Erased Vista partion. sony refuses to send disks!!

I partioned the hardrive in an attempt to install XP over Vista. (more compatible programs for XP).

Result: No drivers worked

After hours on the phone with Sony, i received the restore disks.

Result: Restore does not recognize Vista ever existed on laptop. Laptop is currently useless.

Many more hours on the phone...Sony REFUSES TO SEND ME VISTA DISKS

"your laptop came with Vista, but you erased the partition. We cannot send you the Vista disks, but we can transfer you to someone that could put in your order to purchase windows vista"

me: "I bought this laptop a week ago. I paid for a machine with Windows Vista. I am not buying Windows Vista for ~$200, i just paid $2000 for a laptop that came with Vista!!!"

Result: Disconnected


What should i do???

 

Personally, I'd keep calling until you get a more favorable answer. If Sony doesn't provide the discs, that means they aren't providing the software as Microsoft dictated they should.

But you have options:
1) Does someone you know have a Vista disc? You have a valid key stickered on the bottom of your notebook you know
2) Return the notebook...if Sony is this problematic you might want to reconsider the purchase. I would.
3) Does your recovery partition still work? That might be a way to restore Vista.
4) File a BBB complaint and dispute the credit card charge in the amount it would cost you to purchase a new Vista license. That might get Sony's attention.

BTW, welcome to the forums!

 

thanks for your reply...no one i know even wants to touch vista...i bought the laptop from bestbuy, but just exceded the 14 day return policy.

im thinking that next time i call sony i could ask to speak to higher official. BTW, best buy will not help me whatsoever, and tells me i could onl contact sony for help.

Before i installed XP, the hardrive had two partitions. One was for the Sony recovery. I erased that, thinking that it had to be done to install Xp over Vista. I do have the recovery disks though, but its just not recognizing Vista. I am pretty sure I need the vista disk. Isnt it my right to have the disk considering Vista was included with the purchase of the VAIO??

How do I go about searching the the recovery partition, maybe it exists somewhere...??

 

4) File a BBB complaint and dispute the credit card charge in the amount it would cost you to purchase a new Vista license. That might get Sony's attention.


You still have this option thou. Once u erase it, it's kinda hard to get it back FULLY... u can find those recovery guys but i think for the fairness, i would really talk to high sony officials or just file a complaint against them.

 

I think your best bet would be send in the notebook for the service unless you find someone with Vista DVD.

 

how did you use the disks? double click on setup or inserted the disk and restart the computer?

 

I agree with you, keep calling the sony support (get the ID of tech reps), tell them about your situation then ask them to escalate your case to upper manager to resolve the issue.

I think sony can not send you the disc, because MS only send to PC manufacture (HP, Dell, Sony,...) a soft copy of Vista (files) and OEM license key, the manufacture will repack the packages with model lock, vendor lock and specific drivers for your machine, then install it.

I think in this case they will ask you to send your system back to sony for reinstall sw, it not cost too much. (don't forget to create recovery DVD next time).

If you not re-partition the HD, or delete the hidden partition.
Please try to Reboot your system and press F11 several time during boot up...some magic may happend.

 

I was in a similar situation....(No, I did not erase my recovery partition without burning it on A DVD first)

I wanted a clean install and the Sony restore disc wouldn't let me do that
So I downloaded Vista off a torrent, Installed that, and activated it over the phone by calling MS and giving them the product ID on the Vista Sticker at the bottom of my Vaio...
And no, there is nothing illegit about this method of installing Vista!

 

If you know anyone who has a tech net subscription, they can get you a copy of Vista.

 

I do like the idea of downloading Vista from torrent. I have the recovery disks in my possesion. And I also have my product key. Would this work?? Even though I deleted the Vista partition?

This seems much easier than calling sony over and over again, waiting for complaint forms, or sending the laptop in to sony...time is money, and at that rate i would rather give in and just buy Vista...but downloading it seems easier

 

just to make things clear...

I never made a reboot disk, because i was NEVER told to. (best buy purchase)

I received the recovery disks for free. When I tried the recovery, the first step is for the recovery system to search for a version of windows to work with...and nothing even comes up. so i cannot proceed from the 1st step

 

how did you start recovery disc.did you turn off computer and restart and boot computer by recovery disc or just insert recovery disc in win xp then try to run is xp.coz i also change my hdd to new so in my new hdd there is no any os but i can use recovery disc.

 

These people are bringing up a good point...try starting the recovery process by leaving the recovery disk in the drive and rebooting. It should boot from the recovery disk. Using this method, you shouldn't need it to detect Vista at all. If you run it from Windows using setup.exe or whatever, then I can see how that might cause this problem.

 

http://servicesales.sel.sony.com/ecom/accessories/web/index.jsp - order the DVD set for your model. Price is usually under $20. Although these are most likely the recovery disks which you received. YOu just put them in your DVD drive and boot from them.

However, I disagree with the statement you were never told to. Sony puts clear documentation (at least they have in the past) in the box to do so. If you didn't do your homework, shame on you.

 

i have the dvd set. and i did try this method of putting in the disk, then rebooting...the first step of recovery:

"please wait while we search for any versions of windows to recover (only windows vista will work for recovery)!"

one minute later...."no versions of windows were found on this machine"

"you cannot recovery windows, click next to install drivers"

tried to install drivers..."drivers not compatible"

(drivers only work for Vista, and i have Xp installed)

and thats that for the recovery process...pretty sure i need the actual Vista disk

 

sony was nice to give you the vista recovery disks. normally people who forget to make the backups have to pay for them.

ok, like i said earlier...

 

Assuming you can get into BIOS, you need to change the boot configuration in the BIOS setup to boot from a CD first. Booting from the CD should give you the option to install.

 

While I can see a good point in installing XP (now I'm noticing my games run faster in XP, but besides that Vista is fine) and I understand your issue about Vista not installing, dloading it via torrent is still wrong.
I just need to point out, it's still copyrighted material. And while you OWN a oem version becuase it came on the computer, jsut because you have the license key don't mean the vista software is "free". Good example. If that was the case, microsoft should have Vista free to download. And just sell keys. They won't.
I'm being the bearer of bad news because if you ever call MS or Sony and even mention that you dload the vista, they will probablly not offer any help at all.

 

actually, every single program i need for work was not compatible on Vista.

Autodesk Audocad
Autodesk Revit
Rhinocerous
Photoshop
Illustrator
Indesign
etc, etc.

So after all this grief, buying a new laptop that doesnt even perform. and then still having difficulties with the thing after DOWNGRADING to XP...i have zero shame if i were to ripoff microsoft by downloading vista...i dont even want vista, my laptop still wont perform! i just dont want to have this bootleg machine on XP, stuck on dim, with no sound.

 

Reboot system and press F11 several time -> will force the system boot from hidden recovery partition, it will reinstall OS and all apps, have you try it?
or
If you did make recovery disc, boot from recovery disk.

I think your hidden recovery partition still there,

 

Adobe has acknowledged this issue on the Adobe Vista support site at There is a free update availab...e.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=3569

 

how bout u torrent and install vista on it then try again with your recovery discs since it seems that it can only recover unless there's already vista installed? then you will have it recovered the factory vista it came with your laptop initially i think..

 

http://www.windowssecrets.com/comp/070315/#story1

 

But Vista has several built-in tools to ensure you're running a valid version. If MS determines you're not running what it considers a valid version, you'll either be in reduced functionality or unable to apply patches/service packs.

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/wga.asp
http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=148
http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=220

It ain't the Wild West of Windows 98 any more.

 

How is it MS' fault Adobe and Autodesk didn't make their programs Vista compatible by the time RTM rolled around? If you knew you needed an XP-based laptop, why'd you buy one with Vista?

Sounds to me like you didn't do your homework.

 

what homework? I bought a brand new laptop, should i not assume that programs that worked for an outdated windows XP will also work for a "new and improved" windows. which, by the way, is the only version of windows
currently being sold with laptop in major stores.

so if there are any architects or engineers out there that need to use autocad, ANY computer they buy from Best Buy, Circuit City, PC Richard, etc. will be completely unable to peform for them...there is no homework assumed to be done, but a complete premature release of a version of windows to the common public which is unable to handle all common programs

 

Im in the same boat, I bought a SZ491N/X and need xp on it but cant seem to load xp onto it, I dont care about vista I just want to get this working with xp

 

If you SZ4 owners only want XP for app support and aren't going to do any gaming in XP...download VirtualPC 2007 for Vista and install XP as a VM. That way you can use XP from within Vista without issue.

 

It's up to the software vendors to support (or not support) an OS with their programs. So before you make a purchase of any hardware with an OS (be it XP, Vista, or OS X), it's on you to ensure that the software works on that OS. Simple stuff.

Incompatibilities happened from 95 to 98, 98 to XP (let's forget ME lol), and now XP to Vista. I've also seen it from OS 8 to OS 9 to OS X. This is how the industry works. It is not Microsoft or Apple's fault software vendors can't get their act together. Vista was in Beta for years. RTMed in November. It's March. Some have released patches (as Adobe was mentioned earlier), and others have not. Welcome to a new OS.

Again, this is neither a Sony or Microsoft problem. If your software vendors do not support the OS, yell at them. I've been using Vista Ultimate RTM just fine on my SZ with no problems for two months at this point.

 

VMWare also has a free version as well. Great suggestion.

 

Let me see what I can do to help.

I will need the serial number from the bottom of the unit.

The number is 15 digist long. There is also a ST# it is 7 0r 8 digits that will work as well.


CB_Terry

 

Hey, Probably i can help you.
All that i need to know is your VAIO model number !

 

What option did you select? When I restored my system, the 1st screen gave me some restore options. If I remember correctly, I selected "complete system restore from backup".

 

what model you have exactly jay?

 

Unfortunately this is quite a standard answer from most support teams. I hear this a few times a week at work, and if a customer says this, well, then according to procedures/rules, he/she is not entitled to free of charge recovery media. I hate it, really, but then I will loose my job if I put a order through and the customer has revealed the details of the case.

Same with Sony support, basically, the call agent can't!

So, what I recomend, LIE YOUR TEETH OFF when you call support/helpdesk.

But, then, we have another subject. If you don dispute this (as most customers don't do), we can have a different outcome. I've never heard of it so far. Most customers actually accept being sucked for more money, of some reason.

Anyways, hope it sorts itself. This sucks!

 

Ummm, and who are you?

Guys, don't just hand out serial numbers and product keys to unknown people...

 

Hey jaydef, I feel for you man.
Have you tried taking the HDD out of the VAIO then putting that HDD you just took out and attaching it into an external case for notebook drives. You can connect the VAIO HDD via USB to another comp and transfer the info from the recovery discs back onto the VAIO HDD. I’m assuming that when you deleted info from the recovery section of the disc you left the partition intact so there’s a “C:” plus an unassigned section that once had the recovery info? That unassigned volume would be the section you’d put the info on from the recovery disc. Of course try all the other good suggestions here (which I’m still unclear if you did or not). It’s a long shot.

Also, don’t listen to the negative comments I’m reading here from the robot. $hits already part of the past it doesn’t help to argue. And most of all DON’T give your VISTA license or serial to these dingle berries, PLUS someone explain how VAIO model # can help? What, are you guys the same user or a ring of con-artist who need license and model to activate VISTA on your machine? @ dcp, you been posting here allot. How does it help to know the model # exactly? Why don’t you just tell us all right here? Are you trying to fish info from jaydef to see if he/she is full of poopoo? Does each VAIO model have unique problems to recover VISTA?

@ Greg, I just noticed you’re at Perdue (^_^) My GF is there getting her PhD in the Horticultural Dept. If you ever go near the main Green House on campus drop in and ask for Renee, tell her TheBugMan misses her and to stay off the triple chocolate tarts from right out of campus.

 

Jaydef,

I was in a rush, late for work. Anyway, forgot to let you know that I had the same problem after I formatted my hard drive. At the 1st screen of the restore disc I believe there were options, selecting the certain ones gives the error if Vista is not present. I'm pretty sure I selected "complete restore from backup". I did it a while back so my memory is fuzzy. If that is not an option, list the options available to you at start up, it may help jog my memory.

 

Well hate to burst the haters bubbles, but I just read through Microsofts license agreement for Vista Business and nowhere in the document does it say you cannot download it from bittorrent and use your valid key. It does say you cant make copies of it for others to use. However you would be the one using the software, and with a valid key! It even says you are allowed to make a copy for backup purposes and that you can store one on a network device for instilliation purposes... It's being a little tricky, but thats what extensive service agreements are for, finding loopholes.

 

I'm not sure if this would work but can't you download the vista 30 day trial and just put your key in to "upgrade" it to full version?

 

And don't forget to attach your social security number and date of birth along!

But a serious note, don't give these info esp. to people you don't know!

 

Dude if its true that you have a valid serial key from your vista copy then just download vista off a torrent and install. who gives a crap about sony! they already stiffed you by forcing windows vista on your notebook *vista the ****tiest os on this planet, and yes ive tried it out on my dell and 2 days later came crawling back to xp* besides you should have backed up your recovery partition no offense but it's kinda obvious your going to render the recovery disk useless when you wipe your hard drive out but you dint know. yup.. good luck dude.