Installing Vista Clean on a SZ330P/B - My experience

You can leave FireFox checked and it'll work fine. Steam uses IE so having Upek use that causes this issue. I use Firefox anyway so this didn't effect me.

 

Great, works perfectly, thanks. Firefox does indeed work as well.

Now im golden, just need to sort out how to break DRM on Vista for my licensed tunes, and how to get that damn Fn key working!

THanks for all the help and the great guide.

 

Install the apps/drivers in the following order, need to reboot the system in order to make the next installation working properly.

Sony Shared Library
ftp://download.sony.com/US/pc/SOASSL-A1298203-US.EXE
Reboot your system

Sony Utilities
ftp://download.sony.com/US/pc/SOASNU-01298604-US.EXE
Reboot system

Sony Notebook Control
ftp://download.sony.com/US/pc/SOAOTH-00445800-US.EXE
Reboot system

Vaio Event Service (for control the Fn function)
ftp://download.sony.com/US/pc/SOAVES-01302701-US.EXE
Reboot system

The above apps/drivers also apply to the following models:
VGC-LS1;VGC-RB60G;VGC-RB62G;VGC-RB64G;VGC-RC210G;VGC-RC310G;VGC-RC320P;VGC-VA10G;VGC-VA11G;VGN-AR130G;VGN-AR150G;VGN-AR170G;VGN-AR170P;VGN-AR190G;VGN-AR230G;VGN-AR250G;VGN-AR270G;VGN-AR270P;VGN-AR290FG;VGN-AR290G;VGN-BX640P;VGN-BX645P;VGN-BX660P;VGN-BX665P;VGN-BX670P;VGN-BX675P;VGN-C140G;VGN-C140QG;VGN-C150P;VGN-C190G;VGN-C190P;VGN-FE550G;VGN-FE570G;VGN-FE590;VGN-FE590G;VGN-FE590P;VGN-FE630;VGN-FE630Q;VGN-FE650G;VGN-FE660G;VGN-FE670G;VGN-FE680G;VGN-FE690;VGN-FE690G;VGN-FE690P;VGN-FE770G;VGN-FE770QG;VGN-FE780G;VGN-FE790;VGN-FE790G;VGN-FE790P;VGN-FJ250P;VGN-FJ270;VGN-FJ270P;VGN-FJ270Q;VGN-FJ290;VGN-FJ290P;VGN-FJ370;VGN-FJ370P;VGN-FJ370Q;VGN-FS810;VGN-FS830;VGN-FS830Q;VGN-FS840;VGN-FS850;VGN-FS850P;VGN-FS850Q;VGN-FS875P;VGN-FS8900;VGN-FS8900P;VGN-FS920;VGN-FS940;VGN-FS950;VGN-FS960P;VGN-FS970P;VGN-FS980;VGN-FS980Q;VGN-FS990;VGN-N110G;VGN-N120G;VGN-N130G;VGN-N130P;VGN-N130QG;VGN-N150G;VGN-N150P;VGN-N160G;VGN-N170G;VGN-S660;VGN-S660P;VGN-SZ110;VGN-SZ120P;VGN-SZ140;VGN-SZ140P;VGN-SZ150P;VGN-SZ160P;VGN-SZ170P;VGN-SZ180P;VGN-SZ210P;VGN-SZ220;VGN-SZ220P;VGN-SZ230P;VGN-SZ240;VGN-SZ240P;VGN-SZ250P;VGN-SZ260P;VGN-SZ270P;VGN-SZ280P;VGN-SZ281P;VGN-SZ320CP;VGN-SZ320CQP;VGN-SZ320P;VGN-SZ330P;VGN-SZ340;VGN-SZ340P;VGN-SZ360P;VGN-SZ370P;VGN-SZ381P;VGN-SZ390P;VGN-TX750P;VGN-TX751P;VGN-TX770P;VGN-TX790P;VGN-TX850P;VGN-TX850P7;VGN-TXN15P;VGN-TXN17P;VGN-TXN17P7;VGN-TXN19P;VGN-UX180P;VGN-UX280P;VGN-UX280P7;VGX-XL1A;VGX-XL2;VGX-XL2A;VGC-VA10MG;VGN-AR150FG;VGN-BX645FP;VGN-C140F;VGN-C140FP;VGN-FE550FM;VGN-FE630F;VGN-FE650FM;VGN-FE730FM;VGN-FE750FM;VGN-FJ230F;VGN-FJ240FP;VGN-FJ250F;VGN-FJ260FP;VGN-FJ330F;VGN-FJ340FP;VGN-FS810FP;VGN-FS812F;VGN-FS815F;VGN-FS930F;VGN-FS965F;VGN-FS980F;VGN-FS985FP;VGN-N130F;VGN-N140F;VGN-N145FP;VGN-N150F;VGN-SZ170FP;VGN-SZ240F;VGN-SZ340FP;VGN-TX750FP;VGN-TX850FP;VGN-TXN15BP;VGN-TXN17FP;VGN-SZ350BP;

 

Based on the model name, I think you're qualified for VAIO Vista Express Upgrade DVD. please check with sony, if you're qualified for upgrade, you only need to pay for Shipping/Handling cost. http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/support-info.pl?info_id=137

All the drivers/apps on the web is the same with the one on the DVD.

 

>Originally Posted by abyzz
>I just realised that after that install, I now have a SD/MMC shown up >as well as my mem stick slot , on a different drive letter as well. Where >is this physically located? Is this the Express card multi card reader? ( >which i never got with the laptop as i bought it s/h)

Is this the Express card multi card reader?
Yes, it is.

Cut and Paste the following paragraph to notepad and save as SDFix.REG
--Begin-----------------------------------------------------------------

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\ti21sony\Parameters]
"UseSWMG"=dword:00000001
"MSSlotOnly"=dword:00000001

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Double click on SDFix.REG to import the above keys to registry.
Reboot your system.

Hope it help.

 

No no no, it is not. That mysterious SD slot has nothing to do with the express card reader!!!

 

I don't know if it's just me or I'm going crazy, but I switced to Stamina mode for the 1st time last night and my Brightness function via the FN key works perfectly! Or is there another brightness issue that people are referring to under the Intel graphics drivers?

Thanks again,
Hayden

 

Yes the brightness control using FN key works fine with Stamina (intel). What doesn't work is controlling the brightness in Vista and more importantly Power Management (i.e. with battery brightness is 25, on power it's 100). This part only works with Nvidia...not a HUGE deal since you can manually change the brightness yourself but it's still something that doesn't work

You can see this easily by hitting Windows Key + X. This brings up mobility center in Vista...usually the first thing is Brightness (with Nvidia you can see this) but with Intel it's not there.

Also in power management there's a slider with Nvidia but nothing for Intel.

 

YOU ARE THE BEST------THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THIS ONE!!!

 

FOR ALL OF YOU WHO DOING CLEAN INSTAL OF VISTA

HERE IS THE LINK FROM SONY SUPPORT with DRIVERS Installation Instructions:


http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/support-info.pl?info_id=172#install

Works for me 100%

 

Mobilehavoc,

Great thread. Thank you for the great service you are providing. I'm in deep doo-doo and need your help. Here's my situation:

1-As of yesterday, I had a Sony SZ330 P/B with a clean install of XP/SP2. I used my Recovery disks to do that and all went well.
2-I sold it advertising that it would have Vista Ultimate installed
3-I did not read this thread
4-I bought a copy of Vista Ultimate (VU) Upgrade from Digital Marketplace
5-I went thru the upgrade process and while VU installed "successfully", the first thing I noticed was that I could not connect to my home WiFi , connect to the internet or pair my BT mouse--I got the message that my Smart wifi manger was disconnected.
6- After multiple tries at attempting to setup internet connection, using my Sony T160, I went to the Sony site to look for driver updates and Sony help with Vista upgrade
7-I downloaded some relevant drivers on my other Sony and was going to install them on the SZ when I finally got smart and did a Google search on Sony Vista install problems
8-I found your thread and read thru it in sheer panic and horror

My questions are--

A- Is this situation salvageable?
B) Can I "fix" all the Vista problems described in this thread by obtaining the correct drivers?
C) Can I still do a fresh install of XP, create a partition and install Vista in a separate partition and then download the correct drivers to fix Vista?
D) Am I totally screwed?

Thanks for any help you can provide (please!).

 

You could try and troubleshoot Vista using drivers, etc.

However, if you have the time and patience...I recommend using your orignal restore discs to wipe your HD and reinstall Windows XP clean. Then using GPARTED (link in my first post) create a separate partition. Then following the instructions in this thread reinstall Vista CLEAN on the separate partition...

So far quite a few people have reported success using the drivers, instructions in this thread so although it's not guaranteed it's probably your best bet.

Let us know how it goes.

 

Mobilehavoc,

Thank you very much . Thats what I will do, re-install XP, partition and clean install Vista into a new partition. I am still amazrd at the hoops one has to go through to upgrade and/or install Vista on a modern Sony computer. Googling the web indicates that the same is true for other units made by HP and others. That Sony is so far behind in releasing the Express upgrade DVDs and uninstall utilities needed to upgrade from XP is appalling. That the process of upgrading to Vista is so convoluted and complex is also appalling. In the end, I have you to thank for preventing me from wasting many days trying to get XP upgraded to Vista.

Fortunately. i have moved over almost completely to the Mac where I will never have to deal with this kind of unfathomable nonsense. When Leopard arrives in a few months, upgrading from Tiger will constitute about a couple hours of largely unattended "work" (my friend is a Leopard developer). I'm not an MS basher by any means (I applaud and love the Office 2007 ribbon interface--I think it's a magnificent piece of software) but the 22 pages of this thread are overwhelming evidence of the unpreparedness of the windows world for the transition to Vista.

Again many thanks for the advice and education.

 

Both OSX and Windows have their pros/cons..choose whatever works for you.

As for being unprepared for Vista...very few people actually are like us and upgrade to Vista themselves...majority of folks actually get a newer version of Windows when they purchase a new PC/laptop. Also in all fairness Vista has only been out for about 2 months - I did my install when it had been out for a week.

Add to that the fact that Windows has to support millions of different hardware configs, software apps, etc. and I'm shocked when people say they don't have any problem. Once you get it running in the end though, Vista is a great OS. Apple can offer an easier experience but you are also tied to their hardware...as much as I like Macbooks/Macbook Pros (I just bought a Macbook for my little sis), I love my Sony SZ and I'd rather be able to CHOOSE my hardware and my software - if anything, you can give Ubuntu Linux a try if you want something different.

Enjoy.

 

Hi all,

I have a Sony Vaio SZ370 notebook. It was running XP but was recently upgraded to Vista Business. Since then, the wireless connection has stopped working. From the thread I've gathered that SmartWi is not compatible with Vista, which is true for my machine too, so I was wondering if there is a workaround so I can get wi-fi working on my machine. I've installed the latest Intel Wireless drivers (3945ABG) to no avail.

I read through the majority of this thread, but I did not pick up on a solution to this issue. I would appreciate any help you guys can offer.

Thanks,
Andrew

edit: Got wireless working. I disabled SmartWi under MSConfig in both the Startup and Services tabs. I'll leave this post up anyways, maybe someone else needs the info.

 

Wireless in Vista seems to be a bit balky compared to XP. When my SZ wakes up in Vista it does not always connect on its own immediately. Under XP it was flawless. Personally, I think there are a lot of fit and finish issues with Vista.

 

Try uninstalling the Wireless Switching Utility - that is the culprit for not reconnecting right away. SmartWi works better.

 

MH,

All of the points in your reply to my post are very fair and well articulated. For me, not having to worry about viri, malware, constant MS updates, defragging, etc make computing a much more pleasant experience on the Mac. I also really like all of the very useful free or cheap Apps available in the OS X universe. I also loved my SZ but, since I'm mostly Mac now, my reliable 3 year old T160 serves me well for my frequent business trips. And I really love the ribbon interface in Office 2007. What a great piece of software that is!

I'm more disappointed with Sony (have used their products forever) than MS because they've been so slow to provide the tools necessary for a painless Vista upgrade.They kept delaying the release of the uninstall utilities and the DVD which would provide support for the Vista upgrade. I still can't tell from the website or by Googling if the 2 uninstall utilities they promised are now available.And, I can't tell for sure which Sony Vista compatability issues still remain. This thread has been very useful in that regard. Perhaps, at some point, you can post a summary of outstanding not-completely resolved issues.

Thanks again for your very helpful thread and responses.

 

Hi I've completed a clean installation of Windows Vista Ultimate and everything seems to work. Except for one thing. Everytime I put it into sleep it doesn't wake back up. When I press the sleep button everything turns off smoothly but the WLAN light stays on. But when I try to wake it up by pressing any button the power and bluetooth lights turn on and i just sits there with the screen black.

 

Mobilehavoc,
Great information in the thread..Thanks for that.

couple of question please answer if you can....
As you have done -- Now you have 2 main partition+Hidden restore Partition ..Right?

After you created the new partition Is the Hidden restore partition (F10 option at boot time) is still good or that will be invalid once you create new partition? Could you please check and confirm?
Thanks

 

Thank you. I followed the instructions and installed vista on a dual boot system. Now I have some issues.
1. The WLAN icon is not in the notification area. Also installed Proset but this also does not show there. I see it in network connections section, can use it from there but no shortcut anywhare.
2. Cannot run Bios update from Vista.

Thanx

 

Don't have vista installed but anyone try the newer intel 945 driver to solve the brightness fn key problem?

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=116843

Maybe try to remap the FN keys?

 

Right-Click on the Taskbar -> Properties -> Notification Area Tab -> Make sure Network is checked.

 

Mobilehavoc:

I installed the newest smartwi from sony's web. The problem is in vista(D it's keeping install it on driver C:, where I have a xp edition of smartwi there. Did you have this problem before? Thank you!

 

Problem solved.

 

I followed the guide and everything installs perfectly. I was able to get everything working. Thanks!!! Its easier to do a clean install on vista than it is on XP. I had a tough time clean installing with XP.

 

I'v just reinstaled Windows Vista Ultimate on my SONY SZ370P iv instald evrything as

ABOVE:

Install the following FIRST:

**a. Sony Utilities DLL Update
**b. Sony Shared Library Update

**Sould be installed first no matter what, they are used by all the other Sony Utilities.

c. VAIO Event Services Update


but hot key utiltity aka FN buttons dont work
i checked task maneger it says thatvaio event service is runing but it
still doset work (i dont get it i instaled vista on these laptop several time befor it was fine but now is a night mare, sice yesturday iv tryd to instal it 3 times now)

PS. as soon as setup of SONY SHERED LIBRARY FINISHES PC RESTART befor i have time to press finish (i donthink that hapened before ) i tryd to downolad difrent copy os shered library from link ABOVE and from sony home page from my pc it still just restart

HELLP pleas i need it running for monday 30/4/07

 

Cut and Paste the following paragraph to notepad and save as SDFix.REG

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\ti21sony\Parameters]
"UseSWMG"=dword:00000001
"MSSlotOnly"=dword:00000001

then double click on SDFix.reg, it will fix the SD/MMC icon issue

 

Could you try this

Install the apps/drivers in the following order

Sony Shared Library
ftp://download.sony.com/US/pc/SOASSL-A1298203-US.EXE
Reboot your system

Sony Utilities
ftp://download.sony.com/US/pc/SOASNU-01298604-US.EXE
Reboot system

Sony Notebook Control
ftp://download.sony.com/US/pc/SOAOTH-00445800-US.EXE
Reboot system

Vaio Event Service (for control the Fn function)
ftp://download.sony.com/US/pc/SOAVES-01302701-US.EXE
Reboot system

If the previous version of above application exists on your system, the installer will ask "Do you want to remove it.." click YES, and rerun the setup program.

 

I have all Vista Business working on my SZ330P, except the F5-F6 brightness keys. Your link to the newer NVidia drivers is broken, and when I go to that site and look around, I see no 100.40 drivers listed. In Device Manager, the NVidia driver number is 7.15.10.9813, which seems to be a different numbering scheme. Any ideas?

 

Hi,

I have a SZ 120P/B.

My question is whether I need to do anything additional besides the instructions on the first page in order to get Vista working on my machine. for example, BIOS update etc.?

Thanks.

 

First and foremost, many thanks to Mobilehavoc for this fantastic guide! IT worked like a charm. On another note, I am having an issue with vista sleep mode. After my computer comes back from "Vista Sleep Mode" the monitor will not turn on. Everything else comes back from sleep (drives, bluetooth, fans, etc.); however, all I see is a black screen.

In my attempt to resolve I updated the video drivers for both nVidea and Intel with new sony website drivers, I tried running and doing general troubleshooting, and I waisted 2 hours on the phone with Sony tech support. I've also messed around with all the laptop and sony power settings with no luck.

However, one interesting thing I did find under the device manager, under "details", in "power data" for both video drivers, is undefinable modes for S2 and S3; however, I can't find where to change these modes? Could that be it? Has anyone else experienced a similar problem with sleep mode?

Additionally, after not getting it to work several times I wiped out system and did another clean install...everything else works great, but problem persists.

Thanks to all in advance for advice and help!

 

What do i have to edit to enable the modem and audio options seperately? At the moment i can disable Audio/Modem together, but is there a way to change?

Thank you in advance!

 

Hi Mobile,

thx for you great contribution, I just wanted to know if it would be possible to post again the SmartWi Cingular app as the link you provided is no longer available.

Thanks a lot for your great work again.

 

Hey man,
How did you get all the drivers for sz 110, I couldnt find any for controlling trhe screen brightness and volume from the keyboard. I looked up ont eh sony migration website but no luck,. What did you use?

 

thx for sharing

 

The Brightness controlling function is in the nVidia and Intel Graphic card driver found on sony's website. (try browse through other models as well)
I suggest installing graphic driver from sony first, and upgrade it to newer version from nVidia (ForceWare) later.

 

I'm having problems.

I installed Vista Enterprise (same as Premium) as a clean install, I have a Core 2 Duo FE790.


EDIT. After installing the drivers for FE890, I got the FN keys working! But still can't dim the brigthness though. I have the GeForce Go 7600 with the latest nVidia drivers (7 series for Vista), should I try using Sony's nVidia drivers?

 

I followed directions, rebooted between installs, and all that jazz...yet my damn Fn buttons still do absolutely nothing on my SZ280P

Any ideas as to why?

 

For those having Fn button problems...try explicitly installed the Sony Notebook Hardware Control driver...here's a link to the SZ version:

ftp://download.sony.com/US/pc/SOAOTH-00445800-US.EXE

 

Ok, now all the FN buttons and the brightness work... I have a FE790 core2duo, so technically this isn't the right thread, but I'd thought I'd reply anyway... What I did, was that I followed the instructions from a thread found elsewhere, called "Vista drivers here". I installed the Sony Utils, Libraries etc that were made for FE890 (Sony doesn't have any drivers for fe790 for Premium/Business/Enterprise). I then installed the first GeForce 7600 drivers for Vista, that were made by Sony, and rebooted. That's it!

DVD playback still doesn't work though.

 

Can you send the link to the fan and cpu heat problem, this seems to be a nagging problem with a lot of people on this board, me being one of them. Thanks!

 

Has anyone tried upgrading to Vista by doing a clean install and using Sony's VISTA UPGRADE COMPANION DVD which is supposed to install all of the necessary drivers after vista is installed?

 

I am having the exact same issue on a sz260p. My computer definetly runs a lot hotter than it did with XP as well, I can't even hold it on my lap in the car any longer, its too damn hot all the time. The fan now runs constantly, without any respite. Any suggestions? Anyone? Bueller?

 

Anyone know how to get the FN keys to work on a clean install of Vista on a SZ-360p/c?

Volume won't go up or down, Screen won't dim or brighten.. nothing.

 

how do you run things in xp compatible mode?

I had the same acrobat problems but found a ridiculously complicated work around my copying and pasting certain files during the zipping process

 

I've been trying to get a good clean Vista Ultimate install on my VGN-SZ460N. Very frustrating to say the least. Right now, I can't get the Wireless Switch Utility to even list Bluetooth as an option or get Volume and Brightness controls to work. The worst part is that both of these were working on a clean install before I repartitioned and reinstalled for a second time!! Any ideas?

 

It is most helpful you list out the order to install various bits and pieces. I am actually going to downgrade to XP Pro from Vista Business. I have spent a few days installing SZ3/SZ4 series drivers. Still my Fn + buttons keys are not working because I need to connect to an exteranl monitor and overhead projector.

Will your suggested order work for XP? I just don't want to reinstall the OS for another time. PLEASE HELP!!


Will

 

umm..this is the vista thread not XP.

Try here:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=111167

 

Hiya

I have a SZ3VWP/X, specs as in signature.

Install Vista Ultimate x86 >> flawless
Download SZ4 Driver and Utilities pack.
Installing drivers >> everything except the camera installs flawless. Vista says this driver is not suitable >> forced the installation >> device still not working.

I do wonder why this is happening. Utilities etc works flawless, but the camera is still a non working device in DeviceManager.

DAMN!