different from the Windows Disks than you have because they include SONY drivers and softwares and your Windows license that you paid when you bought your VAIO.
My lap’s operating system corrupted… And startup repair is not running… I did not have windows installation cd… Help me to repair it please…..
Dea Sir
I have a VGN-NR160E labtop.
Unfortunatly I have formated my original Vista and instaled a widows 7 on that for two times.
I do not have any recovery CD.
Please tell me how can I go for my original vistsa?
You need to contact Sony support and ask for your recovery disks (unfortunately you have to pay for this). Unfortunately, any change to your hard disk drive will damage your recovery tools and therefore the only solution to go back to original settings is by these recovery disks.
But … Why do you want to get back your vista? I think is better for you to use Windows 7. I’m sure that you will find all the drivers and softwares you got with your Windows Vista on the Sony VAIO support website.
Hi
I am using sony vaio VGN-NS30Z
I made recovery cd’s way back when i bought my laptop.
Now i want to restore my laptop to its factory settings by using those cd’s, i’ve followed your above procedure, at step 8 it Shuting Down,says Windows is loading files … but not saying Restoring your operating system and directly showing my desktop again..
can you please help on this please…!
thanks in advance
Restart your computer and press F10 when you see the first VAIO logo. You will enter the recovery tools and from there you will be able to recover it. https://withsteps.com/1303/how-to-use-sony-vaio-recovery-tools.html
Hello Bogdan,
as like you told, i’ve inserted 1st recovery cd and restarted my system and pressed F10, but i can just find two options in it(Vaio Hardware Diagnostics and Rescue Data), couldn’t find restore C drive option. unfortunatly I am not able to attach images here to show you.
I’ve mailed to this mail id:
Hello Bogdan,
I’ve vaio vpceb44en, lost my recovery CD, did clean install of Windows, don’t have the supporting software provided by VAIO, where can I get the VAIO iso of my Laptop
You can find all your additional software and drivers here:
http://www.sony-asia.com/support/product/vpceb44en
If you need your recovery disks and you are no longer able to create them with your PC then contact the Sony VAIO support. In this case you may need to pay a fee for this disks.
Thank you very much BOGDAN. My brother has VAIO E series. The recovery media were corrupted. The formatting stops after 5% & windows couldn’t start. It showed error messages like”BOOTMGR NOT FOUND”. So, I was tensed. But thanks to BOGDAN , who provided the vaio recovery manual . I easily formatted the vaio using “ASSIST button”. NO need of RECOVERY MEDIA DVDs.
That’s nice to hear. Now, it’s a good idea to create a new recovery disks. Just to have it there, somewhere.
hi Bogdan. Do you speak romanian? Do you have a phone number where I can call you? I have a similar problem where bassicaly everything was wipped out and new windows was installed. It is a different bit version and basicaly it does not recognize any of the network interfaces/ drivers. Everything was lost and I would pretty much be interested to restore it to factory installed software. Can you help me how to go about doing it? It is a Vaio model vpceb37fx which was running win 7, I think it was a 64 bit version.
By the way, I am romanian. That is the reason I asked for phone number.
Salut Sabin … da, sunt romîn și vorbesc romînește. Îți răspund pe mail.
Hi bogdan
i own vaio VGN FZ-15 windows vista, i tried to recover it with vaio recovery F10 key during start up, all went well untill it hangs during restarting…” please wait while the windows starts for the first timë “.i waited for hours and also have tried to recover it many times but it’s always same, the system hangs and the windows set up screen does not start. i dont have a recovery disk neither do i have an installation cd at this time…please suggest some options.
My suggestion is to search for a copy of a disk with the same windows version like you’re reinstalled one. Then go to Sony website and search for the original drivers and softwares.
Install Recovery tool and try to create your recovery disks. Then, if you still want to restore your computer to factory settings, then use the disks to perform this action.
Hopefully you will be able to create them. Good luck!
I didn’t creat a recovery for my Sony vaio and now it won’t start anymore and I need to factory reset it. what should I do?
When you turn your computer on press F10 when you see the first VAIO logo. You will enter the build in recovery mode. Try to restore your computer there (without recovery disks).
Good luck!
Hello
I have a Vaio F series laptop.
It showed me bootmgr no found so i tried to restore using vaio rescue software. After formatting is completed it shows “preparing your system for the first time” and starts installing the drivers. In abt 58% the laptop shuts down.
When i restart it after the windows logo it shows welcome and an error pops out stating” windows couldnot complete installation. Toinstal yye windows on yhis computer, restart the installation.
Pls help!!!
Hello, I have a sony vaio laptop with Windows 7 home basic, I dint create any recovey points to my OS. Now my OS is failing to boot. Is it possible to recover to the factory settings?
Hi, I bought 2nd hand E series VPCEA35FG. It has dual os win7 & win7 home premium w/c the original os but I cannot get in bcoz it has password and I forgot to get from the seller who is now hard to reach. It was kinda slow coz of many apps installed and I wanted to restore its original setting but when I press F10 it only gives me the win path, patition & hard disk number/code…can any1 help me? Thanks
I have tried the above steps, but i cannot see the whole screen, and it will not allow me to click “I understand” as i cannot see the tick box. Is there a way i can make the font smaller so I can see the tick boxes?
Hi, I am unable to burn DVDs in Sony vaio laptop EH38 but I can read DVDs and read, burn CDs..I updated the drivers and its upto date and also deleted the upper and lower filters but still facing this issue…..please help me …thank you in advance…
i dont have vaio recovery center .
sorry but what type of files do you have to backup and what happens if i follow the steps and the os is removed
Hello Liam. All personal data and whatever you want to save (settings, char archive … and so on)
please help, i have a sony vaio VPCEE2E1E and its accidentally been set back to factory without saving the documents from it.
I have acronis recovery of lost/deleted files and it runs from Flash Drive, I have tried in bios setting up extrenal device enabled and set to first boot but it will not boot to it no matter what keys i press.
Michael
unfortunately i was uninstalled d arcsoft webcam4 of my sony (e series VPCEH25EN).while reinstalliing it ,it shows “non existent java run time environment or runtime is corrupted”.wt i hav to do now to get default verssion of arcsoft webcam4 with out distrubing d other installed softwares.plz provide d solution as early as possible……….
Hello there … you can try to reinstall Java software … http://java.com/
Greetings.
i have a Sony Vaio “Product: SVE15115EAB” i reinstalled windows 7 and i have lost the disks attached with the laptop, and now i can’t install any of the drivers, can you please help me with this. and if i can install “vaio recovery center” and make it do the job ??
You can find all your original drivers and software on the Sony Support page. Try this link and go to downloads:
http://www.sony-mea.com/support/product/sve15115ea
Hi
Sony Vaio VPCEB1E0E, a friend of mine was putting windows 7 on it just when it came out and ive never had the same things on it since, none of my vaio buttons work I want to restore it back to its original factory settings but I don’t have vaio recovery or anything!!!!
really at the end of my tether here can anyone please help me????
Laura
You have to install the right drivers and software from Sony support page.
Check this link: http://www.sony.co.uk/support/en/product/VPCEB1E0E_WI/updates
Hey, I’ve re formatted my laptop and during the process its stuck at 96 %…..tried twice. At 96% it is installing intelpro wireless router
Please advice.
Hey, I reformatted my vaio laptop- and I am facing a problem. Upon restoring the C drive I am stuck at 96%. It is rather peculiar as I have run the process twice and it remains at uniformity at the same percentage. Any suggestions would be highly appreciated.
Also fyi, at 96% it is installing the intel wireless router driver.
Please advice.
Do you have your VAIO recovery disks? You should also try using them.
If not possible or if no success then you can search for an Windows disk and use the repair option in order to boot into windows. After that you can manually install your remaining drivers and software (from Sony Support website).
Where do we find Vaio Recovery Center in windows 8?
Search for VAIO Care software.
Hi Bogdan
Sony Vaio AR71S- After discs crash I’ve changed the discs (2 new samsung 320Gb) insted of oryginally mounted fujitsu 250GB) Ive bought set of recovery DVDs from sony support. trying to restore complete system to factory settings, but it stops after asking me if i want to keep Vaio value contents as a part of recovery drive – saying that “cannot use this recovery disc for the computer. Confirm the model type” and then “Error:MakeInFromMcode,Error:89” Same thing happends when I’m trying just to restore C:Drive… Recovery DVDs are made for Sony Vaio AR 61S/M/E – AR71S/M/E/J.(BTW – I’ve bouth them for mine vaio AR 71S – so they should be OK), I’ve reset the Bios to factory settings also and bios says My model is AR71S… Don’t know what to do.. I was trying different things – Creating RAID 0 on new discs, Formatting them, etc… Still the same.
Any Ideas? Thanks in advance.
Andrew
Hello Andrew,
It is strange. Normally, the idea of Sony Recovery tool is to make the job easier when you have problems with your OS or your hard drive… but it seems that you are not the only case and there are other people there that can’t get their OS back after the HDD was changed. If you already bought the original disks with your personal windows license (from Sony) then you should give them a call and ask about this error. Maybe they know any work around.
My personal advice to you is to manually install your OS and your VAIO drivers. You can search for a Windows OEM version and install it using the serial number found on the sticker on the back of your laptop. (if you have Windows 7 then you can download the free trial version from here http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/OS-Enhancements/Windows-7.shtml and if use your serial you will get the full version). After you’ve installed your fresh Windows you can find all your software and drivers on the Sony support website: http://www.sony.co.uk/support/en/product/VGN-AR71S/updates . There is a little bit of work to get the job done but is free and your computer will be as new. Unfortunately, you will not be able to use the Recovery feature while no recovery partition is created on your drive (maybe here your disks can be used but not sure).
In any case, you should be able to make your VAIO as new even if you changed your HDD. Let me know if you need further support. Good luck!
Hi,
I think I have messed up my Sony Vaio VGN-FZ18G. What I needed was to set it to factory setting, yet I selected ‘wipe and erase data’. When that was done, the error message ‘Operating system not found’ popped by when the system reboot.
I can’t seem to recover Windows Vista from the Sony recovery CD :(
Please help!
Thanks a million.
Ahh :( … sorry for that.
Restart your computer and press F10 when you see the first VAIO logo. You will enter the recovery tools and from there you will be able to recover your OS (Windows).
Let me know if you need further assistance.
Hi Bogdan,
I wiped my Sony Vaio to original factory settings. The problem is when the OS was supposed to reload I am getting the error message “The application failed to initialize properly (0xc0000006). Click OK to terminate the application. It shows up on the windows blue screen. I press OK but the computer just does the same loop again and comes back to the message. I have recovery discs that I made when I purchased the computer but not sure how to use them or if this will fix the problem. Any help would be awesome!!
Model: PCG-7133L
Windows Vista Home Premium OS
Hi. You may have a hardware problem. I first suggest to make an analysis to your HDD in order to detect any problems. There are some software that can do that for free under Linux… so you can download for free any Linux distribution that have Live option and you can boot into Linux without changes to your computer (try with Ubuntu using a CD or a USB stick and boot using Live option).
Another suggestion is to upgrade to Windows 7 or 8 (a fresh install would be even better).
Good luck! Keep me posted if you need any additional info.
Hey, I hope I’m not too late, I have a Sony vaio laptop, model VPCEB2MOE, I am trying to factory reset following your steps. I have managed to get to the shutting down part, however when my laptop goes past the “Windows loading files” a box pops up saying “recovery tools are being launched” after about 10 minutes or more another box pops up, it has a red x in the top corner of the box and there is also text in the middle of the box saying “failed to copy folder” and then my laptop restarts itself and the whole “recovery tools are being launched” happens again
This is exactly what is happening to me, I have not been able to remedy it yet. I have discs for the OS but don’t know how/when to use them. Any ideas?
Hi, I very much appreciate this information but I just wanted to know, if I follow these steps, will all installations such as Microsoft word or such get deleted. I don’t have the CD to install them again and I don’t want to try this until I’m very sure nothing important will get deleted. I don’t care about the pictures or documents or even videos, I want everything deleted like a brand new laptop but with everything I installed to remain. Is it OK to continue with this procedure? And thank you for taking your time out and answering.
HI BOGDAN, MY VPCF236HG GOT FORMATTED WT OUT BACKUP CD OR RECOVERY PLAN N AS A RESULT I LOSTMY SONY VAIO WINDOW. AS I DONT HV A RECOVERY DICS, PLS, WHT DO I DO? TANKS.
Hi Emmanuel … what I know is that you can buy the disks from Sony support but it can be quite expensive. What I suggest is to search for a Microsoft WIndows disk and install it as a normal OS. Activate your windows using the serial key found on the sticker you got on the back of your VAIO (or bellow the battery pack).
After you have a fresh Windows installation, just go to http://www.sony-mea.com/support/product/vpcf236hg/download and manually install all the drivers you need.
It should work quite good… you also got the updated drivers ;)
take care!
my vaio modal is VPCEB42EG it is very slow i want to restore window 7 but there is no vaio restore center in start menu .. how can i restore window 7 in my laptop.. plz help me ..
it has vaio care .. can i restore my window through it ..
Yes …. you can. Vaio Care is the software … my tutorial is done using an older VAIO that used the old restore aplication.
Use the VAIO Care software to safely restore your PC. Take care!
hello i have changed my vaio vpceh25en window 7 home basic to windows 7 ultimate without any back up or recovery but when i use vaio care in windows 7 ultimate a drive called recovery partion has appeared which is about 12 gb then how i do get back my factory condition
RECOVERY PARTION DRIVE APPAER IN MY COMPUTER
sir with help of vaio care can i get back windows 7 home basic back in factory condition through recovery partion
Hi Raj .. sorry for my late reply. Did you installed a clean copy of windows 7 ultimate (including format drive c:) or did u made an upgrade?
no sir i did not formatted any of my drive and i upgraded it to win 7 ultimate
Then it should work … backup your data and try a “Restore to factory settings” from your VAIOcare software.
thank u very much sir for responding. But i deleted windows.old folder with the help of windows disk cleanup does that cause any problem
I don’t think windows.old has any impact on your VAIO Care utility. Go ahead and recover your PC if that’s what you need.
Do you encounter any errors during this process?
Be aware that your HDD will be formated and you will lose any data on your drive. Please use an external drive to backup your data.
thanks it worked. Does creating recovery media is necessary?
I recommend to make those disks and put them somewhere….. just to be sure you have them :) Is not necessary but is recommended
Does this process work if i upgrade to any os without formatting
Only windows base… and I am not sure about upgrading to Windows 8….
If you think about trying other OS I recommend you to do it using a VM.
what is VM?
Virtual Machine (using VirtualBOX or VMware)
but i first upgraded to windows 8 and again downgraded to windows 7 ultimate with your help i used vaio care rescue and it worked in resetting to default factory setting. I think this worked due to upgrade
My sony vaio laptop VPCEB45FGH has not been worked recovery wizard? Error occured ” recovery media not found please select model type ” while press the start recovery tools
Do you have recovery disks for your laptop?
Hello there! This iss kind of off topic but I need some guidance from an established blog.
Is it very hhard to sset up yourr own blog? I’m
noot very techincal but I can fiigure things out pretty quick.
I’m thinking about setting up my own but I’m not sure
where too start. Do you have any ideas orr suggestions?
With thanks
I’m restoring my laptop and its restoring and it has got to 100% but the finish tab has not popped up and its been a good while already. What do you think is wrong??
I HAD BROUGHT SONY VAIO WITH WINDOWS VISTA HOME PREMIUM,
AS LAPTOP GOT SLOW, I FORMATTED THE WHOLE MACHINE AND INSTALLED WINDOWS XP (CRACKED).
NOW I AGAIN NEED TO INSTALL WINDOWS VISTA ORGINAL.
THEN HOW SHLD I.
AS I HAVE PRODUCT ALSO.
PLEASE RLY N HELP ME OUT
Do you have your recovery disks?
Thanks many thanks for your program .
I have Sony vpceb33fm core i3.. Want to restore to factory set but pressed 10, or alt10, or 8, It doesn’t lead me to recovery system c drive…you have any idea
Can you access your Windows? There you have a software called “VAIO Care”. Is easier to restore to factory settings using that software.
Dear i have sony vaio vpceg15eg e series notebook. i have a problem when i click on shutdown my computer do not shutdown. i have installed win 7 home basic 64 bit. any suggestion?????
Hi Raza,
Try this: Go to start and click on run
Write this:
shutdown -s -f -t 20and press enter.Your computer will shut down in 20 seconds… let me know if this command works for you and then I will further assist you.
I have SVE15113ENB and I want to restore to factory settings. How do I do it in this laptop series? And I have transferred the data to my D and F drives, would they be erased as well? I am getting a lot of noise, but the repair guy says the speakers look fine, must be some application. And few of my keys are printing multiple letters. Is there any other way apart from buying a new keyboard?
Hello Vasudha,
check out this link with all steps required to restore to factory settings.
Normally, the data on other drives except C: are not erased but is strongly recommended to back-up data on external drives.
https://withsteps.com/question/how-to-repair-windows-7-in-sony-vaio-without-any-c-ddvdusb-2#answer-2835
As I said, my laptop is making a lot if noise as if it’s speakers are not working properly. But the repair guy says the speakers look fine, may be some running application is creating that noise. Also few of the keys are typing in multiple letters, is there a way to repair or I need to her the keyboard changed?
If you make the restore to factory settings you will see if there was a software problem (like an application) that cause you this problems with speakers and keyboard.
If the problem will appear again with a clean Windows installation then you might check again with the service guy for hardware problems.
Also I don’t have vaio care.
Get VAIO Care from here …
http://esupport.sony.com/US/VAIOCare
Do you still have the Health/Recovery partition on your hard drive? You can’t recover your PC without this partition.
Hi Mr. bogden
I have vpceh25en using from 2010.. now the problem is.. I have blue screen appearing which saying. A problem has been detected Windows going to shutdown from prevent damage.. it’s also saying remove any newly installed software or hardware.. last year I installed 2 gb ram.. I thought this may be cause.. I removed and recoverd throw the assist button.. after an hour or days it’s appearing again.. do u have any suggestions please help me..
And one more I visited also sony service center they did the same thinks.. also with recovery cds.. but same I have…
I have the same problem my computer says Windows could not complete the installation
Did you find a way?
Hi sir. I have some problem with my VAIO laptop. And I can not find any solution to fix it. It would be glad if you can give me some advise.
The problem is:
My SONY VAIO VPCF236HG is running normally but it seem not running smoothly even I just open the folder (My Documents or even a small Folder) it will take 3 or 4 second to load every time . And when I use Ms Office word by scrolling up and down to see the text it still take a few second to load the text even just the simple text. I think my computer spec is not to small. I used other computer that is their spec is smaller then my but they still running smoother than mine. Please help. (sorry for my English)
I used Window 7 Ultimate 64 bit.
Hi all … if you encounter blue screen then you have problems with some of the hardware components. It might also be caused by inappropriate drivers you have installed.
I can also say that on my VAIO, the first component that failed was the hard disk drive (after 6 years)…. so you might also check that.
My sony vaio vgn nr385e will not restore. It gets stuck on copying something to c:drive
Run a HDD test to see if you have any bads (bad sectors).
recently i have formatted my sony vaio sve15115 series laptop
recovery option is missing instead of downloading all original drivers and patches
i want to restore my laptop to original one
My previous os was win 7 home basic
i have installed win 7 ultimate
please help me as my wireless and bluetooth drivers are not working
Most probably you have also deleted the recovery partition from your HDD (the one that contains your windows files and drivers). Therefore you will not be able to recover your system to original state without recovery DVD’s.
In this case I recommend you to install Windows 7 using the serial number you have on the back and manually install your drivers from Sony Support website.
hi,
im trying to open my sony notebook, I forgot my password. I try to reformat, not getting to os, I press f8 to f12 still nothing happens.
can pls. advice what to do?
thanks
Try with F10
My SVE11125CV gone blank screen. I tried to recover by ASSIST button, after I pressed F10 there were nothing displayed but blank screen, only HDD indicator lamp is blinked.
I do not have recovery CD of my notebook. Please provide me a help.
thanks
Run a flashlight into your screen and check if you see any shadows or something… It might be a problem with your display backlight.
Or you can try to connect an external device to see if you will get any image … so that you can test if your Video card is ok.
I have the same problem, I didn’t recover with any drive or DVD… What should I do?
I tried to restart the laptop, now it says windows could not complete the installation.to install windows on this computer, restart your installation.
Help me out
Hello Tandin …
if you are not able to use the recovery options I recommend you to make a fresh Windows Install on your C: drive (do not make changes to your HDD partitions) using a original bootable Windows DVD/USB. Then manually install all your drivers from Sony Support Website.
Of course, It might also be the possibility to buy the original DVD’s from Sony and try the recovery option with them but this might be quite expensive.
All the best!
Hello!
My Sony Vaio E series E is slowing down.
Please advise reformatting steps.
The Laptop model is sony vaio E series VPCEK25EG
Hoping for your soonest reply.
Thanks!!!
Hello SWAE,
The example in this post is old now. Sony has a new application called VAIO Care that will support you to a reset to factory setting.
Therefore, to perform this action you need to:
1. Backup your data (restore to factory settings will erase all of your data from your PC)
2. Create you recovery DVD’s/Media. Even if you have all the drivers and Windows files on a special hidden partition of your hard drive and you will not need the DVD’s during this operation it is strongly recommended to have them in the improbable moment when your “Helth partition” is damaged of something goes wrong.
Instruction on how to create your recovery DVD’s or media you can find here:
http://docs.esupport.sony.com/pc/VPCEG1_EH1_EJ1_EL1_series/EN/contents/02/13/12/12.html
3. Perform a “Recover Computer” action. This will automatically format your hard drive and you only need to follow some simple steps. The instructions can be found here:
https://us.en.kb.sony.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/35896/~/how-to-perform-a-system-recovery-using-the-vaio-care-version-7-software.
All the best!
Hello,
i am using Sony 14e laptop. it is showing black screen with cursor and task manager is not opening. i have the recovery made. i want to format only c drive drive not e: f: or g: .can u help me resetting only c drive.
waiting for your help.
Hi Saqeeb,
is your laptop runing Windows 8?
Try Recovery options from Windows and check if this will fit your needs.
Let me know if you need further help. All the best.
I want to restore and re organize my computer, as i think it has a virus. If I make a windows backup to my external hard drive, would a virus infect the hard drive, and wouldn’t restoring my files from the hard drive bring the virus with it?
It think is better if you scan your PC before the backup. Infected files can be transferred via backups.
I have sony vaio laptop e series. sve13115enb model.
I deleted recovery accidentally without having any backup in cd or usb.
I formatted windows but i see wifi not getting connected, internet data card getting disconnected intermittently, touch pad not working smooth, and other problems.
I want to get recovery without going to a service centre. Can u please help me to troubleshoot this ?
Thanks,
Dama
Hi Dama,
sorry for my late reply. Unfortunately you are not able to recover your “recovery partition” if that one was erased. All you can do now if you want to avoid Sony Center is to install your Windows and download the original drivers for your device using Sony Support website … I guess this ones should fit your needs:
http://www.sony.co.in/support/download/502707/product/svs13115gn
If you get problems with your devices be careful to install the proper drivers for your model.
All the best,
Bogdan
Dear sir plz help, I don’t know, whether some of my application were automatically uninstalled or get crupted.it also include inbuilt apps of vaio. I want them back. How can i restore my windows 7 on vaio without using back-up disk and without losing data on other drive. I have bulk data and setups of some important apps on my another drive and don’t want to loose those.
Hi ravi …
Using VAIO Care software you can reinstall your original apps. This will do exactly what you need. The reset to factory settings is deleting all your information. If you choose to reinstall only your original VAIO software then your data should be all right. Check out this tutorial…
https://us.en.kb.sony.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/32651/~/how-to-reinstall-bundled-applications-and-original-drivers-using-the-vaio-care
All the best!
Hi Bogdan. Please can you help?! My Computer Sony Vaio SVS1311N9ES wouldn’t turn on for ages. Once it was on managed to run the test through vaio care all hardware test said they failed. ; ( backed up everything I wanted to save onto a external hard drive. Then done the factory reset all looked good .. It was taking ages so I left it alone for a while now I only have a black screen and a curser? I clicked on the mouse pad but nothing happened. Worried to try anything else as I really have 0 computer knowledge! Husband said the whole problem probably started because I used to just close the lid mostly never really turned the computer off . Could he be right? What should I do now? please can you help? !!
many thanks. Sarah
Hi Sarah …
So, you got this black screen during recovery process?
You can try to press ctrl+alt+del and restart your PC. If nothing works, just keep the power button pressed for a couple of seconds until PC is turned off.
When you start your PC again it will resume from whatever process you were into. Hopefully you have no other problems and your VAIO will recover fine after this.
Good luck! Let me know if I can further help…
Thanks for your fast reply!I’ve tried both of those things you mentioned but still the same, not sure if this is any thing, but the padlock next to caps lock with a number 1 in it is the only thing lit up with the on switch.
Nothing happens? The computer doesn’t switch off either. ; (
If you keep the power button pressed for enough time your computer should switch off. In the worst case scenario you can unplug it and remove the battery to power it off.
Thanks .. yes, think I’m going to have to unscrew the back and take the battery out! Thanks for your time. ;)
hi
i hava f116 sony labtop,i update bios from K0261Y6 to R0280Y6 version,i want return previous version bios, please help me.
hi
i hava vpcf116 sony labtop,i update bios from K0261Y6 to R0280Y6 version,i want return previous version bios, please help me.
Hi,
I have a Sony VGC-LV290J which I recently did a clean install from Vista to Windows 7, in the process I lost the Sony Home Library. Sony say that I need to perform a recovery to original settings, I do not have the discs for the recovery, is there a way to make the discs from the partition and when reset to original and perform a Windows 7 upgrade or is the file lost?
thanks
My sony vaio isn’t showing the window cause of some damages so I am using the f10 system. I have not taken a backup of my datas and I am scared to lose them. There is a option of rescuing datas but I am not sure if it will backup all my datas. Please help me regarding to that issue. Thanks.
Hello
I m avin…. I have a sony vaio vpceh25en so there hav a problem that earlier I hav install another window 7 via bootable usb …. so thats why its not working properly like its assist button is not working so that I could not go in my recovery mode and I could nt get my origanl window 7 and orignal drive. So plzzz help me dear….
I ill be very thankfull to you
Hey, i tried to recover my vaio s series vpcsb36fg. Now it is on recovering mode,but the installation of zh hk language setting won’t go over 0% since 2 hours. I don’t know what to do, should i turn it off or is there anything i could do.. i really need your help. thank you so much
please help me on how to factory reset my old outdated Sony Avio pcv-7732 running on window xp home. I tried to boot with disc and nothing happen. I just want it factory reset that’s all.
Hi, just wondering if you can help me to factory reset my old outdated sony pcv-7732 avio window xp home. ive tried to boot with cd and have no success and system restore only restore to certain point which im not interest in that so please if you have any idea or advise I would really appreciate.
Hello,
My Sony VAIO has a virus, but I haven’t made a restore disc. If I backup my PC to a disc, will it backup the virus onto the disc or will it only backup the original settings?
Sorry if it sounds dim :(
my sony vaio sve14133cn has been formatted so time completely and the recovery disk prepared by me also not working …as system is formatted completely. and i think only way is to take it to service center. is there any way to restore it factory setting by some other means if not than suggest me the right way…..and the nearest service center s i belong to jhunjhunu, rajasthan…
Hi,
I bought my laptop from US, using in India, before using it first I made recovery dvds. After 2 years my laptop’s hard drive got damaged so I had to change it. And my Dvdwr is also not working so how can I install my original licenced windows by using those recovery Dvds without not working Dvdwr. Please help.
Hi, I have an E series VPCEB44EN laptop, the screen goes black the moment i press th start button. Not even the Vaio screen is displayed. Plz help me.
Hi.i would like to know the procedure of maintaining my Microsoft office programs even if i wipe my sony vaio laptop.thanks.
Hi ,
i had done factory reset and after that i had lot data and partion,can any help me to get the data back ,My laptop VPCEG seriers
unfortunately not … or not that easy … maybe you can try with some recovery software but I personally can’t recommend you anything.
Restore to factory settings is doing exactly what it suppose to do … delete all your data and personal settings and perform a clean Windows install … in this way, your computer will be in the same SW state as a new computer.
Sorry for that, I know it sucks big time loosing important data.
wow, bogdan you have been ans questions since 2012, hope you log in soon.
my sony vaio FW 560 F changed the HDD to SSD,,,purchased the recovery media, used command prompt to fix boot registry and MBR, now using the recovery disc to instal windows in the new drive…..stuck at 59%….its installing google for more then an hour….and the % of progress is stuck at 59
Hi … indeed, this post is quite old now :) and I’m still here.
Is your HDD still working? You can try a “migrate” all your data from HDD to SSD and then try a “restore to factory settings” … maybe you can also do this without the recovery disks (using the preinstalled recovery hidden partition).
http://lifehacker.com/5837543/how-to-migrate-to-a-solid-state-drive-without-reinstalling-windows
Not sure if this will work, never tried it. Also, the link above is something that I found on a quick google search…
If you try this maybe you can let me a reply … I’m curious about the result.
You can also try Recovery Option by pressing F10 at boot screen…
I have a problem in my Sony laptop
Two days before I have changed the operating system of my lap from windows 7 home basic to windows ultimate and after changing the is my lap is getting mad
WiFi Bluetooth connection is not supporting
And many more drivers are not working properly
So pls give me a solution to get back my lap to good condition
I have a Sony Vaio that I began a System Recovery on. The system seemed to be stuck for hours in the recovery process- using the recovery partition process. Unfortunately, the power was disconnected and eventually the battery died.
Now the computer just starts and goes to a blank screen, then restarts. This happens over and over. I do not have recovery disks. I can get into the bios by pushing F2. But that’s it.
I have PCG 61a1L, VPCEG290X that I purchased directly from the Sony website. It has Win 7 64 bit originally, but I had installed Win 10.
I recently went back to school (online) and really need the laptop. What can I do?
Hi i hv sony vaio sve15115enw when i click on any file or folder it delete and go to the recyclebin plz help me…..?
Hi! i have a vpcelfx with original windows 7 home premium but I get it to repair and they install windows 10 and it doesn’t open so I installed windows 7 professional. My question is with the vaio care recover I can get back to the windows 7 home premium?
What if you have deleted all the partitions?
Then you need your recovery Disks…
I had removed recovery partition also. Is there any other way to get it worked?
https://us.en.kb.sony.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/40648/~/how-to-purchase-recovery-discs-for-your-vaio-computer.
Hi Bogdan, I lost my pre installed themes while updating to windows 7 ultimate from factory given windows home basic Os. Is there is any possibility to get those themes back?? plz help me. my laptop model : VPCEA33EN
Thank you.
Hi Abhilash,
if you didn’t removed the “recovery” partition then you try by pressing F10 at boot screen. If you installed the Windows 7 Ultimate and deleted all the partitions, then you will need the recovery disks from Sony.
Good luck!
Thanks dude.
Hello Bogdan,
I am extremely impressed at all of the questions and problems you have helped people with over the years! It is overwhelming.
As for me, I have an old Vaio VGN-FE880E running Windows Vista Home, and the hard drive just crashed, and it corrupted the partition table.
I have contacted the various companies that Sony refers us to for the Recovery CDs/DVDs but none of them can help me, given how old Vista is.
So I am wondering if you might have any help or guidance. The E: recovery partition no longer boots, though bottling from the CD drive with a Norton Save and Recovery disk shows me that the E: partition is there and in NTFS file system, though the C: drive is now in a RAW file system. I am very much hoping to recover the 140G worth of files on the C; drive, which is what I am hoping the Vista Recovery disk would allow me to do, if I couled obtain that disk.
Thank you in advance for any help or guidance you could provide.
Hi Mike, thanks for your kind words …
I am sorry to hear you got in trouble with your HDD. Not sure if Sony tools will do much to help you in this case … You should first try using an Live Linux distribution like ubuntu (http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop/try-ubuntu-before-you-install) (just make an bootable USB and see if you can access anything from user interface/terminal – if you didn’t already). If this is not working you can try with some Disk/Data recovery tools like TestDisk (http://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/TestDisk) … if this is not working you can remove your HDD from your Sony and use a USB adapter to connect it to a different PC so you can try to recover it … Of course, try to check 2-3 times every command/step you do to avoid causing extra damages to your HDD or data on it.
If you were able to make it work, please let me know and let me know what solution you found.
Good luck! All the best!
my hard disk corrupted. just replaced it with a brand new one. I installed windows 7 which i got as a complementrary from sony for their update program. The factory version was Windows Vista. There are lot of drivers missing since only could install the windows 7 version. can anyone help me?
Hello Fique,
just visit the Sony support website and search for drivers. For Windows 7 you should find all the drivers you need for your laptop model.
All the best!
Hi Dear
I have difficult problem,i Unfortunately formated my hard drive before create recovery disks ..my pc is “VPCM” Series ,and i dont no now to create recovery partition ,i should say i cant supply to get recovery disk from sony support becuse i living in IRAN and my country Under international sanctions.
If possible please help me this about
Best Regard
There is no way you can create that recovery partition. Just install the Windows as on a normal PC and download the drivers from official sony website.
Help…. ok i followed the restore on my 2009 XP laptop. it restored BUT i have lost all hardware drivers i think…
i cant connection to any internet because it wants me to put in my dial-up telephone number!!!
how come i have lost all drivers? how do i get em back
thank you in advance
Using the VAIO recovery center will delete only personal data and settings. Drivers should be all automatically installed for all your hardware. If you need fout phone number and other personal data, that’s kinda hard to recover from your PC. When you do this recovery stuff, you need to backup all your data as I mention in the first step …
It keeps saying Ctrl+alt+delete to restart and when I do that it does nothing it just keeps taking me back to that Ctrl+alt+del what can I do
Hi i have a question please try to understand because of my bad english
I want to reformat/recover/restore my Sony Vaio laptop model name is:VGN-NW240F
and it has Microsoft office my question is if i reformat/recover/restore my laptop will the microsoft office be deleted? because i know that the microsoft office is built into my laptop
I hope you can help me thank you!
Hello Aaron,
Do you also received a prebuild Office licence? I know you receive only an Office Activation Assistant and the only serial is the one used to activate your Windows.
If you restore your Vaio to it’s factory settings, your will lose all your personal data and programs and you will get a fresh Windows installation with all the prebuild programs and settings.
If you have a backup and restored your Vaio, you will get back all your personal data, programs, serials and settings you had at the moment you made that backup.
If is not too late and you are about to perform a factory restore to your VAIO, I strongly recommend you to make a backup before this action. You can also save a text file with all your software keys that can be read using readers like Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder.
If you lost your paid licences you can also contact Microsoft support.