Sony SZ750 Win7 64bit clean install (should help on other SZ's)

Sorry for the delay Gchan. I actually posted a new thread as a guide for others, so it's easily found for ppl with the older models.

Like stated, my credits go to leslieann and jedstern. I hope you don't mind I've used parts from yours Leslieann?!

Can be found here, hope it helps: Clean install windows 7 32-bit Sony Vaio sz1 sz2 sz3 models working fn s1 s2

 

Hey,olo, did you get a chance to post the step by step? I just tried using the sz 4 drivers and my brightness keys still don't work.

 

Gschan read the post above yours

Here's the step-by-step

 

Thanks, I'm going to try it when I get the chance.

 

Thanks, tried it out and it works! Do you know if the lid thing only effects older models of the sz series or does effect the later models too?

 

Well it seems that Leslieann doesn't have this problem. I think it has to do with the bios, and there just isn't a newer bios update for the older models.

 

Correct, no problems with it on later models.

Other than the webcam light, WWAN and the Smartwi Utility, everything works just as it did on Vista. In some cases, better.

 

Is there a newer Alps driver out yet? The horizontal scroll in this one doesn't work in Firefox or Chrome, but works fine in IE9.

 

Alps doesn't supply drivers to end users, only to manufacturers, so the only way to get newer drivers is to find a notebook with a more modern version that is compatible with the touchpad and notebook itself.

 

thnx for this guide very much my VAIO is VGN-SZ480N running Win7 32bit

basically I'm very happy but still have two issues to solve:

1) still no function for S1 S2 keys (strange, but other FN keys, including brightness, sound control, sleep etc works fine, no WANN/WLAN key functioning - but I don't care about WANN here in Europe) -> S1 and S2 work fine under Win XP
2) Wireless Switch Utility (v3.6), the 2,4 and 5GHz bands are all the time on, no matter what I do. The Bluetooth switch works as suppose to. The v4.0 removes WLAN from my system at all (only WANN and Bluetooth available).

I will fight a little bit more and then start using my laptop again

Cheers and thanx again!

 

Most systems running 32bit Win7 can use the original 32bit Vista stuff and get a working system. 64 bit is the complex one.

 

I highly recommend switching the Alps driver in your guide to this one:

ALPS

The latest version on that page has a ton of new features and horizontal scrolling works in all newer browsers such as Chrome. Very happy I found that.

 

Trying different webcam drivers...I'll report back. The Ricoh from this guide bluescreen's my sz670n. Found some that get the green light working but no picture. The vista one for my device (vgp-vcc7) does not function at all.

 

I give up. There is no driver I have found to work for my SZ670N with a VGN-VCC7 cam. The driver posted in this guide gives me a picture but blue screens as soon as I exit out.

If anyone could help, I would greatly appreciate it.

 

The vcc7 is the same as the 750 if I recall.
if you are using 32bit, just use the original vista driver.

If you are using 64 bit then you have an issue. This is the only decent driver, but it hasn't been known to have the problem you describe, which means one of two things (most likely). Either your camera is bad, or something is conflicting with the driver.

My advice is to wipe the system, do a fresh install putting the camera in first and testing it. If it works, follow the guide to get a working system, then as you install the rest of your stuff keep checking it. There is a good chance you had an antivirus or something going when you installed that caused a problem or windows is just having a snit.

For some reason, sometimes, things just don't go right. I've noticed once in a while windows just won't install properly, this may be one of them. This tends to happen more if you are using a burned copy of windows (not illegal, just a burned copy). If you are using a disk you burned, re-burn it at 1x, that will bring the number of errors down and give you better, more reliable install results (or use an MD5 check).

 

I used an official copy of Windows. Weird thing is I remember it working fine in the past with this driver. First bluescreen happened when I closed YouCam after using the webcam. Now it happens every time I close my browser after using the webcam online. For example, I tested with Seenly.com

I may reinstall Windows but I have done so much work on this machine that I really don't want to go through the whole process of backup and restore. Especially now thanks to this guide I have a complete working system except for the webcam.

Edit: another weird thing is I can use the cam on seenly.com as an example, close the tab and as long as I switch to another tab...the computer will work fine. As soon as I close the window, BSOD.

 

Omg!!

It's a google chrome issue. Webcam works fine in IE. Makes sense cause I used firefox before and it worked fine. Can't believe I just reinstalled windows! I guess this driver just doesn't work on some apps like chrome and youcam

 

I believe Chrome uses it's own flash system, which is what many of the browser web cam systems use, so yeah, it doesn't surprise me.

 

Late, but thanks olo for the guide. From your guide I found out that in order to have working brightness function keys, I needed to install sony provided video driver first, then all of the sony software to make function keys work, and then install the newest video driver for my video card.

Just wondering if anyone knows what software I need to install to be able to turn off the bluetooth?

 

Any chance that a better 64 bit camera driver ever gets released? This one is at least somewhat functional (Switched to Firefox). However it does not work in Windows Movie Maker or more importantly the new Facebook Video Calling feature.

 

I wouldn't count on it.

 

Got green light and webcam working using XP mode that was mentioned earlier in this thread. Performance is better but haven't been able to test with Facebook yet.

If anyone wants me to post the steps I will.

Edit: Works with everything tested so far including Facebook, Skype etc. Webcam is fully functional until cold boot. Then must open XP mode again which is a very easy and quick process. Not a big deal for me because I never turn off my computer. Only app that I have found that is not compatible yet is Windows Live Movie Maker record from webcam function. This didn't work with the other method either however.

 

mrod009,

Looking forward to see your steps. And test it!

 

Ok, I suggest reading all steps before starting to make sure this is the way you want your webcam to work. I needed to do this because the other driver wouldn't work with Facebook video calling for me and I also like that this method gives you the green light.

Make sure under Imaging devices in Device Manager, it says USB Video Device. If not, uninstall any driver you have for the webcam, this tutorial works with the default x64 Microsoft driver.

You need to go here: Download Windows XP Mode and download and setup XP mode and Virtual PC.

After install run XP Mode and in the window at the top, click USB then click Unidentified Device, and it will Attatch. (This means it is being used in XP mode, so if you tried to open a webcam session in 7, it would say not connected)

Then in Windows 7 download the XP webcam driver from the sony support website for your model, the file for me was called RIDCAM-15510300-US.EXE.

Now use UniversalExtractor, right click the file and extract here. Now there will be a folder called TEMPEXEFOLDER, open this and UniExtract the application inside there.

Switch back to XP mode window, open My Computer and explore the hard drive and find the TEMPEXEFOLDER from Windows 7, and copy the whole thing to the XP mode desktop.

Open Device Manager in XP Mode and use the Have Disk method. Point to a folder called 870_PID_183A inside of TEMPEXEFOLDER and in there is a setup inf file. Follow the prompts after selecting that inf file to install the driver.

Now at the top of XP Mode window click USB and click Unidentified Device again to Release and give the webcam back to Windows 7. Now the firmware has been downloaded to the Camera, so the green light and everything is fully functional in Windows 7.

Unfortunately if you Shut Down or Hibernate the computer, if you want the webcam to work again you must start XP Mode, click USB at the top and click Unindentified Device to attatch, then click it one more time to release. This downloads the firmware to the camera and it will be good to go with any activity including restarts, except for shut downs and hibernations.


leslieann, if there is a better way to get a fully functional camera let me know. This way works for me atm because I rarely turn off my computer.

 

I have a Sony Vaio VGN-sz740 that originally came with Vista . I installed Windows 7 (clean install) 64bit.
The problem is the special buttons are not working at all (eject, S1, S2, multimedia, AV Mode, onscreen display such as wn you headjust volume or brightness), etc. I did install Sony Notebook utility drivers/software from that model's driver page (sonystyle.com). I rebooted as it instructed to do during install. The main software were the notebook utilities, but I installed almost everything on the list. I tried 3 times now. Still do not work.

 

If you used the Sony Win7 stuff, it will NEVER work.

Use what is in the guide and you should be running 100%

 

I did it but did not work
I was have windows vista 32 bit then after format I install win 7 64 bit

 

Start over, use all of your original Vista software, and the drivers in the guide. That might work for you.

 

Odds are, something failed to install properly. Somewhere in the guide is a list of what all should be listed in programs and features. Check that.

Otherwise, start over, use all of your original Vista software, and the drivers in the guide. That might work for you.

 

When you just have windows 7 installed did you see 2 standard vga graphics or only one? I only see one. Is my intel graphic dead? because I installed nvidia driver and it showed up in device manager.

 

Relax, I don't think you've read the guide thoroughly. In stamina mode, you should only be able to see the intel integrated graphics card. In speed mode, you should only see the nVidia graphics card. I suggest you read the guide thoroughly and follow the instructions closely. This guide helped me out a lot and it should help you too!

 

alright, thanks. Because this is my friend's laptop it's kind of hard to make sure everything work. I must tell you, I have googled and other users have seen both graphics in device manager on a sony laptop. This is also the case with other laptops such as acer.

 

I have a laptop Sony vgn-sz740
The system and Windows Vista Business 32-bit then you do formate and installed, and Windows 7 64-bit
Everything is fine except the button fn. Tried a lot and I asked the experts, but to no avail. Followed the guide located here step by step, but without interest. Do you find the solution

 

muad123,

Format and try again. Follow the guide located here step by step, with interest this time.

 

Hey Leslieann

Good to see the thread still alive after how long?
Are you going to go for a Windows 8 Install guide for the old girl (SZ) when it's released?

Keep up the good work mate, there's lots of us here thanking you...........

 

If I still have it, yes, but odds are this will still work for Windows 8 as well.

 

I read somewhere that windows 8 was going to be geared more towards touch screens like tablets and smart phones, so would it really be necessary to install windows 8 on a sz? Would you even want to?

 

To muad:

I don't have 64 bit installed and my sz is a sz2 series so it's a little bit different from yours. In order for me to get my fn keys to work, I had to install vaio event services, sony libraries dll, and I think the setting utilities dll. But the thing was, I had to install the right libraries dll file or not all my fn would work. So I'd suggest that you redo your computer following this guide closely and see if that works. If not try different sony files.

 

The Windows 8 marketers really need to be fired for their presentation on Win8.

Windows 8 has two interfaces. One is the new touch screen interface, which will work on all devices, and the other is more along the lines of the traditional Windows 7 interface and a Mac.

 

When I switch to stamina mode I still only see Nvidia graphic in device manager. My Intel graphic is dead I think.

 

Hey
Nice effort by all the contributors to that very, very useful thread.
I like the way leslieann says that she installs x64 7 not because it's better than x32, but because it's a challenge and she can do it. That's the spirit ! And I'm a similar kind.

However i should still ask your opinion on this question :
Which windows OS (that probably can work on this machine) do you think would be better for my Vaio SZ651 (2gigs of ram) ?
It's currently running vista pro x32 and it has gotten WAY TOO slow, even with constant cleaning of the disk and unused features, bloatware etc.
I've installed ubuntu and it's shockingly faster and easier, without any substantial damage on battery life, however i need to use Adobe CS and the office suite frequently.

- Will Vista x64, allowing me to install more ram, will make a difference in terms of speed ? (It seems the SZ bios limits the max ram to 4GB, even with a x64 os, right ?

- Or i could switch to 7 x64 right away, just afraid it is a bit heavier than vista. I know the Adobe CS Suite is optimized for x64, so i believe 64 would be better than x32 for me, but then again, asking for your expert opinion.

- Then i could roll back to XP, and in this case x64 would be interesting : just afraid drivers (and programs) don't work, as many developpers have just started considering x64 after vista or 7.

What do you suggest ?
My goal : faster and no decrease in battery life.

 

I would go for an SSD. Vista is a little slower i find than W7 but not by much to be honest. I upgraded to a SSD drive sometime ago. W7 boots up like 2s-3s faster than Vista for me. I cannot really feel this difference and i only noticed it as i timed it. My overall user experience is the same other than that. Going from the stock drive to the ssd really improved my overall user experience.

I've gone back and forewards between W7 64bit and Vista 32bit on my SZ. For stability purposes on this laptop i go with Vista. I just reinstalled a few days Vista 32bit back onto my SZ. Really with a T9300, 3GB and an SSD it felt very fast to me and no less slower than what W7 64bit felt like with 4GB.

If you have an SSD though really W7 is the best OS to use. Otherwise you need to if your SSD has garbage collection leave it at the log in screen overnight to recover.
The SZ6-7 can address 8GB of ram with a 64bit OS.
You may benefit from more ram given your usage and if you upgrade to W7 64bit you should at least go for 4GB. For general usage 8GB won't feel any faster.

 

Thanks for your answer Rachel.
I hadn't thought about SSDs.
Interesting to know that the SZ can handle 8 GB of memory with x64 OS (any x64 os ?), the Crucial memory adviser says it can't do more than 4.
Apart from that, do you think i can still upgrade the CPU ?
I know the sz6 is on SantaRosa platform, and it doesn't get much better, not sure if i can switch to a penryn though.

 

Yes, you can upgrade the processor.
Forum members with a SZ6-7 have upgraded to 8GB and 8GB has been recognised in the BIOS.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/395534-has-anyone-tried-6gb-ram-their-sz6-7-a.html

 

Odd. I'm betting your bios have flaked or the siwtch is bad. Is the indicator changing?

My understanding is that the Nvidia feeds through the Intel, so if the Intel dies, Nvidia should no longer work.

I would reflash bios and or re-install Windows and see what happens.

 

This has been the most foolproof way I've seen so far to get the webcam working properly. Thanks for posting the steps!

Does anyone know of a way to automate this? I know of ways to script USB device attachment and detachment, but the problem is that the webcam shows up as an "Unidentified Device" in XP Mode so that breaks the scripts I've tried. Having to attach and release is a minor inconvenience I can live with, but if there is a way to script this I would be interested in hearing about it.

Thanks again!

 

Just stopping by to say thanks for this noob-friendly guide. Got my sz71wn (EU model) operating win7 x64 without any trouble so far: function keys work great, no problem with brightness either, etc.

This has also been such an interesting thread to read. My old Vaio happily joins me into praising your good contributions and into shouting a big THANK YOU for allowing us to start afresh

 

Since a few asked me about Windows 8...
I got a developer test edition (you can too, legally) the other day and here is what I found...

I loaded up 64bit, it booted FAST... About 1/3rd the time of Win7. Install was half the time as Win7 as well if not less. Volume FN buttons worked without anything installed, brightness did not, and I forgot to test once I installed the utilities (you will see why soon).

Using what is in this guide, almost no Sony apps work. Battery care will not function or even show up in Sony Control panel (one of my biggest reasons for the Sony utilities). I launched it manually only to find everything greyed out. Sony power system will not function either. Basically pretty much no point in installing anything Sony. The camera driver here worked. As did the camera utility listed. memory stick driver loaded up just fine but was required.

So why didn't I test brightness, well..
The first install, when I installed Avast, I got a warning saying it was incompatible. I installed it anyhow. The system dumped and couldn't recover (this will become a common theme). I re-installed and this time something else crashed and when it did, it wiped out the OS again. Another install, and this time I did Avast in Win7 mode. It loaded, but I couldn't register it. Something else eventually crashed, again, taking out the OS. I tried again, this I installed Avast in Win7 mode again, bit again, wouldn't run right, so I changed all exe's in it to Win7 mode and rebooted. still no luck, and it locked up entirely while trying to register again, this time, again, taking the OS with it. I re-installed again, this time skipping Avast entirely, I got everything in, and some other program locked up for something minor and again, corrupted the OS beyond repair. this time I had made recovery points, and got back in. I was just about to where I could use it daily when it crashed and took out the OS entirely again, I gave up. Anytime anything even causes Explorer to hang for a moment, it crashes and damages the OS beyond repair.


Thoughts on the OS (for those curious)...
Microsoft is on crack. Install resolution is like 240x360, it's optimized for small screens, if you choose to not use the defaults, you have a lot of yes and no check boxes to deal with. Once you get in, you are welcomed by the new "home screen". If you have seen Windows Phone 7, you get the idea.

The home screen is actually the start menu. Yes, THE start menu. You click it and your whole desktop converts to Windows Phone 8. Complete with app store link. You can add and remove things from here, but it lists everything with no directories or folders, you have what I call groups or clusters. Each program just adds to the last group and starts on the next. You can re-arrange, but removing a block here, may make everything down the line shift a block.

Also, this being the start menu, everything is there. While you can remove things, I found no easy way to add things, but also EVERYTHING is here, uninstallers, safe mode links, readme's. It's a MESS! if you remove something, it seems your only option to get back to it is to go into Windows Explorer if you need it. Now, I don;t mind a custom start menu system, but you should be able to either hide things, group things. The start menu has always been where you stuffed everything you didn't want in quick launch or on your desktop. It still is, but it's all just a mess now. Also, sometimes it scrolls, other times you have to grab the slider to move along it. It is HEAVILY optimized for smaller touchscreens. When I say smaller, let me give you something to consider, it looked MASSIVE on our 13in screens. Imagine it on my dual 25's I use on my desktop!

Clicking desktop in there open the traditional Win7 desktop. Not a bad thing. Windows Explorer on the other hand, now has the upper menu system of Office 2010. Odd, last time MS was all about removing excess buttons, now they seem to want to have everything in the open. It can be reduced to something similar to Win7 style though.

Overall, it's a mixed bag. You have a normal computer desktop, but clicking the start button, and suddenly it thinks it's a smart phone being displayed on your monitor. I realize this is a developers preview, but I'm not just discussing the minor stuff, I'm discussing key points of the system. I think they really went the wrong direction here. The start menu system would probably fine on say an 8in netbook or less with touch screen, but anything bigger with a mouse as primary input just seems strange and clumsy.

 

I clean installed Windows 7 X64, following exactly the steps on this thread.
Though made a small mistake, started the installation in SPEED mode ..... Now everything works well in speed mode, BUT does not work in STAMINA....
Please......, waiting some expertise advise.

 

I want to thank Leslieann and all others that contributed to this thread. My SZ740 works great, with one exception. Video playback causes the video driver to crash. For whatever reason, current nvidia drivers will not work. After researching on the Nvidia site, I learned that the newer drivers will not work correctly with the already squirrelly 8400 GS adapters. I was able to fix the problem by going back to the Vista driver that came with my machine.

I would recommend that the very thorough instructions be modified to make sure that the Vista driver is used rather than upgrading to a current driver.