VPC-Z1 - Windows 8

Hi There!

Anyone know how much of the Z1 works out of the box or with easily accessible drivers for Windows 8 64 Bit (Yes I know it's tripe)

Cheers for any advice.

 

You'll find most things install by themselves, but as a general rule, follow the same procedure as the Windows 7 install guide.

For any stubborn packages that won't install, run them with additional Windows 8 Compatibility settings:

Right-click on the package,
open Properties,
click on the Compatibility tab,
check the box to "Run this program in compatibility mode for:" and select Windows 7 from the list.
For good measure, check the box "Run this program as an administrator" too.

As an example of what to keep your eye out for, the driver for the SD/MS card readers didn't give an error message during the installation, but they didn't actually work until until I ran the packages with the above compatibility settings.

Video drivers; I run static switching myself. I downloaded the GeForce 306.97 Driver and modded it as per ComputerCowboy's method for Windows 7 using his patcher. Disable Driver Signature Enforcement using either of the methods here before running the installer - it'll fail to install otherwise.

The Windows 8 implementation of the biometric security is nearly seamless - I like it a lot. To get the fingerprint sensor working; install the previous Protector Suite 2009 package from Sony - it won't work, and it'll give you error messages, but just ignore them.
Download the 2012 Protector Suite from AuthenTec and install it over the top of the Protector Suite 2009 from Sony.
Doing it this way reuses your existing licence, otherwise you'll be prompted to buy the full package.

I highly recommend these new Synaptics drivers for your touchpad, which properly utilise the new W8 gestures, updated scrolling engine and multitouch functions:
Download Synaptics SMBus TouchPad Driver 16.2.10.12 for Windows 8 x64 Driver for Windows 8 x64 - Softpedia

Install the Intel Rapid Storage Technology tool.
-Download the file named "STOR_Win7_8_11.6.0.1030_PV.exe"
-Follow the instructions to Turn off windows write-cache buffer flushing and enable the Write-back cache within the Intel RST.
-Set a weekly time for the Verify and Repair Scheduler

One final tip, get yourself a copy of the Office 2013 preview to complete the W8 experience

 

Everything is working good so far, and thanks to @bcknkd to point out that the SD/MS card reader is not working without changing the compatibility mode. thanks for the mouse driver too, i didn't know that this one was available.

And for the graphic card, i can say that hybrid graphic is working pretty well for me so far. i'm using Andrew's 263.14/2281 package. It won't install though unless you disable driver signature enforcement too. I wanted to go static but ComputerCowboy's website was down earlier and i had some work to do so i settled with the hybrid.

On thing to note though is that the latest original sony driver are not working well, it create artifact on the screen when you switch between metro ans desktop, or when you open charm in desktop mode. so definitely use Andrew's package.

 

Can I have a link to the Andrews Package please?

 

I cannot get Smartwi Connection Utility to install so that I can enable Bluetooth. I tried running it in compatibility mode and as administrator but it cannot install properly. It shows installation in progress but the install seems to stop and screen disappears after awhile. Any ideas? I also tried instructions here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/685477-windows-8-vpcz1.html#post8837760 . Thanks in advance!

 

Here is the link to the package: http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...vaio-z-s-hybrid-graphics-252.html#post7176699

 

Finally Smartwi showed up as installed after a restart but after I installed Sony Shared Library or Sony Notebook Utilities

 

Just for info, i didn't install Smartwi on my pc, since windows 8 seemed to take care of installing bluetooth for me (i think it's windows update though) and with the "change PC setting > Wireless" you can swithc on/off bluetooth and wireless just as in smartwi

 

How do I install that cab file for the synaptics driver?
Aside: Both my Desktop and this laptop are kind of cluster f'd I'm gonna have to do a clean install. On my desktop all 3D games crash, and on this system I have had chrome errors and a bunch of other errors argh.

 

for the cab i just extracted it and used to normal setup

 

I experienced audio stutters when playing music when I had the Windows 8 preview on my Vaio VPCZ1. Has anyone experienced anything similar in the final version of Windows 8? Probably not, but I would prefer to confirm before I do anything.

 

so far no such problem on my one!

 

VLC (64 bit experimental) seems to do that every now and then while playing CD's and DVD's. Haven't tried other players long enough to notice. On Windows 8 Pro.

 

I installed Windows 8 Pro yesterday by upgrading from 7 and everything seems fine. I just reinstalled the nVidia driver (i run on Static) but everything else worked out of the box.

 

Can you post the links to files please? I tried doing this on my Vaio S13P but I keep getting the limited edition of the AuthenTec that wants me to buy it if I try to register more than 3 sites.

 

I downloaded the Protector Suite Application on this page.

 

Hi There!

I am not sure I understand, but I downloaded nvidia_26314 - Intel 2281 signed.rar and extracted and tried to install but it just says failed installing the hybrid driver.

What am I missing?

 

Maybe you have to disable the driver signature enforcement:

1. From the Metro Start Screen, open Settings (move your mouse to the bottom-right-corner of the screen and wait for the pop-out bar to appear, then click the Gear icon).
2. Click ‘More PC Settings’.
3. Click ‘General’.
4. Scroll down, and click ‘Restart now’ under ‘Advanced startup’.
5. Wait a bit.
6. Click ‘Troubleshoot’.
7. Click ‘Advanced Options’
8. Click ‘Windows Startup Settings’
9. Click Restart.
10. ???
11. Profit!

As written here.

 

Download is slow for me. Could you mirror it?

EDIT: When I try to install it I get an error that says this update is not intended for you computer. I downloaded the Windows 7 Home Premium version btw.

 

i think it's F7 you have to press after the restart shows the menu

 

I didn't even need to install the original package, this new one worked fine for me.
The only real hiccup I had was with ISBRmgr.exe , I had to disable it because it didn't like my OEM battery for some reason.
I also installed smartwii, it didn't work but then I uinstalled it because it isn't really useful since windows installed my BT like another poster said.

 

This is the first time I've questioned whether I actually want to upgrade Windows. I can't tell whether W8 has any advantages over W7.

So bottom line: is the pain worth the gain?

Also, if upgrading how much space does it end up costing you?

 

I think it is worth it.
The "Modern UI" is quite nice, and good for reading news and organizing tiles that you use often in an aesthetically nice way.
It also scraps Aero, which I think is a good thing. I think the minimalist looks is really sharp. There is also a lot of cloud integration, I don't really feel it is necessarily better or worse than before as I used to use Dropbox, and it worked flawlessly.

Aesthetic's aside, the task manager is a huge improvement. I also like how the ribbon is implemented in Windows explorer. It also appears to be very snappy (not that win7 wasn't). Also when you are copying files locally or over the network you see a a graph with speeds, and you can pause transfers.

Windows 7 was a masterpiece imho, and I think win7 adds to it. Too much was made out of the removal of the start menu, I think the start menu is mainly used by those who were not aware that you can actually hit window and search for things. The ONLY thing I remember using the start menu for was seeing my RECENTLY installed programs, if I forgot I installed something.

Lastly, I think to truly benefit from this os you need a touchscreen. I demo'd a touchscreen PC in Staples and was impressed. I am running 8 on both a desktop and the Z but still feel it to be an improvement.

EDIT: My Windows directory and my program files are about 19GB with 3 of which I'm assuming ESB files. And also installing it isn't painful at all to be honest. Don't do an upgrade with settings like I did the first time, just do a clean install.

 

Dammit, I was dreading you saying that, but I know you're right. Reinstalling all my software, what a pain. Looks like I'll have to set aside an afternoon and brace the house for a barrage of swearing...

 

Hi, I haven't visited this website for awhile. I am just a casual vpc-z12 user with no mods and stuff and I just got windows 8 pro from my school. I am not an expert in computers and my question is, is it better to do a clean install or can I just upgrade to win8 pro from win 7 home premium? You guys mentioned something about a modded Nvidia graphics driver? I see that there's a huge thread about that.. But what am I supposed to do with it? Do I really need it?

Thanks in advance and can't wait to try out Windows 8 on my old yet powerful Vaio Z!

 

I have a VPCZ1 with i7-640M 2.8GHz with the 128GB SSD drive and 1080p screen running clean and stock Windows 7 Pro. I downloaded the Windows 8 Pro upgrade from MSFT and ran the installation fine but when it restarted it keeps stalling on the Windows 8 loading screen. I left it overnight but it never started. When I rebooted it reverted back to Windows 7. I tried it again and it happened again. Does anyone else have this problem? I tried Googling the problem but I can't seem to figure out the problem. Can anyone help?

 

BTW, I know I can try to do a clean install, but I already got the upgrade version and don't want to spend more money just to find out it's going to do the same thing again.

 

If you are concerned about flashing your bios and using static switching just install the modded hybrid drive that is posted above. You only need to disable driver signing and that is easy as cake in Windows 8.

 

Back up your stuff and just do the upgrade but don't bring any files over. That is essentially one EASY way to 'clean' install with Win8, no need to boot into the disc. If that doesn't work, restore your factory settings and try and upgrade.

 

Anyone know if there is a point in installing the Sony Power Management drivers? What benefit does it give me over stock?

 

Just for your info, if you want to do clean install, you can do so with the upgrade. No need to spend more money. Microsoft said that you can only use it with W7 installed but it is not true. just use Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool to make a bootable of your iso and you can boot from it for a clean install. You just need W7 when you buy the upgrade but once you get the key, it's full retail key!!

Just make sure you backup your stuff.

oh and last thing, when at the point of choosing the partition where to put W8, make sure you format the system reserved partiton and create a new one according to this tutorial: Custom Setting the “System Reserved” Partition Size

it can help if you if you decide to create a system image for later so that you don't have to clean install anymore after that!

 

though i would suggest you using the static witching method because i myself settled with hybrid for 2 days and then problem started after i installed some new mouse driver. after restart the computer lost the nvidia card completely and hardware scan could not find it anymore. i had to do 2 system restore to get my computer back on track as the display didn't turn on anymore after windows splash screen. Another advantage is that you have up to date driver. and of course the trade off is that you have to switch manually and restart before using the other card

 

hello

I try to install windows 8 but when I boot from the USB drive, I get a blue screen with the mouse and nothing happens.

An idea?

 

Try installing it from within windows 7 instead of booting from it.,
M$ has made it easy on us now, no more need for boot media.

 

I try from 7 but i have the same problem... Windows reboot, i have the logo of win8 and...... a blue screen with the mousse :-(

 

ok I found the problem ... I have a memory card inserted !!!!

GRRRRRRRR

 

So I upgraded directly to 8 from 7 and my wireless decided to stop working. The drivers have installed but I can't get Windows to enable WiFi. Help?

Edit: So to add a bit more detail, I can't enable WiFi in Settings. Even when the hardware switch is set to ON. Everything else in the install is working fine (including graphics switching surprisingly).
Edit 2: Nevermind about this... turns out the Vaio Control Centre conveniently decided to disable WLAN for me.

 

Actually I upgraded to Win 8 Pro from Win 7 Pro and I didn't have any problems, all programs and settings were there: Adobe Suite, Maya, Thunderbird... Google Chrome even started with the tabs I left before installing the OS still there.

Of course a clean install is always better, but in this case Microsoft made the upgrade really easy and straightforward.

 

Sounds promising. Any idea what it cost you in disk space?

And is it easy to figure out what you can dump from the old system?

 

Worked fine for me too but decided to do a clean install afterwards in preparation for future problems.
I just backed up my data and reinstalled.\
Re: dumping the old system you can use the disk cleanup, but as for drivers, I wouldn't know where to start.

 

The Windows installer will take care of everything (and it runs from Windows, non need to boot from some external device), and will notify you about what to delete before upgrading and how much space you will need.

If I remember correctly should be around 20 GB. What I didn't realize until half an hour ago is that then it leaves a Windows.old folder in your hd with a lot of older programs and Windows files, together with some GBs of temporary installations files.

Long story short, after upgrading and checking if everything is fine, go to the system cleanup tool and you can easily free more than 25 GB of garbage. In the end the space of the OS is more or less the same as WIndows 7.

 

Alright so i installed windows 8

I did a clean install from USB, the only driver i installed was the intel - storage + the nvidia driver mentioned earlier. I do not have the hacked bios.

I installed the Nvidia Driver in Stamina - mode and got 2 errors at the end, one of them being igfxtray.exe could not be located. I restarted and switched to GT330m, it seemed to show under Dxdiag, then i clicked shut down and the computers screen just went black.

after about 2 mins i force powered it off, and started back up in stamina mode, not sure what happened and hope it doesnt happen again. still have yet to test the 330m in gaming.

Overall i will say windows 8 feels good, its quite different and there are certain things that do feel bit half finished.

The UI splits things into two, and the way i have it now is i prefer to use the Metro somewhat like the original start menu.

Installing metro versions of apps doesnt work so well with windows since... its just awkward, having 2 chromes, 2 skypes.

i really do not want to go into full screen metro to chat in skype.

So i have kept some like weatherbug, and maps, but overall i just switch to metro to get an overview, launch something, or return to what i was using such as watching a movie in VLC

it is running quite fast, and so far no real complaints except how it sort of splits things into two worlds and it feels like the new world is dumbing down the pc using experience. I understand its for talets and touch, but if you are not using either of those, it really is quite terrible.

however i do enjoy metro as my windows key, using it as a start and overall (overview) of what is going on. Its a great way to check the weather and even casually use the pc.

One thing that annoys me is when you do Windows + F to find something you then have to select with your mouse (app, settings, files) its a little awkward.

il give more input, so far just been using it for 1 day.

o yes, one more; i REALLY do not like seeing adds in my metro apps. I feel that when windows comes with the Weather app, it should NOT have adds.

Also many of the (Live tiles) that MS talks about so much are .. really not so live.

skype does nothing
weather doesnt either until i installed weather bug.

its like really? skype does not show i am even online in metro. I removed metro skype and just use desktop.

 

Any noticeable improvements in battery life?

 

This is the only thing that I also find annoying. You can actually press tab to move to that area instead of using the mouse, but I feel as though it should bring up everything in front of you.
I don't have the same hatred for metro apps that you do. In fact I find the news apps are quite nicely formatted, they look much nicer than webpages. NYT/Bing/CBC.
Lastly you should really switch to static switching.

Re: Battery , I feel so far it is marginally better. I will report back later.

PS: The integration of Xbox Music is pretty good!

 

??????

how so? what is this?

also i am now noticing my laptop goes to sleep in about 5 mins no matter the settings.

i have not installed any vaio power settings, however i have it set to not sleep ever.

anyone else experiencing this?

 

When I installed the first time, i put the switch on auto, and it worked fine for me. For the screen blackout, it usually happens after restart. just make sure your fast boot is enabled and once it goes dark, shut it down again, then boot again. Always happen to me, even now that i use static graphic with bios hack. as long as you just shut down then it's fine. however after you install software or driver that needs a full restart, it will surely go dark again

 

I tried installing the Andrew08 hybrid drivers without success. It gave me the error that "This graphics driver could not find compatible hardware". I used driver sweeper, and disabled driver signature without success. Anybody have any thoughts on this?

Sony Vaio VPCZ1190X Core i5 nvidia 330M Windows 8 Pro

 

Look for the answer in one of the several other threads that exist for the exact same topic. Really, the admins should delete or merge some of these threads.

 

Hate to sound like a Luddite or killjoy, but I don't see the appeal of rushing to W8, especially on older machines which are not optimized for it. Does it appreciably improve the overall experience or performance? Is it fully baked and ready to use on older models or are there still growing pains? What would be the best reason(s) to upgrade? Thanks.

 

Best reason: you don't have to pay until Jan 2013.

There are minor GUI improvements - the Task Manager is terrific, as is the speed indicator graph on file copy operations in Windows Explorer. Aero theme is turned off by default, so there is an added perception of speed. More options in compatibility mode for legacy applications.

Someone told me about the Win+X key combination which brings up a nifty menu for geeky stuff like administrator command prompt. My most pressing need for a start menu is gone.

Only thing that gives me some trouble is the SD card reader. The Windows 8 built in drivers don't work; the stock Sony driver has issues. All my devices which use SD cards have USB and/or Bluetooth/wifi connectivity, so I don't really need the on-board card reader anyway, but for others this might be a deal breaker.

So, would I pay for Windows 8? Probably not - Windows 7 is good enough to stick with. Smart move by Microsoft to allow the free trial versions - I'll get so used to Windows 8 by the end of the year that I might spring for the upgrade in license rather than go back to Windows 7, although I have not found a "must have; can't live without" feature so far. I really like the Task Manager, though.