Sony Vaio Z i5/i7 (VPCZ1) Official Owners Thread Part 2

I'm a college student that just got my Z3. What's a good laptop backpack to carry books and my laptop around in?

 

If I make a DVD recovery, will the recovery partition still be there afterwards?

 

Re: Windows Update
This time around they spammed me a dozen items to update. The first few (all MS Office updates) installed easily. Then around 8 items just will not install. It tried to update them but they uninstalled/reverted themselves upon boot-up (they go up to like 15% and then auto-uninstalled). I tried it a few times and it was the same ("installed", reboot, auto-uninstalled). So I looked at this list and selected 4 items (various Security updates) in the next group and they installed fine. For the balance items (Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems, various) i had to do this one by one, rebooting each time by its request or they all just will not install. Finally i have all the items installed. It used to be that we can easily update dozens of items at a time but this time around it was more work

 

Sorry if this is the wrong place, I can't figure out if I'm starting a new thread or replying to one...I've had my Vaio Z for about a month and really loved it until yesterday, when I tried to plug
in an external microphone and realized there was no jack. Assuming that the headphone jack was some kind of combo jack, I bought a microphone/headphone splitter, but when I tried it I was still recording my voice from the computer's microphone, not my plugged in clip-on mic (the headphones worked through the splitter, though).

I absolutely need to be able to use an external mic. I found this USB adapter online, but I'm wondering if I should bother - I already have one adapter that doesn't work. I also found this, which looks like a longer version of the one I bought.

Is there some kind of setting in the control panel I need to mess with? I tried setting up a new microphone, but that didn't work either.

Incidentally, when I plug in a combo headset/microphone, sound is still recorded from the laptop's microphone.

 

I don't think you have a Vaio Z1. Do you have one of the following laptop models?

http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...-vpc-z2-vaio-z-2011-series-owners-thread.html
http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...-official-new-svz-z-series-owners-lounge.html

 

I'm so confused...this isn't the thread for Vaio Zs running core i5 or i7?

 

This thread is for the 2010 model which is also known as the Vaio Z1. Check the links that I posted above. It sounds like you have a Vaio Z2 or Vaio SVZ.

 

Thank you, and sorry. I'll do that now.

 

Running Windows 8 Pro RTM. Only driver problems are the dual graphics drivers which aren't compatible with Windows 8. No problem for me as I'am always running in stamina mode. I upgraded from Windows 7 Ultimate. Some programs weren't compatible with Windows 8 so I uninstalled them as they weren't essential.

 

I know this response was here for a while, but I just saw it...

How exactly do you go about getting rid of the recovery partition?

Thanks

 

You can use a partitionmanager to remove or resize a partition.

Best Free Partition Manager Freeware and free partition magic for Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Vista and Windows XP 32 bit & 64 bit. MiniTool Free Partition Manager Software Home Edition.

 

Windows 8

I would like to be able to use the Speed Mode...but when I attempt to install the Nvidia drivers, I get the ...No hardware detected error..

Any ideas how to get switchable graphics working on Win8?

 

The current drivers aren't compatible with windows 8. Don't think Sony will release new drivers as the VGN-Z1x isn't their current model. Maybe the fanbase can create a driverset.

I think you can install both drivers separately but you will need a reboot to switch. Haven't tried it yet myself as I don't use the performance mode on my Z under Windows 8. Stamina is ok for my usage.

You can install the drivers when you set the switch to speed instead of auto or stamina.

 

Please post your vaio z pictures here:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...3-pictures-its-complete-accessories-here.html

 

Sounds like you need to delete the current RAID setup and build a new one. You can do it via the bios.

 

I just got a secondhand port replicator for this laptop and my AC adapter is too fat to plug into the weird port on the replicator! Does anyone have a compatible AC adapter/port replicator combination and is willing to share the model number on the AC adapter?



Looks like this is a more recent version that has a fat head and doesn't plug into the docking station. Someone probably redesigned the adapter and didn't know about the crazy docking station port.

 

(X-post, sorry for the redundancy.)

Hi all,

I'm having an issue with my Z11...I was using it one day when it randomly shut down. I started it up again, and after it booted up to the Win7 screen, it shut down again.

Now, I can get it to boot up, but it shuts down after roughly 60 seconds, and then subsequent boots shut down after about 15-20. There are no apparently hardware issues, so at this point, I can only think of a virus.

I need help getting this back on track, so I turn to you all, as you've been excellent in assistance in the past. What should I do here? I'm guessing I should format my HD and rebuild. I'm unable to restore Windows, as the laptop shuts down early on in the process. I'm not positive I have a virus (I normally have that thing on lockdown), and if I do, I'm not sure which one it'd be.

Any help you can provide, I greatly appreciate. Thanks for reading.

-John

 

Have you tried booting up in safe mode?

 

Did you already check CPU temperatures with Core Temp?

 

All of those things have been done.

 

What temperatures were reported for the CPU?

 

when you say it shuts down, are we talking about a windows shutdown, as if you hit the power button?


If you were to remove the entire assembly that is principally the aluminum top, keyboard, etc. it includes many different devices including the touch pad and buttons, and the power, and other buttons. I had a problem with one of the small boards under the touchpad that prevented the PC from booting up. If I pushed the power button, it would come on but then shut down.

I think it is possible that if there are intermittent issues with some of that hardware, it could be the system will just try to shut down. If there is a reason to suspect those items, it is a starting place. I was lucky since my wife and i have exactly the same model, and I was able to swap the tops to see where the problem was. if you have access to another Z11 that would be a good Idea.

If you look in that direction, check connectors in those areas too, if they are slightly misaligned things will not work properly

 

SONY VAIO Z (VPCZ13C5E) - RECOVERY MEDIA needed!


hello there,

i'm looking for someone who owns VAIO VPCZ13 and would be nice enough to make a Windows 7 Professional RECOVERY MEDIA for me.

i managed to delete the recovery partition and lose my own recovery disks...

please help!

cheers

 

Sorry, I just saw this. It starts up, goes into Windows, and will act normally for about a minute. Then it will just shut itself down. I will boot it up again, and it will stay on for about 30 seconds, before it goes down.

And that's how it goes.

I've been holding off contacting Sony, but I think it's about time I do. I will look into your suggestion, though I'm wary of opening it up.

 

@jcomey: Like namaiki pointed out, it sounds like temperature related, at first glance.

Did you say whether the cpu temperatures were ok?

Also, have you cleaned out the fan?

 

re: Latest Windows Update
The 17 important/recommended items (and 1 optional) earlier today scared me for a moment I thought I was going to install/reinstall all day like 2 months ago. But luckily all of them installed just fine (no problems this time).

 

hallo,
I'm looking for image (.iso) of Windows 7 Pro OA ENG code x15-53895
my model of vaio is VPCZ12V9E
I need it for reinstal system, because previous owner had deleted recovery partition. Now i have only stick with windows certificate.
best regards

 

any VPCZ13 BIOS LATEST than r3031c3?

 

So, I have the VPCZ122GX

Bought it brand new in 2010 and now the fan is making a loud whirring noise. My experience with fan replacements in these laptops is that its horrifying. I had the SZ480 before this, and a Z series before that.

Is this model any different? And, do you guys think that its worth sending it back to Sony to fix it to avoid the headache?

Also, due to my use of this beast i have worn the paint from the palm rest. Is there a good place to buy a new one, and again, should I just send this back to have them replace the fan and palm rest?

I do not have a warranty.

I really appreciate the input from fellow owners!

 

Good day.
This is external battery for new Vaio Z http://www.sony.nl/res/images/image/73/1237486917173.jpg

Can I find like it for VPCZ11X9R ?

 

No. There's only the VGP-BPL20.

 

Sad. Very sad.

 

Hmm. Answer me this then. Are you able to run dual monitors, because I can't. Also, I noticed that my battery life was halved using the W8 preview. I blamed this on the video drivers. Same in your case?

I'm worried about taking advantage of the 39.99 upgrade deal but being unable to use my computer as efficiently as I have been. I'd have loved to stick with W7, seeing all these issues but the WP8 SDK only works on W8

 

PLEASE HELP

my 2 year old z128 is randomlly spontaneously shutting down

from my very basic trouble shooting ive found it only happens when i am attached to my 27" external monitor. it happens regardless of whether I connect via HDMI or VGA cables.

it generally also happens when the laptop has been on for awhile, and often happens when im streaming video, but not always. when i turn it back on, it will sometimes shutdown almost immediately again, just on the finger swipe screen.

does anyone have any idea?

 

Sounds like overheating. Did you already check temperatures with Core Temp or similar?

 

Also, when on VGA, does it do it in stamina mode as well?

 

cheers

no its always in speed mode regardless of whether im using VGA or HDMI

i havent checked temperatures, i didnt realise i could? what am i looking for..?

 

What temperature is it now and what temperature is it just before it turns off?

 

sorry, how is it i can find out the temperature?

 

Download a program called "Core Temp" and leave it open while you have the monitor attached and streaming videos. It should tell you the temperature of your CPU. The computer will automatically turn off if the CPU reaches 100-105 degrees celcius.

 

cheers! ill do that now

 

hmm ok so im not even connected to my monitor (im not at home atm), and when i loaded up youtube i got the following max readings:

core #0 - 92 degrees C
core #1 - 97 degrees C

im in sydney and we're just coming into summer here so im thinking maybe this has only shown up now because winter would have kept it all cooler?

mind you, that was only for a moment, and it seems to have settled around 70 degrees C streaming.

can i take that this is bad news?

is there anything i can do to cool my laptop more effectively???

 

Haha.. It's not that hot at night here, is it?

For a quick temporary measure, you could try disable Turbo Boost: Prevent Overheating in Lapotop Running Win7 | thecybergal
(instead of step 3, set Maximum processor state to 99% - doing this should reduce temperatures a bit)

I'm not sure how willing you would be to take apart your Vaio Z. If so, there's a disassembly guide around here which you can use and try remove dust from your computer and clean the fan and vent on the left.

If you don't want to open up, you can try blow compressed air into the left vent (or try use a vacuum cleaner there and on the vents on the bottom of the computer, but be very careful as you don't want to burn out the fan in the computer from spinning too fast due to the air suction).


For a comparison, my Vaio Z's CPU is idling around 60C (still not that good) and goes up to about 90C max.

 

Also, running in stamina mode generates less heat than speed mode does.
So as temporary measures go, that's another option.
Note that would only apply to a VGA connection not hdmi.

 

cheers guys, ill do this tomorrow, very helpful thanks

 

Hey guys, my younger sister recently bricked my Z. Sent it off for a house insurance claim and they paid me £1970 for it so bye bye Z but hello £300 more than I paid for it! Problem is, I removed my 128gb SSD (2x64) and was planning to stick it on eBay as I guess there are a few Z owners out there with the 128 that wouldn't mind a second one to get quad raid.... any thoughts on how I can wipe the drive without the Z though? obviously having connector issues! Any suggestions much appreciated.

 

If you sell it to me I will clear it out for you

How much are you thinking of asking for it?

 

I'm open to sensible offers - not sure if it's OK to use this site for this kind of thing, don't want to break any rules. send me a PM if you are genuinely interested.

 

Can someone post the exact keystrokes I need in order to enable the CPU VT function in the BIOS?
I need a blind guide on how to do it (e.g. how many times to press <>, etc. to enable it and apply the changes).

Some time ago my LCD got slightly cracked on one corner, all video output (internal/external) stopped working when the damaged LCD harness finally broke. I replaced both but the internal screen has never worked again, but I was able to use external displays again. The problem is that there is no video output to the external display during POST or before the OS fully boots up.

The general instructions are these:

To enable Intel VT
1 Turn on your computer.
2 Press the F2 key when the VAIO logo appears.
3 Press the < or >, key to select Advanced.
4 Press the M or m key to select Intel(R) Virtualization Technology or Intel(R) VT, press the Enter key, select Enabled,
and press the Enter key.
5 Press the < or > key to select Exit, select Exit Setup, and then press the Enter key.
At the confirmation prompt, press the Enter key.

I'll appreciate if anyone is able to check this for me. Thanks!

 

Hey guys, I just got a Z115 recently and since it came with a 500GB HDD in place of the optical drive, I was wondering if I could get a mSATA drive and install it somewhere under the touchpad, which I believe is where the SSD models keep their SSDs.