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    No Windows 7 drivers for Z11's?

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by Steve78, Oct 22, 2009.

  1. Steve78

    Steve78 Notebook Evangelist

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    Newer Z series models seem to have drivers available for download, but what about us with Z11's (VGN-Z11WN/B to be precise)?

    I'd like to install Windows 7 (64 bit) on my Z, but it makes it a bit tricky if I can't obtain the drivers :confused:
     
    Steve78, Oct 22, 2009
    #1
  2. scadsfkasfddsk

    scadsfkasfddsk Notebook Evangelist

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    I imagine they are coming. I am not entirely sure about this but drivers for the new models may work fine with the older.
     
    scadsfkasfddsk, Oct 22, 2009
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  3. joelyfish

    joelyfish Notebook Enthusiast

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    I contacted Sony this morning via live chat, and they stated that there is NO time frame for drivers for laptops bought before June 2009.
    I was considering purchasing another Z for the Mrs, but I'll take my money somewhere else now. They weren't very helpful at all....
     
    joelyfish, Oct 22, 2009
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  4. TLN

    TLN Notebook Consultant

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    IMO there's nosignificant difference in z11 or z41 hardware. cpu's sre faster, hd are bigger but all the devices stiil the same. so you can take drivers from other models and install it at your own.
     
    TLN, Oct 22, 2009
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  5. DuckRyder

    DuckRyder Notebook Geek

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    I am pretty sure I have bought my last Sony. It is a shame too.

    First they refused to honor the statements of SonyStyle employees, then a nice man from the Executive review board said I was just out of luck and they did not care for me as a customer. Now they say machines that DO meet Windows 7 hardware specifications DO NOT.

    I've had it with paying premium prices and getting bottom of the barrel service.
     
    DuckRyder, Oct 22, 2009
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  6. achau

    achau Notebook Geek

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    Don't worry. You can just install drivers designed for Z2-Z4. They should work. The issue is that even my Z46 cannot get all the Windows 7 drivers. :( The video driver is still not working and we are waiting for solution....
     
    achau, Oct 22, 2009
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  7. bbasra

    bbasra Notebook Evangelist

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    I also have a Z11 UK model and no drivers. I guess early adopters get screwed. Driver support for Sony is the worst i've ever seen.

    The issue i will have is getting the WWAN driver as Sony have changed the hardware from Globetrotter on UK Sony Z's so this will not work if i select drivers from newer Z models ie Z2-Z5.
     
    bbasra, Oct 22, 2009
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  8. reaborg

    reaborg Notebook Consultant

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    Sony not supporting older models is more of an issue with unallocated budget/resources. They never promised Windows 7 support in the older Z series (like my Z5xx). For them to go out of their way, and spend all the man power and resources, and make sure all the older Z's are compatible with Windows 7 is just a waste of money - especially since that support does not earn them a single cent more directly. Where would they allocate those funds from? The money they use for providing firmware updates and software updates for the older model has already been taken into account when they priced the Z series laptops.

    Support for Windows 7 probably never entered the picture when the laptops were first released. For Sony to remain competitive, especially with current economic climate, they need to meet their primary obligations first, the one they've promised to do right from the get-go. If they are able to provide drivers for older models without using much additional resources, and keep their customers happy, I am sure they will do it - its in their interest.

    Having said that, we are lucky for the Z series that the hardware are 'mostly' the same, so those select drivers can be used across all the Z models.
     
    reaborg, Oct 22, 2009
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  9. dariusnaz

    dariusnaz Notebook Consultant

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    ^ I would hope that Sony doesn't think as you do.

    Sony is a premium brand, one I've paid more for over the years due to customer loyalty.

    If they don't behave as a premium brand that caters to their customers than I have no reason to continue buying from them.

    My last 8 laptops have been Sony's... if they don't sort out drivers for my Z360 it will be my last.
     
    dariusnaz, Oct 22, 2009
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  10. kysf

    kysf Notebook Enthusiast

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    I can't agree with you anymore.....

    The condition also in Taiwan Sony Service.....or NO Service....
     
    kysf, Oct 22, 2009
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  11. kysf

    kysf Notebook Enthusiast

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    So far,only one solution...

    http://www.nautisiandesigns.com/drivers/latest/19062_win7x64_hybgfx.exe

    Need clean install....

    Driver Signing & Test Mode
    1.)Download Driver Signature Enforcement Overrider
    http://www.ngohq.com/home.php?page=dseo
    2.)Disable UAC (Can usually be done by typing MSCONFIG in run and going to the Tools tab.)
    3.)Run deso13b.exe and choose "enable test mode"
    4.)Reboot. (You should see Test Mode at the bottom right corner after reboot.)
    5.)Run deso13b.exe again and choose "Sign a System File"
    6.)In the box type "C:\Windows\System32\drivers\nvlddmkm.sys" and click ok
    7.)Click "Sign a System File" again and this time put "C:\Windows\System32\drivers\igdkmd64.sys"
    8.)Reboot and all should work.
     
    kysf, Oct 22, 2009
    #11