Windows® 8 Upgrade Instructions for VAIO® PCs

Version 2.0

October 26, 2012

Hello VAIO® PC Users!

We are pleased to provide you with these Upgrade instructions for the Windows® 8 operating system. Please read and follow these instructions carefully, to start enjoying Windows 8 on your VAIO PC.

• Things to know before you upgrade:
  • Click here for the list of applications that may not function as usual or will be removed upon installation of Windows 8.
  • To enable video playback of your Blu-ray/DVD player under Windows 8, you will need to update your Blu-ray/DVD driver and software. There are a variety of free and fee-based options you can choose from which are available for download.
• Perform the upgrade:
  • Step 1 - Prepare your PC before installing Windows 8
  • Step 2 - Get a copy of Windows 8 from Microsoft or a local retailer
  • Step 3 - Install the Windows 8 Operating System
  • Step 4 - Install drivers, applications and utilities on your PC after installing Windows 8

Step 1 - Prepare your PC before Installing Windows 8

1. Make sure your VAIO PC is supported for Windows 8 and get drivers. If you have not already done so, go to our Upgrade Your PC page and enter your model number.
   
   1. United States : www.sony.com/us/windows8
   2. Brazil : www.sony.com/br/windows8
   3. Canada : www.sony.com/ca/windows8
   4. Latin America : www.sony.com/la/windows8
   
   The system will check your model and tell you whether or not it is supported for Windows 8 and, if it is supported, present you with options to get Windows 8 drivers, applications and utilities.
   
   IMPORTANT:
   • If you download your files, make sure you copy them onto external media, such as a USB Flash drive or CD/DVD discs, for use during the installation process.
   • • Need external media? Shop Sony Store for USB Flash Drives or CD/DVD Discs
   • The Windows 8 drivers presented on your Upgrade My PC results page are the same ones listed on the Drivers & Software page for your model.
2. Visit the Microsoft Compatibility Center to find out if your installed applications and devices are compatible with Windows 8
   
   1. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/compatibility/en-US/CompatCenter/Home
   2. Any incompatible items should be uninstalled BEFORE performing the Upgrade or Clean Install process.
3. Remove any third party devices from your PC
4. Make sure your PC is plugged into a working power outlet. Do not use battery power while performing this process.
5. Create Recovery Media (Strongly Recommended)
6. 1. Recovery media is part of the recommended process to perform the Upgrade/Clean Install
   2. Recovery media also enables you to return your PC back to the original OS if necessary.
   3. 1. Create recovery media
      2. Purchase recovery media
7. Perform a backup of your data (Strongly Recommended)
8. 1. This enables you to recover your personal data in case of loss
   2. How to perform a backup
9. Make sure you have the Product Keys for any of your software that requires one for installation (example: Norton Anti-Virus, Kaspersky, Microsoft Office)
10. Perform a System Recovery (Strongly Recommended)
    Performing a recovery of your PC reduces the possibility of issues occurring with the Windows 8 installation, and also ensures the recovery media works properly in case you need it later.
11. Uninstall certain application and drivers.

    If you did not purchase the VAIO Upgrade Tool, you need to manually uninstall these files.

    1. Click the "Start button".
    2. Click "Control Panel".
    3. Under "Programs," click "Uninstall a program."
    4. Select the program to be uninstalled, and then click "Uninstall."
    5. Repeat the process until all programs in this list are uninstalled.
       • ArcSoft Magic-i
       • Media Gallery
       • Synaptics Touchpad Driver (does not apply for all models)
       • VAIO Care
       • VAIO Control Center
       • VAIO Creation
       • VAIO Media Plus (does not apply for all models)
       • VAIO Power Management
       • VAIO Smart Network
       • VAIO Update
    
    
    

    If you did purchase the VAIO Upgrade Tool, you can use the tool to uninstall these files.

    1. Insert the USB Companion Media.
    2. The AutoPlay menu will appear. Select "autorun.exe."
    3. Select Yes on the User Account Control Window.
    4. At the main menu, select "Start Upgrade."
    5. Select "I Agree" to accept the End User License Agreement.
    6. The VAIO Upgrade Tool will start to remove the following applications and drivers from the PC.
    7. • ArcSoft Magic-i
       • Atheros Bluetooth Driver (does not apply for all models)
       • Media Gallery
       • SATA driver (if applicable)
       • Synaptics Touchpad Driver (does not apply for all models)
       • USB 3.0 (if applicable)
       • VAIO Care
       • VAIO Control Center
       • VAIO Creation
       • VAIO Media Plus (does not apply for all models)
       • VAIO Power Management
       • VAIO Smart Network
       • VAIO Update
    
    
    

Step 2 - Get a copy of the Windows 8 OS from Microsoft or a local retailer

Step 3 - Install the Windows 8 Operating System

1. Plug your PC into a working power outlet.
2. Make sure any third party devices are removed from the PC.
3. Turn on your VAIO PC and let the Windows desktop to load.
4. Insert your Windows 8 disc into the DVD drive of your VAIO PC.
5. When prompted, enter the Windows 8 Product Key and click "Next."
6. 1. Please contact Microsoft if you are unable to locate your product key.
7. Read the License terms. Select "I accept the license terms" and click "Accept," if you agree.
8. Select one of the following options from the "Choose what to keep" menu, and click "Next"
   
   Note: Installation options may vary by PC configuration.
9. 1. (UPGRADE OPTION 1) "Keep Windows settings, personal files, and apps" (Strongly Recommended)
      1. Windows Settings: Settings like Ease of Access, your desktop background, or Internet favorites and history will be kept, but not all settings will be moved.
      2. Personal files: Anything saved in the User folder is considered a personal file like the Documents and Desktop folders.
   2. (UPGRADE OPTION 2) "Keep personal files only"
      1. Personal files: Anything saved in the User folder is considered a personal file like the Documents and Desktop folders.
   3. (CLEAN INSTALL) "Nothing"
      1. Nothing: Delete everything and replace your current version with a copy of Windows 8. Your personal files will be moved to a "windows.old" folder.
10. If you selected 7 a. (UPGRADE OPTION 1) above, continue with 8a.- 8f. below. Otherwise, skip to 9).
11. 1. Windows 8 Setup will check for any incompatible software.
    2. You may be prompted to uninstall any software that is not compatible with Windows 8.
    3. 1. Make sure that you have the software Product Key, if it requires one, before selecting "Uninstall."
    4. You may be required to restart the PC after uninstalling certain software. Select "Restart" if this prompt appears.
    5. The "Ready to install Windows 8?" menu will appear after you restart the PC. Select "Continue from where I left off" and then select "Next."
    6. Select "Yes" if the User Account Control menu appears. Otherwise skip to the 8.f.
    7. The "Checking for what needs your attention" menu may appear again. Continue the above process (8a. - 8f.) as necessary until incompatible software is no longer detected.
12. Select "Install" at the "Ready to install" menu.
    1. Note: The PC may restart several times during the installation process.
13. The "Personalize" menu will appear after the installation of Windows 8 has been completed. Select your preferred color and then click "Next."
14. The Wireless menu will appear. Select your wireless network. Each network shows signal strengths and a warning shield is shown for unencrypted networks
    1. Select an available network. You can choose to connect automatically in the future which is the default option selected.
    2. If the network you selected uses encryption, the next step is to enter the password.
    3. Click Connect to make the connection.
15. Select either "Use express settings" or "Customize" at the Settings menu.
16. 1. Select "Express Settings" to allow Windows to select the recommended settings.
    2. Select "Customize" to customize your preferred Windows settings.
    3. 1. If you chose the customize option, the first thing you will be asked is whether or not you would like to share resources on the network.
          • Yes, turn on sharing and connected devices for networks in public places.
          • No, don't turn on sharing or connect to devices for networks in public places.
       2. Select the various options related to automatically installing Windows and drivers updates, as well as option related to the SmartScreen© filter. Select the desire options and then select next.
       3. The next settings page shows options related to providing usage and other related information to Microsoft for product improvement. Select the desire options and then select next.
       4. The next setting pages shows option related to Microsoft services to fix problems and lets you configure what information that you want to share with your apps.
17. The "Sign in to your PC" menu will appear.
    1. You will be prompted to provide an email address for signing on to Windows. The default option for creating an account in Windows 8 is to use a connected account, which uses your Microsoft account and password to sign on to Windows.
       1. Note : If you do not have a Microsoft account:
          1. Select "Sign up for a Microsoft account" if you do not have an account.
          2. Input the require information.
          3. Select "Next."
          4. Skip to Step 15.
18. Input your Microsoft Account and select "Next."
19. Input your password and Select "Next."
20. Input the security verification information for the Microsoft Account
    1. This information can be used to verify ownership of a Microsoft Account for account recovery or other support scenarios
    2. Note : If you create a new Microsoft account then you will see the following screen:
       1. Finish up Menu
          1. Input your Birth date, Gender, security code
          2. Select "Next."
21. Select to sign in to your PC using a "Microsoft account" or "Local account."
    1. Local Account
       1. Select "Local account."
       2. Input your desire User Name, password and password hint.
       3. Select Finish.
    2. Microsoft Account
       1. Select "Microsoft account."
22. You will now be sent to the Start Menu.

Installation of the Windows 8 operating system is now complete, but you still need to install drivers.

Step 4 - Install drivers, applications and utilities on your PC after installing Windows 8

Drivers enable and optimize the hardware on your VAIO PC to work with Windows 8. How to install these drivers depends on how you got them.

If you purchased the VAIO Upgrade Tool on USB Media:

1. Plug the VAIO Upgrade Tool USB Flash Drive into a USB 2.0 standard black port on your PC.
   • Some PCs are equipped with a USB 3.0 blue port as well. Do not plug your USB flash drive into a USB 3.0 blue port.
   • Not all PCs qualified for the VAIO Upgrade Tool USB Media option.
2. Select Open folder to view files when the AutoPlay window appears. Files and folders on the VAIO upgrade tool for Windows 8 drive appears on the Windows Internet Explorer® window.
3. If you are using a USB flash drive, double-click autorun.exe.
4. At the User Account Control window, select Yes.
5. At the main menu, select Start upgrade.
6. Please read the on-screen instructions. Select Continue to start the installation.
7. The VAIO upgrade tool for Windows 8 will start downloading required drivers and apps for your model.
8. Depending on your model, the BIOS and/or ME FW Update are installed. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the BIOS or ME FW Update. a. If you are prompted to turn off your computer, select Shut down now. After the computer turns off, press the power button to turn on the computer again.
9. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete installation of your drivers, applications, and utilities.

OR

If you downloaded the free version of the VAIO Upgrade Tool:

1. Go to the directory on your PC where you downloaded the file, and double-click VAIOupgradetool.exe.
2. At the main menu, select Start upgrade.
3. Read the on-screen instructions, and then select Continue to start the installation.
4. The VAIO upgrade tool for Windows 8 will download and install required drivers and apps for your model.
5. Depending on your model, a BIOS and/or ME (Management Engine) Firmware Update are installed. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the BIOS or ME Firmware Update. If you are prompted to turn off your computer, select Shut down now. After the computer turns off, press the power button to turn on the computer again.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete installation of your drivers, applications, and utilities.

Notes:

• Some third-party (non-Sony) software may not download and install after the upgrade. Please visit the third-party vendor web site for further information and updates related to Windows 8 for that software.
• Depending on your model, you may need to manually update the Intel Wireless Display Driver.
  • On your PC, navigate to C:\Upgrade\Driver\IntelWiDi. If there is not a folder named IntelWiDi, you do not need to update the driver.
  • Double-click the "Setup" file located in the folder and then follow the on-screen instructions.
  • When the User Account Control window appears, select Yes to continue.
  • When you are prompted to restart your computer, follow the on-screen instructions.

OR

If you manually downloaded the files individually:

1. On your PC, insert the USB flash drive, or CD/DVD media that contains the files you downloaded.
2. Install the files listed below. Not all files apply for all models. Installation order does not matter unless noted otherwise below.

Notes:

• Follow the installation instructions provided on our web site for each file.
• If a file marked (if applicable) above is not listed on our web site for your model, you do not need it.
• If you need to re-download a Windows 8 file for any reason, you can download it from the Drivers & Software page for your model.