background image

110

n

N

Customising your computer

Managing drivers

A driver is a software enabling you to use hardware devices. For example, in order for you to be able to use a printer, you must first 
install its driver. Many drivers, such as the mouse driver, come with the operating system.

This section explains how to install, check, update or uninstall a driver.
The Windows XP Rollback feature is also explained.
Finally, you will learn how to download the latest drivers from our site.

Installing a driver 

(page 111)

Checking the driver's installation 

(page 113)

Updating a driver 

(page 115)

Uninstalling a driver 

(page 116)

Restoring a driver 

(page 118)

Downloading drivers 

(page 120)

Summary of Contents for VGN-FS115B

Page 1: ...N User Guide V G N F S S e r i e s ...

Page 2: ...he battery pack 15 Setting the password 19 Setting up your computer with VAIO Control Center 21 Shutting down your computer safely 22 Using the keyboard 23 Using the touchpad 28 Using special buttons 29 Using the optical disc drive 30 Using PC Cards 36 Using the Memory Stick 40 Using the modem 43 Using Wireless LAN WLAN 46 Using power saving modes 56 Managing power with VAIO Power Management 59 ...

Page 3: ...erial Bus USB device 83 Connecting a printer 89 Connecting an i LINK device 93 Connecting to a network LAN 97 Customising your computer 98 Setting up your language with Windows XP Professional 99 Configuring your modem 102 Setting a Sony wallpaper 104 Installing and updating applications 105 Managing drivers 110 Upgrading your VAIO computer 121 Adding and removing memory 121 Getting help 127 Sony ...

Page 4: ...sk 131 On handling the LCD screen 132 On using the power source 133 On handling your computer 134 On handling floppy disks 135 On handling discs 136 On using the battery pack 137 On using headphones 138 On handling Memory Sticks 138 Trademarks 139 ...

Page 5: ...er 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 In the manual the or marks are not specified Sony Corporation reserves the right to make any modification to this manual or t...

Page 6: ...ion 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 among participating nations ENERGY STAR is a U S registered mark Owner s record The serial number model num...

Page 7: ...nal digital interface for exchanging data With the Memory Stick you can easily exchange and share digital data with compatible products Wireless technology Thanks to the Wireless LAN IEEE 802 11b g technology you can communicate freely without cables or wires Windows Your system includes Microsoft s Windows XP Professional or Home Edition with Service Pack 2 operating system Communications Access ...

Page 8: ...lows 1 Go to Start and click the My Info Centre icon 2 From the pictures at the top of the window click My Documentation 3 Select your language from the drop down box 4 Select the guide you want to read The My Info Centre icon is only visible after you have performed the Prepare your VAIO setup The My Info Centre icon is also available in Start All Programs and can be used before you have performe...

Page 9: ...t Wireless Regulations Guide Non printed documentation My Documentation contains the following VAIO user guides The User Guide this guide explains the features of your VAIO computer in detail how to use these features confidently and safely connect peripheral devices upgrade your computer and more The VAIO Zone guide explains the valuable features of VAIO s multimedia portal If your computer has T...

Page 10: ...om to find online tutorials about your favourite VAIO software My Software Feeling creative Click this icon for an overview of your software and check out our upgrade options My VAIO essentials Want to expand the capabilities of your VAIO computer Click this icon and have a look at your compatible accessories My Websites Click this icon and check out our most popular websites My ISP Click this ico...

Page 11: ...use 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 flat on the floor A footrest may make you more comfortable Sit in a relaxed upright posture and avoid slouching forward or leaning fa...

Page 12: ...the display You can also purchase accessories for your display that help reduce glare Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work effectiveness Positioning an external display When using an external display set the display at a comfortable viewing distance Make sure the display screen is at eye level or slightly lower when you are sitting in front of the monitor ...

Page 13: ...power source page 14 Setting the password page 19 Setting up your computer with VAIO Control Center page 21 Shutting down your computer safely page 22 Using the keyboard page 23 Using the touchpad page 28 Using special buttons page 29 Using the optical disc drive page 30 Using PC Cards page 36 Using the Memory Stick page 40 Using the modem page 43 Using Wireless LAN WLAN page 46 Using the power sa...

Page 14: ... 2 3 Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter 3 into the DC In connector 4 on the computer The shape of the DC In plug varies depending on the AC adapter Use your computer only with the supplied AC adapter To disconnect your computer completely from mains voltage unplug the AC adapter Make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible If you do not use the AC adapter for a long period of time ...

Page 15: ...y pack proceed as follows 1 Turn off your computer and close the LCD 2 Slide the lock lever 1 to the UNLOCK position 3 Slide the battery pack into the compartment until it clicks into place 4 Slide the lock lever 1 to the LOCK position to secure the battery pack on the computer When the computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack installed it uses power from the AC outlet ...

Page 16: ... AC adapter to the computer The computer automatically charges the battery the battery indicator flashes in a double blink pattern as the battery charges Battery indicator status Meaning On The computer is using battery power Single blink The battery is running out of power Double blink The battery is charging Off The computer is using AC power ...

Page 17: ...fect battery life The battery indicator is on while you use the battery pack as a power source When the battery life is nearly depleted both the battery and power indicators start flashing For some software applications and some peripheral devices your computer may not enter Hibernate mode even when battery life is low To avoid loss of data when using battery power you should save your data freque...

Page 18: ...d close the LCD 2 Slide the lock lever 1 to the UNLOCK position 3 Slide and hold the release lever 2 and slide the battery pack away from the computer You may lose data if you remove the battery pack while the computer is on and not connected to the AC adapter or if you remove the battery pack while the computer is in Standby mode ...

Page 19: ...Turn on your computer 2 Press F2 when the VAIO logo appears The BIOS setup screen appears 3 Use or to select Security to display another screen select Set Machine Password and then press Enter 4 On the password entry screen enter the password twice and press Enter The password should be up to 7 alphanumeric characters long The following is to configure your computer to prompt password entry when y...

Page 20: ...Enter Password 4 Use or to select Security to display another screen select Set Machine Password and then press Enter 5 On the password entry screen enter the current password once and then a new password twice and press Enter To remove the password leave Enter New Password and Confirm New Password blank and press Enter 6 Use or to select Exit and then Exit Save Changes and press Enter On the Setu...

Page 21: ...e information about your operating system and the hardware architecture Initial Setting You can specify the order in which the system checks for devices containing a bootable system when it starts Built in Pointing Device You can enable or disable the built in pointing device S Button You can change the functions assigned to the computer s S buttons Available pre defined assignments are Muting 1 S...

Page 22: ...urn off any peripherals connected to your computer 2 Click the Start button 3 Click Turn Off Computer The Turn off computer window appears 4 Click Turn Off 5 Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents or to consider other users and wait for your computer to turn off automatically The power indicator turns off See the printed Troubleshooting Guide if you have problems shutting down your c...

Page 23: ...F2 speaker switch Turns on and off the built in speakers and the headphones Fn 2 F3 F4 speaker volume Adjusts the built in speaker volume To increase volume press Fn F4 and then M or or keep pressing Fn F4 To decrease volume press Fn F3 and then m or or keep pressing Fn F3 Fn 8 F5 F6 brightness control Adjusts the brightness of the LCD To increase lightness intensity press Fn F6 and then M or or k...

Page 24: ...ey is disabled during video playback Make sure to quit such software before pressing the shortcut key This shortcut key 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 shortcut key changes the resolution When the L...

Page 25: ...e hard disk drive optical disc drive Turns off when the hard disk drive optical disc drive is not being accessed Num Lock Turns on when the number keys in the numeric keypad area are active Turns off when the alphanumeric character keys in the keypad area are active Caps Lock Turns on when the letters appear in uppercase as you type The Shift key lowers the case of typed characters when Caps Lock ...

Page 26: ...ft Shift key falls off replace the key top as shown below If any other key top falls off place it back into position and push it in from above until it clicks To replace a key top Remove the wire 1 from the key top then attach it to the hooks 2 on the key unit Align the centre of the key top and press it from above 3 until it clicks Enter key Caps Lock key Ctrl key Tab key ...

Page 27: ...ace a key top Hook the catches 1 on the key top onto the screen side corners of the key top support 2 place the key top back into position and then press it from above 3 until it clicks Do not take off the key top intentionally as it may cause a malfunction Do not push the key top excessively when you replace it as it may cause a malfunction Handle the key tops with care ...

Page 28: ...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 while pressing the left button Scroll Move your finger along the right edge of the touchpad to scroll vertically Move your finger along the bottom to scroll horizontally the scrol...

Page 29: ...se the computer S1 S2 buttons By default the S1 button turns on and off the speaker volume and the S2 button toggles the display output between the LCD and external device You can also link another action that you execute often to these shortcut buttons See Setting up your computer with VAIO Control Center page 21 ...

Page 30: ...ls on your model To insert a disc proceed as follows 1 Turn on the computer 2 Press the eject button 1 to open the drive The tray slides out 3 Place a disc in the middle of the tray with the label side facing up until the disc clicks into place 4 Close the tray by pushing it gently See the printed Troubleshooting Guide if you have problems using discs ...

Page 31: ...on or data loss Deactivate these utilities before writing data to a disc When using your software application to burn discs make sure you exit and close all other applications Never touch the surface of the disc Fingerprints and dust on the surface of a disc may cause writing errors Do not put your VAIO computer into a power saving mode while using the pre installed software and while using the CD...

Page 32: ...able Make sure that the screensaver is deactivated Region codes indicators are labelled on the DVDs to indicate in which region and on what type of player you can play the disc Unless a 2 Europe belongs to region 2 or all this means that you can play this DVD everywhere in the world is labelled on your DVD disc or on the packaging you cannot play the disc on this player Do not try to change the re...

Page 33: ...ct button and hole depends on the model of your computer See the printed Specifications sheet for details on your model I cannot play a disc After inserting the disc wait for a few seconds for the system to detect it before you try to access it Make sure the label of the disc is facing up If the disc requires software make sure the software is installed according to the instructions of the program...

Page 34: ...ivers are installed properly To display the Device Manager go to Start Control Panel Performance and Maintenance Click the System icon and then the Device Manager button on the Hardware tab A dirty or damaged disc may cause the computer to hang while it tries to read the disc If necessary reboot the computer remove the disc and then check that it is not dirty or damaged Check your PG settings Pare...

Page 35: ...sc tray does not eject even when the eject button is pressed Check that the computer is turned on The CD writing application software may be stopping the disc from being ejected Make sure the computer is not in Standby or Hibernate mode The disc tray ejects even when it has been locked into place Ensure that the disc is placed with the label side facing up Clean the disc and the optical disc drive...

Page 36: ... need to shut down your computer before inserting or removing a PC Card Inserting a PC Card To insert a PC Card proceed as follows 1 Insert the PC Card into the PC Card slot with the front label facing upwards 2 Gently push the PC Card into the connector The PC Card is automatically detected by your system The Safely Remove Hardware icon appears in the system tray ...

Page 37: ...ll it Do not force a PC Card into the slot It may damage the connector pins If you have difficulty inserting a PC Card check that you are inserting the PC Card in the correct direction See the manual supplied with your PC Card for more information on use For some PC Cards if you alternate between Normal power operation and Standby or Hibernate power management modes while the card is inserted you ...

Page 38: ...afely Remove Hardware dialog box appears 2 Select the hardware you want to unplug 3 Click Stop 4 In the Stop a Hardware Device dialog box confirm that the device can be safely removed from the system 5 Click OK A dialog box appears explaining that it is safe to remove the device 6 Click OK 7 Click Close 8 Push the PC Card release button so that the release button pops out 9 Push the PC Card releas...

Page 39: ...erwise data may be lost While the card is inserted your computer may not enter the Hibernate power management mode It may enter Standby mode It is recommended that you remove the card before your computer enters Hibernate mode by pressing the Fn F12 keys and when it is set to enter Hibernate automatically while using a battery as the source of power Some PC Cards or their functions may not be comp...

Page 40: ... to see which Memory Stick types are compatible with your VAIO and if there are any limitations You can purchase Memory Sticks from the Sony Style website www sonystyle europe com or from your local Sony dealer Detailed information about which VAIO computers are compatible with which Memory Sticks can be found here www vaio link com Write protecting a Memory Stick Some Memory Sticks are designed w...

Page 41: ...ck using the Memory Stick slot proceed as follows 1 Once you have stored your data from your digital device insert the Memory Stick with the arrow facing up and toward the Memory Stick slot 2 Lift the Memory Stick slot cover and carefully slide the Memory Stick into the slot until it clicks in place The Memory Stick is automatically detected by your system and appears in your My Computer window as...

Page 42: ...ick Duo together into the Memory Stick slot of your computer as it may damage the slot as well as the Memory Stick and the Memory Stick Duo Removing a Memory Stick To remove a Memory Stick using the Memory Stick slot proceed as follows 1 Check that the Memory Stick indicator is off 2 Push in the Memory Stick towards the computer The Memory Stick ejects 3 Pull the Memory Stick out of the slot Alway...

Page 43: ...nect to a phone line to take advantage of online services and the Internet as well as to register your computer and software online and to contact VAIO Link To connect a phone line proceed as follows 1 Plug one end of the phone cable 1 into the modem connector on the computer 2 Plug the other end into the wall jack 2 ...

Page 44: ...f any other phone plug can decrease the connection quality Your computer cannot be connected to a coin operated telephone and may not work with multiple phone lines or a private branch exchange PBX If you connect the modem to a parallel connected phone line the modem or the other connected device may not function properly Some of these connections may result in excess electrical current and could ...

Page 45: ...machines or your Internet Service Provider check the following Have your phone company check that your phone line is free from any line noise If your problem is fax related check that 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 Internet Service Provider check that the ISP is not experiencing t...

Page 46: ...ch specifies the used technology The standard includes the encryption method Wired Equivalent Privacy WEP which is a security protocol and WiFi Protected Access WPA Proposed jointly by the IEEE and Wi Fi Alliance WiFi Protected Access is a specification of standards based interoperable security enhancements that increase the level of data protection and access control for existing WiFi networks WP...

Page 47: ...ithout Access Point ad hoc proceed as follows 1 Turn on the Wireless LAN switch 2 Double click the network icon on the taskbar displaying Wireless Network Connection The Wireless Network Connection dialog box appears 3 Click the Change advanced settings button The Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box appears 4 Select the Wireless Networks tab 5 Click the Add button The Wireless networ...

Page 48: ... 14 Click Advanced The Advanced dialog box appears 15 Select the Computer to computer ad hoc networks only option button 16 Click Close 17 Click OK Your computer is ready to communicate with another computer If you want to communicate between two or more computers you need to configure all these computers the exact same way This means that you need to enter the same Network name and the same Netwo...

Page 49: ...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 To communicate with an Access Point infrastructure proceed as follows 1 Turn on the Wireless LAN switch 2 Right click the network icon on the taskbar displaying the Wireless Network Connection message 3 Click View Available Wireles...

Page 50: ...A To be able to communicate you must select the box Allow me to connect to the selected wireless network even though it is not secure 6 Click Connect After 30 seconds the connection is established For more information about setting up an access point see the documentation supplied with your Access Point The WPA key needs to contain at least 8 characters ...

Page 51: ...ess Network Connection 3 Select View available network connections The Wireless Network Properties dialog box appears 4 Select the wireless network to which you want to connect 5 Fill in the Network key The network key should be at least 8 characters long You can choose whatever you want 6 Fill in exactly the same Network key again for confirmation 7 Click Connect The connection is established In ...

Page 52: ...s the same bandwidth are employed on wireless LAN compatible devices such interference may cause lower communication speed narrower communication range or broken wireless connections The 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 comm...

Page 53: ...if the Access Point is displayed in the Available networks window To check this click Start and then Control Panel Click Network and Internet Connections Click the Network Connections icon Right click the Wireless Network Connection icon and select Properties Select the Wireless Networks tab Check if the Access Point is displayed in Available networks Connection availability is affected by distanc...

Page 54: ...the Access Point If several computers communicate with the same Access Point the concentration may be too high Wait a few minutes and try to access again If a Wireless LAN device using the IEEE 802 11g standard communicates with a device using the IEEE 802 11b standard then it is normal that the speed reduces Devices using the IEEE 802 11g standard are 5 times faster than the ones using the IEEE 8...

Page 55: ...ck the Services icon The Services window appears 5 Check Status and Startup Type for Wireless Zero Configuration When Started and Automatic are shown under Status and Startup Type respectively the Wireless Zero Configuration service is active To activate the Wireless Zero Configuration service proceed as follows 1 On the Services window right click Wireless Zero Configuration and click Properties ...

Page 56: ... management setting you select If the battery level falls below 10 percent you should either attach the AC adapter to recharge the battery or shut down your computer and insert a fully charged battery Using Normal mode This is the normal state of your computer when it is in use The green power indicator light is on in this mode To save power while not working you can turn off a specific device suc...

Page 57: ...en running on AC power When running on batteries the computer also will enter System Standby mode after 25 minutes if unused To avoid this you can change the settings in the Power Options Properties screen right click the power status icon on the taskbar select Adjust Power Properties select the Power Schemes tab and change the settings in Settings for VAIO optimized power scheme Using Hibernate m...

Page 58: ...time to return to Normal mode from Hibernate mode than from Standby mode Hibernate mode uses less power than Standby mode Do not move the computer until its power indicator turns off Troubleshooting power management The power management setting is not responding Your computer s operating system may become unstable if a lower power state such as Hibernate is initiated and then changed before the co...

Page 59: ...s of your computer and for longer battery life 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 e g AC power If you double click this icon the Power Meter screen appears showing you the power status VAIO Power Management functionalities are added to the Windows Power Opti...

Page 60: ... Scheme 5 If necessary you can change the items in the list e g the brightness of the LCD 6 Click OK The power scheme has been activated You must have computer administrator rights on your computer to set up a power scheme For more information on VAIO Power Management and Power Schemes see the software s online help files Power Scheme Description Power Management Off Turns off all power management...

Page 61: ...e online help file Other Information Icons on the Notification Area Restoring the default settings The power scheme settings that you changed on the VAIO Power Management tab can be restored to the default settings To restore the default settings proceed as follows 1 Select the VAIO Power Management tab in the Power Options Properties window 2 Click the Advanced button The VAIO Power Management wi...

Page 62: ... page 78 Connecting an external microphone page 80 Connecting a Universal Serial Bus USB device page 83 Connecting a printer page 89 Connecting an i LINK device page 93 Connecting to a network LAN page 97 To identify and locate the ports on your computer see the printed Specifications sheet Sony computer supplies accessories and peripherals can be purchased from your local retailer or from the Son...

Page 63: ...printer and an external display The port replicator can be powered only with the AC adapter supplied with your computer Do not remove the AC adapter from the port replicator or the AC outlet when using the port replicator this may cause data damage or hardware malfunctions 1 DC In connector page 14 2 Network connector page 97 3 Monitor VGA connector page 67 4 Printer connector page 89 5 2 Hi Speed...

Page 64: ...o the port replicator proceed as follows 1 Disconnect all peripherals from the computer 2 Plug the power cord 1 into the AC adapter and an AC outlet 3 Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter 2 into the DC In port 3 on the port replicator 4 4 Slide open the port replicator cover on the bottom of your computer ...

Page 65: ...r on the port replicator and push down until it clicks into place Use the AC adapter that comes with your computer or the optional Sony adapter Do not move your computer while attached to the port replicator as it may detach the port replicator and cause damage to the port replicator and the computer ...

Page 66: ...rt replicator proceed as follows 1 Lift the computer away from the port replicator 2 Close the port replicator connector cover on the bottom of your computer It is extremely important to close the port replicator connector cover after disconnecting your computer from the port replicator If the cover is left open dust may get inside and damage the computer To disconnect your port replicator complet...

Page 67: ...urn on the peripherals then turn on your computer Connected external displays are used as second screens On Windows systems only you can also use an external display to set up multiple monitors Connecting a computer display You can connect a computer display monitor either directly to your computer or via the optional port replicator To connect a computer display proceed as follows 1 If necessary ...

Page 68: ...al port replicator To connect a multimedia computer display proceed as follows 1 Plug the power cord of the multimedia computer display 1 into an AC outlet 2 Plug the display cable 2 not supplied into the monitor VGA connector 3 a on the computer or the port replicator 3 Plug the speaker cable 4 into the headphone connector 5 i on the computer 4 Plug the microphone cable 6 into the microphone conn...

Page 69: ...t replicator To connect a projector proceed as follows 1 Connect the power cord 1 of the projector into an AC outlet 2 Plug the RGB signal cable 2 into the monitor VGA connector 3 a on the computer or the port replicator 3 Plug the audio cable 4 not supplied into the earphone connector 5 i 4 Plug the RGB signal cable and the audio cable into the connectors on the projector 6 ...

Page 70: ...nal display or the way it is connected the Plug and Display function may not be available Use the shortcut key with the Fn key to select the output destination I cannot display contents on two or more displays at the same time You cannot display contents on multiple external displays at the same time Select one of the external displays ...

Page 71: ...e video controller Models with the Intel 915GM video controller To select a display proceed as follows 1 Click the Start then Control Panel The Control Panel appears 2 Click Appearance and Themes and then select Display The Display Properties dialog box appears 3 Click the Settings tab 4 Click the Advanced button The properties dialog box appears for advanced settings 5 Click the tab with its name...

Page 72: ...The properties dialog box appears for advanced settings 5 Click the tab with its name beginning with GeForce Select nView Display Settings from the left menu To change the current display select the desired display from the Current display drop down list To display the output on your computer s LCD and the external display at the same time select Clone from the nView Display mode drop down list To...

Page 73: ... to drag objects such as an open application window or a toolbar from one display to the other Your monitor hardware 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 your computer may not return ...

Page 74: ...tor icon marked 2 7 Select the Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor check box 8 Click Apply and then OK If the Monitor Settings dialog box appears click YES Your external display may not support the Multiple Monitors function You can also select the Multiple Monitors mode just by pressing one of S buttons if you have changed its assignment to Multiple Monitors with VAIO Control Center For d...

Page 75: ...ch display proceed as follows 1 Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar 2 Click Control Panel 3 Click Appearance and Themes 4 Click the Display icon 5 Select the Settings tab 6 Click the display you want to change 1 or 2 7 Select an option from the Color quality list to change colours 8 Use the slider in the Screen resolution to adjust the resolution 9 Click Apply and then OK If the Monitor ...

Page 76: ...tiple Monitors mode proceed as follows 1 Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar 2 Click Control Panel 3 Click Appearance and Themes 4 Click the Display icon 5 Click the Settings tab 6 Drag the monitor icons to match the physical arrangement of your monitors The two monitor icons must be connected to create multiple monitors 7 Click Apply and then OK If the Monitor Settings dialog box appear...

Page 77: ...tor icon 2 7 Deselect the Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor check box 8 Click Apply and then OK If the Monitor Settings dialog box appears click YES For switching from Primary to Secondary display see Selecting display modes page 71 You can also deactivate the Multiple Monitors mode just by pressing one of S buttons if you have changed its assignment to Multiple Monitors with VAIO Contro...

Page 78: ...ceed as follows 1 Plug one end of a speaker cable 1 into the headphone connector 2 i on the computer 2 Plug the other end of the speaker cable to the external speakers 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 79: ... check that the speakers are properly connected and the volume is turned up If the speakers have a mute button make sure it is off If batteries power the speakers check that the batteries are inserted properly and that they are charged If you have connected an audio cable to the headphone connector disconnect the cable If your computer is powered by battery check that the battery pack is properly ...

Page 80: ...se a sound input device for example to chat on the Internet you need to plug in an external microphone To connect an external microphone proceed as follows Plug the microphone cable 1 into the microphone connector 2 m on the computer Make sure your microphone is designed for computer use ...

Page 81: ...indow appears 2 Click Sounds Speech and Audio Devices and then Sounds and Audio Devices 3 Click Volume under Sound recording on the Audio tab 4 See if the Select check box for Microphone Balance is selected If not click the check box 5 Move the slider up or down to adjust the volume 6 If the volume is still too high or too low select Advanced Controls from the Options menu The Advanced button appe...

Page 82: ...5 Click the Advanced button and select the Mono Mic check box under Other Controls This audio channel setting is only applied to sound recording with a microphone Stereo sound is not recorded with a stereo microphone Proceed as follows to change the audio channel setting 1 Click Start and then Control Panel The Control Panel window appears 2 Click Sounds Speech and Audio Devices and then Sounds an...

Page 83: ...the device not to work properly For more information check the manual provided with the USB device When you are playing a DVD video or audio and you want to remove a USB device such as USB compatible speakers make sure you stop the DVD first Removing a USB compatible device during DVD video or audio playback may cause a malfunction To prevent your computer and or USB devices from damage observe th...

Page 84: ...lows 1 Choose the USB connector 1 you prefer to use 2 Plug the USB mouse cable 2 into the USB connector You can now use your USB mouse 3 The VAIO USB mouse software driver is preinstalled on your computer therefore you only need to plug the USB mouse into the USB connector and you can start working ...

Page 85: ...logo on the disk drive should be facing up Your USB floppy disk drive is now ready for use When using a USB floppy disk drive do not apply force on the USB connector This may cause a malfunction To remove a USB floppy disk drive proceed as follows If your computer is on wait until the floppy drive LED indicator turns off and then unplug the USB cable If the floppy disk drive is not removed properl...

Page 86: ...onnecting peripheral devices Inserting a floppy disk To insert a floppy disk proceed as follows 1 Hold the disk 1 with the label side facing up 2 Gently push the disk into the drive 2 until it clicks into place ...

Page 87: ...he LED indicator 1 turns off and then press the eject button 2 to remove the disk Before pressing the eject button make sure that the LED indicator is turned off If the disk does not come out by pressing the eject button disconnect the floppy disk drive from the computer Do not press the eject button while the LED indicator is on It may damage the floppy disk ...

Page 88: ...y disk drive is not recognised as drive A To set the floppy disk drive to A proceed as follows 1 Turn the system power on 2 Connect the floppy disk drive 3 Select Control Panel from the Start menu 4 Click Performance and Maintenance 5 Click System 6 Select the Hardware tab then click Device Manager 7 Select Universal Serial Bus controllers then Y E Data USB Floppy 8 From the Action menu click Unin...

Page 89: ...sing the USB connector You can connect a USB printer compatible with your version of Windows to your computer To connect a printer using the USB connector proceed as follows 1 Plug the printer power cord into an AC outlet 1 2 Choose the USB connector 3 you prefer to use 3 Plug one end of a USB printer cable 2 into the USB connector and the other to your printer ...

Page 90: ...ter connector proceed as follows 1 Plug the printer power cord 1 into an AC outlet 2 Plug the printer cable 2 supplied with your printer into the printer connector 3 on the computer or the optional port replicator Turn off your computer and the printer unplug the AC adapter and the power cord before connecting the printer ...

Page 91: ...plicator proceed as follows to check the printer port settings 1 Click Start and then Control Panel 2 Click the Printers and Other Hardware icon 3 Click the Printers and Faxes icon 4 Right click the printer to select Properties 5 Click the Ports tab 6 Check if the check box for USB001 is selected If another check box is selected click the box for USB001 7 Click OK If the above procedure does not w...

Page 92: ...nters and Faxes icon 4 Right click the printer to select Properties 5 Click the Ports tab 6 Click the check box for Enable bidirectional support to deslect it 7 Click OK This change to the settings will disable the bidirectional communication functions of your printer such as data transfer status monitoring and remote panel Check the physical connections between your computer and printer the AC ad...

Page 93: ... use Refer to the documentation that came with your software for more information i LINK cables compatible with your VAIO computer include cables with the following part numbers VMC IL4415A a 1 5 meter cable with a 4 pin connector at each end VMC IL4408 Series a 0 8 meter cable with a 4 pin connector at each end Connecting a digital video camera recorder page 94 Connecting two VAIO computers page ...

Page 94: ...camera recorder To connect a digital video camera recorder proceed as follows 1 Plug one end of the i LINK cable 1 into the i LINK connector 2 of the computer and the other end into the DV In Out connector 3 on the digital video camera recorder 2 Launch DVgate Plus ...

Page 95: ...udes a Memory Stick slot you can copy images from it to your computer via a Memory Stick To do so simply copy images on the Memory Stick then use a special PC Card adapter to insert it into your computer You cannot access the pictures stored on a Memory Stick when using an i LINK connection Connecting two VAIO computers You can copy edit or delete files on another VAIO computer to your computer wi...

Page 96: ...lus I see an error message Close all open applications and restart your computer Frequent recording of images to a digital video device while using DVgate Plus sometimes causes this error Your DV device will need to have DV In Out in order to be able to transfer your files to the DV device I cannot use digital devices Check that the DV device is turned on and that the cables are properly connected...

Page 97: ...e the Ethernet network connector on the optional port replicator Depending on your model See the printed Specifications sheet for more information Telephone lines cannot be connected to the network LAN connector on your computer If the network LAN connector is connected to the telephone lines mentioned below high electric current to the connector may cause damage overheating or fire Home intercom ...

Page 98: ...ter Among other things you will learn how to prepare your modem for use how to use and customise the look of your Sony software and utilities etc Setting up your language with Windows XP Professional page 99 Configuring your modem page 102 Setting a Sony wallpaper page 104 Installing and updating applications page 105 Managing drivers page 110 ...

Page 99: ...P Setup Wizard window The Select Your System Settings dialog box appears 2 Fill in these three questions I live the closest to this region I type mostly in this language I use this type of keyboard 3 In the End User License Agreement accept the License Agreement and click Next 4 Continue your Windows setup until it is finished You can also change the country and language settings into your languag...

Page 100: ...guage 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 off and log on again Only then the changes to the new language will take effect 8 Click Start and select Log Off 9 Click Log Off in the Log Off Windows window If necessary enter your passw...

Page 101: ...ge Options 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 Clic...

Page 102: ...odem Options dialog box appears If you do not see the Phone and Modem Options dialog box click Switch to Classic View on the left side 3 Select your location on the Dialing Rules tab 4 Click the Edit button to change the current configuration The Edit Location dialog box appears Or Click the New button to configure your modem The New Location dialog box appears 5 Check the country region settings ...

Page 103: ... and Other Hardware window appears 3 Click the Phone and Modem Options icon The Phone and Modem Options dialog box appears 4 Click the Modems tab and then click Properties to view the properties of your modem The Modem Properties dialog box appears 5 On the Driver tab click Update driver The Hardware Update Wizard window appears Follow the instructions that appear on your screen You can perform a ...

Page 104: ...t of Windows and VAIO wallpapers is displayed 3 Select a wallpaper from the Background list You can see a preview of this wallpaper in the monitor above the Background list 4 Adjust the position of the wallpaper with the Position drop down list 5 Click Apply when you have found the appropriate wallpaper 6 Click OK to close the Display Properties dialog box The wallpaper is applied to your computer...

Page 105: ...ations This section explains how to install run or uninstall a software Furthermore you will learn how to download the latest updates from our website Installing software page 106 Changing or removing software page 107 Caution page 108 Downloading software page 109 ...

Page 106: ...g drivers page 110 section Close all open applications To install an application proceed as follows 1 Click Start and then Control Panel The Control Panel window appears 2 Click Add or Remove Programs The Add or Remove Programs dialog box appears 3 Click Add New Programs and then click CD or Floppy The Install Program From Floppy Disk or CD ROM window appears 4 Insert the first installation floppy...

Page 107: ...lick Change Remove or Remove then click Next followed by OK If the Locked file detected dialog box appears click Reboot The computer restarts once uninstallation is completed and all previously used files are deleted If the Shared file detected dialog box appears it is recommended that you click No to keep shared files Click Close The software is uninstalled When you click Change or Remove some pr...

Page 108: ...m Windows File Protection detects attempts by other programs to replace or move a protected system file It also checks the file s digital signature This is an operating system feature that allows executable routines generally serving a specific function or set of functions to be stored separately as files with DLL extensions These routines are loaded only when needed by the program that calls them...

Page 109: ...the latest upgrades of software for your computer from our website To download the latest upgrades proceed as follows 1 Go to www vaio link com and choose your language 2 Select Drivers and Updates and follow the procedure To install your application see the Installing software page 106 section ...

Page 110: ...e mouse driver come with the operating system This section explains how to install check update or uninstall a driver The Windows XP Rollback feature is also explained Finally you will learn how to download the latest drivers from our site Installing a driver page 111 Checking the driver s installation page 113 Updating a driver page 115 Uninstalling a driver page 116 Restoring a driver page 118 D...

Page 111: ...ome with a specific installation procedure proceed as follows to install it 1 Insert the installation CD ROM or disc accompanying the device into the optical disc drive 2 Connect the device that needs a driver to your computer The Found New Hardware Wizard screen appears 3 Select Specify a location then click Next 4 When installing a driver from the provided CD ROM or disc by using a CD ROM or dis...

Page 112: ...tomising your computer 8 Click Finish You may be asked to restart your machine 9 Click Yes The driver is installed To install your device driver you must log on to your computer as a user with administrator rights ...

Page 113: ...his device is working properly message is displayed under Device status 7 Click OK Close all the opened windows your device is ready for use The device is not working properly in the following cases Your device is shown in Device Manager with a yellow question or exclamation mark Right click your device and click Uninstall Then repeat from step 2 in Installing a driver page 111 Double clicking the...

Page 114: ...pears click OK Click Yes and restart the computer When the computer restarts repeat from step 2 in Installing a driver page 111 If your device is not displayed in the Properties dialog box the device is not working properly Repeat steps 1 through 4 in the previous sections to check the driver s installation Click your device then click Uninstall to remove the driver Click Yes to restart the comput...

Page 115: ...een You can have Windows search for the driver or point to the driver s location yourself Or 1 Click Start on the taskbar 2 Click My Computer from the menu 3 Click View system information on the left of the window 4 Click the Hardware tab then click Device Manager 5 Double click the option corresponding to the device you installed then double click your device The Properties dialog box appears 6 C...

Page 116: ... click Uninstall 6 When the Confirm Device Removal dialog box appears click OK 7 If you are prompted to restart your computer click Yes The Uninstall button is unavailable if removing the driver would make your device unusable Or 1 Click Start on the taskbar 2 Click My Computer from the menu 3 Click View system information on the left of the window 4 Click the Hardware tab then click Device Manage...

Page 117: ...Customising your computer 8 When the Confirm Device Removal dialog box appears click OK The driver is uninstalled To uninstall your device driver you must be logged on to your computer with administrator rights ...

Page 118: ...rt the system to a previous time They are created daily and at the time of significant system events such as when an application or driver is installed To revert to your previous driver proceed as follows 1 Open the device that is not working correctly in Control Panel To open the device Click Start on the taskbar Click Control Panel The Control Panel window appears Click the Printers and Other Ha...

Page 119: ...to the device you installed then double click your device The Properties dialog box appears 6 Click the Driver tab 7 On the Driver tab click Roll Back Driver You have your previous driver back You must be logged on to your computer with administrator rights in order to complete this procedure Restoring your computer does not affect or change your personal data files For more information about Syst...

Page 120: ... To download the latest drivers proceed as follows 1 Go to www vaio link com and choose your language 2 Select Drivers and Updates and follow the procedure For more information follow the instructions you received with the device or see the printed Recovery Guide Downloading or installing drivers not provided by VAIO Link might cause compatibility issues ...

Page 121: ...anging memory Mistakes on installation or removal of the memory module may cause a malfunction Only use memory modules that are compatible with your computer If a memory module is not detected by your computer or Windows presents unstable operation contact your sales dealer or the manufacturer of your memory module Electrostatic discharge can damage electronic components Before touching a memory m...

Page 122: ...wrap the module in aluminium foil to protect it from electrostatic discharge Introducing any liquids or any foreign substances or objects into the memory slots or other internal components of the computer will result in damage to the computer and any repairs will be out of warranty Do not place the memory module in places subject to Heat sources such as radiators or air ducts Direct sunlight Exces...

Page 123: ...d disconnect all peripheral devices 2 Unplug the computer and remove the battery pack 3 Wait until the computer cools down 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 ...

Page 124: ...ove the memory module Pull the tabs 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 125: ...t in until it clicks into place Do not touch any other components on the motherboard Do not damage the inner film cover equipped for module protection 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 126: ...r 2 Go to VAIO Control Center via the Start menu 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 127: ...n access the VAIO Link website for troubleshooting Go to http www vaio link com e Support This interactive part of our website http www vaio link com allows you to get in contact with our dedicated support team over the internet Using a personalised account you can log your technical queries with ease VAIO Link help lines Before contacting VAIO Link by telephone try to solve the problem by reading...

Page 128: ...Web Portal How can I access the e Support portal When you register your VAIO computer online at Club VAIO www club vaio com you will automatically receive an email with the link to the e Support Web Portal your Customer ID and some basic explanation a few hours later All you need to do is activate your account by clicking on the provided link in the email You are now ready to create your first cas...

Page 129: ... 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 130: ... from potential damage On handling the hard disk page 131 On handling the LCD screen page 132 On using the power source page 133 On handling your computer page 134 On handling floppy disks page 135 On handling discs page 136 On using the battery pack page 137 On using headphones page 138 On handling Memory Sticks page 138 ...

Page 131: ...d be careful when handling your computer To avoid damaging your hard disk Do not subject your computer to sudden movements Keep the 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 the computer while reading or writing data to disk Do no...

Page 132: ...al image may appear on the screen if the same image is displayed for a lengthy period of time The residual image disappears in a while You can use a screensaver to prevent residual images The screen becomes warm during operation This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction The LCD is manufactured using high precision technology You may however see tiny black points and or bright points red b...

Page 133: ... 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 wall outlet if you are planning to not use the computer for a long time Make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible When the AC adapter is not used unplug it from the AC outlet Use t...

Page 134: ...ight 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 95 F or less than 5 C 41 F High humidity Do not place electronic equipment near your computer The electromagnetic field of your computer may cause a malfunction Provide adequate air circulation to prevent internal heat from building ...

Page 135: ...grams from the supplied disc see the printed Recovery Guide for details 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 the floppy disk away from any liquid Do not let the floppy disk get wet When you are not using the floppy disk always r...

Page 136: ...e solvents such as benzine thinning agents commercially available cleaners or anti static spray as they 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 centre 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 centre out Wipe off any remain...

Page 137: ... up This is normal and is not cause for concern Keep the battery pack away from all sources of heat Keep the battery pack dry Do not open or try to disassemble the battery pack Do not expose the battery pack to any mechanical shock If you are not using the computer for an extended period of time remove the battery pack from the computer to prevent damage to the battery If after fully charging the ...

Page 138: ...ended play If you experience a ringing in your ears reduce the volume or discontinue use On handling Memory Sticks Do not touch the Memory Stick connector with your finger or metallic objects Use only the label supplied with the Memory Stick as a label Do not bend drop or apply strong shock to the Memory Stick Do not disassemble or modify Memory Sticks Do not let Memory Sticks get wet Do not use o...

Page 139: ...the U S and other countries i LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE1394 connection Adobe Adobe Acrobat Elements Adobe Acrobat Professional Adobe Photoshop Album Adobe Reader Adobe Premiere Standard and Adobe Photoshop Elements are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated MoodLogic is a trademark of MoodLogic Inc Norton Internet Security 2004 and Norton ...

Page 140: ...ks 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 printed Specifications sheet to see what software is available for your model ...

Reviews: