Vaio FZ Owners Official Owners Thread

Hi everybody!
I'm preparing for buying a Sony VAIO FZ for my work.
Now I'm living in Hanoi, Vietnam (thanks god if you know my location). I want to ask if someone in this forum who can helps me shipping a Sony VAIO VGN FZ 4000CTO laptop from USA or UK to Vietnam for me. All the transporting fee I will pay enough. The pride of my Laptop posted in sonystyle.com in about 1100USD.
Thank you very much!

 

It's is impossible to ship to Vietnam guy . You will lose before touching . The only way is ask some want to bring it for you. Good luck.

 

I can ship it for a nominal shipping fee of $299.99

 

Hey there guys...I bought my laptop on December but I am am new on this site. I already downloaded and tested rather many drivers for my Vaio VGN-FZ21Z with Nvidia 8600M GS 256 ddr3 card from laptop2go site. It seems I am stuck with 169.04 cause only these overclock.

However, today I got a blu-ray and I tried to play it. To my amazement it could not play giving an error "create overlay failed". A different kind of message was with PowerDvD 7.3 ultra "inappropriate driver".

So after a bit of searching I found out that this is caused due to the moded inf that breaks the WHQL certification of drivers. That means that I need to find a driver that support 8600M GS without the moded inf. I found out that the Sony/Nvidia drivers 167.43 are supposed to have my video card included even without the moded inf. To my disappointement this is not correct. They include only 8600M GT. I did try to install them with the moded inf only to find that the blu-ray did not work again.

So I reinstalled the drivers that my machine came with (they are like 101.something (( ). They did manage to play the blu-ray.

However, to make things even more complicated, my coleague has the same laptop at work...so I went there and I saw he had 167.43 drivers installed...and he has no idea what are the moded infs etc. He just do it by updating the drivers.

I tried to update via Nvidia site/ Sony update site/ Vaio support site. Nothing. And to my biggest disappointement is that now I remember I had those drivers before I checked with this site as well. I seriously don't know how they got into my PC...all I remember is that they just updated the old drivers something I cannot do now.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

Look in the folder where you unzipped the 167.43 drivers. Do you find a zipped folder titled "Original_INFS.ZIP" if so, try un zipping them to replace the INF's in the main folder. Then try the install again and see if that helps. I had a similar issue with my FZ190 (not BlueRay however). I could not get the drivers to install after I unzipped the file from laptopvideo2go. It complained that I didn't have the proper hardware. Then I noticed that zipped folder of original infs and voilà' it worked great.

Gary

 

Now this is what I call a fast response and accurate solution to the problem! You sir are my god. Thank you again /bow

 

hello gary,i have got some problem with my vaio. i am getting blue screens of death for no reason.i have got like 6-7 bsod in recent time.i have followed your clen vista install guide with all steps done.in device manager ,i get intel graphichs driver which is one year old and sony is not having any update onn their site,they are showing 945 graphics driver on support pages.what shall i do?
please help me.
thanks boss.

 

Dr. Pratik,

What is the BSOD error message? We need to know that to begin to diagnose this.

Gary

 

hi ,this is what i got from system administrative logs

Log Name: System
Source: EventLog
Date: 5/14/2008 7:01:30 PM
Event ID: 6008
Task Category: None
Level: Error
Keywords: Classic
User: N/A
Computer: DrPratik-Laptop
Description:
The previous system shutdown at 7:00:14 PM on 5/14/2008 was unexpected.
Event Xml:
<Event xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/win/2004/08/events/event">
<System>
<Provider Name="EventLog" />
<EventID Qualifiers="32768">6008</EventID>
<Level>2</Level>
<Task>0</Task>
<Keywords>0x80000000000000</Keywords>
<TimeCreated SystemTime="2008-05-14T13:31:30.000Z" />
<EventRecordID>17750</EventRecordID>
<Channel>System</Channel>
<Computer>DrPratik-Laptop</Computer>
<Security />
</System>
<EventData>
<Data>7:00:14 PM</Data>
<Data>5/14/2008</Data>
<Data>
</Data>
<Data>
</Data>
<Data>1154</Data>
<Data>
</Data>
<Data>
</Data>
<Binary>D807050003000E00130000000E003903D807050003000E000D001E000E003903080700003C0000000100000008070000000000002C0100000100000000000000</Binary>
</EventData>
</Event>

 

Dr. Pratik,

That doesn't tell me a thing. A BSOD does not write to the error log. I need to know the error message on the BSOD itself the next time it happens. To keep the BSOD from automatically restarting follow these instructions:

Disable BSOD autorestart

Then you will have time to see and write down the error info.

Gary

 

I ordered my FZ4000 CTO last week and it should arrive TODAY!!!

Specs:
--Intel® Core 2™ Duo Processor T9300 (2.5GHz) Polished Mosaic
--2 GB DDR-SDRAM (DDR2-667, 1 GBx2)
--NVIDIA® GeForce® 8400M GT WLAN (802.11a/b/g/n) with integrated 250GB
--SATA Hard Disk Drive [5400 rpm]
--LCD 15.4" WXGA (XBRITE-HiColor™) with integrated video camera
--Blu-ray Disc™ Read and Write Drive
--Bluetooth® technology
--Standard Battery (BPS8)

Plan to test the pre-installed software, do a clean install of Vista and reinstall any useful apps from Sony, put my stuff on there, then create an ISO image of my HD for future needs.

I can't wait!!!!

 

Welcome - you have yourself a SWEET computer (and believe me, I spent 3 weeks window shopping for everything at Fry's, BB, CC, Ofice Depot, etc and I sent a Dell back after only 5 days). I would suggest you follow Gary's FZ190 clean install - there are a few differences but overall it worked for me. All that I am missing is the S1 function key - which I don't really need anyway.

Have fun!

 

Hi,

I can't find if this has been posted before, so I ask.

I have a Vaio fz11s notebook with 2 gb memory. I'd like to upgrade to 4gb because I use a lot of applications at the same time and I'm often on swap, but at Sony they say it is not possible. However, it looks like the Intel chipset should be able to handle the 4gb...

Does anybody tried to do this already? Many thanks in advances for your answers.

Smaon

 

(I don't have the specs for an FZ11, but I assume it is Intel Dual-Core) You can put 4gb of RAM in it, BUT a 32-bit architecture will only USE about 3.1 - 3.2gb, not the full 4gb. So, Sony is somewhat correct - while it is possible to put 4gbs in, the system will not use all 4gbs.

I have 4 instead of 3 because I got a good deal on a Crucial 4gb kit, but my system only recognizes 3.07gbs.

 

True, i have an FZ11S to, 4Gb is no problem but like Bubba says you'll need a 64 bit OS to access it all. Sony had some difficulties posting the right speck's on their website initially (it said a max. of 2Gb of RAM for all FZ's on their website when they first came out here in Holland, but later they changed it), so it seems they don't always know there stuff or present their employees with the wrong information sometimes.

 

Ok, many thanks for your answers. I think I'll give it a try...

 

Hi,

My new VGN-FZ485U/B requires more power than my old Auto (Van) 12V DC /120V AC power adapter can supply. (Sony PCG-F680) 65 Watts

http://www.apc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=UPA9&tab=models

As least I think so. I am having a hard time finding the actual VGN-FZ485U/B power requirements.

I spotted this Auto (Van) 12V DV adapter: 120 Watts

http://www.all-battery.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=102

The price is very good, the UPA9 was ~ $100, this is $16.

I have found no other 12V power supply at all.

I do not want to destroy my new laptop.

But then, using a 12V to 120V AC Inverter and then the Sony supplied 120V AC to 19V DC Power Supply would waste too much power in my Van.

TIA for your help.

Stephen H. Fischer

 

Hi folks,

@ Bubbatex ... I see you looked at all the familiar places that I shop around too ... did you compare HP 15.4" vs Sony Vaio vs Fujitsu? I know this is Sony FZ site ... but I was just curious. I already know you finalized your decision to FZ ... but I was just curious!?!?!

Thanks,

G!

 

Hi everybody.
So, i've downgrade my pc (fz31m) to winxp. now, i've some problem with the graphics card. i had install the driver from laptop2go but has some problem:
1) windows cannot save the setting of autoturning off of the screen in control pannel.
2) i think is due to the smartdimmer by nvidia. This software have some problem. If i set the autoturn off by smartdimmer the scrren becomes black but to turn on the light i've to press the light up shortcut (FN+f4 or f3 i don't remember) and if i press other keys the screen remain black.

someone has the same problem? or has the solution?
thanks.
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Bako,

Please don't cross post the same message in multiple threads.

Gary

 

hi, i'm new to this board but was hoping one of you could help me out. i have a fz430e and just uninstalled a bunch of vaio apps (probably more than i should have). now my volume buttons won't work, but the play/pause and ff/rew buttons still work. how can i get the volume buttons to work again without restoring back to factory settings? thanks in advance to whoever can give this confused person a hand!

 

Does anyone know how to output the HDMI to a 32" HDTV? I tried connecting a bravia 32d3000 to my laptop and the scalling is all wrong, dont know how to sort it.
I tried with DVI and the pc input on the tv and it works brilliantly!! but no sound

So does anyone know how to hookup the HDMI to the TV without any issues? like resolution colour representation..etc.

cheers

 

Anyone?! ^^

 

Hi Singh,

I googled your topic and got quite a few bites ... try that route ...

I got busy last night and forgot to attach the URLs in order to save you time.

G!

 

Hi everyone!! After one month waiting, my new VAIO FZ finaly arrived one week ago and it's finally with me!

I orderer:

Vaio FZ4000 Graphic Splsh Expression
Blue Leaf
C2D T8300 2.4Ghz 3MB caché
3GB RAM
nVidia 8400GT
15.4'' Xbrite-HiColor screen
Webcam
White keyboard
Synchro Tipping Pattern
200GB Hitachi 7200RPM HDD

So far I'm very happy with it. I live in south america so if anything goes wrong I have to send it back for repairs to USA, but I've had no problems with it and it came perfect, not a single problem!!

Soon I'll make a review and post pictures =D

I'm living with Vista right now but as soon as KDE 4.1 comes out I'll be back on the Linux track =D

 

Congratulations! Sony-quality is superb!

 

Yeah, dotHack, congrats on your new laptop purchase. I'm looking forward to your review & pictures of the laptop.

 

Same here.

 

I hope Sony makes some sort of announcement at the end of June on its upcoming notebooks, especially the FZ series update.

 

Probably when the new intel platform comes out and replaces penyrn. So probably around July/August time, maybe more.
OR, they might just scrap the FZ and make a new 15.4" series and improve the only let down imo, which is battery life. I only get around 1.5hrs on high performance though its probably down to the 8600GS .

 

I guess Sony Vaio FZ4000 does not have the problem that I experienced this weekend with a Brand New Sony VAIO FZ440E/B bought from Fry's ...

1) When you eject the DVD Tray ... the Tray hits my desktop ... and yes my desktop is FLAT as you can get it.
I guess that is because ... on FZ440EB ... the back legs sit up higher than the 2 bumps for the front leg.

2) After 1 try ... the DVD Player could not be recognized ... and when I wanted to eject my DVD out ... the darn unit would not open ... so I used the pinhole for manual eject ... and the DVD was still spinning at 100 miles an hour.

So, that right there put a sour taste in my mouth for Sony!

Did I just run into a lemon FZ ... or the FZ440EB is the bad one!?!?

Thanks,

G!

 

Hi everybody,I'm using Fz150E, I have a question and I need your help:

Where is recovery disk on my computer ? I only see 2 hard disk (C & G)

I go to manage computer then I see more one , it has 6.99Gb but empty data,
what is this ?


when I recovery my computer, will it return like just install windows ? and I lost all data ?

 

Hi, first time poster here. I am looking to purchase a FZ38M or a FZ21M and would be grateful for any advice on which machine to pick. I will be using for very basic business work and maybe some gaming. I'm not up with technical stuff so would appreciate any assistance from you guys.
Regards

 

The EISA partiton is the Recovery Partition. And, yes if you use it to restore your machine you will loose all data. It restores the machine to the "out of the box" state.

Gary

 

Hi,

Go to "HELP and Support"

Then click on "Backup and Support" and then "VAIO Recovery Center"

(Launch VAIO Recovery Center: Recover original software and drivers.)

Then you can burn the contents of the recovery Sector to DVD's (2 for Me).

That is the first item for a new computer to be done!

I learned how to do this before I purchased my new Laptop by reading some of the posts on this thread.

Try entering "Sony VAIO recovery disks" in the search box at the top of this page.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=1815976&postcount=3


This is a better method, Sony has made it easier for you and the rest of us.

You might print the instructions in the recovery PDF or at least a copy on another computer.

Stephen H. Fischer

 

Hi man. I have an FZ4000 and mine also has the back sittin' higher than the front end (most laptops today comes this way, it's easier on the tiping). But mi DVD tray doesn't hit my desktop. It is very, very, very close to it (very close as if the desktop is a bit irregular then it will hit it), but maybe yours just need a bit of adjustment.

The other problem you mention.. well, nothing happened to me. The only problem I had so far was that the color were totally messed up when i received the laptop (very bad calibration), and it wa simpossible to get a good calibration. Then I updated my video card drivers (via laptop 2 go website, modded inf) and the problem was gone.

Hope you can enjoy your vaio because it's a really nice machine...

 

Hi dotHack,

Thanks for your input.

G!

 

hi everybody, i just bought a fz340e/b off ebay a few days ago. i havent gotten it yet and was wandering what pre-installed software comes on it. the full list, i've already read what it says in the review

thanks

 

My FZ screen is starting to go black upon start up and sometimes during usage. I found if I wiggle the screen it will come back on at a certain position. Seems like a loose connection. How do I proceed to fix it. It couldn't be software related, could it?

I would hate to start taking it apart, since I am not technical, and I don't want to send it back to Sony.

Anyone have this problem that can post dummy instructions to fix.



Ken

 

Hey Cheezi,

Congrats on your new Toy! BTW, what is the Specs on your FZ340E/B?

G!

 

it has 3 GB of RAM, 250 G hdd, DVD R/W, NVIDA Ge Force 8400 GT, Intel core 2 Duo t7250 2.00 Ghz, HDMI, Bluetooth, wi-fi, media card reader

 

well it happened to me. after about 8 months of ownership, my fz190 has died on me. no power what-so-ever. Fried motherboard or is it the power supply itself? Don't know, but i'm hoping for the best because i want my computer back.

 

Hi Dave88,

Sorry to hear that dude ... did you buy it new? And from where? Did you have good warranty on it?

G!

 

I'm sorry to hear that too...
And it looks like you bought it new, right? If you got the warranty, you may be able to fix it.

 

yea i got it new straight from sony, custom configuration. my last three computers (2 laptops and 1 current desktop) are all vaios and none has let me down. i'm working with them right now to get the warranty work done but i'm first waiting on my 160gb external to arrive, because i didn't back up my movies and music before the incident.

only problem is, i cannot find my receipt since they want that faxed to them. i'll let you guys know of the situation.

 

Hi everyone, I had a question. I am quite experienced with taking apart notebooks for cleaning, replacing components, resoldering/bypassing broken leads, etc. The other day I was trying to open up the LCD enclosure on my Vaio FZ-190n4, but could not figure out how to open the bottom of it. I removed the four screws around the edges of the screen, but, for the life of me, could not figure out how to unlatch down where the Sony logo is. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks guys.

 

sory to be a pain but does the fz31z have ddr3 mem on the 8600m gs?

 

Shadow876:

Did you separate the screen from the notebook's base first, before you tried to open it?

Focca:

It's GDDR3.

 

Hey guys,

I was wondering if any of you had the same problem as I did. Well my keyboard is not really flat! The part which is above the cooler is slightly (like 0.5 mm) above the rest of the keyboard. So when you look at it from the side it looks like a little hill (or wave). Does anybody have the same problem?

 

Hi everyone,

New here and have just bought fz240, was wondering what kind of games can i play on this laptop. Im sure that the graphics card is standard.

Will appreciate reply.