Creating Recovery Media

To create Recovery Media

• You can use DVDs, Blu-ray Disc, and a USB flash drive as Recovery Media. However, it is recommended that you use DVD-R media, since you may accidentally delete the data on the USB flash drive. You can also use BD-R/BD-R DL/DVD-R DL/DVD+R/DVD+R DL media; however, the types of media your VAIO computer supports and the number of discs you need vary depending on the model you purchased. You will be notified of such information during the creation process.

• USB ports that are compliant with the USB 3.0 standard do not support recovery with a USB flash drive that is compliant with the USB 3.0 standard. On models without the USB ports that are compliant with only the USB 2.0 standard, be sure to create Recovery Media using the USB flash drive that is not compliant with the USB 3.0 standard.

1. Connect your VAIO computer to the Internet and download and install the latest updates using VAIO Update.

2. On the model without a built-in optical disc drive, connect an external optical disc drive (not supplied) to your VAIO computer. [Details]

3. Press the ASSIST button while your VAIO computer is on to start VAIO Care (Desktop).

• If you are signed in to your VAIO computer as a standard user, you may be prompted to enter an administrator name and a password.

4. Select Advanced Tools, Restore and recovery, and Create Recovery Media.

5. Read the on-screen instructions carefully and select Next.

6. Follow the on-screen instructions.

• It may take some time to display the current status of the procedure.

• Do not eject or disconnect the media while creating Recovery Media, as doing so may result in a failure of the process.

• Keep Recovery Media in a secure place.

Notes on creating Recovery Media

• Recovery Media is specific to your VAIO computer on which it was created.

• Refreshing your VAIO computer with Recovery Media is not possible.

• Create Recovery Media immediately after your VAIO computer is ready for use. In the following cases, you may not be able to recover the computer from the recovery area and the Recovery Media will be necessary:

• You have modified the recovery area with apps designed for data modification.

• You have installed an operating system different from the preinstalled operating system on the computer.

• You have formatted your built-in storage device without using VAIO Care (Rescue Mode) : Recover or maintain your system.

• Do not touch or soil the surface of the discs. Fingerprints or dust on the surface may cause read/write errors.

• To create Recovery Media, you may need the free space on the C: drive more than double capacity of media you use. Depending on the model you purchased, you cannot create the Recovery Media at the time of delivery due to the shortage of the free space even if the optical disc drive supports Blu-ray disc or Double/Dual Layer DVD media.

• Refer to the help file included with VAIO Care beforehand when you use a USB flash drive as Recovery Media.