How to perform a system recovery when the operating system will not start

If the operating system will not start and no other troubleshooting can be performed, a recovery of the (C:) drive or a full system recovery can be performed by starting the computer and pressing the F10 key. A special hidden partition on the hard drive contains all the necessary software to recover the computer to the original factory software configuration.

WARNING: There is a risk of data loss. All software applications, configurations and data added to the restored drive will be erased.

IMPORTANT: A recovery also can be performed using Recovery Discs .

1. Turn off the computer.
2. Connect the AC adapter and do not interrupt power during the procedure.
3. Disconnect all network connections and peripheral devices.
4. Turn on the computer.
5. When the VAIO screen is displayed, press the F10 key.
   • If an Edit Boot Options screen appears, press the Enter key.
   • If a Windows Boot Manager screen appears, select VAIO Recovery Environment and then press the Enter key.
6. In the VAIO Recovery Center window, under Choose a program, click to select the desired option:
   • VAIO Hardware Diagnostics
     • Computer problems related to hardware can be diagnosed using this option.
   • Restore C: Drive
     • This option is used to recovery the entire C: drive partition to its original factory software configuration. Data on other partitions is not affected.
   • Restore Complete System
     • This option is used to delete all hard drive partitions and recovery the system to its original factory software configuration. Modifying the size of the hard drive partitions is an option with this type of recovery.
   • Rescue Data
     • This option can be used to detect and save data to an external hard drive or removable media prior to a system recovery.