Sony VAIO J series in Windows XP
Most newer PCs are shipped with Windows 7 and provide no driver support to Windows XP. I bought one and it takes me few days to figure out how to get the Windows XP running. Just before we go into the technical details, I wish to share with you some advise from people that will DISCOURAGE you from doing that.
“I’m glad to provide you the information about the Device Drivers for the Windows XP Operating System. According to the specifications available, the Computer is preinstalled with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Operating System and does not support Microsoft Windows XP Operating System. Sony’s VAIO Computers are designed for, and supported under, the OEM version of Windows pre-installed at our factory. If you install any other Operating System in your system, it is required to contact the manufacturer of that Operating System for any and all support issues or Device Drivers and Software Utilities they may have available” said Sony Support Centre.
The following tips applies to Sony VAIO J series but I believe you can get some hint if you are on other brand or models.
1. By default, Windows XP does not include SATA driver. You need to insert the SATA driver into your Windows XP installer. To do this, use nLite
2. Sony declined to participate in the verde driver program. This is bad. To get a display card driver, use laptopvideo2go.com.
3. Other model of notebook or PC from Sony may have support to Windows XP. Since PC from same brand usually use the same hardware specs. I have got most of my drivers there. For example, I use driver from VPCCW1AGG for my VPCJ118FX.
You can email me for a list of drivers I have compiled for VPCJ118FX for windows XP. I will be more than happy to share with you and prove to you Sony support team is not there to help.
Special thanks to Aiktern from Waysoft for the SATA support.