Vaio FZ Owners Official Owners Thread

Hey, I just opened the compartment under the fz-190 laptop that houses the ram. I see two 1 gig cards both clamped in by little white rectangles tipped with a conductive metal. I don't see where the additional 2 gigs should go. Any ideas?

 

The Entice Array index error can be solved by uninstalling Quickbooks.

 

there are only two RAM slots. to achieve 4GB, you would need two 2GB modules.

 

Anyone having problems with their windows explorer (in vista) having errors often? (not IE, Windows explorer) It always comes back up but it's a real pain!
Also anyone have a good replacement for Windows defender? The pop ups are driving me crazy!
I'm Still loving my FZ!

 

Wow. Didnt know there were only two RAM slots. Good thing I opened my laptop before buying the memory.

It seems like I have two options on NewEgg.com. Either I can buy the 1 x 2 gig Patriot ram card (200 pin, PC2-5300) and later on buy another, OR I can buy the Geil 2 gig x 2 ram. Price-wise it will come out to about the same. I dont know either brand, does anyone have any suggestions?

 

Patriot desktop RAM has a very good reputation and I don't have a reason to believe the notebook variety is any different. I have Patriot memory in my desktop and it's very fast right out of the box.

 

I am buying the FZ180 E/b tomorrow at my local Office Depot, I can't wait

 

Solution for "Array Index Error"

I too have a new SONY N series laptop that got the array index error with Windows Vista.

The solution is relatively simple. Run MSCONFIG and go into selective startup. Disable any Quickbooks start programs from running. That will solve the problem. Alternatively, you can completely uninstall quickbooks bloatware from the laptop and make sure the entries are removed from the start up folder.

 

i get the same error and i dont have quickbooks

 

Anyone know why I keep having a Logitech Update dialogue box come up when I log on. It wants permission to continue. I am using a Logitech V450 mouse. This didn't seem to start until I added my wife on as a standard user account. It also has Set Point in the address line along with Logitech Update. There is a file address listed under the details tab. I don't think that's the problem. I click OK to continue, but it comes up every time I log on. Even checked Logitech for updates, but there aren't any.

Thanks

 

Setpoint simply wants to check for software updates. You can go into the program preferences and tell it not to ask you to check for software updates at startup.

 

Thanks, Hartman

I'll try to figure out how to do that. I'm not real computer savvy. Love the Laptop. But, a lot of software to deal with, and I think I bought the wrong router. Today my wife told me she couldn't open some pictures or videos. Computer said it needed flash or macromedia, I think. I thought that would be part of Vista. Is that something I have to download free from the internet? It's on my XP desktop, But, my sons set that up. I never gave it much thought.

Thanks

 

Adobe Flash can be downloaded for free. It's used pretty widely in streaming video.

 

Hartman,

I googled it and found an adobe forum site with a lot of people having problems downloading it. Have not seen any recent posts here. I'll wish myself luck.

Thanks Again

 

So I just got my VAIO through FedEx yesterday.

Specs:
T7500 - 2.2Ghz
4GB RAM
250GB HD
8400M GT

The first thing I did was to format the HD and install Vista x64 so that I can utilize 4GB of RAM. I usually run a lot of applications at once, so that's why I need 4GB of RAM.

THEN... I realized that Sony doesn't support Vista x64! Currently, there are NO drivers for Vista x64. I looked all over the net, but I was only able to locate Sony Shared DLL (works for both 32/64), Intel Chipset (works for both 32/64), Wireless LAN driver (works for both 32/64), and LAN driver from googling. There is a lot of missing drivers still, including the 8400m GT and Sigmatel HD Audio codec (Dell's driver didn't work).

My question is, why do they sell 64-bit capable CPUs if they're not going to support 64 bit OS? I was trying to get the most out of my CPU since I paid a good chunk of $ for it.

If anyone can help me find some of these drivers, I would deeply, deeply appreciate it. Then, I can post my Vista x64 experience on FZ190.

Following drivers are needed to make x64 fully functional:
nVidia 8400M GT
Texas Instruments Integrated FlashMedia Controller 2.0.0.18
Intel 82801HEM/HBM SATA AHCI Controller Driver (tried one x64 driver, but no luck)
SigmaTel High Definition Audio CODEC (Dell's driver didn't work)
Toshiba Bluetooth Driver (Tried several x64 drivers, without luck)
Conexant HDAUDIO SoftV92 Data Fax Modem with SmartCP
Texas Instruments PCIxx12 Integrated FlashMedia Controller Driver
Alps Pointing Device Driver

Thanks in advance!

 

I actually asked my dealer that same question before i bought my FZ, and i was told the machine does fully support a 64 bit setup, but Vista doesn't (yet). As far as i know it's a matter of time until the right drivers for Vista come out and you can use your Vaio in a 64 bit configuration.

 

Hello-

I'm in the market for a laptop and the Sony Vaio FZ is on my short list of contenders (MBP and Dell 13" XPS are the only others left). I have a few quick questions if anyone could answer...

1) Does the HDMI output video AND audio or just video?

2) I assume the HDMI will output full 1920x1080. What frequencies can you set it at? Just 60 hz or can you also output 24 hz?

3) How is the blu-ray burner? It appears to support DL burning.

4) Any regrets or recommendations for someone looking to buy?

Thanks,
CHris

 

Haha. More like, the machine and Vista supports it, but Sony does not. They are ultimately the one who can provide the appropriate drivers.

 

I'm considering ordering the FZ11L with the 8400M GT. Will this run Vista Home Premium and general applications comfortably with this graphics card and what speed is the hard drive as it doesnt mention it, 54000rpm?. Also what is the difference between the FZ11L and the FZ11S. All I can see is an extra 40gb on the hard drive. In the spec of the FZ11S the graphics card is 8400M GT and then below it says graphics memory: 128mb dedicated VRAM whereas it doesnt say this on the FZ11L spec. what does that mean, is the graphics card slightly better on the FZ11S?

Thanks,

 

I got my flash and shockwave working. Cannot stop the logitech update dialogue box from coming up at startup. I did unselect all logitech items from the startup box. But a box came up and said I changed system configuration and it is in a diagnostic mode. Also said I need to go back and select normal startup. Did that and the logitech items are now selected again. Any suggestions.

Also, what security programs do I leave on or take off. Got rid of spyroot.(?). I would like to purchase Norton that came on laptop since it is already there. Do I still need Windows defender and windows firewall? Defender is on and firewall is off now. I am running off a wireless router from a dsl router/modem hooked up to a desktop in my house. Do defender and firewall work independently from Norton or together. If I turn on firewall will it interfere with my wireless connection. Is there a better and/or easier security program that does it all instead of these 3 if I need all three.

Thanks, and sorry for all the questions

Ken

 

Hmm. I got another question about ram. I was all set to buy 2 x 2 gigabyte ram cards when I started thinking. If the OS only recognizes a little over 3 gigabytes of memory, will 2 x 2 gb ram cards work as dual channel?

 

Hi, all of you that have the FZ11S (European model), could you please answer a few questions. I'm looking into buying the laptop from play.com (£799) at a good price, but still not sure about a few things, also discussed here on the forum. Ok, so questions :

1. Do you have any problems with fan noise / heat?

2. Experienced any technical issues from day 1 i.e. keyboard not working, track pad buttons, dead pixels, etc

3. What kind of battery life did you get out of it, let say for ex surfing the web outdors.

4. I know it has only 128 dedicated VRAM, but does it play games? If you have any games installed on your Vaio, please mention it, also if it's playable or not

5. How pleased you are with the laptop, overall (build quality, reliability, etc)

I appreciate all your answers,

THANKS

 

Adr_vdr,

I'm in the same situation as you, thinking of the exact same things about the same laptop.
heres the link
http://www.play.com/PC/PCs/4-/3362202/Sony-Vaio-VGN-FZ11S-Core-2-Duo-1-8GHz-T7100-2GB-160-GB-DVD+-RW-DL-RAM-15-4-Vista-Home-Premium-Laptop/Product.html#

Thanks
Simon.

 

Well, I finally pulled the trigger and got the FZ190 CTO. Hope I don't regret it, and yes, Sony does have crappy customer service. Does Sony include the Windows Anytime Upgrade DVD? Or did you just use the recovery disks to do a "clean" install, if you can call it clean with all the bloatware.

 

SpyderMR,

There is no Windows Anytime Upgrade CD included. You can find my instructions, in another thread here, for doing a REAL honest to gosh clean install. It does require a Vista DVD of some sort. An upgrade one can be used. But the materials out of the box will not let you do a CLEAN install, only a restore as the machine was initially out of the box.

Gary

 

Thanks Gary, will follow those instructions you posted. Now, where to find a Vista DVD...did you already have a retail Vista copy? I guess worse case I can find a torrent although I'd rather not do that. Maybe I'll upgrade to Ultimate.

 

I am an MCSP, Microsoft Certified (or is it certifiable) Solutions Provider, so yes I already had a Vista DVD. I would advise staying away from torrents. I have heard horror stories of infected Vista and other OS torrents. Too scary.

Gary

 

Is it a good idea to buy the DVD from Ebay or Amazon?

 

With EBay you have NO idea what you are getting. It could be legit. It could be a bootleg. If you buy it from Amazon itself it will be fine, but if it's from a third party through Amazon, again who knows. I'm really not the right guy to ask this though, I buy all my Microsoft stuff in a single package each year directly from Microsoft and they send me updated DVD's each month.

Gary

 

Just got my FZ190E and was just wondering if anyone out there has figured out a way to get the darn Estimated Time Remaining working. I only see the percentage reamining, and Sony tells me its impossible on this computer. I find that hard to believe. Would a complete reinstalation help me with this? I really want to get a Vista instalation CD/DVD to do a nice clean install, but I don't want to buy one (seeing as how I already paid for it buying this beautiful laptop).

 

I found x64 drivers through a lot searching. It's missing a couple of things - Motion Eye, Modem, and the Sony utilities (which I don't want to install anyway 'cause I feel like it's going to use up a lot of my system resources... but then again, I wouldn't know).

Everything else seems to be working fine!

 

I was checking out the blu-ray version of this notebook at CompUSA - what a screen.

Anyway, one follow-up question I didn't see answered on the thread previously:

If I use a HDMI -> DVI adaptor to hookup my monitor, can I get 1680x1050 out of the HDMI port? that's not a standard resolution so that's why I ask...

Also, does the expresscard slot work through the PCI Express bus or does it work through the USB ports? I ask because I was planning on using a eSATA EC to hook up some external drives.


Thanks,
Chris

 

My FZ came on Thursday! I'm so excited. However, you're all very right, they installed a bunch of stuff on here that I don't need.

I have two questions. One, I've already uninstalled several programs, but I still only have ~80 GB free out of 104 available (I have a 120 GB HD). The number hasn't changed since I've been uninstalling, and I did restart already. Shouldn't the number be going up?

Secondly, what programs did you all uninstall? I've already done a bunch, but I don't want to get rid of something I might later realize I need.

 

Like for instance, do I need the Vaio Entertainment Platform? I wouldn't think so, but I don't want to screw things up.

Edit: I didn't want to make another post, but now I have 2 GB less than what I started with, and all I've been doing is uninstalling. I emptied the Recycle Bin, I did a Disk Cleanup...what gives?

 

is it true that on the sony vaio fz, it wont let you change your internet default homepage (the aol homepage to whatever you want)?

 

No! Where did you hear that???

Gary

 

i knew it couldnt have been true...

http://www.reviewpub.net/2007/06/sony-vaio-fz-re.html
if you read at the bottom at the comments, ppl commented about it.

 

can some one tell me what to keep as non bloatware i have a screen shot of the programs installed on my awsome fz that i recived yesterday.

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/1269/untitledgf2.jpg

thanks in advance

 

Look for my thread on doing a clean install. (link is in my signature below)

In that thread is a document with the instructions for the clean install. Included in that is a list of all of the software. It shows what I considered as essential and what I considered to be bloatware.

Gary

 

Why am I losing space when I'm uninstalling programs?? I have almost 3 GB less than when I started doing this.

 

emma621,

System Restore is saving info about the things you are removing in case you change your mind! It sets aside a portion of your drive (10% I believe) for this purpose. You can get it to remove them by opening up windows explorer right clicking on the drive leter (c: ) and selecting properties. You'll see a pie chart of the disk use. There is a button there labeled "Disk Cleanup". Click it. I box will then ask if you want to cleanup YOUR files or all users. Select ALL users. Then in one tab you'll see a list of things it can clean up. There is a second tab labeled advance. Click that and the second button is about removing System Restore files. It will remove all except the last set of System Restore files. Voilà! Your "missing" disk space will be restored!

Be careful that you do NOT select the Hibernate file on the first tab. If you do, you will NOT be able to use the hibernate function.

Gary

 

QUESTION: I configured my FZ190 and it has 2.4 ghz 160gig hd and 2gb ram from the factory and my Vista experience index for ram is 4.8
NOW if I were to bring the ram up to 3 gb would that make any difference and does anyone know how much of a difference?
Thanks Dave

 

anybody know

1. how i can get my cd/dvd rom drive to work.. it says this under the info in device manager:

Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware. The driver may be corrupted or missing. (Code 39)

Click 'Check for solutions' to send data about this device to Microsoft and to see if there is a solution available.

nvm problem solved

 

I probably should have done this when I first wrote it but whatever, anyone considering the FZ you check out this thread I created which tells you about Sony's "Student" Value Packs. You can save up to $300 (I saved $200). And I don't think you have to be an actual student. When I phoned in my order they made no effort to verify that I was a student, although I will be one in the fall.

 

This solve my problem! Thank you!

 

i have questions:
VGN-FZ190 CTO
* Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
* NVIDIA® GeForce® 8400M GT
* 15.4" WXGA (HC) W/CMR
* Combo (CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive)
* 100 GB Hard Disk Drive (Price reflects discount of $30.00)
* 1 GB DDR-SDRAM (DDR2-667MHz, 1 GBx1)
* Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7300 / 2.0 GHz
* No Engraving
* Keyboard White
* Standard Capacity Lithium-ion Battery (BPS8)

1. is it easy to add ram to my fz190?? i am thinking about buying a 2gb one to add to my 1 gb and do i have to install it if i do is it easy to install?
2. which one is better from newegg.com
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145172
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220229
3. after i added ram does my fz190 have 3 gb of ram now or does it just uses the 2gb and the 1 gb just sit it and save it as a backup??

 

I tried accessing my SD card (from my phone) that inserted into the slot, and it tells me that "The request cannot be performed because of an I/O device error." Any thoughts on what this means, and any help on how to fix it? Thanks!

 

Hi Guys, i havent got any responses to my original post , i'll post it again; please let me know if you can answer any of these questions regarding this model( http://vaio.sony.co.uk/view/ShowPro...11S&site=voe_en_GB_cons&category=VN+FZ+Series)

Thank you

Hi, all of you that have the FZ11S (European model), could you please answer a few questions. I'm looking into buying the laptop from play.com (£799) at a good price, but still not sure about a few things, also discussed here on the forum. Ok, so questions :

1. Do you have any problems with fan noise / heat?

2. Experienced any technical issues from day 1 i.e. keyboard not working, track pad buttons, dead pixels, etc

3. What kind of battery life did you get out of it, let say for ex surfing the web outdors.

4. I know it has only 128 dedicated VRAM, but does it play games? If you have any games installed on your Vaio, please mention it, also if it's playable or not

5. How pleased you are with the laptop, overall (build quality, reliability, etc)

I appreciate all your answers,

THANKS

 

I'm getting that laptop. I was looking for some owners too, but they are mainly from the US. I think all FZ's are the same but just the components inside are different.
You should go look at the FZ at a shop. Comet have it and so do SonyCentre.

 

1. extremely easy, one screw on the underside of the system for the cover, snap out and snap in for the RAM. keep in mind their are only two RAM slots.

2. Both are pretty reliable modules, so i'd say go with the patriot since its cheaper and has a rebate to save another $20.

3. Your FZ and Windows Vista should effectively utilize the whole 3GB.