Sony VAIO VGX-XL201 User Manual Download

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Troubleshooting

What should I do if I cannot remember the BIOS password?

If you have forgotten the BIOS password, contact VAIO-Link to reset it. A reset fee will be charged.

Why does it take time before my 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 display 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 your display to turn off.
Change the originally selected VAIO's screen saver.

Summary of Contents for VAIO VGX-XL201

Page 1: ...N User Guide Personal Computer V G X X L s e r i e s ...

Page 2: ...ghts 14 Connecting a Display TV 15 Connecting the Power Cord 17 Shutting Down Your Computer Safely 19 Using Your VAIO Computer 20 Using the Keyboard 21 Using the Touch Pad 27 Using the Optical Disc Drive 29 Using the TV Function 40 Using the Memory Stick Media 44 Using Other Memory Cards 49 Using the Internet 53 Using Wireless LAN WLAN 54 ...

Page 3: ... Control Center 79 Using the Power Saving Modes 80 Upgrading Your VAIO Computer 85 Before Upgrading Your Computer 86 Opening and Closing the Computer 87 Adding and Removing Memory 90 Installing an Add on Card 96 Installing the Hard Disk Drive 102 Precautions 109 On Using the Power Source 110 On Handling Your Computer 111 On Handling Floppy Disks 113 On Handling Discs 114 On Using Headphones 116 On...

Page 4: ...etworking 127 Optical Discs 130 Display 135 Printing 139 Microphone 140 Speakers 141 Keyboard 142 Touch Pad 143 Floppy Disks 144 Audio Video 145 Memory Stick Media 146 Peripherals 147 Support Options 148 Sony Support Information 148 e Support 149 Trademarks 151 ...

Page 5: ...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 6: ...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 7: ...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 8: ...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 9: ...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 out...

Page 10: ...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 11: ...section describes how to get started with using your VAIO computer Locating Controls and Ports page 12 About the Indicator Lights page 14 Connecting a Display TV page 15 Connecting the Power Cord page 17 Shutting Down Your Computer Safely page 19 ...

Page 12: ...rd slot page 49 J Media Access indicator page 14 K Memory Stick PRO Duo media slot 1 page 46 L SD memory card slot page 49 M Hi Speed USB USB 2 0 ports 2 page 67 N i LINK IEEE 1394 S400 port page 71 O MIC microphone jack Connect an external microphone P PHONES headphones jack Connect external headphones or speakers Q S VIDEO In port Connect an AV device such as a VCR R Composite VIDEO In jack Conn...

Page 13: ...orts page 67 I AC In port page 17 J LINE OUT R L jacks Connect an audio device K LINE IN R L jacks Connect an audio device L OPTICAL OUT port Connect a digital device such as an AV amplifier M OPTICAL IN port Connect a digital device such as a CD player N i LINK IEEE 1394 S400 ports page 71 O COMPONENT Y Pb Pr jacks page 15 P COAXIAL OUT port Connect a digital device such as an AV amplifier Q INFR...

Page 14: ...is in Hibernate mode or off Media Access Illuminates when data is read from or written to a memory card Do not enter Standby mode or turn off the computer when this indicator is on When the indicator is off the memory card is not being used Hard disk drive Optical disc drive Illuminates when data is read from or written to the hard disk or the optical disc Do not enter Standby mode or turn off the...

Page 15: ...DVI D port you can use the HDMI cable and the HDMI to DVI D adapter both supplied for connection If your TV is equipped with component jacks you can use an RCA cable not supplied for connection To connect an HDMI compatible TV 1 Plug one end of the HDMI cable supplied 1 to the HDMI OUT port 2 on the computer 2 Plug the other end to the TV 3 ...

Page 16: ...evice driver provided by Sony for updates Your computer is compliant with the HDCP standard and capable of encrypting the transmission channel of digital video signals for the purpose of copyright protection which enables you to play and view a wide variety of copyright protected high quality contents Note that you need to connect an HDCP compliant external display to your computer to view the cop...

Page 17: ... Power Supply UPS before you can establish communication with your wireless keyboard Use your computer only with the supplied power cord To connect the power cord 1 Insert the power cord 1 into the AC In port 2 on the back of the computer 2 Insert the power cord plugs from the display and computer into a grounded AC wall outlet surge protector or Universal Power Supply UPS 3 ...

Page 18: ...r unplug the power cord Make sure that the AC outlet is easily accessible If you are interrupted and need to leave your computer suddenly place the computer into Hibernate mode See Using Hibernate Mode page 83 This power saving mode saves the time of shutting down or resuming ...

Page 19: ...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 20: ...et the most out of using your computer Using the Keyboard page 21 Using the Touch Pad page 27 Using the Optical Disc Drive page 29 Using the TV Function page 40 Using the Memory Stick Media page 44 Using Other Memory Cards page 49 Using the Internet page 53 Using Wireless LAN WLAN page 54 ...

Page 21: ...nction keys Perform certain tasks The task associated with each function key varies among software applications B Muting button Turns the volume on and off C Volume control buttons Increase or decrease the volume D Shortcut buttons Perform the pre assigned tasks The default tasks are as follows Launches Outlook Express Launches Internet Explorer S1 Opens the Media Center Start menu E Standby butto...

Page 22: ...Lock state Scroll lock Turns on while in the Scroll Lock state Connect Turns on while connection between the computer and the wireless keyboard is in place to indicate that the keyboard is ready for use page 25 H Windows key Displays the Start menu I Applications key Displays a shortcut menu in certain software applications J Directional arrow keys Move the pointer on the computer screen K Touch p...

Page 23: ...just the keyboard angle B Battery compartment Storage compartment for the AA batteries C POINTING DEVICE switch See To disable enable the touch pad page 28 for more information D CONNECT button Press to enable the wireless keyboard to communicate with the main unit ...

Page 24: ...your computer first and then press the CONNECT button on the bottom of the wireless keyboard Avoid using any wireless devices that exchange radio signals on the 2 4 GHz frequency band near the wireless keyboard These devices may cause interference causing the keyboard to stop working properly Do not place metal furniture near your computer or wireless keyboard as this may create interference causi...

Page 25: ...on 4 on the front of the computer 5 Press the CONNECT button 5 on the bottom of the keyboard The connect indicator turns on in the indicator window on the keyboard when connection is established between the computer and the keyboard If not repeat the procedure Steps 4 and 5 must be completed within 10 seconds of each other If the wireless keyboard is left unused for 20 minutes or longer the connec...

Page 26: ...ower level If the wireless keyboard does not operate properly the batteries may need to be replaced If the wireless keyboard is not being used for an extended period of time remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from battery leakage If you want to put the wireless keyboard in a more ergonomic position flip open the keyboard feet ...

Page 27: ...ace 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 Move your finger along the right edge of the touch pad to scroll vertically the scroll function is available...

Page 28: ... pad as your pointing device you can disable the touch pad on the wireless keyboard To disable enable the touch pad To disable the touch pad slide the POINTING DEVICE switch on the bottom of your keyboard to the OFF position To enable the touch pad slide it back to the ON position ...

Page 29: ...er to an 8cm disc before inserting the disc into the optical disc drive slot For the supported 8cm disc types see Reading and Writing Optical Discs page 31 1 Turn on the computer 2 With the label side facing upward slide a disc into the optical disc drive slot If you plan to use an external optical disc drive connect the drive before you launch any preinstalled CD DVD program ...

Page 30: ...ct button automatically brings the computer back into Normal mode and ejects an optical disc if any from the drive When your computer is off pressing the drive eject button turns on the computer launches Windows and ejects an optical disc if any from the drive 1 Press the drive eject button 1 The optical disc slides out ...

Page 31: ...cal Discs 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 32: ...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 33: ... NON COMPLIANT DISCS CAN 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 PR playable and recordable P playable but not recordable not playable nor recordable CD ROM Video CD Music CD CD Extra CD R RW DVD ROM DVD Video BD ROM ...

Page 34: ...te that the AACS key update requires Internet access As with other optical media devices circumstances may limit compatibility or prevent Blu ray disc playback VAIO computers may not support 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 ...

Page 35: ...re writing data to a disc Do not use memory resident utility 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 prei...

Page 36: ... 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 the software or eject the disc and re insert...

Page 37: ...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 38: ...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 39: ...o start the desired 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 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 DVD software you want to use For instructions on how to use the software see the...

Page 40: ... as music recording and playback Any functions related to digital terrestrial television DVB T will only work in countries or areas where DVB T MPEG2 digital terrestrial signals are broadcasted Please make sure you can receive a DVB T MPEG2 signal where you live To connect terrestrial or cable TV to your computer 1 Connect one end of an antenna cable TV cable not supplied to the VHF UHF port on th...

Page 41: ...n 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 m button Press to move...

Page 42: ...on or window option When watching full screen TV press to return to the previous channel Press 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 on a ...

Page 43: ...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 44: ...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 45: ...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 46: ...12 3 Hold the Memory Stick media with the arrow facing upward and pointing toward the Memory Stick PRO Duo media slot 4 Carefully slide the Memory Stick media into the slot until it clicks into place The Memory Stick media is automatically detected by your system and appears in your My Computer window as a local drive under the appropriate letter depending on the configuration of the computer ...

Page 47: ...insert a Memory Stick Duo media directly into the slot 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 Stick Formatter software See the help file on the Memory Stick Formatter softwar...

Page 48: ...tick media in toward the computer The Memory Stick media ejects 4 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 Media Access indicator is turned on If you do you may lose data Large volumes of data may take time to load so be sure the indicator is off before removing the Memory S...

Page 49: ...ideo devices The memory card slots are located behind a protective cover on the front of the computer You need to open the cover before accessing the memory card slots Before You Use Memory Cards The memory card slots on your computer support the following memory cards CF CompactFlash memory card slot CompactFlash SD memory card slot Secure Digital SD MultiMediaCard MMC SM xD Picture Card slot Sma...

Page 50: ...our computer Use care when inserting or removing a memory card from the slot Do not force the memory card in or out of the slot The CF CompactFlash memory card slot on your computer supports Type I and Type II media The SD memory card slot on your computer does not support the high speed data transfer feature of the SD memory card Your computer has been tested and found compatible only with major ...

Page 51: ...use force to open the cover 2 Locate the appropriate slot for the memory card you want to use page 12 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 52: ...e the Media Access indicator light is on The card or its data may become damaged To remove a memory card 1 Flip the front panel down using your fingertip 2 Check that the Media Access indicator is off 3 Firmly grasp the extended part of the memory card 4 Carefully pull it out of the slot ...

Page 53: ...e the Internet you need to connect an external modem device for example a USB telephone modem an xDSL modem and a cable modem to your computer For the detailed instructions on connection setups and modem configuration see the manual that came with your modem ...

Page 54: ...EEE 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 specification It utilizes the enhanced data encryption TKIP Temporal Key Integrity Protocol in addition to user authentication...

Page 55: ... 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 56: ... functionality on your computer you must connect the supplied WLAN antenna to your computer To connect the WLAN antenna Plug the WLAN antenna cable 1 to the WIRELESS LAN ANTENNA port 2 on the back of your computer Be sure to keep the WLAN antenna at least 20 cm away from your computer ...

Page 57: ...57 n N Using Your VAIO Computer For better reception if needed you may mount the wireless LAN antenna to a wall using the supplied screw ...

Page 58: ... 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 59: ... click Properties The Wireless Network Connection Properties window appears 7 Select the Wireless Networks tab 8 Click the Add button The Wireless network properties window appears 9 Enter a network name SSID 1 You can choose a 32 digit alphanumeric name 10 Select Open from the Network Authentication drop down box 11 Select WEP from the Data Encryption drop down box 12 Deselect the The key is prov...

Page 60: ...works only option button 19 Click Close 20 Click OK The computer is ready to communicate with another computer 1 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 need to enter the same network name and the same network key on all computers as on the first computer you configure 2 Hexadecimal a number repres...

Page 61: ...N 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 Double click on the taskbar to display the Wireless ...

Page 62: ... 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 63: ...ick OK The WIRELESS LAN indicator lights up 4 Click Start and then Control Panel 5 Click Network and Internet Connections 6 Click Network Connections The Network Connections window appears 7 In the right panel under LAN or High Speed Internet double click Wireless Network Connection The Wireless Network Connection window appears 8 Select the network you want to use 9 Enter the network key For more...

Page 64: ...lay the Wireless Device Switch window 2 Deselect the wireless option and click OK 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 65: ...our VAIO Computer Stopping Wireless LAN Communications To stop wireless LAN communications double click on the taskbar to display the Wireless Device Switch window deselect all the wireless options and then click OK ...

Page 66: ...l Devices You can add functionality to your computer by using the various ports on the computer Connecting a Universal Serial Bus USB Device page 67 Connecting a Printer page 70 Connecting an i LINK Device page 71 Connecting to a Network LAN page 73 ...

Page 67: ...s on the front of your computer 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 USB port and you can start working ...

Page 68: ... 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 69: ...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 70: ...atible with your version of Windows to the computer You need to flip the front panel down using your fingertip to access the USB ports on the front of your 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 you...

Page 71: ...using your fingertip to access the port The i LINK port supports transfer rates up to 400 Mbps however the actual transfer rate depends on the transfer rate of the external device i LINK 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...

Page 72: ...plied into the i LINK port 2 on the computer and the other 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 pictur...

Page 73: ...to connect to the network ask your network administrator Your computer has a protective sticker covering the network Ethernet port located on the back of the computer Connect a 10BASE T 100BASE TX or 1000BASE T cable to the network Ethernet port Using an incorrect cable or a phone cable may result in an electric current overload that can cause a malfunction excessive heat or fire in the network Et...

Page 74: ...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 75: ... describes how to change the main settings of your computer Among other things you will learn how to use and customize the look of your Sony software and utilities etc Setting the Password page 76 Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center page 79 Using the Power Saving Modes page 80 ...

Page 76: ... 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 77: ...Password and press the Enter key 5 On the password entry screen enter the password twice and press the Enter key The password can be up to 8 alphanumeric characters including spaces long The following is to configure your computer to prompt password entry when you turn it on or display the BIOS setup screen 6 Select Security Option under Security 7 Press the Enter key and select System 8 Press the...

Page 78: ...elect Boot to display the Boot tab then select Security and press the Enter key 5 Press the or key to select Supervisor Password and press the Enter key 6 On the password entry screen enter a new password once and then press the Enter key To remove the password leave the Enter Password field blank and press the Enter key When confirmation to save the changes is prompted press the Enter key 7 Press...

Page 79: ...ick 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 80: ...ibernate 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 Using Normal Mode This is the normal state of the computer when it is in use To save power while not working you can turn off a specific device su...

Page 81: ...n or press the Standby button on the keyboard or the remote commander to place your computer into Standby mode To return to Normal mode Slide the POWER switch to the ON position or press the Standby button or the space bar on the wireless keyboard Press the Standby button on the remote commander If you press and hold the power button for more than four seconds your computer will turn off automatic...

Page 82: ...andby mode To avoid this you can change the Standby mode settings To 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 83: ...ode To activate Hibernate mode Press the power button 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 and hold the power button for more than four seconds your computer will turn off automatically ...

Page 84: ...s power saving mode saves you the time of shutting down or resuming 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 85: ... a new component You do not install it yourself if you are not familiar with upgrading a computer You do not touch the connectors on any component For the type of components available for upgrading and the amount of memory installed on your model refer to the online Specifications Contact VAIO Link if you need assistance Before Upgrading Your Computer page 86 Opening and Closing the Computer page ...

Page 86: ...isconnect your computer from its power source may result in personal injury or equipment damage Always turn the power off before you open the computer or connect peripheral equipment Otherwise damage may occur to the integrated circuits Electrostatic discharge ESD can damage disk drives and other components Follow the procedures described here only at an ESD workstation If such a station is not av...

Page 87: ...ly after you shut down your computer the internal components may be too hot to touch Wait about one hour to let the components cool down before you attempt to remove the panel To remove the top panel 1 Shut down the computer and turn off all peripheral devices such as a printer 2 Unplug the computer and disconnect all peripheral devices 3 Remove the two screws from the back of the computer 4 Slide...

Page 88: ...88 n N Upgrading Your VAIO Computer ...

Page 89: ...rading Your VAIO Computer Closing the Computer To replace the top panel 1 Place the top panel on the computer and slide it toward the front 2 Tighten the two screws on the back of the computer to secure the panel ...

Page 90: ...ry module 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 AC adapter and from any telecommunication links network...

Page 91: ... 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 To...

Page 92: ... See Opening the Computer page 87 for the detailed instructions 2 Touch a metal object such as the chassis frame to discharge static electricity 3 Disconnect the cable and remove the screw from the graphic card 1 4 Press and hold the latch 2 to disengage the card and pull out the card 5 Locate the memory module s you wish to remove ...

Page 93: ... 3 located on both sides of the module to gently eject it from the slot 7 Grasp the memory module by the sides and pull it out of the computer Store the module in a static free bag 8 Remove a new memory module from its anti static package handling it by the edges ...

Page 94: ...the slot by pressing down evenly against the module s upper corners The side latches 6 snap into position holding the memory module in place To avoid damaging a memory module or the memory module slot move the side latches slightly outward to relieve pressure 11 Replace the graphic card connect the cable and tighten the screw 12 Replace the top panel See Closing the Computer page 89 for the detail...

Page 95: ...t 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 96: ...ources and allow the computer to cool down before installing or removing an add on card Installing or removing an add on card while your computer is connected to its power source may cause damage to the computer and the peripheral devices as well as the add on card Do not touch the electronic components on the internal circuit board of your computer to avoid a malfunction as they are susceptible t...

Page 97: ...ce to remove the add on card from your computer Forceful removal of the add on card may cause a malfunction of the card or the computer Be sure to keep the add on card dry If you leave a foreign object for example a screw inside your computer during add on card installation turning on the computer may cause to produce fumes Be sure to remove the object and replace the top cover before turning on y...

Page 98: ...dd on card 1 Remove the top panel See Opening the Computer page 87 for the detailed instructions 2 Touch a metal object such as the chassis frame to discharge static electricity 3 Remove the screws from the inside support panel 1 and take out the panel ...

Page 99: ...99 n N Upgrading Your VAIO Computer 4 Remove the screw securing the clip 2 and pull out the clip ...

Page 100: ...100 n N Upgrading Your VAIO Computer 5 Remove the slot cover 3 from inside the computer Be careful not to damage the circuit board and cables inside ...

Page 101: ...t Be careful not to touch other internal components when inserting the card as it may cause a failure 7 Replace the clip and tighten the screw 8 Replace the inside support panel and tighten the screws 9 Replace the top panel See Closing the Computer page 89 for the detailed instructions ...

Page 102: ...ed assistance to install a hard disk contact VAIO Link Be sure to avoid accidental disconnection of the internal cables of your computer during hard disk installation Be sure to avoid injury during hard disk installation as your computer contains components and circuit boards with sharp corners and edges If you leave a foreign object for example a screw inside your computer during hard disk instal...

Page 103: ...mputer and the peripheral devices as well as the hard disk The internal components of your computer are too hot to touch immediately after you shut down your computer Wait until the components cool down before you attempt to install a hard disk The label of the installed hard disk for example Local disk E and Local disk F depends on the hardware configuration of your computer It may also change af...

Page 104: ...nal hard disk drive bay To install an additional hard disk drive 1 Remove the top panel See Opening the Computer page 87 for the detailed instructions 2 Touch a metal object such as the chassis frame to discharge static electricity 3 Remove the screws from the inside support panel 1 and take out the panel 4 Disconnect the power and SATA cables from the preinstalled hard disk drive ...

Page 105: ... 3 Be careful not to touch other internal components when removing and replacing the drive holder as it may cause a failure Make sure you keep the removed screws out of your computer 6 Slide a new hard disk drive 4 into the drive holder and align the holes on each side of the drive bay Be sure to use a lower bay if any when installing a new drive ...

Page 106: ...he preinstalled and new hard disk drives 9 Connect the SATA cables to the hard disk drives as follows Use of a commercially available SATA cable with the straight head connector may damage the connector on the hard disk drive by being pulled out when you replace the drive holder We recommend you use Sony SATA cables exclusively designed for your computer Connect the internal SATA cables To the har...

Page 107: ... N Upgrading Your VAIO Computer 10 Replace the drive holder 11 Replace the inside support panel and tighten the screws 12 Replace the top panel See Closing the Computer page 89 for the detailed instructions ...

Page 108: ...e menu The Computer Management window appears 4 Under the file directory on the right double click Storage and then Disk Management 5 Right click on the newly installed unformatted hard disk Disk label identified with red marking and select Initialize Disk from the menu 6 Click on the allocated area of the disk 7 Right click the area and select New Partition from the menu The New Partition wizard ...

Page 109: ...to help you protect your computer from potential damage On Using the Power Source page 110 On Handling Your Computer page 111 On Handling Floppy Disks page 113 On Handling Discs page 114 On Using Headphones page 116 On Handling Memory Stick Media page 116 On Handling the Hard Disk page 117 ...

Page 110: ...ge to your computer caused by 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 Use the power cord supplied with you...

Page 111: ...uter and then unplug it You may want to have the computer checked by qualified personnel before operating it again Do not drop your computer Do not place your computer in a location 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 ...

Page 112: ...ncy radio signals and may cause interference to radio or TV reception If this occurs 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 your computer is brought directly from a cold location to a warm one moisture may condense inside the computer In this...

Page 113: ...of heat Keep floppy disks away from any liquid Do not let them get wet When you are not using your floppy disk always remove it from the floppy disk drive and use a storage case If the floppy disk comes with an adhesive label make sure that the label is properly affixed 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 damag...

Page 114: ...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 115: ...disc recognition error or result in a stuck disc a damaged disc or a malfunction of your computer Remove the adapter from an 8cm disc when not using the disc Keeping the adapter attached may deform the disc Do not leave the adapter in a place subject to high temperatures to avoid deformation Use of the deformed adapter with an 8cm disc may cause a disc recognition error or result in a stuck disc a...

Page 116: ...l Do not bend drop or apply strong shock to the Memory Stick media Do not disassemble or modify Memory Stick media 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 ...

Page 117: ...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 118: ...e simple solutions Try these suggestions before contacting VAIO Link Computer page 119 System Security page 125 Networking page 127 Optical Discs page 130 Display page 135 Printing page 139 Microphone page 140 Speakers page 141 Keyboard page 142 Touch Pad page 143 Floppy Disks page 144 Audio Video page 145 Memory Stick Media page 146 Peripherals page 147 ...

Page 119: ...e the power strip or UPS is plugged into a power source and turned on Make sure your display is plugged into an appropriate power source and turned on Make sure the brightness and contrast controls on your display are adjusted correctly Condensation may cause your computer to malfunction If this occurs do not use the computer for at least one hour Remove any extra memory modules you may have inser...

Page 120: ...oad Setup Defaults Y N appears 5 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 st...

Page 121: ... display TV DVI D monitor is turned on If your display is still blank follow these steps 1 Press the power button for more than four seconds to check that the power indicator goes out Then turn on your computer again 2 If your computer screen still stays blank unplug the power cord and leave the computer for about a minute Then plug in the power cord and turn on the computer again ...

Page 122: ...the Windows 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 ...

Page 123: ...y computer If you enter a wrong power on password three times consecutively the System Disabled message appears and Windows will not start Press and hold the power button for more than four seconds to check that the power indicator goes off Wait for 10 or 15 seconds then restart your computer and enter the correct password When entering the password check that the Num lock indicator and Caps lock ...

Page 124: ...nternet 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 display 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 your display to turn off Change the ...

Page 125: ...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 126: ... 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 127: ...s option is selected on the Wireless Device Switch window and then the WIRELESS LAN indicator is lit on your computer Make sure power to the access point is on Follow these steps to check the settings 1 Click Start 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 ta...

Page 128: ... data transfer speed move your computer away from obstructions or closer to any access point you may be using If you are using a wireless LAN access point the device may be temporarily overloaded 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 acces...

Page 129: ...g 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 the wireless LAN functionality 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 ke...

Page 130: ...ct the disc from the optical disc drive 3 Examine the disc for dirt or damage If the disc is dirty see On Handling Discs page 114 for instructions on how to clean it What should I do if the disc does not slide out Make sure your computer is on Press the drive eject button If the disc drive eject button does not work click Start and then My Computer Right click the optical disc drive icon and selec...

Page 131: ... you need to clean the disc see On Handling Discs page 114 for instructions If you are playing a CD or DVD and cannot hear sound do any of the following Check if the volume is turned off or minimized by the muting or volume button respectively on the wireless keyboard Double click the Volume icon on the taskbar and click to cancel the Master Volume Mute All and Wave Mute check boxes Check the volu...

Page 132: ... CD ROM device check box if it is not selected You can confirm the driver software by selecting the Driver tab and clicking Driver Details 8 Click OK to close the window Make 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 in...

Page 133: ...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 134: ...y Computer 2 Right click the optical disc drive icon and select Properties 3 Click the Recording tab 4 Click 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 ...

Page 135: ...is connected with a component video cable Be sure to use an output signal format that matches the component terminal on the TV Be sure to use a resolution that matches the component input of the TV What should I do if my TV screen is dark Adjust the brightness control on your TV to brighten the screen See the manual that came with your TV for the detailed instructions Check other inputs on your TV...

Page 136: ...audio is successfully played but video feeds are all blackened out from the beginning or a certain point of the playback DVD Video playback does not start No video feeds appear during movie playback To eliminate the symptoms quit the software and follow these steps to change the output signal format to 625i 576i or 625p 576p 1 Click Start and then Control Panel 2 Click Appearance and Themes 3 Clic...

Page 137: ... should I do if a part of my TV screen appears blank or blackened out Change the overscan width to fit the desktop size to your TV screen size Follow the steps 1 to 6 in What should I do if I have undesirable symptoms when playing movies on my TV that is connected with a component video cable page 136 and change the overscan width in step 7 What should I do if the screen of my TV that is connected...

Page 138: ...if such changes to the settings are available For more information see the manual that came with your TV Disable the image quality settings on your TV such as noise reduction correction features and enhancer features If your computer s output signal format is 576i or 1080i interlaced mode change it to 576p or 720p progressive mode To change the output signal format follow the steps in What should ...

Page 139: ...ctioning after your computer resumes from a power saving mode Standby or Hibernate 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 ...

Page 140: ...ophone is turned on and is properly plugged into the microphone jack on your computer The muting button on the wireless keyboard may have been pressed Press the button once again The volume may have been turned off with one of the volume control buttons on the wireless keyboard Press the other to turn up the volume loud enough to hear sound ...

Page 141: ...may have been pressed Press the button once again The volume may have been turned off with one of the volume control buttons on the wireless keyboard Press the other to turn up the volume loud enough to hear sound Check the volume controls in Windows What should I do if I do not hear microphone or line in sound from my HDMI compatible TV Your computer is not capable of outputting audio signals fro...

Page 142: ...ions 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 the Num lock indicator is on press the Num Lk key to turn it off before entering these characters What should I do if my computer does not recognize my keyboard Make su...

Page 143: ...o the ON position to enable the touch pad Check if your keyboard is recognized by the system See What should I do if my computer does not recognize my keyboard page 142 for more information Restart your computer Press the Ctrl Alt Delete keys simultaneously In the Windows Task Manager window select Restart from the Shut Down menu to restart the computer If the pointer does not move while playing a...

Page 144: ...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 145: ...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 146: ... 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 147: ...t Try using another 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 devi...

Page 148: ... 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 149: ...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 150: ...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 151: ...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 trademarks or registered trademarks of Symantec Corporation Roxio DigitalMe...

Page 152: ...e 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 marks are not specified Specifications are subject to change without notice All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners Please see the online Specifications to see what software is available for your model...

Page 153: ... 2006 Sony Corporation n ...

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