Difference between Windows® XP Home Edition and Professional Edition

Windows® XP Home Edition has the network function suitable for small office networks or home use.

Windows® XP Professional Edition provides enhanced network and security protection functions for users to connect their computers to large- scale networks.

Users are encouraged to study if it is necessary to upgrade from the Home Edition to Professional Edition through references on information sites, magazine articles and Microsoft’s home page.

Microsoft's References

For VAIO pre-installed with Windows ® XP Home, Sony does not provide support for upgrade to Windows ® XP Professional. Please contact Microsoft ® for the necessary information.

1. http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/

2. http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/evaluation/overviews/default.asp

Upgrading from Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition to Professional Edition

When upgrading to Windows® XP, please be sure to visit the following page and execute the upgrade list accordingly.

Title: You May Lose Data or Program Settings After Reinstalling, Repairing, or Upgrading Windows® XP.

URL: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q312369

If upgrade procedures are not properly carried out, data may be damaged or erased.

Overall precautions when performing an upgrade on the VAIO computer:

1. The icon of the Memory Stick drive in My Computer may be changed. But it will function as normal without any negative impact.

2. Upon successful completion of the upgrade to the Professional Edition, it is recommended to install Service Pack 1 to enhance security and eliminate various bugs.

To obtain the required Service Pack, please visit the following site.

Title: How to Obtain the Latest Windows ® XP Service Pack

URL: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q322389

Steps to note after upgrading:

Scenario 1

Applicable models: PCG-FX990, PCG-FX990L, PCG-R505AFT, PCG-R505AGT, PCG-R505MFL, PCG-R505MGH, PCG-SRX55H and PCG-SRX55L.

If the resolution is set at 640 by 480, please restart the computer and the display resolution should set to 1024 by 768.

Scenario 2

Applicable models: PCG-R505MFL and PCG-R505MGH

If the computer does not display anything after it had been restarted, please follow the instructions below:

When the computer has only one user account;

1. Press and hold both the Fn and the F7 keys.
2. The display resolution will be set to 1024 by 768.

When the computer has more than one user account;

1. Press and hold all the three keys, Ctrl, Alt and Del. Release the keys and repeat once more.
2. Key in the first user password and press Enter.
3. When the Hard disk drive light indicator is not lit, press and hold both the Fn and the F7 keys.
4. The display resolution will be set to 1024 by 768.

Scenario 3

Applicable models: PCG-C1MAH, PCG-C1MT, PCG-C1MTL, PCG-FX950H, PCG-FX990, PCG-FX990L, PCG-NV7L, PCG-R505AFT, PCG-R505AGT, PCG-R505MFL, PCG-R505MGH, PCG-SRX55H and PCG-SRX55L

If the LCD panel is recognized as Digital Flat Panel, please follow the instructions to change the driver:

1. Right-click My Computer and select Properties. Click the Hardware tab and click Device Manager.

2. Double-click Monitors. Double-click Digital Flat Panel. Click the Driver tab and click Update Driver.

4. Select Install from a list or a specific location (Advanced) and click Next.

5. Select Don’t search, I will choose the driver to install and click Next.

6. Click Have Disk. Click Browse, and browse to the folder C:\Drivers\Monitor\LCD. Click Open and click OK.

7. Select Sony Notebook LCD and click Next. When Hardware Installation appears, click Continue Anyway.

8. When the driver updating had completed, click Finish. Click Close.