Latest SONY VAIO laptop with Windows XP?

Hello guys, are there any of the latest sony laptops with that iCore processor who is confirmed to work with Windows XP and drivers to be found? As far as I know it's not possible to install Windows XP on those newest computers as there is no drivers or even bios is not compatible with XP setup.. Thanks a lot!

 

I got my VPC-Z with XP downgrade disk, so there should be no problems with that. Don't know about Sandy Bridge though...

 

Why on earth do you want to use XP? :O

 

what is your exact model?

because its the best windows ever made and also in my point of view Win 7 runs obviously slower even on those enormous high specification latest laptops! XP 4 ever

 

My S came with XP downgrade CD too. No experience though - whenever I need XP I run in as a VM.

 

WOW As I understand Win XP downgrade came with the pc that you got written specs under your signature?

 

Correct. Pre-installed Win 7 Pro + Downgrade XP CD.

I think most of the business series notebooks come with XP downgrade CD.

 

Thats nice.. I thought it's impossible to run XP on those iCore processors.. Is there XP drivers folder on that downgrade CD?

 

And you would be VERY wrong on both counts.

Gary

 

ScuderiaConchiglia I dont really think and I heard too many people telling the same, even pro computer technicians.

Anyway, this is big forum and many users out there, can someone confirm about finding working XP drivers for those iCore series processors and all the rest hardware which are normally coming with these latest laptops? Would be very thankful.

 

Don't really want to start discussion which OS is better - IMO both have advantages and disadvantages. Depends on what you are going to use it for.

I never used the CD to be honest. no idea what it contains, I assume everything needed, as there is even a small guide how to downgrade. But the CPU is not an issue - at my company all laptops purchased in the last year (Lenovo T series) are with i-CPUs and they all have XP.

 

Oh here we go again another "well I have a friend who's mothers second cousin's uncles father knows a guy who is a "pro computer technician" who says WinXp is the greatest thing since white bread." Spare me. Thats just factually wrong. Look around this vast forum and see how much your "theory" is proved out. You will find a handful of folks who hold on to this ridiculous notion. You will find a lot of "pros" (me included, I have been dealing with microcomputer hardware and software since 1976) who know that Win7 is vastly superior to Winxp on so many levels.

I am not going to get into an argument with you, but don't expect such ill conceived comments to go unchallenged here.

Gary

 

Well, anyway its not a debate here about which OS is better, moreover I dont ask it So still waiting for any confirmation about sucessfully installed XP (incl all the drivers) on the latest vaio computer.

 

I'm using Windows XP on my Sony Z122GX/B. It came with Windows 7 Professional, and an XP downgrade disk. However, I installed XP myself from scratch and used the XP drivers available on their website.

It seems that Z12 was the last Z iteration to officially support XP, since Z13 series have no XP drivers posted on the Sony eSupport page. However, since Z13 and Z12 aren't too different, I would imagine XP should work with Z13 also, but you may run into problems of course.

Z12 XP drivers
Z13 lack of XP drivers

 

Also, of course Windows XP runs on Core i series CPUs. Why wouldn't it? They're x86 compatible.

The only thing is, to install XP on Z from scratch, you have to slipstream the Intel RAID drivers, or else it won't recognize your SSDs in RAID.

 

Of course it's up to you what OS to use, and like others have said, XP and 7 both have their advantages/disadvantages.

However, based on what you said, I'm not convinced XP is a better choice for you. I recommend you try them both and then make a decision.

 

With 7 Pro and Ultimate, you can download "XP Mode" from Microsoft, which is basically an XP license and media and a Virtual PC instance. That takes care of 90% of software that only runs (or runs correctly) on XP.
No hardware acceleration? The XP VM created by Virtual PC can be imported into VMware, which does provide hardware acceleration.

 

I must say I agree with the above... but it is up to you. Just avoid bias...

I am very happy with "XP mode" - they have made it extremely easy to install and run - everything set - you just need to click it and you have a fully functional XP. Works great!

 

Man, I have decided it ages ago, otherwise I wouldnt come asking here about XP drivers and if its possible to install...

 

Not in all cases, sometimes if you have the F6 option files then you can just edit the txtsetup.oem file to the correct defaults.. e.g.

[Defaults]
scsi = iaStor_8ME9ME5 - Std Defaults

[Defaults]
scsi = iaAHCI_9MEM - Modded for my FW

 

Except for it being a 500 MB+ download. They really could have included that on the installation DVDs.

 

Ah, what are 500 MB nowadays - 3-5 minutes download time... It is an option for advanced users, I'm sure over 75% have never heard of it... it is understandable it is not included.

 

If it was years ago, then you should definitely re-evaluate things as they stand today.

I hope your question is answered. If you want to check if other Sony models support XP, just check their eSupport driver page and see if Windows XP is listed as one of the operating systems. Also, keep in mind you can only get the XP downgrade disks when you get Windows 7 Professional. Home Premium or Ultimate won't give it to you. They make this clear in the Sony CTO pages when you're customizing your laptop.

On a separate note, can a Windows 7 user please help me...

One (but not the only) of the reasons I'm still sticking to XP these days is because I rely heavily on RealVNC Free Edition for my vnc needs. The free edition works on XP, but doesn't support 7. For that, you gotta pay.

Can anyone please recommend me some free alternatives to RealVNC Free? Something that works well without too much hacking.

 

^What are you looking to do with VNC? I like built-in RDP, especially once I installed the multiuser/multisession hack.

 

I like RDP too, but sometimes I need VNC.

For example, suppose I have a computer hooked up to an HDTV, and I want to just VNC into it and start playing a movie. Or when the HDTV is off, I wanna see if the computer is "locked" or not.

 

Ah, got it. I use 7MC as well (and quite an elaborate setup), and the concurrent RDP hack is great for managing it, but not a good remote control

 

My VGN-FW laptop works with XP except Sony Power Management Program and Brightness control. But you can get a 3rd party program to replace it.

Basic Power Management such as Hibernation, Stand-by and LCD On and Off still work though.

 

Can you post a link to this 3rd party app please?

 

Used to use TightVNC, worked a charm tbh

 

I know this ship has sailed, but I just want to interject once with my opinion in this thread.

I've been working on computers for my entire life and anyone who opts for XP at this point is, in my opinion, insane. Even 7 provides the ability to emulate it for any applications (however rare) that will not work on OS versions beyond it (as has been discussed here).

Seriously, get 7. If you still honestly think XP is the best available, you're delusional!

 

It's not the best, but it has some advantages over 7:
-better CRT support, easier to achieve max resolutions and refresh rates
-VNC Free Edition works on XP, not 7
-XP will have a more reasonable amount of free memory left on computers with only 2 GB RAM instead of 4
-XP takes up less disk space, especially relevant for old netbooks with 8 GB SSDs, etc.

For most people, those disadvantages alone aren't significant enough, so 7 continues to be their best choice. But the disadvantages do exist (not to mention 7 has a lot of advantages over XP).

 

TigerVNC is probably the most popular VNC solution these days.

 

Thanks arth1, I'll give it a shot.

 

Anyone running Windows XP successful including drivers on VPC-S13X9E ?