Sony VAIO VGN-AR41E, VAIO VGN-AR41MR, VAIO VGN-AR41L, VAIO VGN-AR41S, VAIO VGN-AR41SR User Guide

User Guide

Personal Computer

VGN-AR series

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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.

!

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:

1 Click Start , All Programs, and My Club VAIO.
2 Click Documentation.
3 Select 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.

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

Getting Started

Locating Controls and Ports

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

!

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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Front

A Built-in MOTION EYE camera (page 36)
B Built-in MOTION EYE camera indicator (page 21)
C LCD screen (page 125)
D Keyboard (page 31)

Getting Started

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

Point the supplied remote commander to this sensor for
operations.

N Infrared signal indicator

*1

*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)
T WLAN (Wireless LAN) indicator (page 21)

U Bluetooth indicator

*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.

*1

(page 21)

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Num lock indicator (page 21)

A
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
K TV REC button

*

(page 34)

*

(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 M O DE button (page 34)

* On selected models only.

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Getting Started

Back

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Getting Started

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
F DC IN port (page 23)

*1

On selected models only.

*2

Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.

*2

(page 97)

Right

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Getting Started

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
E Universal ExpressCard

module release button (page 59)

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
signals to the S VIDEO INPUT port.

*4

Referred to as the S VIDEO IN port and the S VIDEO OUT port hereinafter.

Left

Getting Started

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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Bottom

A Air vents

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Getting Started

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

Memory Stick PRO/Duo media

SONY logo

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

Optical disc drive Illuminates when data is read from or written to the optical disc media. When the indicator is off, the optical disc

Infrared signal

Hard disk drive

Num lock

Caps lock

*

*

double-blinks when the battery pack is charging.

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.

Illuminates when the computer is turned on.

or turn off the computer when this indicator is on.) When the indicator is off, the memory card is not being used.

media is not being used.

Illuminates upon receipt of infrared signals.

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.

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.

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

Bluetooth technology

Wireless LAN Illuminates when the wireless LAN functionality is enabled.

* On selected models only.

*

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.

Illuminates when the WIRELESS switch is set to ON and Bluetooth technology is enabled.

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:

1 Click Start, All Programs, and VAIO Control Center.

The VAIO Control Center window appears.

2 Double-click Display and Logo Lamp Control.
3 Follow the on-screen instructions.

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

1 Plug one end of the power cord (1) into the AC adapter (3).
2 Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet (2).
3 Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter (3) into the DC IN port (4) on the computer.

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Getting Started

!

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.

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

1 Turn off the computer and close the LCD screen lid.
2 Slide the battery lock switch (1) inward.

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

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Getting Started

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

✍

When your 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 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

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

1 Install the battery pack.
2 Connect 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

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

1 Turn off any peripherals connected to the computer.
2 Click Start, the arrow next to the Lock button, and Shut Down.

3 Respond 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.

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)

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Using Your VAIO Computer