Official Sony Vaio CW Core 2 Duo Series Owner's Thread

i think... again... i think... the restore complete system should work...!!! hopefully you didnt put any important data on the system yet...

EDIT: you could run the diagnostics and see if any hardware part has a problem...!

 

If I were you I would choose the Restore Complete System option.

EDIT: I don't even know the importance of creating the recovery disks when the system itself has a built in restore option. Again, if I were you I would just select the Restore Complete System option, this will pretty much perform a complete system recovery and delete any previous files you put on the computer.

 

OK I'm running the VAIO Hardware Diagnostics test...

I'll update in real-time

Results:
CPU Test: No errors
Hard Disk Test:

"Drive 0
Linear Seek Test... Failed
= Linear Seek Test did not pass. --- (E-HDD-001) =

Errors were detected on this PC


Damn... looks like my HDD went bad already? Hopefully Sony can replace this... \:

 

Hi all,

Can you tell me what I should do first with new laptop battery?

Should I use it untill nearly empty then charge it for 8 hours?

Do I need to activate my Windows Home?How can I do it?

Thank you,

Sahadewa

 

Did you put any important files on the computer that you didn't save? If not it is best to just completely restore your computer.

 

I actually had two papers that are due tomorrow saved on my CW


Looks like I'll be staying up late tonight...

 

Hi aglaranna, this might look more confusing than it is, but some people found the solution here:

http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Fo...t/thread/d4fcb887-3c79-438b-9efb-f3a5daeb65e9

 

Ahhh, well, how about trying the Rescue Data option. I don't have the CW yet so I don't know anything about the options specifically, but it looks like it might work. Restore C: Drive might also work. If you really want those papers then use the Restore Complete System as the final option. If you do manage to recover the data, save them to an external source, then go back and choose the Restore Complete System option anyway as a future safety precaution.

 

Yeah it looks like I'm screwed...

I tried restoring the system and got this error after 2%

"An error occurred while executing an application.

The operation was not completed. Shutdown the PC, then try the operation again after restarting your system.

Error: 333"

 

Pictures of the Vaio CW in matte black for anyone interested:

http://tech.sina.com.cn/n/2009-12-17/10001178249.shtml

 

Damn, that sounds like a problem with a hard drive.. maybe.

This might sound silly, but as a final option, I would try to use the recovery disks again. If it works, and everything boots up all nice and well. Don't do anything else like going to windows update but just shut down your comp, press F10 or F11 whatever it is and then select the Restore Complete System option.

 

Are you sure? It uses 10W less power, and the FSB is synced with RAM. Not sure how much difference it makes but sometimes every bit counts.

 

So this is essentially the difference between the jet black and the matte black:







EDIT: Wow, seeing the pictures side by side it looks like a stark difference!

 

Right now I'm using the Hard Disk verify and repair tool... It says the C:\ is fine and it's scanning D:\ as I type this.


One thing to note, I used the "Web" button on my CW like right below the LCD and next to the "Display Off" button and it worked fine. I set it up and got internet access and pages were loading quickly. This was AFTER my initial problems...

 

It makes a lot of sense to me and I wish it was feasible in my budget, but I just don't have the funds to do any better than the $800 for the T6600.

I'm working on it though, as I previously posted.

 

That's interesting, but from what I know that instant web button, it loads up the web page using linux, which is totally unrelated to anything windows based.

 

Hmm... I didn't know there was a matte version. And I was just about to buy the glossy one from Newegg. Where the heck do you get it?

 

Ah here is the answer to the matte question. I can't believe how fast this thread goes.

 

Some sites sell it like Best Buy:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Sony+-+...lack/9634794.p?id=1218134973701&skuId=9634794

Keep in mind though, these laptops do not have the Instant Web or Display off buttons on top. I don't know if that affects you or not.

 

edit........

 

Well the Hard Disk repair tool found a problem with the D:/ drive but it wasn't able to repair it... at least I know what the problem is.


Looks like I'll be visiting my SonyStyle store this weekend... you guys think there's a chance they could fix it there?

 

I haven't tried it on this system yet, but you may be able to burn a bootable CD/DVD with something like Knoppix using another computer, then boot the laptop using it. I've used that to access files and repair my Windows hard drives in the past.
http://www.knoppix.net/
It depends on the type of failure on the drive.

 

Thanks, may stick to the combi drive then!

Expensive media isn't in my best interest now, I can always buy an external.

Any coupons or discounts for UK buyers?

 

Som sony stores have these facilities, you should probably call up and askthem...

 

hey all.. i also got the email.. my laptop is in production.. i am sooo happy..

 

is 6gbs of ram too much for normal usage ( web surfing,games,photoshop, cubase ,fl studio)
Should I spend 150$ on cpu ( T9600) or ram ( 6GBs)

 

my pink vaio was suppose to ship on 12/29/09. yesterday i got an email saying it was being built, and a few hours later it was shipped should be getting mine before christmas too! i'm excited!

 

VAIO update 5 utility is out but people don't seem to like it:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=5627713

some sony europe pages about VAIO update utility:
http://genesis.sony-europe.com/instranet/ccil_sony/selfservice/search.jsp?DocId=36760&l=en_gb
Note: VAIO Update is only available for the preinstalled OS, and is not supported if another OS is installed on the VAIO.

http://genesis.sony-europe.com/instranet/ccil_sony/selfservice/search.jsp?DocId=30070
VAIO Update 5 is released for all VAIO computers shipped after June 2004. It is made available during December 2009. When updating from a previous version, a restart of your system is required


So install or not ? (I have no problem with any hard/soft on my CW)

 

thanks for the good quality pics dude. it really is a beauty, by the way which digicam you used??

 

Yeah I want the matte black one also. Too bad every site that has them is sold out. And expected stock isn't till jan :-(

 

Agree! Probably going to take me a while to get used to the small resolution. Should be getting it today.

I can probably do this. What are your computer specs? Maybe send me a PM so I don't lose this post or forget who asked for them...I'm on here at work, and the next day there are like 10 more pages to read!

I'll be getting my VAIO tonight. My fiance's for some reason only had 2 recovery disks. Seems weird since most people have 3. I'll try to do mine tonight or tomorrow. Having friends over tonight so might not have much time to play around on the computer. But ya I can probably make ISO images of the recovery disks, and then upload them to a torrent website. I have a PC I leave on 24/7 running torrents, so should work out great! Might not get around to this until tomorrow or this weekend though. Maybe I'll just bring the laptop to work tomorrow? I'm a tech guy and normally don't have anything to do!

 

I've had no problem with Vaio Update 5. The drivers I installed for my Vaio have given me no trouble.

Although it does bother me that Sony don't appear to care about these other customers who have driver-related issues...

Also one thing I'm very concerned about my Vaio CW is the Web key, when windows isn't on. It'll activate Splashtop and splashtop features no password protection. Which means anyone can hit the key, access the internet over your IP and do anything they want with it.

I have been to the Splashtop website and some are requesting a password feature. The developers are apparently working on it after the request, but God knows how long it'll be when it's done, before Sony users receive this update and how hard it'll be to install - or even make Sony aware of it. x_x

I'm glad you liked the pics. I use a Samsung L730. Nothing fancy, but does the job. And bought it as a demo-product so the price was fairly low

 

I just sent you a PM, thanks man, you are a life savor...
Here are the specs: Icy white, T9600 (2.8 GHz), 4 GB DDR3, GT210, Blu Ray Player, Win 7 Pro

 

Is it just me or is Sony making its laptops uglier?

 

I'll be honest, I'm a computer tech and I've never used recovery CD/DVDs before. Never had to. At home I normally just reformat my PC every couple months. I normally prefer a fresh install. Plus this is my first factory computer in a long time! I normally build my own. Except for previous laptops, which when needed I just did a fresh reinstall of Windows. When I made the DVDs for my fiance's CW I think it's the first time I've burned Recovery DVDs lol.

But now that I'm thinking about it...will they include everything needed to restore the computer...including my Windows key? Or do they basically just have the main things needed, but the Windows key and other personal things are on the hidden system drive? I guess I don't want to be handing out recovery DVDs that would contain my Windows key.

For her CW I actually did a complete Windows backup right away and burned that recovery DVD as well. jangidk, did you try doing that at all? Do the Windows backup making a system image, and then make a recovery DVD there.

Like I said about a PC running 24/7 for torrents, that's also my computer that has extra hard drives with a specific spot just for my computer backups. Works great for running the Windows backup to a network drive.

 

My main concerns with the laptop are:

- Price
- Speaker quality (I heard it isn't too great)
- Webcam quality (current Acer has 1.3 MP)
- keyboard quality and lack of 9 pad (the latter is of interest to me)

 

--- The Price, i think the CW's are a pretty good bang for its buck, if you order from Sony style with the upgrades.
--- they are decent for laptop speakers, no surround or thump in them...but very few laptop speakers have that...!
--- Sony also has a 1.3 MP web cam...
---The key board design and quality has been well appreciated...and the 9 pad, again very few (i dont think any) 14 inch laptops have that...!

 

Anyone knows if there are reviews o even only detailed pics (of the interior) of the carrying bags for the cw?

I mean:

vgp-ck4


vgpe-mbmdl03


The best I can find is:
http://www.mgmi.fr/docs/imgprod/zoom/003649_g.gif

 

Thanks a lot Mickbt26,
I've updated my driver and change the clock to normal (500/800/1100) since the GPU is underclocked. No problem so far, the laptop is running impressively cool .
I'm wondering now on how to change the FSB to overclock a bit the CPU, I know ninja2000 have done it, but I can't find a software to do it without knowing the PLL or the complete MB details.
If someone has a method to do it, I'll be glad to know

F'ail'o

 

Ordered mine from Newegg this morning. First new laptop I've ever bought. Thanks for all the info. This thread is a CW goldmine

 

There is an alternative. You could get a sign shop to sell you some satin black adhesive vinyl and cover it yourself

 

invisishield plastic wrap would make it a nice matt finish I believe.

Also my laptop has been shipped, and I should get it today but I'm not hope...Going to tray for midnight pick up if they have that through fedex (UPS does)

 

In my opinion, the matte version looks kind of cheap :/

 

get a microfiber cloth and keep wiping mates...i wouldnt spoil my laptops looks with skins and stuff...!

 

Are you sure? I can't find the specs of any of the webcams, except the one on the matte black version:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Sony+-+...lack/9634794.p?id=1218134973701&skuId=9634794

And that's a .3. Would they put in a worse quality webcam on the business version of their laptops?

 

Don't assume 0.3MP is worse. If the sensor size is the same, the pixels are bigger, which means better performance in low light. It's not like you can really send 1280x960 video either. 640x480 is practical. I'd prefer the lower MP.

 

That or just wear some nice thin gloves

 

So price is good, camera isn't overly important. The speakers how do they compare to a Dell XPS 1530 for loudness, my XPS can get very loud and I would like something just as louder or maybe slightly lower.

Also how are viewing angles? I'll be using it for media and may have about 2 or 3 people round it inc myself at a time.

Also blu-ray need a final answer is it worth it at it's current value? also I want a new lappy in 2 years will blu-ray be cheaper then?

Lastly, anyone reformatted it and removed the bloat?

 

That's interesting! I didn't know that.

 

Viewing angle is pretty bad vertically. Try to go to a Best Buy or something and play with one. As you move your head higher it gets washed out.
Horizontally it's pretty good though