Official Sony VAIO AW Series 18.4" Owners thread

Hello guys

I've just bought a Sony Vaio VGN-AW21S/B. It has everything I need, but I would like to change the 500GB 4200 rpm HDD to two 500 GB 7200 rpm ones. Is it possible? I opened the HDD bay, and I realized I need a second ribbon cable and a caddy, for a second HDD.
So I have a few questions:
Will my system work with 2 HDDs? Does it have a RAID controller, or if not, will it work in non-raid config?
The ribbon cable is the same at both HDDs?
Where can I buy a cable and a caddy? I've searched on ebay, without success. Does any of you has these to sell?

Regards

 

torstenian
Can you please tell me the part number of the caddy and cable?

 

why u dont read couple posts back ?

 

I've been searching for a few days now, and found it. My system has no options in the advanced tab in bios, so that means no Raid for me?

Also if someone has a connector for sale for a decent price, please let me know. I find the $82+shipping a bit harsh.

 

A question of technical knowledge ...

hello .. am a rookie with computers ... I have a VGN-AW290 and I have to change the screen ... the serial number is behind the laptop is LTN184HT01-S01 LCD which are compatible with my laptop .? I bought on ebay, 2 screen and I had to return because 1)-did not fit with what I had requested .... Chinese were genericos.2) - had no serial number 3)-it looked completely white screen ...... if someone offers me their email I can send photos of the broken screen .... thank you very much guys ....

Could I locate my computer Specifications are these:
Screen Size: 18.4 "
Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (full HD)

Back Light Technology: two connector
XBRITE-FullHD ™ Technology: Yes

 

sorry ..... forget my email to if they want to send pictures of my old screen .... VGN-AW290 Need to know which COMPATIBILITY the screen, and is apparently very difficult to get the same model pantalla.el this screen model is LTN184HT01-S01 .... please if anyone knows and is aware that I know. .. and not download pictures to this page ...

my email is [email protected]

 

No, I have not. I still have 50GB left on my 320GB drive and I may go New 500GB Seagate XT hybrid SSD-HDD drive because extra cable and caddy is too expensive.

This link is one forum member's website for step by step pictures for install 2 Intel SSD drives to AW. You may find useful.
Jay Keller dot Com

 

Hey Chimo,

I don't know your answer but there are two "Back Light technology"s AW using.
One is regular FL back light and other one is 3 RGB LED back light.

If you have US version, check bottom of your AW and if there is Mercury Lamp warning then you have regular one.

Call Sony and get model number of your LCD then go to Ebay and buy that model.
Information of Sony Parts and Accessory Sales is here.
https://servicesales.sel.sony.com/ecom/accessories/web/index.jsp

 

Does anybody tried new Intel WiFi Ultimate-N 6300 AGN with AW?

It is working with Sony VPC-Z11.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/481385-vpc-z11-intel-wifi-ultimate-n-6300-agn-upgrade-pics.html

1. 6300 is smaller then 5100.
2. Is there space for 3rd antenna?
3. Is 5100 easy to reach and replace?

 

g

can anyone help me to solve this problem? i have this error for few weeks already. I have a Sony Vaio VGN-AW290JFQ. It has 1tb raid 0 memory(2x Fujistsu MHZ2500BT G1 HDDs)

PS: Till now i can access all information from my HDD...i have over 800gb space used from ~950GB Available...

PLEASE HELP ME!!!

You can see down Intel Matrix Storage Manager Report:


System Information

Kit Installed: 8.9.0.1023
Kit Install History: 8.9.0.1023, Uninstall
Shell Version: 8.9.0.1023

OS Name: Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate
OS Version: 6.1.7600 Build 7600
System Name: VAIO
System Manufacturer: Sony Corporation
System Model: VAIO
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU T9550 @ 2.66GHz
BIOS Version/Date: American Megatrends Inc. R3072Y2, 09/19/2009

Language: ENU



Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager

Intel RAID Controller: Intel(R) ICH8M-E/ICH9M-E/PCHM SATA RAID Controller
Number of Serial ATA ports: 4

RAID Option ROM Version: 8.0.0.1039
Driver Version: 8.9.0.1023
RAID Plug-In Version: 8.9.0.1023
Language Resource Version of the RAID Plug-In: 8.9.0.1023
Create Volume Wizard Version: 8.9.0.1023
Language Resource Version of the Create Volume Wizard: 8.9.0.1023
Create Volume from Existing Hard Drive Wizard Version: 8.9.0.1023
Language Resource Version of the Create Volume from Existing Hard Drive Wizard: 8.9.0.1023
Modify Volume Wizard Version: 8.9.0.1023
Language Resource Version of the Modify Volume Wizard: 8.9.0.1023
Delete Volume Wizard Version: 8.9.0.1023
Language Resource Version of the Delete Volume Wizard: 8.9.0.1023
ISDI Library Version: 8.9.0.1023
Event Monitor User Notification Tool Version: 8.9.0.1023
Language Resource Version of the Event Monitor User Notification Tool: 8.9.0.1023
Event Monitor Version: 8.9.0.1023

Array_0000
Status: No active migrations
Hard Drive Data Cache Enabled: Yes
Size: 931.5 GB
Free Space: 0 GB
Number of Hard Drives: 2
Hard Drive Member 1: FUJITSU MHZ2500BT G1
Hard Drive Member 2: FUJITSU MHZ2500BT G1
Number of Volumes: 1
Volume Member 1: Volume0

Volume0
Status: Normal
System Volume: Yes
Volume Write-Back Cache Enabled: No
RAID Level: RAID 0 (striping)
Strip Size: 128 KB
Size: 931.5 GB
Physical Sector Size: 512 Bytes
Logical Sector Size: 512 Bytes
Number of Hard Drives: 2
Hard Drive Member 1: FUJITSU MHZ2500BT G1
Hard Drive Member 2: FUJITSU MHZ2500BT G1
Parent Array: Array_0000

Hard Drive 0
Usage: Array member
Status: Normal
Device Port: 0
Device Port Location: Internal
Current Serial ATA Transfer Mode: Generation 1
Model: FUJITSU MHZ2500BT G1
Serial Number: K70CT8C26LRP
Firmware: 0041000C
Native Command Queuing Support: Yes
Hard Drive Data Cache Enabled: Yes
Size: 465.7 GB
Physical Sector Size: 512 Bytes
Logical Sector Size: 512 Bytes
Number of Volumes: 1
Volume Member 1: Volume0
Parent Array: Array_0000

Hard Drive 1
Usage: Array member
Status: Error occurred
Device Port: 4
Device Port Location: Internal
Current Serial ATA Transfer Mode: Generation 1
Model: FUJITSU MHZ2500BT G1
Serial Number: K70CT8C26LRJ
Firmware: 0041000C
Native Command Queuing Support: Yes
Hard Drive Data Cache Enabled: Yes
Size: 465.7 GB
Physical Sector Size: 512 Bytes
Logical Sector Size: 512 Bytes
Number of Volumes: 1
Volume Member 1: Volume0
Parent Array: Array_0000

Unused Port 0
Device Port: 5
Device Port Location: Internal

CD/DVD Drive 0
Device Port: 1
Device Port Location: Internal
Current Serial ATA Transfer Mode: Generation 1
Model: PIONEER BD-RW BDR-TD01
Serial Number: Data not reported
Firmware: 1.00

 

someone know if the screen of sony vaio cr fit to sony vaio cs ?

 

@tolick

hi i have setup RAID cos i like RAID 0
but the vaio aw disapointed me completly !!
i have removed blu ray cos i wanted achieve quad ssd RAID but this controller is crap !! it wont allow me to create quad RAID gutted !!
look on my pics ..

 

@tolick

here are hubs and chipset what each support ..
Intel® Rapid Storage Technology (Intel® RST) — What features are supported on each I/O controller hub (ICH)?

and you using very old matrix download latest one .. http://downloadmirror.intel.com/15251/eng/STOR_allOS_9.6.0.1014_PV.exe
and try format that fujitsu reconnect or it ma be fat 32 have them all same NTFS

 

i think it is useless unless u have perfect and powerfull router that can handle up to 500MB/s then yes replace wi-fi to 6300

I have installed 5300 AGN and I have LAN cable connected to laptop cos my router is 54MB/s i had d-link 300MB/s but i had to change to line one and am not gonna spend 200 pounds or 300 pounds for router 5GHz
and in aw is just two antenas you need to add manually third and I ll tell you that is a s**t job ! i have done it and I had problems to remove display
you need to run antena wire under lcd gosh thats messy job .. after that i didnt noticed any differences or speed up ..

 

Thank you Musuta.

From my home I can detect 18 APs on 2.4GHz band and 0 on 5Ghz band. I bought Linksys e2000 and tried 5GHz band. Problem is 5Ghz band is not so good for range. Signal drop from -50db(2.4GHz) to -65 to -70db(5GHz). I thought 3rd antenna will help if easy to install.

I will give up because sound like messy job to add 3rd antenna.
I may try to add external antenna to my Linksys e2000.

 

1. Back up the drive. Use USB drive or DVD writer and utility like Norton Ghost.
2. Use as is and see if problem will go away. Most HDD has auto reallocate bad sector and adaptive algorithm to fix the small problem by it self.
3. If still problem, make sure your backup is up to date.
Go to Disk Manager and remove all partitions then recreate new partitions. remember all the data on the disk will be lost.
4. Long format the partition. (not quick format) It will take long time but Windows may map out bad sectors of your drive and fix the problem.
5. If still problem, change the drive. For Raid-0 to get the best performance, buy same drive or buy 2 high performance drives to make a new pair.

Good luck!

 

Hiya Becasue the restore point fixed my issues I never did carry-out a full recovery using the recovery disks.

In the mean time I've managed to get WIN7 Upgrade disks from Sony.

I now have even more serious problems and have to carry out a full restore with the the recovery disks.

My question is rather than carrying out the restore back to orginal factory settings, will installing the WIN7 upgrade amount to the same as carrying out a restore factory settings or do I have carry use the recovery disks first and then the upgrade WIN7 disks.

 

Hiya,
Not good idea to upgrade to Windows 7 from broken Vista.
Better to recover Vista first then upgrade.

If you don't need to keep pre-installed software, the best option is install Windows 7 from scratch.

1. If you have Adobe software or other software that you want to keep. Get serial number so you can reinstall later.
2. Download same version of Windows 7 from this link.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/win...-7-download-links-just-like-vista-before.html.
3. Remove/create new partition and install Windows 7 from scratch.
Use product ID from your win 7 upgrade DVD.
4. Run Sony AW companion disk if you have one.
5. If still missing the driver. Go to Mujja's thread.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/379870-aw-x64-vista-win7-drivers-utilities.html

Good Luck!

 

Thanks for the info, much appreciated.

Is it possible to recover VISTA using the recovery disks and not wiping all the software etc from the C drive.


My set-up is with the 128g soild state C drive with recovery partition and seperate 500gig hard drive.

 

Hello guys! I would like an advice!

I have VGN-AW41ZF/B and I want to upgrade the CPU. The chipset of this laptop is PM45 Express and according to Intel this chipset is capable of supporting up to QX9300 processor. Will I be able to change the processor? As far as I know, BIOS should recognise the new processor, otherwise laptop won't be able to operate.

Also, the CPU would be removed easily from its socket or should I consult a service center to have it replaced?

Thank you in advance for your responses!!

 

No, My understanding is recovery using recovery disk will wipe c: drive.

What kind of problems you have.

Depend of your problem, you can try following options. Those are not suppose to overwrite c: drive. (back up your drive first. no guarantee from me )
1. Using Restore to going back the date before you have a problem.
2. Rename bad file with name like xxx.yyy and never access.
3. Uninstall and reinstall problematic softwares or games.
4. Install Vista with overwrite option. (without re-partition, without re-format)

Good Luck!

 

CPU is in the socket so you can change the processor. I heard hardest part is removing around 20 screws from the bottom. You can see the CPU socket from this site. (2nd picture under the heat pipe)
Jay Keller dot Com

Some forum member already tried T9900 and worked but nobody tried QX9300.
From spec should work but we don't know BIOS is supporting or not. My guess is no because I've never seen Sony notebook with QX9300.
If you have extra CPU please try it and let us know the result.

Good Luck!

 

Thanks for the info. I'm nearly fixed. The error 80072EFE is known but not all that common. If anyone can't update windows or get the error 80072EFE some versions of window don't give the error code. The little thing causing all the hassle is know as a 'ROOTKITS'


To fix the problem you need what known as a 'TDSSKILLER' and more info and the killer app can be found here:

How to remove malware belonging to the family Rootkit.Win32.TDSS (aka Tidserv, TDSServ, Alureon)?

Now I have stable Vista, I can now use the upgrade disks or do you still recommend and clean install of WIN7???

 

Hi All

I Have Big Problem With My AW11Z

My Battery Life Drop After 40 Min From 100% What Should I Do With This

Situation

I Using Windows 7 *64Bit

 

Sounds like your battery is about to fail, if you use your laptop a lot plugged into the mains this can sometimes sorten the life of the battery, I barely get 20 minutes from my battery. From day one I've only used my AW11 plugged into the mains

 

80% plugged 20% Battery

So I Need To Buy A New Battery? Its To Expensive ...

Mybe Its Because Im Using Windows 7 ? Because I Dont Have All The Drivers Of The Computer Like Vaio Power Management And I Upgrade My Bios To
R1054Y2

 

80% plugged 20% Battery

So I Need To Buy A New Battery? Its To Expensive ...

Mybe Its Because Im Using Windows 7 ? Because I Dont Have All The Drivers Of The Computer Like Vaio Power Management And I Upgrade My Bios To
R1054Y2

Thanks

 

Yes. when I upgraded to Win 7, Sony companion disk did not work and I could not connect to my desk top PC to share the files and printer. After clean install everything is working now.
When you clean install, remove recovery partition and merge to your C: drive partition so you gain 10GB of space in c:drive.

You can try upgrade first without input Product ID key to see if upgrade is work for you or not. MS is allowing you to try Win 7 for 30days or until your windows will complain.

 

Few things you can do.

1. Make sure select Balanced in power option page of the control panel.
You can tune more option by select change plan setting.
2. I was told battery life will be longer(Degrade less) if I use Vaio power management to set charge level to 40-60% instead of 100%. (You have to set back to 100% before you go out)
3. I undervolt my AW to save more power. see guide for more information.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/har...arket-upgrades/235824-undervolting-guide.html


Good Luck!

 

Thanks

But Its To Complicated For Me

I'll Talk With Sony Tomorrow Lets See What They Say About This

 

Hi All

I Install Clean Windows 7 64Bit On My AW11Z

Do I Have To Install All The Notebook Utilities?

Because I Dont Need All The Special Buttons I Only Install The Grafhics Driver And The TouchPad Driver

Do I Need To Update My Bios ?

What Drivers Are Necessary And What Not Necessary?

Thanks All

 

I need a little more help guys, when I playback any movie fille via any media-player the disply is quite dark.

The display for normal stuff like surfing, WP'ing etc is fine. Any ideas how I can brighten up the screen when using a media player.

 

Right click, Nvidia advanced settings, then pick Nvidia to control videos settings. Increase brightness to your liking. I've been messing around with this and I've been able to get very good video display. I have found that every movie needs special treatment. Just adjust the brightness, contrast, and gamma until it looks good.

 

Anybody use the Sony AW backpack? Does it offer good support for the AW? Does it kill your back?

I travel a lot by air and they will only let you carry 2 things on board. Checking luggage just plain stinks. Thinking about using the backpack for the AW and the other odds and ends needed for traveling and then a small carry-on luggage for clothes and stuff.

Amazon.com: Sony VGP-CCP5/R VAIO Deluxe Backpack for AW series (Red): Electronics: Reviews, Prices & more

 

Thanks for the info, I've already tried that and it messes up the display for other uses, I was hoping that the media play could be set-up seperatlly so that when you use the media player the display switches to different display settings.

 

Hi guys
I recently bought a sony vaio AW290JFQ,(2x500GB at 4200RPM=1TB Raid0.
upgraded it to windows 7 ultimate 64-bit'
i have 8GB RAM ready but wait until i get help to how to replace the 2 HDD 4200 RPM on Raid 0 with 2 new HDD at 7200RPM(i am eying the Momentus XT actually) if it's possible.I am not an expert and seek an advice.
Thanks for any help

 

Hi man everything is possible
I have similar laptop to yours

 

Great!
I need to know how to proceed, cause I am not expert on pcs . I need help how to replace those HDD bearing in mind my originals are on Rai zero.
I need to know how to proceed step by step to use Momentus XT 500GB(7200RPM) but there is obviously things to do before that.And the next step is adding RAM, but that process will marginal.
What do you mean by everything is possible?
Thanks but How?
Best

 

Sounds like you need to read post 2343. Replacing the hdd's is easy. Just a few screws. I like the 7k500's personally.

One bit of advice. After you install the hdds, start up the AW without the OS. Make the changes to the BIOS to set up the RAID 0 first and then install Windows. If you start Windows first and then try to set up the RAID it will erase your OS and set you back to square one.

 

Fortunately, you can right click the Nvidia control panel and go back to the default video control and it will save your setup. So, when you want to watch media you can just go back to the control panel and switch it back. That's what I do.

 

Hi There

Thanks for the info.
Actionally i have a question concerning the Momentus XT 500GB with it's 4Gb Nand Flash, and it's compatibility with the sony vaio AW290JFQ.What do you think?Are they compatible or should i just forget about it.
Thanks

 

Evening gentlemen. This will be my first post but hopefully someone will have a fix or at least a push in the right direction. I've been the proud owner of a VGN-AW190 for the last 22 months and have been through 2 drive failures that have both been covered under warranty. The last failure was back in January and everything has been fine since until yesterday. I was watching a movie and it locked up and started playing a 0.5 second audio loop. Which, by the way, was THE most obnoxious thing I've ever heard because it was a little girl screaming at that exact instant the failure occured. Anyways, I restart the system and get greeted with "Operating system not found". Awesome. My hard drive is not detected in the bios either so thinking its a crashed drive, I swap it out with another drive from another laptop and get the same thing. OS not found and nothing in bios. Tried reseting bios defaults and no change. Also installed both drive into my desktop and they both work fine. I backed up my important files while it was in there just in case. I've also disassembled the case and disconnected the CMOS battery for a bit and that made no difference. I'm wondering if its the sata controller and if there is any way to test it. I've been looking for hardware diagnostic tools that will check a sata controller but havent had any luck. I noticed, while I was inside the laptop, that the port used to install a second hard drive isnt the same size as the first drive port so I can't switch the cable into that port but the port my blu-ray drive is connected to appears to be the same size. Anyone know if I can connect my sata drive and cable to that port to test the original port and cable since I know the drive is good? At this point I'm running out of options. How long would a CMOS battery have to be out for everything to reset? The date and time reset when I had mine out but I want to be sure. What else can I do?

Edit : Oh and I don't know if it matters or not but there isn't a single thing displayed in the Advanced Bios menu. Its completely blank.

I'm going to try to flash the latest bios update assuming I can find a way to do it without a working hard drive.

Is it possible that my chipset drivers or bios got corrupted somehow during the crash? Where are the sata controller drivers stored?

 

hello guys i just upgraded my vaio and i have nice slim USB 3.0
like original isn'e ?

 

How's the real world speed? I don't really have the need for external storage, but I'm curious about back-up speeds. Was it worth it?

 

it's more like equip to the future ..
am not planning to buy laptop for few years ...

 

That second port should be the same size, its just reversed. Try plugging it in.

 

Can you give us the model and part number?

 

I uploaded the VGN AW series service manual for you guys to view or download. Hope this will help some of you with part numbers and dis-assembly.

VGN-AW1 Series Service Manual #985239403

 

Hello
i am looking a 64bit win7 ultimate aw11 series key , when anybody can share it with me please pm.I have just original vista home from factory :-( but 64 bit uses all the 4G ram.

 

U uploaded manual u have the link
here u goo :
Discount High-Speed Expresscard 34mm to USB 3.0 Express Card