VGN-NR32L Recovery after HDD replacement

[mikenewton54]

Hi, I have replaced the trashed HDD on my NR32L and need some help with recovering the system.  I have the recovery discs and I have saved the data from the recovery partition to an external drive.  I have managed to re-install windows from an upgrade disc but my system does not appear to recognise any of the drivers.  HELP!

[Blencogo · Accepted solution]

Windows is included on the Recovery Discs and will be installed along with all drivers, utilities, programs etc if you boot from Recovery Disc 1 and choose a full recovery.

If you install Windows from a commercially available disc, you cannot activate it because the serial number on the bottom of your Vaio is not valid for Windows activation.  The Sony OEM install needs no activation.  In addition you will lose all the preinstalled software - most of which cannot be downloaded.  You can download the basic drivers from Sony here: -

http://support.vaio.sony.eu/computing/vaio/downloads/preinstalled/index.aspx?l=en_GB&m=VGN-NR32L_S

However, the easiest way is to insert Recovery Disc 1 and reboot - follow instructions for a complete recovery.  I attach a copy of your Recovery and Troubleshooting Guide: -

ftp://ftp.vaio-link.com/pub/Manuals/RecoTS/2008Q2_TRG_EN.pdf

[mikenewton54]

I did try inserting the recovery discs with no joy (sorry for not including that critical detail in my post).  However, having read your reply I tought I would give it another go before throwing the Vaio out of a sixth floor window and Eureka! it worked.  I have installed a faster and higher capacity HDD and it seems to have boosted performance. Many thanks Blencogo.

MikeN

[Thalamus.]

Hi Mike,

as you have resolved your problem could you kindly mark the post that helped as either best answer of helpful please..