How to create a set of Recovery discs.

There are no system recovery discs included with the computer. The recovery data required to return the computer to the original, factory-installed condition is included on a special partition of the hard drive. The following procedure can be used to create a set of recovery discs from that data, which can be used to restore the recovery partition and return the computer to the original, factory-installed condition in case this is ever necessary.

IMPORTANT:

• Do not interrupt the power during the recovery process.
• The number of discs needed to create the set varies by model.
• The recovery discs are not a backup utility. To back up personal data, use the Backup and Restore Center  provided with the Windows Vista® operating system or if the operating system will not start, use the Rescue Data  feature.

1. Ensure all open programs are closed.
2. Ensure all network connections are disconnected.
3. Ensure all peripheral devices are disconnected.

   NOTE: If the computer uses an external CD/DVD drive, ensure the drive is plugged in according to the instructions in the VAIO User Guide.

4. From within the VAIO Recovery Center application, under Choose a program, click Create Recovery Discs.

   NOTE: The VAIO Recovery Center can be accessed using the following procedure:

   1. Click the Start button and then click All Programs.
   2. In the All Programs menu, click the VAIO Recovery Center folder.
   3. In the VAIO Recovery Center folder, click VAIO Recovery Center.
      
5. In the Create Recovery Discs window, click the Start button.
6. In the When recovery discs are needed window, click the Next button.
7. In the Choose your media window, click the Next button.

   NOTES:

   • Supported DVD discs include DVD+-DL and DVD+-R depending on the type of recordable optical drive in your computer. Rewritable discs (DVD+-RW) are supported, but not recommended because these discs can be overwritten. CD discs are not supported because these dics do not have the storage capacity to accommodate the content size.
   • An option to Verify integrity of recovery discs (slower) is available. If you check this option, the files created on each disc will be verified.
     
8. Insert a blank, recordable DVD into the DVD drive.
9. In the Insert a blank disc window, click the OK button.
10. Insert a new disc when necessary as instructed.
11. When all the disks have been created, click the Finish button.

    NOTE: After the recovery discs have been created the first time, any disc can be created again by selecting the disc from the list and clicking Next.