Announcement for Windows Upgrade Offer

What does the VAIO Windows® 8 upgrade kit contain? Is the Windows® 8 OS included? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

The VAIO Windows 8 upgrade kit contains drivers, utilities and applications that need to be installed along with your Windows 8 operating system to ensure that your experience with your VAIO is the best possible.

Why is it important to first install the VAIO Windows® 8 upgrade kit before installing the Windows® 8 operating system? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

Installing the VAIO Windows 8 upgrade kit is very important as it will prepare your VAIO before the operating system upgrade. Please do not miss this step as you may face serious installation issues and data loss.

Why should I upgrade? What are the differences between Windows 7 and Windows 8? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

Windows 8 is the next generation version Windows with improved experience, equipped with the advantages of Windows 7. Windows 8 enables a user friendly environment optimized for numerous devices, such as touch supporting tablets, notebook PCs, Desktop PCs, and all-in-one PCs.

For further info on Windows 8, please refer to the Microsoft official website .

Windows® 8: Upgrade Precautions and Limitations Back to Frequently Asked Questions

Please review the Windows 8 Upgrade Precautions and Limitations prior to updating your operating system.

The following information may be updated periodically. You can find the most recent information below:

Precautions

• Before upgrading to Windows 8, back up your data and perform a full system recovery to its factory condition.
• If you have downgraded the operating system architect from Windows 7 64-bit to Windows 7 32-bit, you will be required to perform a system recovery.
• The upgrade software, drivers, and utilities provided by Sony can only be used on select models.
• Follow the operation instructions in the User Manual when upgrading to Windows 8.
• Remove any peripherals from your computer that are not required to perform the upgrade.
• If your computer freezes during the Windows 8 upgrade, press and hold the power button to turn off the computer, and then press the power button again to turn it back on.
• Plug the power cord into the AC adapter, then plug it into an AC outlet before performing the upgrade.
  Note: Do not upgrade to Windows 8 using the internal battery power only
• It is highly recommended that you create recovery media before upgrading to Windows 8. The recovery media will allow you to restore to the original operating system.
  Note: Please refer to the User Manual for instructions on how to create recovery media.

Limitations: VAIO computer

• Wireless
  • Some wireless devices may not be able to turn off when Airplane mode is turned on within the Windows 8 PC Settings.
  • Applicable Models: VAIO computers that have a wireless hardware switch
• Power Media Dock
  • You will need to shut down your computer when connecting or disconnecting the Power Media Dock.
  • The Power Media Dock graphic accelerator feature is not supported for the main display.
  • Applicable Models: VPCZ2 Series, SVZ Series
• VAIO Logo
  • The VAIO Logo may not display during the startup process.
  • Applicable Models:VPCF23 Series
• Display Brightness
  • The display brightness may not change when adjusting the brightness control within the Charms.
  • Work Around: To control the brightness press and hold the Fn key, and then concurrently press F5 to decrease the brightness or F6 to increase the brightness.
  • Applicable Models: VPCL Series

Limitations: Sony software

• Media Gallery
  • The Media Gallery app will be uninstalled during the Windows 8 upgrade process.
• Click to Disk
  • The Click to Disk app will be uninstalled during the Windows 8 upgrade process.
• VAIO Setting
  • The LCD refresh rate cannot be controlled
  • The Color mode settings can no longer be utilized
  • The Motion reality settings can no longer be utilized
  • The Frame touch control cannot be turned on/off.
    Affected model: VPCL Series only
  • The VAIO peripheral will be display in English

Limitations: Third party software

Some preinstalled third party apps may have limitations after upgrading to Windows 8.

• WinDVD will be replaced with PowerDVD
• WinDVD BD will be replaced with PowerDVD BD
• Quick Web Access will not be supported
• TriDef 3D Photo viewer will not be supported

Contact Information: Third party software

Sony does not provide Windows 8 support for third party apps. Refer to the Contact Information for Packaged Software Kit in the support manual that came with your VAIO computer. Some third party apps may not provide support.

Restrictions regarding related products

Support information for related Sony products will be posted on the VAIO support website. Sony only supports peripheral equipment that is compatible with Windows 8.

Is a Clean Install upgrade supported? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

The 'Clean Install' scenario is not supported by Sony. Sony will only support the 'Migration' scenario.
A clean installation erases the entire hard drive (including the original Operating System) and installs the new Operating System files onto the hard drive. All folders, files, applications and personal settings will be erased. Migration will transition your VAIO to Windows 8, whilst preserving folders, files, applications and personal settings.

Which VAIO models will be supported by Sony? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

If you are not sure which VAIO model you have, please check here.

To check if your model is supported for upgrade to the Windows 8 Operating System, find the supported models :

By entering your model :

By series :

In the Overview below :

See also: What is the difference between ‘eligible’ and ‘supported’ models?

Are CTO (customize to order) VAIO supported? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, they are. Please check if your specific model is supported.

For whom will the Windows® 8 offer be valid? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

The offer will be limited to customers who purchase a PC sold during the eligibility period with a valid Windows 7 OEM Certificate of Authenticity and preinstalled with:

• Windows 7 Home Basic;
• Windows 7 Home Premium;
• Windows 7 Professional; or
• Windows 7 Ultimate.

According to the announcement by Microsoft, this Windows Upgrade Offer will be an opportunity to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro only. Kindly refer to the Microsoft official website for more information.
Microsoft will limit the promotional price to one upgrade offer per PC purchased, and a maximum limit of five upgrade offers per customer.

What are the system requirements for Windows® 8? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

Windows 8 works fine on the same hardware that powers Windows 7:

• Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster
• RAM: 1 gigabyte (GB) (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit)
• Hard disk space: 16 GB (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
• Graphics card: Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver

Additional requirements to use certain features:

• To use touch, you need a tablet or a monitor that supports multitouch.
• To access the Windows Store and to download and run apps, you need an active Internet connection and a screen resolution of at least 1024 x 768.
• To snap apps, you need a screen resolution of at least 1366 x 768.
• Internet access (ISP fees might apply)
  
  

What if my model is not supported? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

1. You will need to check whether drivers are available for your VAIO. If the preinstalled Operating System is Windows 7, you can expect that the majority of Windows 7 drivers will work under a retail version of Windows 8.
2. You need to order a retail version of Windows 8, either from Microsoft directly or from an authorized dealer.
   NOTE: Sony cannot assume any responsibility for stability and performance issues after this upgrade.
3. While the primary functions of your VAIO are expected to work, some features (e.g. hotkeys to change sound volume) may not work.
4. We advise to back up data prior to starting any Windows Upgrade .
5. Verify whether you created Recovery DVDs to be able to return the VAIO to delivery state.

IMPORTANT: Please note that VAIO Support cannot assist you with the upgrade.

What countries and languages are supported? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

• Austria: German
• Belgium: Dutch, French, English
• Bulgaria: Bulgarian
• Croatia: Croatian
• Czech Republic: Czech
• Denmark: Danish
• Finland: Finnish
• France: French
• Germany: German
• Greece: Greek
• Hungary: Hungarian
• Ireland: English
• Italy: Italian
• Kazakhstan: Russian
• Luxembourg: Dutch, French, English
• Netherlands: Dutch
• Norway: Norwegian
• Poland: Polish
• Portugal: Portuguese
• Romania: Romanian
• Russia: Russian
• Slovakia: Slovakian
• Slovenia: Slovenian
• Spain: Spanish
• Sweden: Swedish
• Switzerland: German, French, Italian
• Turkey: Turkish
• Ukraine: Ukrainian
• United Kingdom: English
  
  

Will my peripherals or apps still work when I upgrade to Windows 8? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend you check if your apps or peripherals (e.g. Printer, camera, USB device, etc.) are compatible with Windows 8 by going to the Compatibility Center for Windows 8 Website . This list provides thousands of the most popular devices and programs to help you easily identify what will or will not work with Windows 8.

What is the 'Windows® Upgrade Offer'? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

This is a program provided by Microsoft, which allows certain qualifying customers the opportunity to purchase the Windows 8 Operating System at a special price.
Microsoft plans to offer end users that purchase a PC during the eligibility period a promotional offer for Windows upgrade at a discounted price.

The eligibility period starts on June 2, 2012 and ends on January 31, 2013. The deadline for Offer Redemption is February 28, 2013.

For more details please refer to the Microsoft official website .

What is the difference between ‘eligible’ and ‘supported’ models? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

The adjective 'Eligible' refers to the Microsoft terminology used with regards to the eligibility period of the promotional offer for Windows upgrade at a discounted price. As aforementioned this eligibility period starts on June 2, 2012 and ends on January 31, 2013.

The adjective 'Supported' refers to terminology used by Sony. Sony is currently performing a validation of selected Windows 7 VAIO models to determine whether all BIOS, drivers, utilities and other VAIO applications from Sony can be fully supported for upgrade to the Windows 8 Operating System.
Depending on the outcome of the testing and validation phase for each model, Sony will issue a list of supported models as well as any known restrictions, limitations and necessary software updates .

How can I obtain all software from Microsoft and Sony? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

• Microsoft will provide you the Windows 8 Operating System and a Certificate of Authenticity (COA).
  For details on pricing, offer redemption and support, please refer to the Microsoft official website.
• Sony will provide you Windows 8 compatible BIOS, drivers, utilities and other VAIO applications (for supported VAIO models only!).

The Sony software can be obtained in 3 ways.

A. Direct download (Electronic Software Delivery)

B. Ordering a Supplement Disk. Optional backup media will be available for ordering.

C. Do it for me - Pick up and return

Please note that some applications might not be provided, depending on your model.

I have checked if my VAIO is supported, but it is not, although it meets the minimum Windows® 8 requirements.
How can I successfully upgrade to Windows® 8? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

Sony has carefully selected the VAIO models that will ensure the best Windows 8 experience. If your VAIO is not supported by the VAIO Windows 8 upgrade kit, we advise you to visit the following pages to find drivers and applications, which you can separately install. Please note that no online support is offered for non supported VAIO models.

How long the upgrade process will take? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

The duration of the upgrade will depend on many parameters, such as your VAIO model (processor, RAM, etc.), or your Internet connection speed.
As an indication, the upgrade time, including the file download will take approximately:

• 56 Kbps: 5 days
• 512 Kbps: 12 hours
• 1.544 Kbps: 5 hours
• 10 Mbps and faster: 3 to 4 hours
  
  

How should I upgrade my VAIO from Windows® 7 to Windows® 8? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

Refer to the Windows 8 upgrade guide.

How do I back up the data of my VAIO computer? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

To back up your data, To back up your data,please follow the instructions described on this page.

How do I restore my backed up data after the upgrade? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

1. Run Windows 7 File Recovery Application .
2. Choose Select another backup to restore file from .
3. Select Backup File created with Windows 7. Click Next.
4. Select Files to be restored (All Files selected in this scenario). Click Next.
5. Choose the location where files should be restored to. Click Next.
6. View restored files or click Finish to end the restore procedure
.

What should I do to prepare my PC before I install Windows® 8? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

Whenever you install a new Operating System, it is very important that you create a backup of your data. Your files might get lost or damaged if they are not backed up before the installation of the new Operating System. You can perform a backup onto an external hard drive or a DVD. You may need to re-install some applications after you have transitioned your PC to Windows 8.

When will I receive my upgrade kit? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

If you have chosen the standard delivery, it can take up to two weeks. With express delivery, it can take several days.

How do I know if the payment for my order is successful or not? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

Once payment is successful, we would send an email to notify that your payment has been successful within one working day.

How do I know that my information is secure? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

We have gone to great lengths to ensure that shopping with us is completely safe. We use VeriSign SSL encryption which secures your private information from interlopers. Information exchanged with any web address beginning with “https” is encrypted using SSL technology before it’s sent over the Internet.

What if I want to check on the status of my order? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

To check the status or your order, you can go to Track Order and log in with your email address and password.

What if my order gets lost or doesn’t arrive on time? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Mentor Media immediately. We will be happy to resolve your issues within one working day.

How can we request for refund? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Mentor Media immediately. We will be happy to resolve your issues within one working day.

What if I want to return my order? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

Please ensure that the box is unopened and returned within 15 days upon the package receive. All shipping charges will be paid by the customer.
If you meet the criteria above, you need to write to CONTACT US, and send the package back to the following address:
Mentor Media Ltd
No. 1, Bukit Batok Street 22,
#07-01
Singapore 659592

What if I do not receive my package after I place my order? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

You can Contact Mentor Media and mentions that the order has not been received despite receiving a ship confirmation. We will investigate with the carrier and reship the package to you.

Why can it take a couple of weeks before I receive the upgrade kit I ordered? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

The kits are sent from abroad. This may therefore take a few more days than if they were sent from your country.

I have ordered my kit with express delivery more than 5 days ago but I did not received it yet. Back to Frequently Asked Questions

You can Contact Mentor Media and mention that the order has not been received despite receiving a shipping confirmation. We will investigate with the carrier and reship the package to you.

I would like to cancel my order. Back to Frequently Asked Questions

You can Contact Mentor Media or email sonywin8cso@mentormediacorp.com. Please allow 1 working day for our representative to get back to you.

My payment did not proceed as expected and I am concerned, what can I do? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

You can Contact Mentor Media or email sonywin8cso@mentormediacorp.com. Please allow 1 working day for our representative to get back to you.

What will be performed on my computer with the "Do it for me - pickup and return" option? Will my data be kept? Will all my previously installed software be reinstalled? What about my accounts and passwords? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

Sony will perform the upgrade to Windows 8 with your Certificate of Authencity and will install all the drivers and preinstalled applications. However, you need to perform a back up of your data as you data will be deleted during the upgrade process.

Is it normal that I have to alternate the VAIO disc and the Windows® 8 operating system disc? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is. Please follow the instructions contained in the Windows 8 upgrade Guide when upgrading to Windows 8.

During the upgrade, many messages appear. Is it normal? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

Refer to the Windows 8 upgrade guide.

Nothing happens for quite a while during the upgrade, is this normal? How long should I wait? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is normal. Please do not interrupt the upgrade process. The upgrade can take a few hours.

I am required to restart my computer during the update, is it normal? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is normal. For some changes to be applied, the computer sometimes needs to be restarted to continue the upgrade process.

After the upgrade, McAfee is not available any more. Back to Frequently Asked Questions

Refer to the Windows 8 upgrade guide.

I am required to manually uninstall VAIO care and VAIO update. Is it normal? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

Refer to the Windows 8 upgrade guide.

I am requested to update several times, is this normal? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is normal, for some changes to be correctly applied, it is necessary that when you are requested to, you accept to launch separate updates.

During the upgrade process, the computer shuts down and does not restart. Back to Frequently Asked Questions

This can happen. If this happens, do not worry, simply turn the computer on again and the upgrade process will resume.

Where can I find additional information and support regarding Windows 8? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

Please visit or contact microsoft for detailed information about Windows 8

Where can I get support from Sony? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

Please visit or contact Sony for detailed information about VAIO computers and applications.

Where can we write for general enquiries? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

Please visit or contact Sony for detailed information about VAIO computers and applications.

Please visit or contact microsoft for detailed information about Windows 8

I could not manage to download the upgrade files succesfully. Back to Frequently Asked Questions

Your internet connection may be unstable or have a weak signal, in this instance we recommended to attempt the download from another location or connection. A cable connection would reduce the possibility of radio interference that can occur while on a wireless network connection.
Alternatively, you can order the DVD online or choose our pick-up and return option. It is also advisable to use a cable connection instead of Wi-fi. If your connection is unstable, it is recommended to download from another location.

Where can I get more information about how to use Windows 8? Back to Frequently Asked Questions

Please visit the Microsoft website for detailed information about how to use Windows 8.