VAIO TZ Owner's Thread

It may help :

http://www.insidemylaptop.com/disassemble-sony-vaio-tz-laptop-remove-hard-drive/

 

here's a thread that might help the order of driver install to make the FN keys work on Win 7

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=341599&page=6

quote from LAMTUTU in this site

Hi.
Here are these steps install driver for sony TZ.
You have to download following driver form sony esupport (vista driver) for your TZ:
you must to install follow order to make it working.
1 Sony® Firmware Extension Parser
2 Sony® Programmable I/O Control Device Driver
3 Sony® Shared Library
After that you have install these driversno order needed)
Pointing touchpad driver.
Camera driver.
Bluetooth driver.
EVDO sprint card driver.
Audio driver.
Memory Stick® Host Controller.
FingerPrint Sensor Driver.
SmartWi Connection Utility.
Notebook Utilities (it must be a last one)
Let windows update .
You done.
Hope it will help.

 

Thanks a lot

 

Does anyone know where can I get latest BIOS for VGN-TZ36GN? Thanks

 

Anything here that can help you >>


http://www.opendrivers.com/category/14/bios-and-system-update-free-driver-download.html

 

If anyone is selling their Vaio TZ w/ a SSD Hard drive PM ME! THANKS

 

Hi, does anyone know were/when Win7 drivers and bios are available. Sony TZ21WN/B

Win7 Drivers and bios for the Z Series are available since 22/23.10.2009, whatz with the TZ Series?

 

Please keep us posted if you find them as I just installed Win 7 and it's been impossible to restore the Sony Utils functions using Vista drivers. Really miss the ability to turn off Bluetooth via LAN Switcher, as well as functioning FN key...
Thanks.

 

This is the ftp Server for the Win7 drivers, but I think its for the Z Modells only?
ftp://ftp.vaio-link.com/pub/VAIO/WIN7UPGRADE/

on the official Sony support for Vaio TZ are no win7 drivers/bios
http://support.vaio.sony.eu/computing/vaio/programs/tzinspection/index.aspx

If someone knows the correct TZ... files on ftp://ftp.vaio-link.com/pub/VAIO/WIN7UPGRADE/ it could be helpfull

 

I suspect you are right. Maybe someone can let us know.
I actually did try some Win 7 drivers for other models close to our TZs... but, although everything installed, the utils/drivers didn't actually work.

 

I wasted a lot of time in the last weeks to get the things running on win7 64... now I think it must be in the first step a bios update. All other experiments are not constructive, I think...?

On Monday I will contact sony support again and ask for the actuall bios for the TZ Series

 

32-bit here but same situation--lots of time wasted to no avail. Thanks for keeping us posted!

 

my 120Gb HD is dying on my TZ270 and I'm searching for replacement. can anyone recommend HD other than 4200RPM toshoba it came with or should i just order OEM HD?
(not looking for SSD)
thanks

 

Hi, first time poster here.

I find that upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7 (Business -> Professional) everything works out of the box. The drivers for vista will still work with windows 7. I personally did a semi-clean install for vista business and upgrade to Windows 7, but if you prefer you can do a clean install of vista, install all drivers to make sure they work properly and then upgrade to windows 7.

I also found out that a clean install to Windows 7 will not be easy. Although I followed the steps exactly like how I would do to a clean install in Windows Vista, some drivers just won't install or work when I downloaded them from the website. It's very irritating, but I'm happy with my install/upgraded Windows 7 now so I won't tamper with it anymore.

In Windows 7 there are a couple of things you can upgrade. A few Intel drivers (like Video) will be upgraded automatically. You can download Sound drivers from Realtek website as well. The utilities and pointing device will still work so you can use them for now and wait impatiently for new upgrades. There's also new fingerprint software Protector Suite 2009 from their website to upgrade.

Another irritating thing about Sony Vaio TZ is their WWAN driver. It's too outdated. Sony claimed that it is capable of doing 7.2 mbps downloading speed but they never released any new firmware, so the current capability is only 3.6 mbps. Sony firmware is heavily modified, so only their driver would work, you cannot install newer driver either. However I found a work around this, and have successfully patched my WWAN firmware:

First of all, the module I am talking about is GTM378 E, which is supplied with VGN-TZ31VN/X (europe model). You can do quick test to see if your module is the same by going into your GlobeTrotter Connect software, right click on the top bar, and click Diagnostics. Then click RUN. If your Card Name show the same then this guide is for you.

Second of all, CARRY ON AT YOUR OWN RISK. This is to update the firmware so it's obviously very dangerous to do. If you interrupt the process, downloaded corrupted files, or something else goes wrong you may have to contact Sony to fix it. Also after updating your firmware, your warranty may expire because of tampering with the hardware (sort of). I will not be held responsibility for any of failed installation. I am simply sharing what I know.

Third of all, I found these firmware from this website: http://www.notebookforum.at/sony-vaio-forum/24381-vgn-tz21-wn-b-wwan-firmware-2.html . I don't understand a word they're saying but I found the links and they work for me.

Also I would recommend you all to run antivirus on your own, to make sure the files aren't malicious softwares.

Ok let us begin:

1. Download new firmware here (called Superfire for TZ) http://rapidshare.com/files/138816451/Superfire_Sony_TZ.zip.html
Try to run it. It doesn't quite work right? It says this update is not for your module. Restart your computer or restart the WWAN module because the script has silently turned it off.
2. Download the old firmware of another computer here http://rapidshare.com/files/1299542...re_Updater_2_3_3d_17_07_2007_1015108.zip.html
Install it. I was able to install it even though my firmware was 2.3.3Hd, and this firmware is also 2.3.3Hd.
WARNING: DO NOT INTERRUPT THE PROCESS, OR IT WILL BRICK YOUR CARD.
3. You may have to restart your computer at this point. You may notice that the WWAN software (GlobeTrotter Connect) does not work anymore. This is because your drivers don't work anymore with this new firmware. The old one had been modified to fit with the driver, but this one is original.
4. Now start up Superfire for TZ. It will now recognize your firmware as "unknown - recovery mode". Then it will install the new firmware into your card.
WARNING: DO NOT INTERRUPT THIS PROCESS, OR IT WILL BRICK YOUR CARD.
5. After a good 10 minutes (yes it takes a while, be patient), your card will now be updated to the new firmware, 7.2 mbps-ready. All you need to do is install newer GlobeTrotter Connect. Download GlobeTrotter Connect 3.0 here:
http://www.option.com/en/support/knowledge-base/article/connect-to-internet-via-dial-up-connection (Go down to bottom, click on the link on the Related Documents).
Yes, Option hides it from us. It hides the firmware upgrade and all the softwares. If you go to its download website it will only allow you to download GlobeTrotter 2.3. It never releases downloads of 3.0 for embedded modules to public, but only to vendors and to its own products. This link is a fault from their knowledge base website that I found.
6. Voila, your firmware is now updated and 7.2 mbps ready, and your drivers are all up to date, windows 7 certified signed.

Option FAQs website for GTM378e: http://www.option.com/en/support/knowledge-base/modules/gtm378e/
(Click on Download for GlobeTrotter 2.3, and windows 7 signed drivers)

If you wish to tamper further, check this out: http://www.option.com/en/support/knowledge-base/article/articleen-175
This is a guide on how to enable GPS on GTM378 card. If done correctly with new driver / firmware, you will be able to enable GPS outputting via a COM port with NMEA standard, usable by a lot of GPS apps like google earth, VisualGPS etc. which use NMEA standard. The only down side is the module probably doesn't have any internal antenna, so the signal is low and it's hard to get your locations. This is for fun/educational use only, or you could open up your computer to fit in a GPS antenna. Yes, the GPS is available and yes, it is true GPS (not a-GPS).

Enjoy ~

P.S. To midimaxi: The HDD is 1.8" with ZIF connector as far as I know. There should be plenty of vendors selling it and tons of retailers selling Toshiba ones. Just do a quick search online to see which retailers / prices are most suitable for you.
While ordering OEM HD is convenient, I wouldn't do that because 1. it's expensive as hell, and 2. The range of availabilities ain't as wide (about the HDD capabilities, etc.). I'll leave it up to you to decide.

 

I bought a copy of 7 OEM Pro 32 bit. Using the instruction provided from user on this forum, I am now happly whizzing along with everything working on my TZ21MN/B.

Even the Sony utills work, but I suspect the 64 bit version of the OS wont work due to the BIOS issue, and the lack of 64 bit drivers.

 

Well, I would have been in the same boat as you two except that, after 3 attempts, the Win 7 upgrade kept failing in the last few minutes of installation. So, eventually, I just had to do a clean install--losing all my formerly installed drivers and utilities.

 

Hi all.
I just installed windows7 ultimate on my TZ yesterday.Everything working nicely including FN funtion.Now only thing not working is UPEK finger biometric software (it not compatible with new windows 7).Did anyone here found something make it working?
Thanks

 

could anyone who got it to work, post the order in which you installed the drivers. Is it same as when doing fresh vista install?

also did you get it working through fresh install or upgrade?

 

was it clean install or upgrade the vista? thanks

 

I did a clean install of windows 7 32 bit on my vaio tz92ns and everything works except the upek software which doesn't. You can just use all windows vista 32 bit drivers.

 

At the momment it looks like there is NO WIN 7 SUPPORT for the vaio TZ Notebooks.

I think we must collect a lot of users to show sony that this cannot be the way.

 

Hi,

I found that the UPEK should be working using Windows 7 drivers, not Sony. Also there's a new UPEK 2009 software for Windows 7 you could download from their website. If it's still not working I suspect you failed to install Sony I/O Programmable Driver.

As for the FN key, You require 2 things to make it work: Sony Shared DLLs and Vaio Event Services. For Sony Shared DLLs go to their ftp website and download Sony TZ Utilities package, it should contain the lastest Sony Shared DLLs (7.1). For Vaio Event Services, you MUST absolutely download the Vista drivers of your model. I suspect each Vaio laptop has its own Vaio Event Services to map their keys to a specific function, and it is irreplaceable or it has very limited side-grade/upgrades.

Most of the Vista drivers should work for Windows 7, in my experience. Some non-sony drivers can be downloaded from the vendors themselves.

 

I work with an TZ21 WN/B and a clean install of Win 7 64bit. For the Z Series Sony has made new Win7 drivers and a bios update and this drivers are online since 22/23.10.2009. People saying Win 7 on Z Series runs after the bios update without any other Sony Software. It tolds me that the main problem is the bios update! So Sony have to build Win 7 drivers and bios update for their specific things on the TZ Notebooks they are selling to business people. After "playing" around some hours with the vista crap I will not anymore wasting a minute of time with the old drivers.

It is Sonys job to build the drivers for the products they are selling under an "high end label" like Sony Vaio... I paid 2500Euro for my Vaio TZ 21 WN/B in 01.2008. Now its worthless for me because I need STABLE 3G and clean running System on my business notebook!!!!

 

Hello all,

I suggest you update windows 7 and look for optional updates. There are two sony I/O updates, it may fix some issues.

I've just installed it.

Have fun!

 

It isn't fun if you buy a notebook and after 20months it doesnt work properly....

For the Z Series Sony has made new Win7 drivers and a bios update and this drivers are online since 22/23.10.2009. People saying Win 7 on Z Series runs after the bios update without any other Sony Software. It tolds me that the main problem is the bios update!

For People like me and a lot of other users the "playing with drivers" and frickling isnt an option. If you make a presentation with 30 People looking at you and your notebook isnt running properly is a no go!!! Take a look at the Z Series driver and then you see what they must do. Same for the TZ Series, thats the case. Working with old and wrong vista drivers is absolut the wrong way. I work with Win 7 64 and its also no way to use Win 7 32 and Win 7 64 bit machines in a mix.

A proper bios update and fresh Win 7 drivers for TZ Machines and all is ok. That is the only way.

If they dont answer on my support request and given no clear information I will organise a mass email action from TZ users worldwide against their support system.

Sony is selling 2500Euro Notebooks to people and handle their customers like fools.

 

While I agree that the support system should take more care of their paying customers, I don't think that it's entirely their faults that they cannot make absolute changes to cater everyone's taste. Some people like Windows XP, some people like Windows Vista and some prefer Windows 7 now that it's out. Some others may have to work with Linux, Mac OS etc.

My point is when you purchased the machine, you agreed that you will be using the operating system Windows Vista. Sony did not say explicitly that you will be able to use any operating system you wish to on that machine (What if people come up and tell Sony they want to use Windows 98, Linux or Unix?). If you wish to use a stable machine then I highly suggest you use either Windows Vista or Windows XP, as you can do most of the things you need in those operating systems. For the others of us here, we are seeking for the best compatibility options so that we can use our machines with the lastest Windows 7 that caters our taste.

Also I personally don't think it's wise to install Windows 7 64 bit (or any 64 bit Windows for that matter) on Vaio TZ. It is originally designed to be a 32 bit machine, hence the best compatibility option is using a 32 bit operating system. All the BIOS and the architectures of the machine are built around 32 bit. There is nothing wrong with trying to push it to the limit, but in order to achieve stability, use what is provided by the guidelines is the best.

As for me, my VGN-TZ31VN/X works fine without any BIOS modification. I installed Windows 7 32-bit and everything is working perfectly, so I don't have any complain.

On a side note, if anyone's interested in GTM378 GPS module, I have an updated news. I opened up my computer and checked the module, and it looked like there are only 2 antenna connectors on the module instead of 3. They are called Main Antenna Connector and Auxiliary Antenna Connector. The Auxiliary Antenna Connector is responsible for both function of GPS Antenna and Rx Diversity Antenna, and Sony is currently connecting that connector to the Rx Diversity Antenna on the side of the screen. If I wish to use a GPS antenna then I'd have to disconnect Rx Diversity Antenna which will lose me some performance of HSDPA (loss of some base bands causing loss of performance and coverage), but the good news is if I ever wish to do so, I'd be able to use GPS on my Vaio TZ. I'll have to check with the specification of the current network provider to see if the Rx Diversity band is needed or not. If I succeed in applying GPS on my Vaio TZ I'd make a guide to share it, but as for now I'll leave it at that.

 

Hi.
I downloaded 2009 UPEK software from their website.Everything work perfect but it limited (missing alot of funtion) version.You have to pay $19.99 to get full version.

 

True. The function missing is to encrypt files and folders I believe. It was not included in Protector Suite QL was it? I don't remember distinctively but I never used it anyway.

The rest (login passwords, passwords banks) should work properly.

 

Excuse me, but first think about what you are writing here...

They cannot cater everyones taste? A new operatings system is a taste? Its normal way in Software that it will be better and better....

Windows XP
Windows Vista
Windows 7

If the machine cant go this steps its not at the time. But Windows Vista was the problem in the past, so EVERY machine would run better on Windows 7!

My Sony VAIO runs perfectly with WINDOWS 7 64 bit. ONLY Sony special things are not running. Its the Problem of Sony. Because of People telling Z machines with BIOS upgrade running without ans Sony Software you must think about what that means.

We are talking over an Windows Machine not Linux, Mac OS, please stay in thread and dont mix the things otherwise post in Linux or Mac threads...

Sony sells VAIO Machines as premium machines. You can see Windows 7 as an normal update which is running on every machine with Windows Vista and makes this machines running faster.

 

I should download software for my business notebook from Rapidshare

Its not a playstation what you are updating, its a machine with business critical data...

 

I think the only thing sony should have to do is allowing us to enable VT. Supporting Windows 7 would be nice, but as stated before, we bought the device with Vista and that what it's made for.

 

I received the answers fro Sony Support. "At the Moment" they dont support WIN 7 for TZ Series.

Win 7 is the operating system build by Microsoft to make every Vista machine running better. Every Machine which was "build for vista" should be running better with win 7. The bios update for a machine like the TZ series isnt the Problem. Its Sony, because they want to pressure their good paying vaio customers in new modells. They on us...

 

Hi all,

I just completed a clean installation of Windows 7 successfully!

First impressions, it takes the graphic effects one step further from vista, the taskbar is great. and the FN keys are working perfect for me, so is everything else.

I installed the drivers for my Vaio TZ17GN and everything installed properly, installed in the following manner:

But the following didn't install due to being only for Vista:
Audio
Video
Fingerprint
Camera

Fingerprint scanner, i downloaded the latest 32bit driver software from here, and it works perfect:
ftp://ftp.vaio-link.com/pub/VAIO/WIN7UPGRADE/
And it installed the UPEK 2009 software complete edition, without any time limit.

Now about the Audio and Video, i dont understand what this is for, but my audio works perfect, and so does the Video. Camera, i havent checked if its working or not, but well, i never really used it in the past 1.5 years! so no big deal for me.

Overall, very happy with the switch to W7, and its working superb!.

Thanks for the support guys.

 

What is with the UMTS Card. Does the 3G Card run properly?

 

Dont use that at all, mate, so dont know of it.

By the way, to all : No bios update was done in my TZ, still all working perfect.

 

There is no problem installing windows 7 using the vista drivers without any bios update . The problem has been & still is the smartwi application causes the task engine to hang at shutdown .

If anyone has found a updated smartwi version that prevents this from happening , please share ..

 

I don't use SmartWi, but I use the EU version of it called Vaio Smart Network and it works without a problem. I find that I am unable to install the newest version though, as it does not recognize anything for my laptop. You may want to try a couple of previous versions see which one works the best.

For Audio driver: Try going on their official website (Realtek) to download the newest updates.
For Video driver: The original one supplied with Windows work great. In fact I used to have screen flicker problem with Vista or XP drivers in the past, even when I turned off the power saving technology, but I am very pleased with Windows 7 because all of the screen flicker problems are gone, while I have power saving technology turned on.
The Camera works great for me, if you want to check, download Vaio Camera Capture Utility, see if it works out for you.

Windows Vista was designed to make every capable machine runs better (sarcasm noted here). It's not the vendors, but Microsoft pressure us to buy new machines to run their Windows. Honestly if you feel the urge to use Windows 7 that much why don't you just purchase a new machine? I doubt that there is anything fundamental you could do with Windows 7 but you cannot do with Windows Vista or XP. Sony provided you with the 2 options when you buy the machine: XP fast and simple, Vista a bit slower but pretty, so deal with it.

EDIT: I didn't realize you are using a machine to process and store critical business data. If so, my advice to you is do not play with it, and don't feel the urge to upgrade to new windows either. You are basically using Windows 64 bit on a 32 bit machine, with all the software to control complicated functions of the machine written specifically for 32 bit. Compatibility is the key. If your machine crashes someday then you are gonna regret it. Also I don't see anything you cannot do in 32 bit Windows XP and Vista that you can do on 32 bit or 64 bit Windows 7, but I have a feeling that you are a kind of update-maniac person who wish his machine to have everything of the top notch number. My advice is don't, nowadays technology is not something you can handle with ease (in fact the more you tamper with it, the more frustration you are gonna get), and you may have to pay a high price for it.

 

Its not the Problem of Microsoft, its only the problem that sony doesn't update bios for machines before 03.2008. Thats all... It has something to do with "customer relation" if you know what I mean. Thousands of diskussion threads with questions to update a Vaio on Win 7 are useless if the vendor of this machines brings up proper support for his customers. AGAIN: Z machines and other machines with new bios from sony run with new Win 7 bios udate without any other Sony Software... I think with correct bios on a TZ a clean Win 7 installation is a ONE KLICK action and ready.

But be proud to have your machine running and thank you for your advice, I go back to win 3.1 it semes the savest way for me...

 

Windows 7 32bit perfectly runs on TZ. I have been using it for 3 month. 2 days ago Sony even released 2 Win 7 drivers for TZ over windows update. All features work, fingerprint, FN keys, hard disk shock sensor etc.

Windows 7 64bit does not make much sense on the TZ, as it only has 2Gb of RAM.

 

What is with the UMTS Card. Does the 3G Card run properly?

2 Win 7 drivers for Sony TZ are released on 27.10.2009? Please tell us where to download. Please the exact Name of driver or web url.

 

it showed up in my Windows Update, thus i do not have a downloadlink.

 

It was an Update from Microsoft or an update from Sony?

 

I'll have to check when i'm home, I don't have my laptop with me right now.

I would guess that it's a Sony driver approved by Microsoft.

 

Hi,

You said you have been running W7 from past 3 months, and its running pefrect, and then you say it doesn't make sense on the TZ as it only has 2GB ram. What do you mean?

IS W7 32bit SLOW on 2gb ram?

I am using it currently on 2gb, and it seems to work flawlessly!

 

I reckon most update from Windows updates are Microsoft's and its associated vendors' drivers (namely Intel). I will check actively if they had made an exception or not.

@enurator: Sure if you can get Win 3.1 to work. Trust me I installed Windows 98 on Vaio TZ only to find out there's no drivers. I did experience a 10s boot time though and I was in love with that. But no driver is bad

P.S. 32 bit operating systems only take up to 3gb ram, even though it could report more (it only uses 3gb ram). 2gb is 2/3 of that, so I wouldn't complain...

 

Thank you for your advice but is it not the Question Windows 32 or 64 its sonys thing to make an bios update for their products. Thats the only thing man.
I see that you are happy to run 98 on vaio, thats fine for you but I only want to use my notebook properly with the bios it needs for Win 7.

If Sony doesnt support that I buy a new Notebook because it is to expensive to spend hours of worthless time because of Sony Marketing People blocks a bios update for their paying customers.

For me is here the end of diskussion. Thank you... it needs 3 Generation of Vaios to understand!! what Sonys thinking about their customers is. For you it might be not interesting you are happy to play with your drivers, good buy

 

Aeeh, I forgot to say. You find me next time in another forum here, Sony is dead for me, but there are a lot of other good notebooks out there and questions and answers and diskussions are always. Thats not the thing...

 

It's listed as Sony Corporation.

 

sorry, typo, i meant 64bit would not make too much sense as there are no benefits, especially not with 2GB

32bit runs absolutely flawless, smooth and fast Gonna add an SSD soon for ultimate performance.

I still hope sony will release at least a VT bios so we could use the XP mode.

 

you can enable vt easy.... http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=189228