Official Sony VAIO F Series i5/i7 owners thread *Part 5*

Searching found someone with the same problem as you, however, no answer.

Unhandled exception error caused by VAIO Care utility

Just removing from the control panel wouldn't do it- like this guy recommends right? You've done the obvious and uninstalled and reinstalled.

 

Aw shucks you guys. Just give me 24 hours

 

To my understanding, it's set to AHCI by default. At least when I went to check the registry to confirm AHCI, it showed it was enabled.

 

Thanks

How can I test if it is?

Using the registry, the start key in ...MSAHCI is set to 3. I thought that indicated IDE mode?

 

Now that is very interesting. I've done nothing to my system and my Start key in MSACHI shows "0".

You can enalbe AHCI, but you must do it BEFORE you install the OS on your SSD. So... this means that you can't just make a system image of your HDD and reimage it to your SSD.

Are you using The SSD Optimization Guide | The SSD Review ? It's very helpful during this process.

My guess is that you'll need to enable AHCI from your current OS, then insert your SSD and begin the OS install. You cannot quote me on this, as I have no experience whatsoever in that aspect of SSD's. I highly recommend that you visit this thread:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/har...ssd-thread-benchmarks-brands-news-advice.html

It's probably the single largest SSD thread you'll find and some of the users are top notch... seriously top notch in their SSD knowledge.

 

Done nothing to my system either and don't have a SSD or need of ACHI but its still set to zero. As you say, must be enabled as default. I know its native to Vista, I assume Win7 too, so maybe thats why? Dunno, its all gobbledygook to me!

 

Hello everyone,

My F13 just arrived in the post today and its really something.

I've made all the back ups and started to install some software, but as i was looking through i found that i don't have Picture Motion Browser. Does anyone know where I could get this? I've looked through the Sony site and found how to update it but not how to download the whole thing.

Thanks for any suggestions

 

Can you install it via VAIO Care?

ASSIST button > Recovery & Restore > Recovery > Reinstall Drivers and Software > PMB VAIO Edition

 

Thanks for the snappy reply. I looked through but it wasn't there

 

Hmm, mine is set to 3 by default. F13 with original HDD and original software (no clean install).

 

I don't want to sound insincere because I know everybody is different, and we all have our "issues" (I bang on about fan noise all the time, for example) but at the same time, you have this amazing powerful piece of technology in your hands, which I assume you bought for a very good price and instead of enjoying it for these things, you're hung up on realllly small details like paint or one squeaky key.

Please understand that I know you want the very best out of your laptop, but I think that aiming for this perfection in small details seems to be stopping you from really making the most out of your vaio. Just have fun with it and forget about these little things, it's a machine that's meant to be handled and used and is built to take it

 

Wondering what country you're in - or really what F13 you have. On my US version, there are 6 entries for PMB in Vaio Care. Can you post a link to your eSupport site.

 

I did a clean install with a Win7 disc. I bet thats why! Wonder if its sony that set it to 3 then?

 

That's what I was wondering because I believe anseio did a clean install.
@markds - maybe you can try that and see if it changes?

 

My clean installs were done from the Recovery Discs, not from Win7 discs. Perhaps markds should do the same?

 

Guys could you take a look at my thread and give me your 2p worth as you already own one of the laptop I am interested in?

Thanks for your time and input

 

If the key "Start" were set to 0 (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Msahci) AND this function were also set in the BIOS, then AHCI is enable. We know that BIOS configuration is very poor in the F series.

Set to 3, IDE is enable.

Source: Microsoft knowledge Base

When the disk is working in AHCI mode, its showed as a removable media (like a pen drive) in the notification area, being SSD or HDD.

AHCI : Enable in Windows 7 / Vista

 

Guess I don't have AHCI enabled then.

Too bad the BIOS on the F series is locked down so harshly. Can't access the setting for AHCI. poo

A google searched showed that it might be possible to edit BIOS, but I'm just not that risky, since I know nothing about that kinda thing.

 

I think i will try to uninstall then install and will let you know, but i never removed it from the control panel...
thanks for the respond

 

I'm in the UK, could it be related to the fact that I have Windows 7 Professional? I've got the VPCF13C5E the url is: Main Page |  Sony Support Europe then type in the model number.

 

Also in case anyone gets a little laugh out of this

My justification is that engraving was free

 

Very clever indeed. I think it's great. Rep+1 Please give us some feedback as to your likes and dislikes toward this machine.

 

Has anyone tried to play a SACD (Super-AudioCD) with his BD-drive? Just saw that Sony's PS3 supports it.

 

I'm not a graphics designer but doesn't your work pretty much require 12GB of memory, 1080 display, and a system that does not interfere with your software? States here the Optimus cannot be disabled and does not recognize some applications.
Nvidia Optimus Review - Notebookcheck.net Reviews

If this is how you make your money, check out a Falcon Northwest DRX. 12gb along with i7 950, 1080 display for approx $3200- not sure of your hard drive needs. Too bad my work does not justify such a machine!

Falcon Northwest Configurator

 

Big Windows Security Update today. Mine required 13. Just a reminder to get this done.

 

Now that's getting into the spirit of Christmas!

 

I don't think Win7 Pro should have anything to do with it, unless you got it with Fresh Start which means you don't have any extra software installed that Sony doesn't deem necessary for the functioning of your computer. Does that apply to you?

Otherwise, Sony UK does advertise that you have PMB. Well, they don't list your specific model on the sales site (only the support site) but for the F series in general. Did you do a clean install or are you running the computer the way it was originally shipped? If you did a clean install, you could try a factory restore to get it back to original state (if that's worth it to you). You could call Sony and tell them your computer shipped without it and see if they have a solution since it is advertised to have it but they will probably tell you to do a factory recovery first.

Assuming your computer was supposed to come with it, it should be located somewhere on your recovery disks. To find it would require some patience since you would have to individually extract compressed files to see what they were.

On the off chance you have a Sony camera/camcorder, there is a downloadable utility from Sony to install PMB but you have to have a supported camera attached to your laptop for the install.

Doing a google search, there are also downloads on various sites but you would have to assess the safety of those yourself.

Did you update Vaio Care? I don't think it will make a difference really but you could update it and see if PMB shows up in the re-install list. I don't think the Vaio Care update has anything to do with the installed programs though.

Ok, well, no easy answer, unfortunately, but those are my thoughts.
Also, I do appreciate your engraving.

 

Attempting to download PMB as well. Both esupport nor Vaio Care has it for download, only all the updates and plugins. esupport states version 5.3 is n/a for download taxi.

 

Maybe you can answer this since you have Fresh Start - I was wondering how Sony handles this. The programs that they do not load on your laptop that are normally present in non-FS laptops - do they provide any way for you to install them yourself? I'm thinking the reason you don't have it in Vaio Care is because you can only install programs from there that are originally installed on your computer. I'm assuming your recovery disks and recovery partition would likewise not contain those programs since a recovery would revert it back to a Fresh Start state, right? So, does choosing Fresh Start mean you have no "right" to those programs according to Sony?

Edit: You can still download the 5.3 update from there (just click on the green download instead of using the download taxi), but if you don't have the original software, I'm assuming that update won't do you any good.

 

Fishon the laptop won't be my main machine. I have two desktop workstations that I use for main money making work Relying on laptop for any serious 3d work let alone rendering would be silly in my opinion and not value for $.

I am looking into the optimus part but looks like it might not be an issue on i7 740QM chip.

 

Ok guys, I finally pulled the trigger on an F13! I couldn't resist the sony outlet 20% off coupon and saved over $300. Here are the specs:

I7-840
4gb
Full HD
LED keyboard
Blu-Ray (read only)
320GB 5400

I already have 8GB ready to install. My question is in regards to the drive. I want to upgrade to 7200 and at least 500GB. What should I get? How hard is that install? Is there a guide available? I can't wait!

Thanks,
Chad

 

It's rather easy. Here is a guide : How to Replace the Hard Disk Drive of a VAIO F Series Laptop
Others on here are more knowledgeable about drive recs than me but I know some have been mentioned in previous threads.

Off the top of my head, I think the Momentus XT has been recommended but someone can either correct me or add on.

 

It's soooo easy to change the HDD, and the XT does come highly recommended. Seagate also has a 7K640 (640GB @ 7200RPM) HDD on the market and Hitachi is going to be launching their new 7K750 early next year. Both have the 9.5mm (or whatever the 9mm one is) form factor.

I'm very much looking forward to the Hitachi 7K750 to replace my 7K500 2ndary HDD. I'm obsessed with storage space!!!

 

Thanks for the reply! I should have known to look Joe's site up first. I've seen mixed reviews about the hybrid drive. I don't think I've seen much info regarding anyone here using it.

That does look pretty simple! I can't seem to find the Seagate that you mentioned. The only 640GB I've come across is a Samsung uint. Samsung

 

Seagate does have a 750GB 7200rpm drive though: Seagate

 

Thanks for catching my error, as I Rarely Proof Read. teehee

Yes, it's the 750 Seagate. I was blocking that from my memory, cuz I hate the OEM Seagate that came with my VAIO.

 

How much total?

 

If you have enough storage with 500GB you should consider the Momentus XT.
I really love that drive.
It boots my Windows 7 ultimate in 28 seconds according to BootRacer version 2.3.
BootRacer - Test your Windows boot speed
For the Momentus XT see the reviews and the forum postings here:
Notebookreview: http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=5818&review=ssd+vs+hard+drive
StorageReview: Seagate Momentus XT Review | StorageReview.com
Anandtech: Seagate's Momentus XT Reviewed, Finally a Good Hybrid HDD - AnandTech :: Your Source for Hardware Analysis and News
Forum: http://forum.notebookreview.com/har...e-momentus-xt-hybrid-hdd-w-built-4gb-ssd.html

 

I didn't do a clean install, nor request a fresh start (I have programs such as Vaio gate and the like installed), I've updated Vaio care, and no sony camera, so I think I'll have to download it off a third party. thanks

 

It was $1,117 with tax.

-Chad

 

Thanks for the info. I'll give those links a look for sure.

-Chad

 

Just an update on my fresh start F11 not having PMB and Sony's attempt to solve this problem. First, can anyone here conform PMB came with their fresh start? Sony seems to think it should be there. In VaioCare>Recovery>Reinstall apps and drivers, there is a PMB plugin application but no PMB program. I had one Sony rep (Costa Rica) search and search, had found something, and was giving me a URL when the call dropped. Since this was first level and no case number was obtained, they only had some notes about me not having PMB. Second attempt came to a point where they recommended a complete system restore- of course. Held my ground stating that someone has to have this program available for download. Elevated to second tier support. Apparently a PMB disc is provided with most Sony cameras and there is a download that would work if I had a Sony camera plugged into the laptop. They have now escalated this to third tier and I will get a call within three days. Sony support has tried real hard and have spent quite a bit of time looking into this. They even looked at this website http://www.qweas.com/downloads/graphic/viewers/overview-picture-motion-browser.html but say there is something else within the download that should not be there (beware). Kind of strange Sony has not, to this point, been able to provide a download link but this is not free software either, so they probably don't want this get out to anyone- like a guy that posts on a Sony forum. Will give more info as it comes and any input would be appreciated.

 

I think i will buy a Momentus XT its compatible with my F13 right?
is it a good idea?

 

Have you already decided against a SSD because of price or storage capacity? This Newegg.com - Intel X25-M SSDSA2MH120G2K5 2.5" 120GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) would certainly be my choice. They have discounts at times as well. The Momentus XT would work nicely too and has no compatibility issues with the F.

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=5818&review=ssd+vs+hard+drive

Also, IE Bests Rival Browsers On Malware Security

http://www.informationweek.com/news...html?articleID=228800674&cid=RSSfeed_IWK_News

 

It is see also my post: http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...7-owners-thread-part-5-a-199.html#post6973651
Get the latest firmware SD24: Momentus XT Firmware Update
Get the latest Intel chipset drivers: http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...d-turbo-boost-driver-z13-thx.html#post6972737 (thanks anseio)
Set your plugged in powerscheme to balanced.
Use Vaio Care to defrag your Momentus XT.
After 3 or 5 reboots it is blazing fast

 

Why do you recommend balanced instead of performance?

 

take a look here
http://forum.notebookreview.com/windows-os-software/410831-power-plan-controversy.html

 

THANKS alot
i think i wont clone the hd will do clean install its just an idea dont know if im really going to buy

 

I'll be using Lightroom and PS5 heavily. I'm also storing my photos, and video files on an external Drobo (firewire/usb2.0). So, I guess I'm not in need of the storage so much....I just want this thing to fly. That said, which drive would be best? Momentus XT, an SSD or........?? I'm leary of using a 120GB drive. My current VAIO has an ancient 120GB. Storage hasn't been an issue I guess, since getting the Drobo, but this thing is a trutle. I just want to get this sorted out so that I have something to install by the time my machine arrives.

-Chad

 

I'm sure you've seen the recent posts. Maybe this CTFDDAC256MAG-1G1 - 256GB, 2.5-inch Solid State Drive , from Crucial.comUS? The Drobo has eSATA as well does it not?