Vaio AR51E XP Downgrade - Fn Brightness and CD Eject working

It seems like people are having problems with getting the Fn Brightness and CD Eject Keys working when installing XP.

The following files and install method works here:


01. Install SFEP [AR51] (Right Click - Install SonyNC.inf)

02. Install Sony Shared Library [AR51] and Restart when prompted

03. Install Sony Utilities DLL & Settings Utility Series [BX4]

04. Install VAIO Event Service. Select Custom and Check VESUnique and Sound [BX4]

05. Copy AR51 Vista VESConfig.ini (from attached zip file) to folder C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service

06. Start - Run services.msc

07. Find Vaio Event Service in the Services list and Restart the Service.


Your Fn and EJECT Buttons should now work.


NOTES:


1. Don't miss out copying the new VESConfig.ini step or the FN and EJECT keys won't work (but the VOL, MUTE and Media Keys will)

2. Remember to restart the service or reboot the machine to reload the correct new .ini file. The keys won't work until you do so.


Working Buttons and Keys:

Fn Keys (LCD Brightness, LCD/Monitor, Suspend, etc)
Eject
Mute and Volume - +
Media Play/Pause, Stop, Prev, Next


Non-Functional:

S1 and S2 Buttons. BOTH are read as DVD Button Neither are functional.
Fn - F10 Zoom
AV Mode Button


Files Used:

01. SFEP Driver 7.0A (SonyNC) - AR51 Drivers

02. Sony Shared Library - AR51 Utilities

03. Sony Utilities - BX4 Applications

04. Settings Utility Series - BX4 Applications

05. Vaio Event Service - BX4 Applications

06. VESConfig.ini - From AR51 Vista VES (zip attached)


AR51 Files from Vaio support:

http://support.vaio.sony.co.uk/downloads/updates/updates.asp?site=voe_en_GB_cons&c=0&s=VGN-AR&m=2873

BX4 XP Files from:

ftp://ftp.vaio-link.com/pub/OS/XPDOWNGRADE/BX4/APPLICATIONS


Some observations:

SFEP (Sony Notebook Control) for AR41 and AR51 are identical.

Sony's available downloads for AR51 does not include the Utilities DLL or the Settings Utility Series. These are a critical omission. The AR41 downloads DO include these.

Loading AR41 apps to get button functionality and with the new VES config.ini, on the AR51 appears to get most of the buttons working (S1/S2, EJECT, VOL, MUTE, MEDIA keys) but the Fn Brightness will only go down one step for some reason .I tried hacking/grafting AR51 files and reg keys from the Vista install, but this didn't work. Either I missed some registry key(s) or the files aren't XP friendly.

As far as I can see you need the Utilities DLL , Settings Utility Series and Vaio Event Service, all from the same model for this functionality to work properly. After a solid weekend of trying, mixing and matching AR41/AR51/BX4/SZ series of these files (GHOST 12 is great!), the BX4 Utils appear to be the most friendly to use on other machines.

While Ghost gets a shout I should mention that you can back up your Vista install AND recovery partition to an external HD, then use the same software on the machine under XP to mount the Vista install as a Virtual Drive. Pretty useful. A Second hard drive to swap in an out, and wipe a trillion times while fooling with XP installs and files, leaving your Vista HD unaffected is also useful.

Other observations:

Why can't XP register VESPerform.dll? [AR51 VES] and why does it tell me twice?

You can use the BX4 Vaio Control Centre with the above. Just delete all the options you can't open from the Settings Utility Series folder. Stuff like Megabass.exe etc. They won't show up if you open Vaio Control Centre once you've done this, so it makes it look a bit neater.

The important thing on the AR51 VESConfig.ini is the section that starts [85]

[85]
VESPowerMgr = 1
VESSemiPnP = 1
VESSuEvent = 1
VESSuPerform = 1
VESVideo = 1
VESAVModeButton = 1

I don't think you could get the AV mode button working on XP as it ties in with Media Centre on Vista. No great loss tho. XP MCE maybe, who knows?

A great machine the AR51. A pity Sony are non-existant with XP driver support.

Thanks to all those on other threads and forums who've posted loads of useful info, without which I'd have been lost, on upgrading their SZs, TZs, ARs, etc, with the superior XP operating system

 

New improved Version 2, washes whiter - guaranteed


Version 2 - Working Buttons and Keys:

Fn Keys (LCD Brightness, LCD/Monitor, Suspend, etc)
Eject
Mute and Volume - +
Media Play/Pause, Stop, Prev, Next
S1/S2 - Both read fine, configuration bubble pops up, can be configured to an app, and the app launches.


Non-Functional:

Fn - F10 Zoom - driver related? or Vista only?
AV Mode Button - Not even tried properly, some sort of Media Centre startup bar in Vista. XP has no Media Centre!


New Procedure - The dance steps are now AR51, AR51, AR41, AR41, BX4, copy.ini, restart.

01. Install SFEP [AR51] (Right Click - Install SonyNC.inf)

02. Install Sony Shared Library [AR51] and Restart when prompted

03. Install Sony Utilities DLL & Settings Utility Series [Both AR41 App files from Vaio support]

04. Install VAIO Event Service. Select Custom and Check VESUnique and Sound [BX4]

05. Copy AR51 Vista VESConfig.ini (from above zip file) to folder C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service

Either reboot the PC or follow steps 6 and 7

06. Start - Run services.msc

07. Find Vaio Event Service in the Services list and Restart the Service.


Your Fn and EJECT Buttons and now S1/S2 should now work.


Files incl. Version numbers. Double check respective version.txt if it doesn't work.

01. SFEP Driver 7.0A (SonyNC) - AR51 Drivers

02. Sony Shared Library v4.0.00.06270 - AR51 Utilities

03. Sony Utilities DLL v7.1.00.15150 - AR41 Applications

04. Settings Utility Series v2.1.00.14150 - AR41 Applications

05. Vaio Event Service v2.5.00.12210 - BX4 Applications

06. VESConfig.ini - From AR51 Vista VES (as before - the important bit being the [85] section of the file)

 

hi man.
Its damn great to see at least this is working for someone
I tried myself on my FZ-180e and unfortunatly it did not work
for me! but again there is a little problem here:
I can not get to find SFEP for my laptop model?
Can anyone check and see what if there is any version of this
file usable with fz series?
Thanks in advance and great job mate

 

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu-list.pl?mdl=VGNFZ180E&UpdateType=Everything

SFEP is Sony® Firmware Extension Parser Drive - it's at the bottom of the list.

Installing this alone gives you Mute and Volume control plus the play,prev,next buttons on the AR51, but no OSD or beep to let you know they're working.

Sony Shared Library and "Sony® Notebook Utilities" in the above list seems to have everything else for your model. Download them and try them. If they don't work, you could try version one of the above guide using the BX4 files, but you'd need the VESconfig.ini from the FZ180 version of Vaio Event Service, or at least one with its model id and settings.

Good Luck!

 

hi mate
in my cr290, F5 and F6 is showing on OSD but not works
seems some prob with video drivers?

any ideas?

thans

 

no luck here
I did not work but once again its nice to see some people out there trying.

 

Dear All,
It worked great for me, at first I was not sure if the S1 & S2 Keys
were working, I then downloaded the AR51 Manual, because you loose it when you downgrade, this made me realise that I had not installed the Vaio
Control Centre.
After reading the Manual and installing the Vaio Control Centre everything worked a 100%, I used the AR21M Vaio Control Centre from their utils.

Many thanks again Terry

Those that do not find it working, do you have an VGN-AR51M Sony
If so drop me a line because it could be something else.
If you don't have a VGN-AR51M, I' sorry but I won't be able to help.

Three cheers and raise your glasses for Terry

Best Regards,

Tony
www.helios-electronics.com

 

btw I handled AV Mode button
now it works
currently only "capture" button not works
but i dont know what is it for...

 

Dear ?
I don't have the AV Mode Button working
how did you do that

Thanks in Advance

Best Regards,

Tony

 

if someone get this working on a fz please reporte here!

 

FN_Vista:

That works perfectly on my AR51E - thanks very much. Brilliant piece of deduction and an easy to follow solution

(I never used the S buttons anyway, so for me - this is a fully functional XP Vaio)

Thanks again mate. Pure genuis.

 

Hi guys, i have a ar51e, but i need to install camera driver and audio drivers, because i have downgraded my pc (vista->xp) thanks.

Note:
Other drivers installated succesfully thanks for the buttom driver.
(Sorry 4 my bad english, but i'm italian)

 

tested on AR-620E . eject key working fine but Brightness Keys doesn't work !
what's wrong ?

 

I have AR61M

I got the mute and volume keys working.
No S keys and eject key. If I start the vaio event service, even that stops working, but i get on screen notice for eject button and one level down on fn-F5 (brightness) notice, but it doesnt do anything and it doesnt go away.
I figure it has to be something with vesconfig.ini
Any ideas? I am quite happy with volume and mute, but i would definetly need the brightness option, or at least a workaround.

 

Hi mate,

I dont remember where i downloaded the driver but here it is:
http://www.masterross.net/SOAOTH-01014205-XP.rar

Also what is your video card?
Mine is Intel

here is my VESConfig.ini
I didnt edit enything:

Code:

;Attention
;Model name should't be written in this file


;Set common extension enable here
[Default Extension]
VESHKWndCommon	= 1	
VESTransform	= 1
VESPerform	= 1
VESWndMsg	= 1

;Write extension enable/disable information as bellowing
;Example
;[25]		;machine ID in decimal
;VESVideo	= 1
;VESSuPerform	= 1
;VESSuEvent	= 1
;VESFnLock	= 1


;Add new model infomation bellow
[54]	
VESPowerMgr	= 1
VESSemiPnP	= 1
VESSuEvent	= 1
VESSuPerform	= 1
VESVideo	= 1


[55]	
VESPowerMgr	= 1
VESAutoDimmer	= 1
VESFnLock	= 1
VESSemiPnP	= 1
VESSuEvent	= 1
VESSuPerform	= 1
VESVideo	= 1
VESHardwareMixer= 1

[56]
VESPowerMgr	= 1
VESFnLock	= 1
VESSemiPnP	= 1
VESSuEvent	= 1
VESSuPerform	= 1
VESVideo	= 1

[57]
VESPowerMgr	= 1
VESSemiPnP	= 1
VESSuEvent	= 1
VESSuPerform	= 1
VESVideo	= 1


[58]
VESPowerMgr	= 1
VESFnLock	= 1
VESSemiPnP	= 1
VESSuEvent	= 1
VESSuPerform	= 1
VESVideo	= 1
VESHardwareMixer= 1


[59]
VESKBDCLaunch	= 1
VESKBDCoverPoll = 1
VESRotCommon = 1
VESVideo	= 1

[60]
VESPowerMgr	= 1
VESFnLock	= 1
VESSemiPnP	= 1
VESSuEvent	= 1
VESSuPerform	= 1
VESVideo	= 1
VESHardwareMixer= 1
VESAVModeButton = 1


[61]
VESPowerMgr	= 1
VESSemiPnP	= 1
VESSuEvent	= 1
VESSuPerform	= 1
VESVideo	= 1
VESHardwareMixer= 1


[62]
VESUSBKeyboard = 1
VESSuEvent	= 1
VESSuPerform	= 1
VESVideo = 1


[63]
VESPowerMgr	= 1
VESSemiPnP	= 1
VESSuEvent	= 1
VESSuPerform	= 1
VESVideo	= 1

[64]
VESUSBKeyboard = 1
VESSuEvent	= 1


[65]
VESRotCommon = 1
VESVideo	= 1


[66]
VESPowerMgr	= 1
VESSemiPnP	= 1
VESSuEvent	= 1
VESSuPerform	= 1
VESVideo	= 1
VESFnLock	= 1
VESStorageProtect = 1

[67]
VESPowerMgr	= 1
VESSemiPnP	= 1
VESSuEvent	= 1
VESSuPerform	= 1
VESVideo	= 1
VESHardwareMixer= 1


[68]
VESPowerMgr	= 1
VESSemiPnP	= 1
VESSuEvent	= 1
VESSuPerform	= 1
VESVideo	= 1
VESHardwareMixer= 1


[69]
VESSuPerform	= 1
VESVideo	= 1 
VESSuEvent	= 1
VESPowerMgr	= 1

[70]
VESUSBKeyboard = 1
VESSuPerform	= 1
VESVideo	= 1

[71] 
VESSpButtonUI = 1
VESSpecialButton = 1
VESRotation = 1
VESStorageProtect = 1
VESPowerMgr	= 1
VESSemiPnP	= 1
VESSuEvent	= 1
VESSuPerform	= 1
VESVideo	= 1
VESFelica	= 1
VESFnLock	= 1

[72] 
VESPowerMgr	= 1
VESSemiPnP	= 1
VESSuEvent	= 1
VESSuPerform	= 1
VESVideo	= 1
VESFnLock	= 1
VESStorageProtect = 1
VESAVModeButton = 1
VESHardwareMixer= 1

[73] 
VESPowerMgr	= 1
VESSemiPnP	= 1
VESSuEvent	= 1
VESSuPerform	= 1
VESVideo	= 1
VESAVModeButton = 1
VESHardwareMixer= 1

[74]
VESPowerMgr	= 1
VESSemiPnP	= 1
VESSuEvent	= 1
VESSuPerform	= 1
VESVideo	= 1
VESHardwareMixer= 1

[75]
VESStorageProtect = 1
VESPowerMgr       = 1
VESSemiPnP        = 1
VESSuEvent        = 1
VESSuPerform      = 1
VESVideo          = 1
VESFnLock         = 1
VESBCF	          = 1

[76]
VESPowerMgr  = 1
VESSemiPnP   = 1
VESSuEvent   = 1
VESSuPerform = 1
VESVideo     = 1

[77]
VESPowerMgr  = 1
VESSemiPnP   = 1
VESSuEvent   = 1
VESSuPerform = 1
VESVideo     = 1

[78]
VESRotCommon = 1
VESVideo     = 1
VESSuPerform = 1

[79]
VESUSBKeyboard  = 1
VESSuEvent	= 1

[80]
VESPowerMgr	= 1
VESSemiPnP	= 1
VESSuEvent	= 1
VESSuPerform	= 1
VESVideo	= 1
VESAVModeButton = 1
VESSonyWidget	= 1

[81]
VESPowerMgr	= 1
VESSemiPnP	= 1
VESSuEvent	= 1
VESSuPerform	= 1
VESVideo	= 1
VESStorageProtect = 1

[82]
VESPowerMgr	= 1
VESSuEvent	= 1
VESSuPerform	= 1
VESVideo	= 1
VESFnLock	= 1
VESStorageProtect = 1
VESAVModeButton = 1
VESBCF	        = 1

[83]
VESPowerMgr	= 1
VESSemiPnP	= 1
VESSuEvent	= 1
VESSuPerform	= 1
VESVideo	= 1
VESAVModeButton = 1
VESBCF	        = 1

[84]
VESPowerMgr	= 1
VESSemiPnP	= 1
VESSuEvent	= 1
VESSuPerform	= 1
VESVideo	= 1
VESFnLock	= 1
VESStorageProtect = 1
VESBCF	          = 1

[85]
VESPowerMgr	= 1
VESSemiPnP	= 1
VESSuEvent	= 1
VESSuPerform	= 1
VESVideo	= 1
VESAVModeButton = 1

If someone can help to fix brightness (indication shown on OSD but nothing changed)

regards

 

This works on my Sony FZ series (FZ21M). Thanks a lot, finally got those Fn keys working!!

Someone mentioned what drivers/apps to use for FZ series:

http://www.sony-asia.com/support/download/228191/sectionfirst?site=hp_en_AP_i&subpage=detail

and for reference (you don't need those if the link above works):
ftp://ftp.vaio-link.com/PUB/OS/XPDOWNGRADE/FZ29/FZ29_XP_DRIVERS.ZIP

 

Hi All,

I have (actually my wife has) VGN-CR21S downgraded to XP. I had and still have the same problem with brightness as most people here. I did everything I'd read above but the problem isn't willing to leave me alone... ;-)
When I press F5/F6 I can see indicator on my screen but no effect - brightness level doesn't change.


I realise that issue may be with the settings in VESConfig.ini file (but I dont know meaning of the content inside)... or maybe sth with graphics driver (I installed that driver from a location pionted in the discussion thread).
One thing which makes me suspicious about driver is that the brightness level doesn't work with Power Managment eighter.

Does anybody have any idea what might be wrong?

thx ... regards
Val

 

Mr Fn_Vista... You sir are a god!

I would like to say a massive thankyou for your work in solving this problem. I now have a fully functioning XP AR51E.

Thanks again,

Matt_UK

 

Hi,

I did exactly as above. Eject button works fine, volume as well. S1 and S2 doesnt work, but who cares.

Too bad brightness ajustment doesnt seem to be functional. After trying to ajust, all i see is the brightness level indicator, and thats all, no possibility to change that level.

Any clues?

 

Hi ,
I have a problem..... i´ve posted it on another topic as well, hoping to resolve it
I have purchased a sony vaio VGN-NR21S with vista installed, but i don´t like it, and i tried to install my xp but it doesn´t recognise my hard drive and i have no idea why. I realy hope i can downgrade to xp, so coult anyone help me, please?!

 

Does anyone know if this works with a FS550 running on Vista home premium? The Fn butons doesnt work. Tnx

 

Hi Rombios,

Sorry to bother you with this. But here is the thing: I have exactly the same model (FZ21M) as you have and my audio is not working properly (in fact i hear nothing). Can you tell me how you downgraded to XP successfully? Or if anyone other for that matter can help is greatly appreciated.

Because i am going nuts here! Thanks!

 

hello fn vista

fn+f5 and fn+f6 not work when i uninstall windows vista and install windows xp in fz290n6 . plz help me

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu-list.pl?mdl=VGNFZ290N&LOC=3

the fz28g model is similar to fz290n6

the fz28g is middle east model and this have xp downgrade drives in site

http://www.sony-asia.com/support/do...ectionfirst?site=hp_en_AP_i&subpage=agreement

01. Install SFEP [fz28g] (Right Click - Install SonyNC.inf)

02. Install Sony Shared Library [fz28g] and Restart when prompted

03. Install Sony Utilities DLL & Settings Utility Series [FZ28G]

04. Install VAIO Event Service. Select Custom and Check VESUnique and Sound [FZ28G]

05. Copy FZ290N6 Vista VESConfig.ini to folder C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service

06. Start - Run services.msc

07. Find Vaio Event Service in the Services list and Restart the Service.

THE s1 , vol- and vol+ , ...... work very well but fn+f5 and fn+f6(darkness and Brightness) not work

 

Guys sorry to be thick on this one but were do i get the sata drivers from as i want to downgrade my ar51e, I have xp disc and nlite, have been to sony site but the drivers come down as exe file as a program, not individual files that i can intergrate into my nlite created disc, many thanx

 

Hi! I try to explain my problem.

I can't to find applications for ar51 or ar41

In a Drivers & Software no for this models.

Help me, please!

 

thanks alot

 

I have exactly the same problem but on the FW11M. If you get this working on a moment could you please post your solution here, to see if it works for my FW11.

 

thx a lot for your help !

nevertheless, i have a problem with fn+ f5-f6 to regulate the brightness ...if anyone know why ...
the indicator appears but nothing change when i press F5 to decrease or F6 to increase the brightness level...

eject, S1-S2 , volume and plays/stop perfectly work !!!

 

I am trying to downgrade a VAIO AR61E. I was able to install XP and ubuntu in a dual booting. Ubuntu works great and it even allows to set a combination of keys to set eject function, but I would like to have XP as opperational as possible and have the same problems with S1, S2, volume, mute, eject, etc.... I am very clumpsy in computer science and not able of finding the SFEP driver for my AR61E. Where is it supposed to be?

 

Hi all,
I may be a bit off topic here, but I'm working on the downgrade of a AW11S and I have the same problem with the fn keys. Following these instructions I've been able to make volume controls works, but since now I had no luck with the functions keys.
Any suggestion?

 

Hey guys! thanks for your suggestions I successfully downgraded my Vaio VGN-CR407E to xp. I followed all the above suggestions . All are working except the camera. Can anyone have to say anything about it.

 

FN_Vista help please!

I did everything you said and everything works but the brightness buttons. The Brightness indicator does appear onthe screen but only 1 level can be adjusted and this only shows on the indicator, the screens brightness does not change.

If anyone can help me with this, it would be wonderfull, the sceen is a bit bright an night.

I have the sony vaio VGN_FZ31

 

I have the same problem as Rebis. I can only see one block on the OSD for brightness when I press fn+f6, but nothing happens to the brightness...

I have a fw 390j..

 

The same goes for me...

 

any new suggestions?

 

hi all
can anyone help me find the bx4 event service? do we uae the one from vista or xp downgrade in the bx series?

04. Install VAIO Event Service. Select Custom and Check VESUnique and Sound [BX4]

thanks in advance!

 

Just want to share this and thank those people who shared and even provided the software for the brightness adjust.
I recently bought a VGN-NR37G with Vista home premium, as I need a domain network, I had no choice but to get rid of Vista home and install xp pro instead. As with other people here in the thread, I had several issues in downgrading to XP. I had to collect drivers from different places and then I got the problem of brightness and external video hotkey not working. The brightness software provided above, worked well for my Vaio VGN-NR37G, so for those who would be buying this model, have no fear, you can downgrade and all drivers and brightness functions would work. Now with the external video, I could not get the hotkey to work but just on the video properties I can choose monitor no. 2 and switch around from 1 to 2 and vice versa. As I use my laptop at work, I need this during my presentation using a projector. Now I am a happy chappy

 

Hello Frnds... i bought a sony vaio VGN-CS24GH. they provided me Vista. i want to replace it with XP. but when i installed XP the multimedia keys are not working. and i haven't found drivers for that. if any one can help me out plz let me knw... i will appreciate the effort.
Thanks a Tone
Regards
Inder Bains

 

you are outstanding Fn Vista, it worked perfectly on my ar71s, except the media buttons, they work only with windows media player, tried with winamp and vlc and they don't work.

 

can someone please help me do this on a FW41 !!

 

same issue for me

 

bump... this is really annoying

 

Anyone managed to get the Vaio volume OSD working in Windows XP Media Center 2005? Intead of Vaio's, it shows an ugly green volume OSD (it shows even before installling any vaio software, it's build into the OS).
The eject key works well, though.

I found a link explaining how to get rid of that ugly green bar, and it hides OK but then no bar is displayed, not even Vaio's.

PS: Mine is Vaio AR41M.

 

I know this is the wrong thread for Windows 7, but I wanted to say that after days of searching almost a hundreds of forums you saved my life. I no longer have to use Windows XP or Vista as Steinberg Cubase now runs on Windows 7 hurrah... and my buttons work, yay!

I can confirm that my Sony Vaio VGN-AR51E is now working with ALL ( YES ALL ) buttons working, and the dimmer [ dims step by step all the way up and down i upgraded the video drivers with laptopvideo2go], S1 S2 Eject, Mute, LCD Config, Zoom beeps but i see no action (i think this only works in certain apps). AV bar and Control Centre... for me I just needed the missing files [Install Sony Utilities DLL & Settings Utility Series [Both AR41 App files from Vaio support] as i didnt have a recovery disc and it wasnt on the AR51E site.

Works with the latest SFEP that Windows update will upgrade too... I didnt have to do a reboot (but you might), I also installed a windows 7 version of the control centre after i knew it was working with default drivers... just cos i prefer the icons.

I would like to say thank you ! thank you! thank you...

 

Evanslee please can you write instuction whats you doing step by step when you change system I have got AR51E is well but i have`nt got drivers for card reader and my FN and Eject not working . Please send me all drivers thats your used. sorry fo rmy english but it`snt my mothers language.

 

To fix the problem with Fn buttons not controlling brightness, you have to install:
Sony Shared Video Library 3.3

It is in "Original Utilities Package" 2008Q1 Utilities.zip file on sony support website.

It worked for me.

 

thanks you for this thread,can you help me i want to downgrade to xp ihave vgn-ar71m ,i see for yor model you use bx4 for my modek what bx should i use?thanks