Sony VAIO VGN-AR31M, VAIO VGN-AR31E, VAIO VGN-AR31S, VAIO VGN-AR31SR, VAIO VGN-AR31MR User Guide

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User Guide

Personal Computer

V G N - F E s e r i e s / 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 ..........................................................................................................................................	28
Connecting a Power Source ......................................................................................................................................	30
Using the Battery Pack ..............................................................................................................................................	32
Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .......................................................................................................................	37
Using Your VAIO Computer .............................................................................................................................................	38
Using the Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................................	39
Using the Touch Pad .................................................................................................................................................	41
Using Special-function Buttons ..................................................................................................................................	42
Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...................................................................................................................	44
Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................	45
Using the TV Function ...............................................................................................................................................	53
Using PC Cards .........................................................................................................................................................	60
Using the ExpressCard Module .................................................................................................................................	63
Using the Memory Stick Media ..................................................................................................................................	68

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Using Other Memory Cards .......................................................................................................................................	74
Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................	79
Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) .....................................................................................................................................	80
Using the Bluetooth Functionality ..............................................................................................................................	86
Using Peripheral Devices.................................................................................................................................................	94
Connecting a Multi Function Bay Docking Station .....................................................................................................	95
Connecting External Speakers ................................................................................................................................	106
Connecting an External Display ...............................................................................................................................	107
Selecting Display Modes..........................................................................................................................................	116
Using the Multiple Monitors Function.......................................................................................................................	117
Connecting an External Microphone........................................................................................................................	119
Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device....................................................................................................	120
Connecting a Printer ................................................................................................................................................	123
Connecting an i.LINK Device ...................................................................................................................................	124
Connecting to a Network (LAN) ...............................................................................................................................	126
Customizing Your VAIO Computer ................................................................................................................................	128
Setting the Password ...............................................................................................................................................	129
Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center..............................................................................................	132
Using the Power Saving Modes ...............................................................................................................................	133
Managing Power with VAIO Power Management....................................................................................................	137
Configuring Your Modem .........................................................................................................................................	139
Upgrading Your VAIO Computer....................................................................................................................................	141
Adding and Removing Memory................................................................................................................................	142

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Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................	150
On Handling the LCD Screen ..................................................................................................................................	151
On Using the Power Source ....................................................................................................................................	152
On Handling Your Computer....................................................................................................................................	153
On Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...........................................................................................................	155
On Handling Floppy Disks .......................................................................................................................................	155
On Handling Discs ...................................................................................................................................................	156
On Using the Battery Pack.......................................................................................................................................	157
On Using Headphones.............................................................................................................................................	158
On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................	159
On Handling the Hard Disk ......................................................................................................................................	160
On Handling the Memory Card Adapter...................................................................................................................	161
Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................	162
Computer .................................................................................................................................................................	164
System Security .......................................................................................................................................................	171
Battery......................................................................................................................................................................	172
Built-in MOTION EYE Camera.................................................................................................................................	174
Internet.....................................................................................................................................................................	177
Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................	179
Bluetooth Technology ..............................................................................................................................................	182
Optical Discs ............................................................................................................................................................	186
Display .....................................................................................................................................................................	190
Printing.....................................................................................................................................................................	194
Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................	195

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Mouse ......................................................................................................................................................................	196
Speakers ..................................................................................................................................................................	197
Touch Pad................................................................................................................................................................	198
Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................	199
Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................	200
PC Cards .................................................................................................................................................................	201
Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................	203
Memory Stick Media ................................................................................................................................................	204
Peripherals ...............................................................................................................................................................	205
Multi Function Bay Docking Station .........................................................................................................................	206
Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................	207
Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................	207
e-Support .................................................................................................................................................................	208
Trademarks ..............................................................................................................................................................	210

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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.

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External views illustrated in this manual may look slightly different from those of your computer.

Notice

© 2007 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 by clicking the VAIO Documentation icon on the desktop or following these steps:

1Click Start , All Programs, and My Club VAIO.

2Click Documentation.

3Select the guide you want to read.

You can manually browse to the user guides by going to 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.

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Before Use

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 make a backup copy of your data and recover your computer system, and solutions to computer malfunctions.

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.

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

Windows Help and Support

Windows Help and Support is a comprehensive resource for practical advice, tutorials, and demonstrations to help you learn to use 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 Windows Help and Support, click Start and Help and Support. Or go to Windows Help and Support by pressing and holding the Microsoft Windows key and pressing the F1 key.

Further Sources

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

Go to http://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. 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 28)

Connecting a Power Source (page 30)

Using the Battery Pack (page 32)

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 37)

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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

VGN-FE series Models

Front

A Built-in MOTION EYE camera (page 44)

B Built-in MOTION EYE camera indicator (page 28)

C LCD screen (page 151)

D Built-in speakers (stereo)

E Keyboard (page 39)

F Touch pad (page 41)

G Power indicator (page 28)

H Battery indicator (page 28)

I Hard disk drive indicator (page 28)

J Memory Stick Duo/PRO Duo media indicator (page 28)

K LCD screen lid LOCK/RELEASE switch

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

L Headphones jack (page 106)

M Microphone jack (page 119)

N Built-in microphone (monaural)

O WIRELESS switch (page 80)

P WLAN (Wireless LAN) indicator (page 28)

Q Bluetooth indicator*1 (page 28)

R Memory Stick Duo/PRO Duo media slot*2 (page 69)

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

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Getting Started

A Muting button (page 42)

B Muting indicator (page 28)

C VOL buttons (page 42)

D S1/S2 buttons (page 42)

E Num lock indicator (page 28)

F Caps lock indicator (page 28)

G Scroll lock indicator (page 28)

H Power button

I Power indicator (page 28)

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Getting Started

Back

A Air vent

B Battery connector (page 32)

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Getting Started

Right

A PC Card release button (page 62)

B PC Card slot (page 60)

C ExpressCard™/34 slot*1 (page 63)

D i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 port (page 124)

E Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports*2 (page 120)

F S VIDEO OUTPUT port*3 *4 (page 112)

G Monitor (VGA) port*4(page 108)

H DC IN port (page 30)

*1	Referred to as the ExpressCard slot hereinafter.
*2	Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.
*3	Referred to as the S VIDEO OUT port hereinafter.
*4	Disabled when your computer is attached to the optional multi function bay
	docking station.

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Getting Started

Left

A Modem port (page 79)

B Network (Ethernet) port (page 126)

C Optical disc drive (page 45)

D Drive eject button (page 45)/

Optical disc drive indicator (page 28)

E Manual eject hole (page 186)

F Security slot

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Getting Started

Bottom

A Multi function bay docking station connector (page 97)

B Air vents

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Getting Started

VGN-AR series Models

Front

A Built-in MOTION EYE camera (page 44)

B Built-in MOTION EYE camera indicator (page 28) C LCD screen (page 151)

D Keyboard (page 39)

E Built-in speakers (stereo) F VAIO logo lamp

G Power button / Power indicator (page 28) H Touch pad (page 41)

I Power indicator (page 28) J Battery indicator (page 28)

K Hard disk drive indicator (page 28)

L Memory Stick PRO/Duo media indicator (page 28) 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 28)

Q Memory Stick PRO/Duo media slot*2 (page 69) R SD memory card slot (page 76)

S WIRELESS switch (page 80)

T WLAN (Wireless LAN) indicator (page 28)

U Bluetooth indicator*1 (page 28)

*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 28)

B Caps lock indicator (page 28)

C Scroll lock indicator (page 28)

D S1/S2 buttons (page 42)

E VOLUME buttons (page 42)

F Disc drive eject button (page 45)

G Muting button (page 42) / Muting indicator (page 28)

H CHANNEL buttons* (page 42)

I TV REC button* (page 42)

J Play/Pause button (page 42)

K Stop button (page 42)

L Previous track button (page 42)

M Next track button (page 42)

N AV MODE button (page 42)

*On selected models only.

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Getting Started

Back

A VHF/UHF port*1 (page 53)

B Air vent

C Battery connector (page 32)

D Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port*2 (page 120)

E DC IN port (page 30)

*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 120)

B PC Card release button (page 62)

C PC Card slot (page 60)

D ExpressCard module release button (page 66)

E Universal ExpressCard slot*2 (page 64)

F i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 port (page 124)

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 112)

J HDMI port (page 112)

K Monitor (VGA) port*6 (page 108)

L Network (Ethernet) port (page 126)

M Modem port (page 79)

				*1			Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.
	*2						Referred to as the ExpressCard slot hereinafter.
	*3						On selected models only.
							Parallel use of the AV In jack and the S VIDEO INPUT port will direct video
						*4
							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 119)

C Headphones jack (page 106)

D Optical disc drive (page 45)

E Substitute drive eject button (page 45)/

Optical disc drive indicator (page 28)

F Manual eject hole (page 186)

G Security slot

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Getting Started

Bottom

A Multi function bay docking station connector (page 97)

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 when the computer is in Sleep 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 pack is running out of power, and
		double-blinks when the battery pack is charging.
	Memory Stick Duo/PRO Duo media	Illuminates when data is read from or written to the Memory Stick media in the Memory Stick Duo/PRO Duo slot
	(VGN-FE series)	or in the Memory Stick PRO/Duo slot. (Do not enter Sleep mode or turn off the computer when this indicator is
	Memory Stick PRO/Duo media	on.) When the indicator is off, the Memory Stick media is not being used.
	(VGN-AR series)
	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 Sleep mode
	(VGN-AR series only)	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 drive	Illuminates when data is read from or written to the hard disk. Do not enter Sleep 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	*1	Illuminates when the WIRELESS switch is set to ON and Bluetooth technology is enabled.
Wireless LAN		Illuminates when the wireless LAN function is running.
*1 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 your 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.

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