Sony VAIO VGN-FE865E, VAIO VGN-FE870E, VAIO VGN-FE880E, VAIO VGN-FE855E, VAIO VGN-AR370 User Guide

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User Guide

Personal Computer

V G N - F E 8 0 0 S e r i e s / V G N - A R 3 0 0 S e r i e s

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Contents
Before Use .........................................................................................................................................................................	6
Documentation.............................................................................................................................................................	6
Ergonomic Considerations ...........................................................................................................................................	9
Getting Started .................................................................................................................................................................	11
Locating Controls and Ports.......................................................................................................................................	12
About the Indicator Lights ..........................................................................................................................................	25
Connecting a Power Source ......................................................................................................................................	27
Using the Battery Pack ..............................................................................................................................................	29
Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .......................................................................................................................	34
Using Your VAIO Computer .............................................................................................................................................	35
Using the Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................................	36
Using the Touch Pad .................................................................................................................................................	38
Using Special-function Buttons ..................................................................................................................................	39
Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...................................................................................................................	41
Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................	42
Using the TV Function ...............................................................................................................................................	51
Using PC Cards .........................................................................................................................................................	68
Using the ExpressCard Module .................................................................................................................................	71
Using the Memory Stick Media ..................................................................................................................................	76
Using Other Memory Cards .......................................................................................................................................	82
Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................	87

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Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) .....................................................................................................................................	88
Using the Bluetooth Functionality ..............................................................................................................................	94
Using Peripheral Devices...............................................................................................................................................	102
Connecting a Multi Function Bay Docking Station ...................................................................................................	103
Connecting External Speakers ................................................................................................................................	114
Connecting an External Display ...............................................................................................................................	115
Selecting Display Modes..........................................................................................................................................	124
Using the Multiple Monitors Function.......................................................................................................................	126
Connecting an External Microphone........................................................................................................................	128
Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device....................................................................................................	129
Connecting a Printer ................................................................................................................................................	132
Connecting an i.LINK Device ...................................................................................................................................	133
Connecting to a Network (LAN) ...............................................................................................................................	135
Customizing Your VAIO Computer ................................................................................................................................	137
Setting the Password ...............................................................................................................................................	138
Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Central .........................................................................................................	141
Using the Power Saving Modes ...............................................................................................................................	142
Managing Power with VAIO Power Management....................................................................................................	146
Upgrading Your VAIO Computer....................................................................................................................................	148
Adding and Removing Memory................................................................................................................................	149

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Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................	157
On Handling the LCD Screen ..................................................................................................................................	158
On Using the Power Source ....................................................................................................................................	159
On Handling Your Computer....................................................................................................................................	160
On Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...........................................................................................................	162
On Handling Floppy Disks .......................................................................................................................................	162
On Handling Discs ...................................................................................................................................................	163
On Using the Battery Pack.......................................................................................................................................	164
On Using Headphones.............................................................................................................................................	165
On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................	166
On Handling the Hard Disk ......................................................................................................................................	167
On Handling the Memory Card Adapter...................................................................................................................	168
Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................	169
Computer .................................................................................................................................................................	171
System Security .......................................................................................................................................................	178
Battery......................................................................................................................................................................	179
Built-in MOTION EYE Camera.................................................................................................................................	181
Internet.....................................................................................................................................................................	184
Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................	186
Bluetooth Technology ..............................................................................................................................................	189
Optical Discs ............................................................................................................................................................	193
Display .....................................................................................................................................................................	197
Printing.....................................................................................................................................................................	201
Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................	202

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Mouse ......................................................................................................................................................................	203
Speakers ..................................................................................................................................................................	204
Touch Pad................................................................................................................................................................	205
Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................	206
Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................	207
PC Cards .................................................................................................................................................................	208
Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................	210
Memory Stick Media ................................................................................................................................................	211
Peripherals ...............................................................................................................................................................	212
Multi Function Bay Docking Station .........................................................................................................................	213
Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................	214
Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................	214
Program Support Information...................................................................................................................................	218

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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, 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/ 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, or 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 and Help and Support.

2 Click Manuals & Specifications.

3 Click VAIO Recovery Guide.

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Before Use

RAID Guide (Selected models only) — Provides an overview of RAID systems and the various RAID levels (or types) that can be configured with your VAIO computer. It lists detailed procedures for using the RAID Recovery program to configure the hard disk drives, change your computer's RAID array, or to remove the RAID configuration.

To access this on-screen guide:

1 Click Start and Help and Support.

2 Click Manuals & Specifications.

3 Click RAID Guide.

MCE Guide (Selected models only) — Provides information about using Windows Media Center. To access this on-screen guide:

1 Click Start and Help and Support.

2 Click Manuals & Specifications.

3 Click MCE 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.

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Getting Started

Getting Started

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

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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 25)

Connecting a Power Source (page 27)

Using the Battery Pack (page 29)

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 34)

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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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Getting Started

VGN-FE800 Series Models

Front

A Built-in MOTION EYE camera (page 41)

B Built-in MOTION EYE camera indicator (page 25)

C LCD screen (page 158)

D Built-in speakers (stereo)

E Keyboard (page 36)

F Touch pad (page 38)

G Power indicator (page 25)

H Battery indicator (page 25)

I Hard disk drive indicator (page 25)

J Memory Stick Duo/PRO Duo media indicator (page 25)

K LCD screen lid LOCK/RELEASE switch

Make sure to slide this switch to the LOCK position before moving your computer.

L Headphones jack (page 114)

M Microphone jack (page 128)

N Built-in microphone (monaural)

O WIRELESS switch (page 88)

P WLAN (Wireless LAN) indicator (page 25)

Q Bluetooth indicator*1 (page 25)

R Memory Stick Duo/PRO Duo media slot*2 (page 77)

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

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Getting Started

A Muting button (page 39)

B Muting indicator (page 25)

C VOL buttons (page 39)

D S1/S2 buttons (page 39)

E Num lock indicator (page 25)

F Caps lock indicator (page 25)

G Scroll lock indicator (page 25)

H Power button

I Power indicator (page 25)

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Getting Started

Back

A Air vent

B Battery connector (page 29)

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Getting Started

Right

A PC Card release button (page 70)

B PC Card slot (page 68)

C ExpressCard™/34 slot*1 (page 71)

D i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 port (page 133)

E Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports*2 (page 129)

F S VIDEO OUTPUT port*3 *4 (page 120)

G Monitor (VGA) port*4(page 116)

H DC IN port (page 27)

*1	Referred to as the ExpressCard slot hereinafter.
*2	Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.
*3	Referred to as the S VIDEO OUT port hereinafter.
*4	Disabled when your computer is attached to the optional multi function bay
	docking station.

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Getting Started

Left

A Modem port (page 87)

B Network (Ethernet) port (page 135)

C Optical disc drive (page 42)

D Drive eject button (page 42)/

Optical disc drive indicator (page 25)

E Manual eject hole (page 193)

F Security slot

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Getting Started

Bottom

A Multi function bay docking station connector (page 105)

B Air vents

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Getting Started

VGN-AR300 Series Models

Front

A Built-in MOTION EYE camera (page 41)

B Built-in MOTION EYE camera indicator (page 25) C LCD screen (page 158)

D Keyboard (page 36)

E Built-in speakers (stereo) F VAIO logo lamp (page 39)

G Power button / Power indicator (page 25) H Touch pad (page 38)

I Power indicator (page 25) J Battery indicator (page 25)

K Hard disk drive indicator (page 25)

L Memory Stick PRO/Duo media indicator (page 25) M LCD screen lid LOCK/RELEASE switch

Make sure to slide this switch to the LOCK position before moving your computer.

N Built-in microphone (monaural)

O SD memory card indicator (page 25)

P Memory Stick PRO/Duo media slot*1 (page 77) Q SD memory card slot (page 84)

R WIRELESS switch (page 88)

S WLAN (Wireless LAN) indicator (page 25)

T Bluetooth indicator*2 (page 25)

*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 Num lock indicator (page 25)

B Caps lock indicator (page 25)

C Scroll lock indicator (page 25)

D S1/S2 buttons (page 39)

E VOLUME buttons (page 39)

F Disc drive eject button (page 42)

G Muting button (page 39) / Muting indicator (page 25)

H CHANNEL buttons* (page 39)

I TV REC button* (page 39)

J Play/Pause button (page 39)

K Stop button (page 39)

L Previous track button (page 39)

M Next track button (page 39)

N AV MODE button (page 39)

*On selected models only.

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Getting Started

Back

A VHF/UHF port*1 (page 51)

B Air vent

C Battery connector (page 29)

D Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port*2 (page 129)

E DC IN port (page 27)

*1 On selected models only.

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

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Getting Started

Right

A Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports*1 (page 129)

B PC Card release button (page 70)

C PC Card slot (page 68)

D ExpressCard module release button (page 74)

E Universal ExpressCard slot*2 (page 72)

F i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 port (page 133)

G AV In jack*3 *4 (page 59)

H S VIDEO INPUT port*3 *4 *5 (page 59)

I S VIDEO OUTPUT port*5 *6 (page 120)

J HDMI port (page 120)

K Monitor (VGA) port*6 (page 116)

L Network (Ethernet) port (page 135)

M Modem port (page 87)

		*1							Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.
							*2
									Referred to as the ExpressCard slot hereinafter.
				*3					On selected models only.
		*4							Parallel use of the AV In jack and the S VIDEO INPUT port will direct video
									signals to the S VIDEO INPUT port.
								*5	Referred to as the S VIDEO IN port and the S VIDEO OUT port hereinafter.
		*6							Disabled when your computer is attached to the optional multi function bay
									docking station.

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HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.

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Getting Started

Left

A OPTICAL OUT port (Output frequency 96 kHz/48 kHz/44 kHz/

Variable)

Connect digital equipment such as an AV amplifier.

B Microphone jack (page 128)

C Headphones jack (page 114)

D Optical disc drive (page 42)

E Substitute drive eject button (page 42)/

Optical disc drive indicator (page 25)

F Manual eject hole (page 193)

G Security slot

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Getting Started

Bottom

A Multi function bay docking station connector (page 105)

B Air vents

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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 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
		double-blinks when the battery pack is charging.
	Memory Stick Duo/PRO Duo media	Illuminates when data is read from or written to the Memory Stick media in the Memory Stick Duo/PRO Duo slot
	(VGN-FE800 Series)	or in the Memory Stick PRO/Duo slot. (Do not enter Sleep mode or turn off the computer when this indicator is
	Memory Stick PRO/Duo media	on.) When the indicator is off, the Memory Stick media is not being used.
	(VGN-AR300 Series)
	Muting %	Illuminates when the volume is turned off.
	Built-in MOTION EYE camera	Illuminates while the built-in MOTION EYE camera is in use.
	SD memory card	Illuminates when data is read from or written to the media in the SD memory card slot. (Do not enter Sleep mode
	(VGN-AR300 Series only)	or turn off the computer when this indicator is on.) When the indicator is off, the memory card is not being used.
	Optical disc drive	Illuminates when data is read from or written to the optical disc. When the indicator is off, the optical disc is not
		being used.
	Hard disk drive	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.
	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.

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Getting Started

Indicator		Functions
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	*1	Illuminates when the WIRELESS switch is set to ON and Bluetooth technology is enabled.
Wireless LAN		Illuminates when the wireless LAN function is running.
*1 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 145). 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

The illustrations in the following show the VGN-FE800 Series model computer as an example.

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

2Slide the battery lock switch (1) to the UNLOCK position.

3 Slide the battery pack into the battery compartment until it clicks into place.

4 Slide the battery lock switch (1) to the LOCK position to secure the battery pack on 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.