I did a semi-restore using recovery discs with SZ

BlackG35 · 03-12-2006, 10:41 PM

I tried to do a clean install at first. After spending hours trying to find the correct drivers and patches, I just couldn't get everything to work properly.

I decided to do a system recovery using the recovery DVD's.

It will give you the option to remove the system recovery partition which takes up 7GB.

Important Notes:

- This was done using a USA model SZ series.

- If you decide to keep the recovery partition, this method will not work for you.

- In this case, the system will be restored directly from the partition.

1) Insert DVD 1 and restart your notebook.

Select this restore option, and choose to remove the recovery partition.

Quote:

*Restore Complete System*
Use a set of recovery discs to restore the entire computer to its original factory condition. This option deletes all files on the hard disk drive. Use this option when the main hard disk drive is replaced, or to remove or restore the recovery drive partition on the main hard disk drive.

After you finish the whole process, it will ask you to reboot into windows. I removed the disc from the drive at this time.

It will then ask to to insert disk 1 to finish installing the rest of the software.

At this point, this is all of what has been installed so far...

It will also create a shortcut to the recovery program in your start-up folder to resume to recovery process.

2) Delete this short-cut and reboot your computer before proceding to the next step.

It then brought up this tool...

3) I clicked reseal and rebooted.

Now I can insert disc one and install whatever I want using the application and driver recovery utility.

At this point the only things I had to install were the fingerprint software, wireless switch utility and the bluetooth software.

If you are having problems with Plug and Play, check the following registry entry.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion DevicePath

The value shoud be %SystemRoot%\Inf and of type REG_EXPAND_SZ.

Mine was set to a path with multiple entries and the type had also been changed to REG_SZ.

Changing this key back to the value above solved all my device driver problems.

If you are not comfortable using the Registry Editor, I have created a registry file which will make this change for you.

You can download the file here:
SZPlugPlayFix.reg

BlackG35 · 03-12-2006, 11:27 PM

Seems almost like a clean install, but much easier!! Everything is working, switches, camera, etc...

qwerty · 03-13-2006, 12:25 AM

nice to know that. its like a semi clean install but made easier. i think i'll try doing that when i get it. i'm no IT student or something so i don't know how to do a clean install with all the drivers working correctly. thanks!

anyone tried this already?

uhhhmenono · 03-13-2006, 01:18 AM

so you're able to switch off bluetooth with the wireless utility? i've tried installing the utility but i cant get it to run properly.

does the harddisk protection utility work as well?

thanks

BlackG35 · 03-13-2006, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by qwerty

nice to know that. its like a semi clean install but made easier. i think i'll try doing that when i get it. i'm no IT student or something so i don't know how to do a clean install with all the drivers working correctly. thanks!

anyone tried this already?

Exactly, it was a real pain in the to do a clean install. I was pretty close, but I just couldnt get everything working 100%.

Plus this would be great for people who dont have an extra copy of Windows XP professional.

xprohx · 03-13-2006, 02:31 AM

How much disk space do you think you saved by not installing the recovery partition? I may look into doing this...

yandh1983 · 03-13-2006, 04:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xprohx

How much disk space do you think you saved by not installing the recovery partition? I may look into doing this...

The recovery partition is 7GB

BlackG35 · 03-13-2006, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uhhhmenono

so you're able to switch off bluetooth with the wireless utility? i've tried installing the utility but i cant get it to run properly.

does the harddisk protection utility work as well?

thanks

yeah I can switch off the bluetooth using the wireless switch utility, and yes the hdd protection is also working.

Did you do a clean install, or did you use the recovery discs?

When I tried a clean install, the wireless switch utility was one of the main things I couldn't get to work...

uhhhmenono · 03-13-2006, 10:45 AM

i did a clean install and i didn't know u can install the like from your 3rd screen capt till i saw this thread...

i have a 110 but i need xp pro, also tried making my own recovery disc

qwerty · 03-14-2006, 04:58 AM

have anyone tried doing this already?