Install (or “downgrade”) to Windows XP on Sony VAIO-Z series
It’s that time of year again. Time to reinstall Windows after my laptop has finally succumbed to the mass of programs I’ve installed or evaluated. It’s getting slow, not painfully slow, but slow enough that I crave a clean install.
Currently the laptop has Vista on it. Rather than paying for a Windows 7 upgrade, I’m considering “downgrading” to Windows XP. I would have done that a long time ago, as I am not a Vista fan… but at the time I got my laptop there wasn’t much info (nor a comprehensive set of drivers) for putting XP on it.
The laptop was a bit newish and unique, so it was difficult for me to be able to track down the perfect driver set. Specifically, the Z series has “hybrid graphics” where you can switch from “stamina” (Intel integrated graphics) to “speed” (NVIDIA dedicated graphics). It also has a number of function keys for adjusting brightness etc. and those are all software driven.
But NOW, there are plenty of resources out there! So here are a few links I’ve compiled, with more resources to probably follow:
NOTE: I believe the VGN-Z1XX series is equivalent to the ZGN-Z5XX series.
Archived VGN-Z12GN : VAIO Z : VAIO™ Notebook & Computer : Sony Malaysia
Sony eSupport – VGN-Z540 – Software Updates & Drivers
VGN-Z12GN : Downloads : Support : Sony Asia Pacific
VGN-Z12GN : Downloads : Support : Sony Asia Pacific
VGN-Z12GN : Downloads : Support : Sony Asia Pacific
Windows XP Downgrade Drivers and Applications for VGN-Z1 Series(Zip File) : Sony Asia Pacific
Windows XP Downgrade Drivers and Applications for VGN-Z1 Series(Zip File) : Sony Asia Pacific
Support for VGN-Z12GN : VAIO Z : VAIO™ Notebook : Sony Asia Pacific
Enjoy!