Sony PCG-R505GCK, PCG-R505GLK User Guide

Welcome.......................................................7

Powering Yo ur Computer...... .....................9

Using AC Power........................................................10

Connecting the AC adapter................................................10

Turnin g o n the c o m p u t e r.... ........ ........................................11

Using the Battery.......................................................13

Inserting a battery ..............................................................13

Removing a battery ............................................................14

Display i n g b a t t e ry i n fo rmatio n..... ........ .............. ...............15

Display i n g b a t t e ry i n fo rmatio n..... ........ .............. ...............17

Chargi n g a ba t tery.......... ................................ ....................19

Notes on batteries.... ........ .............. .............. .............. .........20

Frequently asked questions................................................21

Conservi n g Batt e ry Po w er ........ ................................22

Using power saving modes................................................22

Using PowerPanel utility...................................................23

Frequently asked questions................................................27

Internet and Network Connections..........29

Internet Connections .................................................30

Setting up a dial-up Internet connection............................30

Setting u p a n Ethernet Internet co n n e c t i o n............. ...........3 2

Customizing your Internet connection...............................34

Frequently asked questions................................................35

Network Co nnections......... ................ .......................36

Using Ethernet and dial-up connections ............................36

Using wireless LAN connections ......................................38

Checking your network connection status................ ......... 47

Frequently asked questions................................................48

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VAI O ® Computer User Guide

Connecting Anot h er VAIO Computer................. .....50

Frequently asked questions............................................... 52

CDs, DVDs, and Optical Drives................53

Inserting and Ejecting CDs or DVDs .......................54

Copying and Playing CDs ..... ....................................56

Playin g C D s......................................................................56

Copying files to a CD-RW or CD-R................................. 57

Playing DVDs...........................................................58

Watching DVDs on your computer ...................... ............ 58

Frequently asked questions............................................... 59

Printer Conn e c ti ons.......... ........................63

Printing With Your Computer..................................64

Connecting a printer.............. ................ ................ ............ 64

Disconnecting a printer..................................................... 66

Frequently asked questions............................................... 67

Computer Features................................... 69

Using the Keyboard ..................................................70

Key locations and descriptions ......................................... 70

Combinations and functions with the Windows key ........ 72

Indicators........................................................................... 73

Combinations and functions with the Fn key.................... 74

Using the Touch Pad.................................................76

Describ ing the tou c h p ad... ........ .............. .............. ............ 76

Customizing the touch pad................................................77

Frequently asked questions............................................... 78

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Using Jog Di al Con tr o l....... ................ .......................80

Using VAIO Action Setup.................................................80

Locating the Jog Dial Control............................................81

Using la u n ch e r mode ...... .............. .............. .............. .........81

Using guide mode..............................................................82

Using the Jog Dial Control with Sony programs...............83

Using the Jog Dial Control with other programs...............83

Setting the timer.................................................................84

Using Memory Stick Media.....................................85

Selecting Memory Stick media..........................................85

Inserting Memor y Stick medi a ................. .............. ...........86

Viewing the contents .........................................................86

Write-protecting Memory Stick media..............................87

Forma t t in g Memory Sti c k m e d i a.......................................87

Removing Memory Stick media ........................................88

Frequently asked questions................................................89

Changing the Window Design of Sony Programs ....91

Connecting Mice and Keyboards.............93

Using External Mice and Keyboards ........................94

Connecting a mouse or keyboard.......................................94

Disconnecting a mouse or keyboard.................................. 96

Frequently asked questions................................................96

Floppy Disk Drives and PC Cards ...........99

Using Flo ppy Disk Drives..................... ..................100

Inserting and removing floppy disks ...............................100

Notes on handling floppy disks ....................................... 101

Disconnecting a floppy disk drive...................................101

Frequently asked questions..............................................102

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VAI O ® Computer User Guide

Using PC Cards.......................................................1 04

Inserti n g PC Cards....................................... ...................104

Removing PC Cards ........................................................ 105

Connecting and disconnecting PC Card drives............... 106

Frequently asked questions.............................................108

Docking Stations...... ...............................111

Connecting t he Do ck ing St at i on.............................112

Locatin g feature s an d p o rt s............................................. 112

Connecting the docking station....................................... 114

Disconnecting the docking station.................................. 115

Frequently asked questions.............................................118

Audio and Video Connections...............121

Using i.LINK Digital-Video Recorders..................122

Connecting an i.LINK digital video recorder ................. 122

Disconnecting the i.LINK digital video recorder............ 123

Using a dig i t a l v ideo came ra record er .............. .............. 124

Notes on co n n e c t i n g a n i. LINK devi c e...................... ..... 124

Frequently asked questions.............................................125

Using Computer Monitors and Projectors..............126

Connecting a computer monitor...................................... 126

Connecting a projector...................... .................. ............ 128

Selec ti n g a d isplay mod e............................................ .....129

Disconnecting a computer monitor or projector............. 131

Using Speakers .......................................................132

Connecting speakers ....................... ............ .......... .......... 132

Disconnecting external speakers..................................... 133

Adjusting the volume...................................................... 133

Enabling the audio feature .............................................. 134

Frequently asked questions.............................................135

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Using Microphones ................................................. 138

Connecting a microphone................................................138

Disconnecting a microphone ...........................................138

Using a microphone or other device to record.................139

Frequently asked questions..............................................140

Preinstalled Programs........... .................141

Software Programs On Your Computer..................142

Program overview............................................................142

Frequently asked questions..............................................146

DVgate Application Notes......................................148

Recordi n g ima g es to a digita l v i d e o de v ice.............. .......148

Adjusting image resolution..............................................148

Saving to your hard disk drive.........................................148

Program Support Information .................................150

Sony Service Center.........................................................151

Memory Upgrades...................................153

Upgrading Your Computer’s Memory....................154

Precautions and procedures .............................................154

Typical expansion memory configuration .......................155

Removing and installing memory modules.....................155

Confirming add e d m e m o ry ca p a city................................158

Using the Recovery CDs.........................161

Application and System Recovery CDs..................162

Using Your Recovery CDs......................................162

Using the Application Recovery CD(s)...........................162

Using th e Syst em Recov ery CD (s)... ........ .............. .........164

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VAI O ® Computer User Guide

Troubles hooting and Support................167

Troubleshooting Your Computer............................168

Troubleshooting Batteri es...................................... .1 72

Troubleshooting the Printer ..................... ....... .... ... .173

Troubleshooting the Mouse and Touch Pad .......... .1 74

Troubleshooting the Modem............. ....... .............. .1 77

Troubleshooting Networks .....................................1 78

Troubleshooting DVDs and CDs............................181

Troubleshooting Floppy Dis k Drives . ..... .. ..... ....... .1 84

Troubleshooting PC C ards.................. ..... .... ... ...... . .185

Troubleshooting Audio-Video Connections...........186

Troubleshooting the Computer Screen (LCD)........189

Troubleshooting Memory Stick Media........... ...... . .1 90

Troubleshooting Program s......................................192

Troubleshooting the Docking Station...... .... ... ....... .1 94

Computer Support Information ...............................1 96

6

Welcome

Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer, and
welcome to the online VAIO® Computer User Guide.
This user guide pr ovide s detaile d informati on on all aspe cts of usin g your
new V AIO computer, from keyboard functions to preinstalled soft ware
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.

✍ Vi ew the Electronic Flyer, which provides updates and supplemental information

about your com puter.

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VAI O ® Computer User Guide

8

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 y ou can eff iciently utilize the
battery as a power sour ce.

❑ Using AC Power
❑ Using the Battery
❑ Conserving Battery Power

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Using AC Power

The supplied ba ttery is not c harg ed whe n you rec eive yo ur compu ter. To use your
computer immediately, use the supplied AC adapter as the power source . While
the computer uses AC power it automatica lly 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

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

com pu t e r or do cking stati on.

Connecting the AC Adapter to the Computer

DC IN port

AC adapter
(supplied)

Power cord
(supplied)

2 Plug one end of the power cord into the AC adapter, and plug the other end

into an AC outle t.

.

✍ Use only the AC ad apter supplied with your com puter.

10

Using AC Power

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 compute r firmly.

Opening the Computer

OPEN switch

2 Press the power button until the power indicator turns on.

Turning on the Computer

Power indicator

Power button

✍ If you hold th e po w e r bu tt on down, th e co m p u te r tu rn s off.

3 If necessary, adjust the brightness controls for the compute r screen (LCD) as

follows:

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❑ To increase light intensity, press Fn+F5 and then or .
❑ To decrease light intensity, press Fn+F5 and then or .

12

Using the Battery

Using the Battery

A battery is an auxiliary power source you can use when your com puter is not
plugged into an AC outlet. Your computer may come equipped with one or two
battery bays, de pending on the model you purchased. If your computer comes
with two battery ba ys, you can purchase a second rech argeable batte ry to extend
your computing ti me . Regardless how many batteries you use, you can always
extend the life of the battery by conserv ing power. See “Conserving Battery
Power” for more information.

❑ Inserting a battery
❑ Remo v ing a ba t tery
❑ Displaying ba ttery information
❑ Chargi ng a battery
❑ Notes on batteries
❑ Frequently asked questions

✍ The battery that comes with your computer is not fully charged at the time of

purchase.

Inserting a battery

To insert a battery

1 Turn the com p ut er o ve r, and sli d e th e LOCK/UNLOCK switch on the

bottom of the computer to the UNLOCK position.

2 Align the grooves and ta bs on the battery with those on the back of the

computer.

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VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt

Inserting a Battery

Battery

Grooves

3 Slide the battery into the computer until it clicks into place.
4 Slide th e LOCK/UNLOCK switc h in t o the LOCK position.

Some software programs and per ipheral devices prevent the system from
entering Hibernate mode. If you are using a program that prevents the system
from entering Hiberna te mode, save your data frequentl y. See “Using power
saving modes” for in format ion on how you ca n manuall y acti vate a po wer saving
mode.

Removin g a b attery

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 re move 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 Turn the computer over, and slide the LOCK/UNLOCK switch on the

bottom of the computer to the UNLOCK position.

2 Slide the battery away from the computer.

14

Using the Battery

Removing a Battery

Battery

Battery LOCK/
UNLOCK switch

Battery LOCK
switch

Display ing b attery infor mation

You can display the remaining batter y cha rge on the Battery Inform ation toolbar
and/or the Battery Inform ation window.

To displa y the Battery Informat ion toolbar

1 Right-clic k the center of the Windows® taskbar.
2 Select Toolbars from the shortcut menu, and click Ba ttery I nformation.

The Battery Information toolbar appears on the taskba r.

✍ If the Battery I nfo rmat ion too lbar is hidden beh in d the t as kbar i con s, clic k an d drag

the edge of the Battery Information toolbar to the left un til it is in clear view.

The to tal charge remai n ing in the battery is listed in percent and real- time val u es.
The following tool bar indicates there is 72 percent or approximate ly 1 hour and
11 minutes of battery charge left.

Battery Information Too lbar

❑ Per centage in dicator — Displays the percentage of the remaining charge.
❑ Time in dicator — Displays estimated time (hours : minutes) remaining

before the battery fully discharges, also known as the time-to-empty.

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To close the Battery Information toolbar

1 Right- click th e 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 th e Battery Informat ion win dow

The battery icons that appear on the Battery Information toolbar and the
Battery Information window indicate the current status of the installed battery.

Battery ic on Battery status

Charging

Fully ch arged

Discharging

16

No battery

Using the Battery

1 Doubl e- click th e Battery icon on the Windows taskbar. The Battery

Information window appears.

Battery Information Window

❑ 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.

Display ing b attery infor mation

You can display information for each of the batteries installed in your computer.

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VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt

To display battery information

1 Click Start on the Wind ows® taskbar, and select Settings, Control Pa ne l,

and then click Powe r Opt ion s . The Powe r Options Properties window
appears.

2 Select the Power Meter tab. The total remaining battery charge is listed as a

percentage. If your comp uter comes with more than one battery, you can
view informati on on both batteries or just the primary batter y.

✍ You may also use the battery icon on the Windows® taskba r to quickly view bat tery

information. See “To display the power icon on the task bar” for instructions on how
to set up this shortcut.

To display th e power icon on the taskbar

1 Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and select Setting, Control Panel,

and then click Powe r Opt ion s. The Power Options Properties window
appears.

2 Select the Advanced tab, and then select Always show icon on the taskbar

in the Options box. The power icon appears on the taskbar. See the power
icon descriptions below for more information.

You can rollover the power icon to view the remain ing battery charge, and you
can double-click the power icon to open the Power Mete r window, which also
displays the re maining battery charge.

Power icon Power status

Computer is using AC powe r.

Computer is using AC powe r and cha rging the battery.

Battery is charging.

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Using the Battery

Power icon Power status

Battery is f u lly charged.

Battery is discharging.

No batt er y is in serted in th e computer.

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 compl etely or partially discharged. Charging a partially discharged
battery does not affect battery life. If you charge the battery and find that ba ttery
power is still low, the battery may be reaching th e end of its life, and you may
need to replace it.

✍ The battery supplied with your computer is not char ged 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 comput er is off. Charging the battery take s several
hours. See your VAIO® Computer Specific ation s on the “Welcome” page for the
approximat e time needed to charge your battery.

✍ Charge the battery at temperature s between 50°F an d 80° F (10°C to 30°C). Lower

temperatures require more time to charge.

1 Insert the battery into the battery bay.
2 Connect the AC adapter to the computer. The computer automatically

charges the battery as long as the computer is using AC powe r.

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VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt

The battery indicator bl ink s while the bat tery cha r ges. The batte ry in dicat or stops
blinking when the ba ttery is fully charged.

Battery I ndicator

Battery indicator

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 cha rging.
Off The computer is using AC power.

Notes on batteries

❑ Never leave the bat tery in temperatures above 140°F (60°C), such as und er

direct sunlight or in a car parked in the sun.

❑ While the batter y is in use or being dischar g ed, 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 disassemb le the battery.
❑ Do not expose the batte ry to any mechanical sho ck.
❑ Battery life is shorter in a cold environm ent because of decreased battery

efficiency at low temperatures.

20

Using the Battery

Frequently asked questions

How do I know when the battery is charged?

To determine the remaining battery char ge, see “Displaying battery information. ”

When is the computer using AC power?

When th e computer is d ir e ct ly conne ct ed to th e A C adapte r, it use s A C p ower,
even if a battery is installed.

When should I recharge the battery?

❑ When the battery leve l falls below 10 percent.
❑ When both the battery and power indicators bli nk.
❑ When you have not used the batte ry for a long time.

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Conserving Battery Power

You may use the power saving modes and PowerPanel™ utility or power
schemes to conserve battery power. Conserving battery power may signific antly
extend your computing time, depending on how you us e your computer.

❑ Using power saving modes
❑ Using PowerPanel utility
❑ Frequently asked questions

Using power saving modes

In addition to the norma l operating mode, which allows you to turn off spec ific
devices, your computer has two distinct power saving modes : S tandby and
Hibernate . You can use the Stand by 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 t h e computer screen (LCD ) is off .

❑ Hibernate — Saves the state of the system and peripheral devices on the

hard disk. Power con su mption is reduced to the lowest possible setting
without being completely off. Hibernate mode consumes the lowe st 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

Hiberna te m ode. If you are using a program that prevents the system from entering
Hibernate mode, save your data frequently to avoi d 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 mod e.

To activa te H ibernate mode

1 Press the key combi nation 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.

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Conserving Battery Power

✍ If the computer does not activate Hibernate mode, see “Frequ ently asked questions”

for more inf or m a tio n .

Using PowerPanel utility

The PowerPanel utility enables you to select and c ust om ize a predefined power
management profil e t o conserve batte ry li fe. Th e followi ng tabl e descri bes al l the
predefined powe r manage ment profiles in PowerPanel. Your computer is set to
Automatic P r ofile Selection by default. You can customize the settings for all the
following profi les, except the Disabl e Power Man agement 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 Life

Extends the Maximum Battery Life by disabling the i.LINK® port.

Power Management Off

Disables all power mana gement settings, su ch as Standby and
Hibernate modes. You cannot change the settings of this profile.

AC Power

Indicates when AC power i s i n us e. Similar to the Power Managem ent
Off setting. Power Management automatically loads the AC profile
unless you disa ble this feature.

Games

Disables the dis play and the Hard Disk Stan dby timer.

*

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VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt

Profile
Icon Description

Presentation

Keeps the dis p lay on at all times while it conserves po wer. This option
is ideal for slide show presentations. You can establis h se ttings for
LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby , and Standby mode to
optimize power manage ment for your system.

Camera

Optimizes performance and power requirements for camera usage.

DVD

Optimizes performanc e and power requ irements 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 requ irements for spreadsheet
programs.

Communications

Extends battery life by initiat ing a quick d isplay time-out. The Internal
modem remains powered on. You can also establis h 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.

* For models with an i.LINK port.

✍ Do not choose the Automa tic Profile Selection when connected to AC power.

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Conserving Battery Power

To select a profile

1 Right- c lick 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 profile s.

When you use the battery to power your computer, your system automatic ally
selects the Maximum Battery Life power management profile by default. If you
select a different power management profile while us ing battery power, that
profile is selected automatically the next time you use the battery to power your
computer.

✍ See PowerPanel Help for inf ormation on customizing th e pow er manageme nt

profiles.

To customiz e your profile settings

You can customize your profile sett ings to sustain enough powe r for a part icular
computing function.

1 Right- c lick the Battery icon on the Windows® taskbar. See “To display the

Battery Information window” for Battery icon descriptions.

2 Select Edit/ C rea te Pro files from the shortcut menu.
3 In the left panel, cl ick the profile you want to cha nge.
4 Right-click the setting under System, LCD(Video), Hard Disk, or Othe r

Devices that you want to change. See the following table for a description of

each power profil e.

5 Make your changes from the drop-down menu.
6 Click File, and click Save.

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VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt

Power profile Description

*

CPU Control

Controls the processor speed. You can select either
Performance, Adaptive, Battery Life, or More Bat tery Life.
These selectio n s are listed in orde r 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 powe r sa ving mode the more power the
computer will consume.

Hiber n at e Time rContro ls the time it take s th e sy s te m to ac ti v ate the Hibernat e

mode when it is idle. The longer you allow the computer to sit
idle while it is not in a powe r sa ving mode the more power the
computer consumes. Hibernate mode conserves more power
than Standby mode .

Thermal Cont rol
Strategy

*

Controls the speed of the proc essor 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. Hi ber n at e or LC D Off co n se rv e s th e mo st
power.

Hibernate on
Low Battery

Controls the state of your system whe n 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 BrightnessControls the brightness of the computer screen (LCD). You can

select a brightne ss level of one to nine, with one being the
darkest sett ing. T he dar ker y ou set th e comp uter s creen the m ore
power you conserve.

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Power profil e D escrip ti o n

Conserving Battery Power

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 tu rns
off power to the LCD. The syste m itself still functions on full
power.

HDD Standby
Timer

Controls the time it takes the system to switch the hard disk
drive to S tandby mode when the s ystem i s idl e. This sett ing 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-

Controls the powe r supply to the Memory Stick slot. You can
disable power to the Memory Stick slot to conse r ve power.

saving

* Slows the processor s peed.

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 perip hera l 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 manual ly ac tivate Hibernate mode.

When should I replace the battery?

If, after fully ch arging the batt ery, the battery power is still low, the battery may
be reaching the end of it s li fe and should be replaced.

Why is th e battery wa r m?

While the battery is in use or being dischar ged, the battery he ats up. This is
normal and is not cause for concern.

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VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt

28

Internet and Network Connections

❑ Internet Connections
❑ Network Connections
❑ Connecting Another VAIO Computer

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VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt

Internet Connections

This section des cribes the basic steps for setting up your dial-up or Ethernet
connection to the Internet. The Internet Connection Wi zard guides you through
the process of connecting to the Internet and choosing an Internet service
provider (ISP) or se tting up an existing ac count. When you connect to the
Internet, you can reg is ter your VAIO® computer, use onli ne services, and gain
access to Sony Computing Support.

❑ Setting up a dial-u p Internet connectio n
❑ Setting up an Ethernet Internet connec tion
❑ Customizing your Internet connection
❑ Frequently asked questions

Setting up a dial-up Internet connection

Before you can connect to the Internet, you need to conne ct your computer to a
telephone li ne via a telephone cable (not supplied). Once you have se t up your
telephone cable, you’re ready to connect to the Internet.

To co n n e ct a te lephon e ca b le

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® Com puter Quic k Star t .

2 Plug one end of t he t eleph one ca ble int o t he Mo dem jack . Make sur e i t clic ks

into pl ace.

3 Plug the other end into the wall jack.

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Internet Connections

Connecting a Telephone Cabl e

Modem jack

Port panel cover

Telephone cable (not supplied)

✍ Your computer does not work with party lines, cannot be connected to a coin-

operat ed telephone, and may not work wit h multiple telephone lines or a private
branch ex change (PBX). Some of these connections may r esult in excess electrical
current and could cause a malfunction in the internal modem.

If you con nect a telep hone cable coming through a splitter, the modem or connected
device may not work proper ly.

To set up a dial-up c on ne ction 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 appear s.

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VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt

Internet Connection Wizard

3 Follo w th e on- s c r ee n in s t r u ct io n s .

Setting up an Ethernet Internet connection

Your computer accommodates both 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX Ethernet
connections, with data transfer sp eeds of between 10 and 100 Mbps, dependi ng
on the line condit ions and Ethernet cabl e.

32

Internet Connections

To co n nect an Eth e rn et ca b le

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 Eth er net Cable

Ethernet
port

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 br anch
exchange (PBX). Some of these connections may result in excess el ectrical current
and could ca use a malfunction in the internal modem.

If you connect a telephone cable via a s plitter, the modem or connected device may
not work properly.

To s et up an Ethernet co n nection 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.

33

VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt

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.

Internet Connection Wizard

4 Click to select the Autom atic ally detect settings check box.
5 Click t o select the Use automatic configuration script, and type an addr es s

in the Address box.

6 Click OK.

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 bro wsi ng preferences.

To open the Internet Properties dialog box

1 Click Start, poin t 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.

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Internet Connections

Frequently asked questions

Why doesn’t my modem work?

❑ Make sure the tele phone 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 plu gging the cable into an

ordinary telephone and listening for a dial tone.

❑ Make sure the telephone number the program is diali ng 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 problem s, 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 mo dem 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, suc h as fax m ac hines 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 thes e step s:

❑ Ask your telephone company to ver ify your tele phone 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 ca lling and that it is compatible with fax modems.

❑ If you are having a proble m connecting with your ISP, make sure the ISP is

not experiencing technical problems.

❑ If you ha ve a second telephone cabl e available, try connecting the modem to

that cable.

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VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt

Network Connections

With a Sony computer, you can easily set up or connect to a variety of networks.
The Netwo rk Con nec tio n Wizard makes it eas y t o ga in acce s s to r em ote an d loc al
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 Net works

Access point (wireless)

Computer-to-computer

(wireless)

Ethernet (cables)

Using Ethernet and dial-up connections

Local area networ ks (LANs) comprise a group of computers and assoc iated
devices within a small geographic area , s uch a s a home or of fice building. Fo r
setting up LANs, Ethernet is a widely installed t echnology. Your computer

36

Network Connections

accommodates both 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX Ethernet connections, with
data transf er s peeds of between 10 and 100 Mbps, depending on the Ethernet
cable.

To set up an Etherne t LAN

1 Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into your computer’s Ethernet port and

the other into the network connection.

Connecting an Eth er net Cable

Ethernet
port

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 L AN Se t tings near the bottom

of the page. The Local Area Network (LAN) Settings dialog box appears.

4 Click to sel ect the Automatically detect settings check box.
5 Click t o select the Use automatic configuration script, and type an add r ess

in the Address box.

6 Click OK.

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VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt

Warning: Only connect 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX cables to the
Ethernet port
telephone ca ble . C onnecti ng cables ot her than t hos e lis te d ab ove m ay re sul t
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.

. Do not connect any other type of net w ork cable or any

You can connect to your company network from a remote location and use data,
applications, and network resource s. See Mic r osoft® Windows® Help by
clicking Help from the Start menu, and then clicking Networking in the left
panel.

Using wireless LAN connections

A wireless local area network (LAN) is a network in which you ca n 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. For inform ation
about your computer’s wireless capabilities, see the “Welcome” page to view
your VAIO® Computer Specifications. The Wir eless 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 infor mat io n 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
bridg es th e wireles s and w ir e d LA N and acts as a central co nt r o ll er fo r th e
Wireless LAN. The access point coordinates transmission and reception
from multi ple wireless devices within a specific range.

❑ A ad-hoc (computer - to-com puter) ne twor k is one in whic h a loca l netwo rk is

created only by the wireless devices themselves, with no other central

38

Network Connections

controller or ac ce ss point. Each device communicates directly with other
devices in the ne twork. You can set up an ad-hoc network easily at home.

To connect to or set up a wireless network

1 Move the W ireless LAN switch to ON. T he Wireless LAN indicator turns

on.

Connecting to a Wireless LAN

Wireless LAN switch

Wireless LAN indicator

2 Click Start, point to Programs, and click Wireles s LAN Con f ig u ratio n

Utility. The Wireless LAN Utility icon appears on the right side of the

taskbar.

3 Click the Wireless LAN Utility icon to op en the Wireless LAN Card

Utilit y fo r Windo w s dialog box.

4 Click the Profile tab.

39

VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt

Wireless LAN Card Utility for Windows

5 Type a name in the Profile Name box.
6 In the T r anmission Rate box, make sure Fully Aut o is select ed . B y

selecting Fully Aut o, your compu ter automatic ally search es for the strongest
(radio) signal.

7 In the ESSID box, type the name of the access point or click Scan to select

an acces s po i nt.

8 Select a Powe r S ave r option.
9 In the Network Ty pe box, select Infrastructure to connect to or set up a

network to access point (host) connection or click Ad Hoc to connect to or
set up a computer-to-computer connection.

10 If the network was not set up with an encryption key, click Apply.
11 If the network was set up with an encrypt ion key:

1 In the WEP Key box, select 40bit/64 bit for IEEE 802.1 1b access

points.

2 In the Key format box, select either ASCII mode or HEX mode,

depending on the encryption key.

3 In the Default Key box, select the corre ct encryption key.

40

Network Connections

4 Type the key name in the appropriate key box.
5 Click Apply.

To disc o nnect from a wireless net wor k

❑ Move the Wir eless LAN switch to OFF. The Wireless LAN indicator turns

off.

Turning off the wireless LAN fu nctionality while accessing rem ote
documents, files, or resources may result in data loss.

Checking your network connection status

To che ck the status of your network connec tion

1 Click the Wireless LAN Utility icon to op en the Wireless LAN Card

Utilit y fo r Windo w s dialog box.
2 Click the Profile tab.
3 Click Radio On/Off. The Link Quality and Signal Strength boxes show

the connection s tatus.

Frequently asked questions

Why can’t my computer connect to a Wirele ss LA N Ac ce s s P o int ?

❑ Connection ava ilability is affected by dist anc e and obstructions . You may

need to move your computer away from obstructions or closer to any access

point you may be using.

❑ Make sur e the Wirele ss LA N s w it ch o n th e comp ut er is in the ON position.
❑ Make sure power to the acce ss point is on.
❑ Make sure the encryption key is correct.

Why can’t I gain access to the Internet?

❑ Check th e ac cess poi n t setting s. R e fe r to th e in st r u ctions s u pp l ie d wi th the

access po i n t.

❑ Make sure your computer and the access point are connecte d to one another.

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VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt

❑ Move your computer away from obstructions or closer to any access point

you may be using.

❑ Make sure your computer is properly configured for Internet access.

Why is the data transfer speed slow?

❑ The Wireless LAN data transfer speed is affected by distance and

obstructio ns bet ween de vices a nd acce ss poin ts. Ot her fac tors i nclude devic e
configurations, radio conditions, and software compati bility. To maximize
the data transfer speed, move your compute r away from obstructions or
closer to any access point you may be using.

❑ If you are using a Wireless LAN Access Point, the device may be

temporarily overloaded depending on the number of other devices
communicati ng via the access point .

❑ If your ac ce s s po i n t in t er f er e s with o th er access poi nt s , cha n g e th e ac cess

point channel. See your access point instructions for more information.

Why is th e co mmunica t io n s p ee d interrup t ed or sl ow e d d o wn w hen M PE G 2
data is transferred?

The typi ca l eff e ct iv e dat a transfer sp eed via an ac ce ss point is 4-5 M b ps when
adhering to the IEEE 802.11b standard. High-rate stream transf ers with MPEG2
data may lower this rate.

How do I avoid data transfer interruptions?

❑ Data transfer interruptions may occur with large files or use of microwa ves

and cordless te lephones when connected to an access point.

❑ Move the computer closer to the access point.
❑ Make sure the access poi nt connection is int act.
❑ Change the a ccess poin t c hannel. See your ac cess po int instr uctions fo r more

information.

Can I connect to a IEEE 802.11a device?

Computers with built-in Wireless LAN support the IEE E 802. 11b standard only.
Devices connecting to a Wirel ess LAN using the IEEE 802.11a standard cannot
connect to devices using the IEEE 802.11b standard.

42

Network Connections

What are channels?

Wireless LAN communication occurs on divided frequency bands known as
channels. Third-party Wireless LAN Access Point channels may be preset to
different channels from Sony devices.

If you are using a Wireless LAN Access Point, refer to c onnectivity information
contained in your acces s point instruct ions.

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VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt

Connecting Another VAIO Computer

You can use a compatible i.LINK®* cable (not supplied) to connect two
compatible mobile VAIO computers, and then use one computer to edit, copy, or
delete files on the other computer. You can also print from a printer that is
attac h ed to either computer.

✍ Only i.LINK cables may be used to connect two compatible mobile VAIO

computers.

❑ Frequently asked questions

To connect VAIO computers

1 Plug one en d of the i. LINK cabl e in to the i.LINK port on each compu t er.
2 Restart both computers and log on when prompted.
3 ClickStart, point to Programs, Smart Connect, and click Smart Connect

Monitor. The Smart Connect Monitor window appears.
4 Click Option, and sel ect Run Smart Connect Switch.
5 Click to select Enable Smart Connect.
6 Click to select STD mode, if it is not already selected.
7 Click OK. Your computers are connected.
8 To view the folders on your ne twork:

❑ In the Smart Connect Monitor window, right-click a computer name,

and select Open with Explorer.

❑ Double-click My Network Place s, and click Computers Near Me in

the My Metwork Places window.

* i.LINK is a trademark of Sony us ed to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394

connection. The i.LINK conne ction may vary, depending on the software programs ,
operating system, and compatible i.LINK devices. All products with an i.LINK connector
may not communica te with each other. Refer to the documentation that came with your
compatible i. LIN K device for information on operating conditions and proper connection.
Before connecting compatible i.LINK PC peripher als to your system, such as a CD-RW or
hard disk driv e, confirm their operating system compatibility and required operating
conditions.

44

Connecting Another VAIO Computer

✍ For more in formation, see Smart Conn ect Online Help.

Connect ing Another Co mputer

i.LINK cable (not supplied)

To disconnect VAIO computers when the computers are on

1 Close all open files that are shared with the connected computers.
2 Unplug the i.LINK cable from the i.LINK port on each computer.

To disconnect VAIO computer when the computer s are of f

❑ Unplug the i.LINK cable from the i.LINK port on each computer.

45

VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt

Frequently asked questions

Why can’t I establish a connection between two V AIO computers?

❑ Your computer may not re cogniz e an i .LINK

is not plugged securely into the i.LINK ports. Disconnect the i.LINK cabl e

and securely reconnect it to both computers. If neither computer res ponds

after a few moments, restart both computers.

❑ If the com p u ters do not recognize the i.LI NK connection after resuming

from a power saving mode (Standby or Hibernate), restart both computers.

*

connecti on if t he i.LINK cable

* i.LINK is a trademark of Sony us ed only to designat e that a product contains an IEEE 1394

connection. The i.LINK connection may vary, depending on the software applications,
operating system, and compatible i.LINK devices. All products with an i.LINK connection
may not communica te with each other. Refer to the documentation that came with your
compatible i. LIN K device for info rmation on operating conditions and proper co nnection.
Before connecting compatibl e i. LINK PC peripheral s to your system, such as CD-RW or
hard disk driv e, confirm their operating system compatibility and required operating
conditions.

46

CDs, DVDs, and Optical Drives

❑ Inserting and Eject ing CDs or DVDs
❑ Copying and Playing CDs
❑ Playing DVDs

53

VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt

Inserting and Ejecting CDs or DVDs

✍ Avoid us ing adhesive l abels to identify your CDs or DVDs. Adhesive labels may

damage the optical driv e if they come o ff while the disc is in the d rive.

To insert a CD or DVD

1 Turn on the computer, and exit a power saving mode (Standby or Hibernate)

if one is active. For more information on power savin g mode s, see “Using

power saving modes.”
2 Press the Eject button on the optical drive cover to open the drive tray. The

drive tray slides out.

Ejecting the Drive Tray

Eject button

3 Place a disc on the drive tray with the label facing up.

✍ You can play some DVDs on both sides. Insert this type of DVD with the side you

want to play facing up.

54

Inserting and Ejecting CDs or DVDs

Inserting a Disc

Disc (label
facing up)

4 Press the disc onto the hub until the disc clicks securely into place.

If you do not seat the disc firmly over the hub, the dis c ma y come loose
while it is in the drive. A loose disc may damage the optical drive and
make opening the drive tray diffic ult.

5 Push the drive tray gently to c lose it. The Busy indicator on the drive blinks

while your computer is rea ding data from the drive.

To eject a CD or DVD

1 Turn on the computer, and exit a power saving mode (Standby or Hibernate)

if one is active. For more information on power savin g modes, see “Using
power saving modes.”

2 Close al l sof t ware pr og ra ms t hat a re o pen f rom th e o pti ca l d rive , and wai t f o r

the LED indicator to turn off.

3 Press the Ejec t button on the optica l drive cover to open the drive tray. The

drive tray sli des out.

✍ If the Eject button does not work, turn off the computer and insert a thin, straight

object (such as a paper clip) into the manual eject hole next to the Eject button.

4 Lift the disc from the drive.
5 Push the drive tr ay gently to close it.

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VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt

Copying and Playing CDs

Your optical drive can read CDs and DVDs. The type of optical drive installed in
or connecte d to your c ompute r may var y , depen ding on the model you pu rchased.
If you are usin g a CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive, you can write data to CD-Rs and
CD-RWs.

❑ Playing CDs
❑ Copying files to a CD-RW or CD-R

Playing CDs

Before you play an audio CD, you may need to enable your computer’s audio
feature.

To enable the audio feature

1 Click Start, and point to Settings, Control Panel, and then click System.

The System Properties windo w appear s.

2 Select the Hardware tab, and click Device Manager in the Device

Manager box. A window with a listi ng of the computer’s hardwa re dev ices

appears.

3 Double-click DVD/CD-ROM drives.
4 Doubl e- c li ck th e listed dri v e na m e , an d se le ct th e Properties tab.
5 Click to select the Enab le digital CD audio for this CD-ROM devic e

check box if it is not already selected.
6 Click OK.

To adjust the volume for playing CDs and DVDs

Some software progra ms have built-in volume cont rols, which you can adjust. If
there are no v olume controls, then you can adjust the volume of your computer’s
built-in speakers by doing one of the following:

❑ Using the Functio n keys . An on-screen display may appear, noti f ying you

when a change occurs.

❑ To increase volume , press Fn+F4, then or .

❑ T o decrease volume, press Fn+F4, then or .

56

Copying and Playing CDs

❑ Using the Volume icon.

1 Double click the Volume icon on the Windows® taskbar . T he

Volume Control dialog box appears .

2 In the Volume Control and CD Audio columns, move the Volume

sliders up to increase the volume and down to decrease the volume.

To play an audio CD

1 Insert the disc into the optical drive. See “To insert a CD or DVD.”
2 Select an option in the Audio CD window.
3 Click OK.

Copying files to a CD-RW or CD-R

*

Before you write data to a CD-RW or CD-R, read the following notes to avoid a
computer malfunction and ensure the best writing results:

❑ Deactivate the screen sa ver and exit anti-virus software.
❑ Deactivate memory-resident disc utilities to avoid data loss.
❑ Turn off the FindFast program if your computer has preinstalled Microsoft®

Office programs, such as Excel, Wo rd, and Outlook.

❑ Connect and use the AC adapt er to power your computer.
❑ Use CD-Rs that are compatible with 16x speed.
❑ Insert the disc into the optical dri ve, and open the preinstalled Sony

SonicSta ge™ program by clicking Start, and pointing to Programs,
SonicStage, and the n clicking SonicStage from the submenu.

✍ See SonicStage Help for more information on using the progr am. Click Start, and

point to Programs, SonicStage, and then click SonicStage Help from the submenu.

❑ Once you finish copying files to a CD-R that is readable in a CD-ROM

drive, cl ick Finish to complete the writing process before you eject the disc
from the optical drive.

Do not strike or shake the computer while writing data to a disc.

* For computer models equipped with a CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive.

57

VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt

Playing DVDs

You can play DVDs in your computer’s opt ic al drive and view t he video on a TV.
The type of optical drive installed in or connected to your computer may va ry,
depending on the model you purchased.

❑ Watching DVDs on your computer
❑ Frequently asked questions

Watching DVDs on your computer

Your computer is equipped with a CD-RW /DVD drive, which enables you to
watch most DVDs on your computer.

To play a DVD while connected to the AC adapter

1 Close all open programs.
2 Insert the DVD into the CD-RW/DVD drive.
3 Select a preinstalled DVD program in which to play the DVD. The

preinstalled DVD program launches the video automatic ally . See “Program

overview” for a description of your preinstalled DVD program. For detailed

instructions on how to use the preins talle d DVD program, see the help guide

included with the DVD program.

To play a DVD while usi n g battery power

1 Set the power management profile to DVD.

1 Close all open programs.

2 Right-click the Battery icon on the Windows® taskbar. See “To display

the Battery Information window” for an illustration of the icon.

3 Select Profiles from the shortcut menu, and then select DVD from the

submenu. You can also select Automatic Profile Selection, which sets
the power mana gemen t profil e to DVD whenever a DVD i s in serte d into
the optical drive. S ee “Conserving Battery Power” for more
information.

2 Click Start and then Shut Down.

58

Playing DVDs

3 Select Restart, and then click OK on the Shut Down Windows dialog box

to restart the com pu ter.

4 Insert the DVD into the CD-RW/DVD Combo drive.
5 Select a preinstalled DVD program in which to play the DVD. The

preinstalle d DVD program launches the video automatically. See “Program
overview” for a description of your preinst alled DVD program. For detail ed
instructi ons on how to use the preins talle d DVD program, see the help guide
included with th e DVD program.

Some discs r ecorded at 20 or 24 bits may produce noise while pl aying. If
you have audio devices connecte d , this may damage your hearing and the
speakers. Reduce the volu me before playing a DVD.

Do not switch the power saving modes while you ar e playing the DVD.
Do not use memory-resi dent utilit y software to speed up disc access. This

may cause the com puter to malfunction.

Frequently asked questions

How do I maintain CDs and DVDs?

❑ Avoid touching the surface of the disc with your finge rs. Fingerprint s and

dust on the su r f a c e of th e disc m ay caus e re a d ing err ors.

❑ To clean the disc, hold the edge of the disc, an d use a soft cloth to wipe the

surface from the center out. If the disc is badly soiled, moisten a soft cloth
with water, wring it out well, and use it to wipe the surface of the disc from
the center out. Wipe off any remaining moisture with a dry, soft cloth.

❑ Do not clean the disc with s olvents (such as benzine, thinner , commercially

available cleaners, or anti-static spray), which may damage the disc.

❑ Do not drop or bend the disc.

Why can’t I vie w th e ent ire DVD vid eo di sp la y on a TV screen ?

The display resolution may not be properly set. To adjust the display resolution,
see “Selecting a displ ay mode” fo r more in formation. It is re commended t hat you
adjust the display resolution to 1024 x 768 or smaller, depending on the si ze of
the external display screen.

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VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt

Why does my computer f reeze when I try to rea d a d i sc?

The disc your computer is trying to read may be dirty or damaged. Restart the
computer, and eject the disc fr om th e optical drive. Examine the disc for dirt or
damage. If the disc is dirty, see “How do I maintain CDs and DVDs?” for
instr u ct io n s on h ow to cl ean it.

Why won’t th e drive tray open ?

❑ Make sure the computer is on.
❑ Press the Ejec t button on the optical drive cover .
❑ If the Eject button does not work, click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and

click My Computer. Right click Compact Disc, and select Eject fr om the

shortcut menu.

❑ If none of the above options work, insert a thin, st raight object (such as a

paper clip) in the manual eject hole to the right of the Eject button.

Why isn’t the optical drive playing my CD or DVD properly ?

❑ Make sure the CD or DVD was inserted into the dri ve with the label facing

up.

❑ Make sure the necessary sof tware program(s) is installed according to the

manufacturer’s instructions.

❑ If the CD or DVD is dirty or damaged, the computer will stop responding.

Follow th ese steps:

1 Restart the computer by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete, and selecting

Restart from the Shut Down menu of the Windows Security dialog

box.

2 Remove the CD or DVD from the optical drive.

3 Check the disc for dirt or damage. If you need to clean the disc, see

“How do I maintain CDs and DVDs?” for instructions.

❑ If you are playing a CD or DVD and cannot hear sound, follow these steps:

❑ Doubl e- click th e Volume icon on the Windows taskbar, and click

to cancel th e Volume Control and CD Audio Mute check boxes.

❑ Check the volume setting in the audio mixer.

❑ If you are using external speakers, check th e volume settings on the

speakers and the connections between the speakers and the compute r.

60

Playing DVDs

❑ Make sure the CD audio f eature is en abled and the correct driver

software is installed. Follow these steps:

1 Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and point to Setting, Control

Panel, and then click System. The System Properties window appears.

2 Select the Hardware tab, and then cl ick Device Manager. The Device

Manager window appears.

3 Doubl e- click th e li s t ed DVD/CD-ROM dr i ve. The Properties window

appears.

4 Click the Properties tab, and click to select the Enable digital CD

audio for this CD-ROM device check box, if it is n ot selected.

5 Select the Driver tab, and click Dr iver Details to confi r m th e drive r

software.

❑ Make sure an adhesive labe l was not attached to the CD or DVD. Adhesive

labels can come off while the disc is in the optical drive and damage the
drive or cause it to malfunction.

❑ If a region code warning appears, the disc may be incompatible with the

optical drive. Check the DVD package to make sure the region code is
compatible with the optical drive.

❑ If you notice condensation on the computer, do not use the computer for at

least one hour. Condensation can cause the computer to malfunction.

Why did the computer (LCD) screen go blank?

❑ Your LCD screen may go blank if the computer h as l ost po wer or ha s ent ered

a power saving mode (Stan dby or Hibernate). If the computer is in LCD
(V ideo) Standb y mode, press any key to activate the LCD screen. See “Using
power saving modes” for more information.

❑ Make sure the co mputer is plu gged int o a power s ource and is on . The power

indicator on the com puter will be on if the comput er is on.

❑ If your computer is using battery power , make sure the battery is ins erted

properly and is charged. See “Using the Battery” for more information.

❑ If the di splay mod e is se t to ex ternal di sp lay, use the Fn+F7 key

combination. See “Selecting a display mode” for more information.

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Why don’t my changes appear on the computer (LCD) screen?

You may need to refresh the computer screen. Press the Windows key and
press D twice.

How do I adjust the image o n the TV scr een?

Use the con tr ols on your extern al display to adjust the image. See the help guide
that accompanied your display for more information.

How do I change the vide o re solution on the TV screen?

The video may not appear on the entire TV screen if your computer resolution i s
set to 1024 x 768 or greater. To change the video resolution, follow these
instructions:

1 Right-click the desktop, and selec t Properties from the shortcut menu. The

Display Properties dialog box appears.
2 Select the Settings tab .
3 Move the s c ree n re so lut ion slid er to th e lef t to red uce th e siz e and to t he righ t

to increase the size of the video resoluti on.

62

Printer Connection s

❑ Printing With Your Computer

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Printing With Your Computer

You can connect a universal serial bus (USB) printer or a parall el port printer to
your computer. To print properly, the printer you connect mus t be co mpatible
with the Microso f t® Windows® opera ting system installed on your computer.

❑ Connecting a pri n ter
❑ Disconnecting a printer
❑ Frequently asked questions

Connecting a printer

Your computer is compatible with many popular printers. The New Hardware
Wizard guides you through the software installation process. Some printers
require separate driver software installa tion. See the instructions that
accompanied your printer for more information. If you cannot print once you
have connected your computer to your printe r, see “Frequently as ked questions”
in this section for more information.

To co n n e ct a U SB printe r

1 Locate a U S B p o rt on the com pu t er an d th e pri n ter.
2 Plug the USB cable into the USB port on your computer.
3 Plug the other end of the USB cable into the USB port on the printer.

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Printing With Your Computer

Connecting a USB Pr in ter Cable

Printer

Power cord

USB ports

USB cable connector

.

USB cable (not supplied)

✍ See the manual that came with the USB printer for more information on its

installation an d use .

To connect a parallel port printer

1 Locate the Pri nter port on your computer.
2 Plug th e p r in t er c ab l e in to the Pri n ter port .
3 Plug the other end of the printer cable into the port on the printer.

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Connecting a Parallel Port Printer

Printer

Printer cable
Printer
parallel
port

Parallel connector

(not supplied)

Power cord

✍ See the manual that came with the parallel port printer for more information on its

installa tion and use .

Disconnecting a printer

If your computer is turne d off, simply unplug th e printer cable from your
computer’ s USB or Printer port.

To disconnect a printer while the computer is on

1 Doubl e- click th e Unplug or Eject Hardware icon on th e taskbar. The

Unplug or Eject Hardware window appears.

2 Select the printer in the Hardware devices window, if it is not already

selected.

3 Click Stop. The Stop a Hardware device window appears.
4 Make sure the correct printer is selected, and click OK. A messa ge appe ar s

stating it is now safe to remove the ha rdware device.

5 Unplug the printer c able from your computer’s USB or Pri nter port.

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Printing With Your Computer

Frequently asked questions

Why can’t I print a document?

❑ Make sure the printer is on, and the printer ca ble is secu rely conne cted to the

ports on your printer and computer. See “Connecting a printer” for more
information.

❑ Make sure the printer is compatible with the Microsoft® Windows®

operating system installed on your computer.

❑ You may need to install th e pri nter dr ive r soft ware bef ore you us e th e print er.

See the instructions that came with your printer for information about
installing these drivers.

❑ If the printer is not functioning after the computer resumes from a power

saving mode (Standby or Hibernate), reset the printer connection.
1 Click Start, and point to Settings, then click Printers. The Printers

window appears.

2 Right-click the printer that is not functioning, and select Properties to

open the Properties window.

3 Click OK.

❑ Change the default printer port setting, although this setting is generally

correct for most printers.
1 Click Start, and point to Settings, then click Printers. The Printers

window appears.

2 Right-click the printer, and select Properties from the shortcut menu.
3 Select the Ports tab, and select a different LPT Port Number.

❑ You may need to enable the computer’s printer port.

1 Click Start, and point to Settings and Control Panel, then clic k Sony

Notebook Setup. The Sony Notebook Setup window appears .
2 Click the Printer tab.
3 If it is n ot already selected, click the ECP option in the Printer port

mode box.
4 Click the Enable Ports tab.
5 If it is n ot already selected, click the Prin ter Po r t check box.

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VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt

6 Click OK.

68

Computer Features

❑ Using the Keyboard
❑ Using the Touch Pad
❑ Using Jog Dial Control
❑ Using Memory Stick Media
❑ Changing the Window Design of Sony Programs

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Using the Keyboard

Your keyboard is very similar to a typewriter’s, but your computer keyboard has
additional keys that perform specific c omputer-related tasks.

❑ Key locations and desc riptions
❑ Combination s a nd f unctions with the Windows key
❑ Indicators
❑ Combinations and functions with the Fn key

Key locations and descriptions

Keyboard

Escape key

Shift
key

Ctrl key

Fn key

Applications
key

Alt key

Function keys

Space bar

Numeric
keypad

Print Screen key

Windows
key

Correction keys

Fn
key

Navigation
keys

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Using the Keyboard

Key Description

Numeric keypad Contains the keys found on a typical calculator. Use the

numeric keypad area to type numbers or to perform
mathemati ca l calculations such as addition and subtraction.
Numbers appear on the front beveled edge of the numeric
keys. Press the Num L o ck k ey to activate the nu meric
keypad. (When you do so, the Num Lock indicator turns on.)
Press the Num Lock key aga in to deactivate the numeric
keypad.

Arrow keys The Left, Right, Up, and Down arrow keys move the pointer

on the screen and also function as the Home, End, Page Up,
and Page Down keys, respec tively.

Correction key s The Insert, Back Space, and Delete keys enable you to make

corrections in your documents.

Function keys The 12 function keys along the top of the keyboard are used

to perform design ated ta sks. For exa mple, in many progra ms,
F1 is the Help key. The task associated with each f unction
key may vary from one program to the next.

Escape key The Esc (Escape) key is used to cancel commands.

Print Screen key The Print Screen key takes an elec tronic snapshot of th e

screen and moves it to the Clipboard. You can then paste the
screen shot int o a document and print it.

Operator keys
(Ctrl, Alt, Shift
keys)

Several keys a re always us ed wit h at le ast one othe r key: C trl ,
Alt, and Shift. When held down with another key, the Ctrl
(Control) and Alt (Alternate) keys offe r another way to give
commands. For example, in many programs, instead of
choosing the Save command from a menu, you can hold
down Ctrl and press S (referred to as Ctrl+S). The Shift key
operat es th e same wa y as on a typew r it er ; it is u s ed to
produce capital letters or special symbols such as @ and $.

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Key Description

Windows key The key with the Windows® operating system logo displays

the Start menu; it is the equivalent of clicking Start on the
taskbar. See “Combinations and functions with th e Windows
key” for more information.

Fn key The Fn key is used in combination with other keys to issue

commands. See “Combinations and functions with the Fn
key” for more information.

Applications key The Applications key displays a shortcut menu of context-

sensitive choices. Pressing this key is the equivalent of
clicking the right mouse button.

Combinations and functions with the Windows key

Combination Function

+ F1 Displays the VAIO Help and Support Center window.

+ Tab Switches the se lected button on the taskbar.

+ D Displays the desktop.

+ E Displays the My Com puter window.

+ F Displays the Search Results window, where you can find a

file or folder. This is the equivalent of selecting Search from
the Star t me nu.

+ Ctrl + F Displays the Search Results - Computers window, where you

can locat e othe r compu ters. T his i s the eq uivale nt of s elec ting
Search, and the n Computer from the Start menu.

+ M Minimizes al l displayed windows.

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Using the Keyboard

Combination Function

Shift + + M Returns all minimized windows to their previous size.

+ R Displays the Run window. This is the equivalent of selecting

Run from the Star t menu.

Fn + + Insert Di splays the System Properties window. This is the

equivalent of selecting Control Panel, and then System from
the Start m en u .

Indicators

Indicator Function

Power Lights up when th e power to the computer is on, bli nks in

Standb y mode, and turns off when the comput er is in
Hibernate mode or off.

Battery Lights up when th e computer is using battery power , blinks

1

when the batt ery is running ou t of po wer , d oubl e-blink s wh en
the battery is charging.

Memory Stick® Lights up when data is read from or written to the Memory

Stick media. (Do not enter Standby m ode or turn off the
computer when this indica tor is on.) When the indicator is
off, the Memory Stick media slo t is not being used.

Hard disk Lights up when data is read from or written to the hard disk.

Do not enter Standby mode or shut down the compute r when
this indicator is on.

Num Lock Lights up wh en the number keys area in the numeric keypad

are activ e. When the in di c a t or is o ff, th e al p h an u m e ri c
character keys in th e keypad area are active.

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Indicator Function

Caps Lock Lights up when the letters appear in uppe rcase as you type.

The Shift key lower s the case of typ ed le tt er s w h en Caps
Lock is on. When the indica tor is off, th e letters appear in
lowercase as you type (unless you hold down the Shift key).

Scroll Lock Lights up when the screen scrolls dif ferentl y. (Exactly how it

scrolls depends on the specific program. This function does
not work with all programs.) When the indicator is off,
information moves across the display normally.

Wireless
LAN

Lights up when the wireless LAN func tion is running.

Combinations and functions with the Fn key

✍ If you switch user identities during a com puting session, the Fn+F7 key

functionality (if available on your computer) will be interrupted. To switch to an
external display or monitor, see “Selecting a display mod e” for more information.

Combinations/
Feature Function

Fn + (F3)
Mute On/Off

Fn + (F4)
Speaker volume

Fn + (F5)
Brightness cont rol

Toggles the built-in speaker off and on.

Adjusts the built-in speaker volume. An on-screen display
appears notifying you when a change occurs.
To increase vol ume, press Fn+F4, then or .
To decrease volume, pre ss Fn+F4, then or .

Adjusts the brightness of the LCD.
To increase light intensity, press Fn+F5 and then or .
To decrease light inte nsity, press Fn+F5 and then or .

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Combinations/
Feature Function

LCD

Fn + /
(F7)

Toggles between the LCD, a connected external display, and

both the LCD an d external display.
Switch to the
external
monitor/LCD

Select one display at a time to playback DVDs. Connect the

cable before you turn on the computer, otherwise Fn+F7 will

not work.

Only LCD

Using the Keyboard

LCD and external display

Only external display

Fn + (F12)
Hibernate

Puts the system into Hibernate mode, a power management

stat e. To return the system to normal opera ting mode, press

the power button. Hibernate mode consumes the lowest level

of power.

Fn + Esc
Standby

Puts the system into Standby mode, a power management

state. To return the system to normal operating mode, press

any key or press the power button.

Fn + E Ejects the CD .

Fn + B
Bass Boost

Toggles the bass-boost function off and on. This feature is

available only while using headphones.

✍ You can also carry out the se functions using the Jog Dial™ Control . Some fu nctions

are not ava ilable un til the Window s ® op e rating sy stem lau nc h es .

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Using the Touch P ad

The keyboard contains a pointing device called a touch pad. You can point to,
select, drag, and scroll objects on the screen using the buil t-in touch pad.

❑ Describing th e touc h pad
❑ Customizing the touch pad
❑ Frequently asked questions

Describing the touch pad

Locating and Desc ribing the Touch Pad

Touch pad

Right button

Left button

Action Description

Point Slide one finger on the touch pad to place th e pointer on an

item or object.

Click P ress the left button once.

Double-clic k Press the left button twice.

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Using the Touch Pad

Action Description

Right-click Press the right button once. In many programs, this action

displays a sh ortcut menu of context-sensitive choices.

Drag Slide one finger while pressing the lef t button.

Scroll Move your finger alon g the right edge of the touch pad to

scroll vertically. Move your finger along the bottom to scroll

horizontally. (The scroll functi on is available only with

programs that support a touch pad scroll feature.)

Customizing the touch pad

Sony Notebook Setup lets you customize your touch pad, such as enable or
disable the touch pad. You can also open the Mouse Properties dialog box, which
enables you to se t your touch pad and mouse prefere nces, such as changing
pointers, enabling or disabling the tapping feature, clicking both buttons
simultaneously, and adjusting the touch pad speed.

To disable the touch pad

1 Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and point to Programs.
2 Point to Sony Notebook Setup, and click Sony Notebook Setup in the

submenu. The Sony Notebook Setup dialog box appears.
3 Click the Touchpad tab, and select Disable Touchpad.
4 Click Apply.
5 Click OK.

To enable the touch pad

1 Press the Windows key . The Start menu appears.
2 Press P to display the Programs menu.
3 Press the Down Arrow key to select Sony Notebook Setup, and press

Enter. A submenu appears.

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VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt

4 Press the Down Arrow key to select Sony Notebook Setup again, and

press Enter. The Sony Notebook Setup dialog box appea r s .

5 Press the Right Arrow key to select the Touchpad tab.
6 Press the Tab key to select the Default button, and pr es s Enter. A shortc u t

window appears.

7 Press the Left Arrow key to select OK, and press Enter. Th e Enable

Touchpad option is automatically selected.
8 Press the Tab key to select the Apply button, and press Enter.
9 Click OK.

To open the Mouse Properties dialog box

❑ Right- click th e Touchpad icon on the Windows® taskbar, and click

Mouse Properties from the shortcut menu. The Mouse Pro perties dialog

box appears.

Frequently asked questions

Why doesn’ t the touch pad work?

❑ You may have disabled the touch pad without connecting a mouse to the

computer. See “To enable the touch pad.”

❑ Restart the com puter to activate the touch pad again.
❑ If your touch pad is interpreting a single tap as a double-click, adjust the

button assignments. Follow these steps:

1 Press the Windows and the E keys. The My Computer window

appears.

2 Click the Tools menu, and select Folder Options. The Folder Options

dialog box appear s with the General tab open.

3 In the Click it em s a s fo ll ows box, click to select Single-click to open

an item (point to select).

4 Click Apply.

❑ If you are still experi encing problems, make sure another mouse was not

installed.

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Using the Touch Pad

❑ You may need to use your Application Recovery CD(s) to reinstall the

mouse drivers. See “U si ng the Application Recovery CD(s)” for more
information.

Why doesn’ t the pointer move when I use the touch pad?

❑ Try restarting your computer. Follow these steps:

1 Press the Windows key .
2 Press U. The Shut Down Windows dialog box appears.
3 Press R to rest ar t th e compute r.
4 Press Enter.

❑ If the computer does not res tart,

1 Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete simultaneously. The Windows Secur ity dialog

box appears.

2 Press the Right Arrow key to select Shut Down.
3 Press Enter.
4 Press R.
5 Press Enter.

❑ If you still cannot restart your computer, press and hold the power button to

shut dow n th e co m pu t er.

❑ If the pointer does not m ove while playing a disc, pres s Ctrl+Alt+Delete

simul t aneously to stop playback and restart the computer.

❑ You may need to use your supplied Application Re covery CD(s) to reinstall

the touch pad or mouse driver software. See “Using the Application
Recovery CD(s)” for more information.

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Using Jog Dial Control

Your computer is equipped with a Jog Dia l™ Control , which e nable s you to op en
a program, folde r, or document from a predefi ned li st by rotati ng a nd pr essing the
Jog Dial Control.

❑ Using VAIO Action Setup
❑ Locating the Jog Dial Control
❑ Using Jog Dial Control
❑ Using launcher mode
❑ Using guide mode
❑ Using the Jog Dial Cont rol with Sony programs
❑ Using the Jog Dial Cont rol with other programs
❑ Setting the timer

Using VAIO Action Setup

VAIO Action Setup manages the sett ings fo r your comp uter’ s Jog Di al™ Cont rol
interface and ena bles you to set a timer to launc h a program or document. For
more information on customizing the Jog Dial Control or setting the timer, right­click the Jog Dial Control icon or in the taskbar and click Help Topics.

80

Locating the Jog Dial Control

Jog Dial Control

Rotate

Press

Using Jog Dial Control

Jog Dial Control

Using launcher mode

The Jog Dial Control window is either in the launcher mode or in the guide
mode. The Jog Dial Contro l window is in launcher mode until a software
program is launched or the Jog Dial Control window becomes active. When an
arrow is displaye d next to an item in the Jog Dial Control window, you can
display a submenu of that item by selecting it and pressing the Jog Dial Control.
For more information, right-click the Jog Dial Control icon or , and click
Help Topics.

To open the Jog Dial Launcher

❑ Pre ss the Jog Dia l Control.
❑ Double-clic k the Jog Dial Control icon on the tas kbar.
❑ Press the Jog Dial Co n trol whil e p r essing th e Ctrl key to switch from guide

mode to launch er m o de.

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VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt

To use the Jog Dial Control

1 Rotate the Jog Dial Control to select an item, and th en press t he Jog Dial

Control. When you select an item, the launcher mode changes to guide

mode.

Jog Dial Launcher

2 Rotate or press the Jog Dial Control to use the des ired function.To select

another item, sw itch to launcher mode by pr essing the Jog Dial Control and

the Ctrl ke y.

Using guide mode

The Jog Dial Control window is either in the launcher mode or in the guide
mode. Launcher mode changes to guide mode when a program is active.
Depending on the program, you can select items from the Jog Dial Guide
window using the Jog Dial Control. Wi th some Sony programs, you can cha nge
the Jog Dial window to List View, Simple Menu, and Full Menu. For more
information, right-click the Jog Dial Control icon or , and click Help

Topics.

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Using Jog Dial Control

Jog Dial Guide Dialog Box

Using the Jog Dial Control with Sony programs

If Sony programs that sup port the Jog Dial™ Control are active, you can use the
Jog Dial’s functions tha t are allocated to that program. For more information,
click Start, Setti ngs, Control Panel, Jog Dial, and click Help on the VAIO Action
Setup window.

Using the Jog Dial Control with other programs

If the progra m you are using does not support the Jog Dial Control, you can still
select menu items to perform the following functions:

❑ Maximize window
❑ Minimize window
❑ Close window
❑ Scroll window
❑ Scroll the File menu

* Some pr ograms do not support these f unctions.

*

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VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt

Setting th e ti mer

Y ou can use the internal timer to open a program at a specific time. When set, the
timer can launch programs eve n when the computer is off.

To set the timer

1 Right-click the Jog Dial Control icon or on the taskbar, and select

VAIO Action Setup. The VAIO Action Setup dialog box appears.
2 In the left panel, click Timer. The right panel is updated.
3 Make sure the Timer Setti ng tab is open, and follow the on-screen

instructions.

84

Using Memory Stick Media

Using Memory Stick Media

This compact, port able, and versatile recording medium has a data capacity
exceeding that of a floppy disk. The medium is speci ally designed for
exchanging and sharing digital da ta with compatible products. Because it is
remova bl e , th e m e di a ca n be u sed for ex ternal dat a st or a g e.

❑ Selecting Memory Stick media
❑ Inserting Memory Stick media
❑ Viewing the contents
❑ Write-protecting Memory Stick media
❑ Formatting Memory S tick media
❑ Removing Memory Stick media
❑ Frequently asked questions

Selecting Memory Stick media

The following two typ es of Memo ry S tick media can be used with your
computer:

❑ MagicGate™ Memory Stick media (hereafter called MG Memory Stick

media), which is pr ovided with copyright pr otection.

❑ Memory Stick media, which does not have the same copyright

protection as MagicGate Memory St ick media.

Some music files wit h secure copyright prot ec tion may be stored on MG
Memory Stick media but not on regular Memory Stick media.You can also use
MagicG ate media-compatible devices to r ecord and playback music when they
are connected to your computer.

You can store mixed data on the Memory Stick media. For example, you can
copy an ordinary fil e on a MG Memory Stick media that already contains music.

What is MagicGate Memory Stick media?

MagicGate Memory Stick media provides copyright prot ection that consi st s of
authentication and encrypti on technology. Authentication technology ensures
that protected content is only transferred between com pliant devices and media.
Protected cont ent is recorded and transf erred in an encrypted format to prevent
unauthorized duplication or playback.

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VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt

✍ MG Memory Stick media has the MG mark.

Inserting M emory Stick m ed i a

Before using Memory Stick media, back up important data. The media slot
accommodates only one Memory Stick media at a time.

To ins ert Me mo ry Stick media

1 Insert the Memory Stick media with the arrow facing up and toward the

Memory Stick media slot.

✍ Inserting the media in the wrong direction may damage the connector pins.

2 Carefully slide the Memory Stick media into the slot unti l it clicks in place.

The Memory Stick media indicator blinks.

Inserting Memor y Stick Media

Memory Stick
media

Insert Memory Stick media
with the arrow facing toward
the Memory Stick media slot.

Viewing the contents

Depending on the model you purchased, the Sony Memory Stick window
appears automatically when you insert a Memory Stick media. From this
window, you can choose to view, print, copy or organiz e your Me mory Stick
images or data. If the Sony Memory Stick window does not appear when you
insert your Memory Stick media, then follow these steps.

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Using Memory Stick Media

LOCK

LOCK LOCK

To view the contents

1 Click the My Computer icon on the desktop. The My Computer wind ow

appears.

2 Double-click Re movable Disk. The Removable Disk window appears ,

displaying the contents stored on the Memory Stick media.

Write-protecting Memory Stick media

Memory Stick® media is designed with a write-protect tab to protect data from
accidental eras ure or overwrit ing . Move t he ta b to the rig ht o r left to s et or rel ease
write-protec tion. When the write-protect tab of the Memory S tick media is set to
LOCK, data cannot be recorded or erased.

Write-protect off Data can be saved on the Memory Stick media.
Write-protect on Data can be read from but not saved on the Memory Stick

media.

Using the Write-Protect Tab

Write-protect

off

(Back of Memory Stick Media)

Write-protect
on

Formatting Memory Stick media

Memory Stick ® media is formatted for immediate us e when you purchase it. If
you need to reformat Memory Stick media, use the Memory Stick Formatter that
is provided with the media. For more information about using Memory Stick
Formatter , ref er to Formatter Help.

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VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt

Formatting Memory Stick media erases all data, including music data,
previously saved to i t. Before you reformat Memory Stick media, confirm
that the media does not contai n file s you want to kee p. Back up importa nt
data before formatting the me dia.

To format Memory Stick media

1 Insert the Memory Stick media into th e Memory Stic k media slot. See

“Inserting Memory Stick media” for more information.

2 From the Start menu, point to Programs, M emory Stick Utility, and then

click Memory Stick Formatter . The Memory Stick Formatter dialog box

appears.

3 Click to select the Memory Stick media drive, if it is not already selected.
4 Click S tart Format.

Removing Memory Stick media

If the m ed ia i s re mov ed prem at ure ly, a blue scr een wi th a n err o r me ssa ge appe ars
prompting you to cont inue or exit. Reinsert the media into the slot and press
Enter to continue. This enables the medi a to f inish reading or writing data.

To rem o ve Memory Stick media

1 Wait a minimum of 10 seconds after the Memory Stick media finishes

reading or writing data before removing the media.

2 Make sure the access light is off.
3 Push th e M e mo r y Sti ck m e di a in towa r d th e computer.
4 When the Memory Stick media ejects, pull it out.

✍ Be careful when removing the Memory Stick media, as it may eject completely from

the slot.

88

Using Memory Stick Media

Frequently asked questions

Why can’t I open my image files?

You may need to reformat your Memory Stick media.

Formatting Memory Sti ck m edia erases all data, includi ng music data,
previously saved to it. Befor e you refor ma t M em ory Stick media, confirm
that the media does not contain files you want to keep and back up
important data.

1 Copy the data from the Memory S tic k media onto your com puter’s hard disk

to save data or images.

2 Format the Memory Stick media using Memory Stick Formatter software

preinstalled on your computer. For instruct ions about formatting a Memory
Stick medi a, se e “Forma tting Memory Stick media.”

Why can’t I save music files onto my Memory Stick media?

❑ Only MagicGate Memory S tick media can be used with copy right protected

data, such as m u si c.

❑ Copyright prot ected music cannot be che cke d out to any Memory Stick

media other than MG Memory Stick media.

❑ Recorded music is limited to pr ivate use onl y. Using recorde d music for any

other purpose requires permission of the copyright holders.

❑ Sony is not responsible for mu si c files that c annot be recorded from a CD or

downloaded from other sources.

Can I copy images from a dig ital video camera us in g Mem ory Stic k media?

Yes, and you can view video clips that you have recorded with Memory Stic k
media -co m p at i ble vid e o ca m e r a re co rd er s.

How do I prevent damage to the Memory Stick media?

❑ Do not use the media in locations that are subj ect to static elec tricity or

electri cal noise .

❑ Do not touch the media connec tor with your finger or metallic objects.
❑ Do not attach labels other than the supplied label to a media.

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VAI O C om puter Quic k Sta rt

❑ Do not bend, drop, or apply strong shock to the media.
❑ Do not disassemble or modi fy the media.
❑ Do not allow the media to get wet .

How do I extend the life of the Memory Sti ck m edia?

❑ Use the supplied storage case. See the instructions that came with your

media for more information on its use.

❑ Do not use or store the media in a location that is subject to:

❑ Extreme ly high tem p er at u r es, such as in a car par k ed in th e s u n

❑ Direct sunli ght

❑ High humidity or place s wit h corrosive substances

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Changing the Window Desi gn of Sony Programs

Changing the Window Design of Sony Programs

This feature is available with UI Design Select or-compatible programs only.

To change the window design

1 Click Start, and point to Settings, Control Panel, and click UI Design

Selector.
2 Click << or >> to view the designs.
3 To select a design that appears in the center window, click Apply. The UI

Design Selector window design changes. T he window design for your Sony

software will match the UI Design Selector window.
4 Click OK.

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Connecting Mice and Keyboards

❑ Using External Mic e and Keyboards

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Using Extern al Mice and Keybo ards

You can connect a universal serial bus (USB) mouse or keyboard to your
computer. To function properly, the device you connect must be compa tible with
the Microsoft ® W indows® operating syste m installed on your computer. For
information about your computer’s built-in keyboard and key functions, see
“Using the Keyboard” in the “Computer Features” chapter.

❑ Connecting a mouse or keyboard
❑ Disconnecting a mouse or keyboard
❑ Frequently asked questions

Connecting a mouse or keyboard

Your computer is compatible with many popular mice and keyboards. The New
Hardware Wizard guides you through the software installation process. Some
devices require se parate driver software installati on. See the instructions that
accompanied your mouse or keyboard for more information. If the mous e or
keyboard does not work once you have connected it to your computer, see
“Frequently asked quest ions” for more information.

Your computer can be on or off when connecting a mouse or keyboard.

To connect a USB mouse or keyboard to your computer

1 Locate the USB port on your computer, port replicator, or docking

station.

2 Plug the USB cable into the USB port on the computer. (One USB port

supports one USB device .) If the New Hardware Wizard appear s, follow
the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

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Using External Mice and Keyboards

Connecting a USB Mouse or Keyboard

USB ports

USB cable

✍ See the manua l that came with your mouse or k eyboard for m ore information on its

insta lla ti on an d use .

Connecting a USB Mouse or Keyboard to a Docking Statio n

USB ports

USB cable

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Disconnecting a mouse or keyboard

You can disconnect a USB mouse or keyboard when the computer is on or off.
Disconnecting the USB mouse or keyboard when the computer is in a power
saving mode (Standby or Hibernate) may cause the c omp uter to malfunction.

To disconnect the USB mouse or keyboard when the computer is off

❑ Unplug the USB cable from the USB port on the computer.

To disconnect the USB mouse or keyboard when the computer is on

1 Doubl e- click th e Unplug or Eject Hardware icon on the taskbar. The

Unplug or Eject Hardware window appears.

2 Select the a ppropriate USB device in the Hardw a re dev i ces window, if it is

not already selected.

3 Click Stop. The Stop a Hardware device window appears.
4 Make sure the USB device is selected, and click OK. A message appears

stating it is now safe to remove the ha rdware device.

5 Unplug the USB cable from the USB port on the computer.

Frequently asked questions

Why doesn’t the comput er recogn ize the USB mouse?

❑ Make sure the mouse is securely plugged into the USB port . See

“Connecting a mouse or keyboard” for more information.

❑ You may need to install or reinstall the mouse driver software. Use the

supplied Appli cation Recovery CD to insta ll the drivers. See “Using the
Application Re covery CD(s)” for more information.

Why doesn’t the pointer move when I use the USB mouse?

❑ Make sure another mous e was not ins talled.
❑ You may need to install or reinstall the mouse driver software. Use the

supplied Appl icat ion Rec overy CD(s ). S ee “Using th e Appl icat ion Recove ry
CD(s)” for more information.

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Using External Mice and Keyboards

❑ If you are playing a disc , press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys simultaneously to

stop playb ack and rest a rt th e co mp u t er.

❑ If you still cannot use the pointer, restart the computer. You can restart the

computer three different ways:

❑ Press the Windows key , and press U. When the Shut Down

Windows window appears, press R to select Restart, and press Enter.

❑ Press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys simult aneously. When the Windows

Security window appears, press the Right Arrow key to selec t
Shut Down, and then press Enter. Use the Down Arrow key to
select Restart, and press Enter.

❑ Press and hold the power button. When the computer shuts down, press

the power button again to restart the computer.

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Floppy Disk Drives and PC Cards

❑ Using Floppy Disk Drives
❑ Using PC Cards

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Using Fl oppy Disk Drives

You can connect a floppy disk dr ive to your c omputer , port repli cator, or docking
station. The floppy disk drive enables you to read da ta stored on a floppy disk.

❑ Inserting and removing floppy disks
❑ Notes on handling floppy disks
❑ Disconnecting a floppy disk drive
❑ Frequently asked questions

Inserting and removing floppy disks

Floppy disks are portable devices that store data. To protect your floppy disks,
keep them away from magnets and direct sunlight or other heat sources.

To insert a floppy disk

1 Hold the floppy disk with the label facing up.
2 Push the flopp y dis k into the drive until it clicks into place.

Inserting a Floppy Disk

Floppy disk

Floppy disk drive

✍ Do not open the shutter manual ly and touch the surface of the floppy disk.

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Using Floppy Disk Drives

To remove a floppy di sk

1 Close all programs that were opened from the disk and wait for the LED

indicator to turn of f.
2 Push the Eject button, and remove the disk.

✍ T o avoid losing data, do not push the Eject button when the LED indicator is on.

Removing a Floppy Disk

Eject button

Notes on handling floppy disks

❑ Do not open the shutter manually and touch the surface of the floppy disk.
❑ Keep floppy disks away from magn ets.
❑ Keep floppy disk away from dire ct sunlight and other heat sources.

Disconnecting a floppy disk drive

You can disconnect a floppy disk drive when th e computer is on or off.
Disconnecting the drive when the computer is in a power saving mode (Standby
or Hibernate) may cause the computer to malfunction.

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To disconnect a floppy disk drive

1 Close any active pr ograms to prevent data loss .
2 Doubl e- click th e Unplug or Eject Hardware icon on the taskbar. The

Unplug or Eject Hardware window appears.

3 Select th e f loppy disk drive in the Hardware devi ce s window, if it is not

alread y selected .

4 Click Stop. The Stop a Hardware device window appears.
5 Make sure the appropriate device is selected, and click OK. A message

appears stating it is safe to remove the hardware devic e.

6 Unplug the fl oppy disk drive from the USB port on the computer, port

replicator, or docking station.

Frequently asked questions

Why doesn’t the Unplug or Eject Ha rdware icon appear on the taskbar
when the drive is connected?

The computer does not recognize the floppy disk drive. F irs t, make sure the USB
cable is properly connected to the USB port . If you need to secure the
connection, wait a few moments for the computer to recognize the drive. If the
icon still does not appear, follow these steps:

1 Close all programs that were opened from the disk and wait for the LED

indicator to turn off.

2 Push the Eject button, and remove the disk.
3 Reconnect th e floppy disk drive by inserting the USB connector (with the

USB icon facing upward) into the USB port .

4 Restart the com puter by clicking Start on the Windows® taskbar and Shut

Down. When the Shut Down Windows dialog box appears , s elect Restart,
and click OK.

Why is the drive unable to write data to a floppy disk?

The floppy disk drive cannot write data to a di sk if it is inserted into the drive
improperly. See “Inserting and removing floppy disks ” for ins truct ions on how to
insert the disk properly.

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Using Floppy Disk Drives

If the disk is inserted properly and you are st ill unable to write data to it, the disk
may be write-protec ted. You can either use a floppy disk that is not write­protected or disable the write-prot ec t feature.

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Using PC Cards

Your computer includes one or more PC Card slots. A PC Card enables you to
connect portable external devices, s uch as another hard disk driv e or a PC
Network Interface Card (NIC), to connect to a network.

See your VAIO® Computer Specifications for the type of PC Card that is
compatible with your co mputer . These slots ar e compatible with CardBu s. If your
computer has more than one PC Card slot, use the lower slot for Type III PC
Cards. You do not need to turn off your computer to insert or remove a PC Card.

❑ Inserting PC Cards
❑ Removing PC Cards
❑ Connecting and disconnectin g PC Card drives
❑ Frequently asked questions

Inserting PC C ards

Your computer may contain PC Card slot protectors. Remove these protectors
before you insert a PC Card into the slot. See “To remove slot protectors.”

Some PC Cards may require you to disable idle devic es when using the PC Card.
You can use Sony Notebook Setup to disable devices.

To open Sony Notebook Setup

❑ Click Start, and point to Settings, Control Panel, and then click Sony

Notebook Setup. The Sony Notebook Setup window ap pea r s .

To ins ert a PC Card

1 Make sure the front label of the PC Card is facing up.
2 Push the PC Card gentl y into the s lot . The P C Car d is auto ma tica lly dete cted

by your system. The Unplug or Eject Hardware icon appears on the
taskbar, indicating your system detected the PC Card.

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Do not force a PC Card int o the slot. It may damage the connector pins.
When a PC Card is inserted, do not place your computer in a bag or case.

Pressure or shock to a PC Card may damage your computer.
T ou ching t he h ead of t he PC Card wil l not d amage the connec tor pins, but

damage may occur if the head of the PC Card is sticking out of the PC
Card slot while the computer is being transported.

Inserting a PC Card

Arrow facing

the slot

Using PC Cards

PC Card

Removing PC Cards

You can remove PC Cards while the computer is on or off. PC Cards draw power
from the co mputer when they are in serted in to the PC Card slot, whether or no t
you use th e ca r d .

If you are not using your PC Card and you are using a battery as a power source,
remove the PC Card from the PC Card slot to conserve battery power.

To r emove a PC C ar d w hile your computer is on

1 Doubl e- click th e Unplug or Eject Hardware icon on the taskbar. The

Unplug or Eject Hardware window appears.
2 Select the PC Card in th e Hardware devices window, if it is not alre ady

selected.

3 Click Stop. The Stop a Hardware device window appears.

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4 Make sure the P C Ca rd is sele ct ed , an d cli ck OK. A message appears stating

it is safe to remove the hardware device.

5 Push the Release button. The Release button pops out.
6 Push the Release button a second time. The PC Card pops out.
7 Gently pull the card out of the slot.

To r emove a PC C ar d wh il e the compu t er is off

1 Push the Release button once. The Release button pops out.
2 Push the Release button a second time. The PC Card pops out.
3 Gently pull the card out of the slot.

To rem ove slot prote ctor s

1 Push the Release button once. The Release button pops out.
2 Push the Release button a second time. The slot protector pops out.
3 Pull the protector out of the slot. If you use a Type III PC Card, you nee d to

remove both the top and bottom PC Card slot protectors.

Connecting and disconnecting PC Card drives

The PC Card drive enables you to read data stored on a DVD or CD. Your
computer may come with an extern al PC Card d rive , depe nding on the mode l y ou
purchased. If you wish to purchase an optional PC Card drive, shop Sony online
at http://www.sonystyle.com/va io or contact your local retailer.

If you connect a non-Sony DVD drive to your VAIO® computer, DVD
playback may not function properly. The supplie d DVD software must be
installed to play a DVD. For best performance, use a Sony compatible
DVD drive.

To connect an PC Card drive

You can connect a PC Card dri ve while the comput er is on. Connect ing the drive
when the computer is in a power saving mode (Standby or Hibernate) may cause
the computer to malfunction.

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