How to install Windows MCE without the recovery CD please ?

[titounours]

Hello,
I just have a VGN-AR11S and love it.
But the (big) problem is i had to format the partitions (recovery one too) and lost all datas and now, i can't reinstall Windows XP media center edition because i didn't burned the SONY recovery CD (but i downloaded one on the net i will use with my authentic serial number).
The problem when i try to install it, is windows don't reconise my hard drives (2x100gb), maybe because this drives are SATA or of the mother board RAID function (I tried in RAID-0 and RAID-1 modes and without RAID but that changed nothing).

Please tell me you have a solution for reinstall Windows Xp MCE 2005 (it's the OS was originally installed) because for the moment the only trhing i can do with this computer is to look at
Thanks,
Titou.

[Blencogo]

Hi titou,

The Sony OEM Media Centre Installation does NOT use the Product Key under the Vaio. It use a Sony Product Key so you cannot install a retail version and use that key.

You own a Sony OEM license and you can only install a Sony OEM Version of MCE legally.

If you have not made Recovery Discs, you will have to contact Sony and purchase a new set of Recovery Discs.

But .................

Have a look at this thread if you can still access your system.

http://club.vaio.sony.co.uk/clubvaio/GB/en/forum/viewthread?thread=36891

[titounours]

Hello Blencogo,
Thank you for the help but the first thing, before thinking about the serial number (i will use the method on the link you gave thanks ) is that windows must reconise my hard drives...
Is there a different solution than ask to SONY the recovery disks ?
(because i wish to have my laptop working soonly and don't know how many times will have to wait for the shipping :smileygrin: )
Thanks,
Titou.

[Blencogo]

Hi Titou,

You will need to get a 3.5" 1.44MB Floppy Disc Drive.

Download the Originally Installed Drivers file (AR1_Drivers.zip) from the Sony download site: -

http://support.vaio.sony.co.uk/downloads/updates/updates.asp?site=voe_en_GB_cons&c=0&s=VGN-AR&m=2259

Extract the file and copy the SATA/RAID Drivers to the Floppy Disc. When you get to the "Welcome to Setup" installation page in XP MCE, press F6 to install the SATA/RAID Drivers and your hard drives will be recognised.

Try following the instructions in this thread - it will be the same procedure: -

http://club.vaio.sony.co.uk/clubvaio/GB/en/forum/viewthread?thread=41647

Costap actually gives you the contents of the floppy disc to copy.

[titounours]

Hi Blencogo,
Thank you so much, i will try tomorrow (now it's time to slip and anyway, i don't have a USB floppy drive :smileygrin: ).
But be sure you are my new hero !!!
I'll let you know tomorrow,
Titou.

[titounours]

Finally, and after 3 days to working on this problem, i wasn't abble to go to slip :smileygrin:
So i tried what you said and that almost works
I was abble to format but then windows asked me again for the RAID drivers it didn't found because of the USB ports was reloaded (and then the drive A: he asked changed too).

But with your help, i understoud how to proceed and after a quick search on google, i found a wonderfull software named : NLITE.
It's a soft for build a custom windows CD.
You can add drivers (what i did :smileygrin: ), directly enter your serial, and many more options for a quick & automatic install.
I recommand you to try it : www.nliteos.com/

So thank you so much and have fun with your VAIO
Titou.