How to Install a Sony Vaio Laptop Modem

The modem in your Sony Vaio laptop is an internal hardware device that uses a telephone cord to allow your laptop to send and receive data, such as faxes, and to connect to the Internet via a dial-up service provider. You can remove and replace the modem that came with your Sony Vaio by ordering a compatible modem through Sony or by purchasing one from a reputable laptop-parts dealer. Before you can use a replacement modem in your Sony Vaio, you must first follow the steps for removing the old modem and installing the new one.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Laptop screwdriver set
• ESD wristband or other grounding tool

1. Shut down your Sony Vaio laptop and close the lid. Place the laptop upside down on a sturdy surface so you can access the bottom of the laptop and remove its battery. Slide the battery lock to the "Unlock" position, then slide the battery out of its bay. Removing the battery will prevent electricity from injuring you while you access the laptop's internal components.

2. Unplug all cables and peripherals and wait for the laptop to cool down. Remove the AC power cord from the laptop and disconnect all peripherals and cables that are plugged into the laptop. This includes any Ethernet cable, wireless PC cards, telephone cable, external mouse, USB drives and other devices.

3. Find the modem bay and remove the cover. The modem in a Sony Vaio laptop is housed in its own compartment, typically the smallest one just above the hard drive and memory compartments. Using a laptop screwdriver, remove the one screw that secures the modem compartment cover. Keep this screw separate from the screws you will remove from the modem itself.

4. Remove the modem. The modem is secured into the laptop with two screws. Carefully remove both screws----one is located in the bottom left corner of the modem and the other is in the top right corner. Find the small cable that connects the modem to the motherboard. Gently pull the connector end of the cable out of the modem----do not pull the cable itself. After removing the cable, carefully lift the modem out of the compartment.

5. Place the new modem into the modem compartment. When placing the new modem into the modem compartment, align the modem so that the screw holes inside the modem compartment and the screw holes on the modem match. Using the connector end, insert the modem cable into the new modem. Carefully secure the modem, then insert and tighten the modem's two screws to secure it to the laptop. Replace the modem compartment cover and insert and tighten the cover's screw.

6. Visit the laptop technical support page on the Sony Vaio website (see Resources) to download and install the drivers and software you may need for the laptop to recognize the newly installed modem. Alternatively, you can download a generic driver from other technology-support websites.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear an ESD (electrostatic discharge) wristband or use any other grounding device when handling your Sony Vaio's internal components. This will prevent static electricity from damaging sensitive hardware.
• Review your Sony Vaio's warranty information before installing a new modem, as this may void the warranty. To avoid injury, wait for the Sony Vaio to cool down before accessing the laptop's internal hardware components.

Resources

• Sony eSupport: Drivers and Software
• Sony: Parts and Accessories
• Sony: Notebooks