Sony VAIO VGN-BX397XP, VAIO VGN-BX396XP, VAIO VGN-BX394VP, VAIO VGN-BX396BP, VAIO VGN-BX396VP User Manual

User Guide

Personal Computer

VGN-BX series

Contents

Before Use .........................................................................................................................................................................6

Notice...........................................................................................................................................................................6

NERGY STAR ...............................................................................................................................................................7

Documentation .............................................................................................................................................................8

Ergonomic Considerations.........................................................................................................................................10

Getting Started .................................................................................................................................................................12

Locating Controls and Ports.......................................................................................................................................13

About the Indicator Lights ..........................................................................................................................................20

Connecting a Power Source ......................................................................................................................................21

Using the Battery Pack ..............................................................................................................................................23

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .......................................................................................................................29

Using Your VAIO Computer .............................................................................................................................................30

Using the Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................................31

Using the Pointing Device..........................................................................................................................................33

Using Special-function Buttons ..................................................................................................................................36

Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...................................................................................................................37

Using the Multi Function Bay .....................................................................................................................................38

Using PC Cards .........................................................................................................................................................42

Using the Memory Stick Media ..................................................................................................................................45

Using Other Memory Cards .......................................................................................................................................50

Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................53

Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) .....................................................................................................................................54

Using the Bluetooth Functionality ..............................................................................................................................64

Using Peripheral Devices .................................................................................................................................................71

Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................72

Connecting a Multi Function Bay Docking Station .....................................................................................................81

Connecting External Speakers ..................................................................................................................................94

Connecting an External Display.................................................................................................................................95

Selecting Display Modes..........................................................................................................................................102

Using the Multiple Monitors Function.......................................................................................................................105

Connecting an External Microphone........................................................................................................................108

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device....................................................................................................109

Connecting a Printer ................................................................................................................................................112

Connecting an i.LINK Device ...................................................................................................................................114

Connecting to a Network (LAN) ...............................................................................................................................116

Customizing Your VAIO Computer ................................................................................................................................118

Setting the Password ...............................................................................................................................................119

Using Fingerprint Authentication..............................................................................................................................124

Using Trusted Platform Module (TPM).....................................................................................................................142

Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center..............................................................................................147

Using the Power Saving Modes...............................................................................................................................148

Managing Power with VAIO Power Management ....................................................................................................153

Setting Up Your Language with Windows XP Professional .....................................................................................155

Configuring Your Modem .........................................................................................................................................158

Upgrading Your VAIO Computer....................................................................................................................................160

Adding and Removing Memory................................................................................................................................161

Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................167

On Handling the LCD Screen ..................................................................................................................................168

On Using the Power Source ....................................................................................................................................169

On Handling Your Computer....................................................................................................................................170

On Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...........................................................................................................172

On Handling Floppy Disks .......................................................................................................................................172

On Handling Discs ...................................................................................................................................................173

On Using the Battery Pack.......................................................................................................................................174

On Using Headphones.............................................................................................................................................175

On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................175

On Handling the Hard Disk ......................................................................................................................................176

Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................177

Computer .................................................................................................................................................................179

System Security .......................................................................................................................................................186

Battery......................................................................................................................................................................188

Built-in MOTION EYE Camera.................................................................................................................................190

Internet.....................................................................................................................................................................193

Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................195

Bluetooth Technology ..............................................................................................................................................198

CDs and DVDs.........................................................................................................................................................202

Display .....................................................................................................................................................................206

Printing.....................................................................................................................................................................210

Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................211

Speakers..................................................................................................................................................................212

Pointing Device ........................................................................................................................................................213

Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................214

Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................215

PC Cards .................................................................................................................................................................216

Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................217

Memory Stick Media ................................................................................................................................................218

Peripherals ...............................................................................................................................................................219

Multi Function Bay Docking Station .........................................................................................................................220

Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................223

Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................223

e-Support .................................................................................................................................................................224

Trademarks..............................................................................................................................................................226

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

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.

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 E

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.

NERGY STAR is a U.S. registered mark.

NERGY STAR Office Equipment Program is an international program that promotes energy saving through

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. ❑ Troubleshooting Guide — Contains solutions to common problems. ❑ Recovery Guide — Contains an explanation of how to recover your computer's system if you need to. ❑ Booklets containing the following information: Sony GUARANTEE conditions, Safety / Regulations, Modem

Regulations, Wireless LAN Regulations, Bluetooth Regulations, End User Software License Agreement, and Sony Support services.

Before Use

Non-printed Documentation

❑ User Guide (this manual) — Contains features of your computer. It also includes information about the software programs

included with your computer, as well as information on solving common problems.

❑ Specifications — The online Specifications describe the hardware and software configuration of your VAIO computer.

To view the online Specifications:

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

Help and Support Center

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

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

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

pressing the Microsoft Windows key and the F1 key.

Further Sources

❑ Consult the help files on the software you are using for detailed information on features and troubleshooting. ❑ Go to www.club-vaio.com

to find online tutorials about your favorite VAIO software.

Before Use

Ergonomic Considerations

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

❑ Position of your computer – Place the computer directly in front of you (1). Keep your forearms horizontal (2), with your

wrists in a neutral, comfortable position (3) while using the keyboard, touch pad, or external mouse. Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides. Have breaks during sessions with your computer. Excessive use of the computer may strain muscles or tendons.

❑ Furniture and posture – Sit in a chair with good back support. Adjust the level of the chair so your feet are flat on the

floor. A footrest may make you more comfortable. Sit in a relaxed, upright posture and avoid slouching forward or leaning far backwards.

Before Use

❑ Viewing angle of the computer's display – Use the display's tilting feature to find the best position. You can reduce eye

strain and muscle fatigue by adjusting the tilt of the display to the proper position. Adjust the brightness setting of the display as well.

❑ Lighting – Choose a location where windows and lights do not create glare and reflection on the display. Use indirect

lighting to avoid bright spots on the display. You can also purchase accessories for your display that help reduce glare. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work effectiveness.

❑ Positioning an external display – When using an external display, set the display at a comfortable viewing distance.

Make sure the display screen is at eye level or slightly lower when you are sitting in front of the monitor.

Getting Started

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

❑ Locating Controls and Ports (page 13) ❑ About the Indicator Lights (page 20) ❑ Connecting a Power Source (page 21) ❑ Using the Battery Pack (page 23) ❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 29)

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.

Getting Started

Front

Getting Started

A Built-in MOTION EYE camera

(page 37)

B LCD screen (page 168) C Pointing stick (page 34) D Keyboard (page 31) E Power button F Touch pad (page 33) G Built-in speakers H WIRELESS switch (page 54)

I Bluetooth indicator

(page 20)

J WLAN (Wireless LAN) indicator (page 20) K SD memory card slot (page 50) L Media Access indicator (page 20)

M Memory Stick PRO/Duo media slot

(page 47)

N Power indicator (page 20) O Battery indicator (page 20) P Hard disk drive indicator (page 20)

On selected models only.

Your computer supports Memory Stick PRO media and Memory Stick Duo media with high speed and high capacity capabilities.

Getting Started

A CAMERA OFF indicator B CAMERA OFF button

(page 20)

(page 37)

C Muting indicator (page 20) D Muting button (page 36) E S1/S2 buttons (page 36) F Num lock indicator (page 20) G Caps lock indicator (page 20) H Scroll lock indicator (page 20) I Fingerprint sensor (page 124)

* On selected models only.

Back

A Network (Ethernet) port (page 116) B Modem port (page 53) C Battery connector (page 23) D DC IN port (page 21)

Getting Started

Right

A PC Card release button (page 44) B PC Card slot (page 42) C i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 port (page 114)

D Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports E Monitor (VGA) port (page 96)

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

(page 109)

Getting Started

Left

A Security slot B Microphone jack (page 108) C Headphones jack (page 94) D Air vent E Multi function bay (page 38) F Multi function bay unit eject button (page 38)

Getting Started

Bottom

Getting Started

A Air vent B Battery RELEASE latch (page 28) C Battery LOCK/UNLOCK switch (page 23) D Multi function bay docking station connector (page 84)

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

Battery e Illuminates when the computer is using battery power, blinks when the battery is running out of power, and

Media Access Illuminates when data is read from or written to a memory card. (Do not enter Standby mode or turn

Muting % Illuminates when the volume is turned off.

Hard disk drive

Num lock

Caps lock

Scroll lock

Bluetooth technology

CAMERA OFF

WIRELESS LAN Illuminates when the wireless LAN function is running.

* On selected models only.

in Hibernate mode or off.

double-blinks when the battery is charging.

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

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.

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.

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.

Illuminates when the built-in MOTION EYE camera is off.

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

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 or on the optional multi function bay

docking station.

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

Getting Started

✍

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

Getting Started

3 Slide 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 sides of the battery.

Getting Started

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

5 Slide the battery LOCK/UNLOCK switch to the LOCK position to secure the battery 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 notebook only functions with genuine Sony batteries designed for this model. When inserting another kind of battery, the battery will not be charged and the notebook will not function.

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 (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.

Getting Started

✍

When the battery 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 or shut down your computer and install a fully charged battery.

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

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 while the computer is in Standby mode.

To remove the battery pack

1 Turn off the computer and close the LCD screen lid. 2 Slide the battery LOCK/UNLOCK switch (1) on the bottom of the computer to the UNLOCK position. 3 Slide and hold the battery 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.

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 and then Turn Off Computer.

The Turn off computer window appears. 3 Click Turn O ff. 4 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 computer.

❑ Using the Keyboard (page 31) ❑ Using the Pointing Device (page 33) ❑ Using Special-function Buttons (page 36) ❑ Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera (page 37) ❑ Using the Multi Function Bay (page 38) ❑ Using PC Cards (page 42) ❑ Using the Memory Stick Media (page 45) ❑ Using Other Memory Cards (page 50) ❑ Using the Internet (page 53) ❑ Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 54) ❑ Using the Bluetooth Functionality (page 64)

Using Your VAIO Computer

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