Windows 7 Clean install Guide for Vaio FZ

[coolguy]

(Last update: Apr 23 2013)

Works with Windows 7 and Windows 8*

Note: You must disable the driver signature enforcement in Windows 8 before installing the modded IDT or Nvidia drivers. Click here for instructions

* Sony brightness control (fn key) might not work as expected in Windows 8.

The following steps below include various driver sources and install instructions.

1. Install your edition of Windows 7. I chose to change the UAC setting to never notify. If you leave it in the default setting, various prompts may open when installing the drivers and utilities. Open "Computer", click the "Organize" tab, navigate to "folder and search options", click "View" tab, and uncheck "Hide empty drives in the computer folder". Also uncheck "Hide extensions for known file types". There will be two exclamation marks for the "Mass storage controller" and "Unknown device" in the device manager. Intel 4965 Wifi, Marvell network controller, and Conexant modem drivers are included in Windows 7. You can update them if necessary. Download the appropriate 32/ 64-bit drivers wherever applicable.

2. Intel PM965/ GM965 chipset software 9.​3.​0.​1019:

Download link : http://downloadmirror.intel.com/2077...inst_autol.exe

Open the "Run" command from start, browse to "infinst_autol.exe", add "-overall" without the quotes with a space after infinst_autol.exe to update all possible chipset devices. You can check the devices updated during the installation process. Reboot as required. When you are updating to this version, you must re-install the SATA/ AHCI driver, as this version of the chipset software overwrites the SATA driver installed already with a older driver. This re-install is not required if the chipset software is installed after the clean install of Windows 7.

3. Intel Rapid Storage Technology (SATA/AHCI) driver 10.​​1.​​0.​​1008:

32-bit : http://downloadmirror.intel.com/2010....0.1008_PV.exe
64-bit : http://downloadmirror.intel.com/2010....0.1008_PV.exe

Unpack the driver, and update the driver from the device manager for the AHCI controller.

4. Nvidia Verde 314.22 (64-bit) WHQL driver (Vaio FZ, AR, AW, CS & CW) :

32-bit driver: http://us.download.nvidia.com/Window...ional-whql.exe
64-bit driver: http://us.download.nvidia.com/Window...ional-whql.exe

Extract the downloaded driver using 7-zip/ Uniextract. Now download the attached "nvszcn" zip file (see end of the guide), and extract the appropriate 32/ 64-bit "nvszcn" inf file. Copy/ replace the "nvszcn" inf file into "Display.Driver" folder of the extracted driver package. Disable any Antivirus software, and run the "setup" in the driver pack. In the Nvidia install screen, choose "Custom Install", uncheck "Nvidia Update", 3D Vision components, check "Physx system software" if you want Physx, HD Audio if you have Nvidia audio device, check "Perform Clean install", and click next to continue. Ignore the Windows security warning to finish installing the driver, and restart as prompted.

Uniextract download link : http://legroom.net/scripts/download....ract161_noinst

7-zip download link : 7-Zip

4.1 Nvidia 257.41 WHQL driver (MS Update) :

Use this driver if you prefer a digitally signed driver.

32-bit driver: http://download.windowsupdate.com/ms...e39f8283f0.cab
64-bit driver: http://download.windowsupdate.com/ms...e0e549583f.cab

You should extract the downloaded cab file using 7-Zip or Uniextract. Run the setup.exe in the driver package to install.

4.2 Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator driver 15.​12.​75.​4.​1930

Install this driver if your FZ has an Intel GMA X3100.

32-bit driver : http://downloadcenter.intel.com/conf...Name=&lang=eng
64-bit driver : http://downloadcenter.intel.com/conf...Name=&lang=eng

5. Alps Touchpad driver (32/ 64-bit):

ftp://ftp.vaio-link.com/PUB/VAIO/ORI...07.505.102.ZIP

Run the "setup.exe" inside the driver package and reboot as required.

6. Texas Instruments Memory card driver 2.0.0.19

ftp://ftp.vaio-link.com/PUB/VAIO/ORI...R_2.0.0.19.ZIP
Run the setup.exe in the driver package.

7. IDT / Sigmatel Audio modded driver 6.10.6370.0:

Download link :http://199.91.152.205/0280jo67z8og/h...Audio+6370.exe

This driver was released by Intel. Double click the downloaded "exe" file to extract the driver package. Uninstall the current IDT driver (if installed) and restart. Run the setup in the driver package, ignore the Windows warning, and reboot as prompted. To use the Stereo Mix feature, enable it from recording devices, and increase the recording level.

8. Ricoh (Sony VGP-VCC4) camera driver 6.1008.207.0:

http://s02.download.sony.com/US/pc/S...2842500-US.EXE

Extract the driver with Uniextract, and update the driver as mentioned below.

Ricoh (Sony VGP-VCC8) camera driver 6.1006.211.0: (for FZ-2xx, 3xx, 4xx models)

ftp://ftp.vaio-link.com/PUB/VAIO/ORI...ERA_DRIVER.ZIP

Run the "DPInst32/64.exe" or right click the camera from the device manager, and point to the driver package to install the driver.

9. Sony image filter driver 1.1.7.4020 (only needed for Vaio camera capture utility-optional)

http://s02.download.sony.com/US/pc/S...1099809-US.EXE
Use the method in step 8 to extract and run the driver installer.

10. Sony Shared Library 5.4.0.05200:

Download link : ftp://ftp.vaio-link.com/PUB/VAIO/ORI....4.0.05200.ZIP
Run the setup & reboot as required.

11. SFEP (Sony Firmware Extension Parser driver) 8.0.1.2:

ftp://ftp.vaio-link.com/PUB/VAIO/ORI...ER_8.0.1.2.ZIP

The updated version resolves an issue where random BSOD occurs in Windows 7. Update the driver for the unknown device from device manager. Reboot after installing, even if not prompted.

12. Setting Utility Series 5.0.0.07280:

http://s02.download.sony.com/US/pc/S...0201315-US.EXE
Extract the exe using Uniextract and run the setup.exe inside the "tempexe" folder.

13. Vaio Event Service 5.0.0.07130:

http://s02.download.sony.com/US/pc/S...0192615-US.EXE
Follow the procedure in step 12 to install.

14. Vaio Camera Capture Utility 2.2.00.22110 (optional)

http://s02.download.sony.com/US/pc/S...1363008-US.EXE
Install using the method in step 12.

15. Toshiba Bluetooth Stack 8.00.03:

64-bit : http://support1.toshiba-tro.de/tools...t_end-user.zip
32-bit : http://support1.toshiba-tro.de/tools...k_end-user.zip

Run the setup to install. Do not open the application or restart now. Download/ extract the TosBtChk.dll from the attached "Toshiba Bluetooth" zip file, copy and replace this file into C:\Program Files (x86)\Toshiba\Bluetooth Toshiba Stack. Now restart and use the full functional application. The patched TosBtChk.dll removes the 30-day trial limitation from the stack. Thanks to the Original Patcher. If you are not going to use the Bluetooth stack all the time, disable the Bluetooth radio by right clicking the BT icon from taskbar or from the stack and exit the application.

15.1. Broadcom Bluetooth Stack 6.3.0.5600: (for FZ2XX and later models)

32-bit : ftp://ftp.vaio-link.com/PUB/VAIO/ORI...0.5600_X32.ZIP
64-bit : ftp://ftp.vaio-link.com/PUB/VAIO/ORI...0.5600_X64.ZIP

16. Vaio Power Management 4.0.0.08240 (optional - not needed):

ftp://ftp.vaio-link.com/PUB/VAIO/ORI....0.0.08240.ZIP
Run the setup.exe to install and reboot as required.

17. Vaio Control Center 4.0.0.07130:

http://s02.download.sony.com/US/pc/S...0192539-US.EXE
Follow the procedure in step 12 to install and reboot.

18. Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN 13.4.0.139:

64-bit driver: The file that you are trying to
32-bit driver: The file that you are trying to

Run the exe file to install the driver.

19. Marvell Network Controller driver 11.45.4.3 (optional):

Download link: http://www.marvell.com/support/downl...d=175&action=1
Run the setup to install the driver.

20.1. WebCam Companion® 4 Software (Replaces Sony image filter driver and Vaio Camera utility)

Download link : http://s02.download.sony.com/US/pc/A...43059-0042.EXE
Follow the procedure in step 12 to install.

20.2. ArcSoft Magic-i™ Visual Effects Software 2.0.1.83 (Optional - for adding special effects)

http://s02.download.sony.com/US/pc/S...0193889-US.EXE
Follow the procedure in step 12 to install.

S-button: (thanks to NBR users ZoinksS2k and Kaloo for their posts)
Instructions and the necessary modified files are attached (Special button_VCC.zip) for S button functionality. You should be able to change the S button setting from a drop down list now. All I did was to include the FZ's model ID in the Setting utility series and Vaio Control center config files. The model config file (M18999.xml) has the S button setting with the settings as func ID's from C:\ProgramData\Sony Corporation\Setting Utility Series\Function. This process also brings up Vaio status monitor, HDMI resolution setting, Video&Photo color setting, Button setting, and Document Zoom in the Vaio Control center. See attached Vaio Control Center picture for available options and settings.

Vaio Launcher 3.0.0.07150 (AV Mode button) (optional - needed to make AV button functional)

http://s02.download.sony.com/US/pc/S...0193336-US.EXE

Run the setup.exe using the method described in step 9. The AV mode button's function is useless. You can edit the registry to make the button launch useful apps. Open "regedit", navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Sony Corporation\VAIO Launcher\AV Mode Launcher (No Wow6432Node for 32-bit). Double click "InstalledAVmodeLauncher" to modify the the path to launch your own programs.

Wireless Switch Switching Utility : This doesn't work as expected with 64-bit. But you can switch the wireless band (2.4/5 GHz) from the advanced properties of the Intel 4965 adapter. Double click the Intel 4965 adapter in device manager, click the "Advanced" tab, change the "Wireless mode" in the Property pane, and change the value (a - 5 Ghz, b - 2.4 GHz, g - 2.4 GHz, default - a/b/g and n enabled). Right click the "Generic Bluetooth Adapter/ Bluetooth USB Controller(ALPS/UGPZ6)" from device manager and disable the Bluetooth radio, but the blue light will be ON still. This utility works fine in 32-bit after some hacking.
Thanks to user Vadja73 for finding the hack and Gary for testing/ making it work in the FZ-190.

32-bit users WSSU Update: http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony...ml#post6448849

Update by Gary: http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony...ml#post6463617

You have installed all the drivers and utilities for a fully functional Windows 7 in your Vaio FZ.

In-place upgrade scenario from Vista to Windows 7 (32-bit): (by Gary)
FZ190 upgrade from Vista to Win 7 - an UPGRADE not a clean install

Official Sony Windows 7 clean install guide: Sony eSupport - Electronics - Support Information

I will be updating the drivers with the latest versions as needed.

Change log:

Jan 28 2012 - Updated IDT audio driver from 6.10.6224.7 -- > 6.10.6370.0.
Feb 24 2012 - Updated Nvidia driver 285.62 WHQL --> 295.73 WHQL.
Mar 02 2012 - Updated Marvell Network Controller driver version.
Mar 16 2012 - Updated Nvidia driver 295.73 WHQL --> 296.10 WHQL, FZ-2xx-4xx camera driver.
May 23 2012 - Updated Nvidia driver 296.10 WHQL --> 301.42 WHQL.
Jun 02 2012 - Updated Intel chipset software 9.2.0.1021 --> 9.​3.​0.​1019.
Sep 17 2012 - Updated Nvidia driver 301.42 WHQL --> 306.23 WHQL.
Oct 15 2012 - Updated Nvidia driver 306.23 WHQL --> 306.97 WHQL.
Apr 23 2013 - Updated Nvidia driver 306.23 WHQL --> 314.22 WHQL - 64-bit only.

[goowiz]

Thanks, will try this soon

[williamd]

great job !!!!!! how about av mode ? i have fz 160 with intel grafics should work for mine and need smart wifi ?

[no1uknow]

Good One!!! Thank You. I have an FZ-290 and I will upgrading to 32-bit Win7 Professional as soon as i can.

[goowiz]

I installed Win 7 64-bit and everything went pretty smoothly except one problem. The display dimming stops working after closing my lid once, but works again if I reboot... This happened when I had Win 7 32-bit installed as well. It's not too big of a problem.. but it'd be nice if anyone new a fix.

Also, do you know where I can get the wireless switch utility that came with the laptop? The utility that shows a green/blue (wireless/bluetooth) icon on the bottom right. Reason I'd like it is because it let me turn on 2.4GHz/5GHz wireless modes. I've tried installing the original wireless driver, hoping the software came with it and would then just update the driver, but no luck. I couldn't find it on the intel website either...

Thanks!

[ScuderiaConchiglia]

Nice job my friend. An excellent guide.

Gary

[ScuderiaConchiglia]

Good One!!! Thank You. I have an FZ-290 and I will upgrading to 32-bit Win7 Professional as soon as i can.

Make sure you note that Rajesh's guide is for 64 bit NOT 32 bit. The process for 32 bit will be the same but the links for drivers will not!

As he mentioned at the bottom of his guide, I have done an inplace upgrade from Vista to Win7 and it worked GREAT. In the past, when switching OS versions, I would have done a clean install, but the architecture of Win7 and Vista are so similar I decided to treat this as if it were a service pack. I think my intuition was right, because unlike any older upgrade of an OS (like from Win2k to Win XP, or WinXP to Vista) I actually GAINED disk space. I recovered over 6gb when the upgrade was complete. And it sure is easier than reinstalling ALL the apps I have on this machine.

If you are going to 64 bit mode, by all means use this guide. But if you are staying in 32 bit, consider an inplace upgrade. (See my signature line for a link to my notes.)

Gary

[geff]

Is anyone having a problem detecting the bluetooth device?

[coolguy]

Nice job my friend. An excellent guide.

Gary

Thanks Gary.

[coolguy]

I installed Win 7 64-bit and everything went pretty smoothly except one problem. The display dimming stops working after closing my lid once, but works again if I reboot... This happened when I had Win 7 32-bit installed as well. It's not too big of a problem.. but it'd be nice if anyone new a fix.

Also, do you know where I can get the wireless switch utility that came with the laptop? The utility that shows a green/blue (wireless/bluetooth) icon on the bottom right. Reason I'd like it is because it let me turn on 2.4GHz/5GHz wireless modes. I've tried installing the original wireless driver, hoping the software came with it and would then just update the driver, but no luck. I couldn't find it on the intel website either...

Thanks!

I don't have the display dimming problem. Make sure you have it set right in the advanced power options. The Wireless Switch Switching utility doesn't work in 64-bit. This is because of the different 64-bit Sony shared library being used. Our original 32-bit apps came with Sony shared library and Sony utilities DLL, which are not available in 64-bit. So, this is the only limitation in 64-bit. You can try a different utility like Vaio Smart network from the FTP site (I tried not working for me).