VGN-SZ (Vista) - Revision history

Alexocc: Added more recoveries

2024-11-10T17:50:28Z

Added more recoveries

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:50, 10 November 2024
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	==Downloads==		==Downloads==

	[https://archive.org/details/sz-4-xmn-applications ~~Sony VAIO~~ VGN-SZ (~~Windows Vista~~) Recovery Discs]		[https://archive.org/details/sz-4-xmn-applications VGN-SZ (VGN-SZ4XMN) Recovery Discs]

			[https://archive.org/details/VAIO_VGN_SZ430N_Recovery VGN-SZ (VGN-SZ430N) Recovery Discs]

			[https://archive.org/details/SonyVaioPCG6S4MVistaPL VGN-SZ (Premium VGN-SZ6) Recovery Discs]

			[https://archive.org/details/sony-vaio-vgn-sz61vn-recovery-discs VGN-SZ (VGN-SZ61VN/WN) Recovery Discs]

			[https://archive.org/details/VAIOVGN-SZ645PRecovery VGN-SZ (VGN-SZ645P) Recovery Discs]

			[https://archive.org/details/sony-vaio-vgn-sz-71-wn-recovery-partition VGN-SZ (VGN-SZ7WN) Recovery Partition]

			'''NOTE: These will work on only the specified model''', for example, VGN-SZ4XMN recovery discs won't work on a VGN-SZ430N. Please see the Compatibility Problems section on the [[Recovery Discs]] page for more informations.

	Follow our [[Drivers Downloading Guides\|guides]] to download and install drivers.		Follow our [[Drivers Downloading Guides\|guides]] to download and install drivers.

StarX: /* Problems */

2024-02-05T20:03:09Z

Problems

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:03, 5 February 2024
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	* unable to boot into Linux (distros with proper GPU drivers)		* unable to boot into Linux (distros with proper GPU drivers)

	There is no real permanent solution to this problem. One temporary solution would be a reflow ~~(see our upcoming SZ~~ reflow ~~guide)~~, one more permanent but still temporary solution is a reball or chip replacement. However, all of these methods requires a precise hot air station, BGA No-Clean flux, and some experience (practicing on a junk board is a good start).		There is no real permanent solution to this problem. One temporary solution would be a [[GPU reflow guide\|reflow]], one more permanent but still temporary solution is a reball or chip replacement. However, all of these methods requires a precise hot air station, BGA No-Clean flux, and some experience (practicing on a junk board is a good start).

	==Daily Usage Today==		==Daily Usage Today==

StarX: /* Summary */

2023-12-12T23:02:01Z

Summary

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:02, 13 December 2023
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	Please see [[VGN-SZ (XP)\|VGN-SZ (XP)]] for more details about the original Windows XP SZ.		Please see [[VGN-SZ (XP)\|VGN-SZ (XP)]] for more details about the original Windows XP SZ.

	With the release of Windows Vista in 2007 Sony updated the VGN-SZ Series ~~to include the new Operating System on~~ their high-end ~~laptop range, which was known for its sleek~~ and ~~light design~~. Despite being compact, the SZ Series also delivered good performance when needed thanks to its Hybrid Graphics System, which allows the user to select between two graphics processors. Stamina being the Intel GMA integrated into the CPU, or Speed which is a discrete NVIDA GeForce 8400M GS GPU. Unfortunately, these GPUs are a major problem (see the Problems section below).		With the release of Windows Vista in 2007, Sony updated the VGN-SZ Series as well as others in their high end lineup to support the newly released Penryn CPUs and introduce the NVIDIA 8000 series of GPUs. Despite being compact, the SZ Series also delivered good performance when needed thanks to its Hybrid Graphics System, which allows the user to select between two graphics processors. Stamina being the Intel GMA integrated into the CPU, or Speed which is a discrete NVIDA GeForce 8400M GS GPU. Unfortunately, these GPUs are a major problem (see the Problems section below).

	The later versions of the SZ, from the SZ4 up to the SZ7, where delivered with Windows Vista Business, and despite the upgrade in operating system, the SZ continued to feature similar Core 2 Duo processors that their XP counterparts had, such as the T7200 or T7500. Only the last revision, the SZ7, was available with faster CPU, the T8100, which was offered as standard, and the T9300, being an optional upgrade. Thanks to this Hybrid Graphics System, battery usage was very efficient which played well with the VAIO VGN-SZ's business-orientated target audience.		The later versions of the SZ, from the SZ4 up to the SZ7, where delivered with Windows Vista Business, and despite the upgrade in operating system, the SZ continued to feature similar Core 2 Duo processors that their XP counterparts had, such as the T7200 or T7500. Only the last revision, the SZ7, was available with faster CPU, the T8100, which was offered as standard, and the T9300, being an optional upgrade. Thanks to this Hybrid Graphics System, battery usage was very efficient which played well with the VAIO VGN-SZ's business-orientated target audience.
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	* Regular SZs have magnesium bodies, weigh 1.93 kg (4.2 lbs). They come in a silver finish.		* Regular SZs have magnesium bodies, weigh 1.93 kg (4.2 lbs). They come in a silver finish.
	* Premium SZs have carbon-fiber bodies, weigh 1.79 kg (3.9 lbs). They come in a black finish that looks ~~absolutly~~ stunning, and the trackpad is now black as well. They use a different type of LCD screen and a LED backlight instead of CCFL, resulting in an ultrathin screen that looks better than the displays on Regular SZs. They also have a slightly different type of keyboard, but the difference is minor. Lastly, some of them come with an integrated EDGE antenna. The SZ7 Premium also comes with an upgraded Intel Core 2 Duo T9300, opposed to the standard SZ7's T8100. They costed around 800€ more than the Regular models.		* Premium SZs have carbon-fiber bodies, weigh 1.79 kg (3.9 lbs). They come in a black finish that looks absolutely stunning, and the trackpad is now black as well. They use a different type of LCD screen and a LED backlight instead of CCFL, resulting in an ultrathin screen that looks better than the displays on Regular SZs. They also have a slightly different type of keyboard, but the difference is minor. Lastly, some of them come with an integrated EDGE antenna. The SZ7 Premium also comes with an upgraded Intel Core 2 Duo T9300, opposed to the standard SZ7's T8100. They costed around 800€ more than the Regular models.

	==Detailed Specs==		==Detailed Specs==
	'''Processor:''' Intel Core 2 Duo T5600 (SZ4) / T7200 (SZ4&SZ5) / T7500 (SZ6) / T8100 (SZ7) / T9300 (SZ7)		'''Processor:''' Intel Core 2 Duo T5600 (SZ4) / T7200 (SZ4&SZ5) / T7500 (SZ6) / T8100 (SZ7) / T9300 (SZ7 Premium)

	'''Graphics:''' NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS 256MB / Intel GMA X3100 ~~(GMA 950 on SZ5, 945 on SZ4)~~		'''Graphics:''' NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS 256MB / Intel GMA X3100

	'''Display:''' 13.3" 16:10 1280x800 (CCFL in entry-level, LED in premium models)		'''Display:''' 13.3" 16:10 1280x800 (CCFL in entry-level, LED in premium models)

	'''RAM:''' DDR2 (~~4GB~~ max)		'''RAM:''' DDR2 (8GB max)

	'''Storage:''' 2.5" SATA		'''Storage:''' 2.5" SATA
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	== Problems ==		== Problems ==
	The Vista SZs all have a very unfortunate problem. They contain a NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS GPU. The XP SZs do not have this problem, as they have a NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400. The NVIDIA 8 series of GPUs are known for their 100% failure rate because of a manufacturing problem from NVIDIA, and the SZ is not an exception to that. All NVIDIA 8 series chips on every single Vista SZ is affected by this problem. Then you might say, why not just use the IGP (Stamina)? After the GPU completely failed, this is in most cases impossible, and it will result in a black screen when you turn on the device.		The Vista SZs all have a very unfortunate problem. They contain a NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS GPU. The XP SZs do not have this problem, as they have a NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400. The NVIDIA 8 series of GPUs are known for their 100% failure rate because of a manufacturing problem from NVIDIA, and the SZ is not an exception to that. All NVIDIA 8 series chips on every single Vista SZ is affected by this problem. Then you might say, why not just use the IGP (Stamina)? After the GPU completely failed, this is in most cases impossible, as the laptop requires the GPU to boot, and it will result in a black screen when you turn on the device.

	'''Symptoms of this problem are:'''		'''Symptoms of this problem are:'''
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	[https://archive.org/details/sz-4-xmn-applications Sony VAIO VGN-SZ (Windows Vista) Recovery Discs]		[https://archive.org/details/sz-4-xmn-applications Sony VAIO VGN-SZ (Windows Vista) Recovery Discs]

	~~It is unknown if these discs are compatible with [[Sony VAIO Recovery Patcher (SVRP)\|SVRP]].~~

	Follow our [[Drivers Downloading Guides\|guides]] to download and install drivers.		Follow our [[Drivers Downloading Guides\|guides]] to download and install drivers.
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	[https://www.notebookcheck.com/ NotebookCheck] and [https://www.sony.com/en/ Sony]		[https://www.notebookcheck.com/ NotebookCheck] and [https://www.sony.com/en/ Sony]

	Pictures : [https://xdevice.blogspot.com/2009/06/sony-vaio-sz-series.html xdevice.blogspot]		Pictures: [https://xdevice.blogspot.com/2009/06/sony-vaio-sz-series.html xdevice.blogspot]

StarX: /* Detailed Specs */

2023-12-07T21:22:43Z

Detailed Specs

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:22, 7 December 2023
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	'''Graphics:''' NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS 256MB / Intel GMA X3100 (GMA 950 on SZ5, 945 on SZ4)		'''Graphics:''' NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS 256MB / Intel GMA X3100 (GMA 950 on SZ5, 945 on SZ4)

	'''Display:''' 13.3" 16:10 1280x800		'''Display:''' 13.3" 16:10 1280x800 (CCFL in entry-level, LED in premium models)

	'''RAM:''' DDR2 (4GB max)		'''RAM:''' DDR2 (4GB max)
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	'''Weight:''' 1.8kg - 1.9kg		'''Weight:''' 1.8kg - 1.9kg

	'''Release year:''' 2007, ~~20008~~		'''Release year:''' 2007, 2008

	'''2007 MSRP:''' 1400 - 2500€		'''2007 MSRP:''' 1400 - 2500€

Laki2 at 13:05, 6 August 2023

2023-08-06T13:05:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:05, 6 August 2023
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	Please see [[VGN-SZ (XP)\|VGN-SZ (XP)]] for more details about the original Windows XP SZ.		Please see [[VGN-SZ (XP)\|VGN-SZ (XP)]] for more details about the original Windows XP SZ.

	With the release of Windows Vista in 2007 Sony updated the VGN-SZ Series to include the new Operating System on their high-end laptop range, which was known for its sleek and light design. Despite being compact, the SZ Series also delivered good performance when needed thanks to its Hybrid Graphics System, which allows the user to select between two graphics processors. Stamina being the Intel GMA integrated into the CPU, or Speed which is a discrete NVIDA GeForce 8400M GS GPU. ~~Unfourtunatly~~, these GPUs are a major problem (see the Problems section below).		With the release of Windows Vista in 2007 Sony updated the VGN-SZ Series to include the new Operating System on their high-end laptop range, which was known for its sleek and light design. Despite being compact, the SZ Series also delivered good performance when needed thanks to its Hybrid Graphics System, which allows the user to select between two graphics processors. Stamina being the Intel GMA integrated into the CPU, or Speed which is a discrete NVIDA GeForce 8400M GS GPU. Unfortunately, these GPUs are a major problem (see the Problems section below).

	The later versions of the SZ, from the SZ4 up to the SZ7, where delivered with Windows Vista Business, and despite the upgrade in operating system, the SZ continued to feature similar Core 2 Duo processors that their XP counterparts had, such as the T7200 or T7500. Only the last revision, the SZ7, was available with faster CPU, the T8100, which was offered as standard, and the T9300, being an optional upgrade. Thanks to this Hybrid Graphics System, battery usage was very efficient which played well with the VAIO VGN-SZ's business-orientated target audience.		The later versions of the SZ, from the SZ4 up to the SZ7, where delivered with Windows Vista Business, and despite the upgrade in operating system, the SZ continued to feature similar Core 2 Duo processors that their XP counterparts had, such as the T7200 or T7500. Only the last revision, the SZ7, was available with faster CPU, the T8100, which was offered as standard, and the T9300, being an optional upgrade. Thanks to this Hybrid Graphics System, battery usage was very efficient which played well with the VAIO VGN-SZ's business-orientated target audience.
Line 35:		Line 35:

	== Problems ==		== Problems ==
	The Vista SZs all have a very ~~unfourtunate~~ problem. They contain a NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS GPU. The XP SZs do not have this problem, as they have a NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400. The NVIDIA 8 series of GPUs are known for their 100% failure rate because of a manufacturing problem from NVIDIA, and the SZ is not an exception to that. All NVIDIA 8 series chips on every single Vista SZ is affected by this problem. Then you might say, why not just use the IGP (Stamina)? After the GPU ~~completly~~ failed, this is in most cases impossible, and it will result in a black screen when you turn on the device.		The Vista SZs all have a very unfortunate problem. They contain a NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS GPU. The XP SZs do not have this problem, as they have a NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400. The NVIDIA 8 series of GPUs are known for their 100% failure rate because of a manufacturing problem from NVIDIA, and the SZ is not an exception to that. All NVIDIA 8 series chips on every single Vista SZ is affected by this problem. Then you might say, why not just use the IGP (Stamina)? After the GPU completely failed, this is in most cases impossible, and it will result in a black screen when you turn on the device.

	'''Symptoms of this problem are:'''		'''Symptoms of this problem are:'''

Maxi: /* Differences between Regluar and Premium versions */

2023-07-28T19:38:09Z

Differences between Regluar and Premium versions

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:38, 28 July 2023
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	With features such as WWAN, fingerprint sensor, powerful hardware, and a light and compact casing, it's no wonder that the VGN-SZ Series was a successful lineup. Also, the SZ was featured in James Bond: Casino Royale, in which Bond uses the SZ to resign from the service.		With features such as WWAN, fingerprint sensor, powerful hardware, and a light and compact casing, it's no wonder that the VGN-SZ Series was a successful lineup. Also, the SZ was featured in James Bond: Casino Royale, in which Bond uses the SZ to resign from the service.

	== Differences between ~~Regluar~~ and Premium versions ==		== Differences between Regular and Premium versions ==

	* Regular SZs have magnesium bodies, weigh 1.93 kg (4.2 lbs). They come in a silver finish.		* Regular SZs have magnesium bodies, weigh 1.93 kg (4.2 lbs). They come in a silver finish.

Romanio0089 at 10:26, 7 December 2022

2022-12-07T10:26:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:26, 7 December 2022
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	[https://archive.org/details/sz-4-xmn-applications Sony VAIO VGN-SZ (Windows Vista) Recovery Discs]		[https://archive.org/details/sz-4-xmn-applications Sony VAIO VGN-SZ (Windows Vista) Recovery Discs]

	~~You can bypass the model checks of~~ these discs ~~by using~~ [[Sony VAIO Recovery Patcher (SVRP)\|SVRP]].		It is unknown if these discs are compatible with [[Sony VAIO Recovery Patcher (SVRP)\|SVRP]].

	Follow our [[Drivers Downloading Guides\|guides]] to download and install drivers.		Follow our [[Drivers Downloading Guides\|guides]] to download and install drivers.

Romanio0089 at 10:24, 7 December 2022

2022-12-07T10:24:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:24, 7 December 2022
Line 15:		Line 15:
	* Premium SZs have carbon-fiber bodies, weigh 1.79 kg (3.9 lbs). They come in a black finish that looks absolutly stunning, and the trackpad is now black as well. They use a different type of LCD screen and a LED backlight instead of CCFL, resulting in an ultrathin screen that looks better than the displays on Regular SZs. They also have a slightly different type of keyboard, but the difference is minor. Lastly, some of them come with an integrated EDGE antenna. The SZ7 Premium also comes with an upgraded Intel Core 2 Duo T9300, opposed to the standard SZ7's T8100. They costed around 800€ more than the Regular models.		* Premium SZs have carbon-fiber bodies, weigh 1.79 kg (3.9 lbs). They come in a black finish that looks absolutly stunning, and the trackpad is now black as well. They use a different type of LCD screen and a LED backlight instead of CCFL, resulting in an ultrathin screen that looks better than the displays on Regular SZs. They also have a slightly different type of keyboard, but the difference is minor. Lastly, some of them come with an integrated EDGE antenna. The SZ7 Premium also comes with an upgraded Intel Core 2 Duo T9300, opposed to the standard SZ7's T8100. They costed around 800€ more than the Regular models.

	==Detailed ~~SZ4 to SZ6~~ Specs==		==Detailed Specs==
	Processor : Intel Core 2 Duo T5600 (SZ4) / T7200 (SZ4&SZ5) / T7500 (SZ6)		'''Processor:''' Intel Core 2 Duo T5600 (SZ4) / T7200 (SZ4&SZ5) / T7500 (SZ6) / T8100 (SZ7) / T9300 (SZ7)

	Graphics : NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS 256MB / Intel GMA X3100 (GMA 950 on SZ5, 945 on SZ4)		'''Graphics:''' NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS 256MB / Intel GMA X3100 (GMA 950 on SZ5, 945 on SZ4)

	Display : 13.3" 16:10 1280x800		'''Display:''' 13.3" 16:10 1280x800

	RAM : ~~2GB~~ DDR2 (4GB max)		'''RAM:''' DDR2 (4GB max)

	Storage : 2.5" SATA		'''Storage:''' 2.5" SATA

	OS: Windows Vista Business 32-Bit		'''OS:''' Windows Vista Business 32-Bit

	Weight : 1.8kg		'''Weight:''' 1.8kg - 1.9kg

	Release year : 2007		'''Release year:''' 2007, 20008

	2007 MSRP : ~~2299€~~		'''2007 MSRP:''' 1400 - 2500€

	~~==Detailed SZ7 Specs==~~
	~~Processor : Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 / T9300~~

	~~Graphics : NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS 256MB / Intel GMA X3100~~

	~~Display : 13.3" 16:10 1280x800~~

	~~RAM : 4GB DDR2 (4GB max)~~

	~~Storage : 2.5" SATA~~

	~~OS : Windows Vista Business 32-Bit~~

	~~Weight : 1.9kg~~

	~~Release year : 2008~~

	~~2008 MSRP : 1,400€~~ - ~~2,500€~~

	== Problems ==		== Problems ==
	The Vista SZs all have a very unfourtunate problem. They contain a NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS GPU. The XP SZs do not have this problem, as they have a NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400. The NVIDIA 8 series of GPUs are known for their 100% failure rate because of a manufacturing problem from NVIDIA, and the SZ is not an exception to that. All NVIDIA 8 series chips on every single Vista SZ is affected by this problem. Then you might say, why not just use the IGP (Stamina) ? After the GPU completly failed, this is in most cases impossible, and it will result in a black screen when you turn on the device.		The Vista SZs all have a very unfourtunate problem. They contain a NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS GPU. The XP SZs do not have this problem, as they have a NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400. The NVIDIA 8 series of GPUs are known for their 100% failure rate because of a manufacturing problem from NVIDIA, and the SZ is not an exception to that. All NVIDIA 8 series chips on every single Vista SZ is affected by this problem. Then you might say, why not just use the IGP (Stamina)? After the GPU completly failed, this is in most cases impossible, and it will result in a black screen when you turn on the device.

	Symptoms of this problem are :		'''Symptoms of this problem are:'''

	* black screen when turning on the device (device is not booting up, it has not passed the power-on self-test)		* black screen when turning on the device (device is not booting up, it has not passed the power-on self-test)
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	There is no real permanent solution to this problem. One temporary solution would be a reflow (see our upcoming SZ reflow guide), one more permanent but still temporary solution is a reball or chip replacement. However, all of these methods requires a precise hot air station, BGA No-Clean flux, and some experience (practicing on a junk board is a good start).		There is no real permanent solution to this problem. One temporary solution would be a reflow (see our upcoming SZ reflow guide), one more permanent but still temporary solution is a reball or chip replacement. However, all of these methods requires a precise hot air station, BGA No-Clean flux, and some experience (practicing on a junk board is a good start).

	==Daily ~~Use~~==		==Daily Usage Today==

	Even though the VGN-SZ Series is from 2006-08, it still offers a good web browsing and text editing experience, when complimented with a modern lightweight operating system such as Lubuntu or an older Version of Windows, like Vista or 7. A problem users will face with the latter is the possibility of a failing GPU due to insufficient cooling and manufacturing problems from NVIDIA. This can cause performance issues with Windows 7 and Vista, or cause artifacts or a black screen. Other than that, especially the later SZ6 and SZ7, they are perfectly adequate for web browsing and text editing.		Even though the VGN-SZ Series is from 2006-08, it still offers a good web browsing and text editing experience, when complimented with a modern lightweight operating system such as Lubuntu or an older Version of Windows, like Vista or 7. A problem users will face with the latter is the possibility of a failing GPU due to insufficient cooling and manufacturing problems from NVIDIA. This can cause performance issues with Windows 7 and Vista, or cause artifacts or a black screen. Other than that, especially the later SZ6 and SZ7, they are perfectly adequate for web browsing and text editing.
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	==Downloads==		==Downloads==

	~~Recovery Discs:~~		[https://archive.org/details/sz-4-xmn-applications Sony VAIO VGN-SZ (Windows Vista) Recovery Discs]

	~~NOTE: These will work on only the specified model, e.g. a SZ4XMN recovery wont work on a SZ4MN~~

	[https://archive.org/details/sz-4-xmn-applications VGN-~~SZ4XMN~~]

			You can bypass the model checks of these discs by using [[Sony VAIO Recovery Patcher (SVRP)\|SVRP]].

	Follow our [[Drivers Downloading Guides\|guides]] to download and install drivers~~. More Recovery discs are also avaliable, and will be downloadable very soon~~.		Follow our [[Drivers Downloading Guides\|guides]] to download and install drivers.

	==Sources==		==Sources==

Maxi: /* Downloads */

2022-05-10T19:40:54Z

Downloads

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:40, 10 May 2022
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	[https://archive.org/details/sz-4-xmn-applications VGN-SZ4XMN]		[https://archive.org/details/sz-4-xmn-applications VGN-SZ4XMN]

	Follow our [[Drivers Downloading Guides\|guides]] to download and install drivers.
			Follow our [[Drivers Downloading Guides\|guides]] to download and install drivers. More Recovery discs are also avaliable, and will be downloadable very soon.

	==Sources==		==Sources==

Maxi: /* Downloads */

2022-05-10T19:38:16Z

Downloads

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:38, 10 May 2022
Line 77:		Line 77:
	[https://archive.org/details/sz-4-xmn-applications VGN-SZ4XMN]		[https://archive.org/details/sz-4-xmn-applications VGN-SZ4XMN]

	Follow our [[Drivers Downloading Guides\|guides]] to download and install drivers~~. Recovery discs are also avaliable, and will be downloadable very soon~~.		Follow our [[Drivers Downloading Guides\|guides]] to download and install drivers.

	==Sources==		==Sources==