Sony VAIO VGN-AR41E, VAIO VGN-AR41MR, VAIO VGN-AR41L, VAIO VGN-AR41S, VAIO VGN-AR41SR 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
Documentation.............................................................................................................................................................	7
Ergonomic Considerations .........................................................................................................................................	11
Getting Started .................................................................................................................................................................	13
Locating Controls and Ports.......................................................................................................................................	14
About the Indicator Lights ..........................................................................................................................................	21
Connecting a Power Source ......................................................................................................................................	23
Using the Battery Pack ..............................................................................................................................................	24
Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .......................................................................................................................	29
Using Your VAIO Computer .............................................................................................................................................	30
Using the Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................................	31
Using the Touch Pad .................................................................................................................................................	33
Using Special-function Buttons ..................................................................................................................................	34
Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...................................................................................................................	36
Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................	37
Using the TV Function ...............................................................................................................................................	46
Using PC Cards .........................................................................................................................................................	53
Using the ExpressCard Module .................................................................................................................................	56
Using the Memory Stick Media ..................................................................................................................................	60
Using Other Memory Cards .......................................................................................................................................	66

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Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................	69
Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) .....................................................................................................................................	70
Using the Bluetooth Functionality ..............................................................................................................................	77
Using Peripheral Devices.................................................................................................................................................	85
Connecting External Speakers ..................................................................................................................................	86
Connecting an External Display .................................................................................................................................	87
Selecting Display Modes............................................................................................................................................	93
Using the Multiple Monitors Function.........................................................................................................................	94
Connecting an External Microphone..........................................................................................................................	96
Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device......................................................................................................	97
Connecting a Printer ................................................................................................................................................	100
Connecting an i.LINK Device ...................................................................................................................................	101
Connecting to a Network (LAN) ...............................................................................................................................	103
Customizing Your VAIO Computer ................................................................................................................................	104
Setting the Password ...............................................................................................................................................	105
Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center..............................................................................................	108
Using the Power Saving Modes ...............................................................................................................................	109
Managing Power with VAIO Power Management....................................................................................................	114
Configuring Your Modem .........................................................................................................................................	116
Upgrading Your VAIO Computer....................................................................................................................................	118
Adding and Removing Memory................................................................................................................................	119

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Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................	124
On Handling the LCD Screen ..................................................................................................................................	125
On Using the Power Source ....................................................................................................................................	126
On Handling Your Computer....................................................................................................................................	127
On Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...........................................................................................................	129
On Handling Floppy Disks .......................................................................................................................................	129
On Handling Discs ...................................................................................................................................................	130
On Using the Battery Pack.......................................................................................................................................	131
On Using Headphones.............................................................................................................................................	132
On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................	133
On Handling the Hard Disk ......................................................................................................................................	134
On Updating Your Computer ...................................................................................................................................	135
Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................	136
Computer .................................................................................................................................................................	138
System Security .......................................................................................................................................................	144
Battery......................................................................................................................................................................	145
Built-in MOTION EYE Camera.................................................................................................................................	147
Internet.....................................................................................................................................................................	150
Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................	152
Bluetooth Technology ..............................................................................................................................................	155
Optical Discs ............................................................................................................................................................	159
Display .....................................................................................................................................................................	163
Printing.....................................................................................................................................................................	168
Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................	169

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Mouse ......................................................................................................................................................................	170
Speakers ..................................................................................................................................................................	171
Touch Pad................................................................................................................................................................	173
Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................	174
Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................	175
PC Cards .................................................................................................................................................................	176
Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................	178
Memory Stick Media ................................................................................................................................................	181
Peripherals ...............................................................................................................................................................	182
Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................	183
Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................	183
e-Support .................................................................................................................................................................	184
Trademarks ..............................................................................................................................................................	186

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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

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 User Guides 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://support.vaio.sony.eu.

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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 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 for 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 eyes, muscles, or tendons.

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

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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 using your VAIO computer.

Locating Controls and Ports (page 14)

About the Indicator Lights (page 21)

Connecting a Power Source (page 23)

Using the Battery Pack (page 24)

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 29)

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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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The appearance of your computer may be different from those illustrated in this manual due to variations in specifications. It may also vary depending on the country or area of your residency.

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Getting Started

Front

		E Built-in speakers (stereo)
		F SONY logo lamp*1 (page 22)
		G Touch pad (page 33)
		H Power indicator (page 21)
		I Battery indicator (page 21)
		J Hard disk drive indicator (page 21)
		K Memory Stick PRO/Duo media indicator (page 21)
		L LCD screen lid LOCK/RELEASE switch
			Be sure to slide this switch to the LOCK position before moving
			your computer.
		M Infrared receiver*1
			Point the supplied remote commander to this sensor for
			operations.
		N Infrared signal indicator*1 (page 21)
		O Built-in microphone (monaural)
		P SD memory card indicator (page 21)
		Q Memory Stick PRO/Duo media slot*2 (page 61)
		R SD memory card slot (page 66)
		S WIRELESS switch (page 70)
	A Built-in MOTION EYE camera (page 36)	T WLAN (Wireless LAN) indicator (page 21)
		U Bluetooth indicator*1 (page 21)
	B Built-in MOTION EYE camera indicator (page 21)
		*1	On selected models only.
	C LCD screen (page 125)
		*2
	D Keyboard (page 31)		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 21)

B Caps lock indicator (page 21)

C Scroll lock indicator (page 21)

D S1/S2 buttons (page 34)

E VOLUME buttons (page 34)

F Disc drive eject button (page 37)

G Muting button (page 34)

H Power button

I Power indicator (page 21)

J CHANNEL buttons* (page 34)

K TV REC button* (page 34)

L Play/Pause button (page 34)

M Stop button (page 34)

N Previous track button (page 34)

O Next track button (page 34)

P AV MODE button (page 34)

*On selected models only.

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Getting Started

Back

A VHF/UHF port*1 (page 46)

B Air vent

C Security slot

D Battery connector (page 24)

E Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port*2 (page 97)

F DC IN port (page 23)

*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 97)

B PC Card release button (page 55)

C PC Card slot (page 53)

D ExpressCard module release button (page 59)

E Universal ExpressCard slot (page 57)

F i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 port (page 101)

G AV In jack*2 *3

Connect an external device such as a VCR.

H S VIDEO INPUT port*2 *3 *4

Connect an external device such as a VCR.

I S VIDEO OUTPUT port*4 (page 90)

J HDMI port (page 90)

K Monitor (VGA) port (page 88)

L Network (Ethernet) port (page 103)

M Modem port (page 69)

			*1			Support high-/full-/low- speeds.
*2						On selected models only.
*3						Parallel use of the AV In jack and the S VIDEO INPUT port will direct video
					*4	signals to the S VIDEO INPUT port.
						Referred to as the S VIDEO IN port and the S VIDEO OUT port hereinafter.

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Getting Started

Left

A OPTICAL OUT port

(Output Sampling Rate: 44.1 KHz/48.0 KHz/96.0 KHz) Connect an S/PDIF device such as digital headphones or an AV amplifier.

B Microphone jack (page 96)

C Headphones jack (page 86)

D Optical disc drive (page 37)

E Substitute drive eject button (page 37)/ Optical disc drive indicator (page 21)

F Manual eject hole (page 159)

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Getting Started

Bottom

A 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 PRO/Duo media	Illuminates when data is read from or written to the Memory Stick media in the Memory Stick Duo/PRO Duo
		media slot or in the Memory Stick PRO/Duo media slot. (Do not enter Sleep mode or turn off the computer when
		this indicator is on.) When the indicator is off, the Memory Stick media is not being used.
	SONY logo*	Illuminates when the computer is turned on.
	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
		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 media. When the indicator is off, the optical disc
		media is not being used.
	Infrared signal*	Illuminates upon receipt of infrared signals.
	Hard disk drive	Illuminates when data is read from or written to the hard disk drive. 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	*	Illuminates when the WIRELESS switch is set to ON and Bluetooth technology is enabled.
Wireless LAN		Illuminates when the wireless LAN functionality is enabled.

*On selected models only.

Changing the default SONY logo lamp activity

On models with the SONY logo lamp, it illuminates when you turn on your computer. You can change this default activity of the lamp to make it stay unlit by following these steps:

1Click Start, All Programs, and VAIO Control Center. The VAIO Control Center window appears.

2Double-click Display and Logo Lamp Control.

3Follow the on-screen instructions.

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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.

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

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

Make sure that the AC outlet is easily accessible.

If you do not use your computer for a long period of time, place the computer into Hibernate mode. See Using Hibernate Mode (page 112). 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) inward.

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

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

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Getting Started

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

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Certain rechargeable batteries do not meet Sony quality and safety standards. For safety reasons this computer only functions with genuine Sony batteries designed for this model. When installing another kind of battery, the battery will not be charged and the computer 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 pack (the battery indicator light flashes in a double blink pattern as the battery pack charges). When the battery pack is about 85% charged, the battery indicator turns off.

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

!

Charge the battery pack as described in this manual from your first battery charge.

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Getting Started

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

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

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

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

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

For some software applications and some peripheral devices, your 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 Sleep or Hibernate.

If the battery pack wears out when the computer enters Sleep 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 your computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack installed, it uses power from the AC outlet.

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Getting Started

Removing the Battery Pack

!

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

To remove the battery pack

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

2Slide the battery lock switch (1) inward.

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

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Getting Started

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely

To avoid losing unsaved data, be sure to shut down your computer properly, as described below.

To shut down your computer

1Turn off any peripherals connected to the computer.

2Click Start, the arrow next to the Lock button, and Shut Down.

3Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents or to consider other users and wait for the computer to turn off automatically.

The power indicator light turns off.

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Using Your VAIO Computer

Using Your VAIO Computer

This section describes how to get the most out of using your VAIO computer.

Using the Keyboard (page 31)

Using the Touch Pad (page 33)

Using Special-function Buttons (page 34)

Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera (page 36)

Using the Optical Disc Drive (page 37)

Using the TV Function (page 46)

Using PC Cards (page 53)

Using the ExpressCard Module (page 56)

Using the Memory Stick Media (page 60)

Using Other Memory Cards (page 66)

Using the Internet (page 69)

Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 70)

Using the Bluetooth Functionality (page 77)