Sony VAIO VGN-BX740, VAIO VGN-BX740P, VAIO VGN-BX760P, VAIO VGN-BX760 User Manual

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User Guide

Personal Computer

V G N - B X 7 0 0 S e r i e s

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Contents
Before Use .........................................................................................................................................................................	6
Documentation.............................................................................................................................................................	6
Ergonomic Considerations ...........................................................................................................................................	8
Getting Started .................................................................................................................................................................	10
Locating Controls and Ports.......................................................................................................................................	11
About the Indicator Lights ..........................................................................................................................................	18
Connecting a Power Source ......................................................................................................................................	19
Using the Battery Pack ..............................................................................................................................................	21
Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .......................................................................................................................	27
Using Your VAIO Computer .............................................................................................................................................	28
Using the Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................................	29
Using the Pointing Device ..........................................................................................................................................	31
Using Special-function Buttons ..................................................................................................................................	34
Using the Multi Function Bay .....................................................................................................................................	35
Using the ExpressCard Module .................................................................................................................................	39
Using the Memory Stick Media ..................................................................................................................................	42
Using Other Memory Cards .......................................................................................................................................	46
Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................	49
Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) .....................................................................................................................................	51
Using the Bluetooth Functionality ..............................................................................................................................	58

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Using Peripheral Devices.................................................................................................................................................	66
Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................	67
Connecting a Multi Function Bay Docking Station .....................................................................................................	77
Connecting External Speakers ..................................................................................................................................	90
Connecting an External Display .................................................................................................................................	91
Selecting Display Modes............................................................................................................................................	96
Using the Multiple Monitors Function.........................................................................................................................	98
Connecting an External Microphone........................................................................................................................	100
Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device....................................................................................................	102
Connecting a Printer ................................................................................................................................................	105
Connecting an i.LINK Device ...................................................................................................................................	107
Connecting to a Network (LAN) ...............................................................................................................................	109
Customizing Your VAIO Computer ................................................................................................................................	110
Setting the Password ...............................................................................................................................................	111
Using Fingerprint Authentication..............................................................................................................................	121
Using Trusted Platform Module (TPM).....................................................................................................................	129
Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Central .........................................................................................................	134
Using the Power Saving Modes ...............................................................................................................................	135
Managing Power with VAIO Power Management....................................................................................................	140
Protecting the Hard Disk ..........................................................................................................................................	142
Upgrading Your VAIO Computer....................................................................................................................................	143
Adding and Removing Memory................................................................................................................................	144

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Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................	150
On Handling the LCD Screen ..................................................................................................................................	151
On Using the Power Source ....................................................................................................................................	152
On Handling Your Computer....................................................................................................................................	153
On Handling Floppy Disks .......................................................................................................................................	155
On Handling Discs ...................................................................................................................................................	156
On Using the Battery Pack.......................................................................................................................................	157
On Using Headphones.............................................................................................................................................	158
On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................	159
On Handling the Hard Disk ......................................................................................................................................	160
On Updating Your Computer ...................................................................................................................................	161
Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................	162
Computer .................................................................................................................................................................	164
System Security .......................................................................................................................................................	171
Battery......................................................................................................................................................................	173
Internet.....................................................................................................................................................................	175
Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................	177
Bluetooth Technology ..............................................................................................................................................	180
Optical Discs ............................................................................................................................................................	184
Display .....................................................................................................................................................................	189
Printing.....................................................................................................................................................................	193
Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................	194
Speakers ..................................................................................................................................................................	195
Pointing Device ........................................................................................................................................................	196

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Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................	198
Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................	199
Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................	200
Memory Stick Media ................................................................................................................................................	201
Peripherals ...............................................................................................................................................................	202
Multi Function Bay Docking Station .........................................................................................................................	203
Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................	207
Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................	207
Program Support Information...................................................................................................................................	211

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Before Use

Before Use

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

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External views illustrated in this manual may look slightly different from those of your computer.

Documentation

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

Printed Documentation

Welcome mat — Contains an overview of connections, set-up information, etc.

Safety Information — Contains safety guidelines and owner information.

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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 the following URLs: http://esupport.sony.com/EN/VAIO/ for customers in USA http://www.sony.ca/support for customers in Canada

http://esupport.sony.com/ES/VAIO/ for customers in Spanish speaking Latin American countries or areas http://esupport.sony.com/ES/VAIO/BR/ for customers in Brazil

VAIO Recovery Guide — Provides information about restoring individual software programs, software drivers, and drive partition(s) or your entire hard disk drive to the original factory installed settings.

To access this on-screen guide:

1 Click Start, point to All Programs, and click VAIO Support Central.

2 Click VAIO Documentation.

3 Click VAIO Recovery Guide.

SmartWi™ Connection Utility Help (Selected models only) — Provides information about setting up Bluetooth, wireless LAN, and wireless WAN functionalities.

To access this on-screen guide:

1 Click Start, point to All Programs, and click SmartWi Connection Utility.

2 Click SmartWi Connection Utility Help.

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Before Use

Ergonomic Considerations

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

Position of your computer – Place the computer directly in front of you (1). Keep your forearms horizontal (2), with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable position (3) while using the keyboard, touch pad, or external mouse. Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides. Have breaks during sessions with your computer. Excessive use of the computer may strain eyes, muscles, or tendons.

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

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Before Use

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

Lighting – Choose a location where windows and lights do not create glare and reflection on the display. Use indirect lighting to avoid bright spots on the display. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work effectiveness.

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

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Getting Started

Getting Started

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

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Before starting your computer for the first time, do not connect any other hardware that did not originally come with your computer. Be sure to start up your computer with only the supplied accessories connected and set up your system. Upon completion, connect one device (for example, a printer, an external hard disk drive, a scanner, and so on) at a time, following the manufacturers' instructions.

Locating Controls and Ports (page 11)

About the Indicator Lights (page 18)

Connecting a Power Source (page 19)

Using the Battery Pack (page 21)

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 27)

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Getting Started

Locating Controls and Ports

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

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

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Getting Started

Front

A Built-in microphone (monaural)

B LCD screen (page 151)

C Pointing stick (page 32)

D Keyboard (page 29)

E Power button

F Touch pad (page 31)

G Built-in speakers (stereo)

H WIRELESS switch (page 51)

I Memory Stick PRO/Duo media slot*1 (page 43)

J Media Access indicator (page 18)

K SD memory card slot (page 46)

L Power indicator (page 18)

M Battery indicator (page 18)

N Hard disk drive indicator (page 18)

O Bluetooth indicator (page 18)

P WLAN (Wireless LAN) indicator (page 18)

Q WWAN (Wireless WAN) indicator*2 (page 18)

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

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Getting Started

A Muting button (page 34)

B S1/S2 buttons (page 34)

C Num lock indicator (page 18)

D Caps lock indicator (page 18)

E Scroll lock indicator (page 18)

F Fingerprint sensor (page 121)

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Getting Started

Back

A Network (Ethernet) port (page 109)

B Modem port (page 49)

C Battery connector (page 21)

D DC IN port (page 19)

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Getting Started

Right

A Multi function bay (page 35)

B Multi function bay unit eject button (page 35)

C i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 port (page 107)

D Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports* (page 102)

E Monitor (VGA) port (page 92)

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

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Getting Started

Left

A Security slot

B Air vent

C Microphone jack (page 100)

D Headphones jack (page 90)

E Universal ExpressCard slot (page 40)

F ExpressCard module release button (page 41)

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Getting Started

Bottom

A Air vents

B Battery RELEASE latch (page 26)

C Battery LOCK/UNLOCK switch (page 21)

D Multi function bay docking station connector (page 80)

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Getting Started

About the Indicator Lights

Your computer is equipped with the following indicator lights.

	Indicator	Functions
	Power 1	Illuminates when the power of the computer is on, blinks when the computer is in 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
		double-blinks when the battery pack 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.
	Hard disk drive	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.
	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 Scroll lock
		indicator is off. The Scr Lk key functions differently depending on the program you are using and does not work
		with all programs.
	Bluetooth technology	Illuminates when the WIRELESS switch is set to ON and Bluetooth technology is enabled.
	Wireless LAN	Illuminates when the wireless LAN functionality is enabled.
	Wireless WAN*	Illuminates when the wireless WAN functionality is enabled.

*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 your computer only with the supplied AC adapter.

To use the AC adapter

1Plug one end of the power cord (1) into the AC adapter (3).

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

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

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

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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 138). This power saving mode saves the time of shutting down or resuming.

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Getting Started

Using the Battery Pack

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

Installing the Battery Pack

To install the battery pack

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

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

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Getting Started

3Slide 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.

4Rotate 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.

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Getting Started

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

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This computer is designed to operate only with genuine Sony batteries.

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Getting Started

Charging the Battery Pack

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

To charge the battery pack

1Install the battery pack.

2Connect the AC adapter to the computer.

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

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

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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 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.

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Getting Started

Removing the Battery Pack

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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

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

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

3Slide 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.

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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.

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Using Your VAIO Computer

Using Your VAIO Computer

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

Using the Keyboard (page 29)

Using the Pointing Device (page 31)

Using Special-function Buttons (page 34)

Using the Multi Function Bay (page 35)

Using the ExpressCard Module (page 39)

Using the Memory Stick Media (page 42)

Using Other Memory Cards (page 46)

Using the Internet (page 49)

Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 51)

Using the Bluetooth Functionality (page 58)

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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.

Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key

Some keyboard functions can be used only after the operating system finished launching.

Combinations/Feature		Functions
Fn + F1: wireless switching*		Toggles among Bluetooth, wireless LAN, and wireless WAN functionalities.
Fn + 2 (F3/F4): speaker volume		Adjusts the built-in speaker volume.
		To increase the volume, press Fn+F4 and then M or ,, or keep pressing Fn+F4.
		To decrease the volume, press Fn+F3 and then m or <, or keep pressing Fn+F3.
Fn + 8 (F5/F6): brightness control		Adjusts the LCD brightness of your computer screen.
		To increase lightness intensity, press Fn+F6 and then M or ,, or keep pressing Fn+F6.
		To decrease lightness intensity, press Fn+F5 and then m or <, or keep pressing Fn+F5.
Fn +	/T (F7): display output	Toggles among your computer screen, an external display, and simultaneous output to both.
Fn +	(F10): zoom	Changes the screen resolution to magnify/restore your computer's screen view.
		The magnified view is not as clear as the standard view, as it is implemented by applying a lower resolution
		to the computer screen with a higher resolution.
		This key combination may not work with graphic images as it magnifies the screen view by changing the
		resolution.
		The location and size of software windows may change when the screen view is magnified or the standard
		view is restored because pressing this key combination changes the resolution.
		When your computer's screen view is magnified, switching the view to the external display disables the
		function and restores the standard view.

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Using Your VAIO Computer

	Combinations/Feature		Functions
	Fn +	(F12): Hibernate	Provides for the lowest level of power consumption. When you execute this command, the
			states of the system and the peripheral devices are written to the hard disk drive and the system
			power is turned off. To return the system to its original state, use the power button to turn on the
			power.
			For details on power management, see Using the Power Saving Modes (page 135).

*On selected models only.