hi, thank you for support , will try the manual and let you know if i succeed
ok, so let's concentrate on restoring everything to factory settings...
I am back at F10 where is get
When i press F10 I get to a black screen:
Edit Boot Options
Edit Windows boot options for: Vaio Recovery Environment
Path: \windows\system32\boot\winload.exe
[/DETECTHAL /MININT /REDIRECT RDIMAGEOFFSET=8192 RDIMAGELENGTH=3161088 R DPATH=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\sources\ boot.wim]
The text between the [...] can be deleted and wrote over...
then i delete the text inside the [...] and don't write anything, just press enter then i get the screen:
Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause. to fix the problem:
1. Insert your windows installation disk and restart your computer.
2. choose your language settings, and then click Next
3. click "repair your computer"
if you do not have this disk, contact your system administrator or computer manufacturer for assistance.
then under on the same screen is the error:
at one point i also got to a black screen saying:
File: \windows\system32\hal.dll
status: 0xc000000f
info: windows failed to load because the HAL is missing, or corrupt
Enter=continue
i get to the next screen called Windows Boot manager
Choose an operating system to start, or press TAB to select a tool:
(use the arrow keys to highlight your choice, then press ENTER.)
VAIO RECOVERY ENVIRONMENT (EMS Enabled)
To specify an advanced option for this choice, press F8
Tools:
Windows Memory Diagnostic
If i press F8 I get:
Advanced boot options
choose advanced options for: Vaio recovery environment
(Use the arrow keys to highlight your choice)
Safe mode
Safe mode with networking
Safe mode with command prompt
Enable boot logging
Enable low-resolution video (640x480)
Last known good configuration (advanced)
directory service restore mode
debugging mode
disable automatic restart on system failure
disable driver signature enforcement
Start windows normally
Description: for all....
please let me know what to do from here so that i can restore factory settings..?
as you know i only have the 2 recovery discs i created when i first bought my Vaio so i dont have an original Windows DVD.. I do have an OLD Windows XP disk from my old computer... obviously i prefer Vista...
waiting for your reply, thanks!