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I have a SONY VAIO VGN-17C and I cannot read memory cards. I also lost the installation disk. How to get on the web something to fix up this mess?

Sony VAIO Laptops

Sony manufactures a dozens of VGN laptops for consumers around the globe. I was unable to find specifics for the VGN-17C though I did stumble across a VGN-TX17C model. Nevertheless, my advice is the same no matter what the model number happens to be. It sounds as though the built-in memory card reader is not working. The first thing to try is to see what the Device Manager has to say about it. The second thing to try is to go to Sony’s Web site and find updated device drivers for your model.

Device Manager

The Device Manager is a useful tool when your computer’s hardware malfunctions. Not only can you view error messages related to your devices, you can update the device drivers which often solves the problem. Right-click My Computer and choose Properties. If you have Windows XP, click the Hardware tab followed by Device Manager. If you have Windows Vista, click the Device Manager link.

Once inside the Device Manager window, find the Memory Technology Driver category and expand it by clicking the plus sign next to it. I’m betting that you will see a yellow warning icon by the Integrated Flash Media Controller. Double click the device and view the error message. Most likely, the driver for the device is missing or corrupt. If so, click the Driver tab followed by Update Driver. Allow Windows to search for the device driver automatically. If Windows finds an updated driver, it will install it. You must reboot your computer for the update to complete.

Another trick is to uninstall the memory card reader while in Device Manager (right click the device and choose Uninstall) and then reboot the computer. Windows will detect the new hardware when it reboots and should automatically load the correct driver for it. Again, a reboot may be necessary.

Sony Support

Sony offers online support for its products. Choose the correct Sony support site for your country and then find the Drivers and Software section. Enter your model number into the form field. Double-check your model number by looking at the sticker on the bottom of your laptop to ensure that no letters are missed. If your model appears, you’ll then see a list of downloads for your computer. Make sure to first select the operating system so that the software listed is for your specific operating system. Look for memory card reader/writer, memory card, or memory stick in the category list. Download and install any updates.  

Where do I put my memory card adaptor in the computer so I can put music on my memory?

Memory Card Adaptor

Memory card adaptors are designed for use with multiple types of memory cards and flash media sticks. In fact, these are handy devices to own since you no longer need to worry about having the proper memory card or flash stick every single time that you want to save some data, music, games, or video.

While there are lots of different styles and models sold on the market today, typically, memory card adaptors have USB capability. Therefore, you are going to plug it into any open USB port on the computer. Some computers feature their USB ports on the side or back, while others feature them in the front. Sometimes the USB ports are covered by a hinged panel to protect them from dust and dirt. Make sure that you connect your memory card adaptor securely using one of these USB ports.

Memory Card Reader

A memory card reader is designed to read the contents of flash memory cards and/or transfer the data to a computer. They are sold in both single capacity format and multiple capacity formats. With a memory card reader, you can read the data on any number of different flash memory cards. Many computers come with built-in memory readers. Simply insert your memory card into the slot and your computer will treat it as a portable storage device.

Memory card adapters and readers have become popular since you don’t need to connect your digital device to the computer in order to read the memory card. No more worrying about finding the missing cable that connects the digital device (camera, camcorder, etc) to the computer. You simply insert your card or attach the adapter and you are set to go.

Memory Card Devices

Memory cards are designed as portable storage devices that can be used to save large amounts of data. They are designed in an assortment of styles and sizes. Therefore, it is important to identify the type of memory card or flash stick that you need prior to making your purchase of one. Moreover, the type of memory card that you use is dictated by the particular device that you need it for. Memory card adaptors, however, have simplified the use of memory cards and the transfer of the data that has been stored on them.

The USB ports are not recognizing when a memory stick is inserted - it says unrecognizable.

Is it all USB devices, or just one particular memory stick? There are times when a memory stick is defective, so be sure the issue really is with the port and not one particular device. Assuming the issue is with the computer itself, there are some things you can do if one or more of your USB ports is unrecognizable.

USB Card Readers

With the introduction of high capacity memory cards, older card readers are often incompatible with newer high capacity memory sticks. Even though the cards physically look the same and fit, these readers cannot read the cards due to file system changes in the newer formats. Double check to be sure that the card reader is compatible with your memory stick.

Power Down

This may sound silly, but it has worked for others so it’s worth a try. Power the computer down and unplug it completely from the wall. Let it sit - some people say 10 seconds, some people say 1 hour, it’s up to you - and then plug it back in again and see if your USB ports are now recognized. Apparently, this allows the motherboard to discharge completely and this is often successful.

Are you using an HP computer? If so, you can try putting the stick in the USB port and turning off the computer. Unplug it and then hold the start button down for 10 seconds. Keeping the card in the slog, plug it back in and then restart. Many times your USB port will be recognized.

Uninstall Drivers

You can try to uninstall the drivers for the USB ports and let the system reinstall them. Go to Start and then Control Panel. Choose System and then Hardware and Device Manager. Expand the Universal Serial bus Controllers. Uninstall every device. Close the window and let the computer reboot. Windows should reinstall the correct drivers and allow the USB port to be recognized.

Latest Service Pack

Have you downloaded the latest Windows Service Pack? The original version of Windows XP had a problem when a USB port wasn’t used for a while, it would set the OHCI controller to suspend. Theoretically, it should “wake up” when something is plugged into the port, but it doesn’t always work. The Windows Service Packs were supposed to correct the problem.

I think either powering down or reinstalling the drivers will solve your problem. If it doesn’t and you need additional help, please let us know.