Techno Button Master

So one of my servers was rebooted and never came back up. It was stuck on the startup repair screen. I would rather it boot loop then never retry. So to disable the startup repair run this command.

bcdedit /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures

And to re-enable it

bcdedit /set {default} bootstatuspolicy displayallfailures

I was getting mega stutter and low fps in battlefield 3 beta, It was stopping me from playing at all. Best after loads of playing around, I ended up following this guide and it worked.

Clean it with Atiman Uninstaller v.6.0.0.msi. Download LINK

Run it with administrator privilege. Some antivirus software will give false alarm but it is just a false positive.

Then install Catalyst 11.9 + ( Catalyst 11.8 CAP5 http://www.overclock.net/ati-drivers…11-8-cap5.html only if you are crossfire).

Disable ULPS http://www.overclock.net/amd-ati/667…ling-ulps.html

During Catalyst install, if you get any error messages, ignore it and let it complete. Restart PC, then go to folder where the files extracted/unzipped to, find in CCC2 **.exe then perform repair.

 

After rebooting and finallay loading the drivers, Battlefield 3 worked perfectly!

Thanks!

Basically, I ended up in the pool and my phone was damaged (nothing showing up) So far I have it in “download mode” as I have no power button (fell off)

These are the steps to get it to power on at least (not complete)

1. Disassemble phone
2. clean all parts with some electronics cleaner (I actually used alcohol)
3. let dry
4. reassemble
5. I could get it to detect in ADB but then when I attempted to reboot it, it got stuck in download mode and then the power button broke.
6. to get past the no power button, press both volumes and insert barrery (download mode)
7. still trying more now…

I upgraded my PC and had to get a new watercooling unit to support the i7-2600k chip. I didn’t have a problem with the old one but it wont fit the new size CPU. I went for a good self contained unit and decided on the H80. The reviews were pretty good.

Installation was simple enough and happily the sound levels are MUCH lower than the old one. Its actually possible to leave on in the same room and not really notice it.

Anyway Here are some pics.

In the end it was well worth the cost. I can run at 4500mhz all tday long and not have a single issue. Temps normally float around 50-60c NOT BAD!

I recently bought the New Sony Z. I ended up getting the model without DVD/BD mainly because I really never use DVDs anymore and I dont even use blueray on a laptop.

So dropping blueray saves me around £500.00 on the total price, but I also lose SSD as an option.I did wonder why but as you will see there is a reason for this (DVD+SSD or NODVD+SATA)

My specs are:

• Description : Laptop VPC-Z12V
  Configurable Price : £1.500~
  Optical Drive : No DVD disc drive
  Hard drive : 320 GB Serial ATA (5400 rpm) (upgraded to SSD now)
  Wireless LAN : Wireless LAN + Bluetooth®
  Processor : Intel® CoreTM i7-620M, 2.66GHz
  Ports : 3 USB Ports
  Display : 33.3 cm LCD, 1920×1080, webcam
  Graphics : NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 330M 1GB
  Finishes : Black
  Memory : 8 GB 1066MHz DDR3
  Connectivity : Wireless WAN
  Security features : Security features

So a question is, why do all this? What do you really gain?

Ok, so you lose about 200GB of space, also you have to buy a SSD and then risk breaking your warranty, the benifits are huge but I will put it all here.

• Pros
  • Much faster HDD speed (think 200MB/s)
  • Quieter operation – no spinning up/down etc
  • Better battery – (?)
  • Shock Proof
• Cons
  • Expensive
  • Warranty issues
  • loss of storage space
  • lifetime

For me, I prefer a fast laptop why get i7 and 8gb ram and then use a 5400RPM hdd? I dont understand the logic here. Why not install a 7200RPM by default (sony?) so here is my rough guide to upgrading the HDD.

What you will need.

1. Small screwdriver
2. (128GB) SSD drive 2.5″ standard sata style
3. 1 hour of time
4. Balls to kill your warranty (not that I can tell how they can tell)

Firstly, Sorry for the image quality, I used a phone with no light.

• Disassembly& Reassembly
• Please note, there is nothing hard about this. Just go slow and double check what you are doing. Nothing really to say as its easy.
  • remove the battery and all removable parts (pcmcia blank etc)
  • unscrew the screws, I usually would bunch them based on where they came from, front middle back etc. What is good on this one is that the screws are only 2 lengths and they cannot cross, so no mixing up.
  • Remove the old HDD and install the SSD, reassemble and you are done.
  • Windows 7 U installed in 20 minutes. Really its so fast. Much better.
    

Here you can see the bottom of the laptop

gently pull apart the laptop, remember to unhock the keyboard cable inside gently (dont just pull it apart all the way)

Lift the keyboard off and you can see the internals. notice the SATA drive is in the DVD bay? there is still space for a small SSD front and center (next time, raid!)

Unscrew the bracket holding the HDD in. then just remove and unplug, remember do all this carefully as SONY connectors are weak sometimes. replace with the SSD and then put all back together

As you can see, installed nicely!

All good, now install windows

How is it? Installed windows in < 20 minutes.. nice ! (also around 200MB/s xfer!)

Sometimes it sucks to get files from 4shared (20kb/s!!), RS etc..

I decided to host any ROMS that I use here.. for faster access..

enjoy!

Villain 2.1

• Source: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=5438050&postcount=1
• MD5SUM 2a020dd5efe6571df2e5fa5704bb3c32
• Villain2.1.zip

Vanillain 1.0 (fast -htc stuff)

• Source: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=629959&postcount=1
• MD5SUM: cf5e88e50d8e4b59c3da75b5acf3983f
• Vanillain.zip

I had to install a cm1312nfi on windows 7 x64 as a test for network upgrades..

The normal CD drivers will not load all the software using the normal typical install proceedure, the setup will complain that it wont install as a RUN AS or Windows 7 is not Vista/XP

1. Open Computer
2. Look for HPzsetup
3. Right Click and Select Properties
4. Click Compatibitly
5. Choose windows vista SP2 & runas administrator
6. Click OK
7. done

Easy

***New update***

Why do Sony always prove to be the most anoying support service. Anyone who knows me knows that I always choose/recommend Sony Vaio, I love the look of the laptops and they are generally better (lighter etc) but when I have an issue they always try and avoid responsablity. It is so frustrating.

I have started to embark on a quest to find the truth, anyone use to work for sony support? let me know what the deal is..

I will update this with information and responses.. if they come.

UPDATE 1.)

Sony are messing with me and not responding to emails. the last one they sent me was asking me to clarify if they had my laptop? they dont even know this? I doubt it.

Sony Repair Management,

Please could you notify me of receipt of this email and the complaints procedure.

Details:

[Case ID #:xxx49]

Issue Number: xxxx600

Extended Warranty Code: xxxxxxx037

Complaint.

1.)    There is a incorrect diagnosis of the device in question and there should be an onsite repair as per the warranty details

1. There is only normal wear and tear on the device (scratches, scuffs)
2. The problem is internal in the monitor braces being loose and not providing support (as per my youtube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y08qQZFzp4Q)
3. Support staff should not be able to make a ruling based on their interpretation and with no explanation

2.)    The service level from technical support is poor and attitude of some staff is aggressive and presumptuous

1. The support staff are generally rude and seem to enforce a deny before allow mentality
2. I was not called back (except the first time) for this problem when promised
3. I was hung up on twice and no one called me back (thanks)

3.)    This problem has occurred on another of our SONY G11

1. s/n xxxxxx450/xxxxxxx63
2. EXT WARRANTY xxxxxx71
3. The support staff suggested that this is NOT ON RECORD, inferring that I am a liar
4. This has in fact happened before, contrary to that the support staff member stated “I have not heard of this before, no one here has”
5. The problem has resolved by replacing the monitor brackets using the onsite warranty

Generally:

This problem is obviously the same as the other G11 that had the same problem. This should be repaired under warranty and done onsite with no cost to our company. Support staff should not be able to rule based on their own experiences alone as this is going to cause inconsistencies for support requests (like this)

Other notes:

I know this is not an issue for your company as I am just a drop in the ocean, but I have purchased many Sony devices in the last 18-24 months and I feel strongly that this has impacted my preference towards your company. I have a strong feeling that this is going to cause me to change to another company, this is not a threat (as if I could with my low buying power) but just a fact.

Items I have paid for

1. G11*Monitor arms loose (under warranty)
   1. Broken screen repaired (paid 700£ thank you)

Please respond to this email addressing all the problems here in.

1. 1. G11*
      1. Monitor arm loose (make me pay £220)
   2. TZ11*
   3. TZ11*
   4. Z21
   5. Z21
   6. S Series*
      1. Keyboard malfunction (took a call to my account rep to get Sony to fix it, thanks again)

*Denotes purchased from Sony Directly

NB: I will be posting this and any responses (on Monday 28^th) on my website (www.buttonclicker.com) if this is allowed under the terms of the warranty. Please notify me if this is not allowed.

So sony replied with

Dear Mr xxxxg,

Thank you for contacting us.

I see that you have a unit in for repair, serial xxxxxx50-xxxxxx01. Is this the unit that you are refering to?
We look forward to your response.
Regards,

xxxxn
Sony Vaio-Link Team

So I am far less impressed now as compared with last week. We have spend thousands of dollars with Sony and this has pushed me into the ASUS realm.

Options

- Try to resolve with Sony directly
- Involve The Consumerist or another high profile site
- Legal avenue
- Government agency

***New update***

Got an email from sony today (2 days late)

Dear Mr xxxx,

Thank you for your reply.

As you have stated your VAIO has not been collected for repair as yet. Our repair center have been in contact with you and issued a quote for the repair of your unit. We have received your email however as there is damage to your VAIO we can only arrange for the unit to be picked up for an out of warranty repair. If you would like us to contact you over the phone to discuss this further please provide a two hour time frame between the hours of 8:00 to 18:00 GMT Monday to Friday.Alternatively you can call us on 08702402408 for In Warranty units and 09050310006 for Out of Warranty or NON-EU units.
Regards,

Hugh
Sony Vaio-Link Team

So I had enough and took it apart, and guess what. There was a screw loose inside the monitor bracket area, that screw must have been incorrectly installed when Sony replaced the screen a few months ago. So there was no damage and there was no wear, it was just sony sucking at being good.

Here are the images:

I actually like Sony, Alot of posts and comments are always bagging it, but if you can get one, I recommend it.

One thing I ALWAYS hated about Sony, is the lack of options in the BIOS, actually almost none. Then I discovered this Post. This will enable you to enable VT (which Sony disable citing some stupid reason) and typically me being the inquisitive type I wanted more.

I found another Post (Japanese) that had a similar option but with a new address. This will enable alot more options, I mean ALOT.

here is the run down.

*** BE AWARE ** THIS MIGHT DESTROY THE WORLD INCLUDING YOUR LAPTOP ***

This was only tested on my laptop, Sony Z21-mn and it works perfectly.

1.) Download EFI_BOOT
2.) Get a USB Thumb Drive
3.) Format USB Thumb Drive to FAT32
4.) Extract EFI_BOOT to the FAT32 Drive
5.) You should see this

6.) Restart Laptop with USB Drive attached
7.) Eventually you will see a GRUB screen
8.) At the GRUB screen type

***** USE ZERO “0″ not “o” (bad font) ******

setup_var (press enter)

type

setup_var 0x25a 0×1 (press enter)

Power Off

Power ON

Press F2

New BIOS OPTIONS AHOY!

It has been pretty hot these last few weeks in London (really..) and in my little room it gets even hotter.. So I decided to get some water cooling for my CPU. I don’t really need it but I wanted to try and over clock a little more and reduce the noise a bit, This is what I got and the installation.

- Domino A.L.C http://www.coolitsystems.com/index.php/domino-alc.html

The box is smartly packed and comes with

• 1x Complete sealed water-cooling (self contained)
• 1x Brackets for different CPUs
• Screws and bits

The installation is as follows. Attach rear bracket, Clean CPU from old thermal compound, Attach mounting screws and then tighten. Finally you need to install the FAN/Controller/Pump part. This means pulling the rubber mounts until they “pop” (you will know what I mean), The entire installation was easy enough and only took a few minutes ( I am installing an 850watt Antec next week so I will tidy up then).

The benefits were noticeable, Low temps even though I am running my 920 @ 4200mhz. On medium (auto) I will never go above 44 Degrees C. That’s MUCH better than before and I feel has covered the costs.

PROS

• Good cooling Compared to Intel Cooler
• Smart Control with LCD
• Easy Installation

CONS

• Not really that quiet (if you want low temps)
• Cant seem to expand to include Video/Main board cooling
• LCD requires a clean side case or no side case (me)