Sony Vaio VGN-FE31B User Manual Download Page 133

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Customizing Your VAIO Computer

Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center

The VAIO Control Center utility allows you to consult system information and specify preferences for system behavior.

To use VAIO Control Center

Click Start, point to All Programs, and click VAIO Control Center.
The VAIO Control Center window appears.

Select the desired control item and change the settings.

Once finished, click OK.
The setting of the desired item has been changed.

✍

For more information about each option, click Help on the VAIO Control Center window to display the help file.

Some of the control items will not be visible if you open VAIO Control Center as a limited user.

Summary of Contents for Vaio VGN-FE31B

Page 1: ...N User Guide Personal Computer V G N F E s e r i e s V G N A R s e r i e s ...

Page 2: ...onnecting a Power Source 30 Using the Battery Pack 32 Shutting Down Your Computer Safely 37 Using Your VAIO Computer 38 Using the Keyboard 39 Using the Touch Pad 41 Using Special function Buttons 42 Using the Built in MOTION EYE Camera 44 Using the Optical Disc Drive 45 Using the TV Function 55 Using PC Cards 59 Using the ExpressCard Module 62 Using the Memory Stick Media 67 ...

Page 3: ...ction 118 Connecting an External Microphone 120 Connecting a Universal Serial Bus USB Device 121 Connecting a Printer 124 Connecting an i LINK Device 125 Connecting to a Network LAN 127 Customizing Your VAIO Computer 129 Setting the Password 130 Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center 133 Using the Power Saving Modes 134 Managing Power with VAIO Power Management 139 Setting Up Your Langu...

Page 4: ... On Handling Discs 161 On Using the Battery Pack 162 On Using Headphones 163 On Handling Memory Stick Media 164 On Handling the Hard Disk 165 On Handling the Memory Card Adapter 166 Troubleshooting 167 Computer 169 System Security 176 Battery 178 Built in MOTION EYE Camera 180 Internet 183 Networking 185 Bluetooth Technology 188 CDs and DVDs 192 Display 197 Printing 201 Microphone 202 ...

Page 5: ... Touch Pad 205 Keyboard 206 Floppy Disks 207 PC Cards 208 Audio Video 209 Memory Stick Media 210 Peripherals 211 Multi Function Bay Docking Station 212 Support Options 213 Sony Support Information 213 e Support 214 Trademarks 216 ...

Page 6: ...ftware or such other information In no event shall Sony Corporation be liable for any incidental consequential or special damages whether based on tort contract or otherwise arising out of 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 ...

Page 7: ...through the use of computers and their office equipment The program backs the development and dissemination of products with functions that effectively reduce energy consumption It is an open 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 amo...

Page 8: ...ct the guide you want to read You can manually browse to the user guides by going to My Computer VAIO C your C drive Documentation Documentation and opening the folder for your language You may have a separate disc for the documentation of bundled accessories Printed Documentation A Setting Up Poster Describes the process from unpacking to starting up your VAIO Troubleshooting Guide Contains solut...

Page 9: ...the software programs included with your computer as well as information on solving common problems Specifications The online Specifications describe the hardware and software configuration of your VAIO computer To view the online Specifications 1 Connect to the Internet 2 Go to the Sony online support Web site at http www vaio link com ...

Page 10: ... Center Important information about your computer in the form of notices and announcements In My Club VAIO you can also find Accessories Want to expand the capabilities of your computer Click on this icon and have a look at your compatible accessories Software Feeling creative Click this icon for an overview of your software and check out our upgrade options Wallpapers Click this icon and check ou...

Page 11: ...ntents to view all Windows Help resources including those that are on the Internet To access Help and Support Center click Start and then Help and Support Or go to the Help and Support Center by pressing the Microsoft Windows key and the F1 key Further Sources Consult the help files on the software you are using for detailed information on features and troubleshooting Go to www club vaio com to fi...

Page 12: ...p your forearms horizontal 2 with your wrists in a neutral comfortable position 3 while using the keyboard touch pad or external mouse Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides Have breaks during sessions with your computer Excessive use of the computer may strain muscles or tendons Furniture and posture Sit in a chair with good back support Adjust the level of the chair so your feet are fl...

Page 13: ...ocation where windows and lights do not create glare and reflection on the display Use indirect lighting to avoid bright spots 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 t...

Page 14: ...section describes how to get started with using your VAIO computer Locating Controls and Ports page 15 About the Indicator Lights page 28 Connecting a Power Source page 30 Using the Battery Pack page 32 Shutting Down Your Computer Safely page 37 ...

Page 15: ...15 n N Getting Started Locating Controls and Ports Take a moment to identify the controls and ports shown on the following pages ...

Page 16: ...RO Duo media indicator page 28 K LCD screen lid LOCK RELEASE switch Make sure to slide this switch to the LOCK position before moving your computer L Headphones jack page 107 M Microphone jack page 120 N Built in microphone monaural O WIRELESS switch page 78 P WLAN Wireless LAN indicator page 28 Q Bluetooth indicator 1 page 28 R Memory Stick Duo PRO Duo media slot 2 page 69 1 On selected models on...

Page 17: ...Muting button page 42 B Muting indicator page 28 C VOL buttons page 42 D S1 S2 buttons page 42 E Num lock indicator page 28 F Caps lock indicator page 28 G Scroll lock indicator page 28 H Power button I Power indicator page 28 ...

Page 18: ...18 n N Getting Started Back A Air vent B Battery connector page 32 ...

Page 19: ...25 E Hi Speed USB USB 2 0 ports 2 page 121 F S VIDEO OUTPUT port 3 4 page 113 G Monitor VGA port 4 page 109 H DC IN port page 30 1 Referred to as the ExpressCard slot hereinafter 2 Supports high full low speeds 3 Referred to as the S VIDEO OUT port hereinafter 4 Disabled when your computer is attached to the optional multi function bay docking station ...

Page 20: ...ting Started Left A Modem port page 77 B Network Ethernet port page 127 C Optical disc drive page 45 D Drive eject button page 45 Optical disc drive indicator page 28 E Manual eject hole page 192 F Security slot ...

Page 21: ...21 n N Getting Started Bottom A Multi function bay docking station connector page 98 B Air vents ...

Page 22: ...or page 28 M LCD screen lid LOCK RELEASE switch Make sure to slide this switch to the LOCK position before moving your computer N Infrared receiver 1 Point the supplied remote commander to this sensor for operations O Built in microphone monaural P SD memory card indicator page 28 Q Memory Stick PRO Duo media slot 2 page 69 R SD memory card slot page 74 S WIRELESS switch page 78 T WLAN Wireless LA...

Page 23: ...ons page 42 E VOLUME buttons page 42 F Disc drive eject button page 45 G Muting button page 42 Muting indicator page 28 H CHANNEL buttons page 42 I TV REC button page 42 J Play Pause button page 42 K Stop button page 42 L Previous track button page 42 M Next track button page 42 N AV MODE button page 42 On selected models only ...

Page 24: ... N Getting Started Back A VHF UHF port 1 page 55 B Air vent C Battery connector page 32 D Hi Speed USB USB 2 0 port 2 page 121 E DC IN port page 30 1 On selected models only 2 Supports high full low speeds ...

Page 25: ...al device such as a VCR I S VIDEO OUTPUT port 5 6 page 113 J HDMI port page 113 K Monitor VGA port 6 page 109 L Network Ethernet port page 127 M Modem port page 77 1 Supports high full low speeds 2 Referred to as the ExpressCard slot hereinafter 3 On selected models only 4 Parallel use of the AV In jack and the S VIDEO INPUT port will direct video signals to the S VIDEO INPUT port 5 Referred to as...

Page 26: ... kHz 44 kHz Variable Connect digital equipment such as an AV amplifier B Microphone jack page 120 C Headphones jack page 107 D Optical disc drive page 45 E Substitute drive eject button page 45 Optical disc drive indicator page 28 F Manual eject hole page 192 G Security slot ...

Page 27: ...27 n N Getting Started Bottom A Multi function bay docking station connector page 98 B Air vents ...

Page 28: ...indicator is on When the indicator is off the Memory Stick media is not being used Muting Illuminates when the volume is turned off Built in MOTION EYE camera 1 Illuminates while the built in MOTION EYE camera is in use SD memory card VGN AR series only Illuminates when data is read from or written to the media in the SD memory card slot Do not enter Standby mode or turn off the computer when this...

Page 29: ...k key to change how you scroll the display Normal scrolling resumes when the Scroll lock indicator is off The Scr Lk key functions differently depending on the program you are using and does not work with all programs Bluetooth technology 2 Illuminates when the WIRELESS switch is set to ON and Bluetooth technology is enabled WIRELESS LAN Illuminates when the wireless LAN function is running 1 On o...

Page 30: ...computer only with the supplied AC adapter To use the AC adapter 1 Plug one end of the power cord 1 into the AC adapter 3 2 Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet 2 3 Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter 3 into the DC IN port 4 on the computer or on the optional multi function bay docking station The shape of the DC In plug varies depending on the AC adapter ...

Page 31: ...wer unplug the AC adapter Make sure that the AC outlet is easily accessible If you do not use your computer for a long period of time place the computer into Hibernate mode See Using Hibernate Mode page 137 This power saving mode saves the time of shutting down or resuming ...

Page 32: ...ery pack The illustrations in the following show the VGN FE series model computer as an example 1 Turn off the computer and close the LCD screen lid 2 Slide the battery lock switch 1 to the UNLOCK position 3 Slide the battery pack into the battery compartment until it clicks into place 4 Slide the battery lock switch 1 to the LOCK position to secure the battery pack on the computer ...

Page 33: ... uses power from the AC outlet Certain rechargeable batteries do not meet Sony quality and safety standards For safety reasons this notebook only functions with genuine Sony batteries designed for this model When inserting another kind of battery the battery will not be charged and the notebook will not function ...

Page 34: ...omputer The computer automatically charges the battery pack the battery indicator light flashes in a double blink pattern as the battery pack charges When the battery pack is about 85 charged the battery indicator turns off Battery indicator light status Meaning On The computer is using battery power Blinks The battery pack is running out of power Double blinks The battery pack is charging Off The...

Page 35: ...battery life The battery indicator light is on while you use the battery pack as a power source When battery life is nearly depleted both the battery and power indicator lights 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 power you should save your data fre...

Page 36: ...ve the battery pack while the computer is in Standby mode To remove the battery pack The illustrations in the following show the VGN FE series model computer as an example 1 Turn off the computer and close the LCD screen lid 2 Slide the battery lock switch 1 to the UNLOCK position 3 Slide and hold the battery release latch 2 and slide the battery pack away from the computer ...

Page 37: ...low To shut down your computer 1 Turn off any peripherals connected to the computer 2 Click Start and then Turn Off Computer The Turn off computer window appears 3 Click Turn Off 4 Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents or to consider other users and wait for the computer to turn off automatically The power indicator light turns off ...

Page 38: ... Using Special function Buttons page 42 Using the Built in MOTION EYE Camera page 44 Using the Optical Disc Drive page 45 Using the TV Function page 55 Using PC Cards page 59 Using the ExpressCard Module page 62 Using the Memory Stick Media page 67 Using Other Memory Cards page 72 Using the Internet page 77 Using Wireless LAN WLAN page 78 Using the Bluetooth Functionality page 87 ...

Page 39: ...unched Combinations Feature Functions Fn 8 F5 F6 brightness control Adjusts the LCD brightness of your computer screen To increase lightness intensity press Fn F6 and then M or or keep pressing Fn F6 To decrease lightness intensity press Fn F5 and then m or or keep pressing Fn F5 Fn T F7 display output Toggles among your computer screen an external display and simultaneous output to both When the ...

Page 40: ...gher resolution This key combination may not work with graphic images as it magnifies the screen view by changing the resolution The location and size of software windows may change when the screen view is magnified or the standard view is restored because pressing this key combination changes the resolution When your computer s screen view is magnified switching the view to the external display d...

Page 41: ... click Help to see the detailed instructions Action Description Point Slide one finger on the touch pad to place the 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 Slide one finger on the touch pad while pressing the left button Scroll...

Page 42: ...nal display and simultaneous output to both You can change these button assignments on the window for changing the S button assignments To display this window press and hold either button or launch and navigate through VAIO Control Center See the help file on VAIO Control Center for the S button assignments Muting button Turns the volume on and off VOL buttons Volume down and Volume up Decrease an...

Page 43: ...puter to change the AV MODE button assignment S1 S2 buttons By default the S1 button launches VAIO Help and Support Center and the S2 button activates and deactivates the audio filtering feature of the SonicStage Mastering Studio software You can change these button assignments on the window for changing the S button assignments To display this window press and hold either button or launch and nav...

Page 44: ... EYE camera so the computer is ready for a video conference using such software Note that launching or exiting your instant messaging or video editing software does not activate or deactivate the built in MOTION EYE camera respectively Make sure that the camera is activated before using the software The built in MOTION EYE camera cannot be shared by more than one software application If another so...

Page 45: ...Note that the substitute drive eject button is disabled when the optical disc drive is not powered When recovering your system turn on your computer and press the substitute drive eject button on the optical disc drive Insert your Recovery Disc into the optical disc drive turn off the computer and then turn on the computer again to launch the VAIO Recovery utility 3 Place a disc in the middle of t...

Page 46: ... and DVDs Your computer plays and records CDs and DVDs depending on the model you purchased Check your specifications for the type of optical disc drive installed on your model Use the table below to see which types of media your optical disc drive supports ...

Page 47: ...P P P 1 Supports writing data to DVD R discs compliant with DVD R for General Version 2 0 2 1 2 Supports writing data to DVD RW discs compliant with DVD RW Version 1 1 1 2 3 The DVD RW RAM disc drive on your computer does not support the DVD RAM cartridge Use non cartridge discs or discs with removable cartridge 4 Writing data to single sided DVD RAM discs 2 6 GB compliant with DVD RAM Version 1 0...

Page 48: ...CAUSE FATAL DAMAGE TO YOUR VAIO PC OR CREATE SOFTWARE CONFLICTS AND CAUSE SYSTEM HANGING For inquiries about disc formats contact the individual publisher of the pre recorded disc or the manufacturer of the recordable disc Supports 8cm disc reading but not 8cm disc writing PR playable and recordable P playable but not recordable not playable nor recordable CD ROM Video CD Music CD CD Extra CD R RW...

Page 49: ...rt movie playback on packaged media recorded in AVC or VC1 formats at high bit rates Video recording to Blu ray Disc media is done in MPEG2 format only Region settings are required for Movies and BD ROM contents If the region setting and the region of the disc do not match playback is not possible Unless your external display is compliant with the High bandwidth Digital Content Protection HDCP sta...

Page 50: ...ty software while writing data to a disc This may cause your computer to malfunction 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 surface of a disc may cause writing errors Do not switch power modes while using the preinstalled software and while using the CD burning software ...

Page 51: ...codes indicators are labeled 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 in most regions of the world is labeled on your DVD disc or on the packaging you cannot play the disc on your computer If you change the DVD region code while the WinDVD software is running restart t...

Page 52: ...udio CD 1 Insert a disc into the optical disc drive 2 If nothing appears on the desktop then click Start point to All Programs and click to start the desired CD software such as the SonicStage software If the Audio CD window appears click to select an option ...

Page 53: ...er s you want to copy right click the file s or folder s point to Send To and then click the optical disc drive name 4 Close the window 5 Click Start and then My Computer 6 Click the optical disc drive icon under Devices with Removable Storage A new window appears with the file s or folder s you want to copy listed under Files Ready to Be Written to the CD 7 In the CD Writing Tasks box click Write...

Page 54: ...DVD software to play the DVD For instructions on how to use the software see the help file on your DVD software Copying Files to DVDs To copy files to a disc 1 Connect the AC adapter to the computer 2 Insert a disc into the optical disc drive 3 If nothing appears on the desktop then click Start point to All Programs and click to start the DVD software you want to use For instructions on how to use...

Page 55: ...experience See the online Specifications to find whether your model is equipped with the TV tuner board Media Center provides you with a wide range of TV DVD and video viewing as well as music recording and playback To connect terrestrial or cable TV to your computer 1 Connect one end of an antenna cable cable TV cable not supplied to the VHF UHF port on the computer 2 Connect the other end of the...

Page 56: ...g session Pause X button Press to pause media playback Press again to resume playback Forward M button Press to fast forward media at three speeds Skip B button Press to move media forward for example one audio track one DVD chapter and 30 seconds of recorded TV or video Replay b button Press to move media backward for example one audio track one DVD chapter and seven seconds of TV or video Rewind...

Page 57: ... or window option When watching full screen TV press OK to return to the previous channel Press OK again to switch between channels O Channel Page buttons Press to change or page up down channels no number input required P Start button Press to open the Media Center Start menu Muting button Press to turn off the sound Press again to restore the sound Q DVD menu button Press to open the main menu o...

Page 58: ...emote commander over 2 Press the tab 1 and lift the battery cover up 3 Insert the supplied two AA batteries into the remote commander 4 Align the battery cover to the remote commander 5 Press down until the cover clicks into place If the remote commander does not operate properly you may need to replace the batteries When the remote commander has not been used for an extended period of time remove...

Page 59: ...ng a PC Card To insert a PC Card 1 Push the PC Card release button so that the release button pops out 2 Push the PC Card release button a second time so that the PC Card slot protector pops out 3 Gently take hold of the protector and pull it out of the slot 4 Insert the PC Card into the PC Card slot with the front label facing upward 5 Gently push the PC Card into the slot The PC Card is automati...

Page 60: ...ystem to correct the problem Restarting will restore the original state of your computer While the card is inserted your computer may not enter Hibernate power management mode It may enter Standby mode We recommend that you remove the card before the computer enters Hibernate mode Make sure you use the most recent software driver provided by the PC Card manufacturer If an mark appears on the Devic...

Page 61: ...move Hardware window appears 2 Select the hardware you want to unplug 3 Click Stop The Stop a Hardware Device window appears 4 Confirm that the device can be safely removed from the system 5 Click OK A window appears explaining that it is safe to remove the device 6 Click Close 7 Push the PC Card release button so that the release button pops out 8 Push the PC Card release button a second time so ...

Page 62: ...r audio video devices The former can accommodate either an ExpressCard 34 34 mm wide or ExpressCard 54 54 mm wide module as shown below and the latter an ExpressCard 34 module only VGN FE series models are equipped with an ExpressCard 34 slot and VGN AR series models are equipped with a Universal ExpressCard slot Hereinafter referred to as the ExpressCard slot and the ExpressCard module ExpressCar...

Page 63: ...els Push the ExpressCard slot protector to pop it out On VGN AR series models 1 Push the ExpressCard module release button so that the release button pops out 2 Push the ExpressCard module release button a second time so that the ExpressCard slot protector pops out 3 Gently take hold of the ExpressCard slot protector and pull it out of the slot 4 Hold the ExpressCard module with the arrow facing u...

Page 64: ...er If the module or adapter does not go into the slot easily remove it gently and verify you are inserting it in the proper direction Make sure you use the most recent software driver provided by the ExpressCard module manufacturer ...

Page 65: ...move Hardware icon on the taskbar The Safely Remove Hardware window appears 2 Select the hardware you want to unplug 3 Click Stop The Stop a Hardware Device window appears 4 Confirm that the device can be safely removed from the system 5 Click OK A window appears explaining that it is safe to remove the device 6 Click Close If your computer is off proceed with the following To remove an ExpressCar...

Page 66: ...sCard module release button so that the release button pops out 2 Push the ExpressCard module release button a second time so that the ExpressCard module pops out 3 Gently take hold of the ExpressCard module and pull it out of the slot 4 If the ExpressCard module release button is still out push it back in ...

Page 67: ...k media from the Sony Style website www sonystyle europe com or from your local Sony dealer Detailed information about which VAIO computers are compatible with which Memory Stick media can be found at www vaio link com Your computer has been tested and found compatible with the Sony branded Memory Stick media with capacity of up to 4 GB that are available as of May 2006 However not all Memory Stic...

Page 68: ...ve 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 media When the erasure prevention switch is on data can be read from but not saved on the Memory Stick media Be sure to use a fine tipped object to move the tab on the Memory Stick Duo media Some versions of Memory Stick media do not have an erasu...

Page 69: ... adapter See Using the ExpressCard Module page 62 and Using Other Memory Cards on VGN FE series Models page 72 for more information To use the small size Memory Stick media on VGN FE series models or either the standard or small size media on VGN AR series models proceed with the following Note that both the Memory Stick Duo PRO Duo media slot on VGN FE series models and the Memory Stick PRO Duo m...

Page 70: ...sert it smoothly Do not insert more than one Memory Stick media into the slot Inserting the media improperly may damage your computer To view the contents of the Memory Stick media 1 Click Start and then My Computer to open the My Computer window 2 Double click the Memory Stick media icon to view the list of data files saved in the Memory Stick media To format a Memory Stick media Use the Memory S...

Page 71: ...tor in the following 1 Check that the Memory Stick media indicator is off 2 Push the Memory Stick media in toward the computer The Memory Stick media ejects 3 Pull the Memory Stick media out of the slot Always remove the Memory Stick media gently or it may pop out unexpectedly Do not remove the Memory Stick media while the Memory Stick media indicator is turned on If you do you may lose data Large...

Page 72: ...tick PRO Secure Digital SD MultiMediaCard MMC xD Picture Card The MagicGate feature of the Memory Stick media and the Memory Stick PRO media is not supported The copyright protection and high speed data transfer features of the SD memory card are not supported SDHC memory cards are not supported As for the Memory Stick PRO media only Sony branded media is recommended to use with the adapter Your c...

Page 73: ...direction to avoid possible damage to the memory card adapter 2 See Inserting an ExpressCard Module page 63 to insert the memory card adapter into the ExpressCard slot Removing a Memory Card To remove a memory card from the memory card adapter See Removing an ExpressCard Module page 65 to remove the memory card adapter from the ExpressCard slot Then firmly grasp the extended part of the memory car...

Page 74: ...correct memory card into the SD memory card slot SDHC memory cards are not supported Do not attempt to insert a memory card or memory card adapter of a different type into the slot An incompatible memory card or memory card adapter may be difficult to remove from the slot and can cause damage to your computer Use care when inserting or removing a memory card from the slot Do not force the memory c...

Page 75: ...omputer 2 Hold the memory card with the arrow facing upward and pointing toward the memory card slot 3 Carefully slide the memory card into the slot until it clicks into place Do not force the card into the slot If the memory card does not go into the slot easily remove it gently and verify you are inserting it in the proper direction ...

Page 76: ...e SD memory card indicator light is on The card or its data may become damaged To remove a memory card 1 Check that the SD memory card indicator is off 2 Press the extended part of the memory card causing it to extend out from the slot 3 When the card extends carefully pull it out of the slot ...

Page 77: ... to a coin operated telephone and may not work with multiple telephone lines or a private branch exchange PBX Some of these connections may result in excess electrical current and could cause a malfunction in the internal modem If you connect a telephone cable coming through a splitter the modem or connected device may not work properly To set up a dial up connection to the Internet 1 Click Start ...

Page 78: ...rivacy WEP which is a security protocol Wi Fi Protected Access 2 WPA2 and Wi Fi Protected Access WPA Proposed jointly by the IEEE and Wi Fi Alliance both WPA2 and WPA are specifications of standards based interoperable security enhancements that increase the level of data protection and access control for existing Wi Fi networks WPA has been designed to be forward compatible with the IEEE 802 11i ...

Page 79: ... communication speed varies depending on the distance between communication devices existence of obstacles between such devices the device configuration the radio conditions and the software in use In addition communications may be cut off depending on the radio conditions The communication range varies depending on the actual distance between communication devices existence of obstacles between s...

Page 80: ... controller or access point Each device communicates directly with other devices in the network You can set up an ad hoc network easily at home If the Wireless connection is initiated by the VAIO computer channel 11 will be selected If the Wireless connection is initiated by peer Wireless LAN equipment the Wireless LAN communication will make use of the channel selected by the peer Wireless LAN eq...

Page 81: ...ck Network and Internet Connections 4 Click Network Connections The Network Connections window appears 5 Right click Wireless Network Connection then click Properties The Wireless Network Connection Properties window appears 6 Select the Wireless Networks tab 7 Click the Add button The Wireless network properties window appears 8 Enter a network name SSID 2 You can choose a 32 digit alphanumeric n...

Page 82: ...ter ad hoc networks only option button 18 Click Close 19 Click OK The computer is ready to communicate with another computer 1 See the online Specifications to see whether your model supports the Bluetooth functionality and or the IEEE 802 11a b g standard 2 If you want to communicate between two or more computers you need to configure all these computers in the exact same way This means that you ...

Page 83: ...ppears 4 In the right panel under LAN or High Speed Internet right click Wireless Network Connection 5 Click Properties The Wireless Network Connection Properties window appears 6 On the Wireless Networks tab click Advanced The Advanced window appears 7 Click to select Any available network access point preferred and click Close 8 Click OK 9 Close the Network Connections window 10 Turn off the WIR...

Page 84: ... Access Point The access point bridges the wireless and wired LAN and acts as a central controller for the Wireless LAN The access point coordinates transmission and reception from multiple wireless devices within a specific range The access point will select which channel to use on an infrastructure network For details on how to select the channel that will be used by the access point see the man...

Page 85: ...and click OK 3 Click Start and then Control Panel 4 Click Network and Internet Connections 5 Click Network Connections The Network Connections window appears 6 In the right panel under LAN or High Speed Internet double click Wireless Network Connection The Wireless Network Connection window appears 7 Select the network you want to use 8 Enter the network key 9 Click Connect After 30 seconds the co...

Page 86: ...Turn off the WIRELESS or WIRELESS LAN switch Turning off the wireless LAN functionality while accessing remote documents files or resources may result in data loss For WPA PSK or WPA2 PSK authentication you must enter a network key of 8 to 64 alphanumeric characters long ...

Page 87: ...You can establish wireless communication between your computer and other Bluetooth devices such as another computer or a mobile phone You can transfer data between these devices without cables and up to 10 meters range in open space To connect to a Bluetooth device 1 Turn on the WIRELESS switch 2 Double click on the taskbar to display the Wireless Device Switch window 3 Select the Enable Bluetooth...

Page 88: ...same time on your computer Size of file being exchanged Note that due to limitations of the Bluetooth standard large files may occasionally be corrupted during continuous transfer due to electromagnetic interference from the environment All Bluetooth devices must be certified to make sure that the applicable standard requirements are maintained Even if standards are met individual device performan...

Page 89: ...nication devices however may cause radio interference and result in poorer communication speeds and distances than the standard values Read the Regulations Guide before using the Bluetooth functionality The Bluetooth functionality may not work depending on the third party devices or the software version used by third party companies As general characteristics of Bluetooth technology connecting mul...

Page 90: ...avoid any anonymous Bluetooth device to access your computer The first time two Bluetooth devices communicate a common passkey a password required for authentication should be determined for both devices to be registered Once a device is registered there is no need to re enter the passkey The passkey can be different each time but must be the same at both ends For certain devices such as a mouse n...

Page 91: ...IO Computer Communicating with Another Bluetooth Device You can connect your computer to a Bluetooth device such as another computer a mobile phone a PDA a headset a mouse or a digital camera without the use of any cables ...

Page 92: ...uetooth functionality For setting up and using the Bluetooth functionality see the help file on the Bluetooth utility software To see the help file 1 Right click the Bluetooth icon on the taskbar and select Help from the menu Stopping the Bluetooth Connection To stop the Bluetooth connection turn off the WIRELESS switch The Bluetooth indicator turns off ...

Page 93: ...n the taskbar and select Bluetooth Settings from the menu The Bluetooth Settings window appears and Add New Connection Wizard automatically starts 4 If the Add New Connection Wizard window does not appear click New Connection The Add New Connection Wizard window appears 5 Select Express Mode Recommended and then click Next The wizard searches for Bluetooth devices in range and lists available devi...

Page 94: ... the headset from your computer 1 Right click the Bluetooth icon on the taskbar and select Bluetooth Settings from the menu The Bluetooth Settings window appears 2 Select HBH 608 click Next and select Disconnect from the Bluetooth menu 3 Click Yes ...

Page 95: ...cking Station page 96 Connecting External Speakers page 107 Connecting an External Display page 108 Selecting Display Modes page 117 Using the Multiple Monitors Function page 118 Connecting an External Microphone page 120 Connecting a Universal Serial Bus USB Device page 121 Connecting a Printer page 124 Connecting an i LINK Device page 125 Connecting to a Network LAN page 127 ...

Page 96: ...ocking Station Back A DC IN port page 30 B Hi Speed USB USB 2 0 ports 1 page 121 C DVI D port 2 page 109 D MONITOR VGA port page 109 E OPTICAL OUT port Output frequency 96 kHz 48 kHz 44 kHz Variable Connect digital equipment such as an AV amplifier F PHONES OUT jack 3 page 107 G VIDEO OUT port page 113 H S VIDEO OUT port page 113 I Network Ethernet port 1000BASE T 100BASE TX 10BASE T page 127 J Se...

Page 97: ...king station and the AC outlet while using the multi function bay docking station this may cause data damage or hardware malfunctions A IN USE indicator page 103 B UNDOCK button page 103 C PUSH RELEASE button page 103 D DC IN indicator Illuminates when the multi function bay docking station is powered E Multi function bay F Multi function bay unit eject button See the manual that came with the opt...

Page 98: ...ocking station The multi function bay docking station is equipped with a size adjuster for use with VGN AR series models If the model you purchased is VGN AR series follow these steps to slide out and secure the size adjuster For VGN FE series models you do not need to use this size adjuster Proceed with the steps described in To attach your computer to the multi function bay docking station page ...

Page 99: ...er 1 Use a coin or similar object 1 to unscrew the screw 2 on the bottom of the multi function bay docking station 3 2 Adjust the position of the size adjuster 4 to match the size of your computer 3 Tighten the screw on the bottom of the multi function bay docking station ...

Page 100: ...fore attaching it to the multi function bay docking station The illustrations in the following show the VGN FE series model computer as an example 1 Disconnect all peripherals from the computer 2 Plug the power cord 1 into the AC adapter 2 and an AC outlet 3 Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter 2 into the DC IN port 3 on the multi function bay docking station 4 ...

Page 101: ...ver on the bottom of the computer 5 Place the computer on the multi function bay docking station Bring the arrows on the back of the computer and on the multi function bay docking station together so that the connector on the bottom of the computer comes in contact with that on the docking station ...

Page 102: ...on the computer Use the AC adapter supplied with the multi function bay docking station Do not move your computer while attached to the multi function bay docking station this may detach the multi function bay docking station and cause damage to the multi function bay docking station and the computer ...

Page 103: ...ing the computer while the IN USE indicator is lit may result in loss of unsaved data or a failure of the computer When the battery pack is running out of power disconnecting your computer from the multi function bay docking station may result in loss of unsaved data Do not disconnect your computer from the multi function bay docking station during video playback Be sure to close video playback so...

Page 104: ... the IN USE indicator is unlit you do not have to press the UNDOCK button Pressing the UNDOCK button while your computer is in a power saving mode returns the computer to Normal mode first and then initiates the disconnection process Once you have placed your computer back in Normal mode make sure to place your computer off the docking station Use of the computer still on the docking station may c...

Page 105: ...until the IN USE indicator 2 turns off and then press the PUSH RELEASE button 3 3 Lift the computer away from the multi function bay docking station 4 Close the multi function bay docking station connector cover on the bottom of the computer ...

Page 106: ...ft the computer away from the multi function bay docking station 4 Close the multi function bay docking station connector cover on the bottom of the computer It is extremely important to close the multi function bay docking station connector cover after disconnecting your computer from the multi function bay docking station If the cover is left open dust may get inside and damage the computer To d...

Page 107: ... speaker cable 1 into the headphones jack 2 on the computer or on the multi function bay docking station 2 Plug the other end of the speaker cable to the external speaker 3 3 Turn down the volume of the speakers before you turn them on Make sure your speakers are designed for computer use Do not place floppy disks on the speakers their magnetic field may damage the data on the disks ...

Page 108: ...ay to your computer For example you can use the computer with a computer display or a projector Connect the power cord after connecting all other cables Connected external displays are used as secondary screens On Windows systems only you can also use an external display to set up multiple monitors ...

Page 109: ... end into an AC outlet 2 If you want to connect a VGA monitor plug the display cable 2 not supplied into the monitor VGA port 3 a on the computer or on the multi function bay docking station 3 If you want to connect a TFT DVI monitor plug the display cable not supplied into the DVI D port on the multi function bay docking station On VGN AR series models however you cannot output images through thi...

Page 110: ...gital video signals no analog video signals It has 24 pins A DVI I connector Digital Visual Interface Integrated supports digital video and analog video signals It has 29 pins With VGN FE series models you can use a TFT DVI monitor only when a model with the NVIDIA video controller is attached to the multi function bay docking station ...

Page 111: ...GA port on the computer is disabled when the computer is attached to the multi function bay docking station 1 Plug the power cord of your multimedia computer display 1 into an AC outlet 2 Plug the display cable 2 not supplied into the monitor VGA port 3 a on the computer or on the multi function bay docking station 3 Plug the speaker cable 4 into the headphones jack 5 on the computer or on the mul...

Page 112: ...112 n N Using Peripheral Devices ...

Page 113: ...i function bay docking station make sure to use the S VIDEO OUT port on the docking station 3 Plug one end of an audio cable not supplied into the headphones jack on the computer or on the multi function bay docking station and the other end to the TV 4 Switch the input channel of the TV to external input 5 Set up the TV configuration system The multi function bay docking station is also equipped ...

Page 114: ... is used the image will not be displayed and the audio will not be heard Always use the device driver provided by Sony for updates You can connect the HDMI out to an AV amplifier and audio will be heard through the AV amplifier and then another HDMI cable can be connected from the AV amplifier to the TV for the display See the manual that came with your peripheral for more information on installat...

Page 115: ... the computer is attached to the multi function bay docking station 1 Connect the power cord 1 of your projector into an AC outlet 2 Plug an RGB signal cable 2 not supplied into the monitor VGA port 3 a on the computer or on the multi function bay docking station 3 Plug an audio cable 4 not supplied into the headphones jack 5 on the computer or on the multi function bay docking station 4 Plug the ...

Page 116: ...116 n N Using Peripheral Devices ...

Page 117: ...ur computer If you want to work on your computer screen and the external display at the same time see Using the Multiple Monitors Function page 118 for more information To select a display 1 Right click on the desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel from the menu 2 Click the Display icon 3 Click Change Display Configuration 4 Follow the on screen instructions to change the settings ...

Page 118: ...o drag objects such as an open application window or a toolbar from one display to the other Your external display may not support the Multiple Monitors function Certain software applications may not be compatible with Multiple Monitors settings Make sure that your computer does not enter Standby or Hibernate mode while you are using Multiple Monitors mode otherwise the computer may not return to ...

Page 119: ...o change the settings You can also change one of the S button assignments to activate the Multiple Monitors mode with the corresponding S button To change the S button assignments press and hold any S button to display the window for changing the assignment For details on the S buttons see Using Special function Buttons page 42 Additionally you can set the display colors and resolution for each di...

Page 120: ... If you need to use a sound input device for example to chat over the Internet you need to plug in an external microphone To connect an external microphone Plug the microphone cable 1 into the microphone jack 2 m Make sure your microphone is designed for computer use ...

Page 121: ...e to the USB ports Do not put the computer into a bag or carrying case when it has USB devices connected Connecting a USB Mouse To connect a USB mouse 1 Choose the USB port 1 you prefer to use 2 Plug the USB mouse cable 2 into the USB port You can now use your USB mouse 3 The VAIO USB mouse software driver is preinstalled on your computer As a result you only need to plug the USB mouse into the US...

Page 122: ... connect it to your computer To connect a USB floppy disk drive 1 Choose the USB port 1 you prefer to use 2 Plug the USB floppy disk drive cable 2 into the USB port Your USB floppy disk drive 3 is now ready for use When using a USB floppy disk drive do not apply force on the USB port This may cause a malfunction ...

Page 123: ...mputer To disconnect a USB floppy disk drive 1 Close all programs accessing the floppy disk drive 2 Double click the Safely Remove Hardware icon on the taskbar The Safely Remove Hardware window appears 3 Select the floppy disk drive you want to unplug 4 Click Stop The Stop a Hardware device window appears 5 Make sure the floppy disk drive is selected and click OK A message appears stating it is no...

Page 124: ...ter Using the USB Port You can connect a USB printer compatible with your version of Windows to the computer To connect a printer using the USB port 1 Plug the power cord 1 of your printer into an AC outlet 2 Choose the USB port 3 you prefer to use 3 Plug one end of a USB printer cable 2 not supplied into the USB port and the other end to your printer ...

Page 125: ...NK cables compatible with your computer include cables with the following part numbers VMC IL4415 a 1 5 meter cable with a 4 pin connector at each end and VMC IL4408 Series a 0 8 meter cable with a 4 pin connector at each end The optional i LINK cables may not be available depending on the country or area of your residency An i LINK connection with other compatible devices is not fully guaranteed ...

Page 126: ...r end into the DV In Out ports 3 on the digital video camcorder 2 Launch the DVgate Plus software On Sony digital video cameras ports labeled DV Out DV In Out or i LINK are i LINK compatible The Sony digital video camcorder shown here is an example your digital video camcorder may need to be connected differently You cannot access the pictures stored on a Memory Stick media when using an i LINK co...

Page 127: ...on bay docking station and the other end to your network For detailed settings and devices needed to connect to the network ask your network administrator Available only via the network Ethernet port on the optional multi function bay docking station Your computer can be connected to the network with the default settings When your computer is attached to the optional multi function bay docking sta...

Page 128: ...nnector is connected to the telephone lines mentioned below high electric current to the connector may cause damage overheating or fire Home intercom speakerphone or business use telephone lines multi line business telephone Public telephone subscriber line PBX private branch exchange Do not plug a telephone cable into the network port ...

Page 129: ...ings you will learn how to use and customize the look of your Sony software and utilities etc Setting the Password page 130 Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center page 133 Using the Power Saving Modes page 134 Managing Power with VAIO Power Management page 139 Setting Up Your Language with Windows XP Professional page 141 Configuring Your Modem page 144 ...

Page 130: ... for users with administrator rights on the computer to change all the setup options on the BIOS setup screen as well as to start the computer The user password is provided for other ordinary users to allow for changing some of the BIOS setup options as well as starting the computer To set the user password you must first set the machine password Once you have set the power on password you cannot ...

Page 131: ...reen enter the password twice and press the Enter key The password can be up to 32 alphanumeric characters including spaces long 5 At the confirmation prompt press the Enter key The following is to configure your computer to prompt password entry when you turn it on or display the BIOS setup screen 6 Select Password when Power ON under Security Press the space bar to change the setting from Disabl...

Page 132: ...ey to select Security to display the Security tab select Set Machine Password and then press the Enter key 5 On the password entry screen enter the current password once and a new password twice and then press the Enter key To remove the password leave the Enter New Password and Confirm New Password fields blank and press the Enter key When confirmation to save the changes is prompted press the En...

Page 133: ...lick Start point to All Programs and click VAIO Control Center The VAIO Control Center window appears 2 Select the desired control item and change the settings 3 Once finished click OK The setting of the desired item has been changed For more information about each option click Help on the VAIO Control Center window to display the help file Some of the control items will not be visible if you open...

Page 134: ...rt regardless of the power management setting you select To set the timer for the computer to automatically enter Standby or Hibernate mode after a certain period of time click Start and Control Panel Click Performance and Maintenance and Power Options and then change the settings under Power Schemes If the battery level falls below 10 percent you should either attach the AC adapter to recharge th...

Page 135: ...by mode To return to Normal mode Press any key If you press the power button for more than four seconds your computer will turn off automatically You will lose any unsaved data When your computer is in Standby mode you cannot insert a disc Your computer comes out of Standby mode quicker than out of Hibernate mode Standby mode uses more power than Hibernate mode If the battery runs down while your ...

Page 136: ...o change the Standby mode settings 1 Click Start and then Control Panel 2 Click Performance and Maintenance 3 Click Power Options The Power Options Properties window appears 4 Select the Power Schemes tab 5 Change the System Standby settings ...

Page 137: ...indicator light is off in this mode To activate Hibernate mode Press the Fn F12 keys The Hibernating screen appears and the computer enters Hibernate mode Alternatively 1 Click Start and then Turn Off Computer 2 Click Hibernate To return to Normal mode Press the power button The computer returns to its previous state If you press the power button for more than four seconds your computer will turn ...

Page 138: ...e time of shutting down or resuming When your 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 your computer before its power indicator light turns off ...

Page 139: ...tware Activating VAIO Power Management When you start the computer a power status icon appears on the taskbar This icon indicates what kind of power source you are using at that time for example AC power Double click this icon to display the window showing your power status VAIO Power Management functionalities are added to the Windows Power Options Properties To activate VAIO Power Management 1 C...

Page 140: ...r scheme 1 Click Start and then Control Panel 2 Click Performance and Maintenance 3 Click Power Options The Power Options Properties window appears 4 Select the tab for power scheme settings 5 Select a power scheme from the drop down list 6 If you now select the VAIO Power Management tab you see that the selected power scheme appears on the tab 7 If necessary you can change the items in the list f...

Page 141: ...rench German Japanese Dutch Italian Spanish Czech Finnish Greek Portuguese and Swedish It is important that you select the correct keyboard settings during the Windows Setup To select the correct keyboard settings during Windows Setup 1 At first boot click Next then Next again in the Windows XP Setup Wizard window The Select Your System Settings window appears 2 Fill in these three questions I liv...

Page 142: ...on Unicode programs drop down menu 5 To change the language of the Windows menus windows and online help files provided by Microsoft Windows select the Languages tab of the Regional and Language Options window Non Microsoft Windows applications stay in English even if you change these settings 6 Select your language from the drop down list 7 Click Apply to apply the changes You are prompted to log...

Page 143: ...ons window click the Details button The Text Services and Input Languages window appears 4 In the Settings tab of the Text Services and Input Languages window select your keyboard from the Default input language drop down menu 5 If your keyboard is not available click the Add button The Add Input Language window appears 6 Select the input language and keyboard from the drop down menu 7 Click the O...

Page 144: ...dow appears If you do not see the Phone and Modem Options window click Switch to Classic View on the left side 4 Select your location on the Dialing Rules tab 5 Click the Edit button to change the current configuration The Edit Location window appears Or Click the New button to configure your modem The New Location window appears 6 Check the country region settings and make sure it matches the pla...

Page 145: ...145 n N Customizing Your VAIO Computer 9 Click Apply OK Your modem is configured Before applying new country settings please make sure your phone cable is disconnected from your computer ...

Page 146: ...ee due to mishandling we recommend that You contact your dealer to install a new memory module You do not install it yourself if you are not familiar with upgrading memory on a computer You do not touch the connectors or open the memory module compartment cover For the type of module and the amount of memory installed on your model refer to the online Specifications Contact VAIO Link if you need a...

Page 147: ...e ensure the following The procedures described in this document assume familiarity with the general terminology associated with personal computers and with the safety practices and regulatory compliance required for using and modifying electronic equipment Turn off your computer and disconnect the system from its power source that is battery pack or AC adapter and from any telecommunication links...

Page 148: ...o the computer and any repair costs will not be covered by the warranty Do not place the memory module in a location subject to Heat sources such as radiators or air ducts Direct sunlight Excessive dust Mechanical vibration or shock Strong magnets or speakers that are not magnetically shielded Ambient temperature of more than 35 C or less than 5 C High humidity Handle the memory module with care T...

Page 149: ... disconnect all peripheral devices 2 Unplug the computer and remove the battery pack 3 Wait until the computer cools down 4 Unscrew the screws indicated by the arrows below on the bottom of the computer and remove the memory module compartment cover 5 Touch a metal object such as the connector panel on the back of the computer to discharge static electricity ...

Page 150: ...ve the memory module Pull the latches in the direction of the arrows 1 The memory module is released Make sure that the memory module tilts up and then pull it out in the direction of the arrow 2 7 Remove the new memory module from its packaging ...

Page 151: ...o place If you use only one memory module make sure to insert it to the slot that is closer to the back of your computer Do not touch any other components on the motherboard 9 Replace the memory module compartment cover 10 Tighten the screws on the bottom of the computer 11 Reinstall the battery pack and turn on the computer ...

Page 152: ...n 4 Unscrew the screw indicated by the arrow below on the bottom of the computer and remove the memory module compartment cover 5 Touch a metal object such as the connector panel on the back of the computer to discharge static electricity 6 Remove the memory module Pull the latches in the direction of the arrows 1 The memory module is released Make sure that the memory module tilts up and then pul...

Page 153: ... it in until it clicks into place If you use only one memory module make sure to insert it to the slot that is closer to the back of your computer Do not touch any other components on the motherboard 9 Replace the memory module compartment cover 10 Tighten the screw on the bottom of the computer 11 Reinstall the battery pack and turn on the computer ...

Page 154: ...nt to All Programs and click VAIO Control Center 3 Double click the System Information folder in the VAIO Control Center window 4 Double click the System Information icon in the System Information folder You can view the amount of system memory If the additional memory does not appear repeat the whole procedure and restart the computer ...

Page 155: ... page 156 On Using the Power Source page 157 On Handling Your Computer page 158 On Using the Built in MOTION EYE Camera page 160 On Handling Floppy Disks page 160 On Handling Discs page 161 On Using the Battery Pack page 162 On Using Headphones page 163 On Handling Memory Stick Media page 164 On Handling the Hard Disk page 165 On Handling the Memory Card Adapter page 166 ...

Page 156: ...sidual image may appear on the LCD screen if the same image is displayed for a long period of time The residual image disappears in a while You can use a screen saver to prevent residual images The LCD screen becomes warm during operation This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction The LCD screen is manufactured using high precision technology You may however see tiny black points and or br...

Page 157: ...sudden power surges in an electrical storm 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 AC outlet if you are not planning to use the computer for a long period of time Make sure that the AC outlet is easily accessible When the AC adapter is not used unplug it from the AC outlet Use t...

Page 158: ...ation subject to Heat sources such as radiators or air ducts Direct sunlight Excessive dust Moisture or rain Mechanical vibration or shock Strong magnets or speakers that are not magnetically shielded Ambient temperature of more than 35 C or less than 5 C High humidity Do not place electronic equipment near your computer The electromagnetic field of the computer may cause a malfunction Provide ade...

Page 159: ...s brought directly from a cold location to a warm one moisture may condense inside the computer In this case allow at least one hour before turning on the computer If any problems occur unplug the computer and contact VAIO Link Make sure you disconnect the power cord before cleaning your computer To avoid losing data if your computer is damaged back up your data regularly ...

Page 160: ... of the built in MOTION EYE camera with a blower brush or a soft brush If the lens is extremely dirty wipe it off with a soft dry cloth Do not rub the plate as it is force sensitive On Handling Floppy Disks Do not open the shutter manually or touch the surface of the floppy disk Keep floppy disks away from magnets Keep floppy disks away from direct sunlight and other sources of heat Keep floppy di...

Page 161: ...solvents such as benzine thinner alcohol commercially available cleaners or anti static spray which may cause damage to the disc For normal cleaning hold the disc by its edge and use a soft cloth to wipe the surface from the center out If the disc is badly soiled moisten a soft cloth with water wring it out well and use it to wipe the surface of the disc from the center out Wipe off any remaining ...

Page 162: ...ot be charged and the notebook will not function While the battery pack is in use or being charged heat builds up in the battery pack 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 your computer for...

Page 163: ...ffic hazard and is illegal in some areas It can also be potentially dangerous to play loud music while walking especially at pedestrian crossings Preventing hearing damage Avoid using headphones at high volume Hearing experts advise against continuous loud and extended play If you experience a ringing in your ears reduce the volume or discontinue use ...

Page 164: ... Do not let Memory Stick media get wet Do not use or store Memory Stick media in a location subject to Extremely high temperatures such as in a car parked in the sun Direct sunlight High humidity Corrosive substances Use the storage case supplied with the Memory Stick media Be sure to make a backup copy of your valuable data Keep the Memory Stick media out of reach of children There is a risk of s...

Page 165: ...careful when handling your computer To avoid damaging your hard disk Do not subject your computer to sudden movements Keep your computer away from magnets Do not place your computer in a location subject to mechanical vibration or in an unstable position Do not move your computer while the power is on Do not turn off the power or restart your computer while reading or writing data to the hard disk...

Page 166: ...esigned for the memory card adapter as a label Do not bend drop or apply strong shock to the memory card adapter Do not disassemble or modify the memory card adapter Do not let the memory card adapter get wet Do not use or store the memory card adapter in a location subject to Extremely high temperatures such as in a car parked in the sun Direct sunlight High humidity Corrosive substances Use the ...

Page 167: ...efore contacting VAIO Link Computer page 169 System Security page 176 Battery page 178 Built in MOTION EYE Camera page 180 Internet page 183 Networking page 185 Bluetooth Technology page 188 CDs and DVDs page 192 Display page 197 Printing page 201 Microphone page 202 Mouse page 203 Speakers page 204 Touch Pad page 205 Keyboard page 206 Floppy Disks page 207 PC Cards page 208 Audio Video page 209 ...

Page 168: ...168 n N Troubleshooting Memory Stick Media page 210 Peripherals page 211 Multi Function Bay Docking Station page 212 ...

Page 169: ...it is plugged into a power source and turned on Make sure the brightness and contrast controls are adjusted correctly See the manual that came with your display for more information Disconnect the AC adapter and remove the battery pack Wait three to five minutes Reattach the AC adapter and reinstall the battery pack and press the power button to turn on your computer Condensation may cause your co...

Page 170: ...Select Yes and press the Enter key 6 Select Exit Save Changes or Exit Setup and press the Enter key The message Save configuration changes and exit now appears 7 Select Yes and press the Enter key Your computer restarts If this occurs frequently contact VAIO Link What should I do if the power indicator Green lights but my computer screen stays blank Follow these steps 1 Press and hold the power bu...

Page 171: ...ows Task Manager window appears click Turn Off from the Shut Down menu When the Windows Security window appears click Shut Down If your computer still does not turn off press and hold the power button until the computer turns off If your computer stops responding while playing a CD or DVD press the Ctrl Alt Delete keys simultaneously You can turn off the computer from Windows Task Manager Pressing...

Page 172: ...dow select Restart from the Shut Down menu to restart the computer 4 If this procedure does not work press and hold the power button until the computer turns off What should I do if the battery indicator is flashing and my computer does not start This symptom could be due to the battery pack not being installed properly To resolve this symptom turn off your computer and remove the battery pack The...

Page 173: ... speed than the maximum This is normal Because your computer s CPU utilizes a type of CPU speed controlling technology for power conservation purposes System Properties may display the CPU s current speed instead of the maximum speed What should I do if Windows does not start showing a message when I start my computer If you enter a wrong power on password three times consecutively the Enter Oneti...

Page 174: ...computer starts If Norton Internet Security s Personal Firewall is active it may take some time before the desktop screen appears due to network security checkups Why doesn t my computer screen turn off when the time selected for the automatic turn off action has passed The originally selected VAIO s screen saver disables the timer setting which you can select using the Windows power options for y...

Page 175: ...the or key to select Exit select Exit Save Changes or Exit Setup and then press the Enter key The message Save configuration changes and exit now appears 6 Select Yes and press the Enter key Your computer restarts and you will hear the startup sound at the specified volume level You can also show hide the VAIO animation logo at startup On the screen that is displayed after step 2 above select VAIO...

Page 176: ...perating system is preinstalled on your computer The best way to protect your computer against security threats such as viruses is to download and install the latest Windows updates regularly You can get important Windows updates by doing the following Your computer must be connected to the Internet before you can receive updates 1 Connect to the Internet 2 Click the Automatic Updates icon on the ...

Page 177: ... Security icon on the taskbar If you have not previously registered the antivirus software a series of information wizards appears 1 Follow the on screen instructions to complete each wizard 2 Double click the Norton Internet Security icon again The Norton Internet Security window appears If you have previously registered this antivirus software the Norton Internet Security window automatically ap...

Page 178: ...he battery pack When the battery level falls below 10 percent When both the battery and power indicators blink When you have not used the battery pack for a long period of time When should I replace the battery pack If the battery power is still low after charging it the battery pack may be reaching the end of its life and should be replaced Should I be concerned that the installed battery pack is...

Page 179: ...m from entering Hibernate mode save your data frequently to avoid losing data See Using Hibernate Mode page 137 for information on how you can manually activate Hibernate mode Why doesn t my computer enter Hibernate mode You may first need to enable Hibernate mode Follow these steps 1 Click Start and then Control Panel 2 Click Performance and Maintenance 3 Click Power Options The Power Options Pro...

Page 180: ...s not indicate a malfunction If the problem persists restart your computer Why are captured images poor in quality The images captured under the fluorescent lamp may show reflection of the light A dark portion in captured images may appear as a noise If the front mirror plate over the lens is dirty you cannot take a clear shot Clean the lens See On Using the Built in MOTION EYE Camera page 160 Why...

Page 181: ...tween lighting output frequency and shutter speed To reduce flicker noise change the pointing direction of the camera or the brightness of camera images In some software applications you can set an appropriate value to one of the camera properties e g LightSource Flickness etc to eliminate flicker noise Why is the video input from the built in MOTION EYE camera suspended for a few seconds The vide...

Page 182: ...nce and Maintenance icon 3 Click the System icon 4 Click Device Manager on the Hardware tab 5 Double click Imaging devices 6 Right click Sony Visual Communication Camera VGP VCC1 and click Update Driver What should I do if my computer becomes unstable when it enters Standby or Hibernate mode while the built in MOTION EYE camera is in use Do not place your computer into Standby or Hibernate mode wh...

Page 183: ...ephone number the program is dialing is correct Make sure the software you are using is compatible with your computer s modem All preinstalled Sony programs are compatible Make sure the modem is the only device connected to your telephone line Follow these steps to check the settings 1 Click Start and then Control Panel 2 Click Printers and Other Hardware 3 Click Phone and Modem Options 4 On the M...

Page 184: ... properly to other PC based modems fax machines or your Internet Service Provider ISP do any of the following Ask your telephone company to verify your telephone line is free of any line noise If your problem is fax related make sure there are no problems with the fax machine you are calling and that it is compatible with fax modems If you are having a problem connecting with your ISP make sure th...

Page 185: ...tart and then Control Panel 2 Click Network and Internet Connections 3 Click Network Connections 4 Right click Wireless Network Connection 5 Click Properties 6 Click the Wireless Networks tab 7 Click View Wireless Networks to see that your access point is selected Make sure the encryption key is correct What should I do if I cannot access the Internet Check the access point settings See the manual...

Page 186: ...oaded depending on how many other devices are communicating via the access point If your access point interferes with other access points change the access point channel See the manual that came with your access point for more information How do I avoid data transfer interruptions When your computer is connected to an access point data transfer interruptions may occur when using large files or if ...

Page 187: ... using a wireless LAN access point see connectivity information contained in the manual that came with your access point Why does the network connection stop when I change the encryption key Two computers with built in wireless LAN may lose a peer to peer network connection if the encryption key is changed You can either change the encryption key back to the original profile or re enter the key on...

Page 188: ...you may not be able to communicate with the device What should I do if I cannot find the Bluetooth device with which I want to communicate Check that the Bluetooth functionality of the device with which you want to communicate is on See the other device s manual for more information If the device with which you want to communicate is already communicating with another Bluetooth device it may not b...

Page 189: ... a custom Bluetooth security level is selected click the Default level button 4 Click OK The data transfer distance can be shorter than 10 meters depending on existing obstacles between the two devices on radio wave quality and on the operating system or the software in use Move your computer and Bluetooth devices closer to each other If the device with which you want to communicate is already com...

Page 190: ...cted by distance and obstructions You may need to move your computer away from obstructions or closer to the device to which it is connected Identify and remove obstacles between your computer and the device to which it is connected Note that due to limitations of the Bluetooth standard large files may occasionally be corrupted during continuous transfer due to electromagnetic interference from th...

Page 191: ...ct the utility cannot assign a dynamic IP address to the device and fails Do not specify IP addresses when using a PAN Why can t I use the Bluetooth functionality when I log on to my computer as a limited user The Bluetooth functionality may not be available to users with limited rights on your computer Log on to the computer as a user with administrator rights Why can t I connect to a Bluetooth d...

Page 192: ...ct button On VGN AR series models if power supply to the optical disc drive is disabled by VAIO Power Management the substitute drive eject button on the optical disc drive will not work Use the disc drive eject button located to the upper left of the keyboard Note that it will take a while to eject the drive tray if the optical disc drive is not powered If the disc drive eject button does not wor...

Page 193: ... If you are playing a CD or DVD and cannot hear sound do any of the following Double click the Volume icon on the taskbar and click to cancel the Master Volume Mute All and Wave Mute check boxes Check the volume setting in the audio mixer If you are using external speakers check the volume settings on the speakers and the connections between the speakers and your computer Make sure the CD audio fe...

Page 194: ...ake sure an adhesive label is not affixed to a CD or DVD Adhesive labels can come off while the disc is in the optical disc drive and damage the drive or cause it to malfunction If a region code warning appears the disc may be incompatible with the optical disc drive Check the DVD package to make sure the region code is compatible with the optical disc drive If you notice condensation on your comp...

Page 195: ...t should I do if I cannot write data to DVD media Make sure you are using the correct DVD recordable media Check which DVD recordable format is compatible with your computer s built in DVD recorder Note the possibility that some brands of DVD recordable media do not work The preinstalled software on your computer does not support copying DVD movies Macrovision or a similar video protection technol...

Page 196: ...ick to cancel the Enable CD recording on this drive check box 5 Click OK Canceling the Enable CD recording on this drive check box disables writing data to CD R and CD RW discs To write data to such discs make sure to select this check box You cannot add data to DVD RAM discs with data already written by the Roxio DigitalMedia software due to difference in disc formatting Attempt to add data to su...

Page 197: ... using battery power make sure the battery pack is installed properly and is charged See Using the Battery Pack page 32 for more information If the display mode is set to external display press the Fn F7 keys See Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key page 39 for more information Why can t I view the whole screen image of a DVD video on my TV screen The screen resolution may not be properly se...

Page 198: ...tput from my computer screen to TV See Selecting Display Modes page 117 Alternatively you can press the Fn F7 keys to view the image either on your computer screen or on your TV See Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key page 39 for more information Why doesn t my computer screen display a video If the external display is selected for the display output and the external display is disconnected...

Page 199: ... steps To do the following procedure you must have administrator rights on your computer 1 Click Start and then Control Panel 2 Click Performance and Maintenance 3 Click Power Options 4 Select the tab for power scheme settings 5 Select the desired power scheme from the drop down list 6 On the VAIO Power Management tab select No change for LCD Brightness 7 Click OK The preference for the LCD bright...

Page 200: ...er screen and the external display connected to the monitor VGA port on the docking station What should I do if the external display stays blank If you cannot change the display output with the Fn F7 keys you need to change the settings for the external display with VAIO Control Center To change the settings launch the VAIO Control Center select the control item for the external display and then c...

Page 201: ...then restart the computer If the bidirectional communication functions are provided with your printer disabling the functions on your computer may enable printing Follow these steps 1 Click Start and then Control Panel 2 Click Printers and Other Hardware 3 Click Printers and Faxes 4 Right click the printer icon and select Properties 5 Click the Ports tab 6 Click to cancel the Enable bidirectional ...

Page 202: ...f you are using an external microphone make sure the microphone is turned on and is properly plugged into the microphone jack on your computer The muting button may have been pressed Check to see if the muting indicator light is on If it is press the muting button to turn on the volume ...

Page 203: ...ted If you are playing a disc press the Ctrl Alt Delete keys simultaneously to stop playback and restart your computer If the pointer still does not move do any of the following Press the Ctrl Alt Delete keys simultaneously In the Windows Task Manager window select Restart from the Shut Down menu to restart your computer Press and hold the power button for more than four seconds When your computer...

Page 204: ...make sure the battery pack is installed properly and is charged If your speakers require external power make sure the speakers are connected to a power source See the manual that came with your speakers for more information What should I do if I cannot hear sound from my speakers If your computer is using battery power make sure the battery pack is properly installed and is charged If you are usin...

Page 205: ...elete keys simultaneously to stop playback and restart your computer If the problem persists make sure a mouse is not connected How do I change the left and right button assignments If your computer is interpreting a single click as a double click you may want to change the button assignments Follow these steps 1 Click Start and then Control Panel 2 Click Printers and Other Hardware 3 Click Mouse ...

Page 206: ...ge the keyboard configuration follow these steps 1 Click Start and then Control Panel 2 Click Date Time Language and Regional Options and click Regional and Language Options 3 Change the settings as desired What should I do if I cannot enter certain characters with the keyboard If you cannot enter U I O P J K L M and so on the Num Lk key may be activated Check that the Num lock indicator is off If...

Page 207: ...e LED indicator on the floppy disk drive to turn off 3 Push the eject button to remove the disk and disconnect the USB floppy disk drive from your computer 4 Reconnect the floppy disk drive by inserting the USB connector with the USB icon facing upward into the USB port 5 Restart the computer by clicking Start Turn Off Computer and then Restart What should I do if I cannot write data to a floppy d...

Page 208: ...ou are not using a Sony PC Card Why doesn t my computer recognize attached devices For some PC Cards if you alternate between Normal mode and Standby or Hibernate mode while the card is inserted into the PC Card slot your computer may not recognize the PC Card or the connected device Restart the computer Why can t I insert my PC Card Make sure you are inserting the card correctly See Inserting a P...

Page 209: ...y used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 connection The procedure to establish an i LINK connection may vary depending on a software application an operating system and a compatible i LINK device Not all products with an i LINK connection can communicate with each other See the manual that came with your compatible i LINK device for more information on operating conditions and...

Page 210: ... the Memory Stick Formatter software preinstalled on your computer For instructions about formatting a Memory Stick media see the help file on the Memory Stick Formatter software Why can t I save music files onto my Memory Stick media Copyright protected music cannot be checked out to any Memory Stick media other than those with the MagicGate logo Use of recorded music requires permission from the...

Page 211: ...Try using a different USB port on your computer The driver could be installed to the specific port you used the first time you connected the device See the manual that came with your USB device for more information You may need to install software before you connect the device Try connecting a simple low powered device such as a mouse to test if the port is working at all USB hubs may prevent a de...

Page 212: ...e devices connected to the multi function bay docking station Make sure to use the AC adapter supplied with the multi function bay docking station to connect the docking station to a power source The multi function bay docking station does not work on the battery pack installed in your computer ...

Page 213: ... have any problem with the computer you can access the VAIO Link web site for troubleshooting Go to http www vaio link com e Support This interactive part of our web site http www vaio link com allows you to get in contact with our dedicated support team over the internet Using a personalized account you can log your technical queries with ease VAIO Link help lines Before contacting VAIO Link by t...

Page 214: ...O Link e Support Web Portal How can I access the e Support portal When you register your computer 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 first case You can access the e Sup...

Page 215: ...es 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 216: ...re trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U S and other countries i LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 connection Adobe Adobe Acrobat Elements Adobe Reader Adobe Premiere Elements and Adobe Photoshop Elements are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated Norton Internet Security 2006 and Norton Ghost 10 Try Buy are tr...

Page 217: ...is a registered trademark of Toshiba Corporation MultiMediaCard is a trademark of MultiMediaCard Association xD Picture Card is a trademark of Fuji Photo Film Co Ltd HDMI the HDMI logo and High Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC All other names of systems products and services are trademarks of their respective owners In the manual the or ...

Page 218: ... 2006 Sony Corporation n ...

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Summary of Contents for Vaio VGN-FE31B

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Sony Vaio VGN-FE31B, User Manual, Page: 133 / 218

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Summary of Contents for Vaio VGN-FE31B

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