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Vaio Laptop PCG-FX405 upgrade

BrianLawrence
Visitor

Vaio Laptop PCG-FX405 upgrade

Hi there,
I have had a Vaio for a few years now and am (still) very happy with it. However, I would like to upgrade the hard drive (20gb currently) and RAM (256mb currently), if possible. Any idea about a) compatible parts and b) doability? I live in the UK. Any thoughts, greatly appreciated.

41 REPLIES 41
BrianLawrence
Visitor

Probably due to slight hangover (!) I misunderstood and used the Seagate floppy then the recovery CD. I have given myself a stern talking to. Can I wipe the drive and start over? Sorry Rich.

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rich912
Contributor

Try this procedure (from Sony tutorials):

Restore BIOS defaults:
Insert the recovery CD/DVD (if you have one) in the CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive.
Start or restart your VAIO.
When you see the Sony logo, press F2 repeatedly to enter the BIOS.
Once in the BIOS, insert the first recovery CD in the CD-ROM drive.
Press F9 to restore the default values (F5 on VAIO desktops).
When asked to confirm, press ENTER.
Press F10 to save the configuration and exit the BIOS.
When asked to confirm, press ENTER again.
The VAIO restarts and boots on the recovery CD (if applicable).

Remove all partitions from the hard disk drive:
Wait for the Recovery CD screen to appear.
Hold down the CTRL key and press C once.
If asked if you want to Terminate batch job, type Y.
At the promt type zero and press ENTER.
You are asked to confirm your choice - Type Y and press ENTER.
Type Y again to confirm that you are really sure and press ENTER.
All the partitions on your hard disk have been deleted.
Hold down the power button until your VAIO is completely shut down.
Then press once the power button to start your VAIO.

Start the recovery process:
The Sony logo should appear on the screen and the Recovery CD screen is displayed.
Press S to select Standard.
A message explains that the hard drive is not partitioned - Press a key to continue.
Your hard drive is being partitioned - When the process is finished, your VAIO reboots automatically.
When you get back the Recovery screen, press S to select Standard again.
Press Y for Yes to continue.
Finally press G for Go to start the recovery process.
During the recovery, you may be asked to insert the next recovery CD(s) and press a key, please do so.
When the procedure is finished, your VAIO reboots.
Follow the on-screen instructions to configure Windows according to your needs.

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BrianLawrence
Visitor

Hi Rich - when I got to this bit:

At the promt type zero and press ENTER.

I got 'bad command or file name'

:slight_frown:

BrianLawrence
Visitor

Hi Rich - when I got to this bit:

At the promt type zero and press ENTER.

I got 'bad command or file name'

:slight_frown:


Figured it our Rich zero not 0 (doh!)

Don't you just love dunks and laptops?

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rich912
Contributor

At the promt type zero and press ENTER.

What options are you presented with at this point?

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BrianLawrence
Visitor

Sorry Drunks (that can't type/spell) and laptops - appear to be rockin and rollin again!! You are a star Rich!

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rich912
Contributor

That's great news Brian, I hope that all continues smoothly!

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BrianLawrence
Visitor

About 40% 'cooked' now Rich......... if my head didn't ache so much I'd be cheering.:smileygrin:

My tips:
1) Don't upgrade a laptop without a functioning internet connection; and
2) Don't go out with Stella the night before.

Cheers mate!

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rich912
Contributor

My tips:  1) Don't upgrade a laptop without a functioning internet connection; and  2) Don't go out with Stella the night before.


ROFL, amen to that:smileylaugh:

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BrianLawrence
Visitor

Right - sorry to hog the forum (really). I am up and running now. The drive I took out is now in a caddy and I thought that all files on it would be accessible. They aren't.

As I don't want to open up the laptop and reconnect the old drive, copy files etc., can I boot from the drive in the caddy and copy files that way?


:thinking: