How to Optimize Any Sony VAIO With a Semi-Clean Install

Did you try this?
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=195197

 

I don't think my laptop has the WUA folder =( I can't find it, even with the hidden folders showing.

Oh. just re-read your updates... checking now =)

 

If you can find WAU on your machine or have access to a Vista Installation DVD or even a Vista Upgrade DVD, you should do the full clean install. If not then you can try NinjaNoodles "semi-clean" install.

Gary

 

This works on an FE for those wondering. I just successfully semi-cleaned it.

 

Great thread, just did this on my TZ.

initially - 84 processes and 718mb of mem used with no windows open

after - 43 processes and 495mb of mem used.

The only thing that doesn't work however now are my function keys, anyone know why ?.

 

Nevermind had to install vaio event services.

Also btw the boot time on my tz130 (no ssd, but 2gb mem) on vista is now 55 seconds (tweaked). Stock was something like 3 mins!?

 

i am a noob, i made the recovery disks and i copied the recovery folder.

then at step 3, i hit F10 and it came to a screen that said some stuff like

partition 2
and then something like C:\Windows\32sys etc.

i didnt know what to do so i hit enter and i came back to the vista screen?? i dont see anything like copying to c drive.

 

can someone elaborate on this semi clean install? i held down F10 this time and clicked on enter so now i am in a "Vaio Recovery centre screen" which is small, theres 4 options windows system restore, Vaio hardware diagnoistics, restore C: Drive, Rescue data?

from step 3 onwards, by hitting F10 is this process automatic or do i have to manually do something?????

 

I've been floating around the forum for quite a while but decided to join and say thanks:

Thanks!

I've got a US SZ670 and it's pretty annoying when you're close to 50% memory usage out of the box! I'm pretty good at playing around but you saved me a lot of time with this!

Thanks again

 

How do I create a recovery disk and what should i copy the Recovery folder onto?

Thanks

 

Any Help ^^^^ ?

Now I know how to craeate a recovery disk, but what should I copy the recovery center onto..?

Thanks Coolguy btw

 

Type "recovery" in vaio help and support and proceed with the instructions on how to create recovery disks.

 

Please someone help with the latter help?

 

You need not copy anything. The recovery center will do its job and burn the dvd's by itself after you insert a blank disk.

 

The recovery folder aswell?

 

i need some help as well from afew posts ago but i aint getting any answers.

 

yes the entire hidden partition (around 7GB).

 

I have no clue regarding this as I did a clean install.

 

I chose restore C:, and the rest is pretty much automatic until you have to kill the process the installs the bloatware. Refer to the first page for a better understanding.

 

Has anyone encountered a problem updating vista after semi-clean install?
I cannot get 33 updates to install they keep failing. It continually tries at shutdown to configure but no go. Not sure if the semi clean could cause this but it is the only other thing really done to a brand new vaio???

 

Nope, did all the vista updates on my TZ. No issues except one which was easy to fix.

 

Once I have instaled programs I want on my Laptop,can I do the semi-clean thing and still keep the installed programs installed?

 

Jewperman,

No. A clean install or a semi-clean install, by definition, wipe out EVERYTHING on the machine and start with a clean slate (hard drive).

Gary

 

Do you think it is worth it? Also, can I use the 60 day trial of Norton again? I have already registered it.

 

Oh, yes it is worth it. I am a big fan of the CLEAN install, if you have the pre-requisites. (See my signature line for details.)

Forget Norton. It is a resource HOG. Get the free AVG antivirus instead.

Gary

 

So I would have to start all over again? Im not sure about that tbh, and the CR does not seem that slow. OK... but what about AOL, because I need AOL...
C&C 3, Civ4, Football Manager 08 (just looking for quick answer, thats why not posting in Gaphics section)

Also, what software would be left on the computer after the semi-clean install?

 

Yes you would have to start over. RE:AOL, I have no idea. Never used it. Why would you expect to get a faster answer here than in the graphics section on the Civ4, Football... questions? Ask there.

Finally, as to what software would be left I haven't a clue. I just told you I am the guy you turn to re:clean installs... not semi-clean ones.

Gary

 

You can reinstall whatever original software you want via the recovery center after the semi-clean install.

 

i finally did the semi-clean install and the TZ does seem a lot snappier with less processes at work although it seems like it takes a little longer to boot to the vista desktop screen. but it seems it now takes less time for the computer to be fully usuable. i also notice i lost the recovery icon from the start menu, anyway i can create one?

i am now thinking of whether i should go for a clean install. does vista ultimate make the vaio even slower?

 

Uninstall the remaining apps that are bloatware and then run the recovery sf to reinstall the drivers you want. Finally follow the vista optimization tips in the OS thread. Makes a big difference.

 

I use Acronis True Image Home (booted from flash drive) and backup to network share.

Unfortunately the Acronis Disk Director cannot access the sata drive in Sz680, so I have to use miniPe to partitioning this notebook...

What utils do you use for backup and partitionong SZ6?

 

i just did a clean install and whoa, the system is so much faster even with only 1GB ram i have right now, i have installed mcafee total protection, norton ghost and microsoft office 2007.
i highly recommend a clean install like what others have suggested. vista isnt as bad with a clean install.

 

i just did the semi-clean install and everything seems to be fine except that my touch point mouse on my FZ isn't working

plz help

 

Anyone know exactly what Vaio/sony programs can be uninstalled? When using the zsoft uninstaller, I see a list vaio programs and I'm wondering which I can rid myself of.

 

i was just wondering..
since i've partitioned my HDD already, if i were to do this semi clean install would it affect the partitioning as well?

 

The same thing happened to me. I did the semi-clean install and my touchpad no longer works on my FZ. Has anyone had this problem and been able to fix it?

 

Hi Folks,

I just bought the TZ170N from the US & I live in Ireland. I had been using the previous version TX with XP and it was so much better than what i see so far. I only upgraded for the built in camera & mic for using skype.

What i want to know is if I restore C: will it still keep the Recovery partition & will it let me decide what software to install, or will it put all that useless ****e thats there already.

Thanks,

 

Hi Everybody - I just bought a Vaio VGN-FZ240E and I want to do the semi-clean install, but I can't figure out how to get into my recovery partition. When I press F10 upon startup, it brings me to a screen but it won't give me the option to go to the recovery partition. I can get to options that will allow me go to a restore point, but not the recovery partition.

Do I need to have disc 1 of the recovery DVD in my drive in order to access the recovery partition?

Thanks!

 

I don't remember it saying "recovery" but as you mentioned it says something about restore. You choose the one that restores your C: drive. You do not need the disks to get it working.

 

2. I have european VAIO SZ6RVN/X.
i have this folder VAIO recovery utility in program files/sony, BUT i i haven't got Launch.exe or Launcher.exe. How is it named in european VAIO's ?

5. Therefore the process name to kill must be diffrent from Launch.exe or Launcher.exe on European models, sp, what's the process name on European VAIO's ?

Thanks in advance.

 

I wouldnt recommend doing this with european sony as the bloat process is somewhat differrent, you will end up with alot more than with the us models.

edit: someone tried it in this thread though (on european)

 

Could give a link, please, i just can't find it.

 

i found info about semi-clean on eu models here..seems it is not possible to do it.

Then, i want just to receive system and Vista as new, as it was when i first turned on my sz. with drivers and e.t.c. cos i've installed to much software and something is lagging..that's why i need this.

What do i need to do? as i understood i should use VAIO Recovery Utility and then System Restore, right?

 

Thanks for this usefull thread to remove all the crap Sony puts on the HDD

 

Great Scott! Thanks for the help, the routine worked (kind of).

I knew my new SZ670NC would have a lot of bloatware, but not that much. I have done the routine, (and also am dual booting with XP and Easy BCN so I can use some legacy -video editing- software that will not run on Vista), but have run into a couple issues.

1) My DVD won't play. An error comes up saying I don't have a DVD decoder.
2) Battery control settings are lost
3) 1st two tries were unsuccessful. I think I shut down the Launcher TOO quickly! and on reboot it failed and got stuck and then tried to go into 'safe mode'.
4) When I went to the Sony site to reinstall some drivers (both for Vista and XP) I ended up going up to 72 processes! ARGH!! I did a re-semi-clean install again, and decided to forget about the online drivers.

I am back at 58 processes and 28% resources (2GB mem)

But here is my most important question....

In step 8. What programs/drivers from the recovery list are mandatory. I have no idea which ones are bloatware or just plain ole cr*p, and which are really needed. Does anyone have a list of neccessities?

Thanks!

 

After I have recovered my VAIO SZ484N, I get the application recovery right after I get into Vista, if I click cancel, it will keep on starting everytime I restart and I can't get rid of it nor did I see any file at startup that's intializing the Application Recovery Process?

What I want to do is recover my laptop so I would have an activated version of Vista Business with all the drivers, but not install all the bloatware from SONY?

How to totally disable that application recovery after the initial OS recovery?

I tried ending the task manually via the CTRL + **** + ESC Method, but it keeps launching after every reboot and I can't find it in the startup entries nor in the services section.

 

Max, are you sure you followed the guide right? Also, it may be a service that runs.

Check your services for anything unusual and please let me know what you find.

Thanks,
Peter

 

I did check the services, searched the registry, and ran the Autoruns utility with failure to find the launcher app entry!

Now it's too late to give you that info since I was forced to install the bloatware to make it go away.

Anyway, what I'm doing right now is following the clean install guide posted, just downloding the files now and i'll be building a new installation CD as I have lost hope to cancel that app installer utility.

kthxbye

 

I have added this disclaimer to the OP. New users, please keep this in mind.

Thanks,
Peter

 

I'm using the FE vaio model, there is a recovery program called "Vaio data restore tool" and the application is called "Restore.exe".
is this the one that i must kill before it installs some sony programs?

I might want to try this semi-clean install procedure.

EDIT: I found the thing called launcher.exe , my mistake picking up the wrong application. Will try this procedure later and report back here