**Popular & Useful Threads including Vaio Z2 Useful Guides/Resources, VPC Z1 FAQ and Windows 7 Install guides**

I am creating a sticky list of popular and useful threads so they are easier to find. While the most popular threads usually stay near the top of the list there are some very useful threads which gradually slip down the pile.

Full Vaio Z2 Review and Useful Guides/Resources
http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/611847-full-vaio-z2-review-useful-guides-resources.html

Sony VPC-Z frequently asked questions (FAQ)
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=477806

Windows 7 on Sony TZ
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=341599

VAIO TT Windows Vista / Windows 7 Install Procedure
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=345656

Windows 7 clean install on VPC-F series
http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/460685-win-7-fresh-install-guide-vaio-f-series.html#post5903300

VAIO FW Clean Windows 7 Final Release x64 Install Mini-Guide
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=429623

Sony SZ750 Win7 64bit clean install (should help on other SZ's)
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=428140

Clean install of Windows 7 32-bit on Sony Vaio SZ1, SZ2, and SZ3 models with working fn and s1/s2
http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...vaio-sz1-sz2-sz3-models-working-fn-s1-s2.html

Windows 7 Build 7000 on my Vaio SZ680
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=336895

Windows 7 on a SZ220
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=401285

100% Working Clean Vista x64 Install on SZ6
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=222729

FZ190 upgrade from Vista to Win 7 - an UPGRADE not a clean install
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=428899

Windows 7 Clean install Guide for Vaio FZ
http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/429745-windows-7-clean-install-guide-vaio-fz.html


Overclocking Sucess With Vaio TZ-150

http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/208095-overclocking-sucess-vaio-tz-150-a.html

Windows 7 on Vaio Z - Procedure
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=342562

Guide to installing W7(64) on Vaio Z
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=431357

W7 Clean install Sony CW
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=450641



Windows 7 64-bit clean install guide in FZ-190E
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=429745

AW - x64 Vista & Win7 Drivers and Utilities
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=379870

How to Optimize Any Sony VAIO With a Semi-Clean Install
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=146033

How to Install Sony VAIO SZ Drivers and Utilities on a Clean Windows XP Pro OS
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=138509

How to Enable Intel VT and AHCI on a Napa/Santa Rosa platform Phoenix BIOS Vaio laptop
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=189228

How to enable VT on a SR, FW and AW.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=350209

Instructions for a Vista clean install on an FZ190
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=145748

VAIO CR Owners' Thread
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=153645

CS Series Owners Thread
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=404892

Vaio CW Core 2 Duo Series Owners Thread
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=427692

Sony CW i3/i5/i7 owners thread
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=453755

Sony Y Series Owners thread
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=450972

Vaio FZ Owners Thread
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=128804

Vaio X Series Owners Thread
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=429543

Sony SR Owners Thread
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=272669

Sony W Owners Thread
http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...-series-sony-vaio-official-owners-thread.html

Sony S series Owners Thread
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=450794

Sony FW Owners Thread
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=278446

Sony F Series Owners Thread
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=448894

Sony Vaio SZ Owners Lounge
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=169759

Vaio TZ Owner's Thread
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=130621

TX/TXN owners Thread
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=203261

Sony Vaio TT onwers Thread
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=344005

Sony Z owners Thread Core 2 Duo
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=426295

Sony Vaio Z i5/i7 Owners Thread
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=457519

Sony AW owners Thread
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=297224

Sony P Owners Thread
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=348277

Sony NW Owners Thread
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=401536



If you have more suggestions then please post in this thread and they will get added to the list.

John

 

nice guide!but why only sony?

 

It's for the Sony forum (thread title now amended).

John

 

missed a good one: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=145748

Thanks John!

 

How to install an SSD into a Vaio TZ:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=162085

 

I've added those two. Any more suggestions.

John

 

By the way, the thread you have listed for "Overclocking success with Vaio TZ150" is incorrect, and should be:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=208095

 

Thanks. Now fixed, I hope (probably a copy / paste problem).

Any more suggestions for valuable threads, particularly the ones which tend to drop out of sight but contain some valuable material?

John

 

How to Enable Intel VT and AHCI on a VAIO SZ (Well, it works for other models as well)

 

Thanks. That's another useful one so it is now easier to find.

John

 

Shielding the Vaio TZ from all scratches:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=232943

 

Upcoming Sony series/models:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=264937

 

By the way, I made the thread above based on the following threads:
1. Sony New Series , when ?
2. New Vaio 2008 model listing with indication prices - FW - Z - SR - BZ
3. New 2008 Vaio Models Info!

They are all based on the same topic. So it made sense to organize it into a single thread called Upcoming Sony series/models. This seems like a very popular topic and it definitely should be made into a sticky.

 

A sticky? No

I think we need a windows xp downgrade link here but i can't find an appropriate thread

 

Why not add it to the list of threads?

 

because it is only relevant for a short period of time, IMO.

 

Notwithstanding the remark about not needing it for long, in fact I am looking at potentially buying a Sony CR590 for my wife and I could use the information.

We are long time owners of Sony Vaio laptops, we currently have four, and she would love one of these. However, doing an XP upgrade on one of them is something I need to research before buying. Please spare me any remarks or questions about Vista or Linux; I own both and use both but in this case I need the machine to be XP and I really don't feel like I should have to explain why. It is like motor oil for your car - if you love Quaker State and I prefer Mobil One it is simply matter of opinion. Nobody is right or wrong. In this case I simply need to know some XP information and hope that is what I will get.

Now, Dell's similar machine (XPS M1530) has a very nice thread ( How to: Step-by-step guide for installing Windows XP on XPS M1530) going on exactly how to do this. Has anyone done this type of impressive work for the Sony CR590?

Thanks,

Phil

 

I think you should include thread that has links of pdf spec sheet for Montevina models. Sony has not yet posted the links on their website so having those links now is very useful. http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=272633&highlight=american

 

Guide to Upgrading Sony SR HDD & Ram
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=283218

 

While not a sony thread -- a useful thread on doing a vista clean install (works with vaio's as well):
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=120228/

 

Vaio Z series F.A.Q., Links and Useful Topics
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=295113

 

Sony Vaio VGN-SZ651NC clean Vista install by me. Checked on my own PC.

 

Can i add this one

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=318134

Vista Clean Install using the Recovery Partition with lots of instructions Works for Vaio CS and suspect other.. Lots of credit to the people that made the scripts..

 

hm.. the front page need to be updated.

 

Please see this thread for a complete guide to performing a clean install of XP & Vista from scratch on an AR Series machine.

All Vista & XP Drivers included, and all Sony Functions (Eject, Fn keys, S1 & S2 keys, etc) fully working.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=344027

Hope it comes in handy for someone.

Cheers
RFE

 

I have VGN-AR520E...would one of these models listed here have comparable specs and instructions on software...like the OS downgrades and stuff?

 

LOL...nevermind...radio must of been posting while i was slow posting and searching...

 

Add this:

Complete set of Sony Vaio (AW series) drivers AND instructions for clean install of Vista


http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=343301

 

Am I the only person left in the world with a PCG (962a) .

How bout a section devoted to the Vintage Sony Vaios?
Ran a search and not mentioned anywhere on these forums apparently.
I am seeking a source for a floppy drive for mine.
Any help would be appreciated including where this should be posted.

thanks
Hub

 

Wrote this up last night, for users of pre-i3/i5 refresh...

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=450641

 

Sony Z owners Thread
link is not working please check it

 

Any link link with procedure for clean Win 7 install for AW series?

 

Here is the gude for a fresh win7 on the Vaio F series

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=5903300#post5903300

 

any guide for a fresh win7 on vaio tx series ? i got a tx92ps notebook and i cant find any driver even if i dot need the graphic sound or wifi driver ,i still need the FN and AV mode driver anyone can help me please?

 

please help .... same problem , i got vaio VGN-CS36MJ . i just upgrade to Win 7 and the control area NOT WORKING!! . so enyone can help me with that ??

 

Hi

I'm new here, and I'm not sure where to post my hardware questions regarding my sony vaio Z series i5 laptop. The forum "Sony Vaio Z i5/i7 Official Owners Thread" says not to enter new threads there, so I'm not sure if it is just one long running thread or whether people can post replies on any topic dealing with Z series i5/i7. Please help!

Thanks,
Will

 

The owners lounge is for specific models and not a place to create support related threads. Those threads can be started in the main Sony forum. If you own the Z then you can post in the Z owners lounge or start your own support thread in the main Sony forums.

 

Hello,

I have installed Windows 7 on my VAIO VGN-BX41VN, but the Fn keys do not work. The screen seems to be definitely darker than with XP before (and it cannot be adjusted by Fn keys of course). This issue is very frustrating for me - can it be solved?

(I ask you here, because I could not find any BX forums here.)

Thank you for your help in advance,

vpi777

 

Just picked up a new SB series, actually second vaio notebook since over 7 years ago. I had a few notebooks previously and recently I had a AW M11x and I was able to optimize the boot time and reduce the amount of unneeded processes running in the background.
My current bootime time from power button pressed to logging in the computer is about 43 seconds, but then it takes about another 10 seconds to see windows load up and start menu/background appear/internet available.
I ordered fresh start from Sony so all I have is basically the Vaio care , messenger and a few other things.

My previous M11x had a complete boottime of 48 seconds. Power button to accessing internet with about 56 processes running.

My vaio SB has a complete boot time of about 53 second from power button to accessing internet and this is with about 85-90 processes running.
With my new Vaio being quite faster and newer, I was thinking it would be quicker, but its actually slower.

Vaio SB set up.
i7 -2620m 2.7ghz
500gb 7200rpm
4gb mem
6630 AMD Radeon 1gb

M11x setup
SU7300 1.73 dual core
500gb 7200rpm
4gb mem
nvidia 335m 1gb


my main question is are there any links for optimization to reduce unnecessary processes, increase boot time, maybe uninstall certain programs or change some settings?

This might pertain not just to SB but maybe many other vaios.

 

Windows 7 clean install guide for the Sony Vaio SA/SB, with additional procedures for using Windows Backup and Restore.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...b-windows-7-clean-install-backup-restore.html

 

I still cannot for the life of me understand why people would spend hours and hours trying to shave 10 seconds off their boot time. You'd have to boot several times a day for years and years to ever get your time back.

 

One day beaups, you'll understand: "If only I had shaved off those extra 10 seconds from my boot time to save that persons life" or animal, or even just change your mind on what you ordered for dinner that one time..

 

^touche'

...

 

Can somebody help me on this -

 

I was looking for the Vaio NW disassemble guide!!

Thank you so much!!

Awesome post!!

 

NOt sure where to post this but how would I find the value of a used sony vaio model pcg 2f2l windows 7 home premium pentium dual core 2.5 ghz 4 gig ram 64 bit

 

i know that is here since I found it few weeks ago. I need to see thread about downgrading VAIO 13 Pro from win8 to Win 7 . Thank you .

 

Hello.I have a sony vaio vpcsc1afm... and i want to do a clean install of windows. What guide i have to follow??? thanks!

 

thanks for this nice guide folks !

 

Hs anybody notice the excessively grainy matte coating (1080p display) to be extremely distracting especially when viewing a white background. Would it be possible to scrub off the coating but without damaging the display.

No be honest, I don't know what Sony were thinking by ruining a brilliant LCD by giving it a matte finish yet still being very susceptible to reflection with poor outdoor sun legibility.

I'm also having lag issues with typing within a browser (currently using Chrome), like I am when typing up this post.
I find the that the longer I type, the worse the key input gets to the point where to the point word only shows up on the screen after finish typing.

Another problem is from time to time, I'll be getting this error after turning on the system. While I can still access the home screen and fix repair it by clicking on the pop up message, I'm worried as to why the error always comes back after being restored/repaired.