I have a Vaio Sony PCG-505BXP. I wanted to do a clean install of the OS
without all the extraneous Sony junk being installed.

Formatted HD
Installed a retail copy of XP Pro SP2.
I extracted from the PAC files on the recovery CDs all of the hardware
drivers and other software I would need and installed them manually from the
included setup files (including Sony Shared Library, Sony shared DLL, HotKey
Util, PowerPanel).

I have everything working on the clean install except one small minor
problem which is really bothering me. The PowerPanel power management
program does not dim the LCD light when running on batteries. The program
does recognize the change of power state and pops up a message "dimming
LCD", but the screen does not dim. If I change the PowerPanel power scheme
to a lower back-light brightness setting the screen does not dim as well.

The manual fn key (HotKey util) dimming of the LCD DOES WORK.


If I do a Sony system restore the LCD dimming does work, but of course I get
back all the Sony garbage.

I have an image of the entire drive (including recovery partition) of both
the SONY SYSTEM RESTORED version and the RETAIL version affording me the
luxury of being able to play around.

I have even copied the registry entries from the working drive to the non
working drive, did not help.

I know that I could just do a system recovery and uninstall the junk, but
this is really annoying me. I also hate to start with a less than clean
system right out of starting gate.

The only thing I can think of is the Sony OEM version of Windows has somehow
been slightly modified from the retail version. But if the HotKey util can
control the back-light through software I don't see why the PowerPanel util
can't.

Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated as this has really got me
stumped.

Thanks

"Ron" <N@NE.nothing> wrote in message
news:Dbl6h.25932$Fw5.9905@news-wrt-01.rdc-nyc.rr.com
[snip]
> The only thing I can think of is the Sony OEM version of Windows has
> somehow been slightly modified from the retail version. But if the
> HotKey util can control the back-light through software I don't see
> why the PowerPanel util can't.
>
> Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated as this has really
> got me stumped.

What I would do is to load up the Sony version, run MSCONFIG and look
for the HotKey utility under startup. With any luck, all you need is one
file. If you can't find it there, look under processes in the Task
Manager. Anyway good luck!

--
Bill

Ron wrote:
> I have a Vaio Sony PCG-505BXP. I wanted to do a clean install of the OS
> without all the extraneous Sony junk being installed.
>
> Formatted HD
> Installed a retail copy of XP Pro SP2.
> I extracted from the PAC files on the recovery CDs all of the hardware
> drivers and other software I would need and installed them manually from the
> included setup files (including Sony Shared Library, Sony shared DLL, HotKey
> Util, PowerPanel).
>
> I have everything working on the clean install except one small minor
> problem which is really bothering me. The PowerPanel power management
> program does not dim the LCD light when running on batteries. The program
> does recognize the change of power state and pops up a message "dimming
> LCD", but the screen does not dim. If I change the PowerPanel power scheme
> to a lower back-light brightness setting the screen does not dim as well.
>
> The manual fn key (HotKey util) dimming of the LCD DOES WORK.
>
>
> If I do a Sony system restore the LCD dimming does work, but of course I get
> back all the Sony garbage.
>
> I have an image of the entire drive (including recovery partition) of both
> the SONY SYSTEM RESTORED version and the RETAIL version affording me the
> luxury of being able to play around.
>
> I have even copied the registry entries from the working drive to the non
> working drive, did not help.
>
> I know that I could just do a system recovery and uninstall the junk, but
> this is really annoying me. I also hate to start with a less than clean
> system right out of starting gate.
>
> The only thing I can think of is the Sony OEM version of Windows has somehow
> been slightly modified from the retail version. But if the HotKey util can
> control the back-light through software I don't see why the PowerPanel util
> can't.
>
> Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated as this has really got me
> stumped.
>
> Thanks
>
>
>

Open Task Manager and see if both Hotkey apps are running: HKwnd.exe and
HKsrv.exe. I believe HKsrv.exe is the interface needed. AFIK, Sony has
proprietary hardware features that require their proprietary libraries,
but that Windows is not modified.

On certain Vaio laptops, there is an order for installation of the Sony
libraries. You might go to http://p200.ezboard.com/bunofficialsony and
review the Faqs and Procedures for information on the installation order.

Q

"Quaoar" <quaoar@tenthplanet.net> wrote in message
news:UqudnRz0QvwjkMfYnZ2dnUVZ_tudnZ2d@comcast.com. ..
> Ron wrote:
> > I have a Vaio Sony PCG-505BXP. I wanted to do a clean install of the OS
> > without all the extraneous Sony junk being installed.
> >
> > Formatted HD
> > Installed a retail copy of XP Pro SP2.
> > I extracted from the PAC files on the recovery CDs all of the hardware
> > drivers and other software I would need and installed them manually from
the
> > included setup files (including Sony Shared Library, Sony shared DLL,
HotKey
> > Util, PowerPanel).
> >
> > I have everything working on the clean install except one small minor
> > problem which is really bothering me. The PowerPanel power management
> > program does not dim the LCD light when running on batteries. The
program
> > does recognize the change of power state and pops up a message "dimming
> > LCD", but the screen does not dim. If I change the PowerPanel power
scheme
> > to a lower back-light brightness setting the screen does not dim as
well.
> >
> > The manual fn key (HotKey util) dimming of the LCD DOES WORK.
> >
> >
> > If I do a Sony system restore the LCD dimming does work, but of course I
get
> > back all the Sony garbage.
> >
> > I have an image of the entire drive (including recovery partition) of
both
> > the SONY SYSTEM RESTORED version and the RETAIL version affording me the
> > luxury of being able to play around.
> >
> > I have even copied the registry entries from the working drive to the
non
> > working drive, did not help.
> >
> > I know that I could just do a system recovery and uninstall the junk,
but
> > this is really annoying me. I also hate to start with a less than clean
> > system right out of starting gate.
> >
> > The only thing I can think of is the Sony OEM version of Windows has
somehow
> > been slightly modified from the retail version. But if the HotKey util
can
> > control the back-light through software I don't see why the PowerPanel
util
> > can't.
> >
> > Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated as this has really
got me
> > stumped.
> >
> > Thanks
> >
> >
> >
>
> Open Task Manager and see if both Hotkey apps are running: HKwnd.exe and
> HKsrv.exe. I believe HKsrv.exe is the interface needed. AFIK, Sony has
> proprietary hardware features that require their proprietary libraries,
> but that Windows is not modified.
>
> On certain Vaio laptops, there is an order for installation of the Sony
> libraries. You might go to http://p200.ezboard.com/bunofficialsony and
> review the Faqs and Procedures for information on the installation order.
>
> Q

Thanks, but both services are running.

AFIK, Sony has > proprietary hardware features that require their
proprietary libraries
I did install the Sony shared library & sony shared dll library. Anything
other dlls I should install?

Thanks

Some of "the extraneous Sony junk" is absolutely necessary for full
functionality (and, as you suspect, some of it is indeed junk). You are
missing a power management component that falls into the "necessary for
full functionality" category.


Ron wrote:
> I have a Vaio Sony PCG-505BXP. I wanted to do a clean install of the OS
> without all the extraneous Sony junk being installed.
>
> Formatted HD
> Installed a retail copy of XP Pro SP2.
> I extracted from the PAC files on the recovery CDs all of the hardware
> drivers and other software I would need and installed them manually from the
> included setup files (including Sony Shared Library, Sony shared DLL, HotKey
> Util, PowerPanel).
>
> I have everything working on the clean install except one small minor
> problem which is really bothering me. The PowerPanel power management
> program does not dim the LCD light when running on batteries. The program
> does recognize the change of power state and pops up a message "dimming
> LCD", but the screen does not dim. If I change the PowerPanel power scheme
> to a lower back-light brightness setting the screen does not dim as well.
>
> The manual fn key (HotKey util) dimming of the LCD DOES WORK.
>
>
> If I do a Sony system restore the LCD dimming does work, but of course I get
> back all the Sony garbage.
>
> I have an image of the entire drive (including recovery partition) of both
> the SONY SYSTEM RESTORED version and the RETAIL version affording me the
> luxury of being able to play around.
>
> I have even copied the registry entries from the working drive to the non
> working drive, did not help.
>
> I know that I could just do a system recovery and uninstall the junk, but
> this is really annoying me. I also hate to start with a less than clean
> system right out of starting gate.
>
> The only thing I can think of is the Sony OEM version of Windows has somehow
> been slightly modified from the retail version. But if the HotKey util can
> control the back-light through software I don't see why the PowerPanel util
> can't.
>
> Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated as this has really got me
> stumped.
>
> Thanks
>
>
>

"Barry Watzman" <WatzmanNOSPAM@neo.rr.com> wrote in message
news:455A18E3.2020805@neo.rr.com...
> Some of "the extraneous Sony junk" is absolutely necessary for full
> functionality (and, as you suspect, some of it is indeed junk). You are
> missing a power management component that falls into the "necessary for
> full functionality" category.

There is a file called appinfo .ini that lists all of the extracted programs
and the order to install (see below).
I have installed Sony Shared Library, Sony Utilities Library , Sony
Notebook Setup , HotKey Utility, PowerPanel

Nothing else looks relevant to this problem. As a matter of fact, since I am
working from an (test) image I just started installing everything. Still no
LCD dimming through PP. I must be missing something and it is really making
me mad!


module0=VAIO Driver Recovery Wizard
module1=Sony Shared Library
module2=Sony Utilities Library
module3=UI Designer Selector
module4=Smart Capture Library
module5=Sony Video Shared Library
module6=Music Visualizer Library
module7=ImageStation Library
module8=Sony Notebook Setup
module9=VAIO Support Agent
module10=HotKey Utility
module11=McAfee.com SecurityCenter
module12=Memory Stick Formatter
module13=PowerPanel
module14=Netscape
module15=MPEG Decoder
module16=QuickTime
module17=Instant Messenger
module18=PxEngine
module19=OpenMG Setup
module20=SonicStage Shared Library
module21=SonicStage
module22=SonicStage Add-on Installer
module23=VAIO Media Platform
module24=VAIO Media Music Server
module25=VAIO Media Photo Server
module26=SonicStage Sample Music Installer
module27=VAIO Media
module28=VAIO Media Redistribution
module29=Network Smart Capture
module30=VAIO Media Setup
module31=PictureGear Studio
module32=RealOne Player
module33=MoodLogic
module34=WinDVD
module35=Acrobat Reader
module36=Quicken 2003
module37=EarthLink TotalAccess
module38=America Online
module39=MSN
module40=AT&T Worldnet
module41=Boingo Wireless
module42=Get Sony Yahoo Software
module43=module.ini

On Tue, 14 Nov 2006 11:41:00 -0700, Quaoar <quaoar@tenthplanet.net>
wrote:
>On certain Vaio laptops, there is an order for installation of the Sony
>libraries. You might go to http://p200.ezboard.com/bunofficialsony and
>review the Faqs and Procedures for information on the installation order.

As a long-time Sony user, I'd say this response is on the money.
Sony uses it's own DLL libraries and in order to access them their
applets have to be installed in a certain order. That you can get the
HotKeys to dim the display, but not the other applet indicates this is
the case.
Worse news - a lot of times, uninstalling everything and
re-installing it in the correct order won't work; you have to start
over and do a complete OS install. But try the other way first -
sometimes it works!
epbrown
--
"Everybody wants a normal life and a cool car;
most people will settle for the car." Chris Titus
2003 BMW 325i Black/Black, 2003 BMW Z4 Black/Black

Ron wrote:
> "Barry Watzman" <WatzmanNOSPAM@neo.rr.com> wrote in message
> news:455A18E3.2020805@neo.rr.com...
>> Some of "the extraneous Sony junk" is absolutely necessary for full
>> functionality (and, as you suspect, some of it is indeed junk). You are
>> missing a power management component that falls into the "necessary for
>> full functionality" category.
>
> There is a file called appinfo .ini that lists all of the extracted programs
> and the order to install (see below).
> I have installed Sony Shared Library, Sony Utilities Library , Sony
> Notebook Setup , HotKey Utility, PowerPanel
>
> Nothing else looks relevant to this problem. As a matter of fact, since I am
> working from an (test) image I just started installing everything. Still no
> LCD dimming through PP. I must be missing something and it is really making
> me mad!
>
>
> module0=VAIO Driver Recovery Wizard
> module1=Sony Shared Library
> module2=Sony Utilities Library
> module3=UI Designer Selector
> module4=Smart Capture Library
> module5=Sony Video Shared Library
> module6=Music Visualizer Library
> module7=ImageStation Library
> module8=Sony Notebook Setup
> module9=VAIO Support Agent
> module10=HotKey Utility
> module11=McAfee.com SecurityCenter
> module12=Memory Stick Formatter
> module13=PowerPanel
> module14=Netscape
> module15=MPEG Decoder
> module16=QuickTime
> module17=Instant Messenger
> module18=PxEngine
> module19=OpenMG Setup
> module20=SonicStage Shared Library
> module21=SonicStage
> module22=SonicStage Add-on Installer
> module23=VAIO Media Platform
> module24=VAIO Media Music Server
> module25=VAIO Media Photo Server
> module26=SonicStage Sample Music Installer
> module27=VAIO Media
> module28=VAIO Media Redistribution
> module29=Network Smart Capture
> module30=VAIO Media Setup
> module31=PictureGear Studio
> module32=RealOne Player
> module33=MoodLogic
> module34=WinDVD
> module35=Acrobat Reader
> module36=Quicken 2003
> module37=EarthLink TotalAccess
> module38=America Online
> module39=MSN
> module40=AT&T Worldnet
> module41=Boingo Wireless
> module42=Get Sony Yahoo Software
> module43=module.ini
>
>

AFIK, you've done all correctly, except that a reboot might be needed at
some point in the installs and my referenced URL should have the
information.

If you reboot and then as the first action after boot, access the hotkey
for dimming, does it work? The reason I ask is that after that latest
round of Windows Updates or IE7, hotkeys fail after some yet to be
determined period of use.

What about the shared video library? If you ever figure out what the UI
design selector is for, I'm interested.

Q