Please help! "This update is not intended for use with your computer model"

Hey all -

SO FRUSTRATING! Every time I try to install a driver or update from the Sony Support website, I get a message saying "This update is not intended for use with your computer model" and the install stops. This problem has caused me to restore the c:\ drive 3 times. This seems to be the only method that works, but of course I loose everything in the process.

I called Sony, and they were complete idiots, and no help. I found another discussion here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=103278
but none of these fixes suggested help. More specifically, I have tried modifying the c:\windows\model.txt file and using Universal Extractor1.5, which often doesn't install a driver correctly, or I get a blue screen. I have also tried to force install Sony Shared Library with the extractor, and that doesn't help either. Maybe I'm modifying the \model.txt file wrong?

This is the third time I've had to wipe my computer to fix this issue, and I was VERY careful to not delete important Sony programs. It just seemed to happen randomly. Can someone PLEASE tell me how I might be able to fix this or tell me what Sony program the update/driver is trying to find? THANKS!!!

 

oh by the way I have a SZ650N with Vista Business

 

You will be better off if you ditch vista.

Also if you want to bypass the model check, tweak the model.txt c:\windows dir

check the forums if you don't know how

 

Thanks for your response. I have already tried to modify the model.txt file under c:\windows. This does not seem to help. I have followed the instructions according to the link in my first post, but it has not worked. Perhaps I'm doing something wrong or typing the model name incorrectly? Can you provide instructions or a link to the forums discussing this?

 

it is not explained correctly sometimes.

You open the installer and go through the first window without continuing the install.

At that time you open the model.txt and correct the version and THEN you click on NEXT and continue the installer.

 

Hey thanks for the followup! It still doesn't seem to be working for me. This is what I'm doing:

Begin installing by clicking run. The first window prompting you to close all other program comes up. Then, I find c:\windows\model.txt and give the system and all users write permission. Then I open the model.txt file and type "vgnsz650n" and save. Then, I go back to permissions and deny the system and all users write ability. Finally, I click next on the installer and continue. It will do the model check, and it still comes up with the error.

Thanks |Sony|, you've been REALLY helpful so far!

 

oh, I also tried vgn-sz650n and it doesn't work either

 

Then extract the installer

http://www.legroom.net/software/uniextract

use this and extract the installer into pieces. Once extracted, you won't need to run the model version utility in order to continue the install.

 

I have already tried using the universal extractor at the link you provided. It doesn't seem to work with some drivers/programs, such as the Toshiba Bluetooth. I get some error that says cannot find whatever file, usually ending in .DAT.

Do you have a link to a forum which gives step-by-step instructions on modifying the model.txt file, or do you mind writing out some directions here? It would be MUCH appreciated!