Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer, and welcome to the online VAIO® Computer User Guide.
This user guide provides detailed information on all aspects of using your new VAIO computer, from keyboard functions to
preinstalled software programs.
In the left navigation window, click the topics you want to learn more about, and that information will be displayed in this
main window.
View the Electronic Flyer, which provides updates and supplemental information about your computer.
Page 1
Powering Your Computer
Your VAIO® computer comes with a battery and an AC adapter. This chapter explains how to install and use these supplied
accessories to power your computer. It also describes ways you can efficiently utilize the battery as a power source.
Using AC Power
Using the Battery
Conserving Battery Power
Page 2
Using AC Power
The supplied battery is not charged when you receive your computer. To use your computer immediately, use the supplied
AC adapter as the power source. While the computer uses AC power it automatically charges the battery if it is inserted.
See Using the Battery for more information on installing and using your battery.
Connecting the AC adapter
Turning on the computer
Page 3
Connecting the AC adapter
To connect the AC adapter
1.
Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC IN port on your computer.
Connecting the AC Adapter to the Computer
2.
Plug one end of the power cord into the AC adapter, and plug the other end into an AC outlet.
Use only the AC adapter supplied with your computer.
Page 4
Turning on the computer
To turn on the computer
1.
Slide the OPEN switch to the right, and lift the cover while holding the bottom of the computer firmly.
Opening the Computer
2.
Press the power button until the power indicator turns on.
Turning on the Computer
If you hold the power button down, the computer turns off.
3.
If necessary, adjust the brightness controls for the computer screen (LCD) as follows:
To increase light intensity, press the Fn+F5 keys. Press the Up Arrow key or the Right Arrow key
.
To decrease light intensity, press the Fn+F5 keys. Press the Down Arrow key or the Left Arrow key
.
Page 5
Using the Battery
A battery is an auxiliary power source you can use when your computer is not plugged into an AC outlet. Your computer
may come equipped with one or two battery bays, depending on the model you purchased. If your computer comes with
two battery bays, you can purchase a second rechargeable battery to extend your computing time. Regardless how many
batteries you use, you can always extend the life of the battery by conserving power. See Conserving Battery Power for
more information.
Inserting a battery
Removing a battery
Using a second battery
Displaying battery information
Charging a battery
Notes on batteries
Frequently asked questions
The battery that comes with your computer is not fully charged at the time of purchase.
The brightness of your computer screen automatically dims when you switch from AC power to battery power. To
increase the brightness of your screen, press the Fn + F5 keys. Press the Up Arrow or Right Arrow .
Page 6
Inserting a battery
To insert a battery
1.
Push the battery bay cover down to open it. The battery bay cover swings out but does not detach from the
computer.
Opening the Battery Bay
2.
Slide the battery into the battery bay. If the computer is on, it automatically detects the battery.
Inserting a Battery
3.
Push the battery bay cover up until it clicks into place.
If the port replicator is attached to your computer, do not insert or remove the battery. Lifting and turning the
computer with the port replicator attached could cause a temporary loss of power.
Some software programs and peripheral devices prevent the system from entering Hibernate mode. If you are using a
program that prevents the system from entering Hibernate mode, save your data frequently to avoid data loss. See Using
power saving modes for information on how you can manually activate a power saving mode.
Page 7
Removing a battery
If you are not using the computer for an extended period of time, remove the battery from the computer to avoid damaging
the battery. You can remove the battery when the computer is on or off.
If the computer is on, connect the AC adapter and exit a power saving mode before you remove the battery.
To remove a battery
1.
Push the battery bay cover down to open it.
2.
Pull the battery out of the battery bay.
Remov ing a Battery
3.
Push in and lift up the battery bay cover until it clicks into place.
Page 8
Using a second battery
To insert a second battery
1.
If another device is in the multipurpose bay, remove that device.
2.
Insert the battery into the multipurpose bay. When the computer uses the second battery, the Battery 2
indicator turns on.
Inserting the Second Battery
3.
Slide the weight saver in the direction of the arrow until it clicks into place. The weight saver stabilizes the
battery.
Inserting the Weight Saver
To remove the second battery
1.
Make sure the Battery 2 indicator is off and the Battery 1 indicator is on or the computer is connected to AC
power. If the Battery 2 indicator is on, right-click the battery icon on the taskbar, and click Switch dischargebattery.
2.
Turn the computer over, and unlock the multipurpose bay RELEASE switch.
Unlocking the RELEASE Switch
3.
Pull the weight saver and battery gently from the multipurpose bay.
4.
Insert the weight saver into the multipurpose bay to protect the bay. See "Using the Weight Saver" for more
information.
Page 9
Displaying battery information
You can display the remaining battery charge on the Battery Information toolbar and/or the Battery Information window.
To display the Battery Information toolbar
1.
Right-click the center of the Windows® taskbar.
2.
Select Toolbars from the shortcut menu, and click Battery Information. The Battery Information toolbar
appears on the taskbar.
If the Battery Information toolbar is hidden behind the taskbar icons, click and drag the edge of the BatteryInformation toolbar to the left until it is in clear view.
The total charge remaining in the battery is listed in percent and real-time values. The following toolbar indicates there is 87
percent or approximately 2 hours and 4 minutes of battery charge left.
Battery Information Toolbar
Percentage indicator — Displays the percentage of the remaining charge.
Time indicator — Displays estimated time (hours : minutes) remaining before the battery fully discharges, also
known as the time-to-empty.
To close the Battery Information toolbar
1.
Right-click the Battery Information toolbar.
2.
Select Toolbars from the shortcut menu, and click to cancel Battery Information. The Battery Information
toolbar disappears from the toolbar.
To display the Battery Information window
The battery icons that appear on the Battery Information toolbar and the Battery Information window indicate the
current status of the installed battery.
Battery icon Battery status
Charging
Fully charged
Discharging
No battery
1.
Double-click the Battery icon on the Windows taskbar. The Battery Information window appears.
Battery Information Window
Page 10
Battery tab — Displays the total charge remaining in the battery. You can click Advanced for specific information on
the battery.
Alarms tab — Displays the alarm settings, which notify you when the battery is fully charged or too low. You can
change your computer's alarm settings on this window.
Click Help in the lower right corner of the window for more information.
Page 11
Charging a battery
You will need to charge the battery if battery power drops below 10 percent or you have not used the battery for a long
time. The lithium-ion battery supplied with your computer may be recharged at any time, whether you wait until the battery
is completely or partially discharged. Charging a partially discharged battery does not affect battery life. If you charge the
battery and find that battery power is still low, the battery may be reaching the end of its life, and you may need to replace
it.
The battery supplied with your computer is not charged at the time of purchase.
To charge a battery
You can charge the battery when the computer is on or off. However, the battery will charge faster when the computer is
off. Charging the battery takes several hours. See your printed VAIO® Computer Specifications for the approximate time
needed to charge your battery.
Charge the battery at temperatures between 50°F and 80°F (10°C to 30°C). Lower temperatures require more time
to charge.
1.
Insert the battery into the battery bay. If you want to charge more than one battery, insert the second battery
into the computer. See To insert a second battery for more information.
2.
Connect the AC adapter to the computer. The computer automatically charges the battery as long as the
computer is using AC power.
The battery indicator blinks while the battery charges. The battery indicator stops blinking when the battery is fully
charged.
When using two batteries, the battery you insert first charges first. The second battery you insert begins charging
when the first battery is 85 percent charged.
Battery Indicators
Battery indicator status Description
On The computer is using battery power.
Single blink The battery is running out of power.
Double blink The battery is charging.
Off The computer is using AC power.
Page 12
Notes on batteries
Never leave the battery in temperatures above 140°F (60°C), such as under direct sunlight or in a car parked in the
sun.
While the battery is in use or being discharged, the battery heats up. This is normal and is not cause for concern.
Keep the battery away from all sources of heat.
Keep the battery dry.
Do not open or disassemble the battery.
Do not expose the battery to any mechanical shock.
Battery life is shorter in a cold environment because of decreased battery efficiency at low temperatures.
Page 13
Frequently asked questions
How do I know when the battery is charged?
To determine the remaining battery charge, see Displaying battery information.
When is the computer using AC power?
When the computer is directly connected to the AC adapter, it uses AC power, even if a battery is installed.
When should I recharge the battery?
When the battery level falls below 10 percent.
When both the battery and power indicators blink.
When you have not used the battery for a long time.
Page 14
Conserving Battery Power
You may use the power saving modes and PowerPanel utility to conserve battery power. Conserving battery power may
significantly extend your computing time, depending on how you use your computer.
Using power saving modes
Using PowerPanel utility
Frequently asked questions
Page 15
Using power saving modes
In addition to the normal operating mode, which allows you to turn off specific devices, your computer has two distinct
power saving modes: Standby and Hibernate. Use the Standby and Hibernate power saving modes to override a profile
setting or initiate an immediate action.
Standby — Saves the state of the system and peripheral devices in memory (RAM). Power consumption is reduced
to a minimum. The system remains on, and the computer screen (LCD) is off.
Hibernate — Saves the state of the system and peripheral devices to the hard disk. Power consumption is reduced
to the lowest possible setting without being completely off. Hibernate mode consumes the lowest level of power.
Your computer enters Hibernate mode when the remaining battery charge drops below 5 percent, regardless of the
setting you select.
Some software programs and peripheral devices prevent the system from entering Hibernate mode. If you are using a
program that prevents the system from entering Hibernate mode, save your data frequently to avoid data loss.
To activate Standby mode
1.
Press the key combination Fn+Esc. The power indicator blinks in this mode.
2.
Press any key to return to Normal mode.
To activate Hibernate mode
1.
Press the key combination Fn+F12 or the power button and release it immediately. Do not move the computer
until the power indicator turns off.
2.
Press the power button to return to normal mode.
If the computer does not activate Hibernate mode, see Frequently asked questions for more information.
Page 16
Using PowerPanel utility
The PowerPanel utility enables you to select and customize a predefined power management profile to conserve battery
life. The following table describes all the predefined power management profiles in PowerPanel. Your computer is set to
Automatic Profile Selection by default. You can customize the settings for all the following profiles, except the Disable Power
Management profile.
Profile
Icon Description
Maximum Performance
Provides the best system performance but conserves minimal power.
Maximum Battery Life
Provides power saving features to give you maximum battery life and good performance. It slows the computer and puts it
into Standby mode after a specified time.
Ultimate Battery Life1
Extends the Maximum Battery Life by disabling the i.LINK port.
Power Management Off
Disables all power management settings, such as Standby and Hibernate modes. You cannot change the settings of this
profile.
AC Power
Indicates when AC power is in use. Similar to the Power Management Off setting. Power Management automatically loads
the AC profile unless you disable this feature.
Games
Disables the display and the Hard Disk Standby timer.
Presentation
Keeps the display on at all times while it conserves power. This option is ideal for slide show presentations. You can
establish settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and Standby mode to optimize power management for your
system.
Camera
Optimizes performance and power requirements for camera usage.
DVD
Optimizes performance and power requirements for DVD usage.
Word Processing
Optimizes power management with longer time-outs on the hard disk and display screen. You can also establish settings
for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and Standby mode to optimize power management for your system.
Spreadsheet
Optimizes performance and power requirements for spreadsheet programs.
Communications
Extends battery life by initiating a quick display time-out. The Internal modem remains powered on. You can also establish
settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and Standby mode to optimize power management for your system.
Automatic Profile Selection
Switches automatically to a profile suitable for active software programs.
1
For models with an i.LINK port.
Page 17
Do not choose the Automatic Profile Selection when connected to AC power.
To select a profile
1.
Right-click the Battery icon on the Windows taskbar. See To display the Battery Information window for Battery
icon descriptions.
2.
Select Profiles, and click the profile on the shortcut menu. The profile settings are implemented instantly. See
Using PowerPanel utility for descriptions of available profiles.
When you use the battery to power your computer, your system automatically selects the Maximum Battery Life power
management profile by default. If you select a different power management profile while using battery power, that profile is
selected automatically the next time you use the battery to power your computer.
See PowerPanel Help for information on customizing the power management profiles.
To customize your profile settings
You can customize your profile settings to sustain enough power for a particular computing function.
1.
Right-click the Battery icon on the Windows® taskbar. See To display the Battery Information window for Battery
icon descriptions.
2.
Select Edit/Create Profiles from the shortcut menu.
3.
In the left panel, click the profile you want to change.
4.
Right-click the setting under System, LCD(Video), Hard Disk, or Other Devices that you want to change. See
the following table for a description of each power profile.
5.
Make your changes from the drop-down menu.
6.
Click File, and click Save.
Power profile Description
CPU Control1 Controls the processor speed. You can select either Performance, Adaptive, Battery Life, or More Battery
Life. These selections are listed in order from the greatest to least amount of power consumed.
System Standby Timer Controls the time it takes the system to activate the Standby mode when it is idle. The longer
you allow the computer to sit idle while it is not in a power saving mode the more power the computer consumes.
Hibernate Timer Controls the time it takes the system to activate the Hibernate mode when it is idle. The longer you
allow the computer to sit idle while it is not in a power saving mode the more power the computer consumes. Hibernate
mode conserves more power than Standby mode.
Thermal Control Strategy1 Controls the speed of the processor fan. You can set the fan speed to Quiet, which
conserves the most power, or Performance.
Lid Close Action Controls the state of your system when you close the computer's lid. You can select either Standby
or Hibernate mode, or you can select LCD Off. Hibernate or LCD Off conserves the most power.
Hibernate on Low Battery Controls the state of your system when the battery power is low. You can turn this setting
On or Off. Selecting On conserves the most power when the battery is low.
LCD Brightness Controls the brightness of the computer screen (LCD). You can select a brightness level of one to
nine, with one being the darkest setting. The darker you set the computer screen the more power you conserve.
LCD Standby Timer Controls the time it takes the system to switch the LCD to Standby mode when the system is idle.
This setting only turns off power to the LCD. The system itself still functions on full power.
Page 18
HDD Standby Timer Controls the time it takes the system to switch the hard disk drive to Standby mode when the
system is idle. This setting only turns off power to the hard disk drive.
i.LINK Port Controls the power supply to the i.LINK port. You can disable power to the i.LINK port to conserve power.
Memory Stick Port Power-saving Controls the power supply to the Memory Stick slot. You can disable power to the
Memory Stick slot to conserve power.
1
Slows the process or s peed.
Page 19
Frequently asked questions
Can my computer enter Hibernate mode while using battery power?
Your computer can enter Hibernate mode while using battery power, but some software programs and peripheral devices
prevent the system from entering Hibernate mode at all. If you are using a program that prevents the system from entering
Hibernate mode, save your data frequently. See Using power saving modes for information on how you can manually
activate Hibernate mode.
When should I replace the battery?
If, after fully charging the battery, the battery power is still low, the battery may be reaching the end of its life and should
be replaced.
Why is the battery warm?
While the battery is in use or being discharged, the battery heats up. This is normal and is not cause for concern.
Page 20
Internet and Network Connections
Internet Connections
Network Connections
Connecting Another VAIO Computer
Page 21
Internet Connections
This section describes the basic steps for setting up your dial-up or Ethernet connection to the Internet. The Internet
Connection Wizard guides you through the process of connecting to the Internet and choosing an Internet service provider
(ISP) or setting up an existing account. When you connect to the Internet, you can register your VAIO® computer, use online
services, and gain access to Sony Computing Support.
Setting up a dial-up Internet connection
Setting up an Ethernet Internet connection
Customizing your Internet connection
Frequently asked questions
Page 22
Setting up a dial-up Internet connection
Before you can connect to the Internet, you need to connect your computer to a telephone line via a telephone cable (not
supplied). Once you have set up your telephone cable, you're ready to connect to the Internet.
To connect a telephone cable
1.
Locate the Modem jack on your computer. For location information, see Locating Ports and Controls in the Setting
Up chapter of your printed VAIO® Computer Quick Start.
2.
Plug one end of the telephone cable into the Modem jack. Make sure it clicks into place.
3.
Plug the other end into the wall jack.
Connecting a Telephone Cable
Your computer does not work with party lines, cannot be connected to a coin-operated telephone, and may not
work with multiple telephone lines or a private branch exchange (PBX). Some of these connections may result in excess
electrical current and could cause a malfunction in the internal modem.
If you connect a telephone cable coming through a splitter, the modem or connected device may not work properly.
To set up a dial-up connection to the Internet
1.
Connect your computer to a telephone line. See To connect a telephone cable for more information.
2.
Click Start, point to Programs, Accessories, Communications, and click Internet Connection Wizard. The
Internet Connection Wizard appears.
Internet Connection Wizard
3.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
Page 23
Setting up an Ethernet Internet connection
Your computer accommodates both 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX Ethernet connections, with data transfer speeds of between
10 and 100 Mbps, depending on the line conditions and Ethernet cable.
To connect an Ethernet cable
1.
Locate the Ethernet port on your computer. For location information, see Locating Ports and Controls in the
Setting Up chapter of your printed VAIO® Computer Quick Start.
Connecting an Ethernet Cable
2.
Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into your computer's Ethernet port and the other into the network
connection.
Your computer does not work with party lines, cannot be connected to a coin-operated telephone, and may not
work with multiple phone lines or a private branch exchange (PBX). Some of these connections may result in excess
electrical current and could cause a malfunction in the internal modem.
If you connect a telephone cable via a splitter, the modem or connected device may not work properly.
To set up an Ethernet connection to the Internet
1.
Connect your computer to a network connection. See To connect an Ethernet cable for more information.
2.
Click Start, point to Settings, Control Panel, and click Internet Options. The Internet Properties dialog box
appears.
3.
Click to open the Connections tab, and click LAN Settings near the bottom of the dialog box. The Local Area
Network (LAN) Settings dialog boxappears.
Local Area Network (LAN) Settings
Page 24
4.
Click to select the Automatically detect settings check box.
5.
Click to select the Use automatic configuration script, and type an address in the Address box.
6.
Click OK.
Page 25
Customizing your Internet connection
The Internet Properties dialog box enables you to change the way you view the Internet. You can change your home page,
fonts, language, and colors. You can also regulate content and set your browsing preferences.
To open the Internet Properties dialog box
1.
Click Start, point to Settings, Control Panel, and click Internet Options. The Internet Properties dialog box
appears.
2.
Click the tabs to view customizing options.
3.
Make changes, and click Apply to activate your changes.
4.
Click OK.
Page 26
Frequently asked questions
Why doesn't my modem work?
Make sure the telephone cable is securely plugged into the Modem jack and the wall jack. See To connect a
telephone cable for more information.
Make sure the telephone cable is working by plugging the cable into an ordinary telephone and listening for a dial
tone.
Make sure the telephone number the program is dialing is correct.
Make sure the software you are using is compatible with the computer's modem. (All preinstalled Sony programs are
compatible.)
If you are still experiencing problems, use the supplied Application Recovery CD(s) to reinstall the modem driver
software. See Using the Application Recovery CD(s) for more information.
Why is my modem connection slow?
Your computer is equipped with a V.90 compatible modem. Many factors may influence modem connection speed, including
telephone line noise or compatibility with telephone equipment, such as fax machines or other modems. If you think your
modem is not connecting properly to other PC-based modems, fax machines, or your Internet Service Provider (ISP), follow
these steps:
Ask your telephone company to verify your telephone line is free of any line noise.
If your problem is fax-related, make sure there are no problems with the fax machine you are calling and that it is
compatible with fax modems.
If you are having a problem connecting with your ISP, make sure the ISP is not experiencing technical problems.
If you have a second telephone cable available, try connecting the modem to that cable.
Page 27
Network Connections
With a Sony computer, you can easily set up or connect to a variety of networks. The Network Connection Wizard makes it
easy to gain access to remote and local area networks (LANs) using wireless, Ethernet, or dial-up connections.
For more information about networking, click Start, Help, and then Networking.
Using Ethernet and dial-up connections
Using wireless LAN connections
Checking your network connection status
Frequently asked questions
Types of Networks
Page 28
Using Ethernet and dial-up connections
Local area networks (LANs) comprise a group of computers and associated devices within a small geographic area, such as
a home or office building. For setting up LANs, Ethernet is a widely installed technology. Your computer accommodates both
10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX Ethernet connections, with data transfer speeds of between 10 and 100 Mbps, depending on
the Ethernet cable.
To set up an Ethernet LAN
1.
Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into your computer's Ethernet port and the other into the network
connection.
Connecting an Ethernet Cable
2.
Click Start, point to Settings, Control Panel, and click Internet Options. The Internet Properties dialog box
appears.
3.
Click to open the Connections tab, and click LAN Settings near the bottom of the page. The Local Area Network
(LAN) Settings dialog box appears.
4.
Click to select the Automatically detect settings check box.
5.
Click to select the Use automatic configuration script, and type an address in the Address box.
6.
Click OK.
Warning: Only connect 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX cables to the Ethernet port . Do not connect any other
type of network cable or any telephone cable. Connecting cables other than those listed above may result in an
electric current overload and could cause a malfunction, excessive heat, or fire in the port. To connect the unit to the
network, contact your network administrator.
You can connect to your company network from a remote location and use data, applications, and network resources. See
Microsoft® Windows® Help by clicking Help from the Start menu, and then clicking Networking in the left panel.
Page 29
Using wireless LAN connections
A wireless local area network (LAN) is a network in which you can connect to a LAN through a wireless (radio) connection.
You can opt to purchase a Sony Wireless LAN Access Point to set up a LAN.
The Wireless LAN Access Point is designed for building a wireless LAN environment. Because a wireless LAN configuration
requires no wiring, you can operate multiple computers more freely than ever before.
You can also purchase an external Wireless LAN PC Card separately, but your computer (depending on the model you
purchased) may already come with a built-in mini PCI card that allows for wireless connections. The Wireless LAN PC Card is
designed for a wireless LAN environment. You can use the Wireless LAN PC Card with or without the access point.
For more information on Sony Wireless LAN, go to http://www.sonystyle.com/vaio.
There are two types of wireless connections:
An infrastructure network is one that extends an existing wired local network to wireless devices by providing an
access point. The access point bridges the wireless and wired LAN and acts as a central controller for the Wireless
LAN. The access point coordinates transmission and reception from multiple wireless devices within a specific range.
A peer-to-peer group (ad-hoc) network is one in which a local network is created only by the wireless devices
themselves, with no other central controller or access point. Each device communicates directly with other devices in
the network. You can set up an ad-hoc network easily at home.
To connect to an existing wireless network
1.
Move the Wireless LAN switch to ON or insert a Wireless LAN PC Card into the PC Card slot. See Inserting PC
Cards for more information.
2.
Click Start, point to Settings, Control Panel, and click Wireless Network. The Add/Edit Configuration Profile
window appears.
Add/Edit Configuration Profile Window
3.
Click Add. The Edit Configuration dialog box appears.
4.
Type a profile name, and select Access Point from the Network Type drop-down list if it is not already selected.
5.
Click Next.
6.
Type a name in the Network Name box or click Scan to select a network.
7.
Click Next.
8.
If the network was set up with an encryption key:
1.
Click to select the Enable Data Security check box.
2.
Select either Use Alphanumeric Characters or Use Hexadecimal, depending on the encryption key.
3.
Type the five-character encryption key in the Key 1 box, and make sure Key 1 appears in the Encrypt
data with box. Ask the network administrator for the encryption key if you don't already have it.
Page 30
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