RECOVERY TOOL WON'T START

[EvilNinjaPhil]

I have a VGN-N38E and am thinking about installing Windows 7 RC on it.

Before I do that I want to create some recovery disks so that when the Windows 7 RC trial runs out I can reinstall Vista (if Windows 7 is too expensive that is).

So I went to Start > Vaio Recovery Tool and the folder was empty. Interesting. So I looked on the C:\ drive and found the Recovery Utility folder in the Sony folder. I double clicked on it and it started up.

But then I got an error message that says:

"This application has failed to start because OSSystem.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem"

Strange. Searching online for OSSystem.dll brings up nothing. I went into Sony support and downloaded the Originally Installed package but the Recovery Utility isn't there. So I can't re-install it. I've emailed Sony support for their thoughts but wondered if anyone else had come across this.

Thanks in advance.

[Blencogo]

Hi EvilNinjaPhil and welcome.

It sounds like some programs essential to the Recovery Tool have been deleted. Have you deleted any Sony software? I have OSSystem.dll in C;\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Recovery Utility.

You cannot download this software, you must recover your system to get it back.

As you are going to install Win7 it is probably the best to recover your Vaio to factory settings and then try to create the Recovery Discs.

After you have backed up everything you will need and try the following: -

Reset the BIOS default values -

1. Turn on your VAIO.
2. When you see the Sony logo, press F2 several times.
3. You will get the PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility window.
4. Press F9 to get default values and then press ENTER to confirm.
5. Press F10 to save changes and exit and then press ENTER to confirm.
6. You have restored the default values and your VAIO will now restart.

Running the Recovery Centre from your hard drive: -

1. Turn on your VAIO. Make sure you are connected to mains AC.
2. When you see the first Sony logo, press F10 repeatedly.
3. This should start the Recovery from your HDD
4. Follow the on-screen instructions for a full, complete reinstall.
5. Do not interrupt the installation even if it seems to have stopped - it may take some time.
6. Run Vaio Update and Microsoft Update
7. Reinstall your own data and software.

Good Luck

[EvilNinjaPhil]

Thanks for the reply.

When I couldn't find the Tool on the Sony website I thought this might be the case. I'm pretty sure I haven't deleted any of the important Vaio software but can't say for sure.

Thanks for the help, will do it when I've got my external HD to back up all my stuff.

Thanks again!