VAIO TZ Owner's Thread

jjahshik32 ordered a TZ with no DVD drive and the 160gb hard drive. He also installed an 1.8" SSD in there, you could ask him.

 

After reading many many posts on the topic of clean , semi clean install and recovering hidden partition space..I'm thinking one of the best options for me and my limited techiness in recovering all the space and eliminating the bloat on my SSD TZ 191 is...
to...1. make a recovery disc as a safety net and 2. then obtain a copy of Vista of my choice (Business) , 3. make a clean install of it, 4. install the drivers and utilities from SONY support ...and according to the info I received from a SONY tech I should have optimum use of the HD space and no hidden partition. I'm not sure if this is correct info but I have downloaded Acronis the other day from torrentz but have had some kind of problem to open the program ,it seems to unpack but doesn't open ..
Bb

 

I "obtained" a Vista image of Home/Home Premium/Ultimate and just did my own clean install then. I installed all drivers and utilities available, and I also installed Acronis True Image to make some images.

To give you an idea of space, I haven't deleted any restore points (of which there are a lot) or disabled Hibernation, and I have 14.3 GB free. I should be able to free up 4 GB or so, after disabling some things.

 

This is my goal...now if I can "obtain" it...

I'll have to look around at other download sites I think...

I could go a little leaner leaving out the Ultimate...

Thanks

 

You can afford a $3000 lappy but you have to steal $50 software? Shame on you.

 

Uh oh..

there are a few reasons why I don't feel like spending a couple hundred on software to fix something that

shouldn't have to be fixed in the first place

not to mention the several hundreds that have to be spent on removable media

I can afford a 3333.00 laptop therefore I have nothing left for the new software

oh well

Bb

 

If I could get a TZ for free, withouth anyone loosing it, I would take it.

 

So it's finally here!

So far so good lovin' it. Not the bloatware though. I got the TZ150N with 2G Ram. My TX died a few days ago, apparently bad mo-board so I had to reluctantly get another one but decided to try the TZ.

Anyone have any recommendations on what software I can get rid of? So for example the Vaio Media stufff, can I just chuck it? Any others.

I'm also having issue connecting to wireless networks. Vista makes something so simple as signing onto a network annoying with the constant prompts. Anyone have issues connecting to wireless networks?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

 

Congratulations on joining the club, you will love it!

There is a thread about what can be deleted, but do get rid of AOL, Quicken, NAV and Microsoft Works, plus any other junkware.

No issues connecting to Wi-Fi networks, but I still have to reset my basestation once in a while. Another trick that may help you sometimes is flipping the Bluetooth/Wi-Fi switch or using IPCONFIG to "release all."

Otherwise, Vista is no more difficult or easier than XP in that regard. Once told to "Connect automatically" (the last option), it should try to find your Wi-Fi instantly. Enjoy.

 

After deleting the hidden partition with acronis disk director i can't boot windows anymore!
I did also the recovery with acronis true image and still nothing...
After the Vaio logo appears black screen with white letters saying that can't load windows.
Any ideas? Was the fault that i delete the hidden partition?

 

most likely....

I'd suggest you to boot off vista DVD or XP CD to do a proper 'clean' install

cheers

 

For doing a clean install of Vista on the TZ i need the OEM version? What is the point doing recovery dvd(s) if they don't help at all?

 

Anyone know what the OOBE module is in Vista. When I got the system there was a popup that kept displaying regarding OOBE (out-of-the-box experince).

 

Yup, i've been in the sub-notebook club for a long time now. I think i've had every single sub-notebk they've come out with starting with the PCG-505TR, which was sweet by the way. Then I leveled off at the TX or thought so, until it died

Yeah, I know it's here somewhere couldn't find it. I don't use virus programs so Norton was chucked along with loads of others but I know there are a few that should be on the chopping block.

It's strange but I was able to get the issue resolved by running this module, OOBE, not sure if it's from Vista or Sony. But after clicking ok to run it the system basically went through a series of performance checks and then opened up Vista. I had to specify admin name/passwords again. Once loaded I was able to get onto wireless without a problem.

Cheers,
Anna

 

Your recovery disks should still work. Are you booting with a True Image boot disk and then using your image(s)?

 

I thought too that they should work. I have the software of Acronis True Image saved in a CD so i put this first and then with the recovery program i put the recovery dvd(s). I did twice the recovery and it resulted succesful but still doesn't boot windows. If i put right away the recovery dvd(s) they don't work. I regret so much that i wanted to delete the hidden partition...some file now is corrupted and i have no OS inside the TZ.
I have to buy a OEM correct?

 

The screen says:

Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause. To fix the problem:
1.Insert your Windows installation disc and restart your computer.
2.Choose your language settings, and then press Next.
3.Click Repair your computer.

Info: The selected entry could not be loaded because the application is missing or corrupt.

 

If one of your friends has a Vista install DVD, it should should let you install any (sometimes not Business) version. One DVD can install all 4 versions of Vista, depending on what Key you use.

 

Thanks Nanaki, great idea.

Maybe if i install XP first and after put the recovery dvd(s) i will have Vista again?
Brett told me that i need a windows disk and after call MS to re-activate it.

 

Don't know if you know, but you can get the Vista DVD of trackers aswell, and you can enter your own official Vista key.

 

Yeah, you will need to re-activate it.

I did download my Vista DVD image. It worked fine for me. Although, you really need to know what to look for, to be able to do that.

 

Phil, I ordered TZ from conics. They do the installation of Vista Home Premium, so I don't have the Vista DVD or the key to activate it.

 

There is no key under your TZ?
The Vista DVD you can download from trackers, f.e. torrentz.com

 

No Sonys are shipped with Vista DVDs. Your CD-Key is on a sticker on the underside of your notebook, though.

 

OK, I got my SSD/160GB and the thing I notice that's different from the DVD version is that my fan is virtually always on. I hate that. I guess that hard drive makes things a lot hotter in there.

I recall we had a discussion about being able to turn the hard drive off. I want to try that. Can anyone tell me how to do that? I think you did that Phil, right?

 

I think he set it from power mangment to turn off harddisk after for ex. 1min and it will be off and the SSD wont!

 

smadgy, I just did that but it didn't help, the fan is still always on!

 

I have the 100GB + DVD TZ. The fan is always on too but it doesn't make any loud noise.

 

Ugh, I'm just not used to it, and don't like it.

 

I have the ssd and dvd version and i am super happy

 

I'm used to hearing the sound of my PC fan going 24/7 (I never bothered to put the sides on the case), so the fan on the TZ does not bother me at all.

I'm relatively satisfied with my TZ. I love the premium carbon finish, and the screen and keyboard are excellent. I will probably buy the next substantial upgrade of the SZ as well, though.

 

I'm going to buy a Macbook. One Sony is enough.

 

Hi Phil, thanks for the info.
I burn the iso of Vista to DVD succesfully. Before I put it into the TZ I would like to know if I must put the key under my laptop or the key that the torrent gives.
If I choose Ultimate can I put the key that is down the TZ(Home Premium)?

Edit.

Fix the problem! The only thing that i did was to put a Vista DVD and click on repair computer, and windows boot again normally...saved all the data of before and the partition is deleted! No install again!

A big thanks to Phil

 

I can't open Limewire with Vista, is not compatible?

 

OK, I have a big problem with this new TZ. I have presented twice now and both times the TZ did not recognize the projector. It could not "see" the external VGA-connected projector and no matter what I did, toggle Fn/F7 or restarting the lappy did not help. In one instance I even restarted the projector. No dice.

Does anyone have an idea why an external monitor would not show? Is the VGA port defective? Should I reinstall the Intel graphics driver?

 

What happened to me with my TZ: I connected my new HP 2207 TFT, it did not recognize it. Then I used a different, thinner VGA cable. Then it did recognize it. Strange.

 

Yikes, unfortunately I can't substitute cables, because they're usually hundreds of feet long to reach to the projector, usually located far from the lectern, so that's not an option.

This is a huge drag because I'll have to carry my old ASUS W5F and use that to present, until I'm switched over to a Macbook and Keynote. Oh well, the exhilarating fun of technology!

 

That long cable might very well be the problem. The cable that was giving me problems was longer than average and thicker. It was what they call a 'professional VGA cable'.

 

Is it just me or does the laptop lose quite a bit of power when its on "sleep" mode? I lose about 15% of battery for 24 hours of "sleep".

Hibernate feature doesn't even appear on the list anymore.

 

I googled the problem and it appears that the issue is probably due to the longer cable runs, so I need to buy an RGB video amplifier/splitter, like this one ($149):

http://www.lenexpo-electronics.com/1-2-SHINYBOW-VGA-AMPLIFIER-SPLITTER-p-16558.html

Might be worth a try, but I'm ambivalent about carrying around another box for the pleasure of showing my own presentation. Then again, I'm tempted to bring my own projector too, so I can begin showing 16:9 presentations, which no one does on the circuit, not even Steve Jobs, from what I can tell on Engadget.

 

Yes, that's quite normal. After about six hours, or so, of sleep it was down to 92% yesterday. Sleep requires energy, unfortunately.

You probably disabled Hibernate in the Power Options panel, which is a good idea, given the 2GB of storage this feature requires on the limited-space SSD.

Speaking about Power Options, does anyone know how to set a really intrusive alert when the Sony TZ hits 5% battery power left?

I usually miss the flashing green indicator because it's not in my face as much, being on the side. No matter what I do, I can't get the proper alerts. I would love an audible tone, or even the Three Stooges doing a routine!

 

If Vista plays sound its only beep, right? If it doesnt play any sound, then there is different problem..

Have you tried to change it in control panel - hardware and sound - sound - sounds (tab) - change system sound? There you should see Critical battery alert. It only accepts .wav files - but better then nothing. I hope this helps, because i dont have english OS

 

So I ordered my TZ90 from conic.net last week. I figured that the rush was over and the Japanese week long holiday completed, the wait shouldn't be too long..... Assumptions are the mother of all mess-ups, and this case is no different. Sonystyle Japan estimates the laptop will be ready by the end of September. What a bummer.
Guess the waiting game begins.....

 

SonyStyle USA shows all TZ models on back-order, so this is one helluva popular lappy! Thanks to us, naturally!

 

Yep..What I first noticed when I ordered mine , and i ordered the premium carbon edition, the very next day it wasn't even listed anymore, like they were out of it , not even a back order picture,, and now this...all backordered including Bordeaux and Champagne edition..I wonder what is really going on...?

Bb

 

I've been wondering if they are going to be revision it as well, Buellboy.

Sony Japan have been running a promo for both CPU and RAM upgrades (which is rare on models that have are not going to be updated). It ends on the 21st, so, if there is going to be anything, we will probably see it no longer than a few days after that.

Well, either that, or the global demand has been higher than they expected.

 

Remember when we saw that Amazon.com was listing a 48GB SSD version, available Oct. 1?

Now, I also see that the top-of-the-line has been reduced by $200 to $3000, if I'm not mistaken, so pricecuts plus out of stock might mean UPGRADE coming!

I wonder if Sony will give us early adopters a $100 gift certificate to spend at Sony Style? NOT!

 

I do remember.... and I also was really caught up into really really wanting to get this TZ 191 like right now... and not wait 6 more weeks...I only have this for about 2 weeks and really still use my old one while stretching my legs in Vista and all like that
hmmmm
yikes now i really feel extreme buyers remorse..

 

Well ain't that just dandy. I was playing the damn waiting game for an Apple ultraportable for the past year, until I happened upon the TZ. Just shows you no matter how much you plan, you still get bent over.

PS. When did the pricecut go into effect? If Conics got a cheaper price, would they let you know perchance?

 

There hasnt been any price cuts! They just took off the tz191, so NOW the most expensive is the jet-black carbon one for 3000. NO PRICE CUTS! This was just a limited edition (tz191) and I GOT ONE. So NO BUYERS REMORSE! Im actually pretty happy that no body else will have one like mine