Support for installing a Windows Vista operating system on Sony VAIO computers varies based on the hardware configuration of the computer. Not all models are capable of supporting a Windows Vista operating system. Computers that meet the minimum supported system requirements will be able to run the core features of Windows Vista with the basic user experience.

• Windows Vista Versions and Sony Support Policy
• Minimum System Requirements
• Need help deciding if Windows Vista is for you?
• Installation Options for VAIO Computers
• Additional Information form Microsoft

Windows Vista Operating System Versions and Sony Support Policy

The Windows Vista operating system version suitable for your system and the resulting functionality will vary according to your system hardware and the availability of Windows Vista operating system drivers, utilities and application updates for your model.

Windows Vista Home Basic Windows Vista Home Premium Windows Vista Business Sony offers drivers and certain applications to provide basic functionality for qualified* VAIO computers Windows Vista Ultimate Sony offers drivers and certain applications to provide basic functionality for qualified* VAIO computers but does not support installation of this version.

^*Cost is associated with these options.

Minimum System Requirements   Windows Vista Windows Vista Premium Ready1 Processor 800 MHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor2 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) System memory 512 MB 1 GB Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) SVGA (800x600) DirectX 9 capable DirectX 9-class GPU that supports WDDM driver Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware. 32 bits per pixel Graphics memory   128 MB Hard Disk Drive (HDD) 20 GB 40 GB HDD free space 15 GB 15 GB Optical drive CD-ROM drive3 DVD-ROM drive3 Audio   Output capability Internet   Access capability 1Computers designated as Premium Ready offer a more robust Windows Vista experience, including the Windows Aero™ user experience. Features available in specific premium editions of Windows Vista, such as the ability to watch and record live TV, may require additional hardware. 2 Processor speed is specified as the nominal operational processor frequency for the device. Some processors have power management which allows the processor to run at a lower rate to save power. 3The drive may be external (not integral, not built into the system).

Need Help Deciding if Windows Vista is for You?

Use the Sony VAIO® Discovery Tool for the Windows Vista Operating System to help determine if your computer meets the requirements to install the Windows Vista operating system. If it does, this tool will also tell you which version of Windows Vista is supported for your VAIO computer, provide the Sony recommended installation steps for Windows Vista, as well as present you with the available Windows Vista compatible drivers, utilities and application updates for your system.

Installation Options for VAIO Computers

• Install the Windows Vista Operating System Yourself
  1. Purchase a copy of Windows Vista from Microsoft or a local retailer
  2. Follow one of the recommended methods below to Install Windows Vista
     •  Upgrade Method
       Upgrades the Windows XP operating system to the Windows Vista operating system, while preserving user data.
       • Pro: Data files are preserved.
       • Con: Some applications, drivers or utilities may not work installation and may require additional updates.
       • Recommended for VAIO® computers with a Windows Vista Capable or Windows Premium Ready logo
     •  Clean Install Method
       Provides an option to format the hard drive and installs the Windows Vista operating system. This option reduces potential compatibility issues with preexisting applications, and accommodates some of the hardware limitation such, as the HDD space limit required by the new operating system (e.g. Reconfigure a multiple partition hard drive to one partition to accommodate the 15GB HDD space requirement for the Windows Vista operating system.)
       • Pro: Reduction of potential compatibility issues with preexisting applications.
       • Con: Certain drivers may need to be installed before the system will be fully functional. Personal files will need to be backed up before performing the Clean Install process. Compatible applications will need to re-installed after Windows Vista has been installed.
       • Recommended for VAIO® computers with a Windows Vista Capable or Windows Premium Ready logo
       • Recommended for VAIO® computers running the Windows XP operating system
         Note: If you have an older VAIO computer, it must meet the minimum system hardware requirements.
         
  3. Install Windows Vista compatible drivers, utilities and applications
     • Order the Windows Vista Companion DVD from Sony^*
       • Available only for certain models, click the link above for a complete list of available models.
       • Upgrades applications, utilities and drivers
       • This kit does not include the Windows Vista operating system
     • Download Windows Vista compatible drivers for your model from Sony eSupport

Additional Information from Microsoft

• Windows Vista Operating System Product Information
  
• Windows Vista Tech Center