Install Vista Business on SZ from Express Windows Upgrade

Just got a question. I have recently upgrade my Sony SZ38GP from XP to Vista Business from free upgrade DVD distributed by Microsoft. Base on Sony Support website, it was recommended to install a fresh set of XP before I were to use the VAVU software to upgrade to Vista. The VAVU utility ensure I will download all the latest drivers and Sony application and does most of the installation.

The whole process of installing fresh XP was 2 hours. Upgrading to Vista took me more than 6 hours with s/w download from their website. After the install, I am wondering if I can create a VAIO Recovery Disc to install a new Vista using the Vaio Recovery Tools that exist on my PC. I'm guessing the Recovery Tool would most probably have the XP install version instead of the Vista version. After going through the Vista upgrade process, I do not think I will enjoy installing a fresh Vista version in the future when I want a fresh install.

Anyone have any idea how to simplify the install process in the future.

 

i have the same setup and same question

do your brightness setting buttons work?

 

I know that the recovery tool relies on the hidden recovery partition (and the disks are, I assume, also created from that partition). That partition still has the XP OS data on it and will revert your computer to factory installed settings -- i.e. XP.

I know b/c I did it! My first install of Vista got messed up; I ended up restoring my computer to XP (using the recovery tool), and re-installing Vista. All my settings worked fine on the second install --- including brightness/sound setting buttons.

 

elizabex - did you do anything differently? I also did a clean XP install and then the Vista upgrade, and my brightness controls (fn. f5-f6) doesnt work?

(also the fan is super loud and machine runs very hot now)

 

I'm also having the same running hot issue. My brightness controls work fine, but the fan is constantly running and I could cook and egg on this thing now. I contacted Sony to no avail (big surprise), they told me this was normal operation, when I told them that this was never the case before I upgraded to vista, they suggested that I downgrade... the perfect solution... take the problem out of their hands rather than actually have to address it. Let me know if there's anything you have done to fix this hot potatoe issue. Thanks, -chad

 

Yes, my brightness setting works.

 

The only thing that doesn't work is the Camera Utility.

I am actually thinking about reinstalling XP again using my previous recovery disc. But since we did the Vista upgrade, I am worried about the bios. If you remember, there was suppose to be a new bios install on the SZ for Vista. If we were to recovery back to Windows XP, will the bios conflict.

Do you think, it would work, if I could get my hand on someone elses recovery disc on the SZ with Vista installed as a factory set?

 

Well, the first time I ran the Vista upgrade, I changed the BIOS as noted and then reverted to XP before doing the upgrade again. While I didn't use XP on this restore very exstensively, it WAS working just fine.. as far as I could tell, anyway.

..oh, I don't notice any crazy heat issues. It gets hot sometimes, but not always.

And yeah, I just posted in another thread about how the upgrade instructions explicitly state that the camera utility doesn't work yet, and to check back with Sony for updates on that. In the meantime, they say you can make it work through Yahoo IM, MSN Messenger, etc.

 

There is another user that did a clean install and had success. Do a search with the following key words "Sony SZ Vista Clean Install." I've tried his suggestions, but have not had any success. I can't get the WWAN to work and my Function F1 key key combo to turn on the WLAN, WWAN & BT does not work.

I talked to one of the techs via "live chat" but it did not help. He recommended that I load the Sony Ericson wireless modem driver and the Sony Vaio Events utility. It didn't do any good. This really sucks because I tried a Sony SZ at the store that had Vista pre loaded and everything worked like a charm.

C.

 

Yes. It does work with MSN. Not sure about Yahoo.

But anyway, I have since reverted back to Windows XP. But I am still using the bios for Vista. So far looks fine. The reason I have reverted back to XP is last night, my notebook can't go to the login screen. All the lights were blinking but it wouldn't load. So, rather than have the uncertainty, I just reinstalled with my old Recovery Disc.

Just a side track question, do anyone elses ExpressCard Card Reader reads SD card of 1GB. I have 2 SD card of 1GB each, but the SZ can't detect and removable hd. But if I were to insert my 16MB (Yes! MegaByte) into the Card Reader, it detects. It happens in both XP or Vista. Anyone got any idea?

 

My brightness doesnt work, but my camera DOES work with Skype. Im not sure what you guys mean by it not working?

Meanwhile, still running very very hot.

 

Ever since I upgrade to Vista, I can't take pictures anymore

I went to Sonystore and I saw their SZ4 series have Sony Camera function which is similar to the one on my XP version.

Is there anyway I can get it back? Help me out please!