topic Re: Can't Install Latest Graphics Drivers in PCs & Accessories

Can't Install Latest Graphics Drivers

Ravage — Mon, 08 Nov 2004 15:01:55 GMT

Hi all, I'm trying to install the latest ATI graphics drivers for my VGN-A117s from the US website http://ciscdb.sel.sony.com/perl/swu-download.pl?template=EN&upd_id=1698&os_id=7&mdl=VGNA170

These drivers do not install as they check for the model number. Since the US notebooks are slightly different model numbers the drivers will not install. The ones on the Europe site are a little older than the ones on the US site so I really want to get them installed.

Does anyone know how I can install these drivers?

Re: Can't Install Latest Graphics Drivers

kee-lo_ — Mon, 08 Nov 2004 15:43:35 GMT

Not much you can do about it....

Re: Can't Install Latest Graphics Drivers

TygerTyger — Mon, 08 Nov 2004 19:31:27 GMT

I can't think of a way around it either. I thought Sony just didn't bother decently updating drivers, what's the deal with them updating the USA ones and not the European ones?

Re: Can't Install Latest Graphics Drivers

kee-lo_ — Mon, 08 Nov 2004 19:34:16 GMT

God knows...

Re: Can't Install Latest Graphics Drivers

Ravage — Tue, 09 Nov 2004 09:55:11 GMT

That really sucks.

Is there no way to extrat the install or even fake the system to be like one or the other?

Re: Can't Install Latest Graphics Drivers

William — Tue, 09 Nov 2004 10:21:42 GMT

Thats a first:smileycry:

The information that is used to verify (until now) was model specific but if the internals were the same the software would treat it as the same model whether it was USA or EU which externally have diifferent marketing model numbers but on a lower/internal level had the same model number.

I have previously used USA Bios's and indeed am running some drivers and software updates from the USA site on my TR5MP (USA=TR5AP).

Try Vaio Village for help:

http://p200.ezboard.com/bunofficialsony

William

Re: Can't Install Latest Graphics Drivers

kee-lo_ — Tue, 09 Nov 2004 15:48:41 GMT

Nope, it can't be done, as it's in the actual code which has been compiled.

Re: Can't Install Latest Graphics Drivers

William — Tue, 09 Nov 2004 21:09:15 GMT

Are you sure that this USA model is the exact equivelant of the European VGN-A117s as there seems to be several A series models listed on the USA site?

If it is you are stuffed, but if you are not 100% sure I would have previously said that once you find the right model it would install.

William

Re: Can't Install Latest Graphics Drivers

kee-lo_ — Tue, 09 Nov 2004 21:31:31 GMT

William I think they're now locked to the BIOS

Re: Can't Install Latest Graphics Drivers

jammold — Tue, 09 Nov 2004 21:45:23 GMT

 William I think they're now locked to the BIOS

Probably something to do with the GUID string I found today... Its one thing denying the end user the choice of hardware to go with a VAIO, but driver-locking the BIOS as well? Thats a step too far Sony!

Re: Can't Install Latest Graphics Drivers

kee-lo_ — Tue, 09 Nov 2004 21:52:14 GMT

Yes it is -- they've gone a bit gun-ho as they'd say....

Re: Can't Install Latest Graphics Drivers

danstijl — Tue, 09 Nov 2004 23:42:07 GMT

I think vgn a190 got the same spefications as the vgna117s, and another vaio guy puts on this forum that he used the same intarnal memory of vgna190 of one gig in his vgna117s and said it worked, no probs. Got also vgna117s and saw that the a190 got exactly the same specs, but what the strategy off sony i don't know, i am for one year a vaio owner and fan, got still no probs with desktop and laptop, but their support and customization in the usa makes me f*cked up. Namely thought got the best laptop, they show up in usa better ones, still a vaio fan but sony makes me f********cked up about that.

Re: Can't Install Latest Graphics Drivers

Justinl — Wed, 10 Nov 2004 13:45:45 GMT

Tbh even the American version is outdated. I updated the drivers using the latest Omega's and haven't had any issues, these are based on 4.10Cats and seem very stable. They are designed for both desktop and notebook pc's. The guy who produces the drivers is a Catalyst Beta Tester and ATI acknowledged the great work he has been doing with their drivers so you can feel pretty safe .

http://www.omegadrivers.net/ is where you can dl the drivers

Re: Can't Install Latest Graphics Drivers

kee-lo_ — Wed, 10 Nov 2004 15:37:32 GMT

Why do Sony never keep up to date?
If your av is out of date and your PC is really badly damaged Sony wouldn't cover it, so why are they not practicing what they preach?

Re: Can't Install Latest Graphics Drivers

Woody27 — Wed, 10 Nov 2004 15:55:38 GMT

I agree with Justin, try the Omega drivers.

A few points to bear in mind:

1. I have them installed on my VGN-A115Z and it runs perfectly. You just need to be careful NEVER to use the overclocking facility (mobile chips just cannot take the associated increase in temperature for very long). On my machine DOOM3 runs in med-res (shadows off) at c. 35-40 fps (perfectly smooth and playable) and the Serenescreen Marine Aquarium went from c.60 fps to c.260 fps after I installed the omega drivers (remember this is without using overclocking!).

2. Omega Drive (the witer of these alternative drivers, OMEGA DRIVE! What kind of name is that !?!) writes some splendid drivers and has overcome many of the previous issues that his code had with laptops (i.e. DVD movies not runing properly).

3. Indeed, as I think someone else mentions, ATI (the company) complement him on his work!

4. Omega drivers are based on the ATI CATALYST (official desktop) drivers but are tweaked to work more efficiently and be more compatable with mobile chips (at least from the Radeon Mobility 9200 and higher).

There honestly isn't much alternative choice:

1. ATI do not support mobile chips - they say that drivers for mobile chips are the responsibilty of the vendor (in our case Sony)

2. Sony have never released any driver updates for 3D chips, only patches to solve issues with XP SP2 etc. They are unlikely to change their stance on this one. Addtionally, they won't release drivers that improve performance and/or prevent certain games (e.g. DOOM3) from freezing (which incidentaly is to do with the bad drivers that Sony supply / write, that come pre-installed)

3. There are no such things as upgradeable graphics chips on laptops, they are part of the mother board. Upgradable chips may occur in the future (see the news section of both the ATI and NVIDIA sites) but these will be part of as yet unreleased laptops (and Sony will, as usual, no doubt be very slow to adopt the technology)

4. The tool that allows CATALYST drivers (the official ATI ones) to be installed on laptops should be used with caution! They are simply NOT WRITTEN FOR MOBILE chips. The Omega drivers are adapted to do this (i know, i've looked at the code).

Hope this helps

CW

PS I cannot guareentee how well the Omega drivers work with older chipsets (i.e. pre Radeon Mobility 9000 etc)

PPS I am not Omega Drive!

PPPS I am not affiliated in any way with Omega Drive!

PPPPS I am not a Sony hater....

.... I love my Vaio and my many other Sony products. I think they have a real talent for design and technological acheivments. However, they seem either to know very little, or simply don't care, about the OS and software in general installed on their machines. This is a shame as Vaio's in general are very good (aside overheating, HDD's not being optimised, memory being mis-configured etc.) it just that they are let down by sometimes dubious installations and chronic lack of support!

Re: Can't Install Latest Graphics Drivers

jammold — Wed, 10 Nov 2004 16:03:30 GMT

chronic lack of support!

That is a pity - and if you look at this site, its not getting any better, CU please help update this site - RC3 would be nice for the forum software.:smileywink:

Mind you Sony appear not to know support if they tripped over it - major improvements are needed - shame. Woody, I agree they make great hardware, but there support seems shoddy.

Re: Can't Install Latest Graphics Drivers

kee-lo_ — Wed, 10 Nov 2004 16:04:43 GMT

ROFL James, you go one step further.... LOL

Re: Can't Install Latest Graphics Drivers

jammold — Wed, 10 Nov 2004 16:08:54 GMT

 ROFL James, you go one step further.... LOL

LMAO - of course! Sony need to improve. I am quite determined that Sony LISTEN to me and more importantly TAKE ACTION.:smileylaugh: So I sound convincing? LOL Will you back the Sony Revolution?:smileylaugh:

Re: Can't Install Latest Graphics Drivers

kee-lo_ — Wed, 10 Nov 2004 16:17:13 GMT

Yes I will, because it's been 8 months now, we need action!

Re: Can't Install Latest Graphics Drivers

jammold — Wed, 10 Nov 2004 16:23:01 GMT

 Yes I will, because it's been 8 months now, we need action!

They can't say that the upgrade to RC3 will take 8 months - can they?! LOL The most I ever wait is an hour to reinstall Windows. Maybe they should also consider JSP training - like Raymond suggested!:smileylaugh: