Windows 7 Installation problem with Sony Vaio part 1

ritushetty

Hi All,

I am using Sony Vaio since 10 months with below configuration:
Sony Vaio E Series Model no. VPCEB21EN
Windows 7 Home Basic 64 bit
Intel� Core I3-350M Processor 2.26 Ghz
2 GB RAM, 320 GB hard disk

Had upgraded from 64 bit to 32 bit , 4-5 months back.
Was playing a video and system hanged and nothing responded, had to reboot with power button.
The OS was not getting loaded and had to restore it with Sony restore option.
It didn't helped much and made my mind to re-install OS.

Though it took 1-2 hrs to reach installation option screen that I was trying with Windows 7 setup DVD (for 32 bit).

Thinking to have a clean install, selected partition and tried formatting it and got error 'Failed to format selected partition [Error: 0x80070057]]'.
Then selected the partition and clicked 'New' from Advanced option (advance option providing format & etc.) and it gave error 'Setup was unable to create new system partition or locate an existing system partition. See log files for more information'.

Had rebooted and now am not able to get the installation option screen while booting with windows 7 setup disk.

It shows 'Starting windows' and after some time it comes up with black blank screen and a mouse pointer and doesn't go ahead even after 3-4 hrs.
Had tried with ALL Advanced option (Safe mode/Safe mode with command prompt/Debug mode) but no luck.

Somehow got options for tests (memory test, disk test) and they were passing successfully 100%.
Had confirmed that BIOS shows correct HDD size so its alive.
So i think there is no hardware failure and seems to be boot sector issue.
But am not getting much options to perform 'Bootrec' and am only having Windows 7 setup disk.

Am located at other country as of now and so don't have warranty option.

Am looking badly for Windows 7 recovery disk to purchase but not sure if that's going to help to fix the problem.

Can you please assist me on how can i overcome the issue and start the installation.
Will Windows 7 recovery disk help booting to command prompt and run 'Bootrec' tool?

Sorry for lengthy details but thought to be more precise to get correct solution.

Please help me

theog

I would Check the hard drive with the manufacturer's diagnostic tools.
Hard Drive Diagnostics Tools and Utilities (Storage) - TACKtech Corp.
HD Diagnostic

Bare Foot Kid

Hello ritushetty, welcome to Seven Forums!


Have a look through this information below to see a best option for your situation and be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.

After you have copied out or made back-ups of the data you need to save to external media.

If you can find, or download an exact Windows version installation media that the PC shipped with you can do a clean install using the activation key on the COA sticker attached to the PC though it may require a robo-call to MS to sort the OEM batch-key.

How to Activate Windows 7 by Phone

If you can't find an exact same version, you could use the information in this tutorial to create an "all versions" installer of any version Windows installation media to install your version using the same activation method I posted above.

Windows 7 Universal Installation Disc - Create

After you have made backups of everything you care to save, the best method is to do a complete wipe secure erase of the entire Hard Disk Drive first, it over-writes everything, all the old Windows code including all the old drivers/programs, giving you the best possible space to install Windows to.

SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

Additional Secure Erase / Wipe Information

speedgamer01

You should be able to start that installation disk...
Are you familiar with bios? I guess not..
here is tutorial, to how to change the order of bootable devices:
YouTube - ‪How To Change First Boot Device in BIOS To Enable Windows XP Repair Boot from CD or DVD Drive‬‏
Note: BIOS is the "main menu" of your motherboard, it contains heavy setting, so change nothing than you are sure about..
Ask if something is unclear!

ritushetty

Thanks for quick replies:

theog
Had already checked with Sony disk test that went till 8 times with 100% success, and then ended it.
Will soon check with the tools you had recommended.

speedgamer01:
Thanks for the video link:
Actually am aware of basic details of BIOS and 1st boot is for CD-ROM as since its asking 'Press any key to boot from CD-ROM' after which am able to get advance option(F8) but it blanks out after that with mouse cursor only.

So is it recommended to go for Windows Recovery disk or that won't help much as since its already part of Windows installation disk?
Please suggest options that can be tried with Windows installation disk as that's only source i have as of now.

theog

When you have done HD test, & is OK.

Do a full clean & full format in command prompt.
SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

Than try reinstalling.

ritushetty

theog:
Thanks for reply
Am actually trying my best to get on command prompt but am not able to get the same.
As since am not even getting initial Windows installation screen with 'Install now' & 'Repair install' options, and seems by selecting 'Repair install' i can get 'command prompt' option.
Is there any way for me to come on command prompt ?

Hope am clear with my current position

ritushetty

You are aware that Win7 installer is a DVD and not a CD, correct? Do you have a DVD drive set first to boot with a known-good DVD which has installed before and is not dirty?

The correct way to clean boot sector corruption is wiping the HD. If you cannot get to a Command Line to access Diskpart by pressing the Shift + F10 key at Win7 DVD first screen, then burn to CD free Partition Wizard bootable CD which will autostart, click on HD to highlight it, then from Disk tab Wipe HD with one set of zeroes.

This will force the installer to autostart if it is a good burn from an intact ISO. If not check the installer integrity and burn another at 4x speed with ImgBurn, or write the confirmed ISO to flash stick using this tool with Win7 in dropdown: Universal USB Installer � Easy as 1 2 3 | USB Pen Drive Linux

theog

The DVD drive is set to boot first and the DVD is new, good, tried it once and worked fine and not dirty too.

Below are the sequence of screen I am getting as of now:

-After starting the laptop, it goes to 'Windows is loading files' screen 2 times, if I click F11 & then F8, it gives advance options and if i click SHIFT + F10, it gives screen with below details:
Edit Windows boot options for: Windows setup

Path: \windows\system32\boot\winload.exe

[ /MININT /REDIRECT RDIMAGEOFFSET=8192 RDIMAGELENGTH=3161088 RDPATH=multi(0)disk(0)cdrom(0)\sources\boot.wim

-Then pressing enter, i get 'Starting Windows' screen.
-After 3-4 mins it goes to black screen with nothing but just mouse pointer.

Since i am looking for command prompt, thinking to wait and let it take its time
Let me know for any other way to get on command prompt of fix the issue.

Guest

I take it you using the Sony Recovery Disk.
If you have not made your Startup Repair
System Repair Disc - Create
Do you have a mate with Windows 7 & CD/DVD RW Drive, how could burn one off.




A bit of info.
How to make Sony Recovery Disks:
View Document

How to use Sony Recovery:
View Document
How to use Sony Hardware Diagostics:
View Document
How to order Sony Recovery disks:
1.Go to http://servicesales.sel.sony.com.
2.Enter your computer's model number (for example, PCV-XXXX), and click List Parts and accessories.
3.Follow the online instructions to order the Recovery Media Kit.
If you are not able to access the Sony Direct Accessories and Parts Center Web site, contact a customer service representative at 1-800-488-7669.

ritushetty

Is this a Win7 Installation DVD?

Try resetting the CMOS: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS

While in BIOS setup set SATA controller to AHCI to try install. Set DVD drive to boot first, HD second.

Remove all but 2gb of RAM to try install, unplug all peripherals and other HD's. Use PS2 keyboard and mouse.

If DVD still won't run from boot, follow steps earlier to force wipe the HD then autostart DVD.

theog

Somehow got both package, Sony 'System recovery disk' for Windows 7 (3 disk) and 'System repair disk' for windows 7 (1 disk) (yes earlier was trying with Windows 7 installation DVD)
But none worked out.
Same behavior, shows 'Starting Windows' and then goes to black blank screen with a mouse pointer and no response.

Ran both setup in 'Safe mode on Command prompt' and found that it stops with disk drivers,i.e., disk.sys (not sure if that's the last one) and goes to blank screen.
Not sure on the issue but seems its not able to catch hard disk.

Also tried checking BIOS and its not having option for SATA/AHCI

ritushetty

�� Quote: Originally Posted by theog

I would Check the hard drive with the manufacturer's diagnostic tools.
Hard Drive Diagnostics Tools and Utilities (Storage) - TACKtech Corp.
HD Diagnostic

Did you test the HD?

ritushetty

Now HDD is not read in BIOS. Seems need to change HDD.
My OS had 2 hidden/reserved partition, looking for someone to fix it.

theog

What did the HD diagnostics/Repair extended CD test report? HD Diagnostic

If necessary replace the HD, boot the installation DVD to clean reinstall: Reinstalling Windows 7

or run the Factory Recovery disks.

ritushetty

Sry, am still looking for getting HD diagnostics/Repair on CD.
Any chances to get back the HDD?
After 'Starting Windows', its taking to black screen having only mouse pointer.
Are these symptoms of dead HDD ?

theog

You need to see if you can get HD to register in BIOS setup. If not, replace it.

If so run the HD diagnostics extended CD scan which can sometimes repair HD in concert with Disk Check.

Guest

�� Quote: Originally Posted by ritushetty

My OS had 2 hidden/reserved partition, looking for someone to fix it.

You will need to sort out a Recovery disk of some type.

How to make Sony Recovery Disks:
View Document

How to use Sony Recovery:
View Document
How to use Sony Hardware Diagostics:
View Document
How to order Sony Recovery disks:
1.Go to http://servicesales.sel.sony.com.
2.Enter your computer's model number (for example, PCV-XXXX), and click List Parts and accessories.
3.Follow the online instructions to order the Recovery Media Kit.
If you are not able to access the Sony Direct Accessories and Parts Center Web site, contact a customer service representative at 1-800-488-7669.

Guest

Hi,

Thanks for the details.

I don't think the HDD is dead.
The issue had started after performing windows update.
Currently am looking for way to go to command prompt, but nothing is working.

Can you please suggest any way to go to command prompt?
By booting with rescue disk, after going to 'starting windows' screen, it goes to black blank screen with mouse cursor.

Also, what i saw last is that the primary drive (c:\ ) is completely blank.

Guest

What type CD/DVD boot disk are you using?

ritushetty

Its a normal CD i got with Windows 7 recovery disk.
The BIOS is set to boot with optical disk and successfully boots from CD.
The CD is new any no issue with it.
What are ways to somehow go to command prompt?

speedgamer01

Before you get to the 'Windows logo screen" press F8 to enter the special options menu, or whatever it is called... There you could start windows in safemode with command prompt, or select 'repair the computer' if you have it listed. With that you will get to the startup repair, after it runs, it should show you a selection menu where you can run command prompt only. I've been there a week ago, but this is just an idea.

theog

DISKPART : At PC Startup

ritushetty

Am not getting above screen with 'Install Now' button (i got it once with which i formatted the drive for clean install)
But the sequence of screen i am getting is:
while booting from Windows 7 repair CD and selecting F8 and selecting 'Safe mode with Command prompt', it takes to 'Starting windows', and in 2-3 minutes, it takes to BLACK blank screen with mouse pointer only and no activity on it.
Currently am looking for various ways to go to command prompt and above way is not working !
Can you please suggest any other way to go to command prompt?
Hope i was clear

Thanks

theog

[quote]while booting from Windows 7 repair CD[quote]

DO NOT DO THIS.
[quote] and selecting F8 and selecting 'Safe mode with Command prompt', it takes to 'Starting windows', and in 2-3 minutes, it takes to BLACK blank screen with mouse pointer only and no activity on it.[quote]


Than you get to this screen.

ritushetty

'Starting windows' screen comes with ALL available options (with or without F8 (Advanced options))
The Black blank screen comes after 'Starting windows'

Hope i was clear
Any way to go to command prompt ???

theog

In post 21, [quote]Windows 7 recovery disk[quote] this a DVD.
In post 24, [quote]booting from Windows 7 repair CD[quote] this is a CD.


Do you get this screen, when booting from CD or DVD.

ritushetty

You had problems with Windows Update, correct?

The solution for this is almost always to run System Restore,
if necessary from the Repair CD. But first check to see if you have System Recovery Options on the F8 Advanced Boot Options.

If not make a Repair CD as follows: System Repair Disc - Create

Boot the Repair CD: How to Boot your Computer from a Bootable CD or DVD

Let is search for and find an installation. If it offers a Repair, go ahead and accept it. If not, click through to s to run System Restore to restore before the Updates which caused the problem.

If this fails, run Startup Repair repeatedly.

You now have tutorial on how to do every single step above. If you have any questions, ask back.

theog

theog:
The system is booting from CD-ROM successfully and does asks to 'Press any key...'.

gregrocker:
The primary drive is blank now.
The 'System Recovery Option' screen does not come. It comes after screen with 'Install Now' button, which doesnot come either.
Current sequence is:
-Press any key to boot from DVD
-Windows is loading files
-Starting windows
-BLACK blank screen with mouse pointer

Hope i am clear.
Please provide options on how to go to command prompt.

Guest

[QUOTE=theog;1489083]In post 21, [quote]Windows 7 recovery disk[quote] this a DVD.
In post 24, [quote]booting from Windows 7 repair CD

Quote:

this is a CD.


Do you get this screen, when booting from CD or DVD.

Attachment 164857

Where diid you get the CD or DVD from?

ritushetty

I got it from nearby computer store, they built from sony model i am using. They gave system repair disc free!
Any concern with CD or DVD ?

ritushetty

seems 2 causes for issues
-had switched from 64 to 32
-latest windows 7 updates.

Currently partition is blank
Any tips to go to command prompt ?

theog

To get to command prompt, Cd must boot.

1) reburn the CD & DVD.
2) Clean CD/DVD Drive.
3) Replace CD/DVD Drive.

ritushetty

If the Win7 partition is blank, then what are you trying to accomplish with a Repair CD exactly? There is nothing to Repair.

There is also no "Install Now" button on a Repair CD as it is only used to repair an existing Win7 installation or reimage from a saved Win7 backup image. Do you have a backup image? If not then you do not need the Repair CD.

Instead you need to run Sony Factory Recovery from boot which is the most stable Recovery method, using the tutorial Theog posted earlier here: http://www.kb.sony.com/selfservice/m...59775&fes=true

If Factory Recovery will not run this way then boot the Sony Recovery Disk set you said you have to reinstall that way.

ritushetty

theog:
There are no issues with either CD-ROM drive or CD's or the hardware.
Please suggest other options to go to command prompt.

gregrocker:
As had mentioned, since seems partitions are not recognized, thought repair disk might help in getting into the command prompt.
Tried same with Windows 7 recovery disk and no luck.
I agree repair disk won't have interfaces to display 'Install Now' screen.

Had tried with windows installation DVD which is not going 'Install Now' screen too.

Please suggest options to go to command prompt.

Hope i was clear

theog

Currently am going through KB to find something that might help running recovery procedure as per mentioned in below but nothing works as of now since seems the special partition is not recognized too.

This model does not require Recovery CDs. Recovery data is included on a special partition of the hard drive.

theog

�� Quote: Originally Posted by ritushetty

theog:
There are no issues with either CD-ROM drive or CD's or the hardware.
Please suggest other options to go to command prompt.

Please suggest options to go to command prompt.

Hope i was clear

If you have no issues with either CD-ROM drive or CD's or the hardware.
You can get to command prompt.
At



or



To get to command prompt, CD must boot.

ritushetty

�� Quote: Originally Posted by ritushetty

Currently am going through KB to find something that might help running recovery procedure as per mentioned in below but nothing works as of now since seems the special partition is not recognized too.

This model does not require Recovery CDs. Recovery data is included on a special partition of the hard drive.

If your Hard drive is going down, the Recovery Partition will not work.

You will need the Sony Recovery DVD's & a new Hard drive.

theog

Verified CD's and got CD drive verified too.
They are working fine. Also got the initial screen with 'Install now' coming up by using on other system.

Without CD, am not getting 'Starting Windows' screen.
With CD, am getting 'Starting Windows' screen and its not going ahead after that.

Sony recovery DVD tries recovering from special partition so they won't work.

While starting without booting with CD, its saying 'Operating system not found', and not 'Disk error'.

I don't want to replace the HDD myself and am looking on ways to come on command prompt.
One mentioned above doesn't work.

Guest

To get to command prompt, CD or DVD must boot. If CD or DVD not booting NO command prompt.

Remove the Hard Drive, & see if CD or DVD will boot.

theog

What exactly is it you want to do in the Command Prompt?

The Sony instructions for running Recovery Disks don't say anything about it requiring the Recovery Partition to run. This is why Recovery Disks are made - in case HD and/or Recovery Partition fails.

You said earlier you have this Recovery Disk set. Try running them now following Sony's steps: View Document

If this fails find or borrow a Win7 installer for your licensed version to clean reinstall using Product Key on COA sticker: Reinstalling Windows 7

Bare Foot Kid

How to use a OEM manufacturer's Product Key (COA):
Clean Install : Factory COA Activation Key
If you use the tutorial above,I would obtain a Windows 7 installer from a good source like:
Buy Windows Products Windows 7 Special Offers Shop Your Favorite Store

theog

There's no need to purchase an installer as you have a perfectly good Windows 7 activation key on the COA sticker attached to the PC that is good for the life of Windows 7 on that same PC.

Clean Install : Factory COA Activation Key

ritushetty

The best source for a Sony Windows 7 installer would be:
How to order Sony Recovery disks:
1.Go to http://servicesales.sel.sony.com.
2.Enter your computer's model number (for example, PCV-XXXX), and click List Parts and accessories.
3.Follow the online instructions to order the Recovery Media Kit.
If you are not able to access the Sony Direct Accessories and Parts Center Web site, contact a customer service representative at 1-800-488-7669.

Bare Foot Kid

Hi,

Thanks for all the help.
Since I am still in guarantee period, do not want to perform anything myself.
Am trying to get someone from Sony as i am under international warranty too.
Will update soon on the status.

Guest

Be sure to post back here with an update.