Lack of Windows discs with new computer

Hi, and apologies straight away because I'm very non-technical as this is almost certainly a very dumb question.

I bought a new Sony Vaio laptop from at Christmas from Play.com, which came with no Windows discs. The setup instructions took me through a process of creating what I imagine are backup/recovery discs if I have a problem ... which I haven't.

I'm posting because:
1. I am starting to take more interest in making sure it's protected, backed up etc, and also in knowing what to do it things go wrong. I've seen that the 'Ultimate Boot CD' utility requires a Windows CD to build itself, so what does someone in my position do if I want to use it?
2. I am wondering how I prove I have a legit copy of Windows, for example if I decide to sell the laptop

Are there any other issues which I may encounter?

Thanks.

 

1. As far as I understand, most VAIO doesn't come with windows disks because Sony pre-installed Windows on your machine, just as other OEM's, i.e. Dell. Dell did or still do ? supply their own re-installation disks.

VAIO has a recovery utility built in. For recovery you will need to create disks yourself.

Here's a link to Sony's support website: http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/contact-download.pl?

and here's a link on how to create disks. http://www.ehow.com/how_4558680_create-restore-disc-sony-vaio.html

2. I don't know the answer to that question. Perhaps someone else can answer that or you can contact Sony.

 

If you want to be sure your comp is backed up you will have to do more than rely on the Vaio's recovery system. That will only put it back to factory gate state, destroying your personal files in the process unless you have them otherwise backed up.

Take a look at Acronis, or Paragon, or Ghost. They produce backup software which you can run regularly, so you are always able to restore your system to a recent state should it hit trouble, as has mine recently.

Also decide which files need to be backed up every day - mostly your personal stuff. There are loads of options here, but the thing they all have in common is the need for a separate drive on which to store the backups, so a decent sized external drive is also pretty well a necessity.

 

Thanks.

Yes, I'm looking into backing up and have a NAS drive so that should be ok eventually.

But how would I build Ultimate Boot CD without a Windows disc?

 

As I wrote in my previous reply, VAIO has a recovery utility built in. You will NEED to create those disks in order to be able to restore the computer to previous factory settings in case the OS breaks down. Did you read the links I gave in how to do that?

Of course, one would need to to a back up of all the folders, documents, pictures, programs etc you added after you got your laptop. That is an additional step one would have to take. An external HD and/or using disks to burn them would be fine. Here's a link to all back up software. Some are free. http://www.majorgeeks.com/downloads3.html

 

You only NEED to create those recovery disks if you foresee the possibility of wanting to restore your computer to its over-the-counter condition. This is not a step you are ever likely to want to do prior to disposing of it as it removes not only all the applications and settings you have added since purchase, but it also removes all your personal files. It is also not possible to backup programs, as oma has suggested, by using anything other than disk imaging software of the likes of Acronis etc.

By all means experiment with boot disks, but if you are serious about wanting a proper backup system, which can not only backup and restore your personal files but can also backup the entire system as it now is, so that you could recover not just from Windows problems but even from a complete hard disk failure, then you need Acronis or an equivalent and a high capacity external drive. Your NAS will suffice for this, though if its anything like mine, speed isn't great.

 

Thanks again.
I think one or two things are getting mixed up.

1. Recovery discs.
I did this before starting to use the machine, made two sets actually in case I lose one. I understand these only take me back to square 1.

2. Backup.
I know I need some software to take a current image and regular data backups.
I just haven't done it yet - I need to read more about it and have been looking through the backup section you mention (have been using Ashampoo free for burning after seeing it on the list) but it's a long list ... so if anyone wants to say what they think is the best free software for the job I'm listening!

3. Ultimate Boot CD
I understand this is a whole different thing.
I hope I don't have to try to use anything like this, but I want to be prepared and I'm curious about how I would build one without a Windows CD. The instructions seem to insist on one, so I'd like to know if I have any options here, or if I just can't create one.

Thanks.

 

Hi semiartificial,

Go to http://neosmart.net/blog/2008/windows-vista-recovery-disc-download/ and download a copy of the Microsoft Vista recovery disc to begin with, explore other avenues once you have created and tested it - it'll fix most Vista booting errors in case anything goes wrong - without losing any of your programs or personal data and settings.

You may be able to use your #1 recovery disc to make a bootable vLite (or UBCD?) installation of vista, it's a small download,= and well documented.

I've only used Norton(Symantec) Ghost and Acronis, they both worked fine for me (but beware of trying to install an image from a USB hard drive - some USB chipsets (hard drive side) are not supported - this may be very important if you travel light, it is a laptop we're discussing).

Good luck.

 

Sorry for inappropriate answers sa, but you stressed how non-technical you are, though you don't actually sound it, and you also stressed backup, which is just about the only thing UBCD can't do

I can't help you with UBCD I'm afraid. Never had need for it.

 

I'm non-technical by nature but we're getting so dependent on computers that I have to learn a bit! I've mainly been spending time so far in trying to get protected against malware (for free).

I've not looked at Acronis as I read it was not free, but just had a look now and see it's shareware ... with a 15 day trial. Does it have full functionality in the trial period? (I didn't properly understand the 'limitations' comment on the Acronis page).

 

AFAIK it is fully functional during the trial period. It also has a great support forum with some impressive but friendly expert help available. I use a previous version, but it is so capable I don't think there is any problem from which it wouldn't be able to make recovery possible - and I've put that to the test more than once

There is a special offer atm. You should be able to get it for $25 on May 17, with time to test it first.

 

If you're interested in getting an external HD for imaging, why not checking out the link below? If purchasing a Seagate and Maxtor ext. HD one can download or receive a software disk with them. (shht, it's a deal between Seagate and Acronis) Doubt it will be the full version but check it out. http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/1022295/one-of-the-best-hdd-utilities-is-free

PS: I do have a Seagate ext HD but I installed Acronis v8 for free prior to purchase so don't have a need for the above-mentioned software. Doubt it would be the full version of a paid for Acronis though. Am sure though that one would be able to create at least backups and/or an image.

 

Apologies if I missed it.

FYI for this thread.
The Sony Viao lappy has a hidden partition, which is your "equivalent" to a Vista CD being given with the PC. Lot's of manufacturers have been operating like this for some time now.

So if you wanted or needed to restore the lappy to factory install you would press F10 during boot up to boot to the recovery partition.
From there it's pretty much like you are booted to a Vista install CD.
You can format the drive part you normally use, do a clean OS install, initiate a repair install.

So sure you should look into backups. But unless your hard drive gets seriously borked up you needn't sweat to much over building a boot CD. If your drive is whacked a boot CD isn't likely to do a lot of good anyway.

Later Bad

 

I very much appreciate all of your time and suggestions.

I'll look into the recommendations next week.

Many thanks!