New Sony VAIO F Series Encountering Buzzing Or High Pitched Whine Issue?

According to dozens of forum users at Notebookreview.com, apparently owners of the new Sony VAIO F Series VPCF112FX/B, VPCF11JFX/B, VPCF11MFX/B and VPCF1190X CTO are experiencing an odd high pitched whine or buzzing sound (aka whining) while using the laptop. The issue caused several consumers to call Sony for support, but they were unable to provide a fix over the phone – this led to several of the laptops being returned, exchanged, and so forth. However, after observing the forum topic it seems that the problem resides within the microphone built into the laptop itself, and with a few simple clicks this issue can be temporarily resolved. Hopefully Sony will provide a more cohesive fix soon.

Go to “Start,” then “Control Panel,” and then click on the “Hardware & Sound” category. Then click on the “Sound” category, and then click on the “Recording” tab. Highlight the microphone and go to Properties. Select the “Listen” tab and “Mute” the mic as well as put a check mark where it says “Listen to this device.” That should fix everything. When you want to use the mic or webcam, just undo these settings.

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21
Jan 2010
POSTED BY Christopher MacManus
POSTED IN

Hardware, Vaio

DISCUSSION 55 Comments
  • aco

    This includes model VPCF115FM/B as well.

    • ghada

      I have a vpcz1 and the sound of the fans are getting load and irritating me what can i do ?

  • Peter

    All of a sudden the F series is no longer orderable on the sonystyle websites in Europe. According to customer service the existing orders are still being fulfilled.

    With no other information from Sony, this leads to a lot of speculation. For instance, are there technical problems? If so, are these hardware or software related? If hardware related, will existing customers receive the same hardware fixes later? Of course, I am jumping the gun here but this is what is going on in people's minds now.

    Would be nice if sony insider could get some information about this somehow.

  • Peter

    Latest information is that these are just problems with the web site and not with the product and it will be corrected soon.

  • Tim Pickering

    Thanks for this work around. Does Sony plan to provide a fix for this?

  • Bill

    WOW, Thanks a million! I had just received my new F Series VAIO and put an Intel X25-M SSD in it. Everything ran smooth, and then I noticed the noise (which I thought was related to the SSD). However, I noticed that the high pitch buzz disappeared when playing music at almost no volume. I was looking for a fix and this works great!

  • Jim K

    or just open sound recorder and throw the window away somewhere in the corner. a lot simpler and you don't have to reset settings if you need to use the mic. You could even call it on start-up so you don't have to manually run it. Hopefully this gets resolved with an update soon.

  • jerry_vpcf

    Ear busting. Headache inducing. I would have returned the laptop if I hadn't found this article. VPCF119FX
    Thank you! Thank you. I was able to shut off the whine with your tip. My ear still hurts a lot! I hope there is not permanent damage to my ear. Anyway I bought the laptop about a week ago through Sony Style and it shipped from San Diego. I tried online support. Will call the support phone number tomorrow to make sure Sony knows there is a problem.

    • Reid

      Thanks a lot!! I too was just about to return my new Viao F series, but dreaded having to re-install all my software.

  • Jim K

    Does anyone else find the fan on their computer overly loud? Is it supposed to be this loud??

  • Cassandra

    you don't have to mute the mic. you select the listen to this device checkbox and you use the dropdown menu to select digital output and apply those changes and the computer is quiet and you can still use your mic

  • Michelle

    I just purchased the VPCF115FM and sure enough…it has the annoying buzzing sound. Fortunately I bought it from Best Buy and purchased the protection plan which guarantees a “no lemon” policy so I haven't ran my recovery disk or anything…I'm going to call Best Buy tomorrow and see what they're advising. I don't expect to pay this much for a computer to have to go in and cut the mic off and on when I want to use it. I expect to have a brand new lap-top with no problems. I bought a NEW computer not USED. This is my 2nd Sony Vaio and have been very pleased with the 1st one. It's just 4 years old now so time to update.

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  • nyc2pdx

    This worked for me — thanks for posting! You've saved me from some really aggravation regarding return/support. If anyone hears about a fix by Sony, PLEASE post it here — we still want to easily use Skype, etc. with the laptop.

  • RLS_Portland

    This worked for me — thanks for posting! You've saved me from some really aggravation regarding return/support. If anyone hears about a fix by Sony, PLEASE post it here — we still want to easily use Skype, etc. with the laptop.

  • jzzzj

    I purchased my first VAIO F series, the VPCF11FM/B, at Best Buy on 2-10-10 after not getting good customer service from Dell on other pc's. In the middle of setting up Windows I experienced the high pitch buzz/screech. I contactected Sony the next day and they stated no solution had been found yet for this issue, they did admit to several similiar complaints thus acknowledging that there is a problem. What I have noticed is that it is an intermittant problem, I can go for a couple of days and no noise. Last night while using it the noise came in and I found the mic solution posted here, I tried it however, the post states to mute the mic, but how do I actually mute the mic? I didn't see that option under the listen tab. After some frustration I decided to try it today when the noise kicks in, but it's been quite today, no noise at all. I contacted Sony today and now they claimed that the cause of this intermittant noise is the “touchpad”. Has any one found this to be the actual fix. I don't want to waiste time doing a repair that won't fix the problem and then loose the option to return it to Best Buy within their 14 day return or exchange policy.

    • Jda

      open up volume on the main taskbar (where windows logo bar) and click mixer and then you will see mic and just mute it

  • gmsne

    could this http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu-download.p…
    have anything to do with this problem?

  • jzzzj

    gmsne, thank for the reply, I checked the link out and I will try it. I will post a reply with the results.

  • konstantin

    Hi, I am from Hamburg, Germany, Got mine on Saturday. Since the first boot-up, i am really annoyed by the constant noise of the fan! This is so “not ok” !!! I really think about sending it back! this can't just be! IS there any solution in sight? A change of the Fan?

    • Pwc1011

      the fan issue is a different issue. according to the input i had from the support person who replace my fan… it’s due to faulty fans by a “secondary” provider. have them change your fan out.

    • Ithenatural

      NO!!! Send it back if you can!! This is the worst company I have ever dealt with. Mine had the same noise and it will eventually overheat and stop working!! If you look at the blue print of these models you will see that it appears to have been constructed by Parker Brothers. The fans were built with covers on them!!! It’s been a month, the computer has been recalled and I have been completely ignored by sony… A bs work order has been issued but the parts are on “back order”. They sold you, me and everyone else on here a lemon!!!

  • http://profiles.yahoo.com/u/NW6SYFWBUK74K5SJKADYJ5VMMA miguel

    So i just ordered my sony Vaio F Series from Best Buy On 2/19/2010 and the site says its backordered. Does that mean that the one i get will be the one sony fixed or with the same problems?

  • tony

    thank you, saw this and gave up buying one, cheers.

  • tony

    Hmm I guess if Sony goes like this, it will end up like Toyota

  • Tonito

    yeah, I'm a bit disappointed with Sony. I bought a new F-series PC and noticed straight away that disturbing noise. I talked with Sony service and they took it in for repair. When I finally got it back, nothing had changed, that same noise still in the background! The repair rapport mentioned about a defect software that had been installed, can't understand…I wonder how long it is going to take for Sony to repair this issue. Do you guys think this is going to be fixed with a simple update patch?

  • nyc2pdx

    Sorry you didn't buy this — it's a great computer. Once you tweak the microphone problem, it's resolved.

  • TML

    THANKS A LOT!!! This solution really released ME/MY EARS!!! Torturing buzzing / high pitched whine issue really seems to be gone…. what a release….;-)

  • SonySad

    I've had a VPCF11ZJ/B for 2 weeks, and it has died. Power is coming on, but it won't boot. Very disapointing, and seemingly a somewhat common problem.

  • Scott

    Regarding the high pitched noise, I too have a similar problem but the mic fix didn't work. The problem is intermittent but I was able to record it and posted the example on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VscV5M2eWY I haven't found a solution and will likely return the laptop as defective.

  • Anubis570

    While the fix mentioned in this article works a portion of the time; however in a growing number of cases (mine included) the sound is the result of insufficient 'shielding'. This problem requires that a Sony technician add in a gel pad to stem the vibrations or send the laptop in to be serviced. The result of such a repair job leave your laptops frame incapable of sealing properly. Another issue that I have discovered is that fan on the system never *never* shuts off while the unit is operational. When I asked the technician about the issue I was referred to the phone technical support. The technician on the phone told me that every issue that I have mentioned is a known defect in the model; to make things more interesting I was told to ask an on site technician. The number of known and hidden defects in the unit is likely the reason that the model is not as easy to find.

  • Anubis570

    check for the latest audio drivers from Sony

  • Terry

    I have a Sony VPCF115FM/B.

    There was not much of a fan noise when I first got it.
    After doing the Vaio Upgrade, it start have that awful fan sound that goes on and on like like My heart will go on by Celine Dion!!!

    My solution to sort the problem is to restore it to the date that it is still working correctly without the noise.
    After that, ignore the update from Vaio.

  • http://www.answersintruth.blogspot.com Pastor Rob Casey

    THANK YOU! After dozens of searches, you had the answer!

  • http://www.onlinenotebook.com/sony-vaio-vpcf115fmb.html Sony Vaio VPCF115FM/B

    Sony Vaio VPCF115FM/B this is also in this series. Includes this model. Sony Vaio VPCF115FM/B has nice allotment of ports which will easily satisfy all your needs. There are ExpressCard, FireWire, HDMI, eSATA and USB. Our only complaint was the presence of just three USB 2.0 ports which will be inadequate for connectivity. There is just a single eSATA combo port. Bluetooth also makes an appeareance.

  • Jomafe

    Hello:

    Can I use Vaio VPCF11Z1E/BI and HDMI to play-back commercial films on my TV set?

  • clkvlk

    stupid advice i've ever heard, please don't give anymore advice you only waste our time

  • clkvlk

    stupid advice i've ever heard, please don't give anymore advice you only waste our time

  • David

    Same with model VPCEA25FG, same problem, fan is very annoying, sometimes develop high frequency whistling.

  • George

    very nice tip + cassandra’s tip worked well too – I have the vpcf112fx/h model – the interference was driving me crazy! Thanks. btw – if you do a vaio update that includes anything to do with “sound”, you may have to reset your settings. other then that this machine rocks.

  • Thiago Assis

    Thanks ! you solve my problem on windows !

    and about linux ? do you have any solution ?

  • http://www.sonyvaiofseries.com sony vaio f series laptop

    Thanks for this blog.
    I love this.

  • http://www.personalinjurylawsuits.org personal injury lawsuits

    Dont the testers catch these defects before they are released to the public?!

  • http://www.dolceandgabbanaperfume.com new dolce and gabbana

    Is this the only model that has this problem?!

  • http://www.disneyadventures.net disney adventures magazine

    Very nice laptop..to bad for whinning sound, i herd they did fix it however?!

  • http://www.dolceandgabbanaperfume.com dolce and gabbana perfume

    I thought i have herd of this issue with another Soney product, sony needs to step it up on their quality control!

  • http://www.soccerfanatic.org soccer fanatic

    The article said caused several users to call sony for support. Was this a big issue or was it just on a few of their laptops!?

  • http://www.pinnaclesoftware.org pinnacle

    I read some where else they were having issues on a different model where sweat was causing some problems.

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  • Charfidd

    I have a Vaio F116, bought it last April, big mistake. Complained about the fan noise, had a on site tech rip the whole thing open, and insert some damper – cracking the case in the process. Didn’t help at all. The high pitched buzzing causes ringing in my ears while and after I use the laptop. The fan noise is so loud that I can’t use my regular headphones (AKG 701), and have to use in-ear monitors that block sound. Sent it back, changed the case. But then the optical drive gave trouble. Complained about the screen, you can view the screen from very limited angle. They checked it and said nothings wrong. Got it back with frame damage. Onsite tech replace th screen frame. Got new optical dr twice. Sent it back for unresolved noise issue, did some more work on the fan, no improvement. A very nice guy in the San Diego lab said the high pitched hum was a “feature”. (no charge for the free upgrade). They changed the motherboard, because it often just dies (so told me a on-site tech). So they did the overhaul. After all that, the computer looked about three years old. Don’t remember why I finally sent it back after that, but they gave me a brand new one, assuring me that the new one will be all right. Turns out, I got the twin brother, with all the exact same problems. The noise drives me nuts. The high pitched sound drills through my brain. Changed the optical drive twice, the second time sending it home to change myself. It was OK, but when the computer was back by the lab, they changed it again… and now its no good (Gets stuck on some point, fails to read, emits a raddling noise – intermittently). Last month had a disk crash with no warning, and lost my data (lost data also from the first one, backing up to a flash drive that got damaged (the propose of returning the laptop) not Sony’s fault – but if not the problems it should not have happened). The recovery disks took no effect, so they wanted to send me a new hard drive, but wanted my credit card number – in case I fail to return the old one. refused, and sent it back. Sending it back again for the noise and the disc tray. Spent by now at least 50 hours on the phone with people that are usually really dumb, and even when Inelegant – speak poor English. You repeat your whole story, and the they pass you “to the next level of support” go through the entire thin again, and get disconnected. Got to start all over. Waiting time could be long. I now the song “ordinary people” like I know “happy birthday to you” – the song goes “This time, Baby, take it slow..”. They do. The secret is, company policy – if they have your computer five times in the repair center in San Diego, you get a automatic replacement. For all the good that will do. Better stay away from the F series altogether. I barely had a chance to enjoy the computer, it spend it’s days by FedEx, and at the repair center. Comes home for a weekend visit every now and then. Elegant computers, the Vaios, but only if your looking for a pet to take care of. Horrible job from Sony. I wonder why they still make them. They must be getting back Zillions of them. Absolutely unreliable. Now, this will sound like a joke, but it really happened. I asked a Sony representative, what will I do when the year of warranty is over, seeing as the computer needs constant repairs. Quoth he: “well, you can buy Sony’s extended warranty”. No kidding.

  • eilah

    i have problems with the weird buzzing sound on my E-series too. It’s really annoying coz it gets included in the background when i’m recording audio.

  • Shoni83

    thanks a lot.. I can’t believe that worked.. I was going to return my VPCEE42FX due to this annoying sound.. THANKS 

  • Griddlejim

    I have the same problem with my new E Series. 
    Very high pitched whining noise. The instructions above don’t work for the E Series. 
    Under the “Listen” tab there is no “Mute” button.
    Can you provide any further help?
    Thanks.
    This noise is driving me crazy. 

  • Lasse

    I had my VPCF13Z8E laptop a month ago. Fan was horrible when on idle (whining etc.). I contacted Sony support and waited for BIOS update. Finally sent it to the Sony Service. It came back today and there should be a new main board, processor and fan. Also BIOS updated. Well, nothing is fixed. There is same fu”#¤”% whining noise that makes me crazy!!! Btw. fan goes normal if I put finger on touch pad and press any key down and hold them like that. How stopid is that?

  • Nlu0705

    i send it in to repair the fan for 475 and they didnt fix it……..