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[latrine]

Hey guys, I got my new computer 'Frank' and while I'm very glad to have it I HATE that I had to get windows 7.  I love XP but obviously they are done with it...
 
I can't load my drivers off the disk that came with my Sony Clie.  I tried changing it to run in compatibility mode as windows XP (Service Pack 2) mode but it just keeps telling me it won't work.  It tells me I need to check my computer's system information to see if I need a 86 or 64 bit version of the program I am running and contact the publisher. Obviously I can't do anything with that because they no longer support this model.  (Wow, Sarah, maybe you should have thought of that when you spent those three seconds wondering why they were selling it so cheap)

 I am running Windows 7 home premium 64 bit.  I've been searching the internet but can't figure out how to get this thing to work.. seems some folks have been able to get around it but this Clie might just be too old.  Apparently the Clie is version PEG-S320.

See, already I don't like Windows 7.. I could always make XP drop stuff back to run as something else..

Anyone have any ideas on how I could make it work? ;/ I'm not eligible for 'windows XP mode' for Windows 7 because I have the home edition so that's out..

Well if anyone knows how I can get this thing to work, let me know. Thanks!

- Sarah

[Crewella]

I'm afraid I had similar problems when I got my laptop with Windows 7.  Some of the older programs I have wouldn't work on it.  Never did solve it, to the extent that when the old desktop went 'bang' I replaced with .......... another XP PC!

[shadowmice]

The main thing that will make it hard to get it running is that the Windows 7 is a 64-bit version, not 32-bit; it seems the 64-bit is now the standard one installed on most new machines but it plays havoc with anyone trying to connect older hardware. Most drivers for older hardware will have been designed to run on a 32-bit version of the operating system which used to be the standard supplied on most consumer machines. Unfortunately these old 32-bit drivers just don't run well, and usually just don't install period, on a 64-bit operating system.  Older 32-bit drivers can sometimes be successful used on new versions of the OS but only if they are the 32-bit versions.

Now, if you happened to have access to install disks for an older or at least 32-bit version of OS, there are free applications that allow you to create a Virtual Machine on your existing computer. The application allows you to install another operating system in basically a virtual computer within your existing operating system. The next challenge then is the hardware interface required for the device; not all interface ports are as successfully utilized by the virtual machine as others.

[Crewella]

Ah - that makes sense - mine's 64-bit.  Thanks Shadowmice! 

[saratogaspringer]

Hey Sarah! I would do a search of the Aibo-life website.  It seems that I did see some posts where people had a lot of trouble connecting a Sony Clie to anything running windows 7.  I don't think there was anyone on the site that got it to work, but I could be wrong.  I would suggest finding an old laptop that runs on XP.  I have an old laptop and had no problems hooking up the Clie.  I did have a little trouble because the port it needed to use is also the WiFi port, and I had to disconnect the WiFI first.  I didn't even need to use the drivers with XP.  They are built into the XP program.

If you are planning on making Aibo sticks out of old Sony memory sticks using Stik zap and the Clie it works great.  You can then copy any non-copy righted independent programs and they are easy to do and work well.  However, I will tell you that I have not been able to use the Stik Zap to procure any Sony programs through internet downloads.   If you can get it to work, more power to you.  I wish Sony would just continue to sell the software.  I was able to purchase what I needed from those on Aibo forums, which has been great.  Ebay is like highway robbery for Aibo software.   

[Crewella]

You CAN get Sony Aibo software at reasonable prices on eBay if you keep your eyes peeled.  At auction they go for a lot less that the ridiculously high BIN prices set by some business sellers.

[latrine]

Thanks guys.. yes I was trying to convert some memory cards for use on my Aibos..  I'm working on making some skits and I wanted an extra card for each one plus just some other fun software to show the kids some silly stuff they can do.. personalities and stuff.

I did try to find a program so that I could run a 'virtual XP OS' type thing but I couldn't find anything.. I'll keep looking.. Thanks Shadowmice. I should have my original XP disc around somewhere, would that even work on a different computer though? I didn't think it would.. I dunno.. I just have to keep looking.
 Also, because of my crappy ISP's stupid DSL, our IP address changes quite often and makes it impossible for me to visit aibo-life forums,, which really stinks because it looks like it'd be a great place to find this stuff out.. plus I am really getting into my aibos.. lol.

This Windows 7 is just annoying so far.. it just seems so dumbed down. Not quite as bad as Vista at all, but still dumbed down.. I guess I have to play with it for awhile to get it the way I want it.
Thanks guys!

- Sarah

[saratogaspringer]

Sarah, if you want.....just put your sticks in an envelope and send them to me.  I'll zap them for you and send them back.  Once their zapped, you're good to go.

  Crewella, I guess I just am not patient enough to look for software on ebay at a decent price.  The Buy it Now prices seem to be really crazy, and without knowing what they are worth, it is hard to be a last minute snatcher.  I am also banned from the 'bay for a while.  I got busted buying Buster!

[shadowmice]

One of the virtualization tools I have tried is VirtualBox - worked quite nicely but I've only tried it on a 32-bit version of Windows 7 so far. It's supposed to have an installer for 64-bit but I can't say how well it works.

[Crewella]

Or maybe just get a sony card reader for the computer and just use the Clie to zap the cards?  Just don't get one of the REALLY old ones as you can't seem to get drivers for Windows 7 for some of those either. 

Ooooops - sorry you got busted, Springer!  Just so you have an idea, I picked up AiboLife2 the other day for $40, though I'd usually expect nearer $60-70. 

[latrine]

That stinks about Buster, I'm sorry Saratoga!

I have a sony card reader but I thought I needed to be able to use 'hotsync' (or something like that??) to make the cards 'Aibo-enabled'  and I can't use that program without installing it.. I don't think .. eh..  

- Sarah

[bhobbes]

I've actually done a lot of virtualization (mostly for servers so somewhat different) and I'll let you know when I get my Clie if I find a way to get Windows 7 (64 bit) to natively recognize it or if I have to fire up one of my virtual machines.

In any event, you may want to try here: http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/11060/create-an-xp-mode-for-windows7-home-versions-and-vista/

I searched quickly to try to find an easy and coherent walkthrough and this looks pretty good to me (since it's a lot to try to explain when other resources exist). It utilizes VMWare Player (a free version of a product I have often used commercially), which is very similar to VirtualBox (previously mentioned) - but most function the same once you get the gist.

You just need to have your Windows XP license and appropriate installation media.



 

[latrine]

I did all that and it wont work after installed, I have to call them.. I hate calling Microsoft..  They always assume everyone is using their CD player for a coffee-cup holder; and their mouse on the floor for a power button like a sewing machine.. sigh..
Thanks tho !!!


- Sarah

[bhobbes]

I ended up using mine on my home theater computer that is a Win7 32bit install (no need for 64 that build) and it worked fine. I never got to trying it out on a VM. Sorry to hear it didn't work for you.