VAIO VGN-NW11S/S instant web access

[roymaisey]

Hi

I have a VAIO VGN-NW11S/S and would like to clean-install Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bit. Can anyone tell me where I can find a driver for the Splastop Browser (the instant web access function when the WEB button is pressed)? Is a driver necessary or is this function controlled by the BIOS? I do not want to go ahead with the clean-install until I know the answer to this, otherwise I may be left with no instant web access and I find this function very useful. Does anyone know if it is relatively easy to access the hard drive as I was thinking of replacing it with a SSD?

[Blencogo]

You can reinstall QWA from your Recovery Partition, your Recovery discs or download it from Sony Vaio-Link Support here: -

ftp://ftp.vaio-link.com/PUB/VAIO/UPDATES/EP0000207216.EXE

As a last resort (at your own risk) you can get it from here: -

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=0C2CZAVT

I'm afraid I have not seen a manual for the NW-Series but I expect the case has to be disassembled.

[roymaisey]

Hi Blencogo

Thanks a lot for your reply. I downloaded the file from the link you provided and installed it and the QWA works perfectly now.

I still have a few problems since clean-installing Windows 7 and would be grateful for your help.

More than 50% of the Win 7 drivers for this model, available from the Sony download site, have no .exe files therefore I do not know how to install them. How can I install a driver without a .exe file, and why would Sony make them available like this? It seems like a waste of time.

Some of the function keys do not work, importantly the screen brightness + and - (F5 and F6). The volume mute, - and + keys (F2, F3 and F4) all work. Do the volume keys have generic drivers but the others require special drivers?

I left the recovery partition on the hard drive but I am now unable to access it to get drivers / software. Is there any way I can access it to install drivers / applications? If not, I may as well delete it and use the space. I do have a set of recovery disks (you are welcome to a copy if you should need them) but the recovery partition is faster. I did not have much luck when trying to install from the disks but I suppose most of the Vista stuff is not suitable for Windows 7.

I hope Sony appreciates having someone as knowledgeable as you helping their customers the way that you do! 

[Blencogo]

If the drivers have no .exe file, you will need to install them from within Device Manager.

Download the drivers to a folder where you can find them easily - C:\Drivers is as good as anywhere.  I'll use the 'Ethernet Driver (Marvell)' as an example - this has no .exe file but does have an installer .INF file (yk60x86.inf).  I am assuming you have installed the 32-bit Windows 7 Version. Open Device Manager and expand Network Adapters

1. Find this Network Device in Device Manager and double-click on it.

2. Go to Driver tab and select Update Driver.

3. Select Browse my computer for driver software.

4. Select Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.

5. Select Have Disk....

6. Select Browse....

7. Browse to the folder containing your downloaded driver .inf file. (C:\Drivers\7_UPG_EthernetDriver(Marvell)\yk60x86.INF)

8. Next ..........

9. If you get a warning screen, select "Install Anyway".

10. Close & Re-Boot

Other drivers without an .EXE can be installed in this way.

The Sony Utilities drive the Special Keys and these need to be installed IN ORDER: -

1.  Sony Shared Library

2.  Setting Utility Series

3.  VAIO Event Service

4.  VAIO Original Function Settings

Make sure you have installed the 7UPG_Graphics Driver (ATI) as well.

Good Luck and come back if you get stuck on anything and I'll help if I can.

[roymaisey]

Hi Blencogo

Thank you once again for all your excellent advice. Since following your clear instructions, everything I have tried works. I could not have done this without your help and it is good to know that you will help with any other problems I may come across.

[Blencogo]

That's good news!

Pleased to be able to help.

[roymaisey]

Hi Blencogo

Just recently I noticed that my volume mute switch is not working. I re-installed Sony Shared Library, Setting Utility Series, Vaio Event Service and Vaio Original Function Settings but it still does not work. You will see from my previous questions that I clean installed Windows 7. Is there another driver for the special function keys?

Roy Maisey