Hi William -
The file is C:\Windows\System32\Snyinst.oem
The file contains a string describing the software package included with the model (UCGxxxxEUM) on the first line, followed by a Build number and installer package (Buildxxx - xxxxxxx.SND), the first xxx is the ‘key’ that is mated to the BIOS, and the xxxxxxx.SND (on newer models) appears to be one of the folders embedded in the SONY*.PAC files on the recovery media. I believe this xxxxxxx.SND is probably the folder that contains the Sony Shared Library installer, which builds the Snyinst.oem file in the first place, and is used to mate the other installers with the BIOS, allowing them to run.
I don’t know how to rebuild the Windows install from the recovery set in order to make the Windows installation work, but if someone can provide you with the exact contents of the Snyinst.oem file and you place it in Windows\System32, you may be able to then run the Application Recovery Tool (ART) on your recovery set in order to load the originally installed applications.
The Snyinst.oem file is a simple text file, in the format:
UCGxxxxEUM
Buildxxx - xxxxxxx.SND
I should note, however, that this is the ‘key’ for US/Canadian/Mexican models. There may be something entirely different in place for other regions.
Jef