lost installation/backup disc for sony vaio pc

[suff]

My son's pc needs to be set up to its original settings because of problems accessing the i/net - but he has mislaid the set up disc. Any ideas how to get around this problem please?

[Graham-W]

Can you just go back to the earliest restore point and restore from there?

[rojash]

Good grief - reset to original settings because of problems accessing the Internet?
That's a bit drastic - a bit like buying a new car because you've got a flat tyre.

[suff]

Thanks Rojash & GrahamW (aka Frank Z?) -Yeah it does seem a bit drastic but the advice he's been given via BT is to return the pc to original default settings. Not sure how to get back to earliest restore point - any clues appreciated

[chas2008]

did it actually have set up discs? many PCs dont anymore its accessed by hitting one of the F keys on start up.

[VHG]

Just because BT say that is the solution dont believe them.

When an IT support group dont know how to fix a problem they always says "reinstall Windows" or similar, which is basically a cop out.

I actually means "we dont really know what the problem is but if we give you something major to do we may never hear from you again".

While it MAY fix the problem it is a bit drastic and will cause you a LOT of work (all your programs need to be reinstalled, all the email and other things will need setting up, and you need to install all the latest Windows fixes etc). It could easily take you all day.

There must be an easier solution.

[Graham-W]

To get to restore points (in Xp) goto: Start/all programs/accesories/system tools/system restore.
Choose a date earlier than your problems and restore to that point.
It may work but it will do no harm. All your files and settings will be retained.