Missing Easy Media Creator (VGN-AR51E)

[clash-city-rocker]

Hi, Got my new VGN-AR51E, and pretty pleased on the whole (the keyboard sucks badly). My main conceren, is the lack of CD/DVD burning software, I was under the impression this laptop came with Easy Media Creator, but it's nowhere to be seen!!!

[Blencogo]

Yes, you should have Easy Media Creator 9.

Have a look in the VAIO Recovery Centre -> Reinstall Programs and Drivers
and see if it can be reinstalled from the Recovery Partition.

If not, I would check that you have everything else you should have and phone Sony Support. I would ask for a disc - not a download. Check you have everything listed under Software here: -

http://vaio.sony.co.uk/view/ShowProduct.action?product=VGN-AR51E&site=voe_en_GB_cons&category=VN+AR+...

[clash-city-rocker]

Interesting, it's also not listed under application recovery.

However, it IS on the 2nd backup DVD, in MOD format. Any idea how I can extract from a mod file.

I am reluctant to phone Sony, as previous experience tells me they will simply sell me a recovery disc that does not do anything different from the ones I have..

[clash-city-rocker]

OK, finally got the bottom of what is going on...

Roxio Easy Media Creator IS installed, but it's called by such an obscure name in it's start menu shortcut, it's almost impossible to find.

I typed the following on the Vista "Start Search", and none of these found it!!

CD
DVD
Easy
Easy Media
Creator
Roxio

The shortcut is called "home"..

Perhaps Sony should spend LESS time bundling crap that we don't want, and more time paying attention to what they are loading..

[davemee]

Perhaps Sony should spend LESS time bundling crap that we don't want, and more time paying attention to what they are loading..

This stuff just makes you feel stupid, then annoyed. Why on earth is a CD burner called 'home'?!?!

You're too right, mgillespie. Half the problems with PCs are the aggressive 'upgradeware' installations that jam up a clean vista installation. When they come to write the history of the death of PC sales, Norton's name will be synonomous with system instability, software ransom demands, and bloatware.

... just my opinion. Wish Sony would smart up and stop me having to waste 2 days uninstalling drivel every time I buy a machine. Gotta factor that into TCO.

[clash-city-rocker]

Anyone also notice, that you are forced to be a "Vaio Fan", simply by posting here? How full of yourself are you Sony?

At times, I regularly regret buying Sony, mostly due to the abysmal support (I have a support ticked, opened 3 weeks into the warrenty period of my last laptop, 2 years ago..)

By a vaio, you are pretty much on your own...