In case anyone else needs to do this here are some details of how I was able to downgrade my VGN-FZ11L from vista to XP (well actually I've got a dual boot between vista and XP but thats another story).
To get going you'll need the FZ11L drivers that are supplied with the pc or can be downloaded from here.
The first task is to install xp. Since the FZ11L has a sata hard disk you'll need to put the sata drivers on a floppy or you'll get the "no hard disks" message when you try to install XP.
So to start have the sata drivers on a floppy and have a usb floppy drive connected to the machine. When XP starts to install press F6 to say you have additional drivers. That should get XP installed. If you don't have a usb floppy then you could try to slipstream an XP install with the sata drivers. Good luck!
Once XP is installed you need to add drivers to get the rest of the FZ11L working.
First run the chipset install drivers from the "chipset" folder
Then install the memory card drivers that are in the "Memory_Card" folder
You can get the audio working by installing XP drivers that come with the FE31M.
Ethernet drivers will have to be downloaded. Look for "Marvell Yukon Ethernet Controller" and the file you need is yk51x86_v10.15.7.3.zip
Drivers for the wireless lan can be downloaded from http://support.intel.com/support/wireless/wlan/sb/CS-010623.htm
Install drivers for the Intel PRO/wireless 3945ABG
Video drivers can be downloaded from: www.dna-drivers.com - look for the drivers for the nvidia geforce 8400M GT card. The file name is: DNA-Force_3.7.16314x32.zip
That should have most of the FZ11L working. The things I haven't got to work yet are:
1. the modem
2. the camera
If you have any suggestions on where to find drivers for these then do let me know.
Hope this is useful to someone!
