VAIO VGX- models : XL1, XL100, XL2, XL201 and XL202 shipped with Microsoft Windows XP-MCE 2005 [aka: "Whistler"] Media Center Edition Update Roll-up 2, x86 (32-bit) factory installed.
VAIO VGX- models : XL3, XL301 and XL302shipped with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium [aka: "Longhorn"], x86 (32-bit) factory installed.
Windows 7/8/8.1/10 - 32-bit
All of the VGX-XL systems can be upgraded to Windows x86 (32-bit). An "upgrade" type installation of Windows 7 "Home Premium" or "Ultimate" can be done without loss of any OEM hardware functions.
Other versions of Windows 7 do not have an "upgrade" path, but a "clean" or "custom" type installation of those versions will yield nearly complete functionality of OEM hardware, and Sony software updates and drivers workarounds are available, albeit yielding varying levels of success in restoring full OEM hardware functionality. (See guide)
[ Please Note: A "clean" or "custom" type installation of Windows 7 32-bit does not retain any Sony programs, applications, utilities, settings or data. ]
Windows 7/8/8.1/10 - 64-bit
All of the VGX-XL systems can also be upgraded to Windows x64 (64-bit) by "clean" or "custom" type installation, with some loss of OEM hardware functions, most noticeably the front panel optical drive eject button stops working, and some report loss of VAIO wireless keyboard volume up/down/mute and/or Action Setup keys functionality.
[ Please Note: A "clean" or "custom" type installation of Windows 7 64-bit
does not retain any Sony programs, applications, utilities, settings or data. ]
For those who can live with the loss of some VGX-XL system hardware functionality, as described above, there are also strong arguments in favor of installing 64-bit Windows 7. In addition to expanded system memory physical address extension support for installing more than 4 GB of usable RAM ( only on some VGX-XL models - see Memory), 64-bit Windows is also more secure. Here is an excellent article explaining why:
Some members have had issues with updated versions of windows not installing to their machines, if you are unfortunate enough to have these issues there are fixes available. please check out this useful thread for more information "Clean" install of Vista on my XL2
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Windows 8.1 Preview (English) 32-bit and 64-bit [aka: "Blue"] Windows 8.1 - a free update to Windows 8 - is coming later this year, and a prerelease version is available now for you to try. Windows 8.1 has new ways for you to personalize your PC and includes new apps and services. This preview is mainly for experienced PC users, so if you're not sure whether it’s right for you, read the FAQ.
At the BUILD conference, Microsoft showed off some of the changes in Windows 8.1, responding to consumer feedback about the Windows 8 operating system launched last year.
Now you can download an .ISO disc image file and install it yourself.
Windows 8.1 Preview (English) 64-bit:Product Key: NTTX3-RV7VB-T7X7F-WQYYY-9Y92F
If you are already running Windows 8, simply double-click on the .ISO file and run Setup.exe.
If you are running an older version of Windows, you will need to either burn the .ISO image to a DVD, or create a bootable USB installation.
If you need .ISO's in languages other than English, look here.
How to install Windows 8.1 Preview from an .ISO fileTo install Windows 8.1 Preview from an .ISO file, you must first convert the .ISO file into installation media stored on a DVD or a USB flash drive.
If you're using Windows 8, follow these steps to install Windows 8.1 Preview from an .ISO file:
Download the .ISO (.iso) file.
Double-tap or double-click the .ISO file.
Double-tap or double-click setup.exe and follow the steps.
If you're using Windows 7, the easiest way to convert an .ISO file to a DVD is to use Windows Disc Image Burner. On a PC running Windows XP or Windows Vista, a third-party program is required to convert an ISO file into installable media—and DVD burning software often includes this capability.
Important
If you decide that you want to install Windows 8.1 Preview using the .ISO, you won't be able to uninstall it. If you decide to go back to your previous operating system, you'll need to reinstall it using the recovery or installation media that came with your PC, which is typically DVD media. If you're running Windows 8 and you don't have recovery media, you might be able to create a USB recovery drive. If you're running Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP and you don’t have recovery media, you might be able to create it from a recovery partition on your PC using software provided by your PC manufacturer. Check the support section of your PC manufacturer’s website for more information. After you install Windows 8.1 Preview, you won’t be able to use the recovery partition on your PC to go back to your previous version of Windows.
Notes before you download
Windows 8.1 Preview is pre-release software that may be substantially modified before it’s commercially released. Microsoft, and VGX-XL.com make no warranties, express or implied, with respect to the information provided here. Some product features and functionality may require additional hardware or software.
Windows 8.1 to bring Start button back... sort of.
By Marcus Yam August 14, 2013
It's official; Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 8.1 will be released no later than October 18, 2013 in all parts of the world. With international time zone differences, 12:00 a.m. in New Zealand means that North Americans will see the release at 4:00 a.m. pacific and 7:00 a.m. eastern on October 17.
Microsoft also confirmed that Windows 8.1 will also be appearing at retail and on new devices on that very same day.
Skype has announced that its Windows 8 app will be bundled with the Windows 8.1 update due to roll out in mid-October. The app will be added to the revamped Windows 8.1 Start Screen, meaning that not only can you login and reach over 300 million Skype users across many different devices but also everyone with a Windows 8.1 PC.
"As the default communications experience in Windows 8.1, we will continue to focus on delivering the best communications experience forWindows user through Skype," the Skype blog reads. "With Skype in Windows 8.1 it will be easier than ever to connect and do more with the special people in your life, in any moment."
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Author's note: Will Windows 10 prove to be the best vgx-xl option? Only time will tell. This VGX-XL owner has no plans to switch from Windows 7 in the foreseeable
Share your own Windows 10 opinions and experiences with us at VGX-XLforum.
