System Recovery - Sony VAIO PCG-V505 Series Training Manual

In some cases, the computer may not be able to load the operating system without a startup disc even after
the Restore utility is run. This indicates a problem with the hard drive boot sector. Re-imaging the drive is now
necessary to see if the problem can be resolved but it is usually caused by a defective hard drive.
System Restore Utility:
Microsoft Windows® XP includes a utility known as System Restore, found in the Program Files/Accessories/
Systems Tools folder. This utility creates a "snapshot" of the files and configuration settings of the OS every time
a new program is loaded using the Installation Wizard. It can also be set manually at any time. This data uses a
considerable amount of hard disc space and is sometimes wiped off the disc when the customer runs the Disc
Cleanup utility.
The utility creates "waypoints" going back in time and an attempt can be made to restore the OS to a particular
point when the unit was functioning properly. If previous images of the system are present, odds are you should
be able to get the computer up and running.
Operating System Hangs Up While Loading:
This problem usually occurs while the OS "splash screen" is being displayed. Device drivers are the most common
cause although corrupted or missing system files can be suspect. Defective RAM or devices can also create this
symptom. Try the following steps, in order, to help in isolating the problem:
1. RAM: Remove one RAM module at a time to see if the lockup ceases. If the unit only has one RAM
module, it will have to be substituted.
2. Safe Mode: Press the F8 key as soon as the OS begins to load. Select "Safe Mode" from the menu
options. If entry into this mode is successful, access the Device Manager to locate any devices that may
be the cause. NOTE: If there are problems with devices or drivers, the computer will usually prompt you
to enter the Safe Mode.
3. Boot Logging: Also accessed by pressing the F8 key, this feature creates a detailed log of each driver and
service that loads. If there is a problem, it will be indicated in the log. The log is saved as a text file known
as "NTBTLOG.TXT" in the C:\Winnt folder. Errors are usually displayed as "FAILED" or "NOT LOADED".
The log can be quite long and using the search feature in a text editor or word processor for these words,
helps locate problem lines quicker.
4. Last Known Good Configuration: This is another feature on the diagnostics menu. Selecting this option
will load the backup copy of the Registry that was created at the last successful boot. It cannot repair
missing or corrupted system files and will erase any configuration settings in the current Registry copy.
5. System File Checker: This is a utility program to scan the system files. If any application has overwritten
the original system files, it can restore the original. The utility is launched by going to the Start menu and
selecting Run. Type in "SFC /SCANNOW". Be sure to put a space between the SFC and the forward
slash. The program will launch and begin scanning the system files. You will be prompted if any problems
are found. This is quite a sophisticated program. For more information visit
scannow-sfc.html

System Recovery

The PCG-V505 series are sold with three types of recovery CDs. They are as follows:
1. System Recovery: A bootable CD that re-installs the operating system and all configuration settings
present at the time of manufacture. The hard drive can be partitioned and formatted. This process wipes
all files from the hard drive. Although it is an effective method to cure operating systems problems, it
1. PCG-V505 Series Troubleshooting
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