How to Enable Intel VT and AHCI on a Napa/Santa Rosa platform Phoenix BIOS Vaio laptop

If the token to enable VT is exist in NVRAM, there is possibility to unhidden the Intel Virtualization Technology menu in BIOS. I have take a look in a couple of BIOS image (VT locked by default) & so far all of them have Intel Virtualization Technology in the ROM file.

What I'm saying is, if not all Sony model, maybe on some of the model we can unhidden the virtualization menu.

kizwan

 

Maybe, potentially, if...

Get a Vaio and try
I'm sure other people would have had the idea too before.

The other thing though - if you make a mistake, all you need to do is either:
Write back the default config which you should have saved or disconnect the battery to clear the NVRAM.
Problem solved - so I don't see a "real risk" in the "Symcmos method".

 

I use VGN-SZ460N (BIOS R0112N0) as a test BIOS image. By tracking the right token/offset in the ROM file I'm successfully enabled "VT Feature" menu using Phoenix BIOS Editor. I want to make it clear that, I don't have this Sony Vaio. My intention is to show that Virtualization menu can be unhidden in BIOS if we know where to look.

PBE - Advanced menu after mod
http://forum.notebookreview.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=47519&stc=1&d=1269609906

Emulated Advanced menu after mod
http://forum.notebookreview.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=47520&stc=1&d=1269609906

kizwan

 

We are doing so because no option exists in the BIOS menu on the Phoenix BIOS. This was examined at length early on in this process by bogart. It might exist in some of the more recent versions, but I don't think anyone has bothered since this method works so well. And is pretty safe.

Gary

 

Interesting! How did you go about emulating the menu after the mod? Is that an option in the Phoenix BIOS editor?

Gary

 

Interesting indeed as Gary said - fancy writing up a guide?
(But I won't (!!) be the guinea pig)

 

Yes. There is an option to emulate Setup Menu & Splash Screen.

I agree with you that this maybe not possible when bogart start this thread but it is now.

Actually Phoenix BIOS editor (PBE) alone can't edit the menu, need to use Hex editor to edit ROM file. PBE is mainly use to "unpack" the BIOS image (the file we need to edit is in the image) & also to re-build the BIOS image after mod. I can identify the right token (to enable VT) just by looking in BIOS image as long as there is a string like, e.g. "Intel(R) Virtualization Technology" or "VT Feature" in STRINGS0.ROM file (where all strings/text for setup menu located).

This is not my finding actually, it was "rbjack" in another forum. My intention was to add another option to people.

(EDIT: I have posted the URL to original guide in my thread. URL to my thread is at my siganture.)



kizwan

 

Kizwan,

Verrrrrrry Cooooool! Now I wonder how far back in the history of BIOS versions we have enumerated in the masterlist could we go with this? I wonder what BIOS versions actually have this option hidden away.

I haven't look at the URL you provided yet, but does it provide a step by step for doing this?

+rep

Gary

 

You can check by opening the BIOS image (.WPH) with PBE & try search for "Virtual", "VT" or any word related to VT in STRINGS window. If you found it there is a chance to unhidden the menu in BIOS.

The original guide actually explaining how to edit/decode NVRAM in BIOS image. Showing how to locate where the Setup Menu is located, which file need to look for. In general it is to unhidden Setup Menu that was hidden by manufacturer. An example also included which is he/she show how to enable VT menu in BIOS (post #6). Almost step-by-step I think. I think you can easily understand it. Honestly, I don't understand 100% but the example included is very helpful.

kizwan

 

Hi Guys,


I have used this information to enable VT on my Sony SZ38GP using the method and registered described here (354) quite awile ago.

I have an application which would take good advantage of Hyperthreading, however i don't have an option to enable this either. I read here that user bogart has found the token to enable HT as well for this BIOS. I hope somebody can share the information for this token as well !

Thanks

Chris

 

??? Hyperthreading need an processor that supports that.
As far as I am aware the processors in the SZ don't.

 

Hi ,

Mine has a T7200.

If I check the Intel Site, I get:

Status Launched
Processor Number T7200
# of Cores 2
# of Threads 2
Clock Speed 2 GHz
L2 Cache 4 MB
Bus/Core Ratio 12.0
FSB Speed 667 MHz
FSB Parity No
Instruction Set 64-bit
Embedded No
Supplemental SKU No
Lithography 65 nm
Max TDP 34 W
VID Voltage Range 1.0375V-1.300V
1ku Bulk Budgetary Price 286.00

So I wonder if 2 Threads are per Core or per IC. Hmm, maybe it should be 4 if per IC. Maybe I misunderstood this ?

EDIT: Ok, pls forget my question, I found the answer : Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology : No

Chris

 

I could enable VT in my VGN-CR220E (BIOS R1121Q0) editing line 05BB.

Thanks for the instructions.

By the way, it wasn't necessary to reboot between creating "Default.txt" and editing it to "Modified.txt".

 

Added to the master list.

Gary

 

Hi all,

trying since days to enable my hardware virtualization on my Sony Vaio VGN-N21E (yes, it is very old ) becouse I need to work with VMWARE workstation 7 and some features are disabled since VT is turned on.

I'm a tech operator, so i'm a little bored of limitation like this, please, help me
to understand how to enable it with symcmos. My bios is R0070J4 (12/06/2006)
and REALLY can't find any support on Sony Vaio website or any way to update my bios (Phoenix one).

Already tryed to enable :

- reg 0195
- reg 0318

with no success (securable test).

How can I find my correct reg. point without brick my office laptop (really don't want to disassemble it) ?? There is any matematical method ??

Bios infos:

( SYMBOLIC CMOS EDITOR - Version 643710-032 )
( BIOS Version: NAPA0001.86C.0056.D.0612061953 )

dumped bios file from symcmos attached below:

View attachment BIOS.TXT

CPU-Z DUMP

txt file
View attachment cpuid-report.txt

htm report file
View attachment cpuid-report.zip

Please help me, really need it to continue working with this, not-so-cheap, laptop ...

thanks for support

 

Pretty much everything we know is contained in this thread. If your machine is not shown in the master list, you'll need to refer to the initial instructions on how to try to find the register. But there is no guarantee that you won't brick the machine in the process. Or at the very least need to open it up and do a hard reset. That is just a fact of life in this.

Gary

 

@lovelord,

VGN-N21E come with Intel® Core™ Duo Processor T2250 which don't have VT capability.

Regardless VT is locked or not by BIOS, if the CPU support VT, Securable will report VT = YES.

kizwan

 

If it is not available, why securable report "Locked Off" ?

 

Here is my final modified BIOS file, so who wanna give a try??
As usual no responsible for any failed flash!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sony VAIO VGN-FZ31Z
(Board Model SANTA ROSA, based on BIOS R2110J7)

- added Intel VT-x menu
- added SATA AHCI menu
- added Keyboard stuff menu
- added onBoard LAN menu
- updated SLIC v2.1
- fixed a lot wrong BIOS information
- changed a lot descriptions/dialogs and some help information
- changed/increased Bios version to R2110JJ


here you can find some small HowTo's
- http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=6119422#post6119422
- http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=6124996#post6124996

 

I think kizwan is mistaken - it says locked off because that's the BIOS setting on the Vaio - it would say it is not supported if it weren't.

 

Yeah, I may wrong about securable. But that processor does not support VT.
http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=27232

kizwan

 

Maybe it checks the BIOS first then the processor? - But it definitely doesn't only look at the BIOS.

 

Code:

Intel® Virtualization Technology (VT-x)	No

This is inequivocable, but still not understanding why securable says "locked off" if there's no cpu support for VT. Really don't want to try to flash another bios version only to (maybe) enable a secondary functionality. Perhaps I need a brend new laptop in the present, and that will be surely NOT a Vaio, probably an Asus one, this for sure.

 

New Vaios have Virtualization if they run Windows 7 Professional I think - to allow XP mode.

You don't need a new BIOS either - you only need to change 1 Register in the BIOS and it'll work (if you get a different CPU)

 

hello!

I have few ideas how to enable/unhide the 'Debug Intel Menu' for Napa SZs R0112N0 and Santa Rosa SZs R0122S5.

I do not have such a laptop to do my own tests, so I need volunteers for tests.

Here are two first modified Bios files for Santa Rosa SZs
R0122S5v1
R0122S5v2 (my favorit)


If it works, you will see something like this if not I have other ideas to unlock the hiden menu.
Of course I will build good version if all went fine.




Ach it would be nice if someone could take photos, before and after.

 

Hi guys, can anyone tell me if its possible to enable the SATA Mode option on my BIOS - R0140Y7 (Sony VAIO CW series)?

Another question: How to check which mode (IDE/AHCI) I'm on since my BIOS don't show it?

 

It works the same (line 05BB) in R1100Q0 BIOS version for CR220E

 

Added to the master list.

Gary

 

Anyone care to comment?

 

I already check your BIOS. It is Insyde BIOS right? Too bad I can't "read" your BIOS (I'm only have experience with Phoenix BIOS) to obtain the correct token ID for AHCI mode. I'm afraid you have to trial & error using symcmos. Before do that, learn where RTC/CMOS battery located because you will need to disconnect it if you mess up with CMOS.

kizwan

 

Yep, I'm aware where the CMOS battery located.

This is my BIOS:
BIOS Version/Date American Megatrends Inc. R0140Y7, 2/26/2010
SMBIOS Version 2.6

 

Hello bob12x,

I would like to try it but the small How to's are not very clear for a beginner in this area. Could you be so kind and explain the steps to follow or what to do with the Sony_VAIO_VGN-FZ31Z_R2110JJ.wph file, or redirect me to a page where these steps are clearly explained?

Thank you very much.

 

The only instructions available are those contained in this thread. The very first message in the thread has very detailed instructions.

Gary

 

Anyone successfully did this on VAIO CW?

Followed the procedures (first page) but I get some errors after typing the symcmos -v2 -lDefault.txt

Something like "no files found"
blah blah "NULL!"

 

You are going to have to be more specific with the actual text of the error, if you expect us to help.

BTW there are no reports of ANY CW models thus far. Are you certain your model has a Phoenix BIOS?

Gary

 

ugh.. this for Phoenix BIOS only?

Any other method to enable AHCI on my BIOS?

 

Uh, the title of the thread clearly says "How to Enable Intel VT and AHCI on a Napa/Santa Rosa platform Phoenix BIOS Vaio laptop". It dosen't say anything about "other BIOS" or "AMI". I suggest you look at some of the other threads for the info you need.

Gary

 

Your CW should have AHCI already enabled. NO need to dig around the BIOS.

 

I guess you missed this post

Is there a way to verify that I'm really on AHCI mode?

I'm getting slower benchmark test from my CW than my XPS (which has the IDE/AHCI/SATA option) with the same SSD.

 

Try installing the Intel Rapid Storage driver if you have an Intel chipset - it'll only work in Sata or AHCI mode - definitely not in Ide mode

AS SSD benchmark can tell you too

 

I didn't miss anything, you missed the title of the thread. This thread is ONLY about the Phoneix BIOS updates. Please don't hijack it for some other questions. Start a new thread or find one that is about the topic you are asking help on.

Thanks,

Gary

 

Okay.
How about the TRIM, will it still work with the Intel Rapid Storage driver installed?

EDIT:
@ScuderiaConchiglia
I was just wondering if your method will also work on my CW BIOS since few are with SSD and care to use the AHCI. LOL!

@DetlevCM
Heading to another thread..

 

Yes - head off to the SSD thread though

 

Hi,tonyrayo,

can u tell me the registry values for ahci on VAIO VGN-FE Series?
I searched it for a long time but no resalut.
My bios:R0200J3.
Wish u happy!

 

If we knew the register it would have been added to the master list. Sorry.

Gary

 

Hello everybody,

Here's a detailed guide on enabling VT on the VAIO VGN-CR320E.



Enabling Hardware Virtualization on a SONY VAIO VGN-CR320 Laptop – An Experience | techtangerine

 

I'd like to know that too.

My laptop, vgn-fe770g

 

Listen I want to thank you again for helping me out.

I dont no how to work with FTP,... but if u guide me ill follow your steps.

do u use yahoo or live(hotmail,msn) or gmail? you can guide me through there and u can play the leader. or just enable your message recieving from NBR.

 

Listen I want to thank you again for helping me out.

I dont no how to work with FTP,... but if u guide me ill follow your steps.

do u use yahoo or live(hotmail,msn) or gmail? you can guide me through there and u can play the leader. or just enable your message recieving from NBR.

 

You can contact me on aim:

insaneinsanitor