This is an update on the previous post How I Upgraded My Sony Laptop to Windows 7 Ultimate.

I am happy to report that Windows 7 is still running flawlessly.

I am also happy to report that Sony has changed its stance to "If your computer meets the system requirements to run the Windows® 7 operating system, your model should be able install and run Windows® 7." Sony still does not provide drivers or support for Windows® 7 for this model but this new stance is much better than "Don't upgrade, just go buy a new laptop if you want to run Windows 7."

As far as the drivers concerned, I have had two issues so far: Vaio update crashes anytime the customer starts. I just get a 'Close this program' notice. Second issue is that I was not able to get audio when I used the HDMI out. This is not something I do often but it would be nice to get it fixed. I have not had time to research solutions to these issues but as soon as I find new information, I'll post it here. It would be nice to hear from you if you know any way to solve these issues.

Well, there is one more thing: Running Windows XP on Windows 7!

I have another copy of Windows 7 installed on my desktop. I have downloaded and installed Windows Virtual PC and Windows XP mode. It is way cool to have your Virtual Windows XP PC running in its own window. Well, it is not possible to do that on Sony VGN-FZ180 because..., surprise surprise, Sony turned of the Intel Virtualization Technology and there is no way to turn it back on. According to Intel Processor ID Utility the CPU supports Virtualization Technology. There is no BIOS option to enable it though. Again, this is not a pressing concern at this time and I have not taking the time to find an updated BIOS or any other solution. If you know a way to enable it, please do so.

Aside from these issues, I can honestly say that Sony Vaio VGN-FZ180E is running much better and faster with windows 7.

It sure would be nice to get a new Sony Vaio Laptop with Windows 7 like the ones below, but sorry Sony, this laptop is still doing a great job and I wish you supported the Windows 7 upgrade.

Sony VAIO VPC-F137FX/B 16.4-Inch Laptop (Black) List Price: $1,399.99 Sale Price: $950.00 You save: $449.99 (32%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Description

Sony VAIO F Series: Entertainment and Gaming PC with Premium Performance Locked and loaded for all-out performance, the Sony VAIO F series laptop in black (model VPC-F137FX/B) is forged for gaming and built for quickness...

Features

• Accessories - Standard Capacity Lithium-ion Battery (5000mAh), AC Adapter, Power Cord; Software Bundle - Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit, Microsoft Office 2010 Starter (Purchase a Product Key to activate a full Microsoft Office 2010 suite), Norton Internet Security 2010 30-Day Trial Offer, 1-Year Limited Warranty
• Intel Core i7-740QM Quad-core 1.73GHz Processor with Turbo(R) Boost Technology up to 2.93GHz
• 6MB L3 Cache
• 6GB DDR3 1333MHz RAM (8GB max.)
• 500GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive

Sony VAIO TX670P W $55.00 Buy It Now for only: $65.00 Buy It Now | Bid now

New Sony VAIO F Series+i7 2720QM+1080P+8GB+640GB+Blu Ray Drive $1,499.00 Buy It Now for only: $1,499.00 Buy It Now

Sony VAIO S VPCSB190X 133 i5 2410M 4GB 500GB $299.99 Buy It Now for only: $799.99 Buy It Now | Bid now

Sony VAIO Z VPCZ21DGX B 131 i7 2620M 4GB 256GB SSD $2,500.00 Buy It Now for only: $2,500.00 Buy It Now

SONY VAIO LAPTOP W CAM 2GHZ 2GB 160GB HD WORKS $80.00 Buy It Now for only: $110.00 Buy It Now | Bid now

Sony VAIO VPCEG1BFX W 14 Notebook PC White $499.99 Buy It Now for only: $499.99 Buy It Now

Sony Vaio laptop $420.00 Buy It Now for only: $500.00 Buy It Now | Bid now

Sony VAIO VGN TZ298N X Laptop Notebook Ultrabook $400.00 Buy It Now for only: $500.00 Buy It Now | Bid now

Sony Vaio X VPCX115KX B 20GHz 128GB SSD 2 Batteries + Case $795.00 Buy It Now for only: $795.00 Buy It Now

Sony Vaio VGN TT190 64+64GB SSD Running RAID +250GB HDD HDMI 4GB DDR3 WebCam $1,844.00 Buy It Now for only: $2,494.00 Buy It Now | Bid now

Sony VAIO VPCSA35GX BI i5 240GHz 4GB DDR3 133 Notebook Laptop PC Computer $1,549.99 Buy It Now for only: $1,549.99 Buy It Now

Sony Vaio 121 laptop Widows XP w restore cds long range usb Wifi adapter $190.00 Buy It Now for only: $190.00 Buy It Now

Sony VAIO VPC EE23FX Laptop Notebook Parts Motherboard Dead Rest Fine $99.99 Buy It Now for only: $174.99 Buy It Now | Bid now

Sony VAIO VPCSA35GX SI i5 240GHz 4GB DDR3 133 Notebook Laptop PC Computer $1,549.99 Buy It Now for only: $1,549.99 Buy It Now

SONY VAIO Laptop PCG 7Z1L Upgraded Windows 7 Office 2010 USA Warranty $369.99 Buy It Now for only: $369.99 Buy It Now

Sony VAIO VGN CS215 Laptop Notebook $250.00 Buy It Now for only: $350.00 Buy It Now | Bid now

GREAT CONDITION Sony Vaio VGN NR220E Win 7 100GB HD 15GB RAM 16GHz Dual Core $250.00 Buy It Now for only: $350.00 Buy It Now | Bid now

Sony Vaio VPC F115FM i7 Nvidia330M Steam Dirt 3 controller GREAT CONDITION $659.99 Buy It Now for only: $659.99 Buy It Now

Sony Vaio E Series Laptop $410.00 Buy It Now for only: $460.00 Buy It Now | Bid now

SONY VGN TT17GN Blu Ray Full HD Vaio Laptop $1,022.36 Buy It Now for only: $1,183.95 Buy It Now | Bid now

Incoming search terms:

• vgn-fz180e windows 7
• vgn-fz180e drivers for windows 7
• can i run windows xp on my sony vpceh1afx laptop
• vpceh1afx fn brightness
• vpceg36fx/b drivers
• video driver vgn-fz180e windows 7
• VGN-FZ180E
• Vaio Windows Update Crash
• Update Vaio Windows XP
• sony VPCEH1AFX mousepad problems

After I upgraded to Windows 7, I noticed my Quick Launch Bar disappeared. I like my Quick Launch Bar and the easy access to my favorite programs/documents it provides.

Quick Launch Bar works a little differently on Windows 7 so before creating a folder and adding it on the Taskbar, make sure to read the following thread on Windows Seven Forums: Quick Launch - Enable or Disable

Just in case, I am posting the short version here:

1. Right click on a empty space on the taskbar and click on New Tool.

2. In the Folder line, type or copy:
%userprofile%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch

3. Click on the Select Folder button.

4. You now have a Quick Launch toolbar on the taskbar.
NOTE: Click on the arrow to see your Quick Launch shortcuts.

After you have your Quick Launch Bar, you can make changes to the way it is displayed.

Incoming search terms:

• windows 7 quick bar

Microsoft made Windows 7 RC available for download. You can get it here.

Way back when Windows Vista Beta became available, I did write a blog post titled "Vista Sucks". It was a huge hassle to install Windows Vista. Although it improved a lot with a lot of tinkering and Service Pack updates, Vista is not my favorite operating system. After I downloaded, burned on a DVD and installed on my trusty desktop computer in less than 40 minutes without a single error message and test-drove it a few hours, I do believe Microsoft Windows 7 deserves the "Windows 7 Rocks!" headline. It may still to early for the final judgment but so far I am impressed with Windows 7.