New HDD but Win7 won't install from Restore DVD?

Hey guys-
I have a Vaio VPCEB16fx (was) running Win7 32-bit. The HDD died. I replaced it with a WD 500gb 5200rpm 8mb buffer. I stuck the OEM Repair DVDs in to reinstall it back to factory condition. After formatting the drive, and going through both dvd's- it appears as if it's done copying the files over. It reboots.

At the point where it says 'Setup is Starting Services', I get an error-
"windows setup could not configure windows to run on this hardware".

It then reboots and runs into the same error message over and over. Sometimes I get an error message that says 'Windows could not complete the installation. Please reboot to continue the installation'. But then it runs into the same error again and again.

Can anyone give me advice on how to get this darned thing installed?

 

I see a lot of mention about the AHCI mode in BIOS. I went into BIOS, but didn't see any options to change the modes at all. This is just a SATA drive (not raid, etc). Any ideas? I'm desperate...

 

BTW- just checked sony and I am using the latest version BIOS they offer... any suggestions?

 

I don't think you can use recovery dvd's if you change hardware, ie: HDD. THey're for if you get a WIndows error. I believe you have to reinstall with your OEM key. For what you want...you'd need a system image

 

Is that WD drive an Advanced Format drive? If so, what version of Windows is on the recovery disks? I see you say it "was" running Win 7 32-bit so I'm not sure if that is the original OS that is on the disks or not.

@ Yazzinit Yes, you can use the recovery DVDs on a new hard drive. That is one of their purposes.

 

Yes, it's an Advanced Format drive. Wd Scorpio Blue. The version of windows is the original that came on the laptop- Win 7 32-bit (pretty sure it's Home Edition). As soon as I booted it up the first time, I made the recovery dvds. So the Recovery DVD's also have Win 7 32-bit Home.

So what do you guys suggest? How do I get this working?

 

ok, so the problem is most likely the advanced format then. it is probably not aligned properly for the image on the disks. it could just be the sony recovery partition that is causing the problem. but it could also be the sony modified OS. win 7 is designed to handle AF drives but there is a KB that should be installed and also SP1 should be installed. the latest intel driver should be installed as well. since you can't do any of that, two things i would try. before these, first go into BIOS and reset to defaults and save.

1. try the recovery dvds but choose not to install the recovery partition.
2. try an alignment tool. WD should have one or you can search around.

if neither of those work, then download win 7 32-bit and use your key to install it, then go to sony esupport and download necessary drivers and utilities.

Edit: Also make sure you do not have anything external attached to the laptop.

 

Awesome! Can you tell me where exactly to go to download Win7? Obviously I don't want to pay for it again- but can use my key that came with the laptop...

 

See if these links work for you. Download Windows 7 ISO (Official 32-bit and 64-bit Direct Download Links) My Digital Life

 

Good to know. In all my experiences, I never had success if I had to change hardware and recover. Thanks

 

ok- got Win7 installed from the link you posted- thank you! I am updating now- but you mentioned I should d/l an intel driver. Which driver do I need, and what is it for? Thanks for all the help!

 

WD (and other drive manufacturers) recommends using the latest Intel driver version 9.6 or later for proper and best functioning of your AF drive. Go to Intel.com and look under Support - Download latest drivers.

Also, if you haven't, install SP1 for Win 7 and/or this update An update that improves the compatibility of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 with Advanced Format Disks is available

I don't know if you got everything else working on your laptop, but here are generic Sony instructions on the order to install things to get your Fn and special function keys to work and drivers installed with no yellow exclamations in Device Mgr: Sony eSupport - Electronics - Support Information

Each model may have slightly different files/order/etc and I'm not familiar with the EB specifically, so if after that you still have any issues getting things like that to work, you can probably get info in your owner's lounge for your computer. (I've never looked at that owner's lounge thread so I'm just assuming that, but the Sony link works for most people anyway if you follow it in order).

 

The factory recovery DVDs or even the recovery discs that you generate yourself using the SONY software can be used to format and install the OS and software.
Almost 2 years ago I replace a HDD with a SSD in a TX 670 and the installation was flawless. With that said I tried the same with a FZ 240 and the installation was halted part way thru due to a corrupted disc.
As previously posted; Recovery discs will allow for the installation of new hardware although you probably will need to install their drivers.

Eyal8r,

Depending upon whether the laptop is a US version you can search thru this website for the appropriate drivers needed. Sony eSupport - Electronics - Select Your Model