Vaio FZ Owners Official Owners Thread

I installed Vista fresh from a commercial DVD and only graphic card. It still has problem with color transition. By the way i tested HP with 8400GS same problems to a lsser degree.

 

yeh i also have this folder on my pre-installed vista Fz190.

The size of WAU folder is 2.52 GB with total 614 files 112 sub-folders

 

Does any one know what the 8400m Gt is equal to in a desktop? A link would be just fine.

 

I have a 140e for a couple of months now, have Vista. I want to reformat it with xp pro so i bought a new WD 120gb SATA hard drive so i would not touch the operating system and make sure i can all the drivers.
After putting it in, the BIOS sees the drive, but when XP loads to the point where you would choose the where to install, it says there is no HD and exits. Is there a special driver needed to see a SATA drive on this laptop that XP does not have? any ideas?
Thanks!

 

Hi All,

I checked in my FZ-190 and found C:\Windows\sonysys\WAU directory as specified by some other people. I checked the size of WAU directory and it is 2.52 GB (This is hidden folder).

Does anybody try to install Vista from this location ? I am thinking if we try to
restore the system using "VAIO Recovery Center", it might be using that.

I am just thinking whether using C:\Windows\sonysys\WAU setup file, it will install vista without any bloatware or not ?

Anybody know any info about this ?

Cheer
Raj

 

This wiki link is good for comparing Nvidia graphics processors both desktops and notebooks, do be aware that certain specifications are more important than others and that those specifications don't tell the whole picture.

 

I can, but only if you answer the questions I left for you in the message you just replied to. To assess whether or not you need it we need to get to the bottom of WHY it is there in the first place.

In addition to the questions I asked before, are you running Sony installed Vista, a semi clean install, or a clean install?

Gary

 

Well this reply to another question answered the one I just asked. Now I know WHY you have SQL server. It is because you are still running a preinstalled instance of Vista and the Sony applications.

There is an application called "Vaio Media" that is part of the preinstalled software on an FZ190. This app only really servers one purpose, sharing media files on a home network. (It does NOT work across the internet. It is only for a home network.) Vaio Media also requires a second component called Vaio Entertainment Platform. This application needs to keep track of various things about the media files it shares. To do this it uses a a named instance of SQL Server.

Now if you have no need to share media files on a home network, you do not need ANY of these applications. You may uninstall them if you wish. (If you ever want them back, you can easily get them back using the two recovery DVD's you should have created when you first got your machine. Disk one can be run from within Vista and is used to recover specific drivers and applications.)

To remove these applications uninstall Vaio Media first. Then uninstall Vaio Entertainment Platform. When you uninstall Vaio Entertainment Platform it will automatically stop the SQL Server service and uninstall SQL server.

You can, of course just stop the service yourself if you wish and mark it as manual.

Gary

 

Yes there is. You need an Intel SATA driver for XP. But that is not the BIGGER issue. In order to provide XP install with this driver you MUST have it on a floppy, and there is no floppy on an 140e. Unfortunately the XP installer is very rigid about this, it won't use a cd or a memory stick for the driver.

There is a way to do this though it involves "slipstreaming" the driver into a XP installer. To find out more use the search box at the top of this page (not the two search drop downs they SUCK) and search for "XP slipstream" without the quotes.

Gary

 

Folks, I am so sorry I even brought up this WAU stuff. I now realize that WAU stand for Windows Anytime Update. It allows you to upgrade Vista Home to premium or ultimate. It is NOT, I repeat NOT, used for the system restore using the "VAIO Recovery Center" or the F10 recovery. Both of those use the hidden partition. It cannot, I repeat cannot, be used to do a clean or semi clean install.

Gary

 

Where is the link?

 

Thanks for info Gary. If we decided not to upgrade the vista then can we delete this folder from system to get some free space ?

 

Just curious....if I wanted to add an extra 1GB of memory to my machine, I would need to look into a 2GB stick since right now its just 1GB x 2. What obstacles do I need to consider before looking seriously into this?

(compatible memory stick, fast speed, actually installing it, any Vista issues/etc)

 

I don't know of any reason your can't. But to be safe burn it to a dvd and make note of the EXACT directory you are burning.

Gary

 

Compatability and speed are the issues. Installing it on an FZ series machine is easy. And Vista will present NO issues at all.

Gary

 

So there are no drivers or anything involved? Just install the extra memory and then boot as you normally would?

I believe the place to replace RAM is conveniently placed right in the middle of the back panel.

I have seen some RAM stick modules which are 2GB and the speed is 800MHz. I think the installed RAM sticks in my FZ are 667MHz. Would there be some conflicting problems with 2GB (800MHz) and 1GB (667MHz)?

If there are any others here who have upgraded their memory, what RAM did you install?

 

I have a VGN-FZ190, the motion eye is not working. that somebody have a driver that works with vista business. The VAIO camera capture utility or any messenger cannot detect the camera.

 

Hello.

Install first the VCCU ( Vaio Camera Capture Utility) . If it will not work or Producing error message save in desktop first VCCU update if its looking for specific model used this Extractor

 

This one perhaps?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_NVIDIA_Graphics_Processing_Units#GeForce_8M_series

 

BabyDarkLord
thanks its working now the first driver file worked..

 

You're Welcome Free to ask anytime .

 

My FZ21M (european) arrived today. The problem is that I can't create the Recovery DVDs. When I open VAIO Recovery Center a window titled Launcher appears with the message "Failed to create empty document." only with an OK button. I turned UAC off (just in case) but it doesn't help at all.
I also tries running Launcher from it's install path, but still nothing. Anyone else with same issues? Please, help !

[edit]
OK now. Just needed an update from VAIO support site.

 

I'm kinda a noob, but this is what I did. I used the drivers from http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?3qbzdzxjmmr
There is a readme that opens with notepad that guides you through the process nicely. The only problem is is that the way they guide you requires a floppy and who has that anymore? well....i googled this: http://news.softpedia.com/news/Install-Windows-XP-On-SATA-Without-a-Floppy-F6-47807.shtml <<that is a great step by step set up of your own startdisc for xp. It really works great, the only problem is when you boot your computer, it will run xp automatically and not give a vista bootup option and you can't just alter the boot.ifn or w/e boot file there is (I forget). The only way to fix this is run the vista recovery cd and other ish. basically the way you are supposed to dual run xp and vista is install a partition FROM xp for vista NOT from vista for xp. So DO NOT go through this if you are not confident in your ability to run vista again.

One question I do have though is does anyone know where I can get the driver for the NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GT that WORKS?! I've been through everything to find it and none work right in xp. I don't know what to do????? (I heard sony (not america) put out drivers for xp but I can't find them)

P.S. I tried to make sure what I wrote made sense, but i was just up all night trying not to just smash my computer.

 

You can find the gpu drivers here:

http://www.laptopvideo2go.com/forum/index.php?showforum=72

Just pick one of the most recent versions for you OS, check the comments on the specific driver to choose the right one for you (they all should work but some are better then others for different use). After you downloaded the driver of choice extract them to a folder, and then copy the .ini file you download separately into that folder. Then you can install the driver using the .exe file. if this seems unclear maybe it's wise to read the 'how to' faq on the website first.

 

hey everyone, i just get my FZ180E. i have a little problem here when i conect the vaio with my tv through the hdmi port. the resolution is not right for my tv. my tv resolution is 1920X1080. but the desktop picture from notebook like oversize the tv display, anyone experienced his kind of problem. help me. thanx

 

Asked and answered elsewhere. Use the search box at the TOP of the page here and search for HDMI and FZ.

Gary

 

The Sony drivsers hardly work for Vista. I think the video card is the problem.

 

I noticed a new process running in my FZ , "unsecapp.exe". Can anyone tell what is that for? and if not needed how to get rid of that process?

 

http://www.liutilities.com/products/wintaskspro/processlibrary/unsecapp/

 

Besides the PhotoShop issue you have had with this (and apparently OTHER laptops with this video card), do you know of any OTHER issues. So far, the Photoshop one is the only one reported.

Gary

 

I did not have any issues with 3D modeling (Wildfire3), But 3D CS3 Extended photoshop was a problem. Good news, I ran photoshop on a new DELL with Nvidia 8600GT, no problems at all. I think that 8400GT's is drivers are not working properly and Nvidia is not aware of this problem.

 

Hey I just got my Sony Vaio FZ-290 in the mail today. I am very excited, but i read a lot of posts that say sony loads up their computers with a lot of junk. What can I remove when i go to the add/remove program menu? I don't want to accidentally remove anything important. Thanks a lot.

 

Hey burtzovlaxos, what 3dmark did you get on your FZ21M? I'm wanting to get the FZ21S which comes with an 8600GS however all current laptops which include an 8600GS have been underclocked or undervolted. Therefore, if can post in your 3dmark it would be brilliant.

Thanks, Jam.

 

Thanks alot man. Oh. just to let yins know, Sony UK has the drivers for the fz 190, but good luck trying to get them b/c Sony America has "absolutley no connection to the European Sony, whatsoever..." (B.S.), but Sony America is putting out its own OFFICIAL drivers soon. so call customer support and bug them often until they come out. IF anyone gets the drivers from sony, please post. But for now, i will use these other drivers, thank you very much for the help.

 

Hey has anyone figured out how to get rid of that annoying beep noise when you change volumes on the media control on the top of the computer???

 

I 've just ran 3dmark2006 and it scored 2498 3dmarks. I think it is pretty low.
Any ideas how to increase performance? I use the default drivers and removed the bloatware (not so much in European versions I guess), using uninstalling software.

Also, I face the following problems.
I have tried to play using VLC and Gom the 1080p version of "300" coded in x264 in mkv container. Even in high priority the image appears "choppy" and it usually just stucks on a single frame. On the other hand sound is perfect. VLC and Gom use only 50% of the cpu and about 110MB ram. The only way to get a merely decent viewing experience is to deactivate Aero using VLC with high priority.
Any speculations on this issue?

I have also tried to connect FZ21M through HDMI to my LCD TV. It is impossible for the TV and nVidia Control Panel to find each other. Is it perhaps the cable (it is a high quality one triple-shielded with gold-palted pins about 2m long)? I am pretty dissapointed by the graphics system as I do want the laptop for multimedia usage...
If anyone can help me on any of these issues, I 'd appreciate that.

 

I see that sony advertises the computer as a multimedia computer. Although I will use it for multimedia purposes, I will first and foremost use it for schoolwork. How well does the computer work to run several programs like excel, explorer, word at the same time? And how do you guys like the keyboard?

thanksfor a great site!

 

^^ I had no problem running Office 2007 (Word, Excel, Access & Powerpoint). The keyboard feels robust and very comfortable (soft).
Some people expressed concerns about the touchpad buttons which I find OK, though I prefer usb mouse.

 

I have no problems running Office 2007 applications either with Word and Excel on at the same time as well as a bunch of IE or Firefox windows/tabs open, but that really depends on how much ram you got plus some other specs on your laptop. As far as the keyboard go, I have a FZ190 and I don't like the keyboard very much. I type very fast, around 125wpm and for some reason, whenever I type any words that contain "ing", the letter "g" never appears. Also, sometimes my space bar squeaks which can be annoying if you type a lot and type fast. Most of the time I have my laptop hooked up to an external keyboard, so I always forget about the keyboard problems until I bring the laptop outside of my house.

 

I have to mention that I thought the FZ keyboard was a little stiff when I first got it, but it's loosened up a little bit with use.

 

I dont want to create a new thread for this question and this thread is way too long....

Is there any way to do a "clean install" yet still keep all of my settings, VAIO camera stuff, and current applications/programs? I would be using a genuine copy of Vista Business.

 

Not really. There is an app built into Vista called Windows Easy Transfer. It will transfer all your files, settings and program settings from one computer to another. You could use it to "backup" your current files and settings. Then do a clean install, reinstall your applications (those WILL be wiped in a clean install) and the use Windows Easy Transfer to restore your settings and files.

To be perfectly safe, I'd make a DVD with all your files and documents JUST IN CASE the transfer app doesn't work.

Gary

 

hi guys!!

After doing a lot of research, I made my mind up to buy the vaio fz. I have had it for a few hours, and it seems like a great computer. The only thing is that I managed to mess up the fn key. I read a blog which described which programs could be deleted, and among those were event service. After I deleted the program I read here that deleting it would cause the loss of the fn key, and sure enough, the fn key stopped working.

Could anyone please give me an advise one what to do?

 

Thanks Gary...I just completed a clean install on my FZ160 with Vista Business... but I have some problems now....the screen is not full screen, and I cannot enable Aero, which I was able to do before...how do I fix this?

 

I got the problem fixed. If anyone has the same problem, then just visit the following website for what to do.

http://www.bytephoto.com/forums/t2535.html

 

Or in other words; just re-install the Vaio event service and you're fine again.

 

See the link in my signature below, it's the link for conversations about clean installs on FZ series machines. In that thread, I created a very detailed explanation of a clean install process along with a list of all the software that cam preinstalled with info about what each one does.

Lets take this conversation to that thread so other folks doing clean installs on FZ machines will benefit from the conversation.

(I'll post my answer there, now.)

Gary

 

FZ290

Customization Details
Keyboard (Black)
WLAN 802.11 a/b/g/n w/Integrated Bluetooth®
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
NVIDIA® GeForce® 8400M GT
LCD 15.4" WXGA (XBRITE-HiColor™
SuperMulti DVD±R DL / DVD±RW / DVD-RAM Drive
200GB SATA Hard Disk Drive (7200 rpm)
2 GB DDR-SDRAM (DDR2-667, 1 GBx2)
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7250 (2.0GHz)
Norton 360™ All-In-One Security (60 Day Trial)
QuickBooks Simple Start
Video Standard
Photo Standard
Microsoft Works
No Engraving
Standard Battery (BPS8





Thinking of purchasing this anybody have these specs or similar...your thoughts?

1731.00 it priced out at.


I also considering the XPSTM M1330 from Dell

 

I am going to call and bicker over the price and see if they will come down on it when I tell them I am comparing to Dell and the dvt9500t

 

Hmm... Sounds exactly like my FZ-190. Literally, I have all the specs mentioned above plus blue ray and the A/V mode. Its a good computer, but if you can get the 190 I would because its an older model with the same specs and that means that Sony will release your XP downgrade drivers first. Oh and don't get the blue ray, I've only used it to watch the movies they sent me for free. that's it. and with the blueray, the A/V mode launches windows...not just the A/V feature, so it's even more pointless. other than that i like my computer, tho I wish the price on ram would come down a bit