Vista laptop, running XP, returning to Vista...

[Lone_Par]

H folks. Simple conundrum....I have a 5 year old Sony Viao that came with Vista. About 2 years ago I wiped the Vista install and replaced with XP as the wife could only access her work stuff remotely using XP. It's since been gathering dust as I've moved across to macs, but I wanted to reinstall Vista on the machine. However I've lost the recovery disks. The Vista product key is on the bottom of the laptop.

Is there any way (without having to ask Sony for the recovery disks) I can get Vista back on the machine?

Thanks in advance.

Gaz

[Hedge]

I guess you could just use any Vista disk and the product key on your laptop.

[swedishfireball]

You're best off seeing if you could get hold of the Sony recovery disk via torrent etc. Not illegal as long as you have the COA on the bottom. What model is it?

[Lone_Par]

Cheers. Going to have a proper look later but we've moved house since!!

It's a Vgn-c2s

[sub39h]

why don't you wanna ask Sony? i can't imagine they'd charge you for a new recovery disc?

[Lone_Par]

why don't you wanna ask Sony? i can't imagine they'd charge you for a new recovery disc?

Just the hassle. I'm just tinkering with this old laptop and I'm not overly fussed about it - just if I can get it done relatively easy then I'd do it. If not then back in the loft it goes!!

[bakili]

You can install Vista (from any disc or download) and use your product key.
After installation just go to Sony website and download all drivers for your machine.

[Jussa]

Are u sure there isn't a hidden recovery partition on the laptop already - most laptops have them but don't mention it.  Try google the Sony model number with the words 'recovery partition'