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    Dangerous BIOS Update / Problems installing Windows 7 x64 RC1

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by Relephant, May 7, 2009.

  1. Relephant

    Relephant Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hello Notebookreview. First time poster here so forgive me if I ask something I should perfectly well be aware of!

    I am the happy owner of a VGN-Z21WN/B. When I bought it I was planning to run the default installation, but it was just too bloated to work with me for my liking so I decided to do a clean installation.

    Then I found out that the bloat was included in the re installation process :confused:

    "Well, this is a good oppertunety to try out windows 7" I thought. Downloaded both the x86 and x64 versions (was planning on using the x64 for my home computer). The x86 worked great on the VGN-Z21WN/B. Thanks to some posts here on the forum I found the drivers and utilities and the computer runs pretty smooth now.

    But! Why not try out the x64 version? After all I am not taking advantage of all my RAM using the x86 so I thought I would give it a try. Originally I had avoided this due to driver issues, but another post here let me know that Sony recently released official drivers for the Z series.

    So heres the problem:

    When I inset the Windows 7 x64 RC1 disc I get a error during the first installation:
    How to fix this?

    I spotted a BIOS update on the x64 Series Z driver site, but attempting to install it only gives me an error about my computer model not being right. I got by this by extracting the .exe file but I am unsure. Even if I am able to install it I might install a wrong BIOS update which is about the worst thing I can imagine doing to this wonderful piece of hardware!

    Any help appreciated. Also, if the model of the computer seems wrong this is because it is a European model. The Sony support sites have not updated anything about x64 drivers for us yet.
     
  2. Evoss-X

    Evoss-X Notebook Deity

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    Hi
    I belive you have got some flash disk 4GB or 8GB.
    Transfer whole disc where you have Win 7 to flash disk by this procedure here:
    http://kmwoley.com/blog/?p=345
    Then Enable External device in BIOS
    and Select Boot From Ext. to 1St. position
    save exit and wait for boot ..
    I installed Win 7 about in 10-15 mins ..