Downgrade to XP on VGN AR41M

[antistatic]

Ive found the chipset running on this notebook

Has anyone actually installed XP on this notebook at all?

[nineoutof10]

Certain things will more than likely stop working... such as the function keys and the open key on the top of the computer. But it is possible just not the easiest to find all necessary drivers usually.

[antistatic]

Certain things will more than likely stop working... such as the function keys and the open key on the top of the computer. But it is possible just not the easiest to find all necessary drivers usually.

Well i dont have an open key on top of the computer

Ive used PC Wizard 2008 and its just about told me everything about my notebook..

chipset, hardrives, sata, graphic card, sound, etc So is it just a matter of finding the drivers for XP of all the components of the computer and installing them with a XP install?

[nineoutof10]

That's the theory of it... but from my experience a lot of the time you won't find the driver for certain things. And Sony don't have any for this unit for XP.

[antistatic]

That's the theory of it... but from my experience a lot of the time you won't find the driver for certain things. And Sony don't have any for this unit for XP.

Well ive found drivers for network adapters and chipset so will just see how it goes

[Thalamus.]

Ive found the chipset running on this notebook

Has anyone actually installed XP on this notebook at all?

Hi antistatic,

welcome to Club VAIO..

you may find these thread of interest..

Full instructions to downgrade an AR31M from Vista to XP Pro

Audio drivers for downgrading to xp on AR51M

[antistatic]

Thats fantastic!!

Cause i can use the AR12M Drivers for the AR41M and so on..

Thanks a bunch i will post back when im successful and post a tutorial for those who want to downgrade from AR41M..

[Thalamus.]

You're welcome..

[antistatic]

Thalamus i have left a post on the thread you provided

Just wanted to ask you as i see you have some experience in the process, wanted to ask about the SATA & RAID Drivers - will they be the same as the one provided in the instructions or do i have to download and merge the different versions of the drivers for my model the AR41M

Thats if you have an answer or its all cool.. thanks

[Thalamus.]

Hi antistatic,

The AR21 SATA drivers should work fine you don't need the RAID drivers as according to the specs your AR41M does not have RAID..

You can download the AR21M drivers and utilities using the following link: Drivers & Utilities

Note: that when you downgrade to XP you will loose all of the Sony supplied pre-installed applications..