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Upgrading Sony VAIO Computers To Microsoft® Windows® Me Edition

Article ID:1325(modified 23 Mar 2011)

Applicable Models

PCG-C1XA

What does this download do?

Sony recommends the following guidelines and procedures when installing Microsoft® Windows® Millennium Edition on Sony VAIO computers with the pre-installed operating system.
To obtain more information on the Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Millennium Edition operating system, please visit the Microsoft® website.

Important Notes Before Installing Windows® ® Millennium Edition
* All mentioned softwares (drivers, utilities or programs) in this site, is strictly for use with the selected models only. Do not attempt to install any of these softwares on other VAIO models.
* All the softwares (drivers, utilities or programs) have been tested and used solemnly for Windows® Millennium Edition.

* Back up Data and Settings
- User's data/e-mail
- Internet Service Provider (ISP) and Networking configuration settings

* Support for Third Party or Non-VAIO Products
For device drivers and other softwares required by third party or non-VAIO hardware devices, please visit the support website of each manufacturer for Windows® Millennium compatibility information, and any updated drivers or softwares.

* Required Memory Size
Windows® Millennium Edition requires a minimum RAM memory size of 32MB (MegaBytes). To ensure the computer has sufficient resources to operate Windows® Millennium Edition, Sony recommends to have at least RAM memory size of 64MB.

* Preparing the Hard Disk Drive
Sony recommends users to restore the computer back to its original shipped state using the supplied Recovery CD. For complete instructions on the recovery process, please refer to the User Guide on Reconfiguring Your Computer Using the Product Recovery CD-ROMs. This installation requires free space of 480MB or larger in the hard disk. Sony recommends that the hard disk has a total free space of 2GB or larger.

* Uninstalling of Pre-Installed Softwares
It is important to remove the following pre-installed programs prior to upgrading to Windows® Millennium Edition.

Stop all programs running in the Taskbar
1. Right-click the Power Panel icon and click Close.
2. Right-click the Battery Scope icon and click Close.
3. Right-click the McAfee Vshield icon and click Exit.

Uninstall Sony Utilities
1. Start Control Panel and double-click Add/Remove Programs.
2. Click Battery Scope and click Add/Remove. Click OK when the Confirm File Deletion prompt appears.
3. After the uninstallation process is complete, click Yes to restart the computer.
4. Repeat Steps 1 to 3 to remove the following utilities.
- HotKey Utility
- PowerPanel
- Smart Connect 2.2
- Smart Connect Monitor
- Sony Notebook Setup
- Sony Utilities DLL

* Recommended Installation Method
Sony recommends user to perform an upgrade from the previous operating system when installing Windows® Millennium Edition. This will allow Windows® Millennium Edition to incorporate most of the configuration settings and the programs from the previous operating system.

* Upgrading of BIOS Software
Some VAIO computers may require an upgrading of the BIOS software when upgrading to other operating system.

* Restoring to Pre-Installed Operating System
Once the new operating system has been installed, restoring to pre-installed operating system will be complex without the supplied Recovery CDs. For complete instructions on the recovery process, please refer to the User Guide on Reconfiguring Your Computer Using the Product Recovery CD-ROMs. Downgrading of the BIOS software may be required in some models.

* Digital Signature of Drivers
Some drivers among the supplied drivers do not have the digital signature. Therefore, during the installation of drivers, the message Couldn't find digital signature may appear sometimes.

* Possible Limitations After Upgrading
1. Computer does not shift to standby mode when connecting to external SCSI PCMCIA card. Remove SCSI card before shifting to standby mode. (Although PCGA-CDRW51, PCGA-CDR51 and PCGA-CD51 are using ATAPI connection, not SCSI connection, but due to some similarities in the software, this symptom also appears.)
2. Computer does not resume from standby mode, even when the modem receives a call. (Only applicable to models PCG-F660/T, PCG-SR9G/T and PCG-Z505FA/T)
3. Serial mouse becomes unusable after the computer resumes, and restaring the computer is rrequired. (Only applicable to models PCG-F403, PCG-F660/T, PCG-N505SF, PCG-XE7, PCG-Z505VA, PCG-Z505FA/T)
4. When the computer restarts after connecting to PCGA-PSX1, an X mark is shown in YAMAHA DS-XG Audio Docking Device(WDM) in Device Manager.
There is no hardware failure within the system. This device is not disabled and functions normally. Continue using the computer as per normal. (Only applicable to model PCG-XE7)

Important Notes

IMPORTANT: Before proceeding with the upgrade, disconnect all external hardware devices, including PC Cards, except for Sony PCMCIA CD-ROM drive. Do not reconnect this hardware until the installation of the new operating system is completed.

NOTE: Before proceeding, ensure that the VAIO computer is operated using the supplied AC adapter.

NOTE: Do not run any program or restart the computer unless instructed to do so, during the entire installation process.

Overview of the Installation Process
1 -> Back up data
2 -> Download all drivers and softwares
3 -> Upgrade BIOS (if available)
4 -> Uninstall selected pre-installed softwares
5 -> Install new operating system
6 -> Install all drivers and softwares

Additional Information: Please visit the VAIO online website periodically and select the relevant country for the most current information, drivers, and softwares.
User should use Windows® Update to ensure that the computer is running all of the critical and recommended updates.
For assistance on troubleshooting any errors, please contact your local Sony VAIO Helpdesk, or visit the VAIO online website.

File Description	Date	Version	Size
1. BIOS WME02M0	19 Oct 2004	N/A	N/A
Applicable Models PCG-C1XA 1. Download the BIOS file to a temporary or download directory (please note this directory for reference). Go to the directory where the file was downloaded and extract the files. 2. Insert a blank floppy disk into the floppy disk drive. 3. Double-click My Computer and right-click 3½ Floppy (A:). 4. Click Format. 5. Select the option Full and Copy system files. Click Start. 6. Copy the extracted files in Step 1 to the floppy disk. 7. Leave the floppy disk in the disk drive and restart the computer. 8. At A:\> prompt, type phlash3 wme02m0.rom and press Enter. * Do NOT try to update the BIOS using MS-DOS Prompt from Windows environment. (To restore to the previous BIOS version, type phlash3 r0110m0.rom.) 9. The BIOS updating process will takes about one minute. When the process has completed, the computer will turns off automatically. Do not touch, or turn off your computer when BIOS is updating. 10. Remove the floppy disk from the disk drive. 11. Turn on the computer and press F2 when the Sony logo appears. 12. At the PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility screen, press Esc and select Get Default Value by pressing the up or down arrow keys and press Enter. When Load default configuration now? appears, select Yes and press Enter. 13. Make sure that Exit (Save Changes) is selected and press Enter. When Save configuration changes and exit now? appears, select Yes and press Enter. 14. After the computer restarts, the installation of the new BIOS version is completed. 15. When computer restarts, start Sony Notebook Setup and check the BIOS version in the About this computer tab. Now, you have completed the updating of the BIOS of your computer. » Proceed to download the file
2. Sony Notebook Control	19 Oct 2004	N/A	N/A
Applicable Models PCG-C1XA 1. Download the file to a temporary or download directory (please note this directory for reference). Go to the directory where the file was downloaded and extract the files. 2. Right-click My Computer and select Properties 3. Click the Device Manager tab. 4. Double-click System devices, right-click Sony Notebook Control Device and click Properties. 5. Click the Driver tab and click Update Driver. 6. In Update Device Driver Wizard, select the option of Specify the location of a driver (Advanced) and click Next. 7. Select the option of Specify a location and click Browse to browse to the driver file. Click OK and click Next. 8. When the computer has searched for the driver files, click Next to begin file copying. 9. When the installation had completed, click Finish. » Proceed to download the file
3. Sony Programmable I/O	19 Oct 2004	N/A	N/A
Applicable Models PCG-C1XA 1. Download the file to a temporary or download directory (please note this directory for reference). Go to the directory where the file was downloaded and extract the files. 2. Right-click My Computer and select Properties 3. Click the Device Manager tab. 4. Double-click System devices, right-click Sony Programmable I/O Control Device and click Properties. 5. Click the Driver tab and click Update Driver. 6. In Update Device Driver Wizard, select the option of Specify the location of a driver (Advanced) and click Next. 7. Select the option of Specify a location and click Browse to browse to the driver file. Click OK and click Next. 8. When the computer has searched for the driver files, click Next to begin file copying. 9. When the installation had completed, click Finish. » Proceed to download the file
4. Sony Utilities	19 Oct 2004	N/A	N/A
Applicable Models PCG-C1XA 1. Download the file to a temporary or download directory (please note this directory for reference). Go to the directory where the file was downloaded and extract the files. 2. Double-click Setup.exe. 3. Click Next to begin the installation. 4. Click Finish when the installation had completed. » Proceed to download the file
5. Sony SxBIOS	19 Oct 2004	N/A	N/A
Applicable Models PCG-C1XA 1. Download the file to a temporary or download directory (please note this directory for reference). Go to the directory where the file was downloaded and extract the files. 2. Double-click Setup.exe. 3. Click Next to begin the installation. 4. Click Finish to restart the computer. » Proceed to download the file
6. Sony Hotkey Utilities	19 Oct 2004	N/A	N/A
Applicable Models PCG-C1XA 1. Download the file to a temporary or download directory (please note this directory for reference). Go to the directory where the file was downloaded and extract the files. 2. Double-click Setup.exe. 3. Click Next to begin the installation. 4. Click Finish when the installation had completed. 5. Restart the computer. » Proceed to download the file
7. Video Display Driver	19 Oct 2004	N/A	N/A
Applicable Models PCG-C1XA 1. Download the file to a temporary or download directory (please note this directory for reference). Go to the directory where the file was downloaded and extracted the files. 2. Right-click My Computer and select Properties 3. Click the Device Manager tab. 4. Double-click Display adapters, right-click NeoMagic MagicMedia256AV and click Properties. 5. Click the Driver tab and click Update Driver. 6. In Update Device Driver Wizard, select the option of Specify the location of a driver (Advanced) and click Next. 7. Select the option of Specify a location and click Browse to browse to the driver file. Click OK and click Next. 8. When the computer has searched for the driver files, click Next to begin file copying. 9. When the installation had completed, click Yes to restart the computer. » Proceed to download the file
8. Track Point Mouse Driver	19 Oct 2004	N/A	N/A
Applicable Models PCG-C1XA 1. Download the file to a temporary or download directory (please note this directory for reference). Go to the directory where the file was downloaded and extracted the files. 2. Right-click My Computer and select Properties 3. Click the Device Manager tab. 4. Double-click Mouse, right-click Sony Stick-type pointing device and click Properties. 5. Click the Driver tab and click Update Driver. 6. In Update Device Driver Wizard, select the option of Specify the location of a driver (Advanced) and click Next. 7. Select the option of Specify a location and click Browse to browse to the driver file. Click OK and click Next. 8. When the computer has searched for the driver files, click Next to begin file copying. 9. When the installation had completed, click Yes to restart the computer. » Proceed to download the file
9. Audio Driver	19 Oct 2004	N/A	N/A
Applicable Models PCG-C1XA 1. Download the file to a temporary or download directory (please note this directory for reference). Go to the directory where the file was downloaded and extracted the files. 2. Start Control Panel and double-click Add/Remove Programs. 3. Select YAMAHA DS-XG Driver and click Add/Remove. Click Yes when prompt for Confirm File Deletion. 4. After the uninstallion process had completed, restart the computer. 5. When computer restarts, Add New Hardware Wizard appears, select the option of Specify the location of a driver (Advanced) and click Next. 6. Select the option of Specify a location and click Browse to browse to the driver file. Click OK and click Next. 7. When the computer has searched for the driver files, click Next to begin file copying. 8. When the installation had completed, click Finish. » Proceed to download the file
10. Sony MOTION EYE Video Capture Device Driver	19 Oct 2004	N/A	N/A
Applicable Models PCG-C1XA (This driver is not available online. Please use the driver in the supplied Recovery CDs.) 1. Right-click My Computer and select Properties 2. Click the Device Manager tab. 3. Double-click Sound, video and game controllers, right-click Sony MOTION EYE Video Capture Device and click Properties. 4. Click the Driver tab and click Update Driver. 5. In Update Device Driver Wizard, select the option of Specify the location of a driver (Advanced) and click Next. 6. Select the option of Removable Media (Floppy, CD-ROM). Insert the CD-ROM Recovery disk 2 into the CD-ROM drive and click click Next. 7. When the computer has searched for the driver files, click Next to begin file copying. 8. When the installation had completed, click Finish and click Yes to restart the computer. » Proceed to download the file
11. Sony Notebook Setup Utility	19 Oct 2004	N/A	N/A
Applicable Models PCG-C1XA 1. Download the file to a temporary or download directory (please note this directory for reference). Go to the directory where the file was downloaded and extracted the files. 2. Double-click Setup.exe in the Disk1 folder. 3. When InstallShield Wizard appears, follow the installation instruction to begin the installation. 4. When the installation had completed, click Finish and restart the computer. » Proceed to download the file
12. Sony Notebook Sample Sound	19 Oct 2004	N/A	N/A
Applicable Models PCG-C1XA 1. Download the file to a temporary or download directory (please note this directory for reference). Go to the directory where the file was downloaded and extracted the files. 2. Double-click Setup.exe in the Disk1 folder. 3. When Choose Setup Language appears, select only English and click OK. 4. In Sony Notebook Setup Sample Sounds Setup, follow the installation instruction to begin the installation. 5. When the installation had completed, click Finish and restart the computer. » Proceed to download the file
13. Sony Jog Dial Utilities	19 Oct 2004	N/A	N/A
Applicable Models PCG-C1XA 1. Download the file to a temporary or download directory (please note this directory for reference). Go to the directory where the file was downloaded and extracted the files. 2. Double-click Setup.exe in the Disk1 folder. 3. When Jog Dial utility Setup appears, select the option of Update: Update Jog Dial Utility and click Next. 4. Click Next again to begin the installation. 5. When the installation had completed, click Finish and restart the computer. » Proceed to download the file
14. Sony Power Panel	19 Oct 2004	N/A	N/A
Applicable Models PCG-C1XA 1. Download the file to a temporary or download directory (please note this directory for reference). Go to the directory where the file was downloaded and extracted the files. 2. Double-click Setup.exe in the Disk1 folder. 3. When PowerPanel Setup appears, click Next. 4. Click Next again to begin the installation. 5. When the installation had completed, click Finish and restart the computer. Note: This version of PowerPanel Utility contains BatteryScope programs, hence there is no update program available for the BatteryScope program. » Proceed to download the file

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