Aqua-Soft ForumsI was recently given a Sony Vaio PCG-K215Z notebook with upgraded ram (1gb) on xp by a relative who didn't need it, and I've been trying to install Vista Home Ultimate on it, which I was also given. I have tried both upgrade and clean installation options, but the installation freezes at around the 50% mark of the 'expanding files' part. I have tried 4 or 5 times but the same thing always happens. I've found forum threads that basically say that the Bios needs to be upgraded for the installation to be able to go ahead, but on the Vaio drivers website there is no such updated driver available for this model. I'd really like to get Vista on it and can't believe that Sony haven't made this available. Am I stuck with xp? Any help would be appreciated!
Freezing Vista upgrade
Try these troubleshooting steps:
1. Make sure the Windows Vista DVD isn't scratched. If its scratched, then probably thats whats making the installer freeze at 50%. You can always make another copy of the DVD with vLite.
2. Whenever it gets stuck at 50%, did you ever even try to leave the computer there for a while? Wait at least 10 minutes. It could be that it is installing but it is not keeping up with the percentage.
3. Whenever it gets stuck at 50%, does the HDD light turn off or is it blinking rapidly or is it just a steady light? Whenever the HDD light is blinking or just steady, it means that there is activity going on in the installation process. This could mean that the installer is currently installing Windows Vista. If its not lighting up, then there might be a problem.
4. Whenever it gets stuck at 50%, is the DVD drive reading the DVD? You can hear it by putting your ear to the DVD Drive. If it is, then it might be installing Windows Vista.
5. Make sure your DVD drive is reading the DVD. If not then it could the DVD drive that is causing the problem.
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You can PM me if you like if none of these steps work and I'll try to help you out.
I think it mostly likely is the DVD, try cleaning it or trying another one