Tz130

So I am sitting here looking at the box before I open it - what do I do first? Clean install or just clean the crapware? I do have a 2GB stick of ram ready to go in.

 

Recovery discs... plus, if you search, you'll find lots of threads on this.

 

Yes that is right - first order of business is recover disks. I wonder how difficult it is to do a clean install - and how long it will take with a 4200 rpm drive?

 

search option, I have overwhelmed myself with TZ info today

 

Please post replies to this thread. I am consider getting the TZ130.

 

it's a great value at under 1200 bux right now... apparentlyu only hardware differences between tz 150 and tz 130 is the lack of webcam and integrated WWAN.

I get mine in the morning, I'll post pics.

 

How about a service plan? Can you get the TZ from one place and buy the Sony ADH from newegg?

 

ZKaudio - have you found any good guides for an TZ clean install - you are not going to believe how much crap this thing has on it.

 

^there are at least 3 on this forum... I will be clean installing first thing (after recovery discs )

 

Sold out.. ;(

 

What I would do:

1. Make your 2 VAIO Recovery Discs. Use high quality DVD-Rs (Taiyo Yuden or Made in Japan Sony DVD-Rs). Should not take more than 20-30 minutes.

2. Use the ABR Utility to back up your Vista Key. Store on a memory stick for when you do the clean install.

3. Re-install the operating system using the VAIO Recovery Discs and uncheck "VAIO Value Added Services" to remove the hidden partition. Will save approximately 8 GB.

(Note: 2 and 3 are interchangeable as you will get back to the originally installed Vista Business again with the factory key anyway after you re-install using the recovery discs.)

4. Follow this guide here to do a clean install. Get a Windows Anytime Upgrade Disc if you don't have one. I doubt the WAU Folder is on the TZ130 as it wasn't on my TZ150 or my old 160.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=120228

5. After the clean install, restore the Vista key from the ABR Utility and Windows will be activated.

6. Re-install the Sony drivers you want from www.sony.com/support

6a. For the TZ first generation series, you should install Sony Shared Library first thing, then Sony Notebook Utilities. From there, I like to install the Intel Wireless WIFI Link 4965AGM Network Connection Driver to get Windows Updates (Yes, I'm too lazy to hook up via Ethernet).

6b. After Windows Updates have completely finished, make sure brightness and volume Function keys are working properly. If not, you did something wrong and you will need to re-install again. Windows Updates also installs some of the important drivers for you so you don't have to manually do it yourself.

6c. Install the rest of the drivers and utilities in any order you want at this point. I like to get the Sony Visual Communication Camera VGP-VCC7 Driver for the webcam (which the 130 doesn't have), the Realtek@ High Definition Audio Driver for the microphone, and the INTEL PRO Wireless Driver update.

6d. Install all your favorite programs and applications. Customize Vista for performance (Windows Classic theme, registry editing, et cetera). Do a defrag.

7. Enjoy my clean installed and fast TZ.

 

Die - that is awesome advice! Just what I was looking for - I do have one question - I have my own copy of Windows Vista w/SP1 from my MSDN subscription - so I want to forgo Vista Business - how would that change your recomendation above?

 

I didn't go that route, nor have any idea what an MSDN subscription is to offer any information regarding that. Maybe someone else does though.

 

MSDN is just a service that allows you access to MS products.

 

DIe - will the DVD player still work without booting the machine with the install you mention above?

 

I don't know what you mean by "without booting the machine with the install" (which "install" are you referring to?). However, the DVD Player should work at all times during the entire clean installation process. There's a Firmware upgrade for it on Sony's site if I remember right.

 

Sorry - using the machine as a DVD player without entering the OS is what I was trying to say. I was not clear!

 

hrm... which driver to install first lol...
device manager shows the following immediately after clean install:

-base system device
-base system device
-fingerprint sensor
-network controller
-ugx
-unknown device
-unknown device


think i'm going to install network first...

 

ZK - how is your install coming - I am starting over right now....

 

wow! I'm glad that I bought my TZ from Hong Kong and I don't need to worry about a clean install. Just need to remove norton.

 

How does a model from Hong Kong differ - no US crapware? It is only a big deal if you are trying to clean all that stuff out - if you do a clean install it is not a problem as you just blow it all away!