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    Problems with SD Card in TZ series

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by TraderJoe, Jun 19, 2010.

  1. TraderJoe

    TraderJoe Notebook Consultant

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    My TZ298N doesn't recognize SD cards when I insert them into the SD card reader. The Sony memory stick car slot works fine. I know the SD card reader used to work. I don't use it often and can't remember if it stopped working after I installed Windows 7 or when I got it back from Sony repair a few months ago (problem with screen bezel).

    I've opened up Device Manager, but not sure what to look for to even see if the computer recognizes the built in SD card reader. Any hints would be appreciated.
     
    TraderJoe, Jun 19, 2010
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  2. scadsfkasfddsk

    scadsfkasfddsk Notebook Evangelist

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    In Windows Vista my SD card reader appears under 'Disk Drives' in Device Manager, which is in the control panel. Try taking a look in there.
     
    scadsfkasfddsk, Jun 19, 2010
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  3. TraderJoe

    TraderJoe Notebook Consultant

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    Under Disk drives, I only have 2 items listed, and those my 2 harddrives (one SSD and one regular). Under IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers, I have many devices listed:

    ATA Channel 0
    ATA Channel 0
    ATA Channel 1
    Intel(R) 82801 G (ICH7 Family) Ultra ATA Storage Controllers - 27DF
    Intel(R) 82801 GBM/GHM (ICH7-M Family) Serial ATA Storage Controllers-27C4
    Ricoh Memory Stick Host Controller
    Ricoh MMC Host Controller

    The memory stick works, but the SD card slot doesn't. When I insert an SD card, the little light next to it blinks for a little bit and then goes out. Am I missing a driver?
     
    TraderJoe, Jun 19, 2010
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  4. TraderJoe

    TraderJoe Notebook Consultant

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    Problem Solved! I'll post it here in hopes that it will help someone else.

    I deleted the Ricoh Memory Stick Host Controller and the Ricoh MMC Host Controller. From the Sony website, I downloaded the Memory Reader/Writer driver for Windows 7 Ultimate (heck, it had been such a long time since I visited Sony that I was shocked to see they had finally released Windows 7 drivers!). BUT that DID NOT fix it. It only installed the Memory stick driver, not the SD driver.

    So I went back to Sony driver download page and this time I chose "Vista" instead of Win 7. For Memory card drivers, there are two options: The Ricoh and the "Original Sony". I picked the "Original Sony" and after installing it, my SD reader works fine!
     
    TraderJoe, Jun 19, 2010
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  5. scadsfkasfddsk

    scadsfkasfddsk Notebook Evangelist

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    Pretty much would I have recommended in the end, congratulations on working it out on your own.
     
    scadsfkasfddsk, Jun 19, 2010
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