DEAD RZ

[William]

Well, it would appear that in true Sony computer tradition my RZ desktop has just died.

It is 15 months old and through no fault of its own spent the first 3 months of its life unused in the box.

It froze today and refused Alt Ctrl Del and wouldn't turn off.

Pulled the power cord and plugged back in 5 mins later, pressed the button and NOTHING.

Can't access Bios, won't boot from CD or floppy no beeps and the HDD light remains on.No output to screen either. The green LED on the MOBO is on?

My neighbour who has a computer business has taken it away but I fear the worst..

Are all Sony computers programmed to self destruct when the warranty has expired?

I really thought a desktop would last!

A couple of now outdated towers that I built at least 4 years ago are still going strong for their new owners.

[Vas]

I am very sad to hear that William.
I think the new Vaio's are not made in Japan anymore
I have a RZ too, but luckily still running.
Is it RZ400 series you have?

[rich912]

That’s a real bummer William; let’s hope that it is something simple and relatively inexpensive to repair.

Of all the Sony computers that we have only one (an aging F series with the customary capacitor defect) has caused any major problems – maybe it is luck or possibly the fact that none are less than two years old. Judging from posts on this forum, built quality seems to have diminished in recent years.

[kee-lo_]

Really sorry to hear that William, specially after all those issues with the GRX.... it sucks!

I am too fearing the worst with the GRX, which is quite sad as I really like that laptop, even though I have the RA104, there's just something special about it, but now it's developing that red screen on first cold boot, so it looks like that screen is going to pack up, god knows when, but I remember Elaine having that issue here on her F series.... I just hope I can use my monitor for it, but still, doesn't really replace that 17" I love I'm just praying I'm wrong and it'll last me a good year more

I'm not very satisfied with Sony at the moment, they've gone too far this time, rooting our PCs, VAIOs only lasting on average 18 months it's a disgrace.....

I really hope your neighbour can fix it for you.

[William]

Well, after 3 days the Computer Engineer informed me that he believes the power supply is unwell but not dead (some voltages down).

I cannot afford to send it back to Sony for a PSU just in case the mobo is knackered too (rumoured Sony cost £500 for mobo).

Conclusion, have ordered new mobo and case with 500W PSU, total cost £120 (Ebuyer).

Downside no memory card readers any more. Cons - UPGRADEABLE

I just hope XP installed on the HDD will still come to life with all the hardware missingand a new Mobo!

Definately no more Sony from now on:smileysad:

[kee-lo_]

William,

You can get 5.25" bays now with multi-card readers.... so thats no biggie

[William]

Thanks for the info Kee-Lo,

Well, the phoenix has risen from the ashes:smileygrin:

New case, PSU and another ASUS Mobo! Doesn't look as nice as the RZ but it works!

The new Mobo is so much better SATA included, better onboard soundcard and 5 PCI slots as opposed to three. The 500W power supply only cost £12 from Ebuyer! - Even has an On/Off switch, unlike Sony's.

Had to phone Microsoft to reactivate XP and the funny thing is it still thinks its a Sony computer and Vaio Link takes me to the RZ502P page?

Luckily I use Norton Ghost and I shall have to create a disk image shortly. The Restore disks will make good coasters

[William]

As a PS, this is a reply I got to a very similar post on Vaio Village:

Congratulations on your success,

However I have to mention that what you are doing is in violation of the OEM XP software that you got with your VAIO.

The OEM software is licensed only for use with the Sony VAIO computer.

By moving as many parts as you have off the old system you have made it a new system.. of which the Sony XP license isn't transferrable to.

So while you have technically succeeded, there are licensing issues you've run afoul of.

Diane


I am sorry, but I told Microsoft I had replaced the Mobo and I ain't about to spend MORE money on another copy of XP. My Computer is all set up as I like it.

[kee-lo_]

WOW William thats pretty cool, you've finally beaten the system!

Hope it didn't set you back too much

[William]

Any money after 15 months is too much!

But I will never learn, I still DREAM of owning an RA, but it will remain a dream!