Sony VAIO VGN-FW148J/H, VAIO VGN-FW170J/H, VAIO VGN-FW170J/W, VAIO VGN-FW170J User Manual

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User Guide

Personal Computer

VGN-FW100 Series

Contents

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

Documentation .............................................................................................................................................................7

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

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

Locating Controls and Ports.......................................................................................................................................14

About the Indicator Lights ..........................................................................................................................................20

Connecting a Power Source ......................................................................................................................................21

Using the Battery Pack ..............................................................................................................................................22

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .......................................................................................................................28

Using Your VAIO Computer .............................................................................................................................................29

Using the Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................................30

Using the Touch Pad .................................................................................................................................................31

Using Special-function Buttons ..................................................................................................................................32

Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...................................................................................................................33

Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................36

Using the ExpressCard Module .................................................................................................................................46

Using the Memory Stick Media ..................................................................................................................................49

Using Other Memory Cards .......................................................................................................................................55

Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................58

Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) .....................................................................................................................................59

Using the Bluetooth Functionality ..............................................................................................................................66

Using Peripheral Devices .................................................................................................................................................72

Connecting External Speakers ..................................................................................................................................73

Connecting an External Display.................................................................................................................................74

Selecting Display Modes............................................................................................................................................81

Using the Multiple Monitors Function .........................................................................................................................83

Connecting an External Microphone..........................................................................................................................86

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device......................................................................................................87

Connecting a Printer ..................................................................................................................................................90

Connecting an i.LINK Device .....................................................................................................................................91

Connecting to a Network (LAN) .................................................................................................................................93

Customizing Your VAIO Computer ..................................................................................................................................94

Setting the Password .................................................................................................................................................95

Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center..............................................................................................100

Using the Power Saving Modes...............................................................................................................................101

Upgrading Your VAIO Computer....................................................................................................................................106

Adding and Removing Memory................................................................................................................................107

Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................113

On Handling the LCD Screen ..................................................................................................................................114

On Using the Power Source ....................................................................................................................................115

On Handling Your Computer....................................................................................................................................116

On Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...........................................................................................................118

On Handling Floppy Disks .......................................................................................................................................119

On Handling Discs ...................................................................................................................................................120

On Using the Battery Pack.......................................................................................................................................121

On Using Headphones.............................................................................................................................................123

On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................124

On Handling the Hard Disk ......................................................................................................................................125

On Updating Your Computer ...................................................................................................................................126

Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................127

Computer .................................................................................................................................................................129

System Security .......................................................................................................................................................135

Battery......................................................................................................................................................................136

Built-in MOTION EYE Camera.................................................................................................................................138

Internet.....................................................................................................................................................................141

Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................143

Bluetooth Technology ..............................................................................................................................................147

Optical Discs ............................................................................................................................................................151

Display .....................................................................................................................................................................156

Printing.....................................................................................................................................................................161

Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................162

Mouse ......................................................................................................................................................................163

Speakers..................................................................................................................................................................164

Touch Pad................................................................................................................................................................166

Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................167

Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................168

Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................169

Memory Stick Media ................................................................................................................................................172

Peripherals ...............................................................................................................................................................173

Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................174

Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................175

Program Support Information...................................................................................................................................178

Trademarks ....................................................................................................................................................................189

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 experience.

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

Before Use

Documentation

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

Printed Documentation

❑ Welcome mat — Contains an overview of components connection, set-up information, etc. ❑ Safety Information — Contains safety guidelines and owner information.

Non-printed Documentation

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

included with your computer, as well as information on solving common problems.

✍

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

❑ Specifications — The online specifications describe the hardware and software configurations of your VAIO computer.

To view the online specifications:

1 Connect to the Internet. 2 Go to the Sony online support Web site at the following URLs:

http://esupport.sony.com/EN/VAIO/ http://www.sony.ca/support/ http://esupport.sony.com/ES/VAIO/ http://esupport.sony.com/ES/VAIO/BR/

for customers in Canada

for customers in USA

for customers in Spanish speaking Latin American countries or areas

for customers in Brazil

Before Use

❑ VAIO Recovery Center User Guide — Provides information about restoring individual software programs, hardware

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 Center User Guide.

Before Use

Help and Support

Help and Support is easy to access and provides a single location for information and technical assistance for your VAIO computer. Choose from the following categories to find the answers you need.

To access Help and Support, click Start and Help and Support.

❑ Manuals & Specifications

Here you will find the on-screen User Guide, warranty information, other VAIO documents, and system and software information for your computer.

❑ VAIO Support

Access interactive help in the form of VAIO tutorials, an escalation page containing support and contact information, and various links to VAIO online support Web sites.

❑ Backup & Recovery

Find information on how to back up and restore your operating system, system software, and your personal data.

❑ Wireless & Networking

Learn about wireless connections including Bluetooth Wireless technology and Wireless LAN. Run utilities that include VAIO Media Setup and Windows Network and Sharing Center, and access to wireless tutorials.

❑ Security

Keep your data safe and your computer running efficiently with updates and maintenance programs from Microsoft and Sony.

❑ VAIO Sites

Contains links to other Internet sites you might find interesting and useful.

❑ VAIO Tutorials

Sony provides guided help tutorials that help you accomplish a task. It can either perform the task for you or show you how to do it step by step.

❑ VAIO Registration

Please take a moment to register your VAIO computer to enjoy the following benefits:

❑ Your computer will be registered with Sony Product Support. ❑ You will receive an e-coupon good for purchase of eligible accessories at SonyStyle.com.

❑ Extended Service Plan

Sony VAIO products come with a 1 year Limited Warranty. Protect your investment further by purchasing an optional Extended Service Plan.

Before Use

Ergonomic Considerations

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

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

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

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

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

Before Use

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

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

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

lighting to avoid bright spots on the display. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work efficiency.

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

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

Getting Started

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

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

❑ Locating Controls and Ports (page 14)

❑ About the Indicator Lights (page 20)

❑ Connecting a Power Source (page 21)

❑ Using the Battery Pack (page 22)

❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 28)

Locating Controls and Ports

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

Front

A Built-in MOTION EYE camera (page 33) B Built-in MOTION EYE camera indicator (page 20) C Built-in microphone (monaural) D LCD screen (page 114) E Built-in speakers (stereo) F Keyboard (page 30) G Touch pad (page 31) H Charge indicator (page 20) I Hard disk drive/Optical disc drive indicator (page 20) J WIRELESS switch (page 59) K WIRELESS indicator (page 20) L Media Access indicator (page 20) M SD memory card slot (page 55)

N Memory Stick slot O Headphones jack (page 73) P Microphone jack (page 86)

* Your computer supports both standard- and Duo-size Memory Stick media.

(page 49)

Getting Started

A Num lock indicator (page 20) B Caps lock indicator (page 20) C Scroll lock indicator (page 20) D S1 button (page 32) E VOL-/VOL+ buttons (page 32) F Play/Pause button (page 32) G Stop button (page 32) H Previous track button (page 32) I Next track button (page 32) J AV MODE button (page 32)

Getting Started

Back

A Battery connector

Getting Started

Right

Getting Started

A Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports B Optical disc drive (page 36) C Optical disc drive indicator (page 20) D Drive eject button (page 36) E Manual eject hole (page 151) F Power button/Power indicator (page 20)

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

(page 87)

Left

Getting Started

A DC IN port (page 21) B Security slot C Air vent D Network (Ethernet) port (page 93) E Modem port (page 58)

F Monitor port G HDMI port

H i.LINK 4-pin (S400) port (page 91) I ExpressCard/34 slot (page 46)

* These two ports are mutually exclusive. When one port has an external

display connected, the other is disabled.

(page 75)

Bottom

A Air vents

Getting Started

About the Indicator Lights

Your computer is equipped with the following indicator lights.

Indicator Functions

Power 1 Illuminates in green when the computer is turned on, blinks slowly in orange while the computer is in Sleep

mode, and turns off when the computer is placed into Hibernate mode or turned off.

Charge

Built-in MOTION EYE camera Illuminates while the built-in MOTION EYE camera is in use.

Media Access Illuminates while data is being read from or written to a memory card. (Do not place the computer into Sleep

Optical disc drive Illuminates while data is being read from or written to the optical disc media. When the indicator is off, the optical

Hard disk drive/Optical disc drive

Num lock

Caps lock

Scroll lock

WIRELESS Illuminates when the WIRELESS switch is turned on, provided that one or more wireless options are enabled

Illuminates while the battery pack is charging. See Charging the Battery Pack (page 25) for more information.

mode or turn it off when this indicator is on.) When the indicator is off, the memory card is not in use.

disc media is not in use.

Illuminates while data is being read from or written to the hard disk drive or the optical disc media. Do not place the computer into Sleep mode or turn it off 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.

in the VAIO Smart Network window.

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 connected to the AC adapter (3) into the DC IN port (4) on the computer.

Getting Started

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 intend to use your computer for a long period of time, place the computer into Hibernate mode. See Using Hibernate Mode (page 104). This power saving mode saves the time of shutting down and resuming.

Using the Battery Pack

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

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) inward.

Getting Started

3 Slide the battery pack diagonally into the battery compartment until the projections (2) on either side of the battery

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

Getting Started

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

into place.

5 Slide the battery LOCK switch outward 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.

Charging the Battery Pack

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

To charge the battery pack

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

Charge indicator light status Meaning

Lit in orange The battery pack is charging.

Unlit The battery pack is in any of the following states:

Blinks along with the green power indicator light

Blinks along with the orange power indicator light

Blinks fast in orange A battery error has occurred due to a failed battery

- Fully charged.

- Completely out of power.

- Removed.

The battery pack is running out of power. (Normal mode)

The battery pack is running out of power. (Sleep mode)

pack or an unlocked battery pack.

Getting Started

Charge the battery pack as described in this manual from your first battery charge.

Getting Started

✍

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 connect 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 the battery life.

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 all unsaved data. Going back to the previous work state is impossible. To avoid loss of data, you should save your data frequently.

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

Getting Started

Removing the Battery Pack

You may lose data if you remove the battery pack while your computer is on and not connected to the AC adapter or if you remove the battery pack while the computer is in 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) inward. 3 Slide and hold the battery RELEASE latch (2) inward, hook your fingertip under the tab (3) on the battery pack, and turn

the battery pack in the direction of the arrow, and then slide it away from the computer.

Getting Started

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely

To avoid losing unsaved data, be sure to shut down your computer properly, as described below.

To shut down your computer

1 Turn off any peripherals connected to the computer.

2 Click Start, 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 30)

❑ Using the Touch Pad (page 31)

❑ Using Special-function Buttons (page 32)

❑ Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera (page 33)

❑ Using the Optical Disc Drive (page 36)

❑ Using the ExpressCard Module (page 46)

❑ Using the Memory Stick Media (page 49)

❑ Using Other Memory Cards (page 55)

❑ Using the Internet (page 58)

❑ Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 59)

❑ Using the Bluetooth Functionality (page 66)

Using Your VAIO Computer

Using the Keyboard

Your keyboard is very similar to a desktop computer keyboard, but has additional keys that perform model-specific tasks.

Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key

✍

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

Combinations/Feature Functions

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

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

Fn + / (F9/F10): zoom

Fn + (F12): hibernate

To increase lighting intensity, press Fn+F6 and then M or ,, or keep pressing Fn+F6. To decrease lighting intensity, press Fn+F5 and then m or <, or keep pressing Fn+F5.

Changes the view size of your screen. To make the screen view look smaller and further away (zoom out), press Fn+F9. To make the screen view look bigger and closer (zoom in), press Fn+F10. See the help file on VAIO Control Center for more information.

Provides for the lowest level of power consumption. When you execute this command, the states of the system and the connected peripheral devices are saved to the hard disk drive and the system power is turned off. To return the system to its original state, use the power button to turn on the power. For details on power management, see Using the Power Saving Modes (page 101).

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