Official VAIO Z Core 2 Duo Series Owners Thread

does anyone know if my sony vaio z520 will be able to have the 1tb hdd made by western digital? its the scorpio blue thanks any help will be appreciated

 

Dear guys,

I have a Z51 laptop. Unfortunately, I've broken my screen and I want to check the model part number of the screen so I can buy another one online.
The problem is that I try to open the screen, but seems like there are no screws around the screen, except two at the very bottom of the screen, behind the silver cylinders housing the power plug and the power button.
Now, should I open completely the rest of the laptop's case to remove the two cylinders, or is there an easier workaround?
Moreover, could you suggest me some good places to find and buy quality LED screens to replace the old one?

Thanks a lot for your time!
C.

 

If you want to, you can spend 5 bucks and have a step by step walkthrough. Just bought this last weeks. Works great, has pictures and all:

Search the following on ebay: Sony VAIO VGN-TZ ,Z,TT Series Repair Manual with PICS

Also looking for a screen for my VGN-Z 890C. My model number is LT131EE12000. My resolution is 1600x900

I have found a few places but it is back order. Let me know if you have the same model and find it somewhere.

 

I have the same Z and was considering the 8GB upgrade also. How does the underclocking affect the performance? Is it a noticeable difference than 4GB?

 

I've recently encountered a problem with my Vaio Z. I was trying to install Windows 7 then when the installation was almost done, it showed a BSOD. Now, it won't install via USB or CD at start up. Technically, there is no OS since I was just trying to install Windows 7 on it. I'm thinking it's a corrupt BIOS. Can anyone help me out on this matter?

 

Did you upgrade the BIOS before installing W7?

 

It was already on the latest BIOS prior to that. I didn't upgrade the BIOS directly before installing W7.

 

I found a wonderful guide at http://forum.notebookreview.com/4426099-post19.html
Thank you guys!

Just found the model number of my screen, which is LTD131EQ2X with an average price online of about 400 Pounds... WOWW thats a lot for a screen!
These kind of screens are possible of being replicas and not original screens if I try to find the exact model number online? Do you know of any good place to buy?

 

When i first installed W7 Ultimate on my Z-690 i did it before flashing the Bios that supported W7. I repeatedly got the BSOD. So, i re-installed Vista and once vista was up and running again, i upgraded the BIOS that worked with W7. Then re-installed W7 using the sequence found here:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/431357-guide-installing-w7-64-vaio-vgn-z.html

Everything works fine, except once in a while i get an error where the laptop reboots on it's own. In event viewer i see:

youkonw7 error. i have not looked into this a whole lot since it rarely happens. But besides that all is well with my W7 installation.

 

Hope someone can help, this week i had to do a full restore from the discs i made when i got my z5. All working ok except my 256GB raided SSD it came with is now 300 read and 50 write ! write used to be near the read speed. Am i missing something ?

 

Hi

I have a VGN-Z790 with the 320GB HDD. I know this model comes with a RAID option I believe 2 X 120GB SSD. Is there a way I can upgrade this laptop to dual raid either SSD or SATA? do I need extra hardware/cables?

Thanks!
Jon

 

Hello everyone,

We've got a Sony Vaio Z590 at work that needs a replacement battery. The knock-off battery we bought isn't recognized by the laptop and the BIOS update that came with the battery crashes the laptop when we try it. Official batteries from Sony don't appear to be made or are available anymore.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a battery to buy for this laptop? Let me know if you need more information.

 

I'd recommend searching eBay for a genuine battery. Under no circumstance do I recommend the knockoff ones specifically because of the BIOS update and as you've stated, the issues you have from it. See if you can restore the BIOS back to stock as well.

What's the VGP-BPS19V_ _ or BPL19V_ _ number of your battery?

 

Good question. The laptop is back at my boss's home, he's heading out of the office for about a week with it (the original battery lasts for about an hour at this point).

We'll likely tackle the issue next week and post the model number of the battery for the sake of anyone that gets here via google.

Thanks for your help.

 

VGP-BPS12 is the standard size. It's a 10.8 volt 5400mAh battery.

VGP-BPL12 is the high capacity size. It's a 10.8 volt 8100mAh battery.

They are both made in Japan and are the genuine Sony battery. As for where to buy some now, that is a good question.

 

Model number for the official original standard Sony battery for the VGN-Z series is VGP-BPS12.

You can still order it from the following link:
https://servicesales.sel.sony.com/e...tail.do?operation=getItemDetail&itemID=671757

Good luck.

 

There's plenty on ebay for ~$80.
vgp-bps12 genuine | eBay

 

I have a Z21 WN/B (in UK) and the mousepad has now stopped working, or moer correctly, its working erratically, forcing me to use a USB mouse.

Does anyone have instructions, or a link to instructions, on how to replace that and where to get the new mousepad from.

OR... is it likely once I get the vaio open that I can fix it?

any help/info appreciated.
thanks!

 

I know this is an old post but I have searched the thread and didn't find any solution/reply.

Has anyone managed to replace the non-backlit keyboard of the Z2x by a backlit keyboard from a more recent model? If yes, any part#?

Thanks!

 

A cable might have gone lose. Here is a good disassembly howto http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...-duo-series-owners-thread-90.html#post3761167 which will allow you to get to the touchpad. Otherwise there is a service manual for the Z here http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...icial-vaio-z-repair-manual-2.html#post4426099 but I find the pictures and explanations from Isamux clearer.
Good luck!

 

is $230 a good deal for a used z530n with p8600 and a 1366x768 screen?

How good is that screen anyways in terms of color/viewing angles compared to the 1600x900

 

Wow, even if the condition of the laptop is somewhat bad, I'd say getting that Z for just over $200 is a very good deal. I know I'd snap one up in an instant. For that price, you'll be getting a processor that's still miles ahead of most ULV chips, and a very nice screen. All for only 1.5kg, and in typical Sony style. Go for it.

 

I picked it up and its still in awesome shape. Only the hinge is a bit loose ( the half inch piece next to e stamina switch). The screenis also much better than i thought.

 

also curious, do the 3rd party batteries work with the workaround that they give you?

 

Congrats on the purchase. Welcome to the Z club!

Yes, the Zs are famous for their high quality screens. One thing I really love about these business class notebooks is the anti-glare treatment on their screens.

 

i'd appreciate if anyone has any advice?? I just replaced the hard drive and now i can't power on whatsoever. It seems like something is shorted but i can't figure out what. It won't power on either w/ AC or Battery.

 

Put the original HDD back into the VAIO Z notebook & check to see if it powers on?

 

i did try that, and i've actually tried a lot of different things already. I mean, it should still power on without any drives connected to it. It was working perfectly before i took it apart...

 

In that case, did you make sure you discharge yourself properly from any form of static with the use of something like an anti-static wrist band while you're performing the HDD swap?

 

Well, the motherboard or at least the power supply could have shorted out. There could also be a problem with the power button or the power brick. I wish I could help you out further, but I'm no electrical engineer. You really ought to have it checked at your local computer shop.

 

it's definitely not hte brick, since i've tried it w/o the battery w/ full charge and still wouldn't turn on. I'll just return it tomorrow to the store lol.

 

Can anyone provide clear guidance on installing an SSD as the internal primary drive on the VGN-Z (690)?
anything I should be wary of (brands? connectors? models? versions?)

I'm running it on the 5031M3 firmware (standard, not modded).
If this has been covered can someone PM me with details?

note:
I'm not looking to raid this. just a single drive.

 

If anyone has a broken VGN-Z please PM me with what you have, and how much. I need one for parts.

 

Sigh, the LCD inner case near the right hinge just cracked on my Z540. Actually, I think the hinge itself is malfunctioning (after several crashes through out the 3 years of use) that caused the case to crack.

Anyone here has any repair experiences (through Sony, 3rd party, or DIY) on this area? Or maybe I am better off just sell it for parts? Everything else is fully functional -- just can't close the lid.

 

hi all, i have a VGN-Z16 and VGN-Z17GN. i have tried the diff nvidia drivers and they all dont work well on my win7 ultimate 64bit. any ideas? and also, anyone knows how i can open up the VGN-Z17 to replace the hdd?

 

I have a few questions on my Z540.. need some other 540 owners to help me out.
Just wondering what your max memory is? I just realized the other day I only have 3GB and read somewhere (IDK where) that the max is 4GB? I then read a conflicting statement with 8GB maxed out.

Anyone have issues with their HDMI not coming through with sound? I can get images just fine and dandy though my PS3/TV and went to upgrade my HDMI driver directly from the manufacturer's site and it ended up screwing my wireless so I had to revert back to the previous version. What driver version are you using for your HDMI?

 

Not sure if this sort of question is permitted but I figured I'd ask anyways and beg for forgiveness if I have violated any terms.

How much is a stock VGN-Z790DKX worth in USA?

specs:
* 1 year of Extended Warranty remaining covering accidental damage ADH
* 128GB SSD
* Intel Core 2 Duo Processor P8800
* 4GB RAM
* DVD-RW
* 13.1" 1600x900 screen
* Premium Carbon Fiber Black
* WiFi, Bluetooth, Wireless Mobile Broadband
* Biometric Fingerprint Sensor
* MOTION EYE Camera
* Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit

Let me know. If not permitted in forum then send me a message.

 

Unfortunately, you're too new to the forums & we can't even send you a PM even if we want to.

However, I would think that maybe you should be able to get up to $850 for your VAIO Z notebook.

Good luck.

 

I own a z-690 and are planing on putting in 8gb ram. Have any of you upgraded to 8gb ram on the z690? i would like to know how much of a difference it makes. I'm running W7 64 bit with BIOS R4044m3.

 

Hi, I did an upgrade from 4G to 8G on my VGN-Z4. I needed the extra GB's for virtual machines I'm running. I did not notice a increase in speed though. But I think it's a worthy upgrade.

 

This is the RAM I used: 8GB KIT HYNIX RAM DDR3-1066 MacBook Pro iMac mac mini (350305896922)

 

Thanks, I'll give it a try! What Bios version are you running?

 

I think the latest; R5031M3

 

Yesterday I did an upgrade of my VGN-Z: I replaced the stock 128 G SSD's with 2 new 256 GB 470 Series from Sammy: though they both are 1.8 uSATA I had some minor trouble attaching the SSD's to the frame because the holes for the screw are a bit different on the new 470 model. But, I managed to fix this and I do see an improvement in speed!! Happy now.

 

Hello, i have upgraded my vgn-z690 to W7 ultimate, 8gb ram and would like to upgrade to an SSD in the near future. Is there a "HOW TO" OR WALK THRU available?

 

Hey all, need a bit of help and advice here:

I'm running a VAIO Z46GD with 6GB RAM and Windows 7 Ultimate. Around two days ago, after putting the comp to sleep, I couldn't boot it up again. The power button didn't work, and there were no lights, no noises, no fan movement etc. etc. aside from the red battery charge light being on when the AC adapter is plugged in. It refused to boot even without the battery.

However, hours later when I got home, it booted again.

The next day (yesterday), same thing happens. It refuses to boot up for hours on end with no signs of life except that one battery charge light, then miraculously comes back to life.

So, I tried to replicate the error after I shut it down last night. I moved it around a bit (nothing major) and then tried to start it - the problem occurred again and the comp refused to boot up until a few hours ago today. I got it booting by pushing up lightly with one finger at the (approximate) area below the "C" key.

I've opened up the casing to check for anything loose or a cracked motherboard, but I didn't notice anything out of order (though I haven't had much experience with hardware so I can't be sure). I've also heard of some issues with the second memory slot on other VAIOs, so I removed the RAM and tried to boot without it, but to no avail.

Has anyone else experienced this problem and/or able to help me out with it? I plan on sending it to Sony but I don't want to have to pay a large sum and have to wait several days if it could be resolved easily.

 

Does it happen when you boot with battery power only? Just to try to make sure it's the machine itself and not that the AC adapter or your house electricity is not stable.

It does really sound like a mother board problem, though.

 

This might be your issue:
Sony Vaio Laptop VGN-Z Series Design Flaw Meltdown.... Part 1 - YouTube

I am having the same issue with mine, and am currently trying to find a solution. I dont think its that part exactly because my computer shuts off when I touch other parts as well, but it is directly below the 'C' key...

 

Does anyone know where to find cheap replacement screens? I have a VGN-Z550N that has a bad screen that needs replacing. They don't seem to be as easy to find as the other laptops I've had to repair

Thanks in advance

 

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