Sony Vaio from Japan

[daniel5678]

Sorry if this is the wrong thread but hoping someone can help.

I live in Japan and today got a new Sony Vaio SVE14A19FJB.

Of course the Windows 7 OS is Japanese so I want to install my English Win XP OS over it. Brilliant Sony does not include a drivers disk with new laptops. I'm hoping someone can help me find the drivers I'll need to make it run correctly. Actually, I wouldn't mind installing Linux but I've never done it before.

I haven't tried to install Everest on it -- and I don't know if I could. But here are a few specs I've found:

BIOS R0270V4
Intel Core i5-3210M
CPU @ 2.50 mhz
4 GB mem

Thank you for any help you may be able to provide!

[iain.t]

I dont think that xp can be put on that machine !! you could look into running win 7 in xp mode if its the feel of xp that you like ?? take a look here....

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/vir.../download.aspx

http://windowssecrets.com/top-story/...-step-by-step/

hope this helps!!

[daniel5678]

Well the problem is getting an English OS on this Japanese Vaio. I was able to do it with my wife's Vaio.

I was able to run Everest and have the report. Is there a way to attach it in here?

[falconattack]

Originally Posted by daniel5678

Well the problem is getting an English OS on this Japanese Vaio. I was able to do it with my wife's Vaio.

I was able to run Everest and have the report. Is there a way to attach it in here?

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=86880

[daniel5678]

Here is the Everest report.

THanks.

[the mekanic]

XP won't recognize the whole 4GB, that's for sure. Probably 3.25 at the most. Have you tried to partition the hard drive, and dual boot? 750GB is ALOT of space. That way if you ever choose to sell it, you won't lose a copy of Windows 7. W7 has a "dual boot" configuration built into it, and it would ask you which you would choose at startup. A.K.A. "Earlier Version of Windows".

To get the wireless going, you'd need an XP driver for this: Atheros AR9485WB-EG Wireless Network Adapter


Also, it's not the cheapest solution, but W7 Ultimate can be used in multiple languages. All you need to do is download the appropriate language pack, select it, then log off, then log back on. Not just some stuff by the way, the ENTIRE OS.

[daniel5678]

Thank you for that information!

I have a question. Sony didn't provide a backup drivers disk. Is there a way that I can copy all the drivers I need off the system right now?

[the mekanic]

I've never actually pulled drivers from W7, but I won't say it's impossible. I've never had to go that far since XP. But, they would be W7 drivers you'd be pulling, not XP drivers, right?

To get these files, you have to direct Windows to show "hidden files and folders".

This is where they should be:

C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository


Also, this article may help alot:

http://www.msigeek.com/5569/how-to-g...s-in-a-machine

[daniel5678]

Thanks again for all your help. I'll have a look at that site.

I'm looking into running Linux and keeping the Japanese W7 just in case.

[pwillener]

If you have Windows 7 Ultimate, you can change the language from Japanese to English.

Also, there shouldn't be a problem to install English Windows over Japanese Windows; I have done that quite a few times. (Actually I usually install it first beside Japanese Windows as a multi-boot system, then when everything work delete Japanese Windows.)

[pwillener]

P.S. Hello from Tokyo!

[daniel5678]

Thanks for the mail. I'm looking into W7 Ultimate.

I'm in Osaka

By the way, where would you have gone to pick up a laptop in Japan? I went to Yodobashi Camera.

[pwillener]

In Tokyo, the best place to buy computers with English Windows preinstalled is still Akihabara. Almost all shops there carry export models of all kinds of devices (from rice cookers to computers).

The last few computers I bought directly from Dell, who also have a shop in Akihabara. But sometimes Dell staff are available at LABI (Yamada Denki), and you can order your configured Dell from them. And of course you can always order online from Dell.

I am not a great fan of VAIO. I once had a friend who worked at So-Net, SONY's ISP division. He told me that they had only one rules when it comes to buying computers: it must not be a VAIO - they break too easily. (Not 100% sure if that is true, but that was the story he told me.)

[pwillener]

P.S. I just heard the news yesterday that Yodobashi Camera opened a new shop in Shinjuku, together with UNI-QLO; now we have to listen to that stupid music even when we shop for clothes...

[the mekanic]

Originally Posted by the mekanic

Also, it's not the cheapest solution, but W7 Ultimate can be used in multiple languages. All you need to do is download the appropriate language pack, select it, then log off, then log back on. Not just some stuff by the way, the ENTIRE OS.

Go with an "OEM" version. Less packaging, and lower price.

[daniel5678]

I wanted to say thanks to everyone who wrote on this thread offering advice. I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to respond. This is a great board.

In the end, I decided to go with Linux -- something I've been wanting to do for awhile.

Pwillener -- I bought the Vaio because it was on sale the day I went to Yodobashi. Also, I know it has a nice re-sale value fwiw If you're ever in Osaka, we can grab some sushi or ramen.

Thanks again everyone!