Problem with my Sony PCV-RS311

S

sctse

New Member
I have encountered quite a major problem after having owned my PC for over four years, and as you can imagine, the clutter that would build up after this long period of time. So here goes my problem...

Recently, I have developed a virus that I can't seem to get rid of to save my life, so I decided that I needed a reformat. Well, I have lost my recovery CDs that Sony sent me with my computer and I do not have an original copy of Windows XP. I do, however, have access to a website where I can download Windows XP Pro straight from the University's website, as I am a student there.

So my problem is that I do not know how I can format my PC completely before installing XP Pro. Do you guys have any ideas?

P.S. I called Sony to request some replacement recovery CDs and apparently, my model has been discontinued and they no longer make CDs for this model.

Thanks guys.

Sincerely,



sctse
 
Can you boot into the system? If so, you should be able to create a recovery disk within Windows. I've a Sony VAIO PCV-RS430G. That's how I created my recovery disk.
 
I am able to use my computer, yes. That is, only if I do not have an internet connection. If I connect to the internet, then the virus takes over.
I am able to boot up my computer and log on.
 
sctse said:
I am able to use my computer, yes. That is, only if I do not have an internet connection. If I connect to the internet, then the virus takes over.
I am able to boot up my computer and log on.
Click to expand...

As long as you're using YOUR COA, and it's a LEGAL copy of the operating system... we can help. If not... :rolleyes:

The installer will basically be like a CD installation after you go through a few steps.
 
I checked out your PC at the Sony Support site. They don't recommend a System Recovery w/ your model. You will need to obtain a legal copy of Windows XP to reformat your PC.

After you reformat and reinstall XP, you will need to install the original hardware drivers for the Sony computer. The links below contain the driver for each piece of hardware necessary to run you system.

Monitor

Integrated Graphics

Motherboard

Audio

Ethernet/Network

Sony Shared Library

Camera Driver?

You need to install all the files above after the clean install of XP. For additional software that came w/ your PC, click here.
 
I have a legal copy of Windows XP, from the University's website.
I downloaded it and put it on a CD, but it isn't working. I put the CD in the drive, but it isn't booting up when I start the computer.
 
Well, I can but you will need a username and password in order to log in.
but I got it from it.okstate.edu
 
You may need to configure the boot priority in the BIOS. It should look like this: The DVD/CD drive should be first.

DSC02781.jpg
 
Okay.
I did that and I put my version of XP on a CD, but apparently, it's not a bootable CD...
What now?
 
What happens when you try to boot the CD - nothing? Do you boot into Windows? Did you correctly set the boot priority?
 
When I try to boot the CD before Windows actually starts up, it doesn't do anything. It simply goes to Windows.
I can, however, boot it up from the drive when Windows is up and running and this takes me to that set up thing, which led to the installation of two operating systems.
 
Yes.
After the Sony screen, I am able to pick between two OS's.
They are both Windows XP Pro, but one is blank, which is the one I downloaded and installed. The other is all of my old stuff that I want to have formatted and deleted.
 
Have you tried entering the BIOS to set your boot priority? Start the computer and begin pressing the "F2" key. That will allow you to enter the BIOS and place your CD/DVD drive first in the boot priority.
 
Yes I have. I set the CD-Rom to boot first and inserted the CD with the XP Pro file on there. It doesn't boot. My friend also gave me a Windows Corporation or something CD and that begins to boot up, but then says something like.. "Windows will now shut down to avoid damage to your computer" on a blue screen.
 
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