Setting Up Sony VAIO Event Service on Windows 7 x86 / Windows 7 x64 for Brightness (Fn+F5/Fn+F6), Mute/Volume (Fn+F2/Fn+F3/Fn+F4), and Monitor Switching (Fn+F7) Control

This article is a guide on how to enable Sony VAIO notebooks’ function keys to control audio volume level and muting, internal LCD monitor brightness, and monitor/projector switching.
VAIO OSD

Sony VAIO laptops—mostly powered by Phoenix BIOS—suffer from a design flaw: Display panel brightness, monitor switching, audio volume controls, and muting do not work in the event of a specific Sony software misconfiguration. Once Windows 7 is installed, volume controls and muting function keys will start to function, because Sony designers have used “PS/2 Scan Codes for Enhanced Keyboard Features” and Windows multimedia interface recognizes the following multimedia keyboard (hexadecimal) scan codes:

  • E0 20: Audio Muting Toggle—On/Off Control (OOC)
  • E0 2E: Audio Volume Decrement—Re-Trigger Control (RTC)
  • E0 30: Audio Volume Increment—Re-Trigger Control (RTC)

It’s reported by Sony VAIO users suffering from the function keys problem that you can benefit from Windows 7’s own Win+P keyboard strokes combination to toggle your screen output between Computer Only, Duplicate, Extend, or Projector Only modes—P is short for projector. Getting rid of them, brightness still remains uncontrollable, unless the graphics accelerator driver software (e.g., Nvidia Control Panel) can handle such feature.

Electronically speaking, volume, brightness, and projector-switching controls should interact with the built-in internal amp, the LCD’s LED-backlight/fluorescent tube, and the GPU respectively, but they don’t; they’re just a bunch of crude keys…

Dell laughs at the Japanese because such vital functions should be implemented at the BIOS-level, and with the elimination of high-level software dependency, the LCD screen brightness of a Dell laptop (e.g., my Dell XPS M1330) can be changed using Fn+Up/Fn+Down arrow keys in its BIOS, during POST, while starting Windows, once Windows has completed its cumbersome startup, or in whatever OS you’re operating, regardless of driver-dependency. Not acting as a driver and not necessitated to install, Dell QuickSet software only enables users to see an OSD of what they’re changing.

Solution

“It’s a Sony” though, so what should a typical VAIO owner do if they’ve upgraded to Windows 7? You need to download the following drivers and utilities for your VAIO’s specific model from Sony VAIO Support website, and using run as administrator install them exactly in the order specified:

  1. Sony Firmware Extension Parser Device Driver (SODOTH)
  2. Sony Shared Library (SOASSL)
  3. Setting Utility Series (SOASUS)
  4. VAIO Event Service (SOAVES)

Once every package’s installation is finished, there’s a chance for the Program Compatibility Assistant to pop up indicating the following message:

Program Compatibility AssistantProgram Compatibility Assistant

This program might not have installed correctly

If this program didn’t install correctly, try reinstalling using settings that are compatible with this version of Windows.

Program: SOAVES-70192615-US
Publisher: Sony Corporation of America
Location: D:\Install\Drivers\Sony …\SOAVES-70192615-US.exe

Reinstall using recommended settings

This program installed correctly

Carefully select This program installed correctly.

VAIO gurus suggest a restart once each one of the drivers and utilities finished installing, just to keep the VAIO software team happy.

Please note the four-tier installation order is crucial, and refusal to adhere to the installation order results in partial response of your Fn combinative keys:

  • A friend’s Sony VAIO VGN-SZ650N had only Fn+F2 (mute), Fn+F3 (volume down), and Fn+F4 (volume up) functioning—leaving Fn+F5 (brightness decrement), Fn+F6 (brightness increment), and Fn+F7 (monitor switching) not working at all. With no brightness control and sticking to maximum screen brightness, his precious Sony VAIO SZ Series has become an eyestraining piece of gadget.
  • Another friend wasn’t just able to increase or decrease the screen brightness of her Sony VAIO VGN-FZ290N using Fn+F5 / Fn+F6 ever since she has installed Windows 7, even though she’s been proud of installing everything Sony had to offer to download at its esupport website! Told her most of the packages she’s been installing were dispensable bloatware.

Also please note if all or some portion of these 4 packages have previously existed on your current Windows 7 installation, or even you’re suspicious about it, take no chances, and directly jump to the removal procedure described below.

Fixing a Hasty Disorganized Installation

You need to remove any instances of the aforementioned software installed previously, before methodically installing them fresh:

  1. Leave Sony Firmware Extension Parser (SFEP) Device Driver alone. There’s no need to trace its footprints, and no uninstallation is required.
  2. Utilizing Control Panel\Programs\Programs and Features\Uninstall a program, locate and uninstall VAIO Event Service and restart your VAIO’s Windows.
  3. Utilizing Control Panel\Programs\Programs and Features\Uninstall a program, locate and uninstall Setting Utility Series and restart your VAIO’s Windows.
  4. Sony Shared Library doesn’t leave any uninstall traces in Program and Features\Uninstall a program. Using the file listing appendix, locate and delete its files (i.e., %ProgramFiles%\Common Files\Sony Shared\Sony Utilities, etc.)
Appendix: Sony Software Folders File Listing
Sony Shared Library

C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\Version.txt
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\Sony Utilities\Data.prof
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\Sony Utilities\Match.prof
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\Sony Utilities\SnyUtils.dll

Setting Utility Series

C:\Program Files\Sony\Setting Utility Series\AppMonitorSetting.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\Setting Utility Series\AutoDimmerSetting.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\Setting Utility Series\BatteryCare.exe
C:\Program Files\Sony\Setting Utility Series\DisplaySetting.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\Setting Utility Series\HDDProtectionSetting.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\Setting Utility Series\InputSetting.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\Setting Utility Series\LEDSetting.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\Setting Utility Series\PowerViewSetting.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\Setting Utility Series\SBMsg.exe
C:\Program Files\Sony\Setting Utility Series\SBRes.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\Setting Utility Series\SpecialButtonSetting.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\Setting Utility Series\SUSCommonSetting.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\Setting Utility Series\SUSLaunchStartDes.exe
C:\Program Files\Sony\Setting Utility Series\SystemSetting.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\Setting Utility Series\VCCChecker.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\Setting Utility Series\VCCMouseButton.exe
C:\Program Files\Sony\Setting Utility Series\Version.txt
C:\Program Files\Sony\Setting Utility Series\EN-US\AppMonitorSetting.dll.mui
C:\Program Files\Sony\Setting Utility Series\EN-US\AutoDimmerSetting.dll.mui
C:\Program Files\Sony\Setting Utility Series\EN-US\BatteryCare.exe.mui
C:\Program Files\Sony\Setting Utility Series\EN-US\colormode.chm
C:\Program Files\Sony\Setting Utility Series\EN-US\Display.chm
C:\Program Files\Sony\Setting Utility Series\EN-US\DisplaySetting.dll.mui
C:\Program Files\Sony\Setting Utility Series\EN-US\HDDProtection.chm
C:\Program Files\Sony\Setting Utility Series\EN-US\HDDProtectionSetting.dll.mui
C:\Program Files\Sony\Setting Utility Series\EN-US\InputSetting.dll.mui
C:\Program Files\Sony\Setting Utility Series\EN-US\LEDSetting.dll.mui
C:\Program Files\Sony\Setting Utility Series\EN-US\Perform.chm
C:\Program Files\Sony\Setting Utility Series\EN-US\PointingDevice.chm
C:\Program Files\Sony\Setting Utility Series\EN-US\PowerViewSetting.dll.mui
C:\Program Files\Sony\Setting Utility Series\EN-US\SBRes.dll.mui
C:\Program Files\Sony\Setting Utility Series\EN-US\Sbutton.chm
C:\Program Files\Sony\Setting Utility Series\EN-US\SpecialButtonSetting.dll.mui
C:\Program Files\Sony\Setting Utility Series\EN-US\SystemSetting.dll.mui
C:\Program Files\Sony\Setting Utility Series\EN-US\VCCMouseButton.exe.mui
C:\Program Files\Sony\Setting Utility Series\EN-US\zoombutton.chm

VAIO Event Service

C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\Activation.exe
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\Interop.NETWORKLIST.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\mfc80u.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\msvcp70.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\msvcp71.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\msvcp80.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\msvcr70.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\msvcr71.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\msvcr80.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\NWMultiTouch.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\pi.wav
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\RKConfig.ini
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\Version.txt
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\VESAppMon.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\VESAutoDimmer.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\VESBasePS.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\VESColorMgr.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\VESCommonUI.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\VESConfig.ini
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\VESGfxMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\VESHidDevice.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\VESHybridGfx.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\VESKBStatus.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\VESMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\VESMgrSub.exe
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\VESMgrSubPS.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\VESPerform.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\VESRemoteKey.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\VESRes.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\VESSetGamma.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\VESShellExeProxy.exe
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\VESStorageProtect.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\VESSuEvent.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\VESTransform.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\VESUSBKeyboard.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\VESWndMsg.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\VESWndMsgHook.dll
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\VideoColorControl.exe
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\APPMONITOR\AppMonitor.xml
C:\Program Files\Sony\VAIO Event Service\APPMONITOR\AppMonitorSchema.xsd

C:\Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared\SSOSrv\SSOSrv.dll

Drivers and Utilities [Updated November 20, 2009]

The file listing revised for the new files Sony’s been providing for download at its Windows 7 selection of VAIO Support pages:

Sony Firmware Extension Parser Device Driver v8.0.1.1, 10/7/2009

  • SODOTH-70187337-32.exe (FZ Series)
  • SODOTH-70187339-32.exe (SZ Series)

Sony Shared Library v5.4.0.05200, 10/5/2009

  • SOASSL-70189398-US.exe

Setting Utility Series v5.0.0.07280, 11/18/2009

  • SOASUS-70201315-US.exe

VAIO Event Service v5.0.0.07130, 10/6/2009

  • SOAVES-70192615-US.exe

Tested the new files on an SZ, and the solution still works.

107 thoughts on “Setting Up Sony VAIO Event Service on Windows 7 x86 / Windows 7 x64 for Brightness (Fn+F5/Fn+F6), Mute/Volume (Fn+F2/Fn+F3/Fn+F4), and Monitor Switching (Fn+F7) Control

  1. Sony VAIO SR Series with Windows 7:

    Before installing drivers and utilities discussed on this atricle, the volume hotkeys already work although there is no on-screen feedback.

    Shared libraries, notebook utilities, etc aren’t supposed to be for Vista? One thing’s for sure- they use a lot of memory!

    Now I have OSD.

    Thanks Komeil.

  2. Open Local Services (services.msc), then click on the name parameter to have them sorted alphabetically. Find the one called VAIO Event Service. Double click this and ensure that for Startup Type it says ‘automatic’, if it does not, change it to ‘automatic’ and click ‘apply’. Then be sure below that, that the Service Status says ‘Started’. This should help, I had the same problem where I could not use my Fn key to adjust volume or brightness and this solution worked for me.

  3. When you format a VAIO machine, it doesn’t always put the Fn controls back the original way. The drivers will be there just not activated on startup. So you have to enter the msconfig, go to startup and turn on the Hotkeys. Depending on the system, there can be a number of device drivers which you need to make sure are started up. If you’re not sure, then turn on all the startup programs and reboot. You should then have the Fn controls back. However, you may also have about 40 processes running that you don’t need. So turn off those that don’t appear to be Hotkey controls. You may need to play around with turning some off and reboot for a while.

  4. windows 7 x64 brightness control and the osd, volume controls, volume muting, external monitor/projector switching all work now on my vaio vgn-z555dn. thanks very much.

  5. Hi, I installed Sony Firmware Extension Parser Device Driver, Sony Shared Library, Setting Utility Series, and VAIO Event Service in a wrong order prior to finding this entry. I proceeded to the uninstalling procedure according to your entry, uninstalling event services and setting utility services and then deleting the folder containing Sony Shared Library. Then I installed again the three “programs” according to the sequence, resetting between each installs, and yet all fn keys aside from mute and volume up/down are still not working. Do you have any insight? Thanks in advance

  6. I have Sony Vaio SZ340 and this method doesn’t work.
    I downloaded latest ( as mentioned ) drivers ( from SZ640 for Windows 7 Ultimate x86 ), installed them in apropriate order, but neither of FN buttons work including S1 and S2 buttons.
    I also verified Vaio Event services is up and running and ISB utility is started on windows start up – still no luck. The buttons simply don’t work.
    I cannot find any right solution for this problem.

    • Your Sony VAIO notebook model is either VGN-SZ660N/C or VGN-SZ660N, so the Sony Shared Library you would need is “SOASSL-70189398-US.EXE” version 5.4.0.05200 (10/05/2009) directly downloadable from here. All you need to do is “Save Target As…”

  7. hi I’m using vgn-tz17mn, was running vista business ,now i upgrade it to windows 7 enterprise all most all drivers i managed to download but my special buttons are not working, so could somebody help me in this regards?

    Thanks Deepu

  8. Worked like a charm just now on a clean install on a Vaio VGN-SR240n. All function keys work properly. Thank you very much, Komeil!

  9. 64bit can not work … especially Sony original soft.
    For expamle SoundRealiy Driver, DSD Format file can not work.
    Webcam Driver also.
    And Sony Original Software also have many problem.
    For example, PowerManaement Icon from the ight bottom corner also.But this software can work at 32bit Win7.Battery Care Function,Battery Checker and VAIO Status Monitor,etc.

    Sony is Very Bad Vender for users…

  10. Hi there!

    I own a VGN SZ650N and the solution described above does not work for me. Originally I had Vista on my laptop and Fn, S buttons were not worked out of the box 🙂 Anyway I got it working finally. Then I switched to Win7 about 1-1.5 years back and had no issues to get all the buttons working with the wista drivers. (those times wee no win7 drivers available for this modell) Now I re-installed win7 and there is no way I can get brightness controll and S1 S2 working. Also the Vista drivers does not help anymore. I guess there were some version changes on sony’s website. If anyone with an SZ650N can get this working please post the exact verion numbers.

    Thanks
    Sz

  11. I have a VGN-SZ660N with Win7 ultimate 32bit, i follow exact the solution describe above but does not work with fn + f5/f6 (only fn + f2/f3/f4 work fine). I think the problem depend on NVIDIA driver with SONY does not update for win7 at their site.

    any idea!

  12. با عرض سلام و خسته نباشد
    من تونستم با استفاده از مطالب سایتتون مشکل vaio f136 رو حل کنم
    از زحماتتون تشکر میکنم

  13. sz670n attempting an uninstall and then reinstall following this guide but cannot get anything but volume function keys to work. any ideas?

  14. HI ! This worked for me eventually, getting brightness keys to work on VGN-TZ37GN Australian model, and on Windows 7 Ultimate x64.

    Other guides state all kinds of orders for installing the drivers.

    For me, the only order that mattered was.
    – Have Sony Programmable IO Control Device , and Sony Firmware Extension Parser Device installed first.
    Then, follow this guide.

    I originally had tried many installs of Shared Libraby/Event Service and Settings utility from the sony USA support site, for a similar model (tz37n/b). I was looking there because on the USA site it lets you choose those apps when searching for drivers for win7 x64. I was under the impression they needed to be special 64 bit apps, but this is not the case.

    The trick was getting the three Event service, Sony Shared and Settings Utility from the Sony Asia Pacific Support, for my exact model.
    In the listings for my model, when selecting that I want to search for drivers for windows 7 or vista x64 OSes , it did not reveal any options to get Sony Shared, Event Services and Settings Utility.

    I had to pick a Vista 32 bit OS, and only then they showed up. After downloading all 3 from the same Asia Pacific site , then following this guide , I had success.

    Note that the 3 Apps from the asia pacific support site were earlier versions than those on the USA support site. ( Eg , Event Service was 5.x.xx on the USA site but I had success with 3.x.xx from the asia pacfic site) Also , combining one app from the USA site (eg shared library) and one from the asia pacfic site ( eg event service) did not work. They had to be all from the Asia pacific site.

    The instructions in this guide for uninstalling my failed attempts were not qutie complete. Since I had previously installed newer versions of Shared Library etc from the USA support site, upon trying to install Shared Library, it stated I already had a newer version, and quit.

    To get around that, I used regedit to search for entries including “sony shared” and deleted anything to do with version information, for any of the 3 sony apps. Only then did it let me install , and FINALLY FINALLY have my brightness keys.

    I hope this helps anyone who is struggling with this NIGHTMARE of an install.

  15. Hi

    Nobody mentioned if they could get the malfunctioning Fn keys after sleep/hybenration mode fixed with this method. Anyone?

  16. my VAIO type is VGN-CS36GJ, can anyone help me, Fn not work, im using win7 ultimate 32bit. already tried to change VAIO event service but not worked. and tried to change msconfig, but not work either…

  17. Hey, i’m trying to do as you say but when installing vaio event service it says: “this machine have not been installed vaio event service. cannot update vaio event service.”
    But it’s not already installed.. :S

    • That’s retarded developers at Sony’s way of saying “the thing you are installing is an UPDATE package rather than an INSTALL package!” You either have to install VAIO Event Service prior to installing your package, or, find yourself VAIO Event Service INSTALLER rather than VAIO Event Service UPDATER.”

  18. I HAVE MY VAIO E SERIES VPCEB44EN MODEL WITH WINDOWS 7 HOME BASIC.NOW I UPGRADED TO WINDOWS 7 ULTIMATE.BUT NOW I AM NOT GETTING HOW TO CONTROL VOLUME AND BRIGHTNESS.ANY HOW I CAN CONTROL VOLUME BY ANOTHER METHOD.BUT I DONT KNOW HOW TO DECREASE SCREEN BRIGHTNESS WHICH IS IN FULL BRIGHT.
    SO I SEARCHED IN INTERNET AND FOUND TO INSTALL REQUIRED SOFTWARE.THEN I GE WORK THE VOLUME INCREASE AND DECREASE BUT NOT THE BRIGHTNESS.I STILL NOT ABLE TO DECREASE BRIGHTNESS.ANOTHER POINT I CAN INCREASE AND DECREASE THE BRIGHTNESS UPTO ONLY 1 POINT.
    ANY ONE HELP ME….FOR WHICH I WILL BE VERY THANKFULLL……….

    AT FIRST SONY VAIO IS MY FAVOURITE…AND NOW I CAHNGED MY MIND.ITS WASTE WAY OF MANUFACTURING JAPANESE TECHNOLOGY….

  19. “It’s a Sony” , now the Japanese don’t purchase Sony Products.
    Sony after care or support are very bad, bad, bad

    Now Japanese people think that Sony is the Korean Company, is not Japanese Company.

    Sony USA WebSite’s supoort for update Sony software Sony Shared Library (SOASSL),Setting Utility Series (SOASUS),VAIO Event Service (SOAVES) are not for Windows7 at SZ series.
    There are meny problem at these Sony Original Software.
    I recomend that install original Software for Vista from Recovery Disc at Windows7 also.
    If you do it, VAIO SZ function well.

    I recomend that Sony User must file a lawsuit to Sony !!!!!!!

  20. Hi everybody. I have a Sony Vaio VPCYB25AL. I had the same problem. The root of the problem was that the installer of the ‘Sony Firmware Extension Parser Device Driver’ did not install correctly. It seems the installer does not make his work. So, in the list of windows devices there was an ‘Unkown Device’ that was actually the ‘Sony Firmware Extension Parser Device’. I had to look for another laptop of same model and extract this driver manually by using DriverMax. So what’s the learning? If your hotkeys do not work, make sure yo have not ‘Unkwown Devices’ on Windows Device Manager.

  21. Appreciate the order provided and the tips. I was able to get all the FN functions working correctly on my VGN-FZ283BN with Windows 7 x32. These also allowed the use of the media buttons and brought back the on screen notifications of volume and screen brightness. I installed in the order provided and everything worked and I’m thrilled! Thanks so much! The one piece of information I’d like to add is that for 3 and 4 I used a program called Uni Extract on the executable and then ran the Setup from each of them.

  22. Had the hard drive replaced on my Vaio E series (only 16 months old) but the tech at JBJ Electronics had no luck installing the Control Center etc and told me I would just have to adapt to working without it. (Only $270.oo for this advice) I made it all work by slowly following your instructions (in fear too as I am not pc skilled) Thanks a million

  23. thanks a Ton! for this great fix! Komeil =D every hot key fn works now except for ASSIST, S1 and VAIO key is there a different driver i need to download? VPCF1 is what i own. thx in advance.

  24. Thank you.

    I followed your guide for Windows 7 64bit on a Vaio E (EB1M1E). The support site offers the Sony Firmware Extension Parser (SFEP) Device Driver, but there’s no setup program. Installation by right clicking the .ini failed, so I just went on without this – and surprise, it works. I now have OSD for all buttons on FN + F1-F12.

  25. This worked perfectly on VGN-FZ348E. I had done a clean install of Windows 7 Ultimate and was struggling with the Function Keys for over 2 full days. Thanks a bunch!!

  26. Brilliant!
    Thanks for this solution, worked just fine on my friend’s VAIO.
    I knew Sony were stupid, this just confirms it. 🙂

  27. I followed the exact steps for uninstalling previous versions and then doing a clean install of the four drivers in the specific order. I got every Fn function to work (F2, F3, F4, F7, F9, F10, F12, S1, S2) except for the brightness (Fn+F5 and Fn+F6), which is the most important function for me. Anyone know how to fix this problem with only the brightness F5 and F6 not working? I have a Vaio VGN-Z540 running Windows 7 64 bit.

  28. Thanks a Lot….
    I have followed the instruction and now all is working wooooowwwwwwww..along with on screen Feedback,,,
    I am trying to doing this setting from many days…but finally your article helps me…
    Thanks a lot…
    i am using Vaio CS series…

  29. VGN-SZ645P Win7 Home Premium 64-bit

    Tried first method, scraped and installed as directed. Got back volume control (Fn + F3, F4), but not brightness.

    I then scraped and tried same install routine (I know from experience that install routine is important) using links to the same set of files for 64-bit from

    http://www.sony-asia.com/support/download/374988

    Same difference: Volume Fn key works, but Brightness doesn’t.

    BTW, I’ve only been using the Intel 965M driver from Win7 Updates.
    Also, getting that SFEP driver uninstalled and re-installed took some Hula dancing.

    Anyway, thanks for the tips

    • As I described in the article, volume Fn keys work without any Sony driver/utility installation because PS/2 scan codes are recognized by Windows out of the box. If you don’t see any volume/muting OSD, then it’s not OK.

      Please note in addition to SFEP (hardware ID SNY5001), an SZ usually requires another device driver installation for its Sony Programmable I/O Control Device (hardware ID SNY6001). Furthermore, Sony VAIO SZ laptops work best with the following outdated Sony drivers and utilities:

      Drivers

      Sony Programmable I/O Control Device 8.0.1.2
      Sony Firmware Extension Parser Device 8.0.1.2

      Utilities

      Sony Shared Library 3.0.00.10180
      Sony Utilities DLL 7.1.00.16050
      Setting Utility Series 2.1.00.16040
      VAIO Event Service 3.1.00.16230

      Don’t forget to remove any other installation beforehand using the removal method explained earlier in the article. As Alexander Kimaru suggested, using Registry Editor (regedit.exe) delete the keys for the SonySharedLibrary because there are probably version mismatches created by prior installations. Also check your Device Manager device listing to see no unknown device; perhaps those are your Sony Programmable I/O Control Device and Sony Firmware Extension Parser Device waiting for a proper device driver installation.

      • Thank you so much! After days of searching and trying out the wrong versions of various sony downloads, I can confirm that this specific list of versions in your comment works perfectly on an SZ645p running Windows 7 Ultimate 32 bit. It even made the “S1” and “S2” buttons work!

  30. Right on. This worked for a vgn-nw270f installed utilities update first then main utilities package. THANK YOU

  31. hello Komeil, thanks for your information. Now I can use my hot keys. I have a Japanese computer VGN-FZ51B and the Vaio japan webpage doesn’t give us the drivers. So I used the american version driver and it worked totally with the steps you mentioned (after 8 months looking for this information).
    I still have problems, I can’t use the camera and microphone, the trackpad and the memory card reader. Do you know where I can get drivers for these? I’m specially interested in the trackpad… thank you.

    • Like everything else in life, there is an efficient professional method to install an unknown device. You’d need to look for the Vendor ID (VEN or VID) and the Device / Product ID (DEV or PID) of the unknown device.

      Open the Device Manager and select the problematic device in the tree view under the computer name (e.g., KOMEIL). Sometimes it’s named Unknown device, it can also have a proper name, perhaps listed under a category, but still not functioning correctly.

      Select Properties, go to the Details tab, set Property to Hardware Ids, and look for the Value for the device.

      As an example, for a Sony’s touchpad, it should be something like ACPI\SNY9014. Now Google for the device hardware ID to find its vendor and product model.

      You’ll learn that the ACPI\SNY9014 is for example an “Alps Pointing Device” but don’t rush, you can’t install Alps’ generic driver on a Sony because the generic hardware ID for an Alps touchpad is something like ACPI\PNP0F13. But not on a Sony; on a Sony OEM Alps, it’s something like ACPI\SNY9014.

      Now Google for the latest driver for “Alps Pointing Device for VAIO Driver” perhaps with the keyword “latest” included to find something like this. Then navigate to the versions link to see 7.6, 7.5, 7.2, etc.

      Download a package, but before installing, try extracting it with Universal Extractor, so you can find INF files inside it, to check to see if it supports your problematic device within the DeviceDesc (DevDesc, etc.) section at all.

      You can also find a forum, a blog, or a site who claims Alps Pointing Device for VAIO Driver version 7.106.529.210 is working with the specific VAIO you’re looking for. That’s something worth trying out.

      After a few challenges, you’ll learn that the VEN_1180 (also VID_1180) belongs to Ricoh, the vanity VEN_8086 (also VID_8086) belongs to Intel, VEN_104C (also VID_104C) belongs to Texas Instruments, and so on.

      Then after a lot of practice, you’ll learn that the VID_05CA is also a Ricoh, but when it’s a Sony webcam, it’s not called a Ricoh anymore:
      USB\VID_05CA&PID_183A&MI_00 = Sony Visual Communication Camera VGP-VCC7
      USB\VID_05CA&PID_183B&MI_00 = Sony Visual Communication Camera VGP-VCC8

      So if you come across a PCI\VEN_1180&DEV_0822, you’ll instantly know that it’s a Ricoh SD/MMC card reader. Also, a pro knows Sony cannot have an SD/MMC unless it has a Sony’s own MemoryStick. So with a further looking for, the pro will indeed find a PCI\VEN_1180&DEV_0592 which translates to a Ricoh Memory Stick controller.

  32. its also working on vgn-sz55gn windows 7 ultimate x32. now, my FN-(F2,F3,F4,F4,F6,F7) and button S1 and S2 back in action. THANKS.

  33. Wow, here i found the solution for my vgn-sz5wxn/c. I used the older versions in this order of installation and it works proper:

    Driver

    Sony Programmable I/O Control Device 8.0.1.2
    Sony Firmware Extension Parser Device 8.0.1.2

    Utilities

    Sony Shared Library 3.0.00.10180
    Sony Utilities DLL 7.1.00.16050
    Setting Utility Series 2.1.00.16040
    VAIO Event Service 3.1.00.16230

    Thank you very much 🙂

  34. its also working on vgn-fw11m by from uk windows 7 ultimate x32. now, my FN-(F2,F3,F4,F4,F6,F7) and button S1 and S2 back in action. THANKS.

  35. i have : Sony Vaio VPCF22S1E/B. install winwows 8 but my function key doesn’t work. i follow ur procedure but doesn’t work.
    please help me..

  36. Have anyone installed windows 8 on sz660n (or similar sony laptop). I have already installed and I have noticed following issues:
    – Power button not working, no response for press events (so functionalities like sleep, hibernate or turn off are not working)
    – No response for lid close
    – increased energy consumption on battery (on windows 7 on stamina mode it was somthing like 5,5 h now it is less than 2,5 h)
    – Fan is working on high speed more often.

    It is seems that whole problems are connected to standard windows drivers for:

    ACPI Lid,
    ACPI Power Button
    ACPI Thermal Zone

    From that what I remember before system upgrade, there were some sony drivers on windows 7 (sorry I don’t remember the name)

    Maybe some one had the same problem as I have? and was able to handle it?
    Please help…:(

    regards,
    Piotr

  37. just finish with sony vaio VPCF11S1E / VPCF11S1E/B and just wanna say HUGE thanks !!! got fn keys function back and operational.

  38. Thanks so much it works. Also, you may need to go into the service manager and start the service after the installation process.

  39. My notebook is: SONY S Series Laptop – VPCSA

    Model: PCG-41213L
    Product Name – VPCSA2CFX

    Follow your steps and it did not work.

    Part of brightness does not work. And Zoom.

    FN and FN + F6 + F7 – does not work.
    FN and FN + F9 + F10 – Does not work.

    My email is: lufran2.2 @ hotmail.com

    Please help!

  40. Hi Komeil
    Own vaio c series (vpcca15fg) I did a clean installation of windows 8 leavjn windows 7 after that my function keys are not working.
    Please help….

    Thanks in advance
    Adi

  41. All this workaround works perfectly for windows 8 upgrade scenario. I was able to get all OSD messages feedback about volume ,brightness etc in windows 8. Only the issue is with the latest release of VAIO Control Center, it conflicts with the VAIO Event Service. I was in condition that two installations of VAIO Control Center were there with older one as default opening aap.
    Unfortunately I messed up while uninstalling newer version of VAIO Control Center via REVO uninstaller(forced uninstall) and now cant get all OSD messages in right way. Touchpad enable/disable dont works now also brightness (FN+F5 ,FN+F6) now results in limited max brightness with the small levels now grown thicker as in the picture uploaded at top of the page…
    Plz help me out if any one has gone through this scenario…

  42. u da man! worked for vaio vgn, the last 2 drivers i got from diferent unit cos i could not find mine and stil works perfectly THANKS

  43. Crawled on every site, tried every method and couldnt make the VGN-SZ780 FN keys work. But your method of installing the OUTDATED drivers helped! But you only mentioned this method in the comments, so many people may not notice. I think you should update the main article as well.

  44. Thank you, Komeil. Just followed this on my VGN-Z51XG (European only spec) and it worked a treat. For those doing the same, just make sure you pick the files from the “Preinstalled Drivers and Utilities” list and not the latest downloads. It’s a complete mystery why Sony can’t address this in a simple, easy solution. Not sure I’ll be staying loyal with my next laptop buy!!

  45. Hi sir,

    i am using sony vaio vpccb15fg windows server 2008 X64
    here function keys doesn’t works to adjust the brightness.

    please provide me a solution.

    mail:yourz.sunny@gmail.com

    Thanks
    SUNNY

  46. Hi Komeil,

    I have a Viao VPCS133GN. On its download page in Sony Asia, the Event Services driver is not listed. Some others seem missing too.

    I had to reinstall Windows 7 Professional 32bit after my system crashed. And since then I’m trying to get my Fn keys to start again. You seem to have mastered this art so do help me out if possible.

    Loc: India

  47. Hi Komeil!

    Thanks a lot! I have VGN-SZ6RMN and installed Windows 8.1 Professional x64 (Russian) on it. Your method works, with outdated drivers & utilities. Special thanks for links for downloading them.

    As I also had previously installed drivers & utilities I deleted them as you described. But Sony Shared Library 3.0.00.10180 refused to install and said that there is another version already installed. I deleted HKLM\SOFTWARE\Sony Corporation and HKLM\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Sony Corporation keys in registry and Sony Shared Library agreed to install. Now all Fn S1 and S2 keys work fine. As always I have Spanish OSD on Russian Windows but it’s known bug for old Sony notebooks and gives some fun =). There is no any link or something else on the desktop to configure S1 and S2 behavior. So one can go to C:\Program Files (x86)\Sony\Setting Utility Series, run VCCSpecialButton.exe and configure this.

    Once more thank you very much!

  48. I did a fresh install of Win 7 (32bit) on Vaio VGN-SZ650N and the function keys are not working. I went through the process as described by Kamal above. Later I wanted to use the drivers he has in his later posts, however, when I try to install the Sony Shared Library, it says an newer version is already installed. I have deleted the files for Sony Shared Library as per Kamal’s post. However, I have not been able to find relevant entries in the registry.

    Can anyone help?

  49. Thanks for the detailed instructions Komeil, but unfortunately it didn’t work for me, and none of vol/brightness/screen keys work. I’m running a brand new install of Win 7 Professional on a Sony VGN-FS730/W, and carefully installed the following drivers in the order you instructed:

    1. SODOTH: http://esupport.sony.com/CA/p/swu-download.pl?mdl=VGNFS730W&upd_id=1775&os_group_id=13

    2. SOASSL: http://esupport.sony.com/p/swu-download.pl?mdl=VGNFS730W&upd_id=1846&os_id=7

    3. SOASUS: http://www.sony-driver.com/vgn-fs720-w-vgn-fs730-w-setting-utility-series-update-vista/

    4. SOAVES: http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu-download.pl?mdl=VGNFS730W&upd_id=2287&os_id=7

    Any suggestions? Note that the SOASUS driver wasn’t from the sony esupport site as the others were. I couldn’t find it there. This was the only version I could find for my computer model. Esupport does have SOOOTH which lists sony setting utility series. Should I use this instead, or in addition?

    Thanks in advance for any help.

    • Addition to my previous comment/question:

      Looking more closely at the specific driver updates available for my model, it seems that the Setting Utility Series is a component of the Notebook Utilities update (SOOOTH), and not available separately as SOASUS. Also, the Event Service update (SOAVES) says it should only be installed after 1. installing the BIOS update (PHBSYS) and 2. the Sony Utilities DLL Update (SOASNU), suggesting that what I should be installing is:

      1. SODOTH (Sony Notebook Control Device Driver)
      2. SOASSL (Sony Shared Library for Microsoft Windows XP)
      3. SOOOTH (Sony Notebook Utilities)
      4. PHBSYS (Bios Update)
      5. SOASNU (Sony Utilities DLL Update)
      6. SOAVES (Vaio Event Service Update)

      Now, having a clean install of Windows 7, I’m not sure the Bios update is really a smart idea, but I really don’t know much about this stuff. Please help me!
      Thanks

      • First, install the BIOS update. Update the BIOS firmware to the latest version. Perhaps it needs a change in the BIOS program for the Sony software to work properly. BIOS update is permanent, it is not needed again when installing Windows in future. Now, install Sony Firmware Extension Parser Device (SODOTH) or Sony Notebook Control Device Driver (SODOTH) as it is called in your case — and Sony Programmable I/O Control Device (SODSPI) if you had two unknown devices (hardware ID: SNYx001) instead of one in Device Manager — and check the Device Manager to see the installed device(s) are there, and there is no unknown device with hardware ID SNYx001 (SNY5001, SNY6001) left behind. This last step is extremely important, since every service and executable depend on these device drivers, bridging the gap between keyboard Fn key combinations, BIOS, and Windows. From here on, remember not to mix Sony software marked with different Windows versions. Install Sony Shared Library (SOASSL) to have the shared components in place. Now install Sony Utilities DLL Update (SOASNU) to update what’s been installed. Then, Setting Utility Series (SOASUS) for the executables to install, and finally, VAIO Event Service (SOAVES) to setup Windows services required in the background for the executables to function. The article is more than 5 years old now, and me and VAIOs have drifted apart. But now you know what’s what, so replace every changed utility/library/service name that I’ve mentioned with what’s current in your laptop’s support page. Again, do not mix Sony software intended for different Windows versions as possible.

        • Indeed, the stupid VAIO driver dowload webpage will constantly jump back to Vista, so users need to re-select the proper OS (e.g. Win7 64-bit) for every driver download (no batch download available). But your instructions worked great on my VAIO VGN-FZ290 and VGN-FZ190, all function keys work now as intended. Thank you!

  50. ¡ Works on VPCM120AL!
    Hi from Mexico !!! I readed the instructions and are very explicit…..I used this:

    Sony Firmware Extension Parser Device Driver v8.0.1.1,

    SODOTH-00212439-0041.exe

    Sony Shared Library v 5.9.0.01220

    SOASSL-00244666-0042.exe

    Sony Notebook Utilities v 1.0
    SOAOTH-52900000-0041.exe

    VAIO Event Service v5.0.0.07130

    SOAVES-70192615-US.exe

    Thanks to all…!!!

  51. I have a Sony VAIO VGN-FS780/W that originally ran Windows XP. I upgraded to 7 Ultimate and fn keys don’t work. I tried several solutions before finding this site. I haven’t tried to follow the directions here yet, although many of them appear similar to what I did. So far nothing has worked. Maybe I should start with the directions here for the outdated drivers and utilities. Before I do I wanted to see if there are any suggestions for my specific model. Thanks for any suggestions.

      • Definitely. I went through various trials and errors and now have the fn F5 and fn F6 buttons working correctly to control brightness. Also, the fn F2, F3, and F4 buttons trigger the OSD and make it appear they are controlling mute/volume, but they really don’t work. The OSD just reads like they’re working. The S1 and S2 buttons even work partially but not quite correctly. They both trigger a balloon saying they can be assigned, so I tried to assign muting to S1. When pressed it shows muting OSD but doesn’t really mute. Any thoughts given this partial success? Thanks for any suggestions.

  52. Hi Komeil
    I have a sony vaio model VGN-FJ90PS, after a clean installation of windows 7 ultimate 32 bit, I managed to find missing drivers from the web, but function key still not working and I couldn’t find “vaio event service” or “shared library” for this model, I desperately need my Fn key back, help me out please.

  53. hi
    i have vaio VPCS132fx.
    my fn+f5 and f6 don’t work.
    i don’t have original windows in iran. because i install windows 7 64bit, now i can’t find driver to work all keyboard(mean fn+f5 or f6) for control brightness .

    • Hi. As long as you know what you’re doing, it has nothing to do with Windows version, architecture, or it being original or not. In contrast to Japanese aesthetic ideas and design principles, VAIOs can be pretty different, I admit, so one’s specific solution doesn’t necessarily work for you. But then, there’s more than enough information on this page, be it the article itself or the comments section. Furthermore, because Sony software are a mess, I think it’s time to ask a knowledgeable friend if you don’t know exactly what to do. Install latest Intel Chipset drivers for your motherboard controller from Intel Website. Open Sony Support page for your VAIO model and download required drivers and utilities. Update the BIOS to the latest. Install drivers for Sony Programmable I/O Control Device, Sony Firmware Extension Parser Device and/or Sony Notebook Control Device. Install Sony Shared Library, Sony Notebook Utilities, Sony Utilities DLL Update, and VAIO Event Service Update if applicable. Now play with different graphics drivers as brightness partially depends on the correct behavior of the Intel and/or Nvidia drivers.

  54. Sony does not support win7 preinstalled vaios for windows 10 installation. For this reason i couldnt get my fn keys working on vpcf2m1e due to vaio event service exe does not allow installation commenting os compatibility. Does anyone find any way out to take around this OS compatibility problem?

  55. if you install the 4 drivers and your brightness etc still doesn’t work in windows 7, uninstall all 4 drivers, restart then install all 4 drivers in compatibility mode for windows vista.

  56. This manual is OK for SONY VAIO VGN-AR61E with WIN7 ultimate

    After instalation OS …

    1. Sony Firmware Extension Parser Device Driver (win7 from inet update drv. self)
    2. Sony Shared Library (“Sony Shared Library 4.1” in folder “2008Q1 Utilities”)
    3. Setting Utility Series (Setting_Utility_Series_3.1_081Q_3.1.00.09240)
    4. VAIO Event Service (“VAIO Event Service 3.3” in folder “2008Q1 Utilities”)

  57. I have a VGN laptop (VGNAW-190) and originally it had Windows Vista 64/bit. I had problems with PC, so I decided to scrub all of the drives so I could do a clean installation of Windows 7 Professional 64/bit. I did not download Windows 7 Professional from the Microsoft web site the download was made using my Windows 7 Professional software disc. When I go to Sony’s website and select all of my information and choose Sony Shared Library and proceed to download the file (SOASSL-70189398-US)and install the file a message pops-up and says “Can only run on Vista”. Would anyone have the file for Windows 7 Professional 64/bit

  58. Thank you so much for this great article.
    I installed Windows 10 on a Sony Vaio VPCSE laptop and followed your guide.
    Everything now works. It’s a shame that Sony doesn’t provide this information. (aside from the lack a decent graphics card driver, which AMD now graciously provides)
    My girlfriend now has a fully up-to-date laptop. Which still works great.
    Thank you so much.

  59. Hello from Ukraine! Thank you so much, Komeil! Your tips were of great help for me and my VAIO VPCZ216GX running Windows 10. The brightness can now be adjusted using Fn+F5/F6 keys.

    There is one problem, however. For some reason, using the Fn+F5/F6 key combination, the brightness level can only be adjusted on a scale from 0% to 58%. It won’t go higher than 58% using Fn key. It is possible to increase the brightness up to 100% by using the Windows settings (Start > Settings > System > Display > Change Brightness).

    Do you think there is a way to adjust brightness on a scale from 0% to 100% using Fn key?

    Thanks so much in advance!

    • Hi. I feel your frustration and I know how annoying it is to see Change Brightness of Windows Display Settings functioning properly, but Sony’s Fn+F5/F6 key combination being limited to some absurd range or worse being stuck at some dark or bright levels…

      Retarded hardware and software engineers at Sony designed and developed VAIOs in a horrid way where a simple brightness down/up (Fn+F5/Fn+F6) keystrokes flow through these many steps:

      Keyboard Fn+F5/F6 keystroke → BIOS → Sony Programmable I/O Control Device Driver → Sony Firmware Extension Parser Device Driver → Sony Shared Library → Sony Utilities DLL → Setting Utility Series → VAIO Event Service → Nvidia Driver → Windows Brightness Settings

      Every single step of the way is critical: Updated BIOS firmware, updated PIO and FEP device drivers, matching versions of Sony software, and finally an Nvidia driver matching all the previous ones!

      So, you have to play with different versions, experiment, and find yourself a working sequence like I found Nvidia driver 275.33 perfect for an 8400M GS on a friend’s VGN-SZ650N back in 2011, or per my August 2013 notes on installing Windows 7 x64 on my friend Golnaz’ VGN-SZ370P, I first installed a combination of Sony Shared Library 3.0.00.10180 + Sony Utilities DLL 7.0.00.11210 + Setting Utility Series 2.0.00.11270 + VAIO Event Services 3.0.00.13110, just to observe installing Nvidia driver 275.33 and 280.26 causes brightness control to be stuck at full bright, while with 301.42 it was stuck at full dark, and finally modded 310.90 didn’t work at all.

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