Sony VGX-XL301 User Manual Download

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Troubleshooting

Display

What should I do if my TV stays blank?

❑

Make sure that both power cords of your computer and TV are securely plugged into power sources.

❑

Make sure that your computer and TV are properly connected.

❑

Make sure that both your computer and TV are turned on.

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If your TV 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 for brightness. If they also appear dark, see the manual that came with your TV for
adjustment.

Summary of Contents for VGX-XL301

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

Page 2: ... 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 38 Using the Memory Stick Media 46 Using Other Memory Cards 52 Using the Internet 56 Using Wireless LAN WLAN 57 ...

Page 3: ...puter with VAIO Control Center 79 Using the Power Saving Modes 80 Upgrading Your VAIO Computer 82 Before Upgrading Your Computer 83 Opening and Closing the Computer 84 Adding and Removing Memory 87 Installing the Hard Disk Drive 93 Precautions 100 On Using the Power Source 101 On Handling Your Computer 102 On Handling Floppy Disks 104 On Handling Discs 105 On Using Headphones 107 On Handling Memor...

Page 4: ...etworking 116 Optical Discs 119 Display 123 Printing 127 Microphone 128 Speakers 129 Keyboard 130 Touch Pad 131 Floppy Disks 132 Audio Video 133 Memory Stick Media 134 Peripherals 135 Support Options 136 Sony Support Information 136 e Support 137 Trademarks 139 ...

Page 5: ... computer and welcome to the on screen User Guide Sony has combined leading edge technology in audio video computing and communications to provide state of the art personal computing External views illustrated in this manual may look slightly different from those of your computer ...

Page 6: ...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 other intellectual property rights Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision and is in...

Page 7: ...g you need to get the most from your computer The user guides are collected under Documentation which can be shown by clicking the VAIO Documentation icon on the desktop or following these steps 1 Click Start All Programs and My Club VAIO 2 Click Documentation 3 Select the guide you want to read You can manually browse to the user guides by going to Computer VAIO C your C drive Documentation Docum...

Page 8: ...s Safety Regulations Modem Regulations Wireless LAN Regulations Bluetooth Regulations End User Software License Agreement and Sony Support services Non printed Documentation User Guide this manual Contains features of your computer It also includes information about the software programs included with your computer as well as information on solving common problems Specifications The online Specifi...

Page 9: ...t 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 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: ...ndows Help resources including those that are on the Internet To access Windows Help and Support click Start and Help and Support Or go to Windows Help and Support by pressing and holding the Microsoft Windows key and pressing the F1 key Further Sources Consult the help files on the software you are using for detailed information on features and troubleshooting Go to http www club vaio com to find...

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 52 J Media Access indicator page 14 K Memory Stick PRO Duo media slot 1 page 47 L SD memory card slot page 52 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: ... ports 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 IN...

Page 14: ...e computer is off Media Access Illuminates when data is read from or written to a memory card Do not enter Sleep 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 Sleep mode or turn off the computer when...

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: ...tion 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 copyright protected contents If your computer has a non compliant display connected you will not be able to play or view any copyright protected contents including Blu ray movie contents To change the sound...

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: ...18 n N Getting Started To disconnect your computer completely from AC power unplug the power cord Make sure that the AC outlet is easily accessible ...

Page 19: ... as described below To shut down your computer 1 Turn off any peripherals connected to the computer 2 Click Start the arrow next to the Lock button and Shut Down 3 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: ... the most out of using your VAIO computer Using the Keyboard page 21 Using the Touch Pad page 27 Using the Optical Disc Drive page 29 Using the TV Function page 38 Using the Memory Stick Media page 46 Using Other Memory Cards page 52 Using the Internet page 56 Using Wireless LAN WLAN page 57 ...

Page 21: ...Function 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 Windows Mail Launches VAIO Living Browser S1 Launches Resolution Setting Utility E Standby bu...

Page 22: ...aps 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 screen K Touch pad Se...

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: ... 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 only with applications that su...

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: ...ton 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: ...P PR 1 2 PR PR 5 PR 6 CD RW DVD ROM P P P P PR P P P P P P DVD ROM P P P P P P P P 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 W...

Page 32: ...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 or recordable CD ROM Video CD Music CD CD Extra CD R RW DVD ROM DVD Video BD ROM DV...

Page 33: ...stances 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 Region settings are required for Movies and BD ROM contents If the region setting and the region of the disc do not match playback is not possible Unless your external display is compliant with the High bandwidth Digital C...

Page 34: ...ta 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 preinstalled soft...

Page 35: ...ring and the speakers Reduce the volume before playing a DVD Do not switch to power saving modes while your computer is playing a DVD Region codes indicators are labeled on the DVDs to indicate in which region and on what type of player you can play the disc Unless a 2 Europe belongs to region 2 or all this means that you can play this DVD in most regions of the world is labeled on your DVD disc o...

Page 36: ...appears click to select an option Copying Files to CDs To copy files to a disc Do not strike or shake your computer while writing data to a disc 1 Insert a disc into the optical disc drive If the AutoPlay window appears click Burn files to disc and follow the on screen instructions until the empty disc folder appears 2 Open the folder that contains the file s you want to copy and drag them to the ...

Page 37: ...he 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 All Programs and the desired DVD software to copy files to the disc For instructions on how to use the software see the help file on y...

Page 38: ...s the following broadcasts Analog cable and terrestrial TV Systems B G I D K L L Color systems PAL and SECAM Frequency band 48 25 MHz 855 25 MHz Digital terrestrial TV DVB T and Digital TV System DVB T Video system MPEG2 Frequency band 48 25 MHz 855 25 MHz FM radio Frequency band 87 5 MHz 108 MHz Any functions related to digital terrestrial television DVB T will only work in countries or areas whe...

Page 39: ...39 n N Using Your VAIO Computer Using the Remote Commander A remote commander is supplied with your computer for using Media Center features including TV channel selection ...

Page 40: ... 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 media backward at three speeds Record z button Press to begin recording Play N button Press to begin media playback B Back button Press to return to the previous window C Volume buttons Press to i...

Page 41: ...w K Standby button Press to place the computer into Sleep mode to reduce power consumption L Start button Press to open the Media Center Start menu M More button Press to view additional options that are available for Media Center features N Directional arrow buttons Press the M m and buttons to move the pointer on the screen OK button Press to select the desired action or window option When watch...

Page 42: ... OK button and press the 0 and 2 buttons consecutively to enter the manufacturer code for Sony Sony 02 If your TV manufacturer has more than one manufacturer code you may not be able to control the TV volume with the remote commander even though you have specified one of them for matching the signal setting In such a case try another code Changes to this signal setting for the TV volume control ma...

Page 43: ...ander you need to insert the supplied AA manganese batteries to enable communication between the computer and the remote commander To insert batteries 1 Turn the remote commander over 2 Slightly push down the dented area 1 slide the battery cover in the direction of the arrow and remove the cover ...

Page 44: ...commander and slide it in the reverse direction of the arrow illustrated above 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 the batteries to avoid possible damage from battery leakage ...

Page 45: ...e the bottom board in your computer Select both TV tuners in the list if you can to use both tuners 2 RF signal cables needed When configuring both TV tuners make sure that both are connected to the same broadcast signal For example both TV tuners are connected to the same DVB T signal or both are connected to the same analog TV signal In case the TV tuner was not configured during the first run o...

Page 46: ...the Memory Stick media visit the Memory Stick Web site at http www memorystick com en 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 September 2006 However not all Memory Stick media that meet the same conditions as the compatible media are guaranteed of compatibility Inserting a Memory Stick media wi...

Page 47: ... 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 Computer window as a local drive under the appropriate letter depending on the configuration of the computer ...

Page 48: ...a may damage both your computer and the media Your computer supports Memory Stick Duo media and is equipped with the Memory Stick PRO Duo slot that is compatible with both standard and duo size media For more information on the Memory Stick Duo media visit the Memory Stick Web site at http www memorystick com en You can insert a Memory Stick Duo media directly into the slot To view the contents of...

Page 49: ... media Avoid accidental erasure of your valuable data Do not remove the Memory Stick media from the slot while formatting the media This could cause a malfunction 1 Carefully slide the Memory Stick media into the slot until it clicks into place 2 Click Start and Computer to open the Computer window 3 Right click the Memory Stick media icon and select Format 4 Click Restore device defaults The size...

Page 50: ...N Using Your VAIO Computer 6 At the confirmation prompt click OK The formatting process starts It may take time to format the Memory Stick media depending on the media 7 Once completed click OK 8 Click Close ...

Page 51: ...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 light 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 Me...

Page 52: ...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 53: ... slot and can cause damage to your computer Use care when inserting or removing a memory card from the slot Do not force the memory 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 fo...

Page 54: ...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 55: ...he 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 light is off 3 Firmly grasp the extended part of the memory card 4 Carefully pull it out of the slot ...

Page 56: ...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 57: ...nd 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 usin...

Page 58: ... 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 59: ... 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 60: ...60 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 61: ... 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 62: ...wireless option and click OK The Wireless LAN indicator lights up 3 Click Start and Control Panel 4 Click View network status and tasks under Network and Internet 5 Click Set up a connection or network on the left pane The Set up a connection or network window appears 6 Select an option to specify the ad hoc network settings and click Next 7 Follow the on screen instructions ...

Page 63: ...he Sony 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 ...

Page 64: ...t and Control Panel 5 Click View network status and tasks under Network and Internet 6 Click Manage wireless networks 7 Click Add 8 Follow the on screen instructions To disconnect from a wireless network 1 Double click on the taskbar to display the Wireless Device Switch window 2 Deselect the wireless option and click OK Turning off the wireless LAN functionality while accessing remote documents f...

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: ...evices You can add functionality to your VAIO 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: ...d to flip the front panel down using your fingertip to access the USB ports 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 not supplied 3 ...

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: ...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 Confirm that the floppy disk drive can be safely removed from the system 6 Click OK A message appears stating it is now safe ...

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: ...6 pin i LINK port does not exceed 6 watts To use the 4 pin port on the front you need to flip the front panel down 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 The optional i LINK cables may not be available depending on the country or area of your residency An i L...

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: ...scribes how to change the main settings of your VAIO 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 standard 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 s...

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: ...er 1 Click Start All Programs and 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 VAIO Con...

Page 80: ... operating mode which allows you to turn off specific devices your computer has a distinct power saving modes called Sleep mode 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 such as the hard disk ...

Page 81: ...al 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 automatically You will lose any unsaved data If the computer is not used for more than 20 minutes it will enter Sleep mode To avoid this ...

Page 82: ...ntact your dealer to install 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 see the online Specifications Contact VAIO Link if you need assistance Before Upgrading Your Computer page 83 Opening and Clo...

Page 83: ...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 84: ...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 85: ...85 n N Upgrading Your VAIO Computer ...

Page 86: ...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 87: ...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 88: ... 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 89: ... See Opening the Computer page 84 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 90: ... 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 91: ...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 86 for the detail...

Page 92: ... Programs and 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 installation procedure and restart the computer ...

Page 93: ...d 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 install...

Page 94: ...puter 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 aft...

Page 95: ...al hard disk drive bay To install an additional hard disk drive 1 Remove the top panel See Opening the Computer page 84 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 96: ... 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 97: ...e 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 hard...

Page 98: ... 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 86 for the detailed instructions ...

Page 99: ...nu 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 wind...

Page 100: ... help you protect your VAIO computer from potential damage On Using the Power Source page 101 On Handling Your Computer page 102 On Handling Floppy Disks page 104 On Handling Discs page 105 On Using Headphones page 107 On Handling Memory Stick Media page 107 On Handling the Hard Disk page 108 ...

Page 101: ...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 102: ...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 103: ...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 104: ...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 105: ...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 106: ...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 107: ...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 108: ...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 109: ...ave simple solutions Try these suggestions before contacting VAIO Link Computer page 110 System Security page 115 Networking page 116 Optical Discs page 119 Display page 123 Printing page 127 Microphone page 128 Speakers page 129 Keyboard page 130 Touch Pad page 131 Floppy Disks page 132 Audio Video page 133 Memory Stick Media page 134 Peripherals page 135 ...

Page 110: ...ower strip or UPS is plugged into a power source and turned on Make sure your external display is plugged into an appropriate power source and turned on Make sure the brightness and contrast controls on your external 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...

Page 111: ...e date month day year Press the Enter key 3 Press the m key to select System Time and then set the time hour minute second Press the Enter key 4 Press the key to select the Exit tab select Load Setup Defaults and press the Enter key The message Load 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 conf...

Page 112: ... software stops responding If your computer stops responding while a software application is running press the Alt F4 keys to close the application window If the Alt F4 keys do not work click Start the arrow next to the Lock button and Shut Down to turn off your computer If your computer does not turn off press the Ctrl Alt Delete keys and click the arrow next to the Shut down button and Shut Down...

Page 113: ...computer turns off Turning off your computer with the power button may cause loss of unsaved data What should I do if Windows does not start showing a message when I start my computer If you enter a wrong power on password three times consecutively the 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 indic...

Page 114: ...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 passe...

Page 115: ...indows updates by doing the following Your computer must be connected to the Internet before you can receive updates 1 Connect to the Internet 2 Double click the Windows Security Alerts icon on the taskbar 3 Follow the on screen instructions to set up automatic or scheduled updates How do I keep my antivirus software updated You can keep the Norton Internet Security software program current with t...

Page 116: ...e access point is on Follow these steps to check the settings 1 Click Start and Control Panel 2 Click View network status and tasks under Network and Internet 3 Click Connect to a network to confirm that your access point is selected Make sure the encryption key is correct What should I do if I cannot access the Internet Check the access point settings See the manual that came with your access poi...

Page 117: ...oaded depending on how many other devices are communicating via the access point If your access point interferes with other access points change the access point channel See the manual that came with your access point for more information How do I avoid data transfer interruptions When your computer is connected to an access point data transfer interruptions may occur when using large files or if ...

Page 118: ...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 119: ... Restart 2 Eject 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 105 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 drive eject button does not work click Start and Computer Right click the optical disc drive icon and sele...

Page 120: ...ny of the following Check if the volume is turned off or minimized by the muting or volume button respectively on the wireless keyboard Right click the volume icon on the taskbar and click Open Volume Mixer to check the settings Check the volume setting in the audio mixer If you are using external speakers check the volume settings on the speakers and the connections between the speakers and your ...

Page 121: ... region code is compatible with the optical disc drive If you notice condensation on your computer do not use the computer for at least one hour Condensation can cause the computer to malfunction If your TV is connected with a component video cable and your computer s signal format is set to 576p the WinDVD BD for VAIO software may fail to play a Blu ray Disc To play the Blu ray Disc successfully ...

Page 122: ...hesive label could cause a write error or other damage What 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 optical disc drive 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 Macro...

Page 123: ...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 124: ...at switches to 625p 576p during DVD Video playback DVD Video 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 Star...

Page 125: ... 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 the screen of my TV that is connected to the HDMI OUT port stays blank Unplug the HDMI cable once and plug it back Your TV may not be HDCP compliant Be sure to use an HDCP compliant TV ...

Page 126: ...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 I do if I have undesirable symptoms when playing movies on my TV that is connected with a component video cable page 124 How do I run Windows Aero This Q A entry app...

Page 127: ...mation If your printer is not functioning after your computer resumes from Sleep mode 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 Control Panel and Printer under Hardware and Sound 2 Right click the printer icon and select Properties 3 Click the Po...

Page 128: ...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 129: ...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 by clicking the volume icon on the taskbar 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 outputt...

Page 130: ...ated 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 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 w...

Page 131: ...e system See What should I do if my computer does not recognize my keyboard page 130 for more information If the pointer does not move while a software application is running press the Alt F4 keys to close the application window If the Alt F4 keys do not work click Start the arrow next to the Lock button and Restart to restart your computer If your computer does not restart press the Ctrl Alt Dele...

Page 132: ... 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 the arrow next to the Lock button and Restart What should I do if I cannot write data to a fl...

Page 133: ...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 134: ...rmat a Memory Stick media page 49 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 copyright holders Sony is not responsible for music files that cannot be recorded from a CD or downloaded from other sources Can I copy images f...

Page 135: ...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 136: ...If you 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 Lin...

Page 137: ...VAIO 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 ...

Page 138: ...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 139: ...bat Elements Adobe Reader Adobe Premiere Elements and Adobe Photoshop Elements are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated Norton Internet Security 2007 is a trademark or a registered trademark of Symantec Corporation Roxio Easy Media Creator is a trademark of Sonic Solutions WinDVD for VAIO and WinDVD BD for VAIO are trademarks of InterVideo Inc Sun Java VM is a trademark of Sun Microsystems Inc...

Page 140: ...g 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 141: ... 2007 Sony Corporation n ...

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