How it Works
Sony
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VAIO VGN-C290
User Manual
189 pgs1.82 Mb0
Table of contents
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Sony VAIO VGN-C260E/B, VAIO VGN-C220E, VAIO VGN-C290, VAIO VGN-C250N/B, VAIO VGN-C291NW/H User Manual

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User Guide
Personal Computer
VGN-C200 Series
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Contents
Before Use .........................................................................................................................................................................6
Getting Started .................................................................................................................................................................11
Locating Controls and Ports.......................................................................................................................................12
About the Indicator Lights ..........................................................................................................................................19
Connecting a Power Source ......................................................................................................................................21
Using the Battery Pack ..............................................................................................................................................22
Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .......................................................................................................................27
Using Your VAIO Computer .............................................................................................................................................28
Using the Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................................29
Using the Touch Pad .................................................................................................................................................31
Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................32
Using the ExpressCard Module .................................................................................................................................42
Using the Memory Stick Media ..................................................................................................................................46
Using Other Memory Cards .......................................................................................................................................52
Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................54
Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) .....................................................................................................................................55
Using the Bluetooth Functionality ..............................................................................................................................62
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Using Peripheral Devices .................................................................................................................................................70
Connecting a Docking Station....................................................................................................................................71
Connecting External Speakers ..................................................................................................................................81
Connecting an External Display.................................................................................................................................82
Selecting Display Modes............................................................................................................................................89
Using the Multiple Monitors Function.........................................................................................................................90
Connecting an External Microphone..........................................................................................................................92
Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device......................................................................................................93
Connecting a Printer ..................................................................................................................................................96
Connecting an i.LINK Device .....................................................................................................................................97
Connecting to a Network (LAN) .................................................................................................................................99
Customizing Your VAIO Computer ................................................................................................................................101
Setting the Password ...............................................................................................................................................102
Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Central .........................................................................................................105
Using the Power Saving Modes...............................................................................................................................106
Managing Power with VAIO Power Management ....................................................................................................111
Upgrading Your VAIO Computer....................................................................................................................................113
Adding and Removing Memory................................................................................................................................114
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Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................120
On Handling the LCD Screen ..................................................................................................................................121
On Using the Power Source ....................................................................................................................................122
On Handling Your Computer....................................................................................................................................123
On Handling Floppy Disks .......................................................................................................................................125
On Handling Discs ...................................................................................................................................................126
On Using the Battery Pack.......................................................................................................................................127
On Using Headphones.............................................................................................................................................128
On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................129
On Handling the Hard Disk ......................................................................................................................................130
On Handling the Memory Card Adapter...................................................................................................................131
Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................132
Computer .................................................................................................................................................................134
System Security .......................................................................................................................................................141
Battery......................................................................................................................................................................142
Internet.....................................................................................................................................................................144
Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................146
Bluetooth Technology ..............................................................................................................................................149
Optical Discs ............................................................................................................................................................153
Display .....................................................................................................................................................................157
Printing.....................................................................................................................................................................161
Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................162
Mouse ......................................................................................................................................................................163
Speakers..................................................................................................................................................................164
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Touch Pad................................................................................................................................................................165
Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................166
Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................167
Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................168
Memory Stick Media ................................................................................................................................................169
Peripherals ...............................................................................................................................................................170
Docking Station ........................................................................................................................................................171
Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................172
Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................172
Program Support Information...................................................................................................................................176
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Before Use

Before Use
Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer, and welcome to the on-screen User Guide. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing, and communications to provide state-of-the-art personal computing.
!
External views illustrated in this manual may look slightly different from those of your computer.

Documentation

Your documentation includes printed information and user guides to read on your VAIO computer.
Printed Documentation
❑ Welcome mat — Contains an overview of connections, setting 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:
http://esupport.sony.com/EN/VAIO/ http://www.sony.ca/support http://esupport.sony.com/ES/VAIO/ http://esupport.sony.com/ES/VAIO/BR/
❑ 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 and Help and Support. 2 Click Manuals & Specifications. 3 Click VAI O Recovery Guide.
for customers in Canada,
for customers in USA,
for customers in Spanish speaking Latin American countries or areas, or
for customers in Brazil.
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Before Use
❑ SmartWi™ Connection Utility Guide (Selected models only) — Provides information about setting up Bluetooth,
wireless LAN, and wireless WAN functionalities. To access this on-screen guide:
1 Click Start and Help and Support. 2 Click Manuals & Specifications. 3 Click SmartWi Connection Utility Guide.
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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 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.
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Before Use
❑ Viewing angle of the computer's display – Use the display's tilting feature to find the best position. You can reduce eye
strain and muscle fatigue by adjusting the tilt of the display to the proper position. Adjust the brightness setting of the display as well.
❑ Lighting – Choose a location where windows and lights do not create glare and reflection on the display. Use indirect
lighting to avoid bright spots on the display. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work effectiveness.
❑ Positioning an external display – When using an external display, set the display at a comfortable viewing distance.
Make sure the display screen is at eye level or slightly lower when you are sitting in front of the monitor.

Getting Started

Getting Started
This section describes how to get started with using your VAIO computer.
!
Before starting your computer for the first time, do not connect any new hardware that did not originally come with your computer. Make 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 manufacturer's instructions.
❑ Locating Controls and Ports (page 12) ❑ About the Indicator Lights (page 19) ❑ Connecting a Power Source (page 21) ❑ Using the Battery Pack (page 22) ❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 27)
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Locating Controls and Ports

Take a moment to identify the controls and ports shown on the following pages.
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Getting Started
Front
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q; qa
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A Bluetooth indicator B WLAN (Wireless LAN) indicator (page 19)
C WWAN (Wireless WAN) indicator D Num lock indicator (page 19) E Caps lock indicator (page 19) F Scroll lock indicator (page 19) G Power button H LCD screen (page 121) I Built-in microphone (monaural) J Keyboard (page 29) K Touch pad (page 31)
* On selected models only.
*
(page 19)
*
(page 19)
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Getting Started
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Getting Started
WIRELESS switch (page 55)
A B Power indicator (page 19) C Battery indicator (page 19) D Hard disk drive indicator (page 19) E Optical disc drive indicator (page 19) F Memory Stick PRO/Duo media indicator (page 19)
G Memory Stick PRO/Duo media slot
* Your computer supports Memory Stick PRO media and Memory Stick Duo
media with high speed and high capacity capabilities.
*
(page 47)
Back
A Battery connector (page 22)
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Getting Started
Right
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Getting Started
A Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports
*1
(page 93)
B i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 port (page 97) C S VIDEO OUT port (page 86)
D Monitor (VGA) port
*2
(page 83)
E Air vent F Security slot
G DC IN port
*2
(page 21)
H Built-in speaker (stereo)
*1
Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.
*2
Inaccessible when the computer is attached to the optional docking station.
Left
Getting Started
A Built-in speaker (stereo) B Network (Ethernet) port
*1
(page 99)
C Modem port (page 54) D Microphone jack (page 92) E Headphones jack (page 81) F Optical disc drive (page 32) G Optical disc drive indicator (page 19) H Drive eject button (page 32) I Manual eject hole (page 153)
J ExpressCard
*1
Inaccessible when the computer is attached to the optional docking station.
*2
Referred to as the ExpressCard slot hereinafter.
™
/34 slot*2 (page 42)
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Bottom
A Docking station connector (page 74) B Air vents
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Getting Started
Getting Started

About the Indicator Lights

Your computer is equipped with the following indicator lights.
Indicator Functions
Power 1 Illuminates when the power to the computer is on, blinks when the computer is in Sleep mode, and turns off
when the computer is in Hibernate mode or off.
Battery e Illuminates when the computer is using battery power, blinks when the battery pack is running out of power, and
Memory Stick PRO/Duo media
Optical disc drive
Hard disk drive
Num lock
Caps lock
Scroll lock
Bluetooth technology
Wireless LAN Illuminates when the wireless LAN function is running.
*
double-blinks when the battery pack is charging.
Illuminates when data is read from or written to the Memory Stick media. (Do not enter Sleep mode or turn off the computer when this indicator is on.) When the indicator is off, the Memory Stick media is not being used.
Illuminates when data is read from or written to the optical disc. When the indicator is off, the optical disc is not being used.
Illuminates when data is read from or written to the hard disk. Do not enter Sleep mode or turn off the computer when this indicator is on.
Press the Num Lk key to activate the numeric keypad. Press it a second time to deactivate the numeric keypad. The numeric keypad is not active when the indicator is off.
Press the Caps Lock key to type letters in uppercase. Letters appear in lowercase if you press the Shift key while the indicator is on. Press the key a second time to turn off the indicator. Normal typing resumes when the Caps lock indicator is off.
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.
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Indicator Functions
Wireless WAN
* On selected models only.
*
Illuminates when the wireless WAN function is enabled.
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Getting Started
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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
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 docking station.
!
The shape of the DC In plug varies depending on the AC adapter.
✍
To disconnect your computer completely from AC power, unplug the AC adapter.
Make sure that the AC outlet is easily accessible.
If you do not use your computer for a long period of time, place the computer into Hibernate mode. See Using Hibernate Mode (page 109). This power saving mode saves the time of shutting down or resuming.

Using the Battery Pack

The battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of purchase.
Installing the Battery Pack
To install the battery pack
1 Turn off the computer and close the LCD screen lid. 2 Slide the battery lock switch (1) to the UNLOCK position.
3 Slide the battery pack into the battery compartment until it clicks into place.
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Getting Started
4 Slide the battery lock switch (1) to the LOCK position to secure the battery pack on the computer.
✍
When your computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack installed, it uses power from the AC outlet.
!
This computer is designed to operate only with genuine Sony batteries.
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Getting Started
Getting Started
Charging the Battery Pack
The battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of purchase.
To charge the battery pack
1 Install the battery pack. 2 Connect the AC adapter to the computer.
The computer automatically charges the battery pack (the battery indicator light flashes in a double blink pattern as the battery pack charges). When the battery pack is about 85% charged, the battery indicator turns off.
Battery indicator light status Meaning
On The computer is using battery power.
Blinks The battery pack is running out of power.
Double blinks The battery pack is charging.
Off The computer is using AC power.
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Getting Started
✍
When the battery pack is running out of power, both the battery and power indicator lights blink.
Keep the battery pack in your computer while it is directly connected to AC power. The battery pack continues to charge while you are using the computer.
If the battery level falls below 10%, you should either attach the AC adapter to recharge the battery pack or shut down your computer and install a fully charged battery pack.
The battery pack supplied with your computer is a lithium ion battery pack and can be recharged any time. Charging a partially discharged battery pack does not affect battery life.
The battery indicator light is on while you use the battery pack as a power source. When battery life is nearly depleted, both the battery and power indicator lights start flashing.
For some software applications and some peripheral devices, your computer may not enter Hibernate mode even when battery life is low. To avoid loss of data when using battery power, you should save your data frequently and manually activate a power management mode, such as Sleep or Hibernate.
If the battery pack wears out when the computer enters Sleep mode, you will lose any unsaved data. Going back to the previous work state is impossible. To avoid loss of data, you should save your data frequently.
When your computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack installed, it uses power from the AC outlet.
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Getting Started
Removing the Battery Pack
!
You may lose data if you remove the battery pack while your computer is on and not connected to the AC adapter or if you remove the battery pack while the computer is in Sleep mode.
To remove the battery pack
1 Turn off the computer and close the LCD screen lid. 2 Slide the battery lock switch (1) to the UNLOCK position.
3 Slide and hold the battery release latch (2) and slide the battery pack away from the computer.
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Getting Started

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely

To avoid losing unsaved data, be sure to shut down your computer properly, as described below.
To shut down your computer
1 Turn off any peripherals connected to the computer. 2 Click Start, the arrow next to the Lock button, and Shut Down.
3 Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents or to consider other users and wait for the computer to turn off
automatically. The power indicator light turns off.

Using Your VAIO Computer

This section describes how to get the most out of using your VAIO computer.
❑ Using the Keyboard (page 29) ❑ Using the Touch Pad (page 31) ❑ Using the Optical Disc Drive (page 32) ❑ Using the ExpressCard Module (page 42) ❑ Using the Memory Stick Media (page 46) ❑ Using Other Memory Cards (page 52) ❑ Using the Internet (page 54) ❑ Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 55) ❑ Using the Bluetooth Functionality (page 62)
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Using Your VAIO Computer
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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 functions are not available before Windows is launched.
Combinations/Feature Functions
Fn + (F1): wireless switching
Fn + % (F2): speaker switch Turns on and off the built-in speakers and the headphones.
Fn + 2 (F3/F4): speaker volume Adjusts the built-in speaker volume.
Fn + 8 (F5/F6): brightness control Adjusts the LCD brightness of your computer screen.
Fn + /T (F7): display output
*
Toggles among Bluetooth, wireless LAN, and wireless WAN functionalities.
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.
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.
Toggles among your computer screen, an external display, and simultaneous output to both.
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Combinations/Feature Functions
Fn + (F10): zoom
Fn + (F12): Hibernate
* On selected models only.
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Using Your VAIO Computer
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.
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 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 106).
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