Official Sony VAIO F Series i5/i7 owners thread *Part 3*

What is this "Verde program" and how does it work?

Edit: Oh, this is where they release the same drivers for notebook and desktop GPUs? Already knew that! ... Already tested them with my F!

 

The Ati Radeon 5650 is now available for North America in the VPCEC290X Configure-to-Order... Good prices too. Well if this version has come stateside then i'm hopeful to a possibility that the F12 will include better options for screen(likely) and GPU(unlikely?)

Bigger 17" screen but glossy palmrest looks like it'll wear out pretty quickly.

 

NVIDIA Verde Notebook Drivers and NVIDIA's Updated Verde Driver Program. Vaio_F11 is not part of that automatic update program yet.

@ To no End: Hello stranger!

 

thanks very much Joe Bleau .
please answer my second question friends :

My another question is why sony use the FM at the last of F115FM model name instead of FX like other models ?
Does it it have a important reason ?

thanks .

 

Thanks Joe Bleau for info

Now I turned on my laptop, after let's say 15 hours plugged in and after 10 second right before entering windows it stopped. The screen was black with some random lines on screen. I had to restart it. What's up with that ?

 

There is a ton of_F11 model numbers variations, VPCF115FM is a configuration for BB. Besides having a specific BB marketing bloatware, they may be some minor differences like capacity of HDD or rotational speed or memory capacity, just to make price vs configuration comparison with other resellers more complicated. When the models are absolutely identical, it's very easy to hunt for the best price with shopping engines. My guess is more resellers will offer the F if they have a better chance of selling it with the price comparison made difficult.

Check this Vaio_F11_matrix for an update compatibility list of models for example.

VPCF111FX
VPCF111FX/B
VPCF111FX/H
VPCF112FX
VPCF112FX/B
VPCF112FX/H
VPCF113FX
VPCF113FX/B
VPCF113FX/H
VPCF114FX
VPCF114FX/B
VPCF114FX/H
VPCF115FM
VPCF115FM/B
VPCF116FX
VPCF116FX/B
VPCF116FX/H
VPCF117FX
VPCF117FX/B
VPCF117FX/H
VPCF1190X
VPCF119FX
VPCF119GX
VPCF119HX
VPCF11AFX
VPCF11AFX/B
VPCF11BFX
VPCF11BFX/B
VPCF11CGX
VPCF11CGX/B
VPCF11DGX
VPCF11DGX/B
VPCF11EGX
VPCF11EGX/B
VPCF11FGX
VPCF11FGX/B
VPCF11GGX
VPCF11GGX/B
VPCF11HGX
VPCF11HGX/B
VPCF11JFX
VPCF11JFX/B
VPCF11KFX
VPCF11KFX/B
VPCF11KFX/H
VPCF11LFX
VPCF11LFX/B
VPCF11LFX/H
VPCF11MFX
VPCF11MFX/B
VPCF11NFX
VPCF11NFX/B
VPCF11NFX/H
VPCF11PFX
VPCF11PFX/H

BB Bloatware:

 

I don't understand. Sounds like a guy going to the doctor & saying I'm sick w/o any further details.

 

Donno what more detalis to give ya . The laptop frozed 10 seconds after I turned it on, screen got black with some "artefacts"( some colored lines) on it, then I had to reset it.

 

Anyone know why the 330 NVIDIA graphic card isn't available anymore in the SonyStyle customizable F serie ??

Are they planing to release new versions of the F serie soon? I heard they will in July, and before buying one now i'd wait until July to have the newest version.

Thanks !

 

After doing what to your laptop: update, Windows update, new hardware or messin' around? Did you check your Start > search: event viewer > Custom Views > Administrative Events and Startup Diagnostics. Look for 'Error' or 'Critical' events.

Maybe it was not shutdown properly? Did it happen more than once? "Colored lines" is different than "random lines" which may mean random characters or text that is random to you but significant to somebody else. "Colored lines" sounds bad: video driver, video card, LCD, memory bad or not seated properly, bad motherboard, etc.

Try: ASSIST > Vaio_Care > Troubleshooting > Diagnostics > Hardware Tests:

 

Oh i see so no problem u had with built quality, the only reason i asked is because i saw a huge log of problems for the viao f11 series. Hmm, so the patch fixes the gfx problem eh..nice to know. And i love crysis. So should i wait for the f12? Also are there any other suggestions you might give me? Would the graphic card be suffice? so do i have to order it online if i want more RAM? Also did it come with bloatware? Also do i need a SSD? Also does the viao come with carder readers beside the SD and memory stick readers? Also is blue ray useful? Does it come with a burner? how is battery life

 

Hi All,
I don't know about you guys, but after I got my F, it was hard finding a decent messenger bag for it. The one had was a little too small and the others were for 17inch laptops and a little to big. I saw some on Sony's website but you can never tell until you have it in your hand. I finally went to the Sony store here and I got the VGP-AMB14/B and I really like it. The F fits perfectly and it has just the right amount of padding.

Hope this helps someone looking for a bag for their F

 

why dont you use shift i try to even if english is not my language check page 1 post 1 in this thread to find some replies to your questions how can we know if the video card or ssd or installed memory or "blue ray" is good enough for you? blue ray is not useful to people who do not use blue ray media. bloatware is relative see: F11_Series: Installed Vaio_Software Comparison with screen captures from 3 F users. Works is bloatware if you have Office or something else but it's not if you don't have any, for example. Compare_Vaio to brand X: who has more bloatware?

Search This thread with: battery life. Anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depends on settings & usage.

"...a huge log of problems" - Is relative. Go and visit other brands w/ i7 quad threads to see real problems like GPU & CPU throttling, overheating, bad BIOS, under powered A/C brick, etc, etc.

"so do i have to order it online if i want more RAM?" - No, you don't have to, you can ask for some as your birthday present or for xmas if you have been good this year.

You should wait for_F12: faster CPU & whatnot.

Fishin' trip canceled, too much rain so bare with me.

 

uhh....no comment XD
you got me confused, i saw ur list of pre-installed software Not that bloated. Also LMFAO i asked because the viao f comes with 2GB only? I thought it came with 6GB. adn what do you mean rain...and why u being so mean

 

Basic info please! Did it work properly after the reboot and continue to boot properly? If so it was a random one-time glitch during BIOS resource allocation, nothing to worry about. (that would be caused by a bad shutdown previously or sometimes a bad software crash.) If it KEEPS happening then the System or GPU's memory is defective.

 

sigh, he is being sarcastic. Basically all your questions have been answered in previous posts. I would suggest start at page 1 and go forward. Also as far as your questions on how much memory etc, I suggest research on the web... The standard is 2GB and you can pay them more for extra memory, or if you search part 2 or posts by me, you will find a link for where you can order it online.

hope this helps, and again, please search the thread here part 3 and go to Part2 of the thread all the questions you have have already been answered!

 

Thanks very much .
Is it safe to buy a sony vaio f115fm now ?
Or it is better to buy Asus N61JQ with better GPU and lower resolution for screen ( 1336 * 768 ) ?

 

Hello.
I need some technical help. My Vaio F11C5E arrived four days ago but its packaging was damaged. I called Sonystyle and they asked me to accept it anyway and to test it, because the F11 is now out of production and they could not easily replace it with a new one. If any problem shows up even after weeks they would replace it with a F12 when this becomes available or refund.

Unfortunately there were problems. First it didn't play well videos in full HD. After an driver update it goes better. But then I tried to go back to a point of restore of Windows an got a black screen and keep a black screen. Windows apparently starts up and then it returns black.
I called the technical support and they told me to return the notebook straight back to Sony and ask for the promised replacement. Sonystyle agreed, so that's OK.
Only I don't like to return a notebook which my personal information in it, so I would like to know if there is some combination of keys on the Vaio F11 to erase this. I forgot to ask the technician about it.

 

I think I have found the winner.

I have one Critical Event( Kernel-Power )
The system has rebooted without cleanly shutting down first. This error could be caused if the system stopped responding, crashed or lost power unexpectedly

The night before I thought the laptop shutdown when battery reached 2%

MelodyMaster, after reboot it worked fine. Now I turned it on and works fine.

 

There isnt any key combination to erease your data but the normal way is really simple:

Use windows cd/dvd if you have it from other computer, start the installation and format the hard drive. You could also use Hirens Boot cd or any other boot cd utility discs or linux cds or dvd to boot it before Win7 starts and format your hdd.

Last method is to take out hdd fro mthe laptp and connect it to the other computer and format it, but still, using bootable cd will get you a clean hard drive in couple of mins.

 

A simple thank you for the troubleshooting tips would have been welcome.

OTHO, glad you found the problem in Event Viewer. I set my min battery to 3% & action: shutdown.

 

Here is the secure way to Wipe and Erase Data: Start > Help & Support > search: erase data:



Basically: just use the recovery disc #1 & navigate to Wipe and Erase Data.

Your video problem is not hardware related, it depends on what type of media & where you get it. Flash Player and/or your browser if often the culprit. Search the web with the name of your website source & update software & plugins. For example: youtube video freezing. What browser are you using? Try an other one.

 

Ive had issues with my vaio from day 1. a rep from I.T. dept is suggesting have a technician drop in a new mobo for me on the spot.

Firstly the website for model f does not contain all the necessary installation drivers are software to hand pick after a clean install. Can list most of them but im too lazy. but there is 1 very key 400mb installer package you need if you want to run the necessary apps on your vaio and its called "Original - VAIO® Application Launcher" and you kind find it here Sony eSupport - VPCZ1190X - Software Updates & Drivers

My computer locks up @ least once a day under normal load temps im not getting into tests and all that my vaio should just work.

The atheros wlan card is has huge latency spikes in which I had to dload a moddified driver and disable background scanning. It helped alot but ill still get lock ups threw my i link port.

The paint job on the lid isnt durable @ all. All i do is slip it into a dedicated soft sleeve back back and it has small finger nail type scratches all over lid. my dell 1720 never had this problem.

I know im ranting but depite my flaws I still love the damn thing especially for the raw horespower.

Ido have a ? though has anyone successfully got the transferjet utility to install after a clean instalation of windows 7? mine crashes immediately after booting the computer on. It says i need to turn the transfer manger on which it wont let me do. The error code i provided to sony doesnt come up in their database either.

well i can wait for sony to call me or I can try them this beautiful saturday.

 

I thanked you before and I thank you again . Your tips are always welcomed. *cheers*

 

What do you mean by that?

 

Strange. I have none of these problems. I use a Sony Vaio neoprene sleeve with no problems. I use the original thin foam piece that was packaged with the computer to protect the laptop screen during transport. My Atheros card is AWESOME! Here is my most recent speedtest results:



Bill

 

There was no visible start menu, just a black screen.

Asking around at other forums I've found that my problem was resolved by inserting the recovering disc and hitting the Key F10 or, inserting the recovery disc and hitting F7 which let you the choice where to boot from or to repair windows from the recovery disc.

Maybe you intended one of these solutions, but there could be others like me who have no idea how they can get into their recovery discs without a Start menu.

I have no idea if my problem was hardware related or not. That's why I called Sony Support and they told me it might be an hardware problem and to return the notebook.

I didn't have any browser, Flash or video open, I only tried to get back to the previous Windows restore point when things went wrong.
Normally I use Firefox or Opera as browser, but for website development I need to test at least also Explorer, Sahara and Chrome. I cannot just try another one, I must have the possibility of using all of them on my laptop.

 

Right, not all software is there because there is "added value software" in the F like WinDVD, PMB & Roxio. If they were available for public download then anybody could get them w/o buying a_Vaio or paying for the licenses.

But everything is on the recovery discs if you burn them while still in factory state. If you don't install the F specific software in the proper order, some stuff will not work properly. See: Vaio_F Series Windows 7 64-bit Clean Install Guide Using OEM Recovery Discs.

 

It'd be nice if you could download a "recent Vaio F series drivers" package that contains the latest of everything for a fresh install.

 

No need to download, "the latest of everything" is included in the_F12.

 

I think I need some good drivers for my GT310. Now I have 257.15 beta.

I turned on the laptop and same thing happend

If you can see, the laptop freezed right before login screen. I checked again event viewer, I have the same critical event but for sure is because I turned off after freeze( pressed power button for like 5 seconds).

I have an warning tho, source : Display.. Display driver nvlddmkm stopped responding and has successfully recovered.

and an error, source : nvlddmkm ..

The description for Event ID 14 from source nvlddmkm cannot be found. Either the component that raises this event is not installed on your local computer or the installation is corrupted. You can install or repair the component on the local computer.

If the event originated on another computer, the display information had to be saved with the event.

The following information was included with the event:

\Device\Video5
Failed switching to lower mclk freq. in sddr3 link training

 

Is it possible to install Win 7 32-bit on the Vaio Z? (I may be forced to due to an application compatibility issue with Win 7 64. ) Are drivers available for 32-bit?

thanks

Kevin

 

Anyone know when the F12 will be available on SONYSTYLE ??

 

Wrong thread. This one is for the F-Series.

 

Then just go back to the Sony_certified video driver found on esupport for your model.

What is that logo on your screen capture? Is it NVIDIA's? If this is during boot then it's not OEM boot, is-it? Maybe you messed up something with dual boot or in bootmgr?

 

Yes, the SONYSTYLE webmaster.

 

Here in Italy Sonystyle told me June 17th.

 

Guess he will keep it for himself until it's out

JANDG : Here in Italy Sonystyle told me June 17th.

Thanks, it will probably be a few days later in Canada.

 

.de: Availability In stock: within 5 days ("Premium Dual Lamp, not glossy"!) and .lu: "Prevu le 17 Juin 2010" as mentioned & linked to in the first pages of this thread.

 

It's not dual boot. It's fresh install of Windows 7 Ultimate x64.

I'll go back to original drivers and see what will happen.

Thanks again

 

I can'T access "custom computers" on sonystyle.ca, maybe they are updating the site

 

Normally it's called a "clean install". So it's not OEM. Check esupport, you need to install some F chip specific & patches for the F or check the link I posted above about using the recovery discs.

The fact that you used a off the shelf generic Win 7 OS is a huge troubleshooting "detail".

 

sorry if this question is dumb but i would like some answers.

is there anyway to overclock the cpu safely higher than the stock turboboost of 2.8?

and can you overclock the gpu (330) higher with the lastest driver 257.15?

and if so how?!

sorry im new to this whole thing

 

Hello all, I have a minor issue concerning the use of HDMI to connect my F11 to my TV. The native resolution is not being displayed correctly; instead of 1920 x 1080, the desktop scales down to next lowest resolution tier. If I try to manually set it at 1920 x 1080, the actual desktop becomes larger than the actual display, so the taskbar is essentially cut off. To note, the issue didn't exist before; the tv did at one point display the correct native resolution. The issue affects my older FW 510 vaio as well.

All drivers have been updated, several times on both laptops. Switching the ports on the TV did nothing as well. It's a rather confusing if not irritating problem.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Transfer jet module

I know I can just completely disable transfer jet but I cant live with the fact I get an error code(0x80004005) and it does not work.

So I broke down and restored the computer to factory installation because I clean installed my f with windows 7 ultimate. I figured that is why transfer jet wasn't working because some form of software was missing even though i used vaio care and sony esupport drivers with no luck.

transfer jet has its own diagnostic tool that I tested after restoring my pc and it states that there is a problem with the transfer jet module. the software and driver portion test ok.

low level tech support has no idea and every time I call after work I seem to miss the next level of support. I'm callling when they open tomorrow to get this issue figured out. I had a tech before tell me he would send a tech to my house to change out the mobo if I had anymore issues. I'm going to take up his offer if I can get a hold of him.

If this transfer jet module is bad maybe this is why I have the freezing problems ive been experiencing.

 

Have you tried setting up dual display in the nvidia control panel. Mine is connected via hdmi monitor all the time so I just disabled my laptop display completely by deselecting the vaio screen. When I go mobile the nvidia display just routes the display back to my laptop with an auto detect.

 

i have a sony vaio VPCF11FM/B laptop bought from bestbuy.
i lost the recovery partition and recovery discs after some unfortunate events. after chatting with a sony rep, they mentioned that i should buy them and they will cost me 160 $ and as i am now located in egypt so its very costly.

what i need from any one who has my model is to create iso files of their recovery discs and send them to me through 4shared or rapidshare or whatever.

thanks in advance, and if you have any other way to help me please send me.

my msn live email is [email protected] i am always available on chat and i will check this thread as much as i can.

thanks again

 

I am concerned about that way. If someone will send/share his recovery disks you will recover your laptop with his Windows 7 cd key and activation also dont you ?

 

no i guess not, even if, i will be able to fix that.

please guys if you could help me with that i will be so grateful.

 

I have always had the same problems...not just after the clean installs, but right out of the box. The thing is...when I first read a review about the F11, I read about the transferjet function.I have not heard anything about it since. I work with 5 F11s. Transferjet works on none of them. I get the same error as you when I install drivers. I had called Sony support when I got the first F11 and they were stumped.

None of my F11s have the Transferjet logo or any documentation saying that it supports Transferjet. Because of this, I dismissed it as a feature that was originally planned or implemented, then removed. I figured that it was just plain not part of my CTO model.

In the review, it showed a TJ emblem on the left palmrest. I had no emblem on any machines. I had no documentation.

I have 2 Sony cameras, neither have TJ capabilities, so I am not at a loss.

Bill