Sony VGC-LT1M, VGN-FZ21Z, VGN-G21VN-B, VGN-G21XP-B, VGN-FZ29VN Troubleshooting
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Documentation
The following documents are included with your Sony VAIO® computer.
Printed Documentation
Quick Start Guide
Describes the process from unpacking to starting up your VAIO.
Troubleshooting and Recovery Guide (this booklet)
Contains solutions to common problems and computer malfunctions, an explanation of how to make a backup copy of your data and recover your computer system, and sources of support information.
Regulations, Warranty, EULA and Service Support Contains Sony GUARANTEE conditions, Safety / Regulations, Modem Regulations, Wireless LAN Regulations,
Wireless WAN Regulations, Bluetooth Regulations, End User Software License Agreement, and
Sony Support services information.
Non-Printed Documentation
User Guide
Explains features of your computer. It also includes information about the software programs included with your computer, as well as information on solving common problems. User Guide is provided in the PDF format, which you can easily browse through and print out.
To view the on-screen guide:
1 Double-click the VAIO User Guide icon on the desktop.
2 Open the folder for your language.
3 Select the guide you want to read.
Specifications
The online Specifications describe the hardware and software configurations of your VAIO computer.
To view the online Specifications:
1 Connect to the Internet.
2 Go to the Sony online support Web site at http://www.vaio-link.com.
Important
It is strongly recommended to create recovery discs immediately after your computer is ready for use because there are no recovery discs provided with the computer.
For instructions on how to create the recovery discs, see “Creating your own recovery discs” on page 16.
Contents |
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Documentation .................................................................... |
2 |
Printed Documentation.......................................................................... |
2 |
Non-Printed Documentation .................................................................. |
2 |
Important ............................................................................................... |
2 |
Introduction to this guide ..................................................... |
5 |
Troubleshooting |
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Troubleshooting................................................................... |
8 |
Computer............................................................................................... |
8 |
What should I do if my computer does not start?............................ |
8 |
What should I do if a BIOS error appears |
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when I turn on my computer? .................................................. |
9 |
What should I do if the power indicator (Green) lights |
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but my screen stays blank? ................................................... |
10 |
What should I do if my computer or software |
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stops responding? ................................................................. |
10 |
What should I do if the battery indicator is flashing |
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and my computer does not start? .......................................... |
10 |
What should I do if a message window, notifying of |
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incompatibility or improper installation of the battery pack, |
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appears and my computer enters Hibernate mode? ............. |
11 |
What should I do if Windows does not start, |
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showing a message, when I start my computer? .................. |
11 |
What should I do if I cannot remember the BIOS password? ....... |
11 |
System Security................................................................................... |
12 |
How can I protect my computer against security threats, |
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such as viruses?.................................................................... |
12 |
How do I keep my antivirus software updated? ............................ |
12 |
3
Recovering your VAIO system |
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Before using your computer.............................................. |
14 |
Creating your own recovery discs........................................................ |
16 |
To create recovery discs ............................................................... |
17 |
Backing up and restoring your data using |
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Backup and Restore Center ......................................................... |
18 |
To back up your data..................................................................... |
18 |
To create a restore point ............................................................... |
23 |
Backing up and restoring your data with the VAIO software................ |
26 |
To back up your data with Rescue Data........................................ |
26 |
To restore your data with VAIO Data Restore Tool....................... |
28 |
Restoring the preinstalled software or software drivers ....................... |
29 |
To use Reinstall Programs or Drivers............................................ |
29 |
Finding out what to do in case of computer malfunctions ...... |
30 |
If your computer does not work properly.............................................. |
30 |
If Windows starts ........................................................................... |
31 |
If Windows does not start .............................................................. |
32 |
Recovering your VAIO system.......................................... |
33 |
Before starting the recovery process ................................................... |
33 |
Recovering your VAIO system when you can start Windows .............. |
35 |
To restore the C drive.................................................................... |
35 |
To restore your entire computer system........................................ |
36 |
Recovering your VAIO system when you cannot start Windows ......... |
37 |
Changing the partition sizes ............................................. |
38 |
About hard disk partitioning ................................................................. |
38 |
Creating a hard disk partition ............................................................... |
38 |
To create a partition with the Windows feature ............................. |
39 |
To create a partition with recovery discs ....................................... |
39 |
Erasing everything on your hard disk ............................... |
40 |
Erasing all of your data on your hard disk with |
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Wipe and Erase Data ................................................................... |
40 |
4
Introduction to this guide
Introduction to this guide
This guide covers the following important areas:
If you have any problems with your VAIO® computer, solutions are offered in this booklet in the form of a troubleshooting guide. See “Troubleshooting” on page 8.
There are more troubleshooting topics on the Sony online support Web site. Go to http://www.vaio-link.com.
Always read these sections before contacting VAIO-Link or your local Sony dealer directly.
You can also search for more information by using Windows Help and Support. Windows Help and Support is a comprehensive resource for practical advice, tutorials, and demonstrations to help you learn to use your computer. Use the Search feature, Index, or table of contents to view all Windows 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.
An important part of using your computer is being able to perform a recovery of the system and applications. This booklet explains everything you need to know about recovering your system. It is very important that you read this section before using your computer, and always before attempting to make a recovery of any kind. See “Before using your computer” on page 14.
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Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
Computer
What should I do if my computer does not start?
Make sure your computer is securely plugged into a power source and turned on. Make sure the power indicator shows the power is on.
Make sure the battery pack is installed properly and charged.
Make sure the floppy disk drive (if applicable) is empty.
If your computer is plugged into a power strip or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), make sure the power strip or UPS is plugged into a power source and turned on.
If you are using an external display, make sure it is plugged into a power source and turned on. Make sure the brightness and contrast controls are adjusted correctly. See the manual that came with your display for more information.
Disconnect the AC adapter and remove the battery pack. Wait three to five minutes. Reinstall the battery pack, reconnect the AC adapter, and then press the power button to turn on your computer.
Condensation may cause your computer to malfunction. If this occurs, do not use the computer for at least one hour.
Remove any extra memory modules you may have installed since purchase.
Check that you are using the supplied Sony AC adapter. For your safety, use only the genuine Sony rechargeable battery pack and AC adapter, which are supplied by Sony for your VAIO computer.
8
Troubleshooting
What should I do if a BIOS error appears when I turn on my computer?
On all models except VGC-RM series models, if the message “Press <F1> to resume, <F2> to setup” appears at the bottom of the screen, follow these steps:
1Press the F2 key.
The BIOS setup screen appears. If not, restart the computer and press the F2 key several times when the VAIO logo appears.
2Set the date (month/day/year). Press the Enter key.
3Press the m key to select System Time, and then set the time (hour: minute: second). Press the Enter key.
4Press the , key to select the Exit tab, and then press the F9 key. At the confirmation prompt, press the Enter key.
5Select Exit Setup, and press the Enter key.
At the confirmation prompt, press the Enter key. Your computer restarts.
If this occurs frequently, contact VAIO-Link.
On VGC-RM series models, if the message “Press <F1> to resume, <F2> to setup” appears at the bottom of the screen, follow these steps:
1Press the F2 key.
The BIOS setup screen appears. If not, restart the computer and press the F2 key several times when the VAIO logo appears.
2Set the date (month/day/year) with the Tab key and +/- keys.
3Press the m key to select System Time, and then set the time (hour: minute: second) with the Tab key and +/- keys.
4Press the , key to select the Exit tab, and then select Load Optimal Defaults and press the Enter key.
At the confirmation prompt, press the Y key.
5Select Exit Saving Changes and press the Enter key. At the confirmation prompt, press the Y key.
Your computer restarts.
If this occurs frequently, contact VAIO-Link.
9
What should I do if the power indicator (Green) lights but my screen stays blank?
Follow these steps:
1Press and hold the power button for more than four seconds to check that the power indicator goes out. Then turn on your computer again.
2If your computer screen still stays blank, unplug the AC adapter, remove the battery pack, and leave the computer for about a minute. Then reinstall the battery pack, plug in the AC adapter, and turn on the computer again.
What should I do if my computer or 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. If the Windows Security window appears, click Shut Down.
Turning off your computer with the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys or the power button may cause loss of unsaved data.
If your computer still does not turn off, press and hold the power button until the computer turns off.
Remove the AC adapter and battery pack.
Try reinstalling the software.
Contact the software publisher or designated provider for technical support.
What should I do if the battery indicator is flashing and my computer does not start?
This symptom could be due to the battery pack not being installed properly. To resolve this symptom, turn off your computer and remove the battery pack. Then install the battery pack to the computer again. For details, see the on-screen User Guide.
If the symptom persists after performing the above, it means the installed battery pack is not compatible. Remove the battery pack and contact VAIO-Link.
10
Troubleshooting
What should I do if a message window, notifying of incompatibility or improper installation of the battery pack, appears and my computer enters Hibernate mode?
This symptom could be due to the battery pack not being installed properly. To resolve this symptom, turn off your computer and remove the battery pack. Then install the battery pack to the computer again. For details, see the on-screen User Guide.
If the symptom persists after performing the above, it means the installed battery pack is not compatible. Remove the battery pack and contact VAIO-Link.
What should I do if Windows does not start, showing a message, when I start my computer?
If you enter a wrong power-on password three times consecutively, the Enter Onetime Password or Password Check failed message appears. If you enter a wrong power-on password three times consecutively again, the System Disabled message appears and Windows will not start. Press and hold the power button for more than four seconds to check that the power indicator goes off. Wait for 10 or 15 seconds, then restart your computer and enter the correct password. When entering the password, check that the Num lock indicator and Caps lock indicator are off. If any are lit, press the Num Lk key or the Caps Lock key to turn off the indicator before entering the password.
What should I do if I cannot remember the BIOS password?
If you have forgotten the BIOS password, contact VAIO-Link to reset it. A reset fee will be charged.
11
System Security
How can I protect my computer against security threats, such as viruses?
The Microsoft Windows operating system is preinstalled on your computer. The best way to protect your computer against security threats, such as viruses, is to download and install the latest Windows updates regularly.
You can get important Windows updates by doing the following:
Your computer must be connected to the Internet before you can receive updates.
1Connect to the Internet.
2Double-click the Windows Security Alerts icon on the taskbar.
3Follow 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 the latest updates from Symantec Corporation.
To download and install the latest security update
1Click Start, All Programs, Norton Internet Security, and Norton Internet Security.
2Click the item to update the software on the left pane.
3Follow the on-screen instructions to select and download updates.
12
Recovering your VAIO system
Before using your computer
This booklet explains how to resolve problems, make a backup copy of your
data, and recover your Sony VAIO® computer system with the following VAIO software applications and Windows features in case of computer malfunctions.
VAIO Recovery Center
VAIO Recovery Center contains the following VAIO software applications, tools, and Windows features:
Rescue Data
The Rescue Data software enables you to make a backup copy of your data stored on your hard disk.
Wipe and Erase Data
The Wipe and Erase Data software enables you to erase all the data on your hard disk.
VAIO Hardware Diagnostics
The VAIO Hardware Diagnostics software enables you to check your computer hardware (a CPU, memory module, hard disk, etc.).
Reinstall Programs or Drivers
The Reinstall Programs or Drivers program enables you to restore the preinstalled software or software drivers to the original factory condition.
Restore C: Drive
The Restore C: Drive program enables you to restore the C drive on your computer to the original factory condition.
Restore Complete System
The Restore Complete System program enables you to restore your entire computer system to the original factory condition.
Create Recovery Discs
The Create Recovery Discs program enables you to create your own recovery discs to recover your computer system.
Backup and Restore Center
Backup and Restore Center is the Windows backup feature that enables you to use the backup related capabilities.
VAIO Data Restore Tool
The VAIO Data Restore Tool software enables you to restore the backup copies made with the Rescue Data software.
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