Sony VAIO VGN-FS215SR, VAIO VGN-FS285B, VAIO VGN-FS215Z, VAIO VGN-FS285M, VAIO VGN-A497XP User Guide

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User Guide

Personal Computer

VGN-A series/VGN-FS series

Contents

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

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

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

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

Ergonomic Considerations...............................................................................................................................................11

Getting Started .......................................................................................................................................................................13

About the Indicator Lights ................................................................................................................................................14

Connecting a Power Source ............................................................................................................................................15

Using the Battery Pack.....................................................................................................................................................16

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .............................................................................................................................23

Using Your VAIO Computer ...................................................................................................................................................24

Using the Keyboard..........................................................................................................................................................25

Using the Touch Pad........................................................................................................................................................27

Using Special-function Buttons ........................................................................................................................................28

Using the Optical Disc Drive ............................................................................................................................................30

Using the TV Function (on Selected Models Only) ..........................................................................................................38

Using PC Cards ...............................................................................................................................................................39

Using the Memory Stick Media ........................................................................................................................................43

Using the Internet.............................................................................................................................................................47

Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) ...........................................................................................................................................48

Using the Bluetooth Functionality (on Selected Models Only) .........................................................................................57

Using Peripheral Devices.......................................................................................................................................................63

Connecting a Port Replicator ...........................................................................................................................................64

Using the Mouse (on Selected Models Only)...................................................................................................................77

Connecting External Speakers.........................................................................................................................................81

Using the Remote Commander........................................................................................................................................86

Connecting an External Display.......................................................................................................................................89

Selecting Display Modes..................................................................................................................................................97

Using the Multiple Monitors Function .............................................................................................................................100

Connecting an External Microphone ..............................................................................................................................104

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device..........................................................................................................105

Connecting a Printer ......................................................................................................................................................108

Connecting an i.LINK Device .........................................................................................................................................110

Connecting to a Network (LAN) .....................................................................................................................................112

Customizing Your VAIO Computer ......................................................................................................................................114

Setting the Password .....................................................................................................................................................115

Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center....................................................................................................120

Using the Power Saving Modes.....................................................................................................................................122

Managing Power with VAIO Power Management ..........................................................................................................127

Setting Up Your Language with Windows XP Professional ...........................................................................................131

Configuring Your Modem ...............................................................................................................................................134

Setting a Sony Wallpaper...............................................................................................................................................137

Installing and Upgrading Applications ............................................................................................................................138

Managing Drivers ...........................................................................................................................................................143

Upgrading Your VAIO Computer..........................................................................................................................................154

Adding and Removing Memory......................................................................................................................................155

Precautions ..........................................................................................................................................................................169

On Handling the LCD Screen.........................................................................................................................................170

On Using the Power Source...........................................................................................................................................171

On Handling Your Computer..........................................................................................................................................172

On Handling Floppy Disks..............................................................................................................................................174

On Handling Discs .........................................................................................................................................................175

On Using the Battery Pack.............................................................................................................................................176

On Using Headphones...................................................................................................................................................177

On Handling Memory Stick Media..................................................................................................................................177

On Handling the Hard Disk ............................................................................................................................................178

Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................................................................................179

Troubleshooting the optical disc drive............................................................................................................................180

Troubleshooting PC Cards .............................................................................................................................................184

Troubleshooting the modem ..........................................................................................................................................184

Troubleshooting the Bluetooth functionality ...................................................................................................................186

Troubleshooting Wireless LAN.......................................................................................................................................189

Troubleshooting Power Management ............................................................................................................................192

Troubleshooting External Displays.................................................................................................................................193

Troubleshooting Sound (Speaker) .................................................................................................................................195

Troubleshooting Sound (Microphone)............................................................................................................................196

Troubleshooting Floppy Disks........................................................................................................................................198

Troubleshooting Printers................................................................................................................................................199

Troubleshooting i.LINK Devices.....................................................................................................................................201

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.

Notice

machine-readable form without prior written approval. Sony Corporation provides no warranty with regard to this manual, the software, or other information contained herein and hereby

expressly disclaims any implied warranties or merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose with regard to this manual, the software or such other information. In no event shall Sony Corporation be liable for any incidental, consequential, or special damages, whether based on tort, contract, or otherwise, arising out of or in connection with this manual, the software, or other information contained herein or the use thereof.

Macrovision: This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.

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.

Please note that the illustrations in this manual may not necessarily apply to your model. Please see the printed Specifications sheet for the specific configuration of your VAIO computer.

Before Use

ENERGY STAR

As an ENERGY STAR Partner, Sony has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency. The International E

use of computers and their office equipment. The program backs the development and dissemination of products with functions that effectively reduce energy consumption. It is an open system in which business proprietors can participate voluntarily. The targeted products are office equipment such as computers, displays, printers, facsimiles and copiers. Their standards and logos are uniform among participating nations.

NERGY STAR is a U.S. registered mark.

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

Before Use

Documentation

Your Documentation contains printed information and user guides to read on your computer. Guides are provided in PDF format, which you can easily browse through and print out. The My Club VAIO portal is a perfect starting point to using your VAIO computer — a comprehensive collection of everything

you need to get the most from your computer. The user guides are collected under Documentation, which can be shown as follows:

1 Click Start and then the My Club VAIO icon . 2 Click Documentation. 3 Select the guide you want to read.

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You can manually browse to the user guides by going to My Computer > VAIO (C:) (your C drive) > Documentation > Documentation and opening the folder for your language.

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

Printed Documentation

❑ Specifications sheet — Contains a table of specifications, a list of bundled software, an overview of all controls and ports

and, on the reverse side, a guide to setting up your VAIO computer.

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

Wireless LAN Regulations.

Before Use

Non-printed Documentation

My Club VAIO

In My Club VAIO you can find: Documentation, which gives you:

❑ Access to the User Guide. This manual explains the features of your VAIO in detail, how to use these features confidently

and safely, connect peripheral devices and more.

❑ Access to Help and Training. This is the portal of VAIO Help and Support Center. ❑ Important information about your computer, in the form of notices and announcements.

In My Club VAIO you can also find:

❑ Accessories

Want to expand the capabilities of your VAIO? Click on 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.

Help and Support Center

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

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.

Before Use

Further Sources

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

to find online tutorials about your favorite VAIO software.

Before Use

Ergonomic Considerations

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

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

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

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

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

Before Use

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

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

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

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

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

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

Getting Started

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

❑ About the Indicator Lights (page 14) ❑ Connecting a Power Source (page 15) ❑ Using the Battery Pack (page 16) ❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 23)

Getting Started

About the Indicator Lights

Indicator Functions

Power 1 Illuminates when the power of the computer is on, blinks in Standby mode, and turns off when the computer is in

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

Memory Stick Pro/Duo

Optical disc drive (VGN-A series only)

Mute % (VGN-A series only) Illuminates when the volume is turned off.

Brightness 8 (VGN-A series only) Illuminates when the screen is on maximum brightness intensity.

Hard disk

Num Lock

Caps Lock

Scroll Lock

Bluetooth Illuminates when the WIRELESS switch is set to ON and Bluetooth technology is enabled.

WIRELESS LAN Illuminates when the wireless LAN function is running.

Hibernate mode or off.

blinks when the battery is charging.

Illuminates when data is read from or written to the Memory Stick media. (Do not enter Standby 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 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 Scroll Lock key to change how you scroll the display. Normal scrolling resumes when the Scroll Lock indicator is off. The Scroll Lock key functions differently depending on the program you are using and does not work with all programs.

Connecting a Power Source

You can use either an AC adapter or a rechargeable battery pack as a power source.

Using the AC Adapter

To use the AC adapter

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

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

Getting Started

✍

Use your computer only with the supplied 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 the AC adapter for a long period of time, put your computer into Hibernate mode. See Using Hibernate Mode (page 125). This power saving mode saves you the time of shutting down in the normal way.

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

VGN-A series models

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

Getting Started

4 Remove the battery compartment cover. 5 Slide the battery in the battery compartment cover.

6 Turn over the battery attached to the battery compartment cover. 7 Insert the tab on the battery compartment cover into the notch, and push the battery down into the compartment until it clicks

into place.

8 Slide the LOCK/UNLOCK switch to the LOCK position to secure the battery on the computer.

VGN-FS series models

1 Turn off your computer and close the LCD screen lid. 2 Slide the lock switch (1) to the UNLOCK position.

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

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

Getting Started

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

Getting Started

Charging the Battery Pack

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

To charge the battery pack

1 Install the battery pack. 2 Connect the AC adapter to the computer.

The computer automatically charges the battery (the battery indicator light flashes in a double blink pattern as the battery charges).

Battery indicator light status Meaning

On The computer is using battery power.

Blinks The battery is running out of power.

Double blinks The battery is charging.

Off The computer is using AC power.

Getting Started

✍

When the battery is running out of power, both the battery and power indicator lights blink.

Keep the battery pack in the computer while it is directly connected to AC power. The battery pack continues to charge while you are using the computer.

If the battery level falls below 10%, you should either attach the AC adapter to recharge the battery or shut down your computer and install a fully charged battery.

The battery pack supplied with your computer is a lithium ion battery and can be recharged any time. Charging a partially discharged battery does not affect battery life.

The battery indicator light is on while you use the battery pack as a power source. When the battery life is nearly depleted, both the battery and power indicator lights start flashing.

For some software applications and some peripheral devices, your computer may not enter Hibernate mode even when battery life is low. To avoid loss of data when using battery power, you should save your data frequently and manually activate a power management mode, such as Standby or Hibernate. If

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

Removing the Battery Pack

To remove the battery pack

VGN-A series models

The right edge of the battery compartment cover is pushed up.

Getting Started

4 Raise the edge to remove the battery compartment cover. 5 Open the tabs on the battery compartment cover to release the battery and remove it from the battery compartment cover. 6 Insert the two tabs on the battery compartment cover diagonally into the notches and push the cover into the compartment

until it clicks into place.

VGN-FS series models

1 Turn off your computer and close the LCD screen lid. 2 Slide the lock switch (1) to the UNLOCK position.

3 Slide and hold the release latch (2) and slide the battery away from the computer.

Getting Started

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You may lose data if you remove the battery pack while the computer is on and not connected to the AC adapter or if you remove the battery while the computer is in Standby mode.

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 your computer. 2 Click Start and then Turn Off Computer.

The Turn off computer window appears. 3 Click Turn Off. 4 Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents or to consider other users and wait for your computer to turn off

automatically.

The power indicator light turns off.

✍

See the printed Troubleshooting Guide if you have problems shutting down your computer.

Using Your VAIO Computer

Once you have read and followed the information in the printed Specifications sheet, you can start using your computer safely and confidently.

Read on to get the most out of using your VAIO computer.

❑ Using the Keyboard (page 25) ❑ Using the Touch Pad (page 27) ❑ Using Special-function Buttons (page 28) ❑ Using the Optical Disc Drive (page 30) ❑ Using the TV Function (on Selected Models Only) (page 38) ❑ Using PC Cards (page 39) ❑ Using the Memory Stick Media (page 43) ❑ Using the Internet (page 47) ❑ Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 48) ❑ Using the Bluetooth Functionality (on Selected Models Only) (page 57)

Using Your VAIO Computer

Using the Keyboard

Your keyboard is very similar to a desktop computer's, but has additional keys that perform model-specific tasks. For more information on the standard keys, see Windows Help and Support Centre and click on the Customizing your

computer link. The VAIO-Link web site (www.vaio-link.com

Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key

Combinations/Feature Functions

Fn + % (F2): speaker switch (VGN-FS series only) Turns on and off the built-in speakers and the headphones.

Fn + 2 (F3/F4): speaker volume (VGN-FS series only) Adjusts the built-in speaker volume.

Fn + 8 (F5/F6): brightness control Adjusts the brightness of the LCD.

Fn + /T (F7): switch to the external display

) also contains glossary information to help you use the keyboard.

To increase volume, press Fn+F4 and then M or ,, or keep pressing Fn+F4. To decrease 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 between the LCD, external device (e.g. monitor) and both LCD and external device.

Combinations/Feature Functions

Fn + (F10): zoom (VGN-FS series only)

Fn + (F12): Hibernate

Changes the screen resolution to magnify/restore the screen view.

✍

The default resolutions of the standard view and the magnified view are as follow:

Standard view: 1280 x 800 pixels Magnified view: 1024 x 600 pixels

The magnified view is not as clear as the standard view, as it is implemented by applying a lower resolution to the LCD screen with a higher resolution. This key combination is disabled during video playback. Make sure to quit such software before pressing the key combination. 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 the LCD 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 of 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 switch to turn on the power. For details on power management, see the section Using the Power Saving Modes (page 122).

Using Your VAIO Computer

✍

Some functions are not available until Windows is launched.

Using Your VAIO Computer

Using the Touch Pad

The keyboard contains a cursor-pointing device, your touch pad (1). You can point to, select, drag, and scroll objects on the screen using the touch pad.

Action Description

Point Slide one finger on the touch pad to place the pointer (2) on an item or object.

Click Press the left button (3) once.

Double-click Press the left button twice.

Right-click Press the right button (4) once. In many applications, this action displays a shortcut menu.

Drag Slide one finger while pressing the left button.

Scroll Move your finger along the right edge of the touch pad to scroll vertically. Move your finger along the bottom to scroll

horizontally (the scroll function is available only with applications that support a touch pad scroll feature).

Using Your VAIO Computer

Using Special-function Buttons

Your VAIO computer is provided with special buttons to help you use specific functions of the computer.

VGN-A series models

Special-function button Functions

Turns on and off the volume. The LED turns on when the volume is turned off.

Mute button

Increase and decrease the volume.

Vol um e buttons (Volume down and Volume up)

You can increase and decrease the brightness intensity. When the screen is on maximum brightness intensity, the

Brightness button

Magnify screen button (Zoom) :

LED turns on. Auto luminance sensor: By default, the light sensor senses the brightness from outside and the display brightness is adjusted accordingly. This setting applies only when the display is set to automatic brightness mode. Press the brightness button to set the display to automatic brightness mode. You can adjust the general level of the automatic brightness mode in Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center (page 120).

Changes the image resolution in all applications, except in those that use the DVD player. The default resolutions of the standard view and the magnified view depend on the model as listed below. For the type of LCD screen equipped with your computer, see LCD screen in the printed Specifications sheet. ❑ Models with the WUXGA LCD screen

Standard view: 1920 x 1200 pixels Magnified view: 1280 x 768 pixels

❑ Models with the WXGA+ LCD screen

Standard view: 1440 x 900 pixels Magnified view: 1024 x 600 pixels

S1 button

The S1 button, by default, launches the VAIO Zone software. You also can link to this shortcut button another action that you execute often. See Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center (page 120).

Using Your VAIO Computer

✍

When an external display is connected to your computer, the Magnify screen button is disabled.

The magnified view is not as clear as the standard view.

Pressing the Magnify screen button changes the resolution, thus may cause a defect to any running software that does not support change in resolution.

Make sure to quit such software before pressing the Magnify screen button.

The Magnify screen button 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 when the standard view is restored.

When the LCD screen view is magnified, switching the view to the external display disables the function and restores the standard view.

VGN-FS series models

Special-function button Functions

S1/S2 buttons

By default, the S1 button turns on and off the volume and the S2 button toggles the display output between the LCD and external device. You can also link to these shortcut buttons another action that you execute often. See Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center (page 120).

Using the Optical Disc Drive

Your computer is equipped with an optical disc drive.

To insert a disc

1 Turn on the computer. 2 Press the drive eject button (1) to open the drive.

The tray slides out. 3 Place a disc in the middle of the tray with the label side facing up until the disc clicks into place.

Using Your VAIO Computer

4 Close the tray by pushing it in gently.

Do not remove the optical disc when the computer is in a power saving mode (Standby or Hibernate). Doing so may cause the computer to malfunction.

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