Problem with Vista Service Pack 1

Hi everyone, I downloaded SP1 yesterday for the first time and when my comp restarted it came to a black screen that said to insert my vista disk... but my computer didn't come with a vista disk (I have a Sony Vaio VGN-CR320E). Geek squad was unwilling to help me even though I have a warrenty with them so I called sony who walked me through an F10 restore. I tried installing the SP again and the same thing happened. I was planning to do a system back up today but discovered that Vista Home Premium does not have that capability (though its included with the service pack, funny eh?). I bought software today to backup my system (Acronis) as well as an external hard drive (Iomega 500gig) but I'm not sure if the disks I back up with will solve my problem and allow me to install the SP.

Anyone had a similar experience or know what I should do?

 

If Windows Update did not deliver SP1 to you automatically, there is obviously a driver issue with your Sony that is causing this problem. Backing up data has nothing to do with insuring that SP1 works. I would just sit tight until Windows Update sends it to you.

 

It was an automatic update... when I called sony they had me change it so that updates did not automatically DL and install, that way I would know what the problem was.

 

OK, that stinks. Is it hanging on a blank screen, or is the display not working? Can you start in Safe Mode and look at the event manager? SP1 certainly has some driver conflicts - maybe you should look at updating drivers. If you search some older posts on the subject - or even Google it - there are some known drivers that were causing issues - I just don't remember which ones.

 

Dude your solution is simple...

I had the exact same problem on my VAIO and on my friend's VAIO. The version of Vista SONY supplies us with for some reason does not allow you to install SP1. Dunno why...

Just download a Windows Vista Image and burn it to a DVD.

Then restart and boot from the Vista DVD, opt to format your entire c:\ partition. Then when asked for a Product Key type the key you have on the bottom of the laptop.

After you are in Windows and try to activate, it won't allow you to.

So just choose Enter a New key! and reenter the same key which is under the laptop this time it'll work!

After activating, install SP1, then restart.

Now, install all your SONY drivers and applications that you want. Then make a backup using Acronis for all this hassle you've been though

For any further clarifications about how to do a clean install. Visit the threads dedicated towards clean installing on a VAIO, it'll even tell you where to download the Vista DVD from.

 

Windows Marketplace should have the SP1 included with a VISTA Dvd for 13$.

 

Call your OEM and ask them to send you a disc, you won't have to pay the full price but something for sure.

I'm wondering if you could also use somebody else disc just for the SP1 installation process sake.

But this is still strange, I installed SP1 and I was not asked to insert Vista.

 

If he's downloading, at least he should get a SP1 image `

 

See if you have any of the drivers listed on this page:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/948343

Especially check the intel graphics driver and the sound drivers. If you have any of the bad drivers you'll have to update them... or just uninstall them, and after installing SP1 you can reinstall them.

 

That's souns like...hummmm......good idea!