VAIO Update Problem & Hard Disk Drive Protection File Error

I have installed Sony VAIO Update notification service on my SZ-160P/C and just noticed the little VAIO update icon in the right lower part of the taskbar. Double clicking on this took me to the webpage for the Sony Hard Disk Drive Protection Software.

I downloaded the file SODOTH-01074301-US.EXE ("last modified 06/07/2006") but when I double-clicked on it, I received the message that this file "is not a valid Win32 application".

I did an online chat with two different Sony analysts who asked me to try to install the file in Safe Mode and then with my antivirus software turned off but I received the same error message. Then I spent time with 1st level Sony telephone support who asked me to turn off all startup items and attempt to install the file. This again resulted in the same error message. He also recommended installing the HDD protection software from VAIO Recovery but after restarting my computer, the Sony notification icon was still present in the taskbar.

Finally, I contacted 2nd tier Sony telephone support who spoke to his manager. The manager told the 2nd level technician that there is currently an issue with VAIO Update that needs to be corrected by Sony's engineering staff. He also had me check the HDD Protection Settings under the Security module of VAIO Central's System Information and they appeared to be correct.

As this file SODOTH-01074301-US.EXE is utilized by all U.S. Sony SZ models and by one UX model, I am curious to find out if anyone else has received this or other erroneous notifications from the VAIO Update service or, specifically, if anyone has had an issue opening this HDD Protection Driver file.