Sony PCG5Q1L Users Guide
User GuideHardware GuideOperating
Instructions - Hardware GuideUser
Guide
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Personal Computer
VGN-GS SeriesVGN-GS SeriesVGN-GS100 Series
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Contents
Before Use .........................................................................................................................................................................7
Notice...........................................................................................................................................................................7
E
NERGY 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
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
© 2009 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved.
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.
Except IRX-4590_BGN
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)
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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).
Except IRX-4590_END
Documentation
Your documentation includes printed information and user guides to read on your VAIO computer.
Printed Documentation
US model_BGN
❑ Quick Start Guide — Contains an overview of components connection, set-up information, etc.
❑ Safety Information — Contains safety guidelines and owner information.
US model_END
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
US model_BGN
❑ 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.
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/
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.
for customers in USA
for customers in Spanish-speaking Latin American countries or areas
for customers in Brazil
Except IRX-4590_END
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:
1 Click Start and Help and Support.
2 Click Use my VAIO.
3 Click VAI O 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.
US model_END
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.
Except US model_END
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.
Getting Started
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.
US model_END
Except GVD model_BGN
❑ Locating Controls and Ports (page 14)
Except GVD model_END
❑ 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)
Except GVD model_BGN
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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.
Front
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Getting Started
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
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 Duo-
size Memory Stick.
*
(page 48)
Getting Started
Fingerprint sensor (page 94)
A
B Ambient 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)
*2
(page 35)
*1
(page 35)
E Drive eject button
F S2 button
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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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
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Getting Started
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.
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
* Support high-/full-/low- speeds.
*
(page 79)
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Getting Started
Except GVD model_END
About the Indicator Lights
Your computer is equipped with the following indicator lights:
IRX-4590_BGN
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
Media Access Illuminates while data is being read from or written to a memory card. (Do not place the computer into Sleep
Optical disc drive
Hard disk drive
*1
*2
/Optical disc drive*1
Num lock
Caps lock
Scroll lock
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.
US model_END
Illuminates while the battery pack is charging. See Charging the Battery Pack (page 25) 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. When the indicator is unlit, the optical disc media 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 Fn+Scr Lk keys 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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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
Media Access Illuminates while data is being read from or written to a memory card. (Do not place the computer into Sleep
Optical disc drive Illuminates while the drive is reading or writing data. When the indicator is unlit, the optical disc media is not in
Hard disk drive/Optical disc 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
GVD model_END
IRX-4590_END
Illuminates while the battery pack is charging. See Charging the Battery Pack (page 25) 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.
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 Fn+Scr Lk keys 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.
in the VAIO Smart Network window.
Connecting a Power Source
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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.
!
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.
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Getting Started
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.
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.
1 Turn off the computer and close the LCD screen lid.
2 Slide the battery LOCK switch (1) outward.
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Getting Started
3 Slide 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.
4 Push the battery pack down into the compartment until it clicks into place.
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Getting Started
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
1 Install the battery pack.
2 Connect 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
indicator
Blinks along with the orange power
indicator
Blinks fast in orange A battery error has occurred due to a failed battery
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.
!
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
2 Click Power Management and then Battery Charge Functions.
3 Click Advanced.
4 Click to select the Enable Battery Care Function check box.
5 Select the desired maximum charge level.
6 Click 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
1 Click Start, All Programs, and VAIO Control Center.
2 Click Display and then Long Battery Life Wallpaper Setting.
3 Click 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
1 Turn off the computer and close the LCD screen lid.
2 Slide the battery LOCK switch (1) outward.
3 Slide 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.
IRX-4590_END
Shutting Down Your Computer Safely
To avoid losing unsaved data, be sure to shut down your computer properly, as described below.
To shut down your computer
1 Turn off any peripherals connected to the computer.
Except GVD model_BGN
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Getting Started
2 Click Start, the arrow next to the Lock button, and then Shut Down.
Except GVD model_END
Except US model_BGN
3 Click Start, the arrow next to the Lock button, and then Shut Down.
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Getting Started
Except US model_END
4 Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents or to consider other users and wait for the computer to turn off
automatically.
The power indicator light turns off.
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