Instructions for a Vista clean install on an FZ190

Blu-ray with Nvidia 8400M GT. So is it not supposed to for work with the blu-ray model laptops or only not with blu-ray discs only?

Thanks, the brightness control was simple to save.

 

The instant on feature ONLY works with the intel video and regular DVD drive. If you have either the Blue Ray or Nvidia options the instant on feature will not work.

Gary

 

Hiya chaps, --

It's been a couple of months since purchase of FZ11E for me as well and the notebook works perfectly so far: it is well built, quiet, runs rather fast and smooth.. However the laptop seen a light use yet cause I'm still doing bulk of the job on my desktop (which is ATHLON XP 2800+ based system running XP Pro btw).

Anyway, as much as I was desperate for XP installation in the very beginning, I somehow grew to accept Vista even without reinstall (just removed some of bloatware through Control Panel and did some interface configuration). Vista runs fast enough and stable even with my 1GB of RAM although I've had some compatibility issues, most of which were actually solvable.

However, I'd still like to do a clean install of Vista (just have to start from scratch and also be in control and the know of the OS from the scratch) as well as getting it double boot with a secondary partition reserved for XP (I will still occasionally be using it).

Maybe this isn't the most appropriate thread for the questions I have but still it's better than sticking them in the "Vaio FZ Owners Thread" I guess..

Here we go:

* Which version of Vista would be the best choice for my T7100 / 1GB RAM machine? Same "Home Premium" I got on the recovery partition?
* How much space should I reserve for the Vista partition? I am going to install quite few large audio/gfx applications which would still not use more than 20-30 GB -- perhaps less cause of incompatibility problems..
* Would it be better to partition HDD in 3 separate volumes: one for Vista, one for XP and one for data or just two for the OSes?
* Is it a big hassle to get both OSes working independently, any special cautions?
* Is there a way I can purchase full install version of Vista for a reduced fee using my OEM key? I've got "Upgrade Your Windows Vista Experience" DVD but it appears I can only download updates to what I've already installed..


Thanks a bunch in advance,
~~~zee

 

These questions really are not about a clean install. Please start a new thread for them.

Gary

 

aight, be it so!

just in case someone here's interested in the same problems, i've posted my thread here.

btw, Gary -- you're one of the most helpful persons around those forums, so I'll just take an opportunity to thank you

 

Not trying to blow you off, I will be glad to answer. I just want to make sure that this thread stays on topic and that folks seeking answers to the questions you asked will be able to find them latter rather than having them buried in this thread somewhere.

Thanks for the compliment.

Gary

P.S. I just replied to your new thread.

 

I am about to uninstall Vaio Media 6.0 which is 8.94 MB, but below it is Vaio Media Content collection 6.0, Vaio Media Integrated Server 6.1, Vaio Media Redistribution 6.0, and Vaio Media Registration Tool 6.0, all of which are about 30 GB except the last. What do these do and can I uninstall them all??

 

Before we go ANY further. Did you make the two DVD recovery set?
If not you really need to do that BEFORE you delete anything else.

If you have done that, place the 1st DVD in the drive WHILE Vista is running. This should allow you to navigate to the application that allows you to restore applications and drivers. I want to be CERTAIN that ALL of these VAIO media apps are listed there before we go ANY further.

Also you have NOT deleted the hidden recovery partition from the hard drive, correct?

Gary

 

Did you install all of the drivers and support applications? And did you do them in the right order? (See the document attached to message #1 in this thread.)

Gary

 

I think I have now...sorry for putting these questions into two threads...

 

No need to be sorry. I just wanted to make sure any conversation we had regarding the clean install became part of this thread, so other folks coming here would benefit.

Glad you got things sorted out.

Gary

 

Hi Gary. Thanks for the guide. Just bought this laptop FZ190CT0 a month ago and I really want to have a fresh clean install. This laptop is great but full of bloatware. I already have created the 2 dvd recovery set and will do the clean install by next month. I will repartition the 160gb hd to 80gb and 60gb and leave the hidden recovery partion intact. Just one question though. In case if I lost the 2 dvd recovery set, can I still restore my FZ190 in "out of the box" state by envoking the F10 after doing the repartitioning and clean install? Many thanks.

Jerome

 

Absolutely! As long as the recovery partition is intact, you can always use the F10 trick. You will need the 2 DVD set to get some of the support applications that don't show up on the Sony support site.

Gary

 

Hi Gary. I have completed the 'semi-clean' install and then posted and you directed me here. My question is this; will the recovery dvd's created containg everything i need or will i have to try to restore my comp to the out-of-box state and then begin the process?? I guess what i'm trying to say is; does the utility contain everything you need or is it affected by software/drivers you may have already uninstalled? I hope this makes sense.

thanks

 

Kevf74,

I am confused. You did the semi clean install and asked for a list of necessary apps. The document I directed you to is for doing a CLEAN install, but also has in it a list of the necessary applications. The instructions in that document have nothing to do with a SEMI-clean install.

I don't understand why you are asking about the need to restore to the out-of-the-box state. That will put all the bloatware back on the machine. You asked "and then begin the process". What process are you referring too?

Fill in the gaps and I'll gladly point you in the right direction.

Gary

 

Hi everybody!
Yes, you can use F10 trick to create recovery DVD but what with restore to "out of the box" after repartition your hard drive? There will be an error - something about size of partition C. What to do with this? Again reprtition hard drive to orginal size?

 

First, I don't think you can use the F10 trick to CREATE the recovery DVD set. I think you have to do that within Vista. Second, if you do use the F10 trick, then you do not need the DVD set for recovery. Bear with me a second. There are TWO ways to do a recovery to the "out of the box" state.

1. Power off, reboot, press F10. From the menu select the option for a full recovery. This will use the hidden partition as the source for the recovery data. So, the hidden partition MUST be in place for this to work. (No DVD's required.)

2. Place the first of the two recovery DVD's in the drive. Power off, reboot. This will boot the machine from the recovery DVD. Select the option for a full recovery. (No hidden partition needed.)

Now, regarding the repartition question. I was under the impression that the full recovery AUTOMATICALLY repartitioned the drive back to it's original state, including restoring the hidden partition in the process. But I can't say that with any certainty as I have NOT done it myself. But as you suggest if it DOES complain you can always repartition the drive yourself and then do the restore.

Gary

 

Gary,

Thanks for your great guide and all the help you have provided. I have successfully completed a clean install of Vista on my FZ180E. I wouldn't have been able to do this without your guide.

I wanted to add a couple comments about the process and issues I came across. These comment numbers below relate to your instructions as you have them numbered in your 9/27/07 edition of the Sony FZ Clean Install instructions.

5. I grabbed the original software and updated software using another computer by first downloading the Sony Download Taxi and installing it. Then I selected all the original software and later all the updated software and stored them in separate directories on my USB thumb drive. Downloading one software app at a time is very slow and using the Download Taxi sped things up considerabley. I used the specific website for my FZ180E model but I don't really think it made any difference. The Sony Utilities DLL only showed up under the Everything tab... so don't forget to get it.

One thing I noted is that it seemed that the Pointing Device (Alps) original driver had a date listed after I had received my computer. It appears they changed or added the original driver to the site. I am not sure but I think that the version that I had originally installed was the same as the original version (7.0.501.5) on the web site

6. I just made a copy of the entire folder also on my USB thumb drive. I was able to use this later to install the Intel SATA driver during the Vista Install.

7. Since I am doing a dual boot system (Vista and XP) I went with 3 equal partitions of about 50 GB each and also kept the recovery partition and let a little space unpartitioned. I am not sure how well Vista and XP will work with a common user information partition for storing documents etc... I am just now installing XP. This may become a factor with permissions for folders such as the Documents, Photos and Favorites folders.... I used GParted Live CD for partitioning but wouldn't recommend it... for example: I thought I had moved the recovery partition but it ended up getting wiped out.... luckily I had an Acronis True Image Home v11 backup. I looked at several partioning tools but didn't really like any of them


8. I don't have a Vista Install disk. So I ordered a Vista Anytime Upgrade disk from Comp USA using this link:

http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?ref=froogle&product_code=52591952&pfp=XSELLCUSTVW

Note you can get free shipping using coupon code SHIPITFREE... they send it via the normal mail so delivery is about 2 weeks. So for $5 and tax you can get a Vista disk. When you install with this disk, you just don't fill in any product code during the install. This will install Vista as a 30 day trial version which is fixed below

HOWEVER before Step 7 (repartitioning the hard drive) you have to copy the activation file from the current install of Vista. There is a tool and a procedure to do this which is described here:

http://www.davescomputertips.com/Newsletters/20070715.php#2

I think this is the original site but this information is also shown here as well:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=120228/

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=144783

Then after the install of Vista you have to put the activation back on to the computer. Just follow the directions. This method worked for me.

Just remember to copy the activation BEFORE step 7! I put mine on the USB thumb drive and reactivated once Vista was installed. No problems.

I installed the Intel SATA driver from the original install that I had on my USB thumb drive without any problem.

9. By showing all hidden files and folders, two desktop.ini files showed up on the desktop. You have to play with file view settings specific to a folder in order to hide these.

11. e. Complained it needed Vista to install but it installed correctly.

11. j. Asked a yes or no question for rebooting and then it complained on shutdown, however it installed just fine.

13. a. Complained it needed Vista to install but it installed correctly.

14. a. The Sony Utilities DLL package I don't think installed the VAIO Recovery Center on the hard drive... but what did was the next step 14. b. Probably the first time you use the Recovery Center from the DVD, it reinstalls itself to the hard drive.

14. g. Yes this takes a while... you need to wait at the end.

14. i. You might want to mention that you should download this before starting the process for people who are following along step by step. I did not startup any network connection until completing the install on the FZ.

Note that this ftp site is very interesting. I went exploring around it and found some XP drivers for a FZ19 .... I am assuming this would work for any FZ?? Here is a link:

ftp://ftp.vaio-link.com/PUB/OS/XPDOWNGRADE/FZ19


14. k. Got a may not install properly warning... I checked and found that I had 1.1.00.17080??

14. l. The description in the recovery center says this is an add on.... Don't know if you need Sonic Stage installed.... however this add on did install without complaint and seem to open properly... I don't know anything about this program.

14. o. This took some time and I ended up stopping it myself but it did install.

14 q. There was some delay here but it did install.

14. t. This took some time but it did install.

14. v. The Click to DVD update also seems to want to update the Vaio Video and Photo Suite 1.1 as part of its update. Ver 3.020.17080 was already installed...For WinDVD it said to reinstall that it can't apply to your version. My version was 1.1.00.16110. I don't think either of these are a problem... just strange things.

16. I think I had 34 updates over 80 MB including ALL of the updates. Your updates will vary.

17. I moved these folders but I found some differences in permissions in all of them. First another group showed up "Authenticated User" which I couldn't remove. Also some the permissions for full control were missing. I had created My Document, My Photos etc folders directly under drive D: and moved them as directed however the name changed back to Documents, Photos, etc Don't really know what is going on here. I guess I need to learn some more in this area.... I am also not sure if all settings and user data is stored only in these 3 folders... my guess is there would still be some user setting on Drive C... unless you moved over the entire User directory.... Your thoughts?

Well on to the XP install.

Thanks again for all your efforts.

 

WOW, elmerb!!!

Not bad for a first post! Let me review this and respond. It may not be till latter this weekend though!

Glad you got the clean install done and REALLY glad you were so diligent in documenting your experience. I'll certainly use your notes to update the original document where pertinent.

Gary

 

Singh100,

Lets go SLOW with this since the original instructions were written for an FZ1 series and you are getting an FZ2. Download my document and read through the whole thing. It's long but is is so because I included a LOT of detail.

The first thing I did and I want YOU to do is take an inventory of what came on the machine. Also make sure you create the backup DVD set. Once you have done those two steps drop a note here.

Gary

 

cool will do! Hopefully by wednesday!

 

Hey Gary,

as requisted I'm posting the results I've got when starting up the autorun.exe files on my 3 Vaio FZ recovery disks:

Starting the application on disk one tells me that i can do a full recovery of my computer by re-starting the computer with this disk inserted.

Disk two expectedly tells me to insert system recovery disk one, and restart my computer if i want to do a full recovery.

Disk three and probably the one you're interested in presents me with a menu that lets me choose a number of applications that i can install, like for instance Adobe photoshop, Adobe Acrobat reader, Sonic stage, etc.

No drivers installation option though, but the funny thing is..... when i have this disk inserted and open up 'computer' in the start menu i suddenly see not only a Local Station C: drive, but also a Recovery G: drive witch i besides can run (witch i tried with no result, as in nothing happened) also can open with Explorer, and well, explore.

After exploring the newly found G: partition i found a lot of un-useful files that probably only work when using them through another application provided on the disks, but also all initial hardware drivers that can be installed individually.

I hope explaining this in my poor English makes any sense to you, but besides that I'm not sure how to proceed from here...

I'm just not sure what to make of it, but maybe you can compare this info to what you know is on the recovery disks you've got and make something out of it. To me it seems like two completely different recovery systems for one and the same machine, nevertheless very intrigueging.

This will probably raise more questions then it will provide answers, any idea how to go from here?

 

Very helpful, thanks. What I would like for you to do next is take some screenshots of the application that starts when you use disk three. Use the "Snipping tool" found under Start | All Programs | Accessories. (Don't take screenshots of the entire screen, just the application window. They will be smaller.)

If the list in the application requires you to scroll to see everything, then take multiple screen snips. I want to see the entire list.

With that info in hand I think I can modify the instructions to suit FZ1 and FZ2 folks for both the US and European versions.

Gary

 

Ok, here they are:

 

Oh my. That just SUCKS! There are NONE of the axillary applications on there that are required to do a clean install!!! Things like the FN keys and Power Management apps are not there at all. And I none of them are available on the Sony E-Support web site either.

Is there a European Sony Support site? If so can you post the URL for it? I want to look and see what might be available there.

Gary

 

there you go: http://support.sony-europe.com/main/main.aspx?l=en

 

Yes, Sony has a different support site for every country they sell there products. I'll give you the link for the start menu so you can explore witch ever one you want (i assume UK would be the easiest because it's in English to, or do you read dutch? )

Could be that you have to be registered though. If you can't look around just let me know what you want me to look for. I think it's for the Vaio event service and power management? I didn't know that you needed the Vaio power management though, is it necessary to have that installed?

http://www.vaio-link.com/vu/hub.asp?u=m&h=0413&url=/vu/vu30/index.asp

 

Thanks for the links to the European Sony Support folks!

I have good news! That site does provide links to all of the axillary apps that are needed to do a clean install as well as the drivers. For some reason the US site only supplies the driver (no apps), but the US recovery set has the apps on it where the European versions do not. Odd.

Bottom line, any one with a European version of the FZ machines should be able to go to the Sony web site and download the drivers AND the axillary apps, burn them to a CD and then proceed with my instructions. Where I call for you to use the Recovery DVD to load the various axillary apps, you can instead just use the ones on your newly minted CD.

Thanks again to Storm3016 and Andreashadji


Gary

 

Glad to be of service, and thanks for all the research Gary!

There are a number of guys with problems with the recovery disks and a clean install on a little dutch FZ thread we have, i'll point 'm over here right away to try your solution.

 

This "solution" is not really going to directly help them with the recovery disks, but it does now offer them an alternate way to restore their machines via a clean install.

Gary

 

hey gary iv finnaly got my new FZ21S and have created the backup DVDS. (3 dvd+rw) what you want me to do now to install a fresh copy of vista ultimate??

 

No, No, NO!!!! I want you to do what I originally asked in the message you just replied to. I want you to make an inventory of what is CURRENTLY on the machine.

Look at my Clean Install Document and do what I did in steps 2 through 4.

First lets take step 2. I know that your Recovery disk #1 does not work like the US version. But Disk three is similar. It does NOT have the tab for the drivers, but does have one for the apps. Make a list of all the apps there. I believe from the screenshots I saw from this, it ONLY has the third party apps. But we need to inventory those so we can update the instructions.

Next is step 3. Look in the Start menu and make note of any applications that are not in your list from step 2.

Next is step 4. Look in the Add/Remove Programs applet in the control panel. Make a list of any additional applications you find there that are not in lists from step 2 or step 3.

Once you have those lists, email them to me. I will provide you my email address via a private message.

Once I have that list, I'll go through it an markup which things are going to be required AFTER you do the clean install of Vista. Now this is VERY IMPORTANT, do NOT do the clean install of Vista until we go through that list and we make sure we have sources for installation files for all of the required apps and drivers. Otherwise we may have to revert the machine back to it's out of the box state and start all over again.

Also, make a list of just the names of the folders you find in C:/Windows/Drivers. That is a Sony provided folder with all the driver install files used on YOUR machine. You will want to burn a copy of that to a CD for safe keeping (that is step 6 in my document).

In the meantime you might also want to go to the Sony support site for Europe and download all of the drivers and burn them to a cd. Also, from earlier discussions we found that there is a spot on that site where you can download all the auxiliary applications for things like "Sony Utilities DLL", "Sony Video Shared Library", "Power Management" etc. Make not of the URL where you find those and email it to me as well. Then download ALL of the applications you find there and burn those to a CD as well.

OK, is that enough to keep you busy for a while??? ...big ol' grin...

Gary

 

Hi, thanks for posting the instructions for the clean install. I purchased a customized FZ290 and it's on its way. I purchased the Vista Ultimage upgrade disk for this purpose and I'm curious if I can install Vista Ultimate instead of the home edition that I ordered it with. I see you posted something in relation to a person in Europe...I hope it's a lot easier for my US version.



Thanks

 

It is possible to use the upgrade disk to do a clean install. But you have to jump through some hoops to do so. Here is a link to Brian Livingston's site with info on how to do it: Use Ultimate Upgrade for clean install But first things first... read on.

Now to your FZ290. Remember that the instructions were written for a 190 model, so you will most likely have SOME differences. So go slow! First, make sure you make the DVD recovery set. Then using Steps 2-4 in my document inventory everything currently installed and try to decide what NEEDS to be installed after the clean install is done. My list will give you info on just about everything you are likely to encounter in your inventories BUT if you find some additional item and don't know FOR SURE if it is required ask here. Next, get all of the drivers from the Sony support web site. Burn 'em to CD. Burn a copy of the C:\Windows\Drivers directory from your current setup to a CD. Then go through your inventory list of necessities and make sure you have the corresponding driver or application installer in hand BEFORE you start the process. Some of these will be on disk one of the recovery DVD set (see my document for details about that.)

Don't panic here, even if you were to screw things up and are missing some component, you can always use the Bootup F10 trick to restore the machine to it's out of the box state from the hidden recovery partition.

Now just make sure you do this inventory and make sure you locate all the installer before you start the clean install. I know it sounds like a lot of prep work, but believe me it can save you a lot of time (and headache) latter.

If you run into trouble or have questions, just ask here.

Oh, and PLEASE keep notes on your findings. Post them back here so we will be ready for the NEXT FZ290 owner who comes along!!!

Gary

 

I'll be doing this on a brand new hard drive so booting from the partition won't be an option. It seems this is turning out to be a huge headache... here is a list of the steps from what I gather. Tell me if there are any problems.

From the HD the laptop comes with, I make the recovery DVDs and burn a copy of C:Windows/Drivers and download Sony drivers to a flash drive.

Step 1: Swap new HD into machine
Step 2: Install Vista Utimate as per the instructions on the Brian Livingston site.
Step 3: Make vista more convenient for following steps and create a ghost image after that. (In case I screw something up afterwards)
Step 4: Install drivers in order from your list and check functionality after. (Based on the list at the end where you provided the locations for these drivers)
Step 5: Add applications from your list. (Using recovery cd)
Step 6: Use computer!

Is this correct?

 

I assume that I can load up the recovery CDs after vista is installed and pick the specific programs I would like to install...is this correct?

 

Could anyone give me a link to this FTP EU sony support site>?

 

Maybe this is it?

http://www.sony.net/

 

Pretty good summation. Step 2: When you use Brian's instructions for installing Vista via the upgrade DVD, you will also need to reference my instructions on using the SATA driver during the install. Step5: one of them needs to come from the SONY FTP site. See my document for details.

Gary

 

Yep!

Gary

 

I should be receiving it on 11/28...I'll keep you posted on the process.

Thanks!

 

Your Awesome

 

I need the recovery cds for my fz290. I get an error when trying to burn it.

 

k, new laptop.

bought oem vista ultimatex64 and installed on hdd replacing vista home premium.

now my function keys dont work no matter what drivers i download from the sony support site.

Also im getting a "battery not compatible" caution window. it only gives me the option to go into hibernate.........so i went into task manager and ended the process.....

Any ideas? did i fubar it?


errrrrrr..help?

 

Did you read my reply in your FZ290 Functio keys thread?

Gary

 

YESsir.

i tried your guide when i was having the problems last night but it didnt work for me. all my function keys were screwed.......i kept getting this message:

"you need the x64 version of this drivar, please contact your vendor for this driver"

umm tried your guide first becus it looked professional and well thought out.... then tried other peoples advice with NO luck. Finally joined this site......and cried out for help like a little girl.

 

P.S. You will need a REAL Vista DVD for this process. A retail DVD or even an Update DVD will suffice.
-------------------------------------------------------------------

I went to Office Max and asked for a REAL Vista DVD and the salesman didnt know what I was talking about. I did the first step tomorrow I hope to finish the rest.

 

My instructions are for the 32 bit version of Vista only. You might use the serach box at the top of the page and search for "FZ VISTA 64". (Do NOT use either of the two drop down search boxes, neither allow two character word searches.) Last time I looked though, folks had found most of the 64 bit drivers, BUT had not found ANY 64 but versions of the auxiliary apps for power management and function keys.

Gary

 

The point was you can not use a RECOVERY DVD, you need a real Vista install disk. Since you have a legitimate license for Vista, you can get by with using an Update DVD which is much cheaper.

Gary

 

Hi all,

Thanks to this fantastic thread advice I have ALMOST managed a successfull clean install on my new FZ21S. Although the procedure is essentially the same as the FZ190. The arrangement of the driver files and utilities are slightly different. I cannot for the life of me seem to get the AV Button working. The brightness and volume keys works fine. Im wondering if anyone can advise on how to get this issue resolved.

Kind Regards!