I wonder where that is... I'll look for it.

That says software cannot see the disk drive. Explains why Windows cannot load from the disk drive. Only implies a disk hardware failure. Your previous BIOS tests implied drive hardware was working.

If diagnostics (ie test from the disk drive manufacturer) report the drive hardware defective, then only way to obtain data is to replace electronics on the drive OR a data recovery service OR attempt same with the disk attached to another computer interface.

If diagnostics report disk hardware as good, programs on PTDD, other disk recovery software (ie SpinRite from Gibson Research) or Recovery Console (the windows install cd) probably can restore the disk or recovery data.

First question I have is: How new is this Vaio? It may have a newer SATA controller that Windows/UBCD may not recognize.

Do you have a USB to SATA drive interface? You may want to get one, plug the drive into it, and use UBCD to see if it can see the drive.

Not new, sept 08

I assume I don't but I'll ask jim...

The purpose of that test is to see if there's a problem with the onboard SATA controller on the motheboard.

I made a joke - much like Jim would do, except since Jim is the one with the issue he could not. There was nothing nasty about it.

I can't find the box of disks that came with laptops.... I think the squirrel sold them or something. Jim will find it when he gets home.

Sorry to be incompetent mb, but I appreciate your help.

That's a piece of hardware
 

The USB to SATA interface is a piece of hardware. It costs like $20 online, and it lets you connect hard drives over USB so you can see if they work, or if it is a problem with the motherboard.

DVD drives usually run off of a different controller. Therefore, the DVD drive working and the hard drive not working can be indicative of a bad controller.

Oh! Yeah, I think Jim and zippy were discussing this option last night. We don't have one unless Jim bought one today.

He works in a different state, I haven't really talked to him yet today...

hopefully

All mine do, they're all from Dell.

The question is whether the installer will 1) See the hard drive 2) Recognize that there is a previous install on it. If both those things are true, then it might be useful.

If, as mb ponders, it is a controller issue, then the windows install disk would be no use at all.

MB - are the hard drive controllers built into the motherboard on laptops?

I can't find the stuff that came with these two computers. and I don't have one of those SATA things.

a note.....

when in the BIOS screen, the Hard drive shows up, but it's grey and not selectable.



i can't find the discs, but zippy found this: http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu...NFW140EH&LOC=3

is what I need on there, assuming that's our computer?

Yes they are, that means if the HD works, you have to either find someone really good at soldering individual chips at a near-microscopic level, or replace the motherboard.

What does it show for the hard drive in the BIOS screen?