Sony VAIO VGN-BX196VP, VAIO VGN-BX295VP, VAIO VGN-BX196SP, VAIO VGN-BX194VP, VAIO VGN-BX195XP User Manual

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User Guide

Personal Computer

V G N - B X S e r i e s

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Contents
Before Use .........................................................................................................................................................................	6
Notice...........................................................................................................................................................................	6
ENERGY STAR ...............................................................................................................................................................	7
Documentation.............................................................................................................................................................	8
Ergonomic Considerations...........................................................................................................................................	9
Getting Started .................................................................................................................................................................	11
Locating Controls and Ports.......................................................................................................................................	12
About the Indicator Lights ..........................................................................................................................................	19
Connecting a Power Source ......................................................................................................................................	20
Using the Battery Pack ..............................................................................................................................................	22
Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .......................................................................................................................	28
Using Your VAIO Computer .............................................................................................................................................	29
Using the Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................................	30
Using the Pointing Device..........................................................................................................................................	34
Using Special-function Buttons ..................................................................................................................................	37
Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...................................................................................................................	38
Using the Multi Function Bay .....................................................................................................................................	39
Using PC Cards .........................................................................................................................................................	44
Using the Memory Stick Media ..................................................................................................................................	48
Using Other Memory Cards .......................................................................................................................................	51
Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................	53

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Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) .....................................................................................................................................	55
Using the Bluetooth Functionality ..............................................................................................................................	65
Using Peripheral Devices.................................................................................................................................................	72
Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................	73
Connecting a Multi Function Bay Docking Station .....................................................................................................	81
Connecting External Speakers ..................................................................................................................................	94
Connecting an External Display .................................................................................................................................	95
Selecting Display Modes..........................................................................................................................................	100
Using the Multiple Monitors Function.......................................................................................................................	103
Connecting an External Microphone........................................................................................................................	106
Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device....................................................................................................	107
Connecting a Printer ................................................................................................................................................	110
Connecting an i.LINK Device ...................................................................................................................................	112
Connecting to a Network (LAN) ...............................................................................................................................	114
Customizing Your VAIO Computer ................................................................................................................................	116
Setting the Password ...............................................................................................................................................	117
Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center..............................................................................................	120
Using the Power Saving Modes ...............................................................................................................................	121
Managing Power with VAIO Power Management....................................................................................................	126
Setting Up Your Language with Windows XP Professional .....................................................................................	128

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Upgrading Your VAIO Computer....................................................................................................................................	131
Adding and Removing Memory................................................................................................................................	132
Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................	138
On Handling the LCD Screen ..................................................................................................................................	139
On Using the Power Source ....................................................................................................................................	140
On Handling Your Computer....................................................................................................................................	141
On Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...........................................................................................................	143
On Handling Floppy Disks .......................................................................................................................................	144
On Handling Discs ...................................................................................................................................................	145
On Using the Battery Pack.......................................................................................................................................	146
On Using Headphones.............................................................................................................................................	147
On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................	148
On Handling the Hard Disk ......................................................................................................................................	149

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Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................	150
Troubleshooting the optical disc drive......................................................................................................................	151
Troubleshooting PC Cards.......................................................................................................................................	155
Troubleshooting the modem ....................................................................................................................................	156
Troubleshooting the Bluetooth functionality .............................................................................................................	158
Troubleshooting Wireless LAN ................................................................................................................................	161
Troubleshooting Power Management ......................................................................................................................	164
Troubleshooting External Displays ..........................................................................................................................	165
Troubleshooting Sound (Speaker) ...........................................................................................................................	167
Troubleshooting Sound (Microphone)......................................................................................................................	168
Troubleshooting Floppy Disks..................................................................................................................................	169
Troubleshooting Printers ..........................................................................................................................................	170
Troubleshooting i.LINK Devices...............................................................................................................................	171
Troubleshooting the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera ................................................................................................	172
Troubleshooting the Multi Function Bay Docking Station.........................................................................................	174
Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................	177
Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................	177
e-Support .................................................................................................................................................................	178
Trademarks ..............................................................................................................................................................	180

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Before Use

Before Use

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

Notice

© 2005 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.

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.

To see the user guides, click the Documentation icon on the desktop and then click Documentation in the Documentation folder.

Printed Documentation

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

Specifications Guide — Contains a table of specifications and a list of bundled software.

Troubleshooting Guide — Contains solutions to common problems.

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

Booklets containing the following information: Sony Guarantee conditions, Safety Regulations, Modem Regulations,

Wireless LAN Regulations and Bluetooth Regulations.

Non-printed Documentation

Help and Support Center

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

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

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

pressing the Microsoft Windows key and the F1 key.

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Before Use

Further Sources

Consult the Online Help files of the software you are using for detailed information on features and troubleshooting.

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

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.

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Before Use

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.

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

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

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

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Getting Started

Getting Started

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

Locating Controls and Ports (page 12)

About the Indicator Lights (page 19)

Connecting a Power Source (page 20)

Using the Battery Pack (page 22)

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 28)

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Getting Started

Locating Controls and Ports

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

!

The following illustrations may appear different from your model, depending on the LCD size as well as the country or area of your residency.

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Getting Started

Front

A Built-in MOTION EYE camera*1 (page 38)

B LCD screen (page 139)

C Pointing stick (page 35)

D Keyboard (page 30)

E Power button

F Touch pad (page 34)

G Speaker

H WIRELESS switch (page 55)

I Bluetooth indicator*1 (page 19)

J WLAN (Wireless LAN) indicator (page 19)

K SD card slot (page 51)

L Media Access indicator (page 19)

M Memory Stick media slot*2 (page 48)

N Power indicator (page 19)

O Battery indicator (page 19)

P Hard disk drive indicator (page 19)

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

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Getting Started

A CAMERA OFF indicator* (page 19)

B CAMERA OFF button* (page 38)

C Mute indicator (page 19)

D Mute button (page 37)

E S1/S2 buttons (page 37)

F Num lock indicator (page 19)

G Caps lock indicator (page 19)

H Scroll lock indicator (page 19)

IFingerprint sensor

See the printed Security Features Guide for more information.

*On selected models only.

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Getting Started

Back

A Network (Ethernet) port (page 114)

B Modem port (page 53)

C Battery connector (page 22)

D DC In port (page 20)

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Getting Started

Right

A PC Card eject button (page 44)

B PC Card slot (page 44)

C i.LINK® (IEEE1394) S400 port (page 112)

D Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port* (page 107)

E Monitor (VGA) port (page 96)

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

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Getting Started

Left

A Security slot

B Microphone jack (page 106)

C Headphones jack (page 94)

D Air vent

E Multi function bay (page 39)

F Multi function bay unit eject button (page 39)

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Getting Started

Bottom

A Air vent

B RELEASE latch (page 27)

C LOCK/UNLOCK switch (page 22)

D Multi function bay docking station connector (page 84)

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Getting Started

About the Indicator Lights

Your computer is equipped with the following indicator lights.

Indicator		Functions
Power 1		Illuminates when the power of the computer is on, blinks in Standby mode, and turns off when the computer is
		in Hibernate mode or off.
Battery e		Illuminates when the computer is using battery power, blinks when the battery is running out of power, and
		double-blinks when the battery is charging.
Media Access		Illuminates when data is read from or written to a memory card. (Do not enter Standby mode or turn
		off the computer when this indicator is on.) When the indicator is off, the memory card is not being used.
Mute %		Illuminates when the volume is turned off.
Hard disk		Illuminates when data is read from or written to the hard disk. Do not enter Standby mode or turn off the
		computer when this indicator is on.
Num lock		Press the Num Lk key to activate the numeric keypad. Press it a second time to deactivate the numeric keypad.
		The numeric keypad is not active when the indicator is off.
Caps lock		Press the Caps Lock key to type letters in uppercase. Letters appear in lowercase if you press the Shift key
		while the indicator is on. Press the key a second time to turn off the indicator. Normal typing resumes when the
		Caps Lock indicator is off.
Scroll lock		Press the Scr Lk key to change how you scroll the display. Normal scrolling resumes when the Scr Lk indicator
		is off. The Scr Lk key functions differently depending on the program you are using and does not work with all
		programs.
Bluetooth	*	Illuminates when the WIRELESS switch is set to ON and Bluetooth technology is enabled.
CAMERA OFF *		Illuminates when the Built-in MOTION EYE camera is off.
WIRELESS LAN		Illuminates when the wireless LAN function is running.

*On selected models only.

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Getting Started

Connecting a Power Source

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

Using the AC Adapter

Use the computer only with the supplied AC adapter.

To use the AC adapter

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

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

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

!

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

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Getting Started

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

Make sure that the AC outlet is easily accessible.

If you do not use the AC adapter for a long period of time, put the computer into Hibernate mode. See Using Hibernate Mode (page 124). This power saving mode saves you the time of shutting down in the normal way.

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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 LOCK/UNLOCK switch (1) on the bottom of the computer to the UNLOCK position.

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Getting Started

3Slide the battery diagonally into the battery compartment until the projection (2) at either side of the battery compartment fits into the U-shaped cut (3) on the respective side of the battery.

4 Rotate the battery in the direction of the arrow, and push the battery down into the compartment until it clicks into place.

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Getting Started

5 Slide the LOCK/UNLOCK switch to the LOCK position to secure the battery on the computer.

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

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Getting Started

Charging the Battery Pack

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

To charge the battery pack

1Install the battery pack.

2Connect the AC adapter to the computer.

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

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

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Getting Started

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Getting Started

Removing the Battery Pack

!

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

To remove the battery pack

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

2Slide the LOCK/UNLOCK switch (1) on the bottom of the computer to the UNLOCK position.

3Slide and hold the RELEASE latch (2), hook your fingertip under the tab (3) on the battery, and turn the battery in the direction of the arrow, and then slide it 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 and then Turn Off Computer. The Turn off computer window appears.

3Click Turn Off.

4Respond 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.

See the printed Troubleshooting Guide if you have problems shutting down the computer.

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Using Your VAIO Computer

Using Your VAIO Computer

Once you have read and followed the information in the printed Specifications Guide, you can start using your computer safely and confidently.

Read on to get the most out of using your computer.

Using the Keyboard (page 30)

Using the Pointing Device (page 34)

Using Special-function Buttons (page 37)

Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera (page 38)

Using the Multi Function Bay (page 39)

Using PC Cards (page 44)

Using the Memory Stick Media (page 48)

Using Other Memory Cards (page 51)

Using the Internet (page 53)

Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 55)

Using the Bluetooth Functionality (page 65)

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Using Your VAIO Computer

Using the Keyboard

Your keyboard is very similar to a desktop computer keyboard, but has additional keys that perform model-specific tasks.

For more information on the standard keys, see Help and Support Center and click on the Customizing your computer link.

The VAIO-Link web site (www.vaio-link.com) also contains glossary information to help you use the keyboard.