Important Update - If you use the method below you won't be able to install the Vista Service Pack later. Either download and integrate SP1 into vLite or download a Vista+SP1 ISO to mofify with vLite.
A quick intro as some people aren't sure who this guide is for.
This guide will show you how to download a legal copy of Windows Vista (all versions are included) and integrate all the Sony SZ hardware drivers directly in to the install DVD (ISO). You also have the option to remove drivers and components you will never need/use on your SZ saving yourself a few GBs.
During the ISO creation you have the option to choose which Vista version you have a key for or intend to purchase later. Vista can be installed without a key and used for 30 days, useful for evaluating before you decide to buy.
Once the Windows Vista install has finished all hardware in Device Manager is recognised with latest drivers installed. Then you just have to install the Sony Utilies, also included below.
Before you start you'll need two blank DVDs, one for the original Vista ISO and another for the modifed ISO, some patience while all the files download.
1) Download Vista from MS
If you purchase Vista directly from MS you are sent a product key plus the links below to download Vista.
The below links are now dead, check this thread on NBR for updated links.
boot.wim
install.wim
X13-49120.exe
2) Create ISO
2a) Download
CDIMAGE.exe
2b) Copy the 3 files from microsoft and CDIMAGE.exe to C:\
2c) Run x13-49120.exe and it will create a folder called C:\vista
2d) At C:\ (in command promt) type the command below
Code:
cdimage.exe -llrmcfree_en_dvd -m -u2 -bc:\vista\boot\etfsboot.com c:\vista\ c:\vistax86.iso
You should now see the ISO called vista86.iso in C:\
3) Burn the ISO to DVD
3a) Download and Install
ImgBurn
3b) Select the ISO image and burn
4) Download SZ drivers
4a) Download the complete set of
SZ drivers (updated 31 Dec) for Vista
The zip files contains the drivers below. All drivers are the latest from Sony except the Intel GMA and Wireless drivers which were downloaded from Intel.
A newer Nvidia driver is included for later but I've found if the Sony driver isn't installed first the brightness keys won't work with the latest Nvidia drivers.
(Update 31 Dec. The Nvidia driver has now been removed from the driver pack. Micosoft update detects and installs Sony Nvidia driver ver 7.15.11.6743 with working brightness keys)
The drivers will work on all models between SZ1 to SZ5, maybe even SZ6. The only difference in the models is the CPU, HDD and amount of installed RAM. From the SZ3 onwards Sony used a different webcam and the drivers for both are included.
Update - Check the 1st link in my signatue for SZ7 drivers and Utils.
(Update 31 Dec. Vista drivers up to SZ6 are now included. The Intel GMA and Chipset drivers support the SZ6 hardware. A new camera driver for the SZ6, VCC7, has also been added)
- Alps Touch Pad (7.0.501.5)
- Conexant Data Fax Modem (7.58.00.50)
- Infineon Trusted Platform Module (2.00) Updated
- Intel Chipset (8.3.1.1009)
- Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (7.14.10.1364) Updated
- Intel Wireless Network Adapter 3945 (11.5.0.32) Updated
- Marvell Yukon Ethernet Controller (10.12.7.3) Updated
- SigmaTel High Definition Audio (6.10.5511) Updated
- Sony HDD Protection (1.1.07.05090)
- Sony Image Conversion (1.1.07.04020)
- Sony Notebook Control (7.0.0.5)
- Sony Programmable IO Control (7.0.4.229)
- Sony Visual Communication Camera VGP-VCC2 (1.0.2.9)
- Sony Visual Communication Camera VGP-VCC5 (6.1003.205.0)
- Sony Visual Communication Camera VGP-VCC7 (6.1004.210.0) New
- Texas Instruments FlashMedia (2.0.0.18) Updated
- UPEK Fingerprint Reader (1.9.2.0074)
SZ - Vista Clean Install with Integrated Drivers
