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How can I format a VAIO with vista on it?

  • 20-11-2008 11:38PM
    #1
    rubadub
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,387 ✭✭✭✭


    My mates VAIO VGN-NR11Z/S laptop will not boot up. I ran the sony recovery software and got back all his pics & music etc, but I cannot now reinstall nor repair vista, can't even format it.

    I can put in a vista CD and attempt an install, all seems to be going fine and then it says it could not install. He did not have any discs with it so I am using a Dell vista disc, dunno if that matters.

    I tried a few times, I deleted the partion via the install (don't think it really did) then said format (again do not think it formatted, happens to quick with no confirmations). Then I go to install it goes through
    copying windows files
    expanding files
    installing features
    installing updates
    completing installation

    "windows could not update the computer's boot configuration. Installation cannot proceed."


    Now when I reboot windows is still on it and does not boot, and the recovery software is still on it, so I am not sure why it does not format. Any ideas?


Comments

  • #2
    Biggins
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 34,567 ✭✭✭✭Biggins


    For a start, if your using a dell Vista disc, they right-protect their software.
    In otherwords, the Dell install cd/dvd will only run and fully install on a dell machine/harddrive.

    You need to get a seperate copy of vista or xp.


  • #3
    rubadub
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,387 ✭✭✭✭rubadub


    Grand, I did have that problem years ago with a dell disc, but it wasn't apparent this time. I have another non-dell copy in work I can borrow.

    I was also reading about vlite which creates a custom stripped down vista install disc, I wonder if this would get rid of the dell stuff
    http://www.simplehelp.net/2008/06/04/how-to-create-a-custom-windows-vista-installation-dvd/


  • #4
    Biggins
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 34,567 ✭✭✭✭Biggins


    Are you sure your formatting the drive?
    Can you boot up the system with a boot cd and format the drive through Dos?

    It might be worth your while having a look at http://www.bootdisk.com/


  • #5
    rubadub
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,387 ✭✭✭✭rubadub


    Biggins wrote: »
    Are you sure your formatting the drive?
    I'm pretty sure it is not formatting. I had the option on the vista install and selected it but it was over in 10 seconds with no report. I was on that site yesterday but saw no vista boot disc. Will an XP one do the job?


  • #6
    TestTransmission
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,100 ✭✭✭✭TestTransmission


    An XP one will work.why did you use the Dell vista disc in the first place?


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  • #7
    rubadub
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,387 ✭✭✭✭rubadub


    jackncoke wrote: »
    An XP one will work.why did you use the Dell vista disc in the first place?
    He didnt have any discs. I know the vista disc has all versions on it so thought it might work. I have his serial on the bottom of the laptop and wanted to keep it all legit. This is why I wonder if I now make this stripped down vista install disc with vlite will it get rid of the dell stuff.

    I am still not certain it is the dell thing, I read on forums that this error is common, usually a boot AV protection in the BIOS, but I cannot see it in his BIOS. I think the sony software is protecting it somehow. Just want to format the thing.

    I would sooner put XP on but wanted it legit, I now copped on we have no original vista discs in work. Will try the boot disk to format tomorrow and see if it goes on with the dell disc.


  • #8
    stevire
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,512 ✭✭✭stevire


    You could download Ubuntu, then run it from the cd and format the drive (so long as you have ntfsprogs in Ubuntu too). Vista installation should work then.

    I done this a while ago to get a clean install of Vista...


  • #9
    rubadub
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,387 ✭✭✭✭rubadub


    I had a look at www.bootdisk.com and there were loads of options, wasn't sure which to use, or if I needed to pay them to get ones for cd. Is there any site with just an iso image I can use?

    I put an XP install disc in and it booted and I expected to be able to format and delete the partitions, but it just said "no hard disk found", and I had to reboot.

    I then went back into the Sony diagnostics, pressing F10. In there I was able to do a recovery. I had fogotten about this, I found it before but used another option to restore the files to and external HD. So this option formatted the drive and resinstalled vista.

    After many slow reboots and 2 error messages I got the system back. But it is incredible slow (even for vista;)) dunno what to do next, maybe needs some diagnostic tool to find what is wrong. I am guessing the HD could be knackered but not bad enough to cause a total error, it did crash a few times just trying to open windows explorer or control panel. Maybe I could try a repair on this install?


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