Windows 7 Build 7000 on my Vaio SZ680

The fn volume key doesn't work for me. I tried the method, but still doesn't work. Mine is SZ280P. I updated the sound card driver, but rolled back the driver now. Is this the reason?

 

Is everybody else getting the remaining battery time when laptop is unplugged?

 

Yes. Have you tried a program such as BatteryCare?

 

Drivers are not out yet... you will have to join the club and wait the drivers to be released

 

sony refused to give the drivers!!! .. will have to increase this tread or a clean install thread for those in need

 

I'm disappointed but not surprised. I am angry that they claim the SZ680 does not meet the minimum requirements. The only requirement it does not meet is the reqs. for XP Mode and that's only because Sony purposefully crippled the BIOS.

Overall, I am still very happy with Win 7 x64 on my SZ680, but I have a few issues, due to what I assume are issue with drivers. If I put my computer to sleep or hibernate, when it resumes, I cannot adjust the brightness of the monitor either through the FN keys or through Windows settings. I have to restart the computer to get that functionality back.

I am still having issues with Stamina mode where, if running off the battery, the Intel graphics drivers will occasionally crash. I have updated to the most recent Intel drivers from intel.com but the issues still happen occasionally. Hopefully, now that Win 7 is out officially, Intel will fix this.

Lastly, an issue I've had with my laptop since Vista, the headphone jack only plays in mono. I sent it to Sony who claims this is a software/driver issue, but I'm not convinced. However, one reason why it may be software related is that while it only plays mono, I'd expect to hear crackling or hissing if there was a loose connection, but there is none. The really strange thing is that it appears to work with certain headphones in stereo. Maybe its a issue of the length of the jack (no jokes!).

Overall, still very pleased with Win 7, maybe someone can point me in the right direction to fix my brightness issue or have some thoughts on my headphone jack. Thanks!

 

Log off and log back in usually fixes it. I don't have this problem on my SZ but I do on my VAIO P. "Log off" and log back in to the OS fixes it. I was hoping to get the updated VAIO Event Service when the new VAIO P software makes it to eSupport.

On my SZ i have a different problem with brightness. I regularly use my VAIO on battery and when I am done with it I usually sleep or hibernate it. If I then plug it in while it's sleeping/hibernating and turn it on, the brightness will be off. I can still adjust it but it's too dim. The max brightness is still about 40% of normal. Unplugging and plugging it back in will fix this. I've gotten used to doing this every day. Not a big deal but I've tried everything to resolve it.

Not having this issue at all. I have a SZ460N on 7 x64 and video works perfectly.

I too have this issue, but for me sound comes out of one side only. Not sure if that's what you mean by mono. I thought it was a hardware issue (broken jack) but maybe it isn't? It seems hit and miss depending on what headphones. Sometimes I have to unplug and replug the headphones a dozen times for it to work, and sometimes it just doesnt work. I have a set of external speakers at home though that seem to work every time in stereo though.

 

I recently installed Win7 x64 on my SZ61XN. The only little problem left is that for some reason I cannot view/open/edit the VAIO Power Management Viewer when on a VAIO power scheme... So if on a default Windows scheme like High Performance, Balanced etc I can. Weird, am I the only one?

Btw: according to my model specs max supported RAM is 2 GB, but after reading a lot of VAIO-64bit-Win7 topics I guess that 4 GB should not be a problem?

 

Same here, but I just go to the VAIO program files directory and I open the exe file directly. Sometimes it crashes though when trying to open. I think it's called SPMgr.exe.

 

This does not work on my SZ680. The only way to resolve this issue on my computer is to restart.

Yes, I meant one side only, sorry for the confusion. When I took my laptop to the Sony Style store, they tested it out with some of their headphones and stereos, all worked. I went home and plugged in all my headphones and speakers, none worked. I will eventually have to take it back to Sony.

 

Doesn't work unfortunately. Can only open SPView.exe (think you ment this one) when on a Windows power scheme...

 

My power management is working as is my hotkeys on my SZ71WN/C. My battery care is also working. My headphone jack is also working perfectly. In fact everything is bar my card readers.
I'm pretty certain that i just used my 32bit drivers for the power management drivers. If not i used the drivers that were originally installed for this model.

http://support.vaio.sony.eu/computing/vaio/downloads/preinstalled/index.aspx?l=en_GB&m=VGN-Z31VN_X

My battery care driver is also a 32bit driver. I'm running W7 Pro 64bit.

This is everything i have installed.

 

Setting Utility twice? Interesting - I don't have the newer version installed, and am using an older Event Service version (also 32 bit originally installed utils, except Shared Library). Will try newer ones from your link, thanks.

 

Okay most of my experience with this clean install of windows 7 on my sz680 has gone well. However, my memory card reader does not work. I don't think the driver was even installed.

Does anyone know where i can find it and what version?

thanks

 

It is absolute rubbish that Sony did not release drivers for the SZ.

Here is my conversation with support for anyone who is curious:

I'm going to call them sometime this week, but I'm assuming that it isn't going to end with me having access to Windows 7 drivers for the SZ.

 

Try this
http://go.notebookreview.com/?id=52...cc=us&swItem=ob-70996-1&jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN

 

Those who have a fully working installation on the SZ680 (including brightness and volume keys) mind posting what versions of the different Sony utils and drivers you are using (the Firmware Extension Parser, the Programmable I/O Control Driver, the Sony Shared Library, Video Shared Library?, Utility Settings, Control Center, etc.)

 

The link in my sig has everything I used for the SZ750, which may give you some ideas.

 

I have a SZ680 and if Sony does not put out some windows 7 drivers I will never buy another Sony laptop, thats nuts if you bought it about 12 months ago and they can't support 7

 

Just thought I'd let people know that today, Windows Update asked to install two Sony drivers for my SZ680 running Win 7 x64 Ultimate:

Sony Corporation - Input - Sony Firmware Extension Parser Device
Sony Corporation - Other hardware - Sony Programmable I/O Control Device

Hopefully, this is a sign that Sony has at least some support for our systems, but their support site says otherwise.

 

Same update shows up as optional for me on a SZ460N.

I'll give it a try later.

There is also a Bluetooth update that i've had for a couple weeks. I tried installing it and it breaks my Bluetooth stereo headset. I can only connect the first time. If I turn off the headphones and turn them back on later they dont work.

 

Hello,

I have two quick questions (for the SZ650N):

1) Now I have only two power plans (Balanced and Power saver). The High-performance one is gone. Do I need to install any sony utility to get it back?

2) I got the FN keys to work after installing the four utilities (at the same order amro explained). Has one of you guys tried to skip one of them or they're all essential?

thanks

 

Hi Rachel,

Your laptop has WWAN?. Were you able to turn on WWAN adapter?.

Thanks!.

 

I used the updated driver on this page for smart network.
http://support.vaio.sony.eu/computing/vaio/downloads/updates/index.aspx?m=VGN-SZ71WN_C&l=en_GB

I also used this driver for the WWAN which does contain a 64bit driver in the pack.
ftp://ftp.vaio-link.com/PUB/VAIO/original/12_WWAN.ZIP
Of course you will need to turn on the wwan with the smart network and then connect through the Globetrotter software that you just installed.
I had no problems with this, someone said they couldn't get it to work.
Try it and see how it goes for you.

 

Thanks Rachel,

And did you installed anything else?. For example, Setting Utility Series or Sony Shared Library...

This version of Smart Network didn't work for me. I can install it but when I start it I get a wrong screen from this application and I can't interact with it.

Thanks,

 

Hi!
I was wondering if it's worth to install 64-bit version on my laptop which only has 2 gb of RAM? Will I see any benefits?

My SZ4 MRN/B (euro) has 32-bit Vista Business on it, so i thought it'll be easier to upgrade to Windows 7 from Vista instead of doing clean install. May be more drivers will work? I ordered OEM version of Win 7 Prof, should arrive Monday.. Still have time to change my mind
BTW, oem version costs significantly less here than box version...

 

OEM always costs less due to no packaging.

If you have no plans to upgrade the memory, stick with 32bit, it's far simpler to install and more compatible.

 

I found the forum interesting and tried to install Win 7 64bit on my Vaio SZ61WN/C. I started a clean install with win 7 64bit and did not succeed to get the Smart Network running neither the WWAN. Original NVIDIA graphic drivers do not work etc.
I then tried the Vista 64bit drivers as stated in various entries. Worked partly.
Power management tools lead to a desaster. Tried also the original 64 bit driver section at Sony, forget it.
Downloaded the Option WWAN drivers for Win 7 to be found under Icon225 including GlobalConnect 3. Nothing worked.

Support from Sony: zero

So I made a clean install with win7 32 bit and installed the original Vista 32 bit drivers one by one as in the various threads for clean install.

- I downloaded all original Vista driver packages from the Sony Support page for the SZ61 and unpacked them.
- then I went into the hardware device manager and updated the drivers of those with the (!) with the drivers from the Download directory (Sony Vista drivers) like:
- Sony I/O Control device driver
- Sony Firmware Extension Parser
- Mass Storage Controller TI PCI ...
- Imaging Device USB finds the driver for Sony Camera
- Sound card finds the SigmaTel HD Codec
!! Keep away from the Trusted Platform Module!!!!!
-Modem is found as HDAudio
!! Do not change the Pointing device to Alps, does not work.
- The graphics adater finds the NVIDIA 8400 M GS

Then install from the Downloads SZ6 Utilities the Utils Intallers:
- 2 Sony Shared Library
- 1 Sony Utils DLL
- Sony Setting Utility Series
- YAIO Event Services
- Sony Video Shared Library (do not know what for?)
!! Left all Power Managment aside.

- installed the WWAN drivers in the original version 122_WWAN, that worked.
!! Installing the 32 bit update it did not work anymore.
- Installed the SMART NETWORK_1
The smartnetwork also works fine in the original version, not the update.

I recommend to use all the original drivers and tools.

For WWAN I use the Globalconnect Version 2 from WWAN download and that finds the WWAN hardware, registers and works. WLAN drivers you should download the updates.

All function keys work.

One more item is connection to a home network.
- Do not use the Win 7 tool as that leads to a desaster as then only Win 7 computers show up.
-Gointo systme and change the name of the computer/homenetwork fron default WORKGROUP to your home network name. After that you can see the Win7 laptop in your home network.

Win 7 is a huge step foreward coming from VISTA which was a slow motion nightmare. Win 7 is quick and reliable. Synchronisation of data with home server or business PC works perfect and fast. In a business environment be sure that you use your user name and password as in the company's active directory. Then Win 7 links perfect to the business environment.

 

There has been some discussion about the wwan and SZ7 models in leslieann's thread.

This post though may help get the wwan to work in a SZ6 64bit EU model. It will work in the SZ7 EU model. First though you need to install the connection software and then the drivers in the manner that i mentioned. It is working perfectly for me in 64bit W7 Pro. I think before using the drivers i linked i never did a cold reboot and never expected things to change. Now though this should be a solution. I am though still using the updated smart network driver and it works perfectly for me. I suggest you uninstall the old driver first if you have problems with it and then reboot and then try the smart network driver.
http://support.vaio.sony.eu/computing/vaio/downloads/updates/index.aspx?m=VGN-SZ71WN_C&l=en_GB


I outlined in the post below how to get the WWAN working.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=5476190&postcount=153
You can get the connection software from here.
http://www.option.com/en/support/software-download/modules/gtm378e/

The SZ6 might be using a different driver.

Edited to add:
This is what is listed for the drivers i linked to in my post. If the modules are the same it should work. Having checked the link nothing is actually listed for the SZ6. It is worth a try though if you're using 64bit W7.

 

Well, I almost successfully upgraded to Windows 7 pro 32 bit.
Everything seems to be working, all fn buttons work, even after reboot etc. All video drivers ok, camera works too. However, there seems to be problem with vaio power management, because for some reason i can't edit some power saving scheems..
Also, i just noticed that in wireless switcher 5 Ghz mode is always on...
Also, sometimes, after reboot wifi for some reason turns itself off, so i have to go to wireless switcher and turn it on manually(and when i check back there, 5 mhz mode is also on).
Sory for my bad english...
Frankly, I think it's not worth it. I mean it's better buy new laptop with win 7 already on...Yes, there are some nice little improvements, but it'll take may be a week untill i'll get used to them and stop noticing, but what i won't stop noticing are these little annoying glitches.. To fully enjoy Windows 7, it has to be in new package with new laptop so everything worked properly. I don't believe Sony will ever release proper win 7 drivers for older models...
I know that many people complained, but my Vista was stable enough and everything worked..

I just checked again, I have to manually turn wifi on after every reboot, hibernate, or sleep mode (

 

is the Infineon Trusted Platform Module not compatible with windows 7?

Don't you get the whole utility driver as a .exe file? how do you install each individual items like you listed?

I have a SZ680.

 

Ok I can answer this I think. when you are reinstalling some of the sony packages one of them includes the power manager. open that up and select high performance, click apply and ok. Now when you look at you power plans you should see 2 still but one should be high performance. there is also an arrow underneath those that expands and gives you like 4-6 more vaio pwer options. hope that helps

 

I am having issues getting the my NVIDIA graphics hardware recognised on my notebook after Win7 x64 clean install. The display adapter is shown as "standard VGA adapter". Tried installing Intel 965GM chipset driver but pop up says "system requirements not met". NVIDIA drivers for the 8800 GM card used by sony on this model also does not recognize hardware and quits intallation.

My graphics performance is good and some videos within browsers and media player work fine. DVD's wont play.

Please help! oh and all sony functionality appart from volume keys not working.

 

You need the Nvidia registry patch to make the brightness controls work when using a non Sony driver. At least on the SZ750.

Also my thread (in my sig) contains lots of info about the camera, how to work with a factory driver with the Sony app, or with other programs, all without rebooting or booting Xp and such.

The Upek driver is now in Windows update, though you may have to tell it to update in device manager manually.


For 32bit, the default Sony Vista drivers and such work fine on most SZ models.

 

[Finger print reader] it give me this "fingerprint reader is not connected. please connect the reader to USB port" everytime i turn on my laptop.

[FN, S1,S2 keys] they never worked from the beggining.

and also, the memory stick pro duo slot and sd card slot never worked too.

maybe I am doing something wrong or miss some steps but i don't really know. can anyone help me out?
thanks

 

You wrote before Shungo that you're using W7 32bit so most if not all your original drivers should work.
Download your drivers from the Sony website that you used for Vista and try manually updating your memory stick drivers in the device manager.
Someone with the same laptop as you seems to have got these working with their original drivers.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=5531631&postcount=16

If you're still having problems can you provide a capture of your device manager.

To get your FN keys working etc you will need to install Sony DLL, Event Service and the firmware. You should also really install the shared library and utilities.

 

I am using W7 64bit not 32bit sorry if i have typed it wrong.

I have installed everything you and others mentioned but nothing works. Now the sound is gone as well. I seriously dont know what to do now...

 

Try starting over using the SZ750 guide as a starting point maybe.

Also, keep in mind, build 7000 is a release candidate and it did have a few issues that were never fixed with patches.

 

ya i used that guide in the beginning but then the files are different. i dont know where to get x64 driver + utilities for the SZ650.

i'll try to figure it out....thanks for the advice everyone

 

shungo, i linked to you a couple of days ago a post with helpful threads. Among those links was a thread titled 100% working Vista 64bit on a SZ6. Almost if not all the Vista 64bit drivers will work for you. I suggest you take a look at that thread if you haven't already. Some driver packs have been uploaded which you may find helpful.

 

thanks again Rachel I will try again

 

I have stock Win7 32 bit installed on my SZ680 and most of it is running well. I can live without a lot of the Sony software.

Only issue I can't solve is the smart card slot.

Exactly which Sony driver is the one for Mass Storage? I looked through everything on http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu-list.pl?mdl=VGNSZ680&SelectOS=28 - but I don't see anything for mass storage/smart cards.

It's completely lame that Sony can't provide a Win7 driver package for any of these SZ's. We have six of them in our office.

 

thanks everyone everything works now except for the camera.

it shows VCC7 in device manager but I still get a blue screen.....

 

That is the famous Sony support. Laziness.

Check the thread in my sig, it has the Texas Instruments driver you need.

In 64bit, there is no camera driver that will work with the Sony App. Just how it is. There is however drivers that will work with other programs, it's likely the one you are using will. Try a different program.

In 32bit, the original Vista driver works fine with the Sony app and others.

 

I have also tried MSN as well and it didn't work...

 

hey guys im looking for a video driver for sz660 windows 7 x64 cant find it anywhere

 

search your video card driver (W7 or Vista 64bit one) on Nvidia site and install it and it's all good. at least thats what i did.

 

http://www.laptopvideo2go.com/drivers

Check the thread in my sig for how to use their site and help with the flickering you may experience.

 

I've tried Windows 7 Ultimate x64 on my SZ3XWP/C several times without success after following a few different guides. There has to be some trick to it... Main problems are brightness aren't working at all, battery only lasts about 30 mins from fully charged, Fn isn't working, etc etc. Graphics switching works though but no notification, audio and wireless work after installation.. but that's it. Makes me so sad.

I even tried only installing Sony DLL, Shared Library, and Event Service right after Win 7 finished installing, restarts between, still no go.

 

i have a SZ680. and have problem same Shungo

everything ok now except for the camera.

it shows VCC7 in device manager but I still get a blue screen.....

Pls help me. Tks a lots