I have been trying to restore a Sony VAIO and have run into two major issues.  This posts discusses the first:

The model number on the front of the machine did not match the model number on the back of the machine.  This was a no-brainer since the model number on the back was not listed on Sony's support website but I wanted to confirm with Sony regardless.  Its been my experience that assumptions such as this one will bite you in the ass later on if your wrong.  If anyone can tell me why Sony would put two different model numbers on one machine it would be greatly appreciated.  Below is a copy of the e-mail I recieved from Sony:

Andrew Baran,

Thank you for contacting SONY Online Support.

The model number of your VAIO is PCVRX860.

Thank you for the opportunity to be of assistance.

The Sony Internet Support Team

Online Support and Services Center

CBE1

Archana

Enos Lives

This message and any attachments are solely for the use of intended recipients. They may contain privileged and/or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you received this email in error, and that any review, dissemination, distribution or copying of this email and any attachment is strictly prohibited. If you receive this email in error please contact the sender and delete the message and any attachments associated therewith from your computer. Your cooperation in this matter is appreciated.

Original Message Follows:

------------------------

Email Address: abaran[at]positivevision.biz

Recip : sos

Future Mail : No

Name : Baran, Andrew

Model/SN : PCV-RX860 / 3052388

OS : Windows XP

Hardware : Not Applicable

Issue : Recovery CD, System

Type : Support

:

Message : The model number on the back of my machine says is: PCV - 7762 while the model number on the front is: PCV-RX860. I am working under the assumption that PCV-RX860 is the correct model number. Is my assumption correct? Thanks in advance for any help.