Re-installing XP after formatting hard drive

[Estoman]

I have an old but until a few weeks ago a very serviceable and reliable PGC FX501- then Windows corrupted. After trying to use the supplied recovery disks to no avail, a friend (an IT manager) suggested formatting the drive to isolate bad sectors. This worked and using boot disks the machine now boots quite happily. But I cannot use the recovery disks to re-install XP. Is there a way that I can do this? Help please!:smileyhappy:

[rich912]

Hi Estoman and welcome.

If the recovery disks are not working I would suspect that they are damaged or corrupted. It would appear that your only solution is to order a new set from Sony Support at a cost of approx. £50:smileysad:

[Estoman]

Hello Rich

Thanks for coming back so quickly. However, I think that I didn't explain the problem clearly enough - sorry - I shouldn't have posted the question after a long tiring day! Its not that the disks are corrupted its more that now there is no immediate link between the laptop and the disks (because of the format) they don't autorun into the re-install routine. I have found the file on the 1st CD but when I click it a DOS window opens and I am asked for a lot of parameters that a mere mortal (like me) doesn't know what to do/add/type :smileyconfused:. Is it possible that you could help ?

In hope

Kevin

[rich912]

Perhaps you could clarify a couple of points:

1. Do you have any operating system on the hard drive at present?

2. Which Vaio model do you have?

[Estoman]

Hello again Rich

Yes, I have put Windows98 on as an interim. It is a PGC-FX501.

Kevin

[rich912]

I am not entirely certain why the recovery disks will not auto run under Win 98, have you followed this procedure?

It may be linked to the fact that the Sony Utilities are not present.

If possible, install a copy of XP and then download, extract and install the pre-installed utilities from Vaio-Link. This should re-enable the recovery disk function.

[kee-lo_]

You probably need to make a boot disk to get it to work for Win98

bootdisk.com has some Win98 disks

[Estoman]

Rich,
Thank you so much for your help. I obviously didn't do it right the first two or three times! Following your link and carrying out the instructions to the letter has resulted in a laptop that works!! Brilliant!! Thank you again for your help and may I also wish you and yours a very Happy Christmas. Kevin:smileyhappy:

[rich912]

You’re very welcome Kevin, and a very Happy Christmas to you and yours:smileyhappy: