Creating Recovery Media

To create Recovery Media

• You can use DVDs, Blu-ray Disc, or a USB flash drive as Recovery Media.

• On the model without a built-in optical disc drive:
  Use a USB flash drive.

• On the model with a built-in optical disc drive:
  It is recommended that you use DVD-R media, because data can be accidently deleted from a USB flash drive. You can also use BD-R/BD-R DL/DVD-R DL/DVD+R/DVD+R DL media; however, the type 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. If you create Recovery Media (optical discs) 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.

• 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 then select Next.

6. Follow the on-screen instructions.

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

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

• Keep Recovery Media in a secure place.

Notes on creating Recovery Media

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

• You cannot refresh your VAIO computer using Recovery Media.

• 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 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 allow the surface of the discs to become dirty. Fingerprints or dust on the surface may cause read/write errors.

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

• Refer to the help file included with VAIO Care before using a USB flash drive as Recovery Media.