Windows 7 Clean install Guide for Vaio FZ

I'm having some trouble with the fast start feature in Windows 8 CP. Black screen on boot up; have to go to standby and wake before display comes up. Disabling the fast start feature works fine.

Downloading the Win 8 RP hoping it has been fixed.

 

I have no problems like that in my FZ. I have trouble uninstalling the Alps touchpad driver. After uninstalling, the touchpad refuses to work with a code 10 error. I reinstalled the driver for now, the function tab in the Alps control panel doesn't work for some reason.

 

I wouldn't say that Sony's hardware is top notch, their build quality is better. My LCD cable got lose or something, my screen flickers and the backlight doesn't work sometimes, I have to tilt the screen back and forth to bring the backlight back on.

 

Sorry, should have pointed out that mine is a VPCZ1. I'm reading this thread because the method outlined in your guide works for the Z1 as well - possibly for other models as well.

The hybrid (switchable) graphics found in the Z1 has been abandoned by all players in favour of Optimus. We've been left high and dry.

 

Thank you guys, I'm really enjoying Windows 8 Release Preview on my FZ, even though I've installed the x86 version (so I don't have to disable driver signature).
So far I have no issues at all, everything works just fine and FAST because of my Samsung 830 SSD (128gb).

 

hey coolguy, I found a working driver for the Sony Firmware Extension Parser device! I installed 64bit Windows 8, and the driver you provided doesn't include the 64bit installation setup.exe, but I found the right one in greece's sony eCare site:

here you go, share with people:

ftp://ftp.vaio-link.com/PUB/VAIO/Original/SODFEP-00224384-0042_.zip

(Also, my GPU got fixed on its own!! After it was overheated, I unscrewed and opened the FZ for surgery, and cleaned the heatsinks (a lot of dust), plus I un-sticked the gum-like thermal grease and applied a new one from ZALMAN. Voila! It's working again, full hardware acceleration and all!

Mates, you should also do this in your FZs, before your GPUs overheat and burn themselves!)

 

Also, I confirm that the following programs work in Windows 8 Release Preview, on my FZ21M:

(INSTALL IN THE ORDER OF THE GUIDE)
- Sony Shared Library 5.4.0.05200
- Sony Firmware Extension Parser driver 8.0.1.2 (the one provided by me in the previous post)
- Setting Utility Series 5.0.0.07280
- Vaio Event Service 5.0.0.07130
- Vaio Control Center 4.0.0.07130 (with S-button setting update)

the others I haven't tried, but personally don't need.

cheers!

 

I installed the SFEP driver in my guide just fine. You can install the driver from the device manager.

Congratulations for getting your GPU working back. Mine overheats too, sometimes the GPU temp goes upto 80 C with just browsing. I haven't cleaned the fan yet, I know it should have been clogged with dust.

Did you install the camera driver? I get BSOD's every time I after I launch the Camera metro app. The Microsoft web cam driver doesn't work with the Ricoh VCC-4 model. It worked once, but after rebooting, it stopped working.

 

for the SFEP driver: I meant the 64bit driver!In your guide's SFEP zip, there isn't a 64bit driver inside. anyways, thanks!!

for the Camera driver: Unfortunately I haven't figured out a way for the camera just yet. It must be BSOD'ing because the driver is only for windows up until Win7. In that case, there's nothing we can do, other than using an external webcam. Also, I have the VCC8 device in my system, this camera also BSOD's the laptop every time I launched and exited the metro app (some seconds afterwards). Skype wouldn't even show picture, which is very weird. The metro app could, but Skype couldn't, on the same driver?? hmmm.

Instead, I researched and found the proper 64bit driver for the Texas Instrument Flash Card device, which I need more than the webcam! After testing, I can confirm that the version 2.0.0.10 works like a charm!! (again, no 64bit in your guide's flashcard driver, but never mind! )

here you go, 64bit testers:

Texas Instruments Flashcard Media Device 2.0.0.10:
http://www.station-drivers.com/tele...ti_8412_2.0.0.10(www.station-drivers.com).exe

 

stathismes, my guide was originally written for 64-bit Windows 7. All drivers work with 64-bit. I don't know why you are having trouble installing the drivers.

The TI driver from Sony is a newer version then the one you linked.

 

yes, it is. you're right. but for some reason, your latest driver, doesn't work with my freshly installed Win8 RP. Don't know why, but I found out that these drivers I found work just fine, while your's won't install. The known "Windows encountered a problem while installing the driver", "The driver is not intended for this version of windows" and such.

never mind, the case here is that people want working drivers for their device. Your guide works perfectly on Windows 7, my own VAIO included. I don't know about Win8, I am using your guide and testing Win8. This is how I have come so far: Sony programs are working good, drivers need a bit research. I found some working drivers, that's all.

I always will be grateful for your work with the drivers.
peace!

 

Oh yeah I also got that error. Run the setup or DPInst64 in the driver package, it installs the driver fine. Win 8 RP is a bit finicky with older drivers. SFEP driver installed without any issue for me. I don't need it for now, since I haven't installed the Sony software for fn key control.

For installing the modded drivers, you must disable the driver signature enforcement from the advanced start up options. I would put together a mini guide for Win 8 soon.

 

Personally with W8 RP 32bit my webcam works just fine!
I think it's an issue related to 64bit Windows 8.

 

He guys. I was thinking about installing win8 RP on my FZ. Did anyone do a thread likethis one for win8, or is anyone planning on doing one? Thanks

 

So far there are no new drivers specially for Win8, so just use the same procedure as for Win7.

 

I would update the available hardware drivers. The Sony software and drivers in this guide work fine with Win 8 RP.

 

Hi,

Thanks for keep this post up to date, I have Windows 8 Release Preview with the Nvidia 302.71 Drivers from Toshiba for Wondows 8 x64 with a modded inf based in yours and works pretty amazing. Now I can modded my own .inf thanks to you. I use the disable drivers enforcement in Windows 8 and I have no problems with the installation procedure.

I´m very happy with the recent Windows; the Windows 8 Customer Preview costme many problems with the drivers.

Disable Driver Signature Enforcement in Windows 8 CP/RP
You can permanently enable Test Mode () by opening an Elevated Command Prompt and typing the following commands, then rebooting:

bcdedit -set loadoptions DISABLE_INTEGRITY_CHECKS
bcdedit -set TESTSIGNING ON

To turn it off again, use these commands:

bcdedit -set loadoptions ENABLE_INTEGRITY_CHECKS
bcdedit -set TESTSIGNING OFF

 

Thanks, paconaranjo.

 

paconaranjo, you can also disable the driver signature enforcement per boot session from the advanced start up options. This would avoid the "test mode" mark visible on the Windows desktop.

Nvidia is going to release an updated Win 8 driver soon. I would post the modded inf when it's released.

 

I have a FZ180E, and my internal microphone isn't working.

Can anyone help?

 

When did it stop working? What audio driver are you using?

 

It never worked since clean install with Windows 7 64 bit.

Is there a seperate microphone driver?

Sound works fine.

 

If you didn't install any audio driver, you need to change the default microphone in the recording devices. The mic defaults to the external mic with the Microsoft audio driver.

You can also install the IDT audio driver in my guide.

 

Thanks a lot...

The MS Drivers never work properly, I'll be waiting for your modded inf, thanks again.

 

The driver was supposed to be released this week, but it looks like Nvidia would do it next week. They got into some issues at the last minute.

Nvidia changed the structure of the Win 8 Sony inf, so I can't just change the driver version and date in the older Win 7 inf's anymore.

 

Thanks, the driver form Toshiba is working fine for now, I don´t have any bugs right now.

I trust you can found a solution.

 

Windows 8 RP Nvidia driver 302.80 is out. Use the attached modded INF (64-bit).

Download the driver here

 

Any chance for 32bit?

 

Thanks, let me try...

I use this guide: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...able-low/697fca49-f506-49e6-90f1-075884966fb6

 

Use the attached 32-bit modded INF.

 

Thank you, as always

 

Works better than any one I have, many thanks. Now my Windows 8 is complete.

 

hello i have a sony vgn_fz190 windows 7 64 everytime i try to install anything on your post it gives me a error i cant download without windows vistia..am i doing somthing wrong?i bought a new battery and used a hdd out of a old laptop,downloaded w/7/64 installed the bios update so the battery can charge..please let me know thanks for the help you are a genius

 

What error are you getting? How did you update your BIOS? There is no BIOS update available for the FZ.

Did you extract the drivers as mentioned in the guide?

 

Bet the OP bought a third party battery that requires a BIOS update in order for it to charge. Why anyone would trust a third party BIOS update is totally beyond me. No way in hell I would ever do that.

Gary

 

Congratulations for your guide! Without it I wouldn't be running smoothly Win7 x64 on my Vaio FZ-21Z with 4Gb of 667 ram and hard disk OCZ Vertex 2 SSD 120Gb (booting in about 20secs).
One problem I have is that when setting the display thrugh the Vaio control panel, it will show 3 screens, selected is 720 and won't let me choose 1080i.
Any advice on this?
Again a big thanks for the great guide!

 

Choose the resolution from the Nvidia control panel when connecting to the external display.

 

Hey coolguy!
First off thanks for this guide, have used it before to much success.

This time around though it's the first time I'm doing an clean x64 install.
When I try to install the "Intel Rapid Storage Technology (SATA/AHCI) driver 10.​​1.​​0.​​1008" I execute the .exe file and it just unpacks it into a folder without a setup file and no Install/Reboot screen?

So what do I do?
Thanks!

 

Razzie, update the driver from the device manager, after the setup unpacks the driver files. Intel had changed the driver files at some point, and I forgot to update the installation instructions.

 

Thanks!

just to clarify "STOR_F6_64_10.1.0.1008_PV" is for the update of "Intel(R) ICH8M SATA AHCI Controller - 2829" right? and not the ATA option in the device manager?

 

Yes, the Intel SATA AHCI controller is right.

 

Thanks for your guide, I have been using it for over a year… I was try to install Windows 8 in my VGN-FFZ4000 I was successful in everything including the hard part which is the Nvidia GeForce 8400M GT.

This is what happen, first I install windows 8 then in device manager appear video card as general video display. In properties driver I click update and then search automatically for updated driver software and then windows find update and proceed to install it, after successfully installed work fine until I play HD video or any program that require high graphic use (a simple program like Picasa) and then crash and windows disable the display adapter (best scenario) or I get a blue screen or make windows restart or halted system screen (worst scenario). If I leave with the general display driver overheat the GPU, CPU and the fan make a loud sound and get really hot. I tried different setup but and the end I get the same result. I send the report a lot times to windows. I have to downgrade to windows 7 and the laptop is working smooth and no overheat and run all the application and play HD 1080p videos.

I also tried after installing the drivers disable all the 3D and the luxury and eye candy use interface and only leave priority to performance and work for a while but the video card driver that is for windows 8 download it from Microsoft software update and the one from Nvidia make the GPU and the CPU overheat only using IE or Office 15 Preview and finally crash again.

I install the Beta, the last version, the one before that one for windows 8, I use the file .inf you give for install it in windows 8, and I tried in 32 and 64 bit etc… not good luck.

I am really disappointed for bought this laptop from Sony this is my first and last computer I am going to buy from them. They stop giving support just after windows vista and I don’t know why. So the Video card Sony say windows automatic install it but with a driver that is 4 years old and for Windows 7 only for 32 bit system and windows 8 just crash. Nvidia say “The manufacturer of this system requires that you download the driver for your GPU from their support site.” This is really frustrating.

The hardware still working well, the laptop is just fine for everyday tasks, I am just try to squeeze the last penny I spend it until I finish collage and get a decent job so I can buy a laptop with a company that give a better support or at least let the hardware manufacturer keep support it, like Dell, I have a 7 years old Dell PC with Windows XP and when windows 7 came out just install out the box not need of downloading or changing manually drivers to work and still working up to day even faster that with the Windows XP.

I don’t know if I am the only one that is having problems with the windows 8 Nvidia GeForce 8400M GT driver or is a bug in the driver?

Thanks for keeping this Thread updated.

 

vgnfz4000, you need to disable the driver signature enforcement in Windows 8 before installing any modded drivers. I would update my guide soon.

See here Disable driver signature enforcement or Enable low-resolution video - Microsoft Answers

If you had done this already, I would suspect that your GPU is dead or dying.

 

Disable driver signature enforcement in Windows 8

Select Settings (right bar)/More PC Settings (at bottom)
Then go General/Advanced Startup/Restart Now/Troubleshoot/Advanced Options/Windows Startup Settings/Restart
As your PC is starting up be pressing F8 to get to the menu where you can choose to
Disable driver signature enforcement.

 

I already did it, I don’t know if my video card is dying, right now I am working with the last driver posted in your guide and is working well of course on windows 7. I just tested with a HD video from YouTube 720p and 1080p full screen not artefacts, not problems for the last 3 days since a roll back to windows 7 from windows 8.

Do you know any test I can run to see if there is any problem with my video card? I already test the memory ram with reading and writing test over night with over 10 test all were o.k not fails. Hard drive tested o.k.

Thanks…

 

Try this 304.79 beta driver http://us.download.nvidia.com/Windo...n8-win7-winvista-64bit-international-beta.exe
Use the attached modded INF. Use the clean install option when installing the newer driver.

I don't have problems with 720P Youtube videos, but 1080P videos stutter. The GPU is too weak to handle 1080P videos though, even wmv 1080P videos stutter. You can try disabling the hardware acceleration for 1080P videos.

 

I will do it during the weekend after I make a full system backup. I will let you know how it's go.

Thanks.

 

Last night I did a clean installation of windows 8 and this time I turn of WLAN to prevent windows download driver from their server, then I disable driver signature enforcement in Windows 8 and restart. After restart I proceed to install Nvidia GeForce 8400M GT 304.79 beta driver and the nvszc file you post restart PC install windows updates make full system backup, install office 2013, run videos, program work fine until crash again but this time only shutdown (good thing no Blue Screen), I was running internet explorer checking e-mail when this happen. I turn on again PC and I found in problems report this:

Problem: Video hardware error
Files that help describe the problem:
WD-20120727-2230.dmp
sysdata.xml
WERInternalMetadata.xml

After this happen I restore windows 8 from my previous backup, I run some test YouTube videos 720p, 1080p flash and html5 without problems, no video stutter. Right now I have open 3 IE windows plus playing a video from YouTube plus using Microsoft Offices its work really good, smooth switching from full screen video to desktop to Hulu to Metro no crashing. Tonight I going to try play an AVCHD 1920 x 1080 60p that kind of resolution didn’t play well using windows 7 just for test if there is any problem.

Thanks for your help. I really appreciated what you have done and God bless you.

 

Hi,

Thanks to you... i could resolve my laptop issues regarding nvidia adaptor after installing win 7 os. Now i would like to know if i can convert my sony vaio vgn-fz180e into a wifi hotspot using Intel 4965 Wifi adaptor.. if so would be glad to know the steps involved...

Thanks...

 

You are welcome. I don't think wifi sharing is possible with the 4965 Wifi card.