Sony VAIO runs slower after semi-clean install?

Dear all,

Bought a VGN-FW26 over the weekend (ATI HD3650, 2.40 Core Duo, 4GB RAM, Vista Home Premium).

On bootup, tried out a few games (mainly Fallout 3, Rainbow Six Las Vegas). Everything was running smooth, especially Rainbow Six at full resolution). This is with all the factory-included bloatware running.

I got annoyed at the bloatware, so performed a semi-clean install of Vista (ie. reformatted comp, reinstalled Vista, cancelled the installation process for the Sony programs ... then manually installed a selected number of programs using the VAIO Recovery Centre. These programs consisted several of the essentials from the programs list, and ALL the drivers).

Now, when I run the for-mentioned games, there's a noticeable increased lag for those games. I have even removed optimised Vista by disabling some unnecessary services, as well as made sure there are no unnecessary background programs running (e.g. McAfee)

In addition, I haven't been able to install the Catalyst Control Center, the VAIO Recovery Center only lets me install the ATI driver (I was thinking perhaps the lag in games is because my graphics card is running in a "maximise batteries" mode?) Is there anyway I can extract the Catalyst Control Center install from the recovery disks/drive?

Hope someone can help - I'm hoping to avoid performing another reformat and I'd like to avoid the bloatware if possible.

Thanks in advance

 

Bump .. anyone?

 

you can find all the original drivers from the recovery disks on the sonystyle webpage under support. good luck!

 

If you want the latest ATI drivers, go to Driver Heaven and get the mod tool...follow their directions. Not sure this will make the difference but it could not hurt. I am using the modded drivers and it works fine for me.

 

Thanks. Downloaded latest driver from ATI, patched it with modtool. No difference unfortunately I've also made sure that the ATI driver isn't on any "battery maximisation" mode too.

Can I ask which programs u reinstalled (if you performed a semi-clean?)

I'm not sure if I neglected to reinstall any programs that may be important (I did install all the drivers though).

Might revert to the factory installation if I can't figure out what the problem is.

 

This is interesting as it is the second time I see something like this - someone once mentioned that the original instal seemed smoother too.

From personal XP experience my computer was slower with a clean instal too - a huge difference between XP Home and Profesional not explained by the different versions alone...

Its is possible that the full Sony instal is optimized for the particular laptop it came with.

If you have the time only, do a complete recovery, then deinstal the "bloat" and tidy up with CCleaner (registry cleaner only if you know what you are doing and if you have a look at every entry) defragment and try again.

On the other hand - I believe many have seen a performance increase from a clean instal...

(My SZ runs on a "cleaned" full recovery)