Vaio recovery won't restore c: drive

Click the Windows "Start" menu.

2-Click the "Help and Support."

3-Select the "Vaio Recovery Wizard" option.

4-The Vaio Recovery Wizard will launch. Follow the instructions given as you advance through the wizard. When prompted, confirm that you want to reset your Vaio to its original factory settings.

5-Allow the computer about an hour to properly restore itself to factory settings.

Hi fidelis_igin,

The Computer comes with a recovery partition present in the hidden partition of the Hard Drive. You can use this Recovery Partition to restore the Computer to the factory status. The Recovery Partition can be accessed using the VAIO Recovery Center Software installed in the Computer or by pressing and holding the F10 Key while restarting the Computer. Below are the steps to access the Recovery Partition in the Computer and to perform the System Recovery in the Computer.

Using VAIO Recovery Center.

To access the VAIO Recovery Center, click Start, Help and Support and click the "Troubleshoot my VAIO" option. Then, in the opened window, under VAIO Recovery Center, click Launch VAIO Recovery Center. After that, in the VAIO Recovery Center, click "Restore C: Drive" option to restore the Computer to the factory defaults. (Selecting the Restore C: Drive will erase all the Data in the computer and restore the Computer to the factory defaults). Once you have selected the "Restore C: Drive" option, please click the "Start" button, then, please follow the onscreen instructions to complete the Recovery Process.

Using F10 Key at the Start-up.

Please restart the Computer, press and hold the F10 Key for 7 to 10 seconds. Then, at the Edit Boot Options screen, press the Enter Key. This will launch the VAIO Recovery Center. Then, you can select the Restore C: Drive and go with on screen instructions to complete the System Recovery.


Good Luck!

Please post back if you have any questions or require any further assistance.

Thanks for using FixYa.

Hi jgar2141,

If you are trying to restore the Computer to the factory settings, it is not required to have the Recovery Discs as you can use the Recovery Partition which is present in the hidden partition of the Hard Drive. To access the Recovery Partition, restart the Computer, press and hold the F10 Key for 7 to 10 seconds. This will boot the Computer to the Edit Boot Options screen. There, please press the Enter Key.This will launch the VAIO Recovery Center. In the VAIO Recovery Center window, you can select the "Restore C: Drive" option to restore the Computer to the factory settings. (Selecting the "Restore C: Drive" option will erase all the Data in the Computer and restore to the factory defaults)

After selecting the Restore C: Drive, please follow the simple onscreen instructions to proceed with the System Recovery. The System Recovery process using the VAIO Recovery Center should fix all the Software issues in the Computer and restore the Computer to the factory defaults.

Good Luck!

Please post back if you have any questions or require any further assistance.

Thanks for using FixYa.

If you're trying to restore the Computer to factory settings, then you can use the VAIO Recovery Center that is shipped with the Computer.

NOTES:

• If the operating system will not start and no other troubleshooting can be performed, a recovery of the (C:) drive can be performed by starting the computer and pressing the F10 key.
• A recovery can also be performed using Recovery Discs.

1. Click the Start button, then click Help and Support . NOTE: If the Help and Support link is not available on the Start menu, re-enable the link in the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties window.
   
2. In the Windows Help and Support window, click Backup & Recovery .
3. Under Backup & Recovery , under VAIO Recovery Center , click Launch VAIO Recovery Center .
4. In the VAIO Recovery Center window, under Choose a program , click to select the desired option:
   • Windows Backup and Restore
   • VAIO Hardware Diagnostics
   • Reinstall Programs or Drivers
   • Restore C: Drive
   • Restore Complete System
   • Create Recovery Discs
   • Wipe and Erase Data
   NOTES:
   
   • It is strongly recommended that recovery discs be created to help restore files if the operating system will not start. Recovery discs are bootable and can be used to perform a recovery on a properly functioning hard drive.
   • The Windows Backup and Restore option opens the Backup and Restore Center provided with the Windows Vista® operating system. This provides the ability to save information from the hard drive, such as personal data files, and restore previously backed up data.
   • Computer problems related to hardware can be diagnosed using the VAIO Hardware Diagnostics option.
   • One or more drivers or factory-installed applications may be reinstalled with the Reinstall Programs or Drivers option.
   • The entire (C:) drive can be restored to its original, factory-installed condition by selecting Restore C: Drive .
   • Choosing Restore Complete System will restore the entire (C:) drive, while removing or restoring the Recovery Drive partition. Modifying the size of the hard drive partitions is also an option with this type of recovery. This option requires you to insert Recovery DVDs created using the Create Recovery Discs option.
   • To remove all data from the hard drive, including the operating system, all programs and personal data, choose the Wipe and Erase Data option. This option is provided for the convenience of advanced users who want to install a different operating system, and who want to ensure all data has been removed from the hard drive first. All other users are strongly urged to avoid selecting this option.

The VGN-FW370J/H Computer is shipped with Recovery Partition which is present in the hidden partition of the Hard Drive.

If you do not have the Recovery Discs and the VAIO Recovery Center is not working, a recovery of the (C:) drive can be performed by accessing the Recovery Partition.

(If the Recovery Partition is not accessible by pressing the F10 Key while restarting the Computer, the only option is to purchase the Recovery Discs and perform the System Recovery.)

Please follow the below steps to access the Recovery Partition and restore the Computer to the factory default.

Note: Restoring the Computer to the factory settings will erase all the Data on the Hard Drive and restore it to the factory condition.

1. Restart the Computer, press and hold the F10 Key.
2. If and Edit Boot Options Screen appears, press the Enter Key.
3. This will launch the VAIO Recovery Center window.
4. In the VAIO Recovery Center window, please select the Restore C: Drive option.
5. Next to the "Restore C: Drive", please click the "Start" button.
6. Under Before Restore C: Drive , ensure the Skip option is selected, and click the Next button.
7. Under WARNING: This program deletes all files on the C: drive , click to select the I understand box.
8. Then, click the Start button.
9. After the bundled applications are installed, click the Finish button.
10. The computer will restart and the operating system setup wizard will begin. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup wizard.
11. This should restore the Computer to the factory defaults.

OK try doing this below.
NOTE: A recovery also can be performed using recovery discs.

1. Close all open programs and turn off the computer.
2. Disconnect all network connections.
3. Disconnect all peripheral devices.
4. Turn on the computer.
5. When the VAIO screen is displayed, press the F8 key.
6. At the Advanced Boot Options screen, ensure Repair Your Computer is selected and press the ENTER key.
7. In the System Recovery Options window, under Select a keyboard layout: , click the Next button.
8. Under To access recovery options , next to User name: , click the down arrow , and click to select an account with Administrator rights.
9. Next to Password: , type the appropriate password for this account.
10. Click the OK button.
11. Under Choose a recovery tool , click to select the desired option:
    • Startup Repair
    • System Restore
    • Windows Complete PC Restore
    • Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool
    • Command Prompt
    • VAIO Recovery Center
    NOTES:
    
    • The Startup Repair option can automatically resolve certain issues that can prevent the operating system from starting.
    • System Restore can return the computer to a previous configuration of the operating system when it was working properly.
    • Windows Complete PC Restore will restore a previous backup of the computer created using the Windows Backup and Restore Center .
    • The Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool can determine if any problems being experienced are caused by issues with the computer's memory.
    • The option to open a Command Prompt can be used by advanced users and technical support personnel to perform troubleshooting on the hard drive or the operating system.
    • Clicking VAIO Recovery Center will launch VAIO Recovery Center from the Recovery Disc.

You will have to use a Windows DVD and boot on it, try a "Repair" install, If this doesn't "Take" then you will have to do a complete reinstall.

sony VAIO computers uses a hidden partition one the harddrive which is VAIO recovery center

1. restart the computer then press F10 key repeatedly for 5-7secs when you see the vaio logo on the screen, until you see loading files or edit boot options
2. if you get the edit boot options screen, press enter
3. it will load the Vaio recovery center
4. select Restore c: drive
   
5. disconnect all external devices before starting the recovery, also turn off the wireless switch if there is
6. doing the recovery may take up to 45mins or 1 hour with random restarts. it will install the os, driver and programs that came with the computer
   

Click here for Driver page

Try again to launch the VAIO Recovery Center by following

1. Restart the Computer, tap the F10 to access the Recovery Partition.
2. At the Edit Boot Options, press the Enter Key.
3. Then, in the VAIO Recovery Center window, select the Restore C: Drive.
4. Then, follow the onscreen instructions..

hope this helps..

If any error occurs while recovery..reply with the error message..

Hello,

I found these instructions for you on the Sony support site.



Solution
IMPORTANT:

• Before performing a recovery, go to the Sony® eSupport Web site at http://esupport.sony.com and check your model-specific support page. Look for software and driver updates or check for knowledge base solutions that may help you solve your computer's issue.
• This model does not require Recovery CDs. Recovery data is included on a special partition of the hard drive.
• Do not interrupt the power during the recovery process.
• Before performing a recovery, disconnect any external devices not supplied with the computer such as printers, network cables, cameras, or external storage devices, like hard drives or flash drives.
• Customers who purchased the Symantec® Norton Internet Security® 2007 software from the Sony Style® store with their computer must create a Norton Account to save their product key prior to a system recovery or the software cannot be reinstalled.

NOTES:

• If the operating system will not start and no other troubleshooting can be performed, a recovery of the (C:) drive can be performed by starting the computer and pressing the F8 key .
• A recovery can also be performed using Recovery Discs .

1. Click the Start button, then click Help and Support . NOTE: If the Help and Support link is not available on the Start menu, re-enable the link in the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties window.
   
2. In the Windows Help and Support window, click Backup & Recovery .
3. Under Backup & Recovery , under VAIO Recovery Center , click Launch VAIO Recovery Center .
4. In the VAIO Recovery Center window, under Choose a program , click to select the desired option:
   
   • Windows Backup and Restore
   • VAIO Hardware Diagnostics
   • Reinstall Programs or Drivers
   • Restore C: Drive
   • Restore Complete System
   • Create Recovery Discs
   • Wipe and Erase Data
   
   NOTES:
   
   • It is strongly recommended that recovery discs be created to help restore files if the operating system will not start. Recovery discs are bootable and can be used to perform a recovery on a properly functioning hard drive.
   • The Windows Backup and Restore option opens the Backup and Restore Center provided with the Microsoft® Windows Vista™ operating system. This provides the ability to save information from the hard drive, such as personal data files, and restore previously backed up data.
   • Computer problems related to hardware can be diagnosed using the VAIO Hardware Diagnostics option.
   • One or more drivers or factory-installed applications may be reinstalled with the Reinstall Programs or Drivers option.
   • The entire (C:) drive can be restored to its original, factory-installed condition by selecting Restore C: Drive .
   • Choosing Restore Complete System will restore the entire (C:) drive, while removing or restoring the Recovery Drive partition. Modifying the size of the hard drive partitions is also an option with this type of recovery. This option requires you to insert Recovery DVDs created using the Create Recovery Discs option.
   • To remove all data from the hard drive, including the operating system, all programs and personal data, choose the Wipe and Erase Data option. This option is provided for the convenience of advanced users who want to install a different operating system, and who want to ensure all data has been removed from the hard drive first. All other users are strongly urged to avoid selecting this option.

Please update me on the same.
Regards
Sammy