I'm in B.I.G. trouble (I think) Software is all gone

[Crydevil182]

Hello everyone, this is my first post on this forum, and I have a quite serious problem. (I own a AR41S Notebook)

A while ago I wanted to use the Windows Anytime Upgrade, to upgrade from Vista Home Premium to Vista Ultimate. So i purchased the upgrade, but i had to back-up all my files (because the Anytime Upgrade Dics wasn't the same language as my computer, so i would loose all my files), so i did.
But the problem is that, when i wanted to put it back (it did), the folder Program Files was copied, but the software wasn't installed yet. So the files where just standing there, while the software wasn't in the Start menu and stuff.
So i began searching for packages that might contain all the original Vaio software (stuff like Click to DVD BD, Win DVD, Adobe Photoshop Elements, and all the Club Vaio stuff, ... actually everything that came standard with the notebook), but all i found where all the hardware drivers and some utilities, but far from everything.

So my question is: is there any way to get all the original software back?

Thanks in advance

[Crydevil182]

Ok, now i'm in more deeper trouble. I used the System Restore Tool to get back at the point where the upgrade was just over, so i could just slowly get things together on my notebook, but now it wont even start anymore !
Every time i push the power button, Windows seems to start up, but then it makes me choose between:
-Start Windows Normally,
-Last Known Good Configuration (advanced),
-Safe Mode with Command Prompt,
-Safe Mode with Networking,
-Safe Mode.

And no matter what i choose, it always blinks a blue screen, and then it restarts and gives me the same screen.

(The order is reversed ) But anyway, can anyone help me with this ?

Thanks in advance

[Blencogo]

Hi Crydevil182,

This may not be the most comforting thing to say, but I don't know anyone who has successfully upgraded to Vista Ultimate without massive problems. Unless you need to join a Domain Network at work, I personally don't see any advantage at all of installing Vista Ultimate - and I do see plenty of disadvantages ... viz

1. Sony will not support your Vaio with Ultimate installed. If you have a warranty claim you will have to reinstall Home Premium.
2. As you have found out, you will lose all your Sony Preinstalled Software and half of the Sony Utilities will not work. There is a way round the software installation but it is not easy.
3. Vaio Update and My Club Vaio will not work
4. It seems impossible to reinstall all the necessary drivers.

Sony have tested Home Premium on your model but have not even tried Ultimate so things may well not work.

If you cannot start your Vaio, you will have to reinstall Vista as you have moved the system to a point before all the system drivers have been installed.

Either use your upgrade disc to reinstall Vista Ultimate but you will have to find all the drivers and utilities to add to the install.

My advice would be to take your Vaio back to factory settings - to a working Vaio running Vista Home Premium - and then (your decision) upgrade again to Vista Ultimate. I presume you have a Product Key for Ultimate? To do this, connect your Vaio to AC Power and bootup. As soon as you see the first Vaio logo, tap F10 repeatedly to start the Recovery Wizard. You will of course lose anything else added (Programs, Updates, Data).

You can then install the Preinstalled Software by following the procedure in this Thread: -

http://club.vaio.sony.co.uk/clubvaio/GB/en/forum/viewthread?thread=37599

[Crydevil182]

Hello thank you for the reply.

But it seems as if i already tried those things.

My recovery partition does not work. When i use it, it loads the files, but then gets an error and i'm at the same point as i always am. And yes indeed, the upgrade is wasted money now

But i called Vaio-link, and all they offer me is a recovery disc which costs 42€

So actually there's not much to do i think.

Thanks in advance

[Thalamus.]

My advice would be to take your Vaio back to factory settings - to a working Vaio running Vista Home Premium - and then (your decision) upgrade again to Vista Ultimate. I presume you have a Product Key for Ultimate? To do this, connect your Vaio to AC Power and bootup. As soon as you see the first Vaio logo, tap F10 repeatedly to start the Recovery Wizard. You will of course lose anything else added (Programs, Updates, Data).

Hi Crydevil182

If Blencogo's solution above does not allow you to restore your Vaio's original OS then I guess spending €42 on a set of recovery disc's would unfortunately be the next best solution..