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    Clean install on Vaio FW

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by Stroj, Aug 12, 2008.

  1. Stroj

    Stroj Notebook Enthusiast

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    As of today, I am a happy new owner of a Sony Vaio FW11M (P8400, 4GB, HD3470, Blu-Ray). :D

    Because the system came with 32-bit Vista, I decided to do a clean install of a 64-bit version. What files/folders do I need to keep to keep all the functionality? Note that I don't want to keep any of the pre-installed programs as I will install my own. Is there anything else to be aware with a clean install?

    Thanks! :)
     
    Stroj, Aug 12, 2008
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  2. Joshefin

    Joshefin Newbie

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    First of all, you need the 64bit drivers ...
     
    Joshefin, Aug 12, 2008
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  3. bubbatex

    bubbatex Notebook Deity

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    Try to find drivers for the major components first - video, wifi, mousepad, etc. and then give it a whirl completely realizing that you will get no support from Sony and your local FN keys will probably not work. Vista should find drivers for almost everything except any of the Sony related functions.
     
    bubbatex, Aug 12, 2008
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  4. Spollie

    Spollie Notebook Enthusiast

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    I did a clean Vista 64-bit install on my FW11ZU. You can use most of the drivers that Sony provides, except for the chipset driver and wi-fi driver. You need to get those from intel.com. Also its a good idea to get the latest drivers from ati.com for your graphics card.

    So far, I've got everything working on my laptop except the following:

    - Function-keys
    - Media buttons
    - Card reader
    - Advanced touchpad functionality, such as scrolling. Right now it works fine but it uses the normal Windows driver.

    It's not a big deal for me, but it would be nice if everything was installed perfectly. Does anyone know if there's a place to get 64-bit sony drivers? I remember an url that pointed to a taiwanese sony website, but I can't find it anywhere.
     
    Spollie, Aug 12, 2008
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  5. Stroj

    Stroj Notebook Enthusiast

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    Wait, so there's no way to get all the keys working with 64-bit Vista? So now I basically have to choose between 4GB RAM and functional keys? :(
     
    Stroj, Aug 12, 2008
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  6. ScuderiaConchiglia

    ScuderiaConchiglia NBR Vaio Team Curmudgeon

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    That pretty much sums it up. Sony does not support 64 bit OS at this time. Even if you found drivers from third parties for all the hardware you will not find the auxiliary utilities needed for things like the function keys, power mangement etc.

    Gary
     
    ScuderiaConchiglia, Aug 12, 2008
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  7. Stroj

    Stroj Notebook Enthusiast

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    What about brightness - will I be able to regulate it after the install? Also, will I be able to use the Vista Home Premium 32-bit serial to instal my 64-bit version of Home Premium?
     
    Stroj, Aug 13, 2008
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  8. bubbatex

    bubbatex Notebook Deity

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    Nope - no brightness - that's a function key. But you will be able to use the 32-bit key for the 64-bit install.

    Please report back if you try - I would do it in a heartbeat if I could keep the function keys. Heck, might even try it anyway for grins.....
     
    bubbatex, Aug 13, 2008
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  9. Stroj

    Stroj Notebook Enthusiast

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    Stroj, Aug 13, 2008
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  10. bubbatex

    bubbatex Notebook Deity

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    You would have to choose a certain brightness in the power options and then stick to it - or go back into power options when you needed to change it.

    I believe those are the drivers for the FW as is - aka 32-bit.
     
    bubbatex, Aug 13, 2008
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  11. Stroj

    Stroj Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yeah, but would they work with 64-bit Vista? If not, where to find all the drivers?
     
    Stroj, Aug 13, 2008
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  12. JBMedeiros

    JBMedeiros Notebook Enthusiast

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    Anybody here can work all VAIO functions in Vista 64???
     
    JBMedeiros, Dec 2, 2008
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  13. coolguy

    coolguy Notebook Prophet

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    coolguy, Dec 2, 2008
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