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General discussion

Sony Vaio OS problems

Dec 11, 2009 10:36PM PST

I got my new Sony Vaio VGN-NW20EF today and attempted to install the McAfee trial that was on it, and was asked to restart my system. When asked to enter the windows password, the one I chose didn't work. I'm pretty sure it was right as I always use the same one, but that's beside the point. I tried a few combinations but was locked out. As I was in the first half an hour of using the laptop I hadn't yet set up a password disk so looked on the Sony website for support and it said to do a full system restore.

I started this up and after a few minutes got an error message saying that the restore had failed, and the laptop shut down. Upon restarting I got a message that there was no operating system found, and now I can't get onto anything - there just seems to be nothing left on the laptop at all.

What can I do? I'm rather panicking here.

Louise

Discussion is locked

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Re: what to do
Dec 11, 2009 10:38PM PST

If it's a new laptop and the restore fails, it's a warranty issue. So back to the shop or directly to Sony customer support.

Kees

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You didn't write.
Dec 11, 2009 10:39PM PST

If there were files to be recovered. If none, just reload the OS and move on. If there are files to be saved, read the LACIE MIRACLE at http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7588_102-0.html?threadID=354911&tag=forums06;forum-threads where we skip Windows to save files.

The restore feature can fail under far more conditions than I could write here. This is why we try to keep our backups current so when it happens we don't lose anything.
Bob

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answers
Dec 11, 2009 11:01PM PST

Kees - thanks. I'll give them a go.

Bob - there was nothing of mine lost as I'd literally just started using it. I don't seem able to reload the OS though, it says it can't be found, so that's the real concern I have.

I had't had a chance to set any restore points/back ups yet as I'd only just started using it!

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Time to ask for a fix now.
Dec 12, 2009 12:08AM PST

Let's say it's new. One day old. THIS IS THE PERFECT TIME TO REPORT THE PROBLEM. In fact, why not cut your losses and return it now?

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Thanks
Dec 12, 2009 12:14AM PST

Yes, it's brand new, I got it today. I just didn't know if it was something I'd done myself that was causing the problem.

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The only thing I can think of is Mcafee.
Dec 12, 2009 12:25AM PST

Mcafee, Norton and other suites are causing troubles in system restore and more.

It could be as simple as that but it's ONE DAY OLD and should not be in trouble so soon.
Bob