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    Sony SZ Downgrading from Vista to XP

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by ugzruben, Oct 2, 2007.

  1. ugzruben

    ugzruben Newbie

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    I have a Sony vgn-sz440 that shipped with vista business and I hate vista. So I was thinking of loading windows XP. Here is my plan

    First, I am going to back up using the vista "Back up files or your entire computer" tool/utility. (Should take 5 to 9 dvds)

    Second, I have 2 sony factory restore disks used on a SZ110. At first glance the units are identical. I hope the components are...

    Third, If this does not work, I am going to use a windows xp pro full original disk and manually install the drivers.

    If this does not work, I will restore from the 5 to 9 back up dvds I made.

    Let me know what you guys think...

    Or if you have any better suggestions.

    Thanks


    COMMENTS PLEASE>...
     
    ugzruben, Oct 2, 2007
    #1
  2. bunbuns

    bunbuns Notebook Consultant

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    I am doing the same. If you going to backup i might suggest using the Sony Recovery Tool to create the proper recovery discs (2 DVD`s for my model).

    I tried my old Recovery disk from a previous model on the new santa rosa vista model and as i expected with computers it failed at the install process. If yours works on your new model then you are home free as the hardware between the SZ models you mentioned should almost be identical meaning almost apps and drivers should work.

    Fo winxp. At this stage the camera and brightness control and a secondary ide controller are not working. The wireless switching utility to turn off bluetooth is Other than that it is working great (and a hell of a lot more faster and response)
     
    bunbuns, Oct 3, 2007
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  3. ng12345

    ng12345 Notebook Consultant

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    I doubt the components are the same, and I don't think the recovery cds will work unless you modify them to accept any model number or modify the laptop so that the cds think it is a sz110.

    If you are using an xp pro disk -- are you going to be using 32 bit or 64?

    Do you already have a valid license or are you going to try the microsoft downgrade method (where they provide a license key)?

    GL -- I may be trying this soon with my sz680 -- I really want to get hd dvd playback on it and I think vista is hogging up too many resources
     
    ng12345, Oct 3, 2007
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  4. nixon

    nixon Notebook Evangelist

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    nixon, Oct 3, 2007
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  5. ugzruben

    ugzruben Newbie

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    Nixon you are the MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I noticed this post this morning when I had problems trying to do what I metioned above.

    PEOPLE FOLLOW HIS LINK!!!!!!

    Thanks again.

    I thought I did a thourough enough search before I posted what I wanted to do, I found it this morning at 6:30am -


    Thanks for the input fellas!!!!
     
    ugzruben, Oct 3, 2007
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  6. RiverGirl

    RiverGirl Notebook Guru

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    Has anyone noticed problems after downgrading?
    thx
     
    RiverGirl, Dec 8, 2007
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