Sony Vaio VGN-A215M Hardware Manual Download Page 1

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Hardware Guide

V G N - A s e r i e s

Summary of Contents for Vaio VGN-A215M

Page 1: ...N Hardware Guide V G N A s e r i e s ...

Page 2: ...or in connection with this manual the software or other information contained herein or the use thereof Macrovision This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by U S patents and other intellectual property rights Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwis...

Page 3: ... system in which business proprietors can participate voluntarily The targeted products are office equipment such as computers displays printers facsimiles and copiers Their standards and logos are uniform among participating nations ENERGY STAR is a U S registered mark Environmental information Halogenated flame retardants are not used in cabinets and in printed wiring boards Lead free solder is ...

Page 4: ...n the vicinity of the leak Avoid using the modem during a severe electrical storm To change the backup battery please contact your nearest Sony Service Centre Before you connect peripherals turn off the computer and all peripherals Connect the power cord only after connecting all cables Turn on the computer only after turning off all peripherals Do not move your computer while the system is in Sta...

Page 5: ...rm Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is specifically designed for wet locations Take care when installing or modifying telephone lines Use your computer only with the supplied AC adapter To disconnect your computer completely from mains voltage unplug the AC adapter Make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible Never touch uninsulated telephone wire or terminal...

Page 6: ...ch for all Declarations of Conformity available for a specific product by typing in the model name in the search box A list of matching documents will be displayed and can be downloaded Please note that the availability of declarations depends on the scope of the EU Directives and the individual product specifications This product complies with EN 55022 Class B and EN 55024 for use in following ar...

Page 7: ...reless LAN functionality Depending on the country usage of the Wireless LAN functionality may be restricted For country specific details please refer to the Regulations Guide The Wireless LAN PC functionality which is incorporated into this unit has passed Wi Fi certification and complies with the interoperability specifications established by WECA Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance ...

Page 8: ...0 F or incinerate Dispose of used batteries promptly and properly Keep away from children In some areas the disposal of lithium ion batteries in household or business waste may be prohibited Use the public collection system Disposing of internal memory backup battery Your computer is equipped with an internal memory backup battery that should not have to be replaced during the lifetime of the prod...

Page 9: ...video CDs DVDs Interconnectivity Your computer has Memory Stick Ethernet USB 2 0 High speed Full speed Low speed and i LINK functionalities i LINK is a bidirectional digital interface for exchanging data With the Memory Stick you can easily exchange and share digital data with compatible products Wireless technology Thanks to Bluetooth functionalities and Wireless LAN IEEE 802 11b g technology you...

Page 10: ...m Before contacting VAIO Link please try to solve the problem by reading this guide your printed Guide to Troubleshooting and Recovering your VAIO System or the manuals and help files for the peripherals or software Or go to Start Help and Support for VAIO support information as well as tips and tricks Depending on your model Read the printed Specifications document for more information ...

Page 11: ...ted under My Documentation which can be shown as follows 1 Go to Start and click the My Info Centre icon 2 From My Home select your country and language from the drop down boxes 3 From the pictures at the top of the window click My Documentation 4 Select the guide you want to read The My Info Centre icon is only visible after you have performed the Prepare your VAIO setup You can manually browse t...

Page 12: ... a guide to setting up your VAIO A Guide to Troubleshooting and Recovering your VAIO System where you will find solutions to common problems an explanation of how to recover your computer s system if you need to and VAIO Link information Your Sony Guarantee conditions Booklets containing the following information Safety Regulations Modem Regulations Wireless LAN Regulations Bluetooth Regulations a...

Page 13: ...your computer has TV tuner functionalities this is where you will find information about watching recording TV on your VAIO My Documentation also gives you Help files about reading the guides Important information about your computer in the form of notices and announcements In My Info Centre you can also find My Software Feeling creative Click this icon for an overview of your software and check o...

Page 14: ... Support for VAIO support information as well as tips and tricks 2 Consult the Online Help files of the software you are using for detailed information on features and troubleshooting 3 Go to www club vaio com to find online tutorials about your favourite VAIO software ...

Page 15: ...s or tendons Position of the mouse Keep your forearms horizontal with your wrists in a neutral comfortable position if you are using a mouse not at an angle Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides Place the mouse at the same level as the keyboard of your computer and use your whole arm to move it Furniture and posture Sit in a chair with good back support Adjust the level of the chair so ...

Page 16: ...ots on the display You can also purchase accessories for your display that help reduce glare Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work effectiveness Positioning an external display When using an external display set the display at a comfortable viewing distance Make sure the display screen is at eye level or slightly lower when you are sitting in front of the screen ...

Page 17: ...uter Connecting a power source page 17 Setting up your computer with Sony Notebook Setup page 22 Shutting down your computer safely page 24 Using the keyboard page 25 Using the touchpad page 28 Using the TV function page 29 Using the mouse page 30 Using special buttons page 33 Using the disc drive page 35 Using PC Cards page 41 Using the Memory Stick page 44 Using the modem page 47 Using the Bluet...

Page 18: ... the docking station if you are using one 2 Plug one end of the power cord 3 into the AC adapter 3 Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet 4 Use your computer only with the supplied AC adapter To disconnect your computer completely from mains voltage unplug the AC adapter Make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible If you do not use the computer for a long period of time p...

Page 19: ...s not charge Replace the battery with a genuine Sony battery 2 on you receive the following pop up message This battery cannot be used with your computer Please use only genuine Sony batteries compatible with this computer Click OK to put your computer into Hibernate mode When your computer hibernates remove the battery and insert a genuine Sony battery Click OK Your computer enters Hibernate mode...

Page 20: ... to the RELEASE position 3 Remove the battery compartment cover 4 Slide the battery into the battery compartment cover 5 Insert the tab on the battery into the notch and push the battery down into the compartment until it clicks into place 6 Slide the lock lever to the LOCK position to secure the battery on the computer When the computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack ins...

Page 21: ...discharged battery does not affect battery life The battery indicator light is on while you use the battery pack as a power source When the battery life is nearly depleted both the battery and power indicators start flashing For some software applications and some peripheral devices your computer may not enter Hibernate mode even when battery life is low To avoid loss of data when using battery po...

Page 22: ...ition 3 Slide the release lever 2 on the bottom of the computer to the RELEASE position 4 Remove the battery compartment cover 5 Remove the battery from the compartment 6 Slide the battery compartment cover back over the battery compartment You may lose data if you remove the battery pack while the computer is on and not connected to the AC adapter or if you remove the battery while the computer i...

Page 23: ...ing Device Disables ports or devices to release resources to the system To change the port settings select a port and click Settings in the Device tab S Buttons You can link an action that you often perform to the S1 button button next to the power button In Sony Notebook Setup there are some pre defined actions Standby Hibernate External Display Launch Application Plug and Display By default when...

Page 24: ...isible Docking Station Port replicator depending on your model You can select if you want the digital and or analogue output to the speaker and the optical out on the docking station port replicator Bass boost Turns the Bass Boost function on off only with headphones You can also check the effect of the Bass Boost function by selecting a sound file sample and playing it S1 button Sets the function...

Page 25: ... any peripherals connected to your computer 2 Click the Start button 3 Click Turn Off Computer The Turn off computer window appears 4 Click Turn Off 5 Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents or to consider other users and wait for your computer to turn off automatically The power indicator turns off See the printed Guide to Troubleshooting and Recovering your System if you have proble...

Page 26: ... system into Standby mode a power management state To return the system to the active state press any key Fn F5 brightness control down Decreases the lightness intensity Fn F6 brightness control up Increases the lightness intensity Fn F7 switch to the external display Toggles between the LCD external screen or TV depending on which device is connected and both LCD and external device This function...

Page 27: ... right of your computer to turn on the speakers The speaker volume may be turned down low Press the Volume up button to increase the volume If your computer is powered by battery check that the battery is inserted properly and that it is charged If you are using an application that has its own volume control check that the volume is turned up Check the volume controls in Windows ...

Page 28: ...cator Set up a function for this button Light On Off Hard disk Data is read from or written to the hard drive The hard drive is not being accessed Num Lock Turns on when the number keys in the numeric keypad are active Turns off when the alphanumeric character keys in the keypad area are active Caps Lock Turns on when the letters appear in uppercase as you type The Shift key lowers the case of typ...

Page 29: ...pointer 2 on an item or object Click Press the left button 3 once Double click Press the left button twice Right click Press the right button 4 once In many applications this action displays a shortcut menu Drag and select Slide one finger while pressing the left button Scroll Move your finger along the right edge of the touchpad to scroll vertically Move your finger along the bottom to scroll hor...

Page 30: ... your recorded TV contents via Ethernet or WLAN to connected PCs Sony cannot guarantee the streaming of recorded content if it is beyond a certain level of high quality For details on using VAIO Zone and the remote control please see the dedicated guide Otherwise read the help files within the software itself tvtv takes your VAIO s TV functions to a new level Never miss your favourite TV programme...

Page 31: ...other functions under Mouse Properties To display Mouse Properties go to the Control Panel select Printers and Other Hardware then select Mouse 1 Left button Click or double click the left button to select items To drag and drop items hold the left button down while sliding the mouse then release the button to drop the item 2 Central wheel Turn the central wheel to scroll up or down a page Press t...

Page 32: ...e computer and the mouse Two AA batteries specific for use in the wireless mouse are supplied with your VAIO They are identified by a sticker For mouse on the packaging To connect the wireless mouse proceed as follows 1 Insert the two specific AA batteries into the wireless mouse as shown 2 Turn on the computer 3 Press the CONNECT button 1 on the computer ...

Page 33: ...r an extended period of time remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from battery leakage Mouse information You can check your mouse s battery power level by clicking Wireless Mouse icon located on the Windows taskbar Setting up the mouse for left handed users To set your mouse up for left handed users proceed as follows 1 Go to Start select Control Panel then click the Printers and Other Ha...

Page 34: ...m You can change the image resolution in all applications except in those that use the DVD player When an external display is connected to your computer the Magnify button is disabled The default resolution of your computer s LCD is 1280 x 768 pixels Highest 32 bit and a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels is applied after magnification The magnified view is implemented by applying the resolution of 1...

Page 35: ...34 n N Using your VAIO computer Hardware Guide S1 button You can use this shortcut button for your favourite actions See Setting up your computer with Sony Notebook Setup page 22 ...

Page 36: ... eject button 1 to open the drive The tray slides out 3 Place a disc in the middle of the tray with the label side facing up until the disc clicks into place 4 Close the tray by pushing it gently See the printed Guide to Troubleshooting and Recovering your VAIO System and the VAIO Troubleshooting Burning DVDs and CDs in the Windows Help and Support Center if you have problems using discs You find ...

Page 37: ...data to a disc For optimal writing speed deactivate the screensaver before writing data to a disc Memory resident disc utilities may cause unstable operation or data loss Deactivate these utilities before writing data to a disc When using your software application to burn discs make sure you exit and close all other applications Never touch the surface of the disc Fingerprints and dust on the surf...

Page 38: ...e unstable Make sure the screensaver is deactivated Region codes indicators are labelled on the DVDs to indicate in which region and on what type of player you can play the disc Unless a 2 Europe belongs to region 2 or all this means that you can play this DVD everywhere in the world is labelled on your DVD disc or on the packaging you cannot play the disc on this player Do not try to change the r...

Page 39: ...e computer is OFF open the tray by inserting a sharp pointed object for example a paperclip into the hole next to the eject button I cannot play a disc After inserting the disc wait for a few seconds for the system to detect it before you try to access it Make sure the label of the disc is facing up If the disc requires software make sure the software is installed according to the instructions of ...

Page 40: ...s are installed properly To display the Device Manager click Start then Control Panel Click Performance and Maintenance Then click the System icon On the Hardware tab click the Device Manager button A dirty or damaged disc may cause the computer to hang while it tries to read the disc If necessary reboot the computer remove the disc and then check that it is not dirty or damaged Check your PG sett...

Page 41: ...eed of a CD DVD RW is slower than that of a ROM or R The reading speed can also vary depending on the type of format The disc tray ejects even when it has been locked into place Ensure that the disc is placed with the label side facing up Clean the disc and the disc drive lens with an appropriate cleaner The disc may be scratched Place another disc to see if that is the reason There may be condens...

Page 42: ...perly if you repeat returning to Normal mode from Standby mode or Hibernate mode The computer will return to its original state if you restart it Make sure you use the most recent software driver provided by the PC Card manufacturer If an mark appears on the Device Manager tab in the System Properties dialog box remove the software driver and then reinstall it You do not need to shut down the comp...

Page 43: ...le click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the system tray The Safely Remove Hardware dialog box appears 2 Select the hardware you want to unplug 3 Click Stop and confirm that the device can be safely removed from the system 4 Click OK A dialog box appears explaining that it is safe to remove the device 5 Click OK and Close 6 Push the PC Card release button so that the release button pops out 7 P...

Page 44: ...O computer Hardware Guide Troubleshooting PC Card My PC Card is not working Make sure the PC Card is compatible with your version of Windows Use the Sony Notebook Setup utility to disable devices you are not currently using ...

Page 45: ...at can be converted into digital data such as pictures music words sounds movies and photographs The Memory Stick family ranges in capacity and compatibility Please see your printed Specifications sheet to see which Memory Stick types are compatible with your VAIO and if there are any limitations You can purchase Memory Sticks from the Sony Style website www sonystyle europe com or from your local...

Page 46: ...e data from accidental erasure or overwriting Move the tab horizontally or vertically to set or release write protection When the erasure prevention switch is off data can be saved on the Memory Stick When the erasure prevention switch is on data can be read from but not saved on the Memory Stick Some kinds of Memory Stick do not have a lock switch LOCK LOCK LOCK ...

Page 47: ... the computer or the Memory Stick do not force the Memory Stick into the slot if it does not insert smoothly This model supports Memory Stick DUO For more information on Memory Stick DUO please visit www memorystick com website Loading large volumes for example image clips may take a while Removing a Memory Stick To remove a Memory Stick proceed as follows 1 Check that the access light is off 2 Pu...

Page 48: ...ervices and the internet as well as to register your computer and software online and to contact VAIO Link by e mail Use the single RJ 11 jack to connect the supplied modem cable to the phone line Troubleshooting the modem If you have problems with your modem check the printed Guide to Troubleshooting and Recovering your VAIO System and the VAIO Link website www vaio link com ...

Page 49: ... other devices that use the same wave length Communication speed and distances can be inferior to the standard values Interference from other devices may also stop communications Do not simultaneously use the Bluetooth function and wireless communication devices which use the 2 4 GHz band such as a wireless LAN PC Card The Bluetooth functions may not work depending on the third party devices or th...

Page 50: ...ooth device proceed as follows 1 Turn on the Wireless switch 2 Choose Start Control Panel Network and Internet Connections Bluetooth Devices The Bluetooth Device dialog appears 3 Click Add The Add Bluetooth Device Wizard appears 4 Select the check box My device is set up and ready to be found and then click Next 5 Select the remote device you want to connect to If necessary scroll up and down in t...

Page 51: ...he passkey found in the documentation and enter the passkey If you want to create your own password click Let me use my own passkey and enter a passkey If your device does not use a password click Don t use a passkey 7 Click Next to continue 8 Once the remote device has been successfully authenticated click Finish The passkey can be different each time but must be the same at both ends For certain...

Page 52: ...e Transfer Wizard appears 2 Click Next to continue 3 Follow the steps in the Bluetooth File Transfer Wizard to communicate with another Bluetooth device Stopping the Bluetooth connection To stop the Bluetooth connection turn off the Wireless switch at the front of your notebook The Bluetooth LED turns off Troubleshooting Bluetooth I cannot use the Bluetooth functions If the Bluetooth LED is off tu...

Page 53: ...rmation on the the Bluetooth Device dialog box see Communicating with another Bluetooth device page 49 The data transfer speed is slow The data transfer speed depends on the obstacles and or the distance between the two devices but also on the radio wave quality the operating system and the software used Try to move your notebook or try to place the two devices closer together I cannot communicate...

Page 54: ... the IEEE 802 11b g standard which specifies the used technology The standard includes the encryption method Wired Equivalent Privacy WEP which is a security protocol and WiFi Protected Access WPA Proposed jointly by the IEEE and Wi Fi Alliance WiFi Protected Access is a specification of standards based interoperable security enhancements that increase the level of data protection and access contr...

Page 55: ...less LAN check box and deselect the Enable Bluetooth Device check box then click the OK button The Wireless LAN indicator lights up 2 Right click the network icon in the taskbar displaying Wireless Network Connection 3 Click View Available Wireless Networks The Wireless Network Connection dialog box appears 4 Click the Change advanced settings link The Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog...

Page 56: ... way This means that you need to enter the same Network name and the same Network key on all computers as on the first computer you configure In France only certain channels are legally allowed when using WLAN outdoors For more information see the Regulations Guide A computer to computer network does not support WPA A Network key can contain ASCII or hexadecimal characters ASCII The basis of chara...

Page 57: ... Bluetooth the Wireless Device Switch dialog box appears Select the Enable 2 4 GHz Wireless LAN check box and deselect the Enable Bluetooth Device check box then click the OK button The Wireless LAN indicator lights up 3 Right click the network icon in the taskbar displaying Wireless Network Connection 4 Click View Available Wireless Networks The Wireless Network Connection dialog box appears The ...

Page 58: ...the Access Point please refer to the corresponding instruction manual b Without Access Point computer to computer If the Wireless connection is initiated by the VAIO computer channel 11 will be selected If the Wireless connection is initiated by a peer Wireless LAN equipment the Wireless LAN communication will make use of the channel selected by the peer Wireless LAN equipment In France outdoors W...

Page 59: ... Connection availability is affected by distance and obstructions You may need to move your computer away from obstructions or nearer to any Access Point you may be using The data transfer speed is slow The maximum communication speed can vary depending on the obstacles or the distance between the communication devices and the radio waves Remove the obstacle or make the distance between the Access...

Page 60: ...your computer and the Access Point are communicating If they are communicating you see the word Connected appear behind the name of the network I cannot establish a Wireless LAN connection If you have problems with your Wirelss LAN connection check the printed Guide to Troubleshooting and Recovering your VAIO System and the VAIO Link website www vaio link com ...

Page 61: ...ent setting you select If the battery level falls below 10 you should either attach the AC adapter to recharge the battery or shut down your computer and insert a fully charged battery Using Normal mode This is the normal state of your computer when it is in use The green power indicator light is on in this mode To save power while not working you can turn off a specific device such as the LCD or ...

Page 62: ...this you can change the settings in the Power Options Properties screen right click the power status icon in the taskbar select Adjust Power Properties select the Power Schemes tab and change the settings in Settings for VAIO optimized power scheme Using Hibernate mode The state of the system is saved on the hard disk and power is turned off Even when the battery runs down no data will be lost The...

Page 63: ...ode This power saving mode saves you the time of shutting down in the normal way When the computer is in Hibernate mode you cannot insert a disc Hibernate mode requires more time than Standby mode to be activated It takes more time to return to normal mode from Hibernate mode than from Standby mode Hibernate mode uses less power than Standby mode Do not move the computer until its power indicator ...

Page 64: ...he computer Managing power with VAIO Power Management Power management helps you to set up power schemes of your computer running on AC power or batteries to suit your requirements for power consumption VAIO Power Management is a software application developed exclusively for VAIO computers With this software application you can enhance the Windows power management functions to ensure that your co...

Page 65: ... Power Options Properties screen appears 3 Select the VAIO Power Management tab Activating VAIO Power Management power schemes VAIO Power Management provides several predefined power schemes Each power scheme consists of a group of power management settings that are designed to meet specific power management goals ranging from maximum power management to no power management ...

Page 66: ...have a mobile CPU see the printed Specifications sheet a CPU control icon may appear in the taskbar The CPU control icon indicates the CPU control status Performance Adaptive Battery Life Degrade To make the icon appear click the Advanced button on the VAIO Power Management tab Select the Show CPU status icon in the taskbar box and then click OK If you want to know more about the CPU control icon ...

Page 67: ...settings are restored for all the power scheme options VAIO Power Management Viewer Depending on your model VAIO Power Management Viewer is installed on your computer To start VAIO Power Management Viewer proceed as follows Click on the VAIO Power Management tab in the Windows Power Options Properties Alternatively you can click Start point to All Programs and VAIO Power Management and then click ...

Page 68: ...nagement Viewer To view performance with the power scheme modified with VAIO Power Management proceed as follows When both VAIO Power Management and VAIO Power Management Viewer are running VAIO Power Management Viewer shows performance with the power scheme that was modified with VAIO Power Management Use VAIO Power Management to set up or modify the power scheme ...

Page 69: ...rs page 85 Connecting an external microphone page 86 Connecting a Universal Serial Bus USB device page 87 Connecting a printer page 92 Connecting an i LINK device page 94 Connecting to a network LAN page 97 To identify and locate the ports on your computer please see the printed Specifications sheet Sony computer supplies accessories and peripherals can be purchased from your local retailer or fro...

Page 70: ...cord television programs directly on your notebook For more information see Using the TV function page 29 or the VAIO Zone guide On this docking station you can use the following ports to extend the features of your VAIO 1 2 USB ports page 87 5 Right Left speaker connectors page 85 9 Right Left audio out page 78 13 2 USB ports page 87 2 Monitor VGA port page 76 6 Optical out page 78 10 S Video con...

Page 71: ...or the AC outlet when using the docking station this may cause data damage or hardware malfunctions When connecting video cables to S Video out and Video out simultaneously only the S Video out connector can be used 1 2 USB ports page 87 5 Network page 97 9 S Video connector page 78 2 Monitor VGA port page 76 6 Right Left audio in page 85 10 Printer port page 92 3 DVI D connector page 76 7 Right L...

Page 72: ... To attach your computer to a docking station proceed as follows 1 Disconnect all peripherals from the computer 2 Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter 1 into the DC In port 2 on the docking station 3 3 Plug the power cord 4 into the AC adapter and an AC outlet 4 Open the docking station cover ...

Page 73: ...vices Hardware Guide 5 Slide the lock lever to UNLOCK 6 Align the bottom connectors of the notebook with the connectors on the docking station 7 Push the notebook into the docking station and then push down until it clicks into place ...

Page 74: ...he notebook When attaching your computer to the docking station do not attempt to insert or remove the battery pack Lifting and turning the computer with the attached docking station may cause a temporary loss of power Use the AC adapter that comes with your notebook or the optional Sony adapter ...

Page 75: ...ocking station To disconnect your computer from the docking station proceed as follows 1 Disconnect all peripherals from the computer 2 Slide the lock lever to UNLOCK 3 Lift the computer away from the docking station 4 Close the docking station connector cover on the bottom of your computer ...

Page 76: ...ains voltage unplug the AC adapter Connecting an external display You can connect an external display to your computer For example you can use your notebook with a computer display or a projector a TV or a projector Turn off your computer and the peripherals unplug the AC adapter and the power cord before connecting the external display Connect the power cord after connecting all other cables Turn...

Page 77: ... the docking station 2 If you want to connect a TFT DVI monitor plug the display cable not supplied into the DVI D connector on the docking station 3 If necessary plug one end of the display s power cord 3 into the display and the other end into an AC outlet DVI D stands for Digital Visual Interface Digital It is a 24 pin DVI connector supporting digital video signals only A DVI I connector Digita...

Page 78: ...r display that includes built in speakers and a microphone To connect a multimedia computer display proceed as follows 1 Plug the display cable 1 into the monitor VGA connector 2 on the computer 2 Plug the speaker cable 3 into the headphone connector 4 on the computer 3 Plug the microphone cable 5 into the microphone connector 6 on the computer ...

Page 79: ...ipheral for more information on installation and use If you insert a DVD in your DVD ROM drive to watch a video on your TV the Fn F7 key combination might not activate the function to toggle between your LCD and TV Solution 1 Eject your DVD from your computer 2 Once the DVD is ejected toggle between your LCD and your TV with the combination Fn F7 Your image displays now on both LCD and TV Re inser...

Page 80: ...input channel of the TV to external input 4 Set up the TV configuration system For more information see Selecting the Dual Display mode page 83 Which cable can I use to connect my VAIO equipped with an Audio Video port to a TV You need to use an AV cable which has a minijack connector on one end and 3 RCA also called cinch connectors on the other end For example the Sony VMC 20FR which is availabl...

Page 81: ... symbol 2 Plug the audio cable 3 not supplied into the earphone connector 4 identified by the symbol 3 Plug the RGB signal cable and the audio cable into the connectors of the projector 5 4 Connect the power cord 6 of the projector into an AC outlet Under certain circumstances you may not be able to display the computer LCD screen and an external display or a projector at the same time You can tog...

Page 82: ...ur computer and restart To select a display proceed as follows 1 Click the Start then Control Panel The Control Panel appears 2 Click Appearance and Themes and then select Display The Display Properties dialog box appears 3 Click the Settings tab 4 Click the Advanced button The Sony Notebook LCD and MOBILITY RADEON Properties dialog box appears 5 Click the Displays tab Select the Monitor Panel or ...

Page 83: ...toolbar from one display to the other This configuration of a single desktop distributed across separate displays is referred to as a virtual desktop Your monitor or TV hardware may not support the Dual Display function Certain software applications may not be compatible with Dual Display settings Make sure that your computer does not enter Standby or Hibernate mode while you are using Dual Displa...

Page 84: ...port the Dual Display function Setting the colours and resolution for each display You can set the display colours and resolution for each display that is part of a virtual desktop To set the display colours and resolution for each display proceed as follows 1 Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar 2 Click Control Panel and then Appearance and Themes 3 Click the Display icon and then the Se...

Page 85: ... Drag the monitor icons to match the physical arrangement of your monitors The two monitor icons must be connected to create a virtual desktop 5 Click Apply and then OK Deactivating the Dual Display function To deactivate the Dual Display function proceed as follows 1 Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar 2 Click Control Panel and then Appearance and Themes 3 Click the Display icon and the...

Page 86: ... USB cable attached to one speaker into one of the 4 USB ports on the docking station 3 Plug the volume cable attached to the other speaker into the volume port on the docking station 4 Turn down the volume of the speakers before you turn them on To connect other external speakers proceed as follows 1 Plug the speaker cable 1 into the headphone connector 2 2 Plug the other end of the speaker cable...

Page 87: ...your VAIO System and the VAIO Link website www vaio link com Connecting an external microphone If you need to use a sound input device for example to chat on the internet you need to plug in an external microphone To connect an external microphone proceed as follows Plug the microphone cable 1 into the microphone connector 2 identified by the symbol Make sure your microphone is designed for comput...

Page 88: ...ure might cause the device not to work properly For more information check the manual provided with the USB device When you are playing a DVD video or audio and you want to remove a USB device such as USB compatible speakers make sure you stop the DVD first Removing a USB compatible device during DVD video or audio playback may cause a malfunction To prevent your computer and or USB devices from d...

Page 89: ...ed as follows 1 Choose the USB connector 1 you prefer to use 2 Plug the USB mouse cable 2 into the USB connector You can use your USB mouse 3 The VAIO USB mouse software driver is preinstalled on your computer therefore you only need to plug the USB mouse into the USB connector and you can start working ...

Page 90: ...he VAIO logo on the disk drive should be facing up Your USB floppy disk drive is now ready for use When using a USB floppy disk drive do not apply force on the USB connector This may cause a malfunction To remove a USB floppy disk drive proceed as follows If your computer is on wait until the floppy drive LED indicator turns off and then unplug the USB cable If the floppy disk drive is not removed...

Page 91: ...o remove a floppy disk proceed as follows When you have finished using the floppy disk wait until the LED indicator 1 turns off and then press the eject button 2 to remove the disk Before pressing the eject button make sure that the LED indicator is turned off If the disk does not come out by pressing the eject button disconnect the floppy disk drive from the computer Do not press the eject button...

Page 92: ...ve is not recognised as drive A To set the UFD5 A to A proceed as follows 1 Turn the system power on and connect the UFD5 A 2 Select Control Panel from the Start menu 3 Click Performance and Maintenance and then System 4 Select the Hardware tab then click Device Manager 5 Select Universal Serial Bus controllers then Y E Data USB Floppy 6 From the Action menu click Uninstall 7 Keep clicking OK unti...

Page 93: ...using the USB connector You can connect a USB printer compatible with your version of Windows to your computer To connect a printer using the USB connector proceed as follows 1 Plug a USB printer cable 1 into one of the USB connectors 2 on your computer A USB connector is identified by the symbol on your computer and printer 2 Plug the printer power cord into an AC outlet 3 ...

Page 94: ...printer into the printer connector 2 identified by the symbol 2 Plug the printer power cord 3 into an AC outlet Turn off your computer and the printer unplug the AC adapter and the power cord before connecting the printer If you have problems printing check the printed Guide to Troubleshooting and Recovering your VAIO System the documentation delivered with your printer and the VAIO Link website w...

Page 95: ...ions you use Refer to the documentation that came with your software for more information i LINK cables compatible with your VAIO computer include cables with the following part numbers VMC IL4415A a 1 5 meter cable with a 4 pin connector at each end VMC IL4408Series a 0 8 meter cable with a 4 pin connector at each end Connecting a digital video camera recorder page 95 Connecting two VAIO notebook...

Page 96: ...y digital video camera recorder is an example your digital video camera recorder may need to be connected differently If your digital video camera recorder includes a Memory Stick slot you can copy images from it to your computer via a Memory Stick To do so simply copy images on the Memory Stick then use a special PC Card adapter to insert it into your computer You cannot access the pictures store...

Page 97: ...e Guide Troubleshooting i LINK devices If you have problems with your i LINK device check the printed Guide to Troubleshooting and Recovering your VAIO System the documentation delivered with the device and the VAIO Link website www vaio link com ...

Page 98: ...king station For more information about connecting your computer to the network please consult the Hardware troubleshooting section on www vaio link com Telephone lines cannot be connected to the NETWORK LAN connector on your computer If these connectors are connected to the telephone lines mentioned below high electric current to the connectors may cause damage overheating or fire Home intercom s...

Page 99: ...the configuration of your computer the number of available slots can vary Some models have a vacant expansion slot to increase the ease of adding memory Read the Specifications sheet for more information Be careful when changing memory Mistakes on installation or removal of the memory module may cause a malfunction Electrostatic discharge can damage electronic components Before touching a memory e...

Page 100: ...se the special bag delivered with the memory module or wrap the module in aluminium foil to protect it from electrostatic discharge Introducing any liquids or any foreign substances or objects into the memory slots or other internal components of the computer will result in damage to the computer and any repairs will be out of warranty Do not place the memory module in places subject to Heat sourc...

Page 101: ...emory module proceed as follows 1 Shut down your computer and disconnect all peripheral devices 2 Unplug the computer and remove the battery pack 3 Wait until the computer cools down 4 Unscrew the central screw at the bottom of your computer 5 Remove the memory module Pull the tabs in the direction of the arrows The memory module is released Pull the memory module in the direction of the arrow ...

Page 102: ...ter Hardware Guide 6 Unscrew the 2 screws next to the memory slot 7 Turn your computer around and lift the cover 8 Introduce a sharp object such as a fine screwdriver between the keys indicated on the picture 1 and push gently upwards ...

Page 103: ... the cable when lifting the keyboard 10 Touch a metal object such as the connector panel on the back of your computer to discharge static electricity 11 Remove the memory module Pull the tabs in the direction of the arrows 1 The memory module is released Pull the memory module in the direction of the arrow 2 12 Remove the new memory module from its packaging ...

Page 104: ...VAIO computer Hardware Guide 13 Install the memory module Be careful not to touch the other components on the motherboard Slide the memory module into the slot Snap the connectors into place when the board is correctly seated ...

Page 105: ...104 n N Upgrading your VAIO computer Hardware Guide 14 Gently replace the keyboard then press it into your computer ...

Page 106: ...105 n N Upgrading your VAIO computer Hardware Guide 15 Close the computer cover then tighten the screws on the bottom of the computer 16 Reinsert the battery and turn the computer on ...

Page 107: ...memory proceed as follows 1 Turn on the computer 2 Go to Sony Notebook Setup via the Start menu The Sony Notebook Setup dialog box appears 3 In the About this Computer tab you can view the amount of system memory If the additional memory does not appear repeat the whole procedure and restart the computer ...

Page 108: ... Help and Support for VAIO support information as well as tips and tricks Go to the online help files that accompany your software for instructions on using the software VAIO Link website and e Support if you have any problem with your computer you can access the VAIO Link website for troubleshooting Go to www vaio link com Visit the other Sony websites www club vaio com if you want to know more a...

Page 109: ...upport Web Portal How can I access the e Support portal When you register your VAIO computer online at Club VAIO www club vaio com you will automatically receive an email with the link to the e Support Web Portal your Customer ID and some basic explanation a few hours later All you need to do is activate your account by clicking on the provided link in the email You are now ready to create your fi...

Page 110: ... queries from Monday till Friday between 8am and 6pm Is there a cost involved for using e Support No this is a complete free of charge service offered to all registered VAIO customers How do I know when the e Support Team has handled my query case As soon as your case has been dealt with by our e Support Team you will receive an email notifying you that your case has been updated ...

Page 111: ...damage Please contact VAIO Link if you need assistance On handling the hard disk page 111 On handling the LCD screen page 111 On using the power source page 112 On handling your computer page 112 On handling floppy disks page 114 On handling discs page 114 On using the battery pack page 115 On using headphones page 116 On handling Memory Sticks page 116 ...

Page 112: ...or writing data to disk Do not use your computer in a place subject to extreme changes in temperature Do not move your computer while the system is in Standby mode If the hard disk is damaged the data cannot be restored On handling the LCD screen Do not leave the LCD facing the sun as it can damage the LCD Be careful when using the computer near a window Do not scratch the LCD or exert pressure on...

Page 113: ...for example Do not place heavy objects on the power cord To disconnect the cord pull it out by the plug Never pull the cord itself Unplug your computer from the wall outlet if you are planning to not use the computer for a long time Make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible When the AC adapter is not used unplug it from the AC outlet Use only the supplied AC adapter Do not use any othe...

Page 114: ...ts The computer uses high frequency radio signals and may cause interference to radio or TV reception Should this occur relocate the computer a suitable distance away from the set Use only specified peripheral equipment and interface cables otherwise problems may occur Do not use cut or damaged connection cables If the computer is brought directly from a cold location to a warm one moisture may co...

Page 115: ...y attached If the edge of the label is curled up the label may stick to the inside of the floppy disk drive and cause a malfunction or damage your floppy disk On handling discs Do not touch the surface of the disc Do not drop or bend the disc Fingerprints and dust on the surface of a disc may cause read errors Always hold the disc by its edges and central hole as shown Proper care of the disc is e...

Page 116: ... 10 C to 30 C Lower temperatures require a longer charging time While the battery is in use or being discharged the battery pack heats up This is normal and is not cause for concern Keep the battery pack away from all sources of heat Keep the battery pack dry Do not open or try to disassemble the battery pack Do not expose the battery pack to any mechanical shock If you are not using the computer ...

Page 117: ... and extended play If you experience a ringing in your ears reduce the volume or discontinue use On handling Memory Sticks Do not touch the Memory Stick connector with your finger or metallic objects Use only the label supplied with the Memory Stick as a label Do not bend drop or apply strong shock to the Memory Stick Do not disassemble or modify Memory Sticks Do not let Memory Sticks get wet Do n...

Page 118: ...op Album Adobe Reader Adobe Premiere Standard and Adobe Photoshop Elements are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated MoodLogic is a trademark of MoodLogic Inc Norton Internet Security 2004 and Norton Password Manager 2004 are trademarks or registered trademarks of Symantec Corporation RecordNow is a trademark of Sonic WinDVD for VAIO is a trademark of InterVideo Inc Sun Java VM is a trademark o...

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Sony Vaio VGN-A215M, Hardware Manual

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