Sony PCG1P2L, PCG1P1L User Manual

Operating Instructions - Hardware GuideUser GuideHardware GuideOperating Instructions - Hardware

GuideUser GuideUser Guide

Personal Computer

VGN-P SeriesVGN-P SeriesVGN-P SeriesVGN-P seriesVGN-P Series

Contents

Before Use .........................................................................................................................................................................7

Notice...........................................................................................................................................................................7

NERGY STAR ...............................................................................................................................................................8

Documentation .............................................................................................................................................................9

Ergonomic Considerations.........................................................................................................................................15

Getting Started .................................................................................................................................................................17

Locating Controls and Ports.......................................................................................................................................17

About the Indicator Lights ..........................................................................................................................................21

Connecting a Power Source ......................................................................................................................................24

Using the Battery Pack ..............................................................................................................................................25

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .......................................................................................................................32

Using Your VAIO Computer .............................................................................................................................................33

Using the Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................................34

Using the Pointing Device..........................................................................................................................................37

Using Special-function Buttons ..................................................................................................................................39

Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...................................................................................................................40

Using the Memory Stick .............................................................................................................................................42

Using the SD Memory Card .......................................................................................................................................47

Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................50

Using the Network (LAN) ...........................................................................................................................................52

Using the Wireless LAN (WLAN) ...............................................................................................................................54

Using the Bluetooth Function.....................................................................................................................................61

Using the Bluetooth® Function ..................................................................................................................................62

Using the Global Positioning System (GPS) Function ...............................................................................................67

Using Peripheral Devices .................................................................................................................................................69

Using the Noise Canceling Headphones ...................................................................................................................69

Connecting a Display/LAN Adapter ...........................................................................................................................74

Connecting an Optical Disc Drive ..............................................................................................................................77

Connecting External Speakers ..................................................................................................................................79

Connecting an External Display.................................................................................................................................81

Selecting Display Modes............................................................................................................................................84

Using the Multiple Monitors Function .........................................................................................................................86

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device......................................................................................................87

Connecting a Printer ..................................................................................................................................................89

Customizing Your VAIO Computer ..................................................................................................................................91

Setting the Password .................................................................................................................................................91

Setting Up Your Computer with the VAIO Control Center........................................................................................102

Using the Power Saving Modes...............................................................................................................................103

Managing Power with the VAIO Power Management ..............................................................................................108

Protecting the Hard Disk ..........................................................................................................................................109

Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................112

Handling the LCD Screen ........................................................................................................................................112

Using the Power Source ..........................................................................................................................................113

Handling Your Computer .........................................................................................................................................114

Handling the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera............................................................................................................118

Handling Floppy Disks .............................................................................................................................................118

Handling Discs .........................................................................................................................................................118

Using the Battery Pack ............................................................................................................................................119

Using Headphones ..................................................................................................................................................122

Handling the Memory Stick ......................................................................................................................................122

Handling the Hard Disk ............................................................................................................................................123

Updating Your Computer .........................................................................................................................................124

Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................126

Computer .................................................................................................................................................................127

System Security .......................................................................................................................................................138

Battery......................................................................................................................................................................140

Built-in MOTION EYE Camera.................................................................................................................................141

Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................144

Bluetooth Technology ..............................................................................................................................................148

GPS .........................................................................................................................................................................152

Optical Discs ............................................................................................................................................................153

Display .....................................................................................................................................................................155

Printing.....................................................................................................................................................................158

Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................159

Mouse ......................................................................................................................................................................160

Speakers..................................................................................................................................................................161

Pointing Device ........................................................................................................................................................162

Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................163

Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................164

Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................165

Memory Card ...........................................................................................................................................................166

Peripherals ...............................................................................................................................................................168

Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................169

Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................169

Program Support Information...................................................................................................................................174

e-Support .................................................................................................................................................................175

Trademarks ....................................................................................................................................................................177

Before Use

Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® 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 experience.

External views illustrated in this manual may look slightly different from those of your computer.

Information in the supplied manuals including this User Guide is intended for users of the VAIO computers with the Microsoft® Windows Vista® 32-bit operating system. You may find differences in the information when your computer comes preinstalled with the 64-bit operating system.

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Notice

machine-readable form without prior written approval. Sony Corporation provides no warranty with regard to this manual, the software, or other information contained herein and

hereby expressly disclaims any implied warranties or merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose with regard to this manual, the software, or such other information. In no event shall Sony Corporation be liable for any incidental, consequential, or special damages, whether based on tort, contract, or otherwise, arising out of or in connection with this manual, the software, or other information contained herein or the use thereof.

In the manual, the ™ or ® marks are not specified. Sony Corporation reserves the right to make any modification to this manual or the information contained herein at any time

without notice. The software described herein is governed by the terms of a separate user license agreement.

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Before Use

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ENERGY STAR

As an ENERGY STAR Partner, Sony has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency. The International ENERGY STAR Office Equipment Program is an international program that promotes energy saving through the use of computers and office equipment. The program backs the development and dissemination of products with functions that effectively reduce energy consumption.

For detailed information on the ENERGY STAR Program, visit the following web sites:

❑ http://www.energystar.gov ❑ http://www.eu-energystar.org

(USA)

(Europe)

This computer is designed in compliance with the ENERGY STAR standards and delivered with the following power saving settings:

❑ The LCD backlight is turned off automatically after about 15 minutes of inactivity. ❑ The computer enters Sleep mode automatically after about 30 minutes of inactivity.

Press any key to bring the computer back into Normal mode.

Before Use

For detailed information on power saving modes, see Using the Power Saving Modes (page 103).

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Documentation

Your documentation includes printed information and user guides to read on your VAIO computer.

Printed Documentation

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❑ Quick Start Guide — Contains an overview of components connection, set-up information, etc. ❑ Safety Information — Contains safety guidelines and owner information.

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❑ Instant Mode — Provides a guide to use Instant Mode.

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❑ Quick Start Guide — Describes the process from unpacking to starting up your VAIO. ❑ Troubleshooting and Recovery Guide — Contains solutions to problems other than those you encounter during normal

operation.

❑ Regulations, Guarantee, EULA and Service Support — Contains Sony guarantee conditions,

safety / regulations, modem regulations, wireless LAN regulations, wireless WAN regulations,

Bluetooth

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❑ Instant Mode — Provides a guide to use Instant Mode.

regulations, end user software license agreement, and Sony support services information.

Before Use

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❑ Specifications sheet — Contains a table of specifications, etc. ❑ Troubleshooting and Recovery Guide — Contains solutions to problems other than those you encounter during normal

operation.

❑ Safety Regulations

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❑ Instant Mode — Provides a guide to use Instant Mode.

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❑ Specifications sheet (1) — Contains a table of specifications, etc. ❑ Troubleshooting and Recovery Guide (1) — Contains solutions to problems other than those you encounter during

normal operation.

❑ Safety Regulations (1) ❑ Warranty Card (1) ❑ Approval sheet (1), etc.

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❑ Instant Mode — Provides a guide to use Instant Mode.

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Before Use

Non-printed Documentation

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❑ User Guide (this manual) — 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.

✍

To go to web sites described in this manual by clicking their respective URLs beginning with http://, your computer must be connected to the Internet.

❑ 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 the following URLs:

http://esupport.sony.com/EN/VAIO/ http://www.sony.ca/support/

for customers in Canada

http://esupport.sony.com/LA/ http://esupport.sony.com/BR/

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❑ VAIO Recovery Center User Guide — Provides information about restoring individual software programs, hardware

drivers, and drive partition(s) or your entire hard disk drive to the original factory settings.

for customers in USA

for customers in Spanish-speaking Latin American countries or areas

for customers in Brazil

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❑ VAIO Recovery Center User Guide — Provides information about restoring individual software programs, hardware

drivers, and drive partition(s) or your entire built-in storage device

* See the online specifications to find out about your storage device configuration.

to the original factory settings.

Before Use

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To access this on-screen guide:

1 Click Start and Help and Support. 2 Click Use my VAIO. 3 Click VAI O Recovery Center User Guide.

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❑ SmartWi™ Connection Utility Help (Selected models only) — Provides information about setting up Bluetooth®,

wireless LAN, GPS

, and wireless WAN* functions.

To access this on-screen guide:

1 Click Start, All Programs, and SmartWi Connection Utility. 2 Click SmartWi Connection Utility Help.

* The GPS and wireless WAN functions are available on selected models only. See the online specifications to find out whether your model supports

the functions.

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Help and Support

Help and Support is easy to access and provides a single location for general information and technical assistance for your VAIO computer. Choose from the following categories to find the answers you need.

To access Help and Support, click Start and Help and Support.

❑ Get started with my VAIO

Get help with Internet and wireless setup, security setup, personalizing your VAIO computer, and creating recovery DVDs and more.

❑ Use my VAIO

Access your VAIO user guide, interactive help in the form of VAIO tutorials, how-to articles, the VAIO technology page, specifications, and system and software information.

❑ Troubleshoot my VAIO

Maintain and troubleshoot your VAIO computer with VAIO Care, system restore, backup and recovery, and contact Sony support.

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❑ User Guide (this manual) — Explains features of your computer. It also includes information on solving common

problems. The User Guide is provided in PDF format for easy browsing and printing. To view this on-screen guide:

1 Double-click the Me&My VAIO icon on the desktop. 2 Click Menu, Me&My VAIO, I Need Help, and VAIO User Guide. 3 Open the folder for your language. 4 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 > Documentation and opening the folder for your language.

Before Use

To go to web sites described in this manual by clicking their respective URLs beginning with http://, your computer must be connected to the Internet.

❑ 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

Before Use

✍

You may have a separate disc that includes documentation for the bundled accessories.

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 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.

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❑ Hardware Guide (this manual) — Explains features of your computer. It also includes information on solving common

problems. The Hardware Guide is provided in PDF format for easy browsing and printing.

✍

To go to web sites described in this manual by clicking their respective URLs beginning with http://, your computer must be connected to the Internet.

❑ Software Guide — Provides specific information on certain preinstalled software on your computer. ❑ Important Notice — Provides information on specific items concerning your computer.

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Further Sources

❑ Consult the help files included with the software you are using for detailed information on features and troubleshooting.

Before Use

❑ Go to http://www.club-vaio.com to find online tutorials about your favorite VAIO software.

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Ergonomic Considerations

You will be using your computer as a portable device in a variety of environments. Whenever possible, you should attempt to take account of the following ergonomic considerations for both stationary and portable environments:

❑ Position of your computer – Place the computer directly in front of you (1). Keep your forearms horizontal (2), with your

wrists in a neutral, comfortable position (3) while using the keyboard, touch pad, or external mouse. Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides. Take frequent breaks while using your computer. Excessive use of the computer may strain eyes, muscles, or tendons.

Before Use

❑ 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 far backwards.

❑ Viewing angle of the computer's display – Use the display's tilting feature to find the best position. You can reduce eye

strain and muscle fatigue by adjusting the tilt of the display to the proper position. Adjust the brightness level of the display as well.

❑ Lighting – Choose a location where windows and lights do not cause glare and reflection on the display. Use indirect

lighting to avoid bright spots on the display. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work efficiency.

❑ 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.

Getting Started

This section describes how to get started using your VAIO computer.

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Before starting your computer for the first time, do not connect any other hardware that did not originally come with your computer. Be sure to start up your computer with only the supplied accessories connected and set up your system. Upon completion, connect one device (for example, a printer, an external hard disk drive, a scanner, and so on) at a time, following the manufacturers' instructions.

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❑ Locating Controls and Ports (page 17)

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❑ About the Indicator Lights (page 21)

❑ Connecting a Power Source (page 24)

❑ Using the Battery Pack (page 25)

❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 32)

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Locating Controls and Ports

Take a moment to identify the controls and ports shown on the following pages.

Front

Getting Started

A WIRELESS switch (page 54) B WIRELESS indicator (page 21) C SD memory card slot (page 47) D Media Access indicator (page 21)

E Memory Stick slot

(page 42)

F Built-in MOTION EYE camera indicator (page 21) G Built-in MOTION EYE camera (page 40) H LCD screen (page 112) I Built-in microphone (monaural) J Pointing stick (page 37) K Keyboard (page 34) L Power switch M Power indicator (page 21) N Charge indicator (page 21)

O Hard disk drive

Your computer supports only Duo-size Memory Stick.

The storage device configuration of your computer may include a built-in flash memory storage drive depending on the model you purchased. See the online specifications to find out about your configuration.

indicator (page 21)

Back

A Built-in speakers (stereo) B Window arrangement (S2) button (page 39) C Cross media (S1) button (page 39) D Num lock indicator (page 21) E Caps lock indicator (page 21) F Scroll lock indicator (page 21)

A Battery connector (page 25)

Getting Started

Right

Getting Started

A Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port B I/O port (page 75)

* Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.

(page 87)

Left

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About the Indicator Lights

A DC IN port (page 24) B Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port

(page 87)

C Headphones jack (page 69), (page 79)

* Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.

Getting Started

Your computer is equipped with the following indicator lights:

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Getting Started

Indicator Functions

Power 1 Illuminates in green when the computer is on, blinks slowly in orange while the computer is in Sleep mode, and

Charge

Built-in MOTION EYE camera Illuminates while the built-in MOTION EYE camera is in use.

Media Access Illuminates while data is being read from or written to a memory card. (Do not place the computer into Sleep

Hard disk drive

Num lock

Caps lock

Scroll lock

WIRELESS

turns off when the computer is off or in Hibernate mode.

Illuminates while the battery pack is charging. See Charging the Battery Pack (page 27) for more information.

mode or turn it off when this indicator is lit.) When the indicator is unlit, the memory card is not in use.

Illuminates while the drive is reading or writing data. Do not place the computer into Sleep mode or turn it off when this indicator is lit.

Press the Num Lk key to activate the numeric keypad. Press it a second time to deactivate the numeric keypad. The numeric keypad is not active when the indicator is unlit.

Press the Caps Lock key to type letters in uppercase. Letters appear in lowercase if you press the Shift key while the indicator is lit. Press the key a second time to turn off the indicator. Normal typing resumes when the Caps lock indicator is unlit.

Press the Scr Lk key to change how you scroll the display. Normal scrolling resumes when the Scroll lock indicator is unlit. The Scr Lk key functions differently depending on the program you are using and does not work with all programs.

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Illuminates when the WIRELESS switch is turned on, provided that one or more wireless options are enabled in the VAIO Smart Network window.

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Illuminates when the WIRELESS switch is turned on.

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Getting Started

Indicator Functions

* The storage device configuration of your computer may include a built-in flash memory storage drive depending on the model you purchased. See the online

specifications to find out about your configuration.

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Indicator Functions

Power 1 Illuminates in green when the computer is on, blinks slowly in orange while the computer is in Sleep mode, and

turns off when the computer is off or in Hibernate mode.

Charge

Built-in MOTION EYE camera Illuminates while the built-in MOTION EYE camera is in use.

Media Access Illuminates while data is being read from or written to a memory card. (Do not place the computer into Sleep

Hard disk drive

Num lock

Caps lock

Scroll lock

WIRELESS Illuminates when the WIRELESS switch is turned on, provided that one or more wireless options are enabled

Illuminates while the battery pack is charging. See Charging the Battery Pack (page 27) for more information.

mode or turn it off when this indicator is lit.) When the indicator is unlit, the memory card is not in use.

Illuminates while the drive is reading or writing data. Do not place the computer into Sleep mode or turn it off when this indicator is lit.

Press the Num Lk key to activate the numeric keypad. Press it a second time to deactivate the numeric keypad. The numeric keypad is not active when the indicator is unlit.

in the VAIO Smart Network window.

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Connecting a Power Source

You can use either an AC adapter or a rechargeable battery pack for supplying power to your computer.

Using the AC Adapter

✍

Use only the supplied AC adapter for your computer.

To use the AC adapter

1 Plug one end of the power cord (1) into the AC adapter (3). 2 Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet (2). 3 Plug the cable connected to the AC adapter (3) into the DC IN port (4) on the computer.

Getting Started

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The shape of the DC In plug varies depending on the AC adapter.

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Getting Started

✍

To disconnect your computer completely from AC power, unplug the AC adapter.

Make sure that the AC outlet is easily accessible.

If you do not intend to use your computer for a long period of time, place the computer into Hibernate mode. See Using Hibernate Mode (page 105). This power saving mode saves the time of shutting down and resuming.

Using the Battery Pack

The battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of delivery.

Installing the Battery Pack

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To install the battery pack

1 Turn off the computer and close the LCD screen lid. 2 Slide the battery LOCK switch (1) inward.

3 Fit the battery pack into the battery compartment.

The battery pack should be level with the bottom of the computer.

Getting Started

4 Slide the battery pack toward the front of the computer until it clicks into place.

5 Slide the battery LOCK switch outward to secure the battery pack on the computer.

Getting Started

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✍

When your computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack installed, it uses power from the AC outlet.

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This computer is designed to operate only with genuine Sony battery packs.

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Certain rechargeable batteries do not meet Sony quality and safety standards. For safety reasons this computer only functions with genuine Sony battery packs designed for this model. If an unauthorized battery pack is installed, the battery will not be charged and the computer will not function.

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For your safety, it is highly recommended that you use genuine Sony rechargeable battery packs and AC adapters that meet the quality assurance standards and supplied by Sony for your VAIO computer. Some VAIO computers may operate only with genuine Sony battery packs.

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For your safety, Sony recommends only using the genuine Sony battery packs that are designed to this model.

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Charging the Battery Pack

The battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of delivery.

Getting Started

To charge the battery pack

1 Install the battery pack. 2 Connect the AC adapter to the computer.

The charge indicator light turns on while the battery pack is charging. When the battery pack charges close to the maximum charge level you selected with the battery charge functions, the charge indicator turns off. To select your desired maximum charge level, see Using the Battery Charge Functions (page 29).

Charge indicator status Meaning

Lit in orange The battery pack is charging.

Blinks along with the green power indicator

Blinks along with the orange power indicator

Blinks fast in orange A battery error has occurred due to a failed battery

Charge the battery pack as described in this manual from your first battery charge.

The battery pack is running out of power. (Normal mode)

The battery pack is running out of power. (Sleep mode)

pack or an unlocked battery pack.

✍

Keep the battery pack in your computer while it is directly connected to AC power. The battery pack continues to charge while you are using the computer.

If the battery charge level falls below 10%, you should either connect the AC adapter to recharge the battery pack or shut down your computer and install a fully charged battery pack.

Your computer is supplied with a lithium ion battery pack and can be recharged any time. Charging a partially discharged battery pack does not affect the life of battery.

Getting Started

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By default, your computer enters Sleep mode automatically after about 30 minutes of inactivity when running on AC power. Press any key to bring it back into Normal mode. When running on battery power, it switches the power saving mode automatically from Sleep mode to Hibernate mode if the

computer is not used for a certain period of time. To bring it back from Hibernate mode to Normal mode, press the power button.

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While some software applications or peripheral devices are in use, your computer may not enter Hibernate mode even when the remaining battery life is short. To avoid loss of data when using battery power, you should save your data frequently and manually activate a power management mode, such

as Sleep or Hibernate.

If the battery pack wears out when the computer enters Sleep mode, you will lose all unsaved data. Going back to the previous work state is impossible. To avoid loss of data, you should save your data frequently.

When your computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack installed, it uses power from the AC outlet.

Using the Battery Charge Functions

You can select the battery charging method for your battery pack with the Battery Charge Functions. To make the life of battery longer, enable the battery care function.

To enable the battery care function

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1 Click Start , All Programs, and VAIO Control Center.

Getting Started

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1 Click Start, All Programs, and VAIO Control Center.

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2 Click Power Management and then Battery Charge Functions. 3 Click Advanced. 4 Click to select the Enable Battery Care Function check box in the right pane. 5 Select the desired maximum charge level. 6 Click OK.

To check the battery charge capacity

Follow steps 1 to 4 in To enable the battery care function above and check detailed information. If the battery charge capacity is low, replace the battery pack with a new genuine Sony battery pack.

Using the Battery Life Conserving Wallpaper

You can conserve your battery life just by setting the specific wallpaper as your desktop background.

To set the battery life conserving wallpaper

1 Click Start, All Programs, and VAIO Control Center. 2 Click Display and then Long Battery Life Wallpaper Setting.

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