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.

PINK SONY VAIO LAPTOP CORE i3 3GB RAM 320GB HDD NIB US $660.00

Sony VAIO VPC EE21FX T Laptop Notebook Windows 7 NIB US $549.00

Sony VAIO VGN-NW240F/P 15.5-Inch Pink Laptop (Windows 7 Home Premium)

Sony, Personal Computers, $729.99

Sony VAIO VGN-AW350J/B 18.4-Inch Laptop - Black

Sony, Personal Computers, $1,599.99

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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.

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.