Article ID : 00011914 / Last Modified : 11/01/2024Print

How to install drivers after upgrading to the Windows 7 operating system.

    If you upgraded your VAIO® computer to the Windows® 7 operating system, check the Sony® eSupport website for Windows 7 driver updates. Downloads are posted on your model support page.

    If Windows 7 drivers are not available on the eSupport website, use the following procedure to search for compatible drivers:

    IMPORTANT: You must have an active Internet connection to complete this procedure.

    1. Click the Start button and then click Control Panel.
    2. In the Control Panel window, click System and Security.
    3. In the System and Security window, under System, click Device Manager.Image
    4. In the Device Manager window, click to select the device for which you would like to find drivers.
    5. On the menu bar, click the Update Driver Software button.Image

      NOTE: The Update Driver Software button will only be available if a hardware device has been highlighted. If you do not see the Update Driver Software button then make sure a hardware device has indeed been selected.

    6. In the Update Driver Software window, click Search automatically for updated driver software.
    7. Follow the on-screen instructions.
    8. Restart the computer.

    If Windows 7 drivers were not found using the procedure above and you upgraded to the Windows 7 operating system from the pre-installed Windows Vista operating system, follow the procedure below:

    NOTE: Drivers may not be available for all devices using this procedure.

    1. Follow steps 1-3 from above to open Device Manager.
    2. In the Device Manager window, click to select the device for which you would like to install drivers.
    3. On the menu bar, click the Update Driver Software button.Image
    4. In the Update Driver Software window, click Browse my computer for driver software.
    5. Under Search for driver software in this location, click the Browse... button.
    6. In the Browse For Folder window, navigate to the C:\Windows\Drivers\EXE folder.

      NOTE: If this folder does not exist try looking for the C:\Windows.old\Drivers\EXE folder which is the location if you chose the clean install option when upgrading.

    7. In the EXE folder, click to select the folder that is appropriate for the device.
    8. Click the OK button.
    9. In the Update Driver Software window, verify Include subfolders is checked and then click the Next button.
    10. Follow the on-screen instructions.
    11. Restart the computer.