topic VPCM12M1E M Memory Upgrade in PCs & Accessories

VPCM12M1E M Memory Upgrade

Silversurfer42 — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 14:18:09 GMT

The Specifications for VPCM12M1E state that the memory can be upgraded from 1GB to 2GB. I cannot find anywhere a procedure to do this nor how to access the existing Memory. Could you please inform me of the following:-

1) Can the memory in fact be upgraded to 2GB

2) Is the memory module under the keyboard.

3) Where can I find any instructions how to upgrade the memory.

VPCM12M1E M Memory Upgrade

patapoof — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 02:24:51 GMT

a real messy problem ...I was unable to lift the keyboard (and bent it a little) after removing 6 screws underneath ...I would love to know the answer to this dilemma ...further, I would sure love to know why calling up sony support (it's brand new) they don't even have a clue and hardly speak english ...isn't it a shame ...sony was soooo good in the past ...I have a 1984 sony xbr tv still working and looks so good people ask if it is hdtv ...well, I would love to up my memory and have purchased the 2gb module but cannot figure out how to lift the keyboard without bending it ...

VPCM12M1E M Memory Upgrade

Blencogo — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:57:35 GMT

I think Sony have decided the memory upgrade is quite complex and they do not recommend it as a user upgrade.

There are two more screws under some tape in the centre.

Watch the videos: -

Video of M-Series here: -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhIAKZrsuw8&feature=player_embedded

Watch the video of the W-Series here: -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFHw5JEOilw

VPCM12M1E M Memory Upgrade

patapoof — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 14:49:22 GMT

thank you for your advice...

you say: "Have you undone the screw right in the middle - under the flap on the back? There are 3 screws to come out under the flap + 2 under the battery + 3 in the top of the flap." ...I do not find any "flap" ...what is it and where is it please?

I have seen the 2 videos ...the thing is, on my Vaio VPCM12M1E/L there are NOT any screws under the battery at all ...there are no tapes in the battery compartment ...nothing!! I am at a loss here to figure it out...

VPCM12M1E M Memory Upgrade

Blencogo — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 15:39:43 GMT

Sorry, please ignore that - those instructions are for the W-Series.

Just look at the M Series Video. Take the battery off. You need to remove only the 4 screws holding in the keyboard. The 2 centre ones either side of the battery connector are covered with tape which needs to be put back afterwards.

Lift the top of the keyboard being careful not to damage the connectors.

You will see the RAM module under the keyboard

Good Luck

VPCM12M1E M Memory Upgrade

patapoof — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 16:25:50 GMT

here is what I have ...pic a little blurry but still instructive...

VPCM12M1E M Memory Upgrade

patapoof — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 18:17:05 GMT

OK ...resolved:

To each side of the battery connectors (shown in the yellow rectangle in my prior picture) there is a flat spot ...that flat spot on each side is covered by black electrical tape which is so well positioned it cannot be easily seen ...it looks like a part of the black plastic over which it is placed... it requires a delicate effort to remove it (sticks well) for which I used a pointy awl (very small) ...after that, there are, in fact 2 screws (they are smaller than the other ones and go in more turns) ...once removed the keyboard is loose (having also removed the 2 screws to either side as well (red circles next to battery, 2 on each side, I left the 2 central screws near the front alone) ...lift it with care as the ribbon cable is really short ...you will NOT be able to perch it up by the screen or anywhere... I just worked under it ...the release of the installed memory is very easy with 2 side clips you push outward (very easy) and the mem card pops right up ...do NOT lift it but pull it out along it's plane (also, easy) and look at how it goes in (there's a slot in the connector bank preventing a mistake) ...put the new one in along the SAME PLANE (same angle) as the one you removed (goes in without any resistance and does NOT snap) ...then push it flat and the two side clips will snap (very gentle pressure needed only) ...put the thing back together and you're done.

Thanks for your patience (especially Blencogo); I'm an idiot for being so dense ...old poor vision contributed to my troubles...

...for sure, anyone can do it !! ...took 5 minutes (max) ...recognition of new memory happened with no problem (right click on "computer" and go to properties and it's there in all its glory !!

VPCM12M1E M Memory Upgrade

Blencogo — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 18:26:00 GMT

Well done and thank you for posting such clear instructions. I found an official Sony guide (after you had solved the problem) here: -

http://genesis.sony-europe.com/instranet/ccil_sony/selfservice/search.jsp?DocId=47466&l=en_GB&m=VPCM12M1E_W

I'm glad you have sorted it and this guide may help others in the future.

VPCM12M1E M Memory Upgrade

patapoof — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 18:33:31 GMT

someone should let tech support know about this because I got no help from them at all ...sony is too big a company as evidenced by this disconnect between this resource and the person in the far east on the phone...

VPCM12M1E M Memory Upgrade

Silversurfer42 — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 14:15:23 GMT

Thanks a million to both 'Blencogo' and 'patapoof' for carrying on this thread whilst I have been away. The video link from Blencogo is most useful together with the write up from patapoof which makes the job look so easy. Now I will take the plunge to buy an upgrade 2GB module. Thanks again to both of you especially as this information does not seem to be available from Sony.

VPCM12M1E M Memory Upgrade

judith_sw — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 16:30:19 GMT

Thanks for the helpful advice. Just to let you know, these instructions also work for the VPCM13M1E and the upgrade RAM specification is the same (according to Crucial). As mentioned in a previous post, it's a quick and easy job 🙂

VPCM12M1E M Memory Upgrade

grace-301 — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 22:11:18 GMT

I had terrible trouble with this upgrade - the system would recognise the 2GB memory module, and work for a few minutes before crashing. Sony tech help just kept repeating memory spec - useless!

Several returns of memory from two major suppliers, and finally sorted it out (I think!).

I disabled ReadyBoost on a permanently installed SD card, and it seems to be working fine. Doh!

Has anyone else had this problem?

Re: VPCM12M1E M Memory Upgrade

nasos21 — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 20:41:24 GMT

well thanks for the instructions. its obvious sony cant give ANY help. my same netbook was bought with problems (plural) and after 3 visits to sony center problems still occur... i wont ever buy a sony labtop in my whole life... can you imagine buying something faulty. they dont replace it and send it back with problems??

my camera never worked after they took care of it and now noone is answering in my mails since they saw my case and they know what hell i ve passed for them..

think twice before u buy an expensive sony product in the future