Laptop Recovery

[stojkiw63]

Sycamore3House
I created disks, but it didn't work. So, I purchased a disk from Sony, which works fine. But it does not mention about Windows operating system on it.
Do I need to purchase Windows Operating system (if Hard Drive packs up). Many thanks

[VHG]

As you have already purchased Windows when you bought the laptop you don't need to buy it again.

The only important thing is the activity code on the bottom of the laptop (that looks like xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx). You should be able to reinstall from ANY Windows disk (of the right release obviously) and enter that code for it to work. In fact Microsoft do provide images of the Windows disks on the internet for people to download.

I am not sure what the disk from Sony is, but it probably allows you to reinstall Windows using a copy "hidden" on the hard disk. Most companies now put a hidden copy of Windows on the hard disk so you can do a factory restore.

Once you have reinstalled Windows then use some backup software to create an IMAGE of your hard disk and store it on an external hard drive. I use Macrium Reflect Free Edition.

IF your hard drive packs up and the "hidden" version of Windows is gone then you can download one of these Windows disks from the internet, and do an new install, entering the activity code from the base of your laptop.

[VHG]

Just to clarify, there are two "parts" of the Windows product - there is the Windows CD/DVD and the activity code.

The Windows CD/DVD on its own, without the activity code, is worth nothing so they are available to download from the internet.

The activity code is the thing that costs the money, so the one on your laptop is unique to you.

All the images of the Windows CDs/DVDs are on the internet on a website called DigitalRiver (but I am not sure for how long).

So you can download a Windows CD/DVD from there.

Here is a forum update that explains it all

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_install/digital-river/66a8439b-0d16-4b70-92f7-1c8486a46ebf