Sony Vaio FZ190 - For users trying to get Vista x64 to work

[smoothh13]

So I just got my VAIO through FedEx yesterday.

Specs:
T7500 - 2.2Ghz
4GB RAM
250GB HD
8400M GT

First thing I did was to format the HD and install Vista x64 so that I can utilize 4GB of RAM. I usually run a lot of applications at once, so that's why I need 4GB of RAM.

THEN... The horror... I realized that Sony doesn't support Vista x64! Currently, there are NO drivers for Vista x64. I looked all over the net, but I was only able to locate Sony Shared DLL (works for both 32/64), Intel Chipset (works for both 32/64), Wireless LAN driver (works for both 32/64), and LAN driver (from googling). There is a lot of missing drivers still, including the 8400m GT and Sigmatel HD Audio codec (Dell's driver didn't work).

My question is, why do they sell 64-bit capable CPUs if they're not going to support 64 bit OS? I was trying to get the most out of my CPU since I paid a good chunk of $ for it.

If anyone can help me find some of these drivers, I would deeply, deeply appreciate it. Then, I can post my Vista x64 experience on FZ190.

Following drivers are needed to make x64 fully functional:
nVidia 8400M GT
Texas Instruments Integrated FlashMedia Controller 2.0.0.18
Intel 82801HEM/HBM SATA AHCI Controller Driver (tried one x64 driver, but no luck)
SigmaTel High Definition Audio CODEC (Dell's driver didn't work)
Toshiba Bluetooth Driver (Tried several x64 drivers, without luck)
Conexant HDAUDIO SoftV92 Data Fax Modem with SmartCP
Texas Instruments PCIxx12 FlashMedia Controller Driver
Alps Pointing Device Driver

Drivers that currently work with Vista x64:
WLAN driver
LAN driver
Intel Chipset
Sony Shared DLLs

Thanks in advance!

[smoothh13]

I contacted Sony to maybe get some help finding the drivers (I'm starting to think that I may be the only one trying x64 on FZ190).

Here's what I wrote: "I know that Sony doesn't support Windows Vista x64. However, I have 4GB of RAM in my laptop and the processor is 64-bit capable. I'd like to get the most out of the laptop that I just purchased. Why would Sony sell 64-bit processors if it's not going to support 64-bit OS? I also know that Vista x64 won't ever be fully supported by Sony. However, for those individuals trying to upgrade their OS to x64, will drivers ever be made? If so, when should I expect them? I really need the following drivers: nVidia 8400M GT, Intel 82801HEM/HBM SATA AHCI Controller Driver, SigmaTel High Definition Audio CODEC, Toshiba Bluetooth Driver, and Alps Pointing Device Driver. Do you know where I can find these drivers??? ANY help would be deeply appreciated. Thank you!!!"

I'll see what they have to say about that.

[smoothh13]

:::UPDATES:::

I was able to install 4 drivers for x64 (still waiting to hear back from Sony):

Intel 82801HEM/HBM SATA AHCI Controller Driver
http://downloadfinder.intel.com/scri...ProductID=2101

Toshiba Bluetooth Driver
http://aps.toshiba-tro.de/bluetooth/pages/download.php

Texas Instruments PCIxx12 Integrated FlashMedia Controller Driver
http://h20000.www.hp.com/bizsupport/...reg_R1002_USEN

Alps Pointing Device Driver
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/g...reg_R1002_USEN
(Still can't use the scroll function though...)

I guess the main thing now is the driver for 8400M GT! I'll be happy if I can get my hands on that.

Drivers that are still not found for x64:
nVidia 8400M GT
SigmaTel High Definition Audio CODEC (Sound works without it)
Conexant HDAUDIO SoftV92 Data Fax Modem with SmartCP (I don't have a use for modems, so I could care less about this)

[smoothh13]

:::Update #2:::

I got the graphics card to work!!!

First off, let me say that the response from Sony was dissatisfying. Really. Here's what they said twice (I sent them 2 separate e-mails regarding Vista x64 with different questions). The reply was the same both times - really generic. "Thank you for contacting Sony Online Support. We're sorry for the difficulties you're experiencing with the 64 bit Operating System supported drivers. Currently, Sony does not support or assist the Windows Vista Ultimate edition. Sony's VAIO computers are designed for, and supported under, the OEM version of Windows pre-installed at our factory. If you install any other operating system in your system, you will need to contact the manufacturer of that operating system for any and all support issues or device drivers and software utilities they may have available. This includes, but is not limited to alternate versions of Windows and/or dual-boot configurations. Although Sony may choose to provide limited device drivers or software updates to assist with the basic compatibility issues for Microsoft's newer operating systems, we can not warrant nor guarantee the full usability, or functionality, of our PCs when running under an alternative operating system. Thank you for the opportunity to be of assistance. Your Sony Email Response Team - Nicholas" It was a different guy the first time.


So, now here's how I installed the drivers. I read somewhere that 8400GT can be comparable to underclocked version of 8600GS. So I figured I'd install the 8600GS drivers as 8400GT. You know where I'm going with this right? I downloaded the nVidia Forceware X101.19 driver from www.laptopvideo2go.com, downloaded the modded .inf file, then changed one thing. In the modded .inf file, find & replace "8600M GS" with "8400M GT." Then... voila! It will install. Be patient though, it may take 5-10 minutes to install.

Now I'm getting pretty good Windows Experience Index scores:
Processor: 5.1
Mem: 4.8
Graphics - Desktop performance: 5.9
Gaming graphics - 5.2
Primary hard disk - 4.4



NOW, the only drivers that I'm looking for are:
Sigmatel HD Audio Codec
Conexant HDAUDIO SoftV92 Data Fax Modem with SmartCP

If anyone can help me find these drivers, I'd appreciate it. Thanks~

[wouyang]

This thread is extremely helpful for all of us who will be trying to install vista x64 on our new sony laptops. Thanks for the links.

[MonsterMaxx]

Why not just install the std nVidia drivers? Will they not work?

[gaanee]

What version of vista OS did you ordered from Sony (Home, Buiseness, Ultimate). They do offer Ultimate version, though its 32 bit.

[smoothh13]

Why not just install the std nVidia drivers? Will they not work?

I tried nVidia driver from the Sony site, but it only supports 32 bit OS. That's the only reason I found an alternative way to install the driver for Vista x64.

[smoothh13]

What version of vista OS did you ordered from Sony (Home, Buiseness, Ultimate). They do offer Ultimate version, though its 32 bit.

It came with Business. Right now, I'm dual booting Vista x86 (32 bit) and Vista Ultimate x64.

[wouyang]

smooth, did you ever figure out where to find the remaining drivers? Or, alternately, are there any issues left with your x64 version?