FZ11Z - HD is too slow hence new HD !!

[Ouroboros]

Sounds easy uh ?
I have bought a new Hard Disk SATA 2.5" - 200 Gb (7200rpm) as per this link ( http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3201424&Sku=H450-6020 ) and have the two DVDs (DL 8.5Gb) created with the VAIO rescue tool; now before I lose the Recovery Partition I was wondering where on the DVDs could I find the WinDVD BD player and the CD/DVD burning software that came preinstalled in the VAIO.
Additionallu, as you insert the DVD (either System or Applications) shouldn't the Autostart initiate the restore process (note I have autoplay enabled).

Thanks for any input
Max

[Blencogo]

I would buy an External Caddy like one of these: -

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/reviews/92157/dynamode-usb-caddy-for-25-hard-drive.html

They are very cheap (about €13) and you put your new drive into it and connect it to your F11Z by USB. Then use something like Acronis True Image (or other disc cloning software) to copy an exact Image of your hard disc onto the new Disc. This will then copy all your Updates, Data, Software and Settings. Then install the loaded drive into the Vaio.

I would make another two sets of Recovery Discs first and use SINGLE Layer DVD+R or DVD-R. I am not convinced the procedure works very well with DL Discs. You are right - the System Disc should boot in the optical drive and the Applications Disc should Autorun. It will not work if you do not reinstall the original Sony OEM Operating System.

Some software cannot be reinstalled individually without carrying out a full system recovery - I think WinDVD BD is one of them.



EDIT: Just found your other thread - I didn't realise you are downgrading to XP.

[Ouroboros]

Many thanks for your reply ; yes, the idea is to use a 2.5" USB caddy or sell it on eBAY.

Following your, much appreciated, reply I have decided I cannot downgrade to XP as one of the reasons I bought the FZ11Z is the BD disk and the HDMI connection, thus I'll stick to Vista.

Again thanks

[Ouroboros]

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I would make another two sets of Recovery Discs first and use SINGLE Layer DVD+R or DVD-R. I am not convinced the procedure works very well with DL Discs.  You are right - the System Disc should boot in the optical drive and the Applications Disc should Autorun.  It will not work if you do not reinstall the original Sony OEM Operating System.

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I have followed both options offered, as I had bought two DL DVDs I gave it a try, in addition I have also burnt three DVD+R (to be on the safe side) and left the EFI image untouched.

Cheers
Max

[Shaggy]

this sounds good
let me know if it works