How to perform a system recovery.

IMPORTANT: This article applies only to specific products and/or operating systems. Check Applicable Products and Categories for details.

WARNING: There is a risk of data loss. All software applications, configurations, and data added to the restored drives will be erased.

IMPORTANT:

• If the operating system has been upgraded, use the FDISK application to remove the partitions  before performing a system recovery. Some operating system partitions, such as NTFS, may not be removable using the FDISK application and may need to be removed using the other operating system install or boot disk, or CD.
• For desktop computers which shipped with two drives, the System Recovery CD must be placed in the uppermost drive to perform a recovery.
• If a third-party partitioning utility was used to partition the drive, contact the third-party manufacturer to remove the partition before starting the recovery process.
• Back up data prior to beginning a recovery procedure.
• Ensure all third-party hardware has been removed from the system.
• Ensure all music has been backed up using the OpenMG™ Jukebox or SonicStage® Backup Tool.
• Ensure the System Recovery CDs match the computer model used.
• Ensure a software update or patch will not resolve the issue.

1. Insert System Recovery CD #1 into the CD/DVD drive.
2. Restart the computer.
3. In the System Recovery CD window, press the O key to select OK.
4. In the Warning: The D Drive Not Found window, press the N key to select No.

   NOTE: This is normal. This message is displayed because the (D:) drive is formatted as an NTFS partition by default.

5. In the MAIN MENU window, press the 2 key to select Full Restore with Format Drive (C:) and (D:).
6. In the System Recovery CD window, press the Y key to select Yes to initiate Full Restore with Format.
7. In the All data will be removed from the hard drive window, press the Y key to select Yes to continue.
8. When prompted to insert CD #2, remove System Recovery CD #1.
9. Insert System Recovery CD #2 into the CD/DVD drive.
10. Press the Enter key to continue.
11. When prompted to insert CD #1, remove System Recovery CD #2.
12. Insert System Recovery CD #1 into the CD/DVD drive.
13. Press the Enter key to continue.
14. When the System Recovery complete window is displayed, remove System Recovery CD #1.
15. Insert System Recovery CD #3 into the CD/DVD drive.
16. Press the Enter key to restart the computer.
17. When the Remove the System Recovery CD #3 window is displayed, remove System Recovery CD #3.
18. Press the Enter key to restart the computer.
19. The setup wizard will start. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the wizard.

    IMPORTANT: If the Windows XP Setup Wizard stops responding, restart the computer to continue the setup wizard.

20. In the To begin, click your user name window, click the desired user name or icon to log in.
21. The operating system may detect and install system hardware.

    NOTES:

    • If prompted for drivers, insert the Driver Recovery CD into the CD/DVD drive.
    • If prompted to restart the computer, in the Restart the Computer message box, click Yes.
22. In the Application Recovery Program window, insert the Application Recovery CD #1 into the CD/DVD drive.
23. Click the OK button to continue.
24. In the checkDMI message box, click the OK button. Several drivers and programs may be installed. This process may take several minutes.

    IMPORTANT: Do not interact with the installation process once setup begins. If the installation is not allowed to complete without interaction, the computer may stop responding and not complete the installation correctly.

25. If prompted to insert the CD for the bundled word processing application, click Cancel.
26. In the Sony Application Recovery Program window, remove the Application Recovery CD.
27. Click OK to restart the computer.
28. Download and install all driver and software updates for this model. Downloads are posted on your model support page.