Sony VAIO VGN-BX61VN, VAIO VGN-BX61XN, VAIO VGN-BX61MN User Manual

User Guide

Personal Computer

VGN-BX series

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 ......................................................................................................................................22

Using the Battery Pack ..............................................................................................................................................24

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .......................................................................................................................30

Using Your VAIO Computer .............................................................................................................................................31

Using the Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................................32

Using the Pointing Device..........................................................................................................................................34

Using Special-function Buttons ..................................................................................................................................37

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

Using the ExpressCard Module .................................................................................................................................42

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

Using Other Memory Cards .......................................................................................................................................49

Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................52

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

Using Peripheral Devices .................................................................................................................................................61

Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................62

Connecting a Multi Function Bay Docking Station .....................................................................................................72

Connecting External Speakers ..................................................................................................................................85

Connecting an External Display .................................................................................................................................86

Selecting Display Modes............................................................................................................................................91

Using the Multiple Monitors Function .........................................................................................................................92

Connecting an External Microphone ..........................................................................................................................94

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device......................................................................................................96

Connecting a Printer ..................................................................................................................................................99

Connecting an i.LINK Device ...................................................................................................................................101

Connecting to a Network (LAN) ...............................................................................................................................103

Customizing Your VAIO Computer ................................................................................................................................104

Setting the Password ...............................................................................................................................................105

Using Fingerprint Authentication ..............................................................................................................................115

Using Trusted Platform Module (TPM).....................................................................................................................123

Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center..............................................................................................130

Using the Power Saving Modes ...............................................................................................................................131

Managing Power with VAIO Power Management ....................................................................................................136

Setting Up Your Language with Windows XP Professional .....................................................................................138

Configuring Your Modem .........................................................................................................................................141

Protecting the Hard Disk ..........................................................................................................................................143

Upgrading Your VAIO Computer....................................................................................................................................144

Adding and Removing Memory................................................................................................................................145

Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................151

On Handling the LCD Screen ..................................................................................................................................152

On Using the Power Source ....................................................................................................................................153

On Handling Your Computer....................................................................................................................................154

On Handling Floppy Disks .......................................................................................................................................156

On Handling Discs ...................................................................................................................................................157

On Using the Battery Pack.......................................................................................................................................158

On Using Headphones.............................................................................................................................................159

On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................160

On Handling the Hard Disk ......................................................................................................................................161

On Updating Your Computer ...................................................................................................................................162

Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................163

Computer .................................................................................................................................................................164

System Security .......................................................................................................................................................171

Battery......................................................................................................................................................................173

Internet .....................................................................................................................................................................175

Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................177

Optical Discs ............................................................................................................................................................180

Display .....................................................................................................................................................................185

Printing .....................................................................................................................................................................188

Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................189

Speakers ..................................................................................................................................................................190

Pointing Device ........................................................................................................................................................191

Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................193

Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................194

Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................195

Memory Stick Media ................................................................................................................................................196

Peripherals ...............................................................................................................................................................197

Multi Function Bay Docking Station .........................................................................................................................198

Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................202

Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................202

e-Support .................................................................................................................................................................203

Trademarks ..............................................................................................................................................................205

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

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.

Documentation

Your documentation includes printed information and user guides to read on your VAIO computer.

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.

❑ Regulations, Warranty, EULA and Service Support — Contains Sony GUARANTEE conditions,

Safety / Regulations, Modem Regulations, Wireless LAN Regulations, Wireless WAN Regulations, Bluetooth Regulations, End User Software License Agreement, and Sony Support services information.

Before Use

Non-printed Documentation

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

included with your computer, as well as information on solving common problems. User Guide is provided in the PDF format, which you can easily browse through and print out.

To view this on-screen guide:

1 Double-click the VAIO User Guide icon on the desktop.

2 Open the folder for your language.

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.

To go to Web sites described in this manual by clicking their respective URLs beginning with http://, your computer must be connected to the Internet.

❑ Specifications — The online Specifications describe the hardware and software configurations 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

✍

You may have a separate disc for the documentation of bundled accessories.

Before Use

My Club VAIO

In My Club VAIO you can 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.

Windows Help and Support

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 http://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 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.

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 22)

❑ Using the Battery Pack (page 24)

❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 30)

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 in some countries or areas.

Front

Getting Started

A Built-in microphone (monaural) B LCD screen (page 152) C Pointing stick (page 35) D Keyboard (page 32) E Power button F Touch pad (page 34) G Built-in speakers (stereo) H WIRELESS switch (page 54)

I Memory Stick PRO/Duo media slot J Media Access indicator (page 21) K SD memory card slot (page 49) L Power indicator (page 21) M Battery indicator (page 21) N Hard disk drive indicator (page 21) O WLAN (Wireless LAN) indicator (page 21)

* Your computer supports Memory Stick PRO media and Memory Stick Duo

media with high speed and high capacity capabilities.

(page 46)

Muting button (page 37)

A B S1/S2 buttons (page 37) C Num lock indicator (page 21) D Caps lock indicator (page 21) E Scroll lock indicator (page 21) F Fingerprint sensor (page 115)

Getting Started

Back

A Network (Ethernet) port (page 103) B Modem port (page 52) C Battery connector (page 24) D DC IN port (page 22)

Getting Started

Right

A Multi function bay (page 38) B Multi function bay unit eject button (page 38) C i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 port (page 101)

D Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports E Monitor (VGA) port (page 87)

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

(page 96)

Getting Started

Left

A Security slot B Air vent C Microphone jack (page 94) D Headphones jack (page 85) E Universal ExpressCard slot (page 43)

F ExpressCard

module release button (page 44)

Getting Started

Bottom

Getting Started

A Air vents B Battery RELEASE latch (page 29) C Battery LOCK/UNLOCK switch (page 24) D Multi function bay docking station connector (page 75)

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 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 pack 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 off the

Hard disk drive

Num lock

Caps lock

Scroll lock

Wireless LAN Illuminates when the wireless LAN functionality is enabled.

double-blinks when the battery pack is charging.

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 drive. 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.

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 134). 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 pack diagonally into the battery compartment until the projections (2) on either side of the battery

compartment fit into the U-shaped cuts (3) on either side of the battery pack.

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

into place.

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

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.

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 Standby or

Hibernate.

If the battery pack 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 pack 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 pack, and turn the

battery pack 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.

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