Sony PCG5Q1L Users Guide

User GuideHardware GuideOperating

Instructions - Hardware GuideUser

Guide

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Personal Computer

V G N - G S S e r i e s V G N - G S S e r i e s V G N - G S 1 0 0 S e r i e s

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Contents
Before Use .........................................................................................................................................................................	7
Notice...........................................................................................................................................................................	7
ENERGY STAR ...............................................................................................................................................................	8
Documentation.............................................................................................................................................................	9
Ergonomic Considerations.........................................................................................................................................	12
Getting Started .................................................................................................................................................................	14
Locating Controls and Ports.......................................................................................................................................	14
About the Indicator Lights ..........................................................................................................................................	19
Connecting a Power Source ......................................................................................................................................	21
Using the Battery Pack ..............................................................................................................................................	22
Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .......................................................................................................................	29
Using Your VAIO Computer .............................................................................................................................................	31
Using the Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................................	32
Using the Touch Pad .................................................................................................................................................	34
Using Special-function Buttons ..................................................................................................................................	35
Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................	37
Using the PC Card .....................................................................................................................................................	45
Using the Memory Stick .............................................................................................................................................	48
Using the SD Memory Card .......................................................................................................................................	52
Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................	55
Using the Network (LAN) ...........................................................................................................................................	57

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Using the Wireless LAN (WLAN) ...............................................................................................................................	58
Using the Bluetooth Function.....................................................................................................................................	64
Using Peripheral Devices.................................................................................................................................................	70
Connecting External Speakers ..................................................................................................................................	70
Connecting an External Display.................................................................................................................................	71
Selecting Display Modes............................................................................................................................................	75
Using the Multiple Monitors Function.........................................................................................................................	76
Connecting an External Microphone..........................................................................................................................	78
Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device......................................................................................................	79
Connecting a Printer ..................................................................................................................................................	82
Customizing Your VAIO Computer ..................................................................................................................................	83
Setting the Password .................................................................................................................................................	83
Using Fingerprint Authentication................................................................................................................................	94
Using the Trusted Platform Module (TPM)...............................................................................................................	103
Setting Up Your Computer with the VAIO Control Center........................................................................................	108
Using the VAIO Status Monitor ................................................................................................................................	109
Using the Power Saving Modes...............................................................................................................................	109
Managing Power with the VAIO Power Management..............................................................................................	114
Protecting Data from Unauthorized Use ..................................................................................................................	115
Protecting the Hard Disk ..........................................................................................................................................	117
Configuring Your Modem .........................................................................................................................................	119
Upgrading Your VAIO Computer....................................................................................................................................	121
Adding and Removing Memory................................................................................................................................	122

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Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................	127
Handling the LCD Screen ........................................................................................................................................	127
Using the Power Source ..........................................................................................................................................	128
Handling Your Computer .........................................................................................................................................	129
Handling the Liquid-resistant Structure....................................................................................................................	132
Handling Floppy Disks .............................................................................................................................................	135
Handling Discs .........................................................................................................................................................	135
Using the Battery Pack ............................................................................................................................................	136
Using Headphones ..................................................................................................................................................	138
Handling the Memory Stick ......................................................................................................................................	138
Handling the Hard Disk ............................................................................................................................................	139
Updating Your Computer .........................................................................................................................................	140
Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................	142
Computer .................................................................................................................................................................	143
System Security .......................................................................................................................................................	152
Battery......................................................................................................................................................................	153
Internet.....................................................................................................................................................................	154
Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................	156
Bluetooth Technology ..............................................................................................................................................	160
Optical Discs ............................................................................................................................................................	164
Display .....................................................................................................................................................................	168
Printing.....................................................................................................................................................................	171
Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................	173
Mouse ......................................................................................................................................................................	174

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Speakers..................................................................................................................................................................	175
Touch Pad................................................................................................................................................................	177
Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................	177
Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................	178
PC Cards .................................................................................................................................................................	179
Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................	181
Memory Stick ...........................................................................................................................................................	182
Peripherals...............................................................................................................................................................	184
Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................	186
Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................	186
Trademarks ....................................................................................................................................................................	191

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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.

Notice

This manual and the software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, translated, or reduced to any 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

Sony Corporation is not liable and will not compensate for any lost recordings made to your computer, external recording media, or recording devices or any relevant losses, including when recordings are not made due to reasons including your computer failure, or when the contents of a recording are lost or damaged as a result of your computer failure or repair undertaken to your computer. Sony Corporation will not restore, recover, or replicate the recorded contents made to your computer, external recording media, or recording devices under any circumstances.

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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 (USA)

http://www.eu-energystar.org (Europe)

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Before Use

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.

For detailed information on power saving modes, see Using the Power Saving Modes (page 109).

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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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GVD model_BGN

Specifications sheet — Contains a table of specifications, etc.

Troubleshooting and Recovery Guide — Contains solutions to problems other than those you encounter during normal operation, an explanation of how to make a backup copy of your data and recover your computer system, and sources of support information.

Safety Regulations

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Before Use

GVD model_END

Non-printed Documentation

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User Guide (this manual) — Explains features of your computer. It also includes 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.

2Go to the Sony online support web site at the following URLs: http://esupport.sony.com/EN/VAIO/ for customers in USA http://www.sony.ca/support/ for customers in Canada

http://esupport.sony.com/LA/ for customers in Spanish-speaking Latin American countries or areas http://esupport.sony.com/BR/ for customers in Brazil

Except IRX-4590_BGN

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.

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IRX-4590_BGN

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 to the original factory settings.

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Before Use

IRX-4590_END

To access this on-screen guide:

1Click Start and Help and Support.

2Click Use my VAIO.

3Click VAIO Recovery Center User Guide.

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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Except US model_BGN

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.

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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.

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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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:

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Before Use

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.

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.

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Getting Started

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

US model_BGN

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 14)

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About the Indicator Lights (page 19)

Connecting a Power Source (page 21)

Using the Battery Pack (page 22)

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 29)

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Locating Controls and Ports

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

The appearance of your computer may be different from those illustrated in this manual due to variations in specifications. It may also vary in some countries or areas.

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Getting Started

Front

A LCD screen (page 127)

B Power button

C Power indicator (page 19)

D Num lock indicator (page 19)

E Caps lock indicator (page 19)

F Scroll lock indicator (page 19)

G Keyboard (page 32)

H Touch pad (page 34)

I Memory Stick slot* (page 48)

J SD memory card slot (page 52)

K Media Access indicator (page 19)

L Drain hole (page 132)

* Your computer supports both the standard-size Memory Stick and the Duosize Memory Stick.

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Getting Started

A Fingerprint sensor (page 94)

BAmbient light sensor (page 169)

Measures ambient light intensity for automatically adjusting the LCD brightness to the optimum level.

C WIRELESS switch (page 58)

D S1 button (page 35)

E Drive eject button*1 (page 35)

F S2 button*2 (page 35)

G Charge indicator (page 19)

H Hard disk drive*3/Optical disc drive indicator (page 19)

I WIRELESS indicator (page 19)

J Built-in speaker (monaural)

K Air vent

L Headphones jack (page 70)

M Microphone jack (page 78)

*1	On models with a built-in optical disc drive.
*2	On models without a built-in optical disc drive.
*3	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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Getting Started

Back

A Battery RELEASE latch (page 28)

B Battery connector (page 22)

C Battery LOCK switch (page 23)

D Drain hole (page 132)

E Air vent

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Getting Started

Right

A Optical disc drive*1 (page 37)

B Manual eject hole (page 164)

C Substitute drive eject button (page 37)

D Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port*2 (page 79)

E Modem port (page 55)

F Monitor port (page 72)

*1 On selected models only.

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

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Getting Started

Left

A Security slot

B DC IN port (page 21)

C Network (Ethernet) port (page 57)

D Air vent

E PC Card slot (page 45)

F PC Card release button (page 47)

G Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports* (page 79)

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

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About the Indicator Lights

Your computer is equipped with the following indicator lights:

IRX-4590_BGN

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			Getting Started

US model_BGN


	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	Illuminates while the battery pack is charging. See Charging the Battery Pack (page 25) for more information.

	Media Access	Illuminates while data is being read from or written to a memory card. (Do not place the computer into Sleep
		mode or turn it off when this indicator is lit.) When the indicator is unlit, the memory card is not in use.

	Optical disc drive*1	Illuminates while the drive is reading or writing data. When the indicator is unlit, the optical disc media is not in
		use.

	Hard disk drive*2	Illuminates while the drive is reading or writing data. Do not place the computer into Sleep mode or turn it off
	/Optical disc drive*1	when this indicator is lit.
	/Optical disc drive*1

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


	Caps lock	Press the Caps Lock key to type letters in uppercase. Letters appear in lowercase if you press the Shift key
	Caps lock	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.

	Scroll lock	Press the Fn+Scr Lk keys to change how you scroll the display. Normal scrolling resumes when the Scroll lock
	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.

	WIRELESS	Illuminates when the WIRELESS switch is turned on.

*1	On selected models only.
*2	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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			Getting Started

GVD model_BGN


	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	Illuminates while the battery pack is charging. See Charging the Battery Pack (page 25) for more information.

	Media Access	Illuminates while data is being read from or written to a memory card. (Do not place the computer into Sleep
		mode or turn it off when this indicator is lit.) When the indicator is unlit, the memory card is not in use.

	Optical disc drive	Illuminates while the drive is reading or writing data. When the indicator is unlit, the optical disc media is not in
		use.

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

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


	Caps lock	Press the Caps Lock key to type letters in uppercase. Letters appear in lowercase if you press the Shift key
	Caps lock	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.

	Scroll lock	Press the Fn+Scr Lk keys to change how you scroll the display. Normal scrolling resumes when the Scroll lock
	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.

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


GVD model_END

IRX-4590_END

Connecting a Power Source

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

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Getting Started

Using the AC Adapter

Use only the supplied AC adapter for your computer.

To use the AC adapter

1Plug one end of the power cord (1) into the AC adapter (3).

2Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet (2).

3Plug the cable connected to the AC adapter (3) into the DC IN port (4) on the computer.

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

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 112).

Using the Battery Pack

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

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Getting Started

Installing the Battery Pack

IRX-4590_BGN

To install the battery pack

Be careful not to hit the LCD screen with the battery pack while installing it.

1Turn off the computer and close the LCD screen lid.

2Slide the battery LOCK switch (1) outward.

3Slide the battery pack diagonally into the battery compartment until the projections (2) on either side of the battery compartment fit into the U-shaped cuts (3) on either side of the battery pack.

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Getting Started

4 Push the battery pack down into the compartment until it clicks into place.

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Getting Started

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

IRX-4590_END

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

US model_BGN

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

US model_END

GVD model_BGN

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.

GVD model_END

Charging the Battery Pack

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

To charge the battery pack

1Install the battery pack.

2Connect the computer to a power source with the AC adapter.

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 27).

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Getting Started

Charge indicator status	Meaning

Lit in orange	The battery pack is charging.

Blinks along with the green power	The battery pack is running out of power. (Normal
indicator	mode)

Blinks along with the orange power	The battery pack is running out of power. (Sleep mode)
indicator

Blinks fast in orange	A battery error has occurred due to a failed battery
	pack or an unlocked battery pack.

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

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.

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.

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Getting Started

Using the Battery Charge Functions

You can customize the current battery charging method using the Battery Charge Functions. To make the life of battery longer, enable the battery care function.

To enable the battery care function

Except US model_BGN

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

Except US model_END

Except GVD model_BGN

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

Except GVD model_END

2Click Power Management and then Battery Charge Functions.

3Click Advanced.

4Click to select the Enable Battery Care Function check box.

5Select the desired maximum charge level.

6Click OK.

To check the battery charge capacity

Follow steps 1 to 3 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.

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Getting Started

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

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

2Click Display and then Long Battery Life Wallpaper Setting.

3Click Set Long Battery Life Wallpaper. At the confirmation prompt, click OK.

Removing the Battery Pack

You may lose data if you remove the battery pack while your computer is on and not connected to the AC adapter or if you remove the battery pack while the computer is in Sleep mode.

IRX-4590_BGN

To remove the battery pack

1Turn off the computer and close the LCD screen lid.

2Slide the battery LOCK switch (1) outward.

3Slide and hold the battery RELEASE latch (2), put your fingertip underneath the tab (3) on the battery pack, and lift the battery pack in the direction of the arrow, and then slide it away from the computer.