Sony VAIO VGN-AR11MR, VAIO VGN-AR11B, VAIO VGN-AR11SR, VAIO VGN-AR11M, VAIO VGN-AR11S User Guide

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User Guide

Personal Computer

V G N - A R s e r i e s

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Contents
Before Use .........................................................................................................................................................................	6
Notice...........................................................................................................................................................................	6
ENERGY STAR ...............................................................................................................................................................	7
Documentation.............................................................................................................................................................	8
Ergonomic Considerations .........................................................................................................................................	12
Getting Started .................................................................................................................................................................	14
Locating Controls and Ports.......................................................................................................................................	15
About the Indicator Lights ..........................................................................................................................................	22
Connecting a Power Source ......................................................................................................................................	24
Using the Battery Pack ..............................................................................................................................................	26
Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .......................................................................................................................	31
Using Your VAIO Computer .............................................................................................................................................	32
Using the Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................................	33
Using the Touch Pad .................................................................................................................................................	35
Using Special-function Buttons ..................................................................................................................................	36
Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...................................................................................................................	38
Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................	39
Using the TV Function ...............................................................................................................................................	49
Using PC Cards .........................................................................................................................................................	53
Using the ExpressCard Media ...................................................................................................................................	56
Using the Memory Stick Media ..................................................................................................................................	60

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Using Other Memory Cards .......................................................................................................................................	64
Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................	67
Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) .....................................................................................................................................	68
Using the Bluetooth Functionality ..............................................................................................................................	76
Using Peripheral Devices.................................................................................................................................................	81
Connecting a Multi Function Bay Docking Station .....................................................................................................	82
Connecting External Speakers ..................................................................................................................................	91
Connecting an External Display .................................................................................................................................	92
Selecting Display Modes..........................................................................................................................................	101
Using the Multiple Monitors Function.......................................................................................................................	102
Connecting an External Microphone........................................................................................................................	104
Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device....................................................................................................	105
Connecting a Printer ................................................................................................................................................	108
Connecting an i.LINK Device ...................................................................................................................................	109
Connecting to a Network (LAN) ...............................................................................................................................	111
Customizing Your VAIO Computer ................................................................................................................................	113
Setting the Password ...............................................................................................................................................	114
Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center..............................................................................................	116
Using the Power Saving Modes ...............................................................................................................................	117
Managing Power with VAIO Power Management....................................................................................................	122
Configuring Your Modem .........................................................................................................................................	124
Upgrading Your VAIO Computer....................................................................................................................................	126
Adding and Removing Memory................................................................................................................................	127

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Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................	132
On Handling the LCD Screen ..................................................................................................................................	133
On Using the Power Source ....................................................................................................................................	134
On Handling Your Computer....................................................................................................................................	135
On Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...........................................................................................................	137
On Handling Floppy Disks .......................................................................................................................................	137
On Handling Discs ...................................................................................................................................................	138
On Using the Battery Pack.......................................................................................................................................	139
On Using Headphones.............................................................................................................................................	140
On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................	140
On Handling the Hard Disk ......................................................................................................................................	141
Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................	142
Computer .................................................................................................................................................................	144
System Security .......................................................................................................................................................	152
Battery......................................................................................................................................................................	154
Built-in MOTION EYE Camera.................................................................................................................................	156
Internet.....................................................................................................................................................................	159
Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................	161
Bluetooth Technology ..............................................................................................................................................	164
CDs and DVDs.........................................................................................................................................................	168
Display .....................................................................................................................................................................	173
Printing.....................................................................................................................................................................	177
Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................	178
Mouse ......................................................................................................................................................................	179

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Speakers ..................................................................................................................................................................	180
Touch Pad................................................................................................................................................................	181
Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................	182
Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................	183
PC Cards .................................................................................................................................................................	184
Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................	185
Memory Stick Media ................................................................................................................................................	186
Peripherals ...............................................................................................................................................................	187
Multi Function Bay Docking Station .........................................................................................................................	188
Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................	189
Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................	189
e-Support .................................................................................................................................................................	190
Trademarks ..............................................................................................................................................................	192

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Before Use

Before Use

Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer, and welcome to the on-screen User Guide. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing, and communications to provide state-of-the-art personal computing.

Notice

© 2006 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved.

This manual and the software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, translated, or reduced to any machine-readable form without prior written approval.

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

Macrovision: This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only, unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.

In the manual, the ™ or ® marks are not specified.

Sony Corporation reserves the right to make any modification to this manual or the information contained herein at any time without notice. The software described herein is governed by the terms of a separate user license agreement.

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Before Use

ENERGY STAR

As an ENERGY STAR Partner, Sony has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.

The International ENERGY STAR Office Equipment Program is an international program that promotes energy saving through the use of computers and their office equipment. The program backs the development and dissemination of products with functions that effectively reduce energy consumption. It is an open system in which business proprietors can participate voluntarily. The targeted products are office equipment such as computers, displays, printers, facsimiles and copiers. Their standards and logos are uniform among participating nations.

ENERGY STAR is a U.S. registered mark.

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Before Use

Documentation

Your documentation includes printed information and user guides to read on your VAIO computer. Guides are provided in PDF format, which you can easily browse through and print out.

The My Club VAIO portal is a perfect starting point to use your computer — a comprehensive collection of everything you need to get the most from your computer.

The user guides are collected under Documentation, which can be shown as follows:

1Click Start, point to All Programs, and click My Club VAIO.

2Click Documentation.

3Select the guide you want to read.

You can manually browse to the user guides by going to My Computer > VAIO (C:) (your C drive) > Documentation > Documentation and opening the folder for your language.

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

Printed Documentation

A Setting Up Poster — Describes the process from unpacking to starting up your VAIO.

Troubleshooting Guide — Contains solutions to common problems.

Recovery Guide — Contains an explanation of how to recover your computer's system if you need to.

Booklets containing the following information: Sony GUARANTEE conditions, Safety / Regulations, Modem Regulations, Wireless LAN Regulations, Bluetooth Regulations, End User Software License Agreement, and Sony Support services.

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Before Use

Non-printed Documentation

User Guide (this manual) — Contains features of your computer. It also includes information about the software programs included with your computer, as well as information on solving common problems.

Specifications — The online Specifications describe the hardware and software configuration of your VAIO computer. To view the online Specifications:

1 Connect to the Internet.

2 Go to the Sony online support Web site at http://www.vaio-link.com/.

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Before Use

My Club VAIO

In My Club VAIO you can find:

Documentation, which gives you:

Access to the User Guide. This manual explains the features of your computer in detail, how to use these features confidently and safely, connect peripheral devices and more.

Access to Help & Training. This is the portal of VAIO Help and Support Center.

Important information about your computer, in the form of notices and announcements.

In My Club VAIO you can also find:

Accessories

Want to expand the capabilities of your computer? Click on this icon and have a look at your compatible accessories.

Software

Feeling creative? Click this icon for an overview of your software and check out our upgrade options.

Wallpapers

Click this icon and check out our most popular Sony and Club VAIO wallpapers.

Links

Click this icon and check out our most popular Sony and Club VAIO web sites.

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Before Use

Help and Support Center

Help and Support Center is a comprehensive resource for practical advice, tutorials, and demonstrations to help you learn to use Microsoft Windows XP and your computer.

Use the Search feature, Index, or table of contents to view all Windows Help resources, including those that are on the Internet.

To access Help and Support Center, click Start and then Help and Support. Or go to the Help and Support Center by

pressing the Microsoft Windows key and the F1 key.

Further Sources

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

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

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Before Use

Ergonomic Considerations

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

Position of your computer – Place the computer directly in front of you (1). Keep your forearms horizontal (2), with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable position (3) while using the keyboard, touch pad, or external mouse. Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides. Have breaks during sessions with your computer. Excessive use of the computer may strain muscles or tendons.

Furniture and posture – Sit in a chair with good back support. Adjust the level of the chair so your feet are flat on the floor. A footrest may make you more comfortable. Sit in a relaxed, upright posture and avoid slouching forward or leaning far backwards.

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Before Use

Viewing angle of the computer's display – Use the display's tilting feature to find the best position. You can reduce eye strain and muscle fatigue by adjusting the tilt of the display to the proper position. Adjust the brightness setting of the display as well.

Lighting – Choose a location where windows and lights do not create glare and reflection on the display. Use indirect lighting to avoid bright spots on the display. You can also purchase accessories for your display that help reduce glare. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work effectiveness.

Positioning an external display – When using an external display, set the display at a comfortable viewing distance. Make sure the display screen is at eye level or slightly lower when you are sitting in front of the monitor.

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Getting Started

Getting Started

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

Locating Controls and Ports (page 15)

About the Indicator Lights (page 22)

Connecting a Power Source (page 24)

Using the Battery Pack (page 26)

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 31)

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Getting Started

Locating Controls and Ports

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

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Getting Started

Front

A Built-in MOTION EYE camera (page 38)

B Built-in MOTION EYE camera indicator (page 22) C LCD screen (page 133)

D Keyboard (page 33) E Built-in speakers F VAIO logo lamp

G Power button / Power indicator (page 22) H Touch pad (page 35)

I Power indicator (page 22) J Battery indicator (page 22)

K Hard disk drive indicator (page 22)

L Memory Stick PRO/Duo media indicator (page 22) M LCD screen lid LOCK/RELEASE switch

Make sure to slide this switch to the LOCK position before moving your computer.

N Infrared receiver*1

Point the supplied remote commander to this sensor for operations. O Built-in microphone (monaural)

P SD memory card indicator (page 22)

Q Memory Stick PRO/Duo media slot*2 (page 62) R SD memory card slot (page 64)

S WIRELESS switch (page 68)

T WLAN (Wireless LAN) indicator (page 22)

U Bluetooth indicator*1 (page 22)

*1	On selected models only.
*2	Your computer supports Memory Stick PRO media and Memory Stick Duo
	media with high speed and high capacity capabilities.

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Getting Started

A Num lock indicator (page 22)

B Caps lock indicator (page 22)

C Scroll lock indicator (page 22)

D S1/S2 buttons (page 36)

E VOLUME buttons (page 36)

F Disc drive eject button (page 39)

G Muting button (page 36) / Muting indicator (page 22)

H CHANNEL buttons* (page 36)

I TV REC button* (page 36)

J Play/Pause button (page 36)

K Stop button (page 36)

L Previous track button (page 36)

M Next track button (page 36)

N AV MODE button (page 36)

*On selected models only.

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Getting Started

Back

A VHF/UHF port*1 (page 49)

B Air vent

C Battery connector (page 26)

D Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port*2 (page 105)

E DC IN port (page 24)

*1 On selected models only.

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

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Getting Started

Right

A Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports*1 (page 105)

B PC Card release button (page 55)

C PC Card slot (page 53)

D ExpressCard media release button (page 59)

E Universal ExpressCard slot*2 (page 57)

F i.LINK® (IEEE 1394) S400 port (page 109)

G AV In jack*3 *4

Connect an external device such as a VCR.

H S VIDEO INPUT port*3 *4 *5

Connect an external device such as a VCR.

I S VIDEO OUTPUT port*5 *6 (page 97)

J HDMI port (page 97)

K Monitor (VGA) port*6 (page 93)

L Network (Ethernet) port (page 111)

M Modem port (page 67)

*1	Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.
*2	Referred to as the ExpressCard slot hereinafter.
*3	On selected models only.
*4	Parallel use of the AV In jack and the S VIDEO INPUT port will direct video
	signals to the S VIDEO INPUT port.
*5	Referred to as the S VIDEO IN port and the S VIDEO OUT port hereinafter.
*6	Disabled when your computer is attached to the optional multi function bay
	docking station.

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Getting Started

Left

A OPTICAL OUT port (Output frequency 96 kHz/48 kHz/44 kHz/

Variable)

Connect digital equipment such as an AV amplifier.

B Microphone jack (page 104)

C Headphones jack (page 91)

D Optical disc drive (page 39)

E Substitute drive eject button (page 39)/

Optical disc drive indicator (page 22)

F Manual eject hole (page 168)

G Security slot

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Getting Started

Bottom

A Multi function bay docking station connector (page 84)

B Air vents

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Getting Started

About the Indicator Lights

Your computer is equipped with the following indicator lights.

	Indicator	Functions
	Power 1	Illuminates when the power of the computer is on, blinks in Standby mode, and turns off when the computer is
		in Hibernate mode or off.
	Battery e	Illuminates when the computer is using battery power, blinks when the battery is running out of power, and
		double-blinks when the battery is charging.
	Memory Stick PRO/Duo	Illuminates when data is read from or written to the Memory Stick media. (Do not enter Standby mode or turn
		off the computer when this indicator is on.) When the indicator is off, the Memory Stick media is not being used.
	Muting %	Illuminates when the volume is turned off.
	Built-in MOTION EYE camera	Illuminates while the built-in MOTION EYE camera is in use.
	SD memory card	Illuminates when data is read from or written to the media in the SD memory card slot. (Do not enter Standby
		mode or turn off the computer when this indicator is on.) When the indicator is off, the memory card is not being
		used.
	Optical disc drive	Illuminates when data is read from or written to the optical disc. When the indicator is off, the optical disc is not
		being used.
	Hard disk	Illuminates when data is read from or written to the hard disk. Do not enter Standby mode or turn off the
		computer when this indicator is on.
	Num lock	Press the Num Lk key to activate the numeric keypad. Press it a second time to deactivate the numeric keypad.
		The numeric keypad is not active when the indicator is off.
	Caps lock	Press the Caps Lock key to type letters in uppercase. Letters appear in lowercase if you press the Shift key
		while the indicator is on. Press the key a second time to turn off the indicator. Normal typing resumes when the
		Caps lock indicator is off.

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Getting Started

Indicator

Functions

Scroll lock

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

Bluetooth technology	*	Illuminates when the WIRELESS switch is set to ON and Bluetooth technology is enabled.
WIRELESS LAN		Illuminates when the wireless LAN function is running.

*On selected models only.

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Getting Started

Connecting a Power Source

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

Using the AC Adapter

Use the computer only with the supplied AC adapter.

To use the AC adapter

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

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

3Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter (3) into the DC IN port (4) on the computer or on the optional multi function bay docking station.

!

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

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Getting Started

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

Make sure that the AC outlet is easily accessible.

If you do not use the computer for a long period of time, put the computer into Hibernate mode. See Using Hibernate Mode (page 120). This power saving mode saves the time of shutting down or resuming.

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Getting Started

Using the Battery Pack

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

Installing the Battery Pack

To install the battery pack

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

2Slide the battery lock switch (1) to the UNLOCK position.

3 Slide the battery into the battery compartment until it clicks into place.

4 Slide the battery lock switch (1) to the LOCK position to secure the battery on the computer.

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Getting Started

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

!

Certain rechargeable batteries do not meet Sony quality and safety standards. For safety reasons this notebook only functions with genuine Sony batteries designed for this model. When inserting another kind of battery, the battery will not be charged and the notebook will not function.

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Getting Started

Charging the Battery Pack

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

To charge the battery pack

1Install the battery pack.

2Connect the AC adapter to the computer.

The computer automatically charges the battery (the battery indicator light flashes in a double blink pattern as the battery charges). When the battery is about 85% charged, the battery indicator turns off.

Battery indicator light status	Meaning
On	The computer is using battery power.
Blinks	The battery is running out of power.
Double blinks	The battery is charging.
Off	The computer is using AC power.

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Getting Started

When the battery is running out of power, both the battery and power indicator lights blink.

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

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

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

The battery indicator light is on while you use the battery pack as a power source. When the battery life is nearly depleted, both the battery and power indicator lights start flashing.

For some software applications and some peripheral devices, the computer may not enter Hibernate mode even when battery life is low. To avoid loss of data when using battery power, you should save your data frequently and manually activate a power management mode, such as Standby or Hibernate. If the battery wears out when the computer enters Standby mode, you will lose any unsaved data. Going back to the previous work state is impossible. To avoid loss of data, you should save your data frequently.

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

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Getting Started

Removing the Battery Pack

!

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

To remove the battery pack

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

2Slide the battery lock switch (1) to the UNLOCK position.

3 Slide and hold the battery release latch (2) and slide the battery away from the computer.