Official Sony VAIO TT Series Owners Thread

Hi Rachel, I've managed to get the parts for the hdmi upgrade, but for some reason, the modem jack wire is connected underneath the board, so I can't really get access to the board to remove it. Did you cut the modem wire? It's just 2 wires.

I'm also having trouble removing the keyboard flat cables. Not really sure of how the connection point is on the motherboard. Is it a rectangular plate that is forced in?

It's just quite exciting as I'm in the midst of adding the hdmi function to this 3yr old laptop

 

sturtles, i have dismantled my Sony TT a few times now. For that upgrade at that point i wanted it to be done by someone else as i was fitting 3G antenna in the bezel and 3G parts and didn't want to do that at that point. I sent my laptop to Vaiorefurbs on ebay and they did this upgrade for me and fitted antenna in the bezel etc. I would suggest if you don't get a reply from someone else to contact vaiorefurbs through ebay. I vaguely recall though that you most likely might have to dismantle a fair amount to do that job.

The keyboard is connected to the audio board. The FPC- 145, that is connected to motherboard amongst other things, you just need to tease it up gently and you should be able to remove it.

 

Hi Rachel, thanks for the reply... I'm typing away on the TT after the upgrade. Feels good to read from a 23" screen with the HDMI out of the TT

The installation of the HDMI ribbon and board/port is the easy part, but to remove the modem jack, that to me is not worth the effort, so I just sniped it off and insulated the wires.. I doubt this TT would ever require a modem connection in its life.

As for the SSD, I just purchased a Crucial M500 mSATA 240GB, hooked it up to a mSATA to microSATA converter board, and it sits easy in the 1.8" microSATA bay, with helping of some stuffing papers to keep fitting tight.

Transfer rates with ATTO benchmark is about 200mb/s for reads and writes( Win7 pro).. Seems a little low... It is on a SATA 2 port?

Some problems I'm having with the rams though... Took out the internal 2GB, and replaced with a PC3-10600 4GB (ADATA) from another Sony Series to test, and it works!

Went out for pair of 2x4GB PC3-10600 1.5V Kingston rams, and damn.. the TT can't boot with the Kingston rams... Not sure where the problem lies...

The JEDEC#1 value of the original 2GB in the TT is 400Mhz, while the PC3-10600 from the S Series only starts from JEDEC#2, 453Mhz, but hey, it works..

With the Kingston Rams, with the same JEDEC#2 values, it does not POST...

I'm contemplating what type of rams should I exchange them for atm... Hoping to try my luck with the Crucial PC3-8500, 533Mhz... but its all a guess, as the supported JEDEC values are not shown in the technical documentation of the rams.

Hope this post will be of help to remaining TT users who are interested in doing a little hardware upgrade... I would think this exercise is about 60% successful.. Not managed to obtain all the objectives, but still, its a more enjoyable piece of machine to use

 

Just some further updates and conclusion.

1) Managed to get the shop the exchange the rams a few times...

Went from a pair of dual voltage 1.35/1.5V PC3-12800 ( 800mhz FSB - I was hopeful), to a pair of 1.5V kingston PC3-10600-666mhz FSB, to finally a 1.5V hynix/micron module of PC3-8500-533Mhz which works.

The hynix rams most likely works because it can step down to 400Mhz.

2) The 240GB Crucial M500 mSATA is comparatively cheap, but its not very fast, but definitely faster than the existing 1,8" rotating platter

3) Having used the TT and also having the newer budget type S-series, the TT is still a much better made machine... and the newer sony is... disappointing.

So the TT is not out of date for office applications after all... Rejoice TT fans!

 

I did an in place upgrade from Windows 7 64bit to Windows 8 64 bit several months ago and never had any problems with the ambient light sensor. Yesterday, i upgraded to Windows 8.1 and after that upgrade my ambient sensor no longer works. I've tried reinstalling drivers and it's not working. I'll still see if i can do anything about it, otherwise i might just have to live with it. The fan seems slightly more active also, i wish that the drivers were solely 64bit.

Edited to add:
I think that i am going to revert back to W8 64bit, the loss of function is just not worth it between Windows 8-8.1, W8 might be the limit for the Sony TT.

 

A bit more regarding my upgrade to Windows 8.1. The ambient light sensor as i mentioned above was not working. I went back to read what i wrote about my upgrade to W8. I wrote that i had to install the Sony graphic drivers again as the ambient sensor was not working as new drivers were installed with this upgrade..
http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...-tt-series-owners-thread-228.html#post9052005

I never checked that this time as i forgot about that. That might have been the reason again. But, the vaio control centre was very unstable and sometimes the utilities were showing and sometimes they were not. I've not experienced that with W8 even when the ambient sensor has not worked until i reinstalled the Sony graphic drivers. I'll be interested to read other peoples experiences with Windows 8.1 64 bit. I had to do a clean install back to W7 64bit and then upgrade to W8, as i couldn't downgrade and keep my files and settings.

I can no longer download the fingerprint 2012 software from Authen Tec. I will have to find a solution for that and check if i might still have the driver.

Edited to add:
I linked to an active link in this thread where you can download a limited version of the protector suite 2012 software.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/win...here-can-i-download-protector-suite-12-a.html

Ok, if you install the TT4 W7 drivers first, the finger print sensor and protector suite software, it should i think work as a full edition if you do an upgrade.

 

Love this thread - it has helped me out a couple of times - including the Raid SSD mod to my 21VN.

Looking for a bit of help - does anyone have a monitor.inf file for the internal LCD in the TT? Not sure if it ever had one - looking for someone to confirm. The windows generic pnp one works but was thinking the refresh rate is probably defaulted to 60hz and suspect the panel can do better. Had to nuke my W7 install starting everything from scratch. Have installed all the W7 graphics drivers but they dont have one in them.

Any thoughts gratefully recieved.

rachel - I should have a back up of a full set of W7 drivers and official Apps - once I get connected back to my NAS I can check to see if the Software is still there.


Cheers

Gordon

 

Thanks SSquriel. I've got the software that i needed now, i updated my post above also. In regards to your problem i''ll try and take a look at my Vista recovery discs, but i'll be surprised if it is in there.

I decided to give Windows 8.1 another go because i forgot to install the Sony graphic drivers before. I did this and the ambient sensor is working now. It seems to be working ok, i haven't made any changes this time, other than install the driver i mentioned and also the inf driver for W8 (it was probably installed already, but i just repeated the steps i did previously). I need to give it longer to see how stable it is. I did a backup this time as well, i wasn't expecting any issues before.

I ordered a few parts from Sony in the US and i will get my friend to ship them over to me. I know i needed another part in the future. I can't stand it when my trackpad is a little shiny and i've bought at least three now since i've had it since the latter part of 2009. This will be my last trackpad i will be purchasing lol. In the back of my mind also when i was buying the parts, was how long might some of these parts be available.
......
I reverted back to Windows 8 on the 27th of February. Overall 8.1 proved to be as stable as it was for me in Windows 7-Windows 8, but to me i felt that the fan could be slightly more active and as i have mentioned in one of my posts, i am pretty sensitive to noise. It probably would be fine for many people. Battery life was still very good in Windows 8.1.The biggest difference is that it takes slightly longer to access applications, but i have what i use mainly on my start up menu. The wwan had more problems being turned of in the device manager by smart network it seemed to me also. That wasn't an issue as i just manually disabled it myself. The flash seemed a bit more trigger happy in Windows 8.1 to me also. I removed the Mozilla plugin, but still i was not that happy with the noise. I do have ad block plus also installed.

 

The TT occupied a unique niche that seems to have withered away. Does it have any true successors out there? I haven't been able to find any laptops even close to having the same tiny footprint as a TT, while still carrying an optical drive.

 

I can just think of the Panasonic SX line Let's Note SX3 | panasonic.jp
Although the screen is an inch wider it weights less.

 

I found this ssd Crucial M500 CT240M500SSD3 2.5in 240GB mSATA . It looks like a bare ssd like the one shown in the picture of the adapter.
http://products.ncix.com/detail/crucial-m500-ct240m500ssd3-2-5in-240gb-76-88497.htm

Rachel or any one: Do you think it will fit into the mSata-microSata adapter?
Thx

 

TZ300 i have really just looked into 1.8 SSD drives.

My UJ232A BD drive has stopped working and i'm using the original drive that came with my laptop and i have thought buying a UJ232A replacement. I though decided to see if there was anything newer out there. Some years ago i thought about buying a UJ242A but it seems that the issue i would have had before with the UJ242A was the pinhole out being in the wrong place for the bezel. It seems though i might possibly have more luck with the UJ262A which is a newer drive. The pinhole seems that it might be in the same place. May be this could be an upgrade, i will look into it more. I wrote this thread before about the differences between a UJ232A and a UJ242A.
New UJ262 UJ-262 UJ262A UJ-262A DELL SONY Blu-ray 9.5mm burner player drive BD-R | eBay

edited to add:
It seems that was the wrong photo used, i'm still looking into possible alternatives. If i find any i will update.

 

I bought the Crucial M550 256 GB mSATA from Amazon.com and mSata-microSata adapter from ebay. I just finished installing it. Everything fits. Loaded Windows8 on. Took me a long time to straighten out all the drivers. It turns out the Sony's win7 drivers are ok (run in compatible mode). Also, the SD and Memory Stick drivers from win7-64 bit do not work. I finally figured to download them from Vista-32 bit and run them in compatible mode to Win7 and all worked now. My battery is 50% gone, may have to replace it soon. Also, dropped my TT a couple of times, and the case cracked in a corner, but everything still works, hopefully for another 2 years or more.

 

I'm glad that the upgrade went well for you TZ300. I have never tried using a memory stick, but i have no problems with the SD card using the W7 64bit Sony TT drivers. There are three drivers listed, and i can't remember now what i did, but i don't have any problems with it. For the SD card i have driver version 6.3.2.28 installed and memory stick version 6.3.0.61.
Sony : VGN-TT4 : VAIO Update

 

Can anyone help me with a quick question, my father in law upgraded his VGN-TT47GG to Windows 8, and it was all great but he needs at least an SSD to keep it running smooth. From what I've read most of the models use 1.8" HDD's, does this include the VGN-TT47GG? I was hoping for a easy swap out with a 2.4" SSD.

Thanks in advance, wealth of information on this forum.

 

Please look at my post (2 posts up). I used an Crucial 256 GB mSata together with mSata to MicroSata adapter. All works well.

 

Just want to says its 2014 and this laptop is still going strong for me.

 

Just replaced my TT46 hard disk with 128GB SSD. Anybody knows how to restore Windows 7 to the SSD? Any response will be appreciated.

 

Good morning all,

I have inherited a Sony Vaio VGN-TT11LN (PCG-4Q1M) which had a minor fire around the charging port. I dismantled this, including removing the screen (as the screen cable sleeving was damaged), and have put it all back together (temporarily) to ensure it functions correctly which it does, but I found a small bracket stuck to my trousers afterwards!

I did not consciously remove it so either it was loose, or one of the fixings securing this was removed for my access, does anyone recognise it or have any idea where it went? It is 23mm long, and 11mm wide and it is made of plastic, with a small patch of adhesive on the rear.

I did not remove any of the main components, only the power cable and the screen.




Thanks for your time and any help that can be provided!

 

You've probably sorted this out by now, but i usually use Norton Ghost to clone a SSD/HD in situations like this. There is other software that is similar also that can be used.

I don't know what that could be, and if you do not get an answer here,i would suggest that you send vaiorefurbs an email about this.
:::: VaioRefurbs ::::
They are familar with upgrading Sony TT's and they will probably know. I had a look in the Sony TT service manual and could not make it out.

...
About the Blu ray drive i mentioned earlier. I ended up buying another UJ232A drive in the end.

 

I'm currently trying to source the right hinge cap (400070903/2/1) and the power button (X23186872) for reasonable prices. None on ebay and I refuse to buy at the prices online component shops charge. Some come in fairly reasonable but then charge nearly £10 delivery... for what, a 5 gram piece of plastic.

I'm in the process of molding and casting the left hinge cap to make a right, it wont have the light up ring but whatever, its going to cost me under a quid to do. Can't do that with the power button though as I don't have one to make a mould from :/

 

It's been a while since you posted doby_p. I have ordered things from this company in the past and found that things were decently priced. I don't know if they have in stock the parts that you mentioned.
UK-Computers Online Catalogue, Accessories, Audio Visual, Components, Connectivity, Consumables, Furniture, Office Equipment & Supplies, Peripherals, Software, Systems, Telecommunication, Training and Reference material , Warranties

eta
I just checked and the power button at least looks like it is available. I'm not sure how much they would charge for shipping for that, but when i used them i was ok with the shipping costs.
X23186872, Sony, Electrical Parts, UK-Computers

 

Hi, I have replaced my Toshiba HDD with a SSD. Now I want to access the Toshiba HHD. I have a usb adapter attached to the HDD, but when I plug it into the TT usb port, I can hear the HDD try to spin up for a few times, but it never show in the device manager. What do I need to do to get my TT to recognize the external usb HDD?

 

Try another pc, if that does not work then the USB adapter to micro sata isn't working/compatible.

 

I have also run into a spot of bother. By bother, I mean I will continue to hate pulling apart laptops for as long as I live.

I began the process of dismantling my in-laws Vaio TT, and I had all the screws out but the top right area where it connects to the hinge was stiff. I tried to get it to release with a lot of patience but I made a mistake and I've ripped a data ribbon. I was lift the keyboard side up to see where why it was stuck and it tore.

It looks pretty important because it connects to a board on the keyboard side which a lot of other connections go to. Looks like without it the sound, touch pad and keyboard are gone.

See pictures here: Damn... - Imgur


Does anyone know where I can get the ribbon cable or does anyone have a cable that they wanted to sell?

 

Ebay: Sony Vaio 11" VGN TT Series Genuine Keyoard Touchpad Ribbon 1 878 120 11 GLP | eBay

Another: http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-SONY-FP...055?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4adbc8548f

 

Thank you for your help. It helped me confirm I had the right part.

After some ordeal, the wrong part sent (correct part ordered) and the original drive backup was corrupted (the drives almost gone anyway but working on getting the emails and photos off with a micro sata adapter on its way).

I'm happy to report the SSD works wonders, it's a beauty. The laptop preforms better than new. On par for general use with my Ultrabook.

Thanks for all the help and info guys.

 

Sony TT owners, hope that you are all well. I requested that this thread was reopened. My Sony TT is still alive and kicking. My Sony TT has been lightly used internally but needs some TLC cosmtically. I have been away from home for several years and left my Sony TT at home with it not being very robust i took a more robust laptop with me, so for over 3 years, it's really not been used and before it was only lightly used as a travel laptop and an occasional laptop at home for light tasks. The motherboard was also replaced by Sony in 2010.

I have a bit of a tale with this. It got sent away as i thought it was dead, but it just needed a new charger and battery charge. Anyway, ended up getting it back and the case that had started to break completely broke a part of it in the process. I now need to get a strip at the front or buy a whole new top palmrest. If anyone has that spare part do get in touch with me. I have a white laptop, but would make do with another cover just for that part. Do you think i could just get away with swapping out the strip or need the whole palmrest? I have attached a picture of the damage.
It's very hard to obtain spare parts now.
I've not tried Windows 10. I was using 8.1 but have reverted back to W7 as i prefer it. Those of you running W10, how do you find it, any issues? Does the Gobi wwan work fine?
Sony will be removing the drivers for this laptop on the 1st March from their website, so may be a good time to download the drivers those of you who don't have them saved.

 

@Rachel you might see if you can locate a service manual for the notebook that shows its respective part layout. It may have disassembly/replacement instructions for that front panel.

Buying a spare part may be difficult indeed. Therefore scout eBay for a dead/used TT. Consider that you may need more parts in the future, and it wouldn't be a bad idea to have a machine around that you can cannibalize.

The only other thing I can think of is to contact VAIO Support and see if they'll send/sell you a spare part.

Charles

 

Thanks Charles P Jefferies. Very good idea on buying a spare laptop to part out. I've been seeing some on ebay, but let them go, thinking i didn't need all of that, but i can see it's a good idea now. I've also been looking on Yahoo Japan auctions, but have found nothing The colour makes it harder to obtain, have not yet given up on sourcing one in white first.
I've been seeing this laptop as a bit of a restoration project, so really want to spend as little as possible restoring it, but have thought about contacting Sony. I'm not sure what CS is like now fixing a laptop over 5 years old.

I do have a teardown manual. That doesn't give me any clues, but having seen the layout several times, i'm still none the wiser. I'm not sure if that part can be removed or not or if i need the whole palmrest.

edited to add:
I opened up my TT and i do tend to think that that single striip can be removed.

 

Hi Rachel, I have an entire palm rest piece (with strip) available...