Official 2012 Sony S Series Owners Thread

I need to replace my defective optical drive. Where can I find one? I don't care if it is used as long as it works.

 

Ended up getting the Samsung PRO ssd. Does anyone have a P/N for the battery/memory/HDD cover/door in black? I may have slightly damaged mine during SSD installation.

 

Can someone please help me. I got the Photoshop CS3 installation, IF anyone knows how to fix the problem plz help. When i install it it says "Component Install Failed" and shared components installs but photoshop doesnt

 

It's obviously because you have Windows 8. Do a search on google like "photoshop cs3 windows 8" and browse the forum results, perhaps it can be installed with some tweaking of compatibility settings and such. Otherwise, you can always run some virtual machine with some Windows XP or Windows 7 32 or whatever that thing works on.

 

Hi Guys,

I've upgraded to Windows 8 months ago and been using it for quite sometime... i just noticed that when i run say WEI ratings, it only utilize my internal graphics and not my nvidia card....ok fine WEI i don't really care much...but then, i've used one of the Revit Benchmark tools (yes, I'm running Revit 2014 on my Vaio S...) and when the results came out, even on hybrid graphics mode with the nvidia card set to high performance and even OCd... it still uses my built-in HD graphics... I might have miss a few things here... so please enlighten me. Does hybrid graphics doesn't really work on W8?

Thanks!

Rhoel

 

I found an used one on local ads. The seller asks for $1000. Is it a good deal?
Here's the specs

Sony Vaio SVS151190S
Intel Core i7-3612QM 2.1GHz quad-core processor
12GB 1333MHz DDR3 RAM (4GB fixed onboard + 8GB Crucial stick)
256GB SSD
2GB NVIDIA GeForce GT 640M LE (can be overclocked to effectively double performance)
1080p IPS Panel (the reason I chose a Vaio S, beautiful display)
Genuine Windows 7 64-bit Home Premium
Slot-Load DVD Burner
1x HDMI
1x VGA
2x USB 3.0
1x USB 2.0
1x RJ-45
Multi-card reader(s) (one SD, one Sony MemoryStick Pro)

All in about 4.5lbs with a slim profile.

 

My Vaio is frustrating me again.

If I let it sit idling for 15 minutes, it goes to sleep...just how I have set it up in the Power settings. When I turn it back on, all is well. But then if I walk to the other room, let it idle for 1 minute - it goes back to sleep. IN JUST ONE MINUTE! The settings have not changed. And it keep doing it until I restart the machine.

I have a sneaking suspicion that it's not a Windows issue, but more of a Sony software problem. Anyone else experienced this?

 

HI,
I have a US-SVS151190X-LBOM-3 and it is like 3 months after the 1 year warranty. Now my keyboard is not working, need to replace the black back lit keyboard, PN 149015311US. How can I get this keyboard? I saw it on a website, but it is like 170 USD. Sony SVS151190X Backlit Keyboard - $171.00 : US PC Parts, Professional PC Parts Supplier. Is the keyboard that much expensive?

IS there any fuse associated with the keyboard? Initially the TAB key was not working, the rest of the keys in the keyboard were working, I tried reinstalling the keyboard driver a few times(as recommended by Sony) and finally on one try, the entire keyboard stopped responding. Even the Bios is not detecting the keyboard(I cannot go to BIOS using this keyboard) Now I am using a wireless KB


Thanks

 

Did you spill something on there?

Since you will need to open the entire computer to replace the keyboard I would recommend checking the ribbon cable is correctly seated before ordering a new part.. try cleaning the contacts of the ribbon cable with rubbing alcohol also.

 

Am I the only one getting 'SecureBoot isn't configured correctly' watermarked on the desktop, having just updated my Windows 7 model to Windows 8.1?

 

I can't even get Windows 8.1 to boot at this point, it's stuck after restart at the spinning load page. I was trying to update from Windows 8 and this is the second time it has seemingly failed.

 

hi guys, anyone made update to windows 8.1 from windows 8 ? everything is working fine (drivers) ? do you still have your desktop programs ? do you have windows_old folder on c drive ?

 

1) yes, there is win_old file,
2) all driver works but stamina/speed doesen't works; so both vga works togheter, warming a lot.

I hate this notebook too many problems with every update

 

Here, everything works fine... There are also some new downloads up on the Sony site. I had to reinstall the bluetooth and wifi drivers for instance (even though wifi already worked, but windows prompted me to do it...). The switch works here, Try installing all new stuff from sony for 8.1 and run windows update.

There WAS a windows.old folder, but I got rid of it by running disk cleanup. I would have preferred to do a clean install but I'll wait for a free weekend to do that. I use linux as my main OS anyway

 

I have it too... But that's because SecureBoot is disabled Linux doesn't like it...

But, on topic, I tried enabling it again to see, and then the watermark disappears again. I had an option in my BIOS to reset the secureboot settings, maybe that could be the solution. (I have an s13 win8 model...).

 

I have the same issue - I checked the BIOS (which was upgraded when I did the Win 7 to Win 8 upgrade) and there is no Secure Boot option in there. I also have another issue when using the laptop - SVS13A1C5E - in the docking station - it toggles between the external monitor and the internal screen every 30 or 40 seconds or so for about 10 seconds and then toggles back. It is the same if I plug the monitor directly into the HDMI port on the laptop itself. So I have rolled back my Win 8 image currently and abandoned 8.1 for the time being

 

I have the SVS1511C5E model and had exactly the same problem. During the spinning logo, I simply powered off the laptop and on restart, I was prompted to try and restore the installation... went through the second time.
To be brutely honest though, I acquired the full install iso of 8.1 and installed afresh as apposed to updating.... never liked installing service packs or large updates over the top of an existing os installation... the least problems that way

 

thanks. You are right, today at european vaio site appeard new drivers section for windows 8.1 with new bt,wifi, card reader graphic card drivers. I also would rather do a clean install but it is easy for desktop, i always have problems with drivers and settings during clean install on notebook. Fortunately on my s13 there is no crapware from the beggining like in older vaios.

 

Same here but I have Secureboot disabled in the bios

 

Hi Guys:hi2:,

Seems like I have the same issue with the watermark after Windows 8.1 upgrade. I wouldn't mind trying disabling Secureboot in BIOS as I don't boot to other OS's however I do not have this option in BIOS.

This is really weird as some people here saying that they have it. I have SVS1511C5E model bought in UK.

Any help would be greatly appreciated as this watermark is really annoying....

 

S1512 got to 8.1 with no problems. I made sure I installed all the updated drivers off Sony's esupport, Bluetooth/wireless driver didn't want to install so I figured it had to be after 8.1 update and that's exactly what it was. Once I updated to 8.1 and installed the driver wifi works without problems.

There are three minor issues I have so far: blurred windows system boxes (probably due to new scaling feature), WiDi wont update to 4.2 and IE11 is unsupported by everything.

And there is one GIANT issue: Why Sony didn't put all the updates through their Update Service? Whats a purpose of that service if it doesn't feed you the latest drivers and updates?

 

In 8.1 you don't need the WIDI, its now part of 8.1,

Go to devices and project then add wireless display!

 

I see that my Bluetooth/Wireless is not compatible with windows 8.1 (i'm currently on W8 pro) ... does this means my network settings (i.e. profiles) needs to be reconfigured after installation and once drivers had been updated? so i need to re-join the domain...etc....

Thanks!

 

Come again please. What do I have to do?

My WiDi adapter is not here with me so I cannot test it but my WiDi software is at 4.0, tried updating to 4.2 off Intel's website but it's a no go. So no need to update you say?

 

Hi there, a quick question. I updated to Windows 8.1 yesterday and noticed my S15 is warming up a lot as well.
How did you determine that stamina/speed isn't working (both vga working together)?

My taskbar icon is showing the correct status (physical switch to Stamina, Stamina text will be displayed in icon and vice versa)
In game, with physical switch to Speed, I will get full performance. And Stamina will give me lag (expected).

But it is very weird how it is heating up quite a big on ideal while on Stamina compared to before (Windows 8.0)

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

 

Hi, any guide to install Windows 8.1 on a VPCSA3J1E/XI (with radeon graphics)? I would like to make a fresh install, not a upgrade. Most drivers for 8 and 8.1 on Sony page are "upgrade" of previous win7 drivers and can't be installed as standalone

 

Hello out there.
SVS13A and Windows 8.1 form Store = no problem!

I have noticed that after the 8.1 update the annoying ODD sound when waking the machine or booting it has gone!
In silent mode I have now after a year a rock solid performance Ultrabook

 

I removed it by force in the end:

How to remove ‘SecureBoot isn’t configured correctly’ watermark on Windows 8.1 — Dark's Code Dump

 

took the plunge... updated to Win 8.1...everything all well except being hunted by the dreaded secureboot disease... lol

 

I tried to follow this guide however when I try to find shell32 file I get no results and I can't proceed with closing dll files.

 

Then you're lucky and don't need to worry about closing handles first

 

I am so bummed out that Sony did not come out with a refined successor to the SVS15/13.

It's my favorite laptop ever. But eventually I will want to upgrade. A year is a long time for me to stick with any gadget.

 

Still no luck with bluetooth on Win 8.1. It wasnt detected after i upgraded to Win 8 Pro and doesnt show up after the 8.1 update.

 

Go here Sony eSupport - SVS1512EPXB - Drivers & Software

Try it. Its a BT update you run after you upgrade to Win8.1

 

Download this...
https://www.dropbox.com/s/nfyrcmzushserfd/Remove Windows 8.1 Watermark.rar

Make a copy of C:\Windows\Branding\Basebrd\en-US\basebrd.dll.mui
C:\Windows\System32\en-US\shell32.dll.mui.

Launch Resource Hacker and open...

basebrd.dll.mui
go to string table 1 and delete line 11, "Windows 8.1" for core or 12, "Windows 8.1 Pro" for pro version, then confirm with compile script button and save.

shell32.dll.mui
go to string table 2070 and delete lines 33108, "%ws Build %ws" and 33117, "Secureboot isn't configured correctly", compile script button and save.

Then just take ownership and rights of original files and replace them with the copies you made
(run take ownership.reg file which gives you the option in the right click menu)

Finally run command prompt in admin mode (right click, run as admin) and run the mcbuilder command.
Restart and watermark will be gone.

*** NOTES
I initially had a problem replacing the shell32.dll.mui, even after ownership was taken... several attempts and restarts solved this
If you still see the windows version on the desktop, check that you removed all of the relevant lines from the string table within basebrd.dll.mui

 

Solution to the watermark problem from Microsoft!

Update removes the "Windows 8.1 SecureBoot isn't configured correctly" watermark in Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2

 

There seems to be an update already from Sony to fix this... (for my model anyway): Sony : SVS1313C5E updates | Updates voor SVS1313C5E | SVS1313C5E downloaden

 

Tried it but BT isnt even detected.

 

Did you try to go to Intel.com and grab the latest PRO WIRELESS file? There are going to be two of them you need to grab a bigger one.

 

Yup there is for mine SVS1512 as well. Why don't they push this crap through default Update app? Are they that much clueless?

EDIT: And I cannot install it. Sony extract window pops up but there is no follow up. Awesome. So does anybody know where the package extracts itself?

 

Has anyone attempted to install the new GeForce R331 drivers? It keeps failing on me for some reason.

 

Have been following this thread for sometimes. I don't know how to explain how helpful and amazing it is.
I would like to show my gratitude to everyone, you rocks!

 

@ exProphecy
the driver install worked flawlessly for me. You can give the Display Driver Uninstaller a try. Hope this solves your problem.

I am still having random reboots with my S13A, no clue what is causing them...
Doesn't matter if I am running on battery, power supply or both.
I tried simultaneous stress testing, replaced the cooling paste on the CPU & GPU, unplugged my extra memory and so on. I'm kind of lost. hate it when it happens. No BSOD, only a reboot occurring after 2 seconds.
If anyone else is experiencing something similar or knows the cause of this, I would be very thankful!

 

Works here, using windows 8.1... Maybe also update other drivers first (like the intel graphics drivers)?

 

Hi, I uninstalled Vaio Quick Web Access. It is the program that the dedicated web button used to launch a browser without turning on windows. I couldn't find it anywhere in Vaio Care or Sony's support website. Does anyone know where to find the installer? Thanks.

 

Hi
My English is bad (apologize in advance)
Help me find a sony vaio svs1511gfyb recovery partition

Thank you!

 

I just installed windows 8.1, and my touchpad has become completely unresponsive. Has anyone else had this problem?
What happens is that I have the driver installed, from the manufacturers website, and then restart the computer as the installer says. The touchpad starts to work fine, until I close the lid of the laptop (which puts it in sleep mode). When I open the laptop again the touchpad is completely unresponsive and continues to be unresponsive even after restarting the computer. The only thing that will fix this is to, yet again, re-install this driver. What am I doing wrong?

 

my vaio s 15 won't sleep automatically after upgrade to Windows 8.1. Do you all have any advice for me?

 

Help!

I've had my S15 for a year now...

I noticed it will not kick the processor speed up to full speed when I flip the switch now...It stays at 2.5ghz, what is wrong?
It used to go from 2.5 to 3.0ghz when I switch between stamina and speed on the switch..How can I fix this?

 

Check the settings in the vaio control center..