Reinstalling windows on sony vaio PCG-K35

[overture21]

My vaio's been acting VERY slow the last couple of months and I've gotten tired of trying to find out what's wrong with it (scanned it hundreds of times). So, I've decided to re-install windwos XP. Problem is I have XP SP 2, which didn't come with the comp.

Sony suggests I make a recovery kit, but my model didn't come with that software. They also suggest to buy it from them, but they're not in stock. So, should I DL all the drivers needed for it and just re-install with windows XP SP 2 or am i asking for alot of trouble? Thanks guys

[snowmonkey]

Did you buy the Windows XP SP2 separately....or it came with the PC ?

If you need to re-install XP then you have to do it.....so it's a good idea to backup the data into a DVD or few CDs before doing anything drastic.

Before, you do the reinstall......do you have the XP serial number in had or not, if not.....go to this site :http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

and download the "Keyfinder" software...run it on your PC , this software will find the XP serial number show it to you (write it down).

Now you can start the reinstall.....don't worry about the drivers....most of the drivers are embedded in Windows XP and if you run into a snag and can';t find a driver....then just drop a line here and someone will be able to help you out.

Happy re-installing

Cheers

[overture21]

So how should i go about backing up the data? are you talking about personal stuff or a recovery system?

[snowmonkey]

I'm talking about personal stuff......backing up could be done many ways...but the easiest & fastest way it to burn them on to CD or DVD using burning software.


Cheer

[ShivaX]

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu...ype=Everything

[ShivaX]

P.S.
Wrote a a disertation-sized reply, but the silly javascript thing ate it!
In short:
The link will take you to Sony support site for your (and, unfortunately, my) model number, and the same site gives detailed instructions on updating / upgrading XP.
*Do NOT* back up everything - you'll (obviously) get the same set of spyware/malware/rootkits which is making your box slow[er]. Instead, savethe install files, S.N.'s and such [cough ... cough] for the software you need, and re-install. Save personal stuff (pics, muzac, seedy porn?) - burn cd's. Install a trustworthy virus scanner *right after* installing XP, *before* going on line. If your XP copy is original, the serial is on the stickie on the back of your box (home ed lives on a hoidden partition and could be accessed with either the sony recovery applet (lives in the control panel), or PartitionMagic & IsoBuster or some such. If you doubt the authenticity of your copy of XP, still download all the updates right away, except for the "Authenticity check tool".
Good luck.
-dim