First, set the scene and then define the problem.

[lyapple]

New AR31S. Vista and AOL hate each other. Managed to get an internet connection for a day or two before they again decided on mutual aversion. Way forward? Talk to AOL. But first decided to uninstall AOL and then re-install to see if that worked. Now it gets difficult.

• Machine refuses to read it or any cd/dvd regardless of the fact it worked not long ago
• Cannot therefore try to install AOL
• As a consequence of no internet link cannot seek help from downloads. (Don’t get me started on not understanding routers, the other problems are probably stand alone)
• Sound has gone regardless again of the fact it worked not long ago
• Restore to earlier time doesn’t resolve
• Control panel check says no problem with cd/dvd or sound
• Did Vaio hardware diagnostic (found it by accident!) and was told errors detected that seemed to be usb. No detail or remedy seemed to be offered, no help there.

Although I have not – now could not – made/make back up recovery discs going attempt recovery. Or other (easy to follow please) suggestions.????

Apropos nothing probably, the machine has been virtually heat free all day.

[Dekesh]

there is a vista version of the aol software that is downloadable from the aol website, maybe this will allow AOL to be installed.

Maybe for the devices that are not working you can reinstall the drives from the support/downloads section of club vaio and see if that helps the situation

[lyapple]

Thanks Dekesh. Got AOL to send me the stuff on disc and that got me in for a while.

Can't do any downloading without an internet connection though.

[Dekesh]

no problem...perhaps you can get a mate to download them or download it at work and store it on a usb key of cd or something

[lyapple]

Have another machine I can connect with. Basic problem seems to be the new machine refuses to co-operate with just about everything.

[rich912]

Hi Pandora,

Although Device Manager is reporting no errors for the drive it may be worth uninstalling (Right click drive in Device Manager and select uninstall) and then re-boot to let windows reinstall the drivers. This has been known to solve the problem you are experiencing.

[Blencogo]

Hi Pandora,

Do you connect to AOL through a router, is it wireless, is it broadband? Is the router configured to sign into AOL automatically? I hope you are not using the old blue AOL USB modem - it is not Vista compatible. If your router is set up to log into AOL (which can be configured on your other PC), your New Vaio should connect almost by itself.

I must admit my Vista machine connected itself immediately when linked by a cable to the router and I downloaded the AOL Client Software - AOL VR (Vista Release)by going to
http://help.aol.co.uk/aol-90-vr-vista-ready/article/20070115104309990001
in IE and signing on with screenname and password. Actually I never use the client software except when managing my AOL Account - you need the client to do this.

I know it's not a lot of help but it all works fine for me!!

Are you sure there are no conflicts showing in Device Manager against the drive?
Start -> Control Panel -> Device Manager -> DVD/CD-ROM drives.

[lyapple]

Tried Rich - no joy. Still telling me it's working fine but when I try to use it tells me no disc and ejects the one in there.

[lyapple]

Blencogo, I'm trying to make it the main connection with BT voyager 190 and ethernet cable. I've got the disc with AOLVR and when I first tried with that it worked like a charm for a day or 2 then ziltch. Thought I'd try uninstalling which I did but can't reinstall as the disc drive isn't working.

All the device manager says is that its fine.


Will try recovery later and report back. Thanks guys.

[lyapple]

WHOOPEEE. Recovery worked, disc player and sound restored and aol connected. Speaking to you from the new machine!!!