Sony VAIO VGN-FW21J, VAIO VGN-FW21E, VAIO VGN-FW21L, VAIO VGN-FW21Z, VAIO VGN-FW21SR User Manual

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User Guide

Personal Computer

V G N - F W s e r i e s

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Contents
Before Use .........................................................................................................................................................................	6
Notice...........................................................................................................................................................................	7
Documentation.............................................................................................................................................................	8
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 .......................................................................................................................	29
Using Your VAIO Computer .............................................................................................................................................	30
Using the Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................................	31
Using the Touch Pad .................................................................................................................................................	32
Using Special-function Buttons ..................................................................................................................................	33
Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...................................................................................................................	34
Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................	37
Using the ExpressCard Module .................................................................................................................................	46
Using the Memory Stick .............................................................................................................................................	49
Using the SD Memory Card .......................................................................................................................................	55
Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................	58
Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) .....................................................................................................................................	59
Using the Bluetooth Function.....................................................................................................................................	66

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Using Peripheral Devices.................................................................................................................................................	72
Connecting External Speakers ..................................................................................................................................	73
Connecting an External Display.................................................................................................................................	74
Selecting Display Modes............................................................................................................................................	80
Using the Multiple Monitors Function.........................................................................................................................	82
Connecting an External Microphone..........................................................................................................................	85
Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device......................................................................................................	86
Connecting a Printer ..................................................................................................................................................	89
Connecting an i.LINK Device .....................................................................................................................................	90
Connecting to a Network (LAN) .................................................................................................................................	92
Customizing Your VAIO Computer ..................................................................................................................................	93
Setting the Password .................................................................................................................................................	94
Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center................................................................................................	99
Using the Power Saving Modes...............................................................................................................................	100
Managing Power with VAIO Power Management....................................................................................................	105
Configuring Your Modem .........................................................................................................................................	107
Upgrading Your VAIO Computer....................................................................................................................................	109
Adding and Removing Memory................................................................................................................................	110

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Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................	116
Handling the LCD Screen ........................................................................................................................................	117
Using the Power Source ..........................................................................................................................................	118
Handling Your Computer .........................................................................................................................................	119
Handling the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera............................................................................................................	121
Handling Floppy Disks .............................................................................................................................................	122
Handling Discs .........................................................................................................................................................	123
Using the Battery Pack ............................................................................................................................................	124
Using Headphones ..................................................................................................................................................	125
Handling the Memory Stick ......................................................................................................................................	126
Handling the Hard Disk ............................................................................................................................................	127
Updating Your Computer .........................................................................................................................................	128
Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................	129
Computer .................................................................................................................................................................	131
System Security .......................................................................................................................................................	138
Battery......................................................................................................................................................................	139
Built-in MOTION EYE Camera.................................................................................................................................	141
Internet.....................................................................................................................................................................	144
Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................	146
Bluetooth Technology ..............................................................................................................................................	150
Optical Discs ............................................................................................................................................................	155
Display .....................................................................................................................................................................	160
Printing.....................................................................................................................................................................	165
Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................	166

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Mouse ......................................................................................................................................................................	167
Speakers..................................................................................................................................................................	168
Touch Pad................................................................................................................................................................	169
Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................	170
Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................	171
Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................	172
Memory Stick ...........................................................................................................................................................	175
Peripherals...............................................................................................................................................................	176
Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................	177
Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................	178
e-Support .................................................................................................................................................................	179
Trademarks ....................................................................................................................................................................	181

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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 experience.

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

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Before Use

Notice

© 2008 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved.

This manual and the software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, translated, or reduced to any 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.

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.

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Before Use

Documentation

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

Printed Documentation

Quick Start Guide — Describes the process from unpacking to starting up your VAIO.

Troubleshooting and Recovery Guide — Contains solutions to problems other than those you encounter during normal operation.

Regulations, Guarantee, EULA and Service Support — Contains Sony guarantee conditions, safety / regulations, modem regulations, wireless LAN regulations, wireless WAN regulations, Bluetooth regulations, end user software license agreement, and Sony support services 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. The User Guide is provided in PDF format for easy browsing and printing.

To view this on-screen guide:

1 Double-click the VAIO User Guide icon on the desktop.

2 Open the folder for your language.

3 Select the guide you want to read.

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

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.

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Before Use

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 http://www.vaio-link.com.

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

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Before Use

Windows Help and Support

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

Use the search feature, index, or table of contents to view all Windows Help resources, including those on the Internet.

To access Windows Help and Support, click Start and Help and Support. Or go to Windows Help and Support by pressing and holding the Microsoft Windows key and pressing the F1 key.

Further Sources

Consult the help files included with the software you are using for detailed information on features and troubleshooting.

Go to http://www.club-vaio.com to find online tutorials about your favorite VAIO software.

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Before Use

Ergonomic Considerations

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

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

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

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Before Use

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

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Getting Started

Getting Started

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

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 29)

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Getting Started

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 34)

B Built-in MOTION EYE camera indicator (page 20)

C Built-in microphone (monaural)

D LCD screen (page 117)

E Built-in speakers (stereo)

F Keyboard (page 31)

G Touch pad (page 32)

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* (page 49)

O Headphones jack (page 73)

P Microphone jack (page 85)

* Your computer supports both standardand Duo-size Memory Stick.

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Getting Started

A Num lock indicator (page 20)

B Caps lock indicator (page 20)

C Scroll lock indicator (page 20)

D S1 button (page 33)

E VOL-/VOL+ buttons (page 33)

F Play/Pause button (page 33)

G Stop button (page 33)

H Previous track button (page 33)

I Next track button (page 33)

J AV MODE button (page 33)

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Getting Started

Back

A Battery connector

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Getting Started

Right

A Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports* (page 86)

B Optical disc drive (page 37)

C Optical disc drive indicator (page 20)

D Drive eject button (page 37)

E Manual eject hole (page 155)

F Power button/Power indicator (page 20)

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

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Getting Started

Left

A DC IN port (page 21)

B Security slot

C Air vent

D Network (Ethernet) port (page 92)

E Modem port (page 58)

F Monitor port (page 74)

G HDMI port (page 74)

H i.LINK 4-pin (S400) port (page 90)

I ExpressCard/34 slot (page 46)

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Getting Started

Bottom

A Air vents

B Memory module compartment cover (page 110)

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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 on, blinks slowly in orange while the computer is in Sleep mode, and
		turns off when the computer is off or in Hibernate mode.
	Charge	Illuminates while the battery pack is charging. See Charging the Battery Pack (page 25) for more information.
	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
		mode or turn it off when this indicator is lit.) When the indicator is unlit, the memory card is not in use.
	Optical disc drive	Illuminates while the drive is reading or writing data. When the indicator is unlit, the optical disc media is not in
		use.
	Hard disk drive/Optical disc drive	Illuminates while the drive is reading or writing data. Do not place the computer into Sleep mode or turn it off
		when this indicator is lit.
	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 unlit.
	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 lit. Press the key a second time to turn off the indicator. Normal typing resumes when the
		Caps lock indicator is unlit.
	Scroll lock	Press the Scr Lk key to change how you scroll the display. Normal scrolling resumes when the Scroll lock
		indicator is unlit. The Scr Lk key functions differently depending on the program you are using and does not
		work with all programs.
	WIRELESS	Illuminates when the WIRELESS switch is turned on, provided that one or more wireless options are enabled
		in the VAIO Smart Network window.

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Getting Started

Connecting a Power Source

You can use either an AC adapter or a rechargeable battery pack for supplying power to your computer.

Using the AC Adapter

Use only the supplied AC adapter for your computer.

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 connected 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.

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 103). This power saving mode saves the time of shutting down and 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 delivery.

Installing the Battery Pack

To install the battery pack

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

2Slide the battery LOCK switch (1) inward.

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Getting Started

3Slide the battery pack diagonally into the battery compartment until the projections (2) on either side of the battery compartment fit into the U-shaped cuts (3) on either side of the battery pack.

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Getting Started

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

5 Slide the battery LOCK 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.

!

Certain rechargeable batteries do not meet Sony quality and safety standards. For safety reasons this computer only functions with genuine Sony battery packs designed for this model. If an unauthorized battery pack is installed, the battery will not be charged and the computer will not function.

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Getting Started

Charging the Battery Pack

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

To charge the battery pack

1Install the battery pack.

2Connect the AC adapter to the computer.

The charge indicator light turns on while the battery pack is charging. When the battery pack charges close to the maximum charge level you selected with the battery charge functions, the charge indicator turns off. To select your desired maximum charge level, see Using the Battery Charge Functions (page 27).

Charge indicator status	Meaning
Lit in orange	The battery pack is charging.
Blinks along with the green power	The battery pack is running out of power. (Normal
indicator	mode)
Blinks along with the orange power	The battery pack is running out of power. (Sleep mode)
indicator
Blinks fast in orange	A battery error has occurred due to a failed battery
	pack or an unlocked battery pack.

!

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

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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 charge 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.

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

While some software applications or peripheral devices are in use, 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.

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Getting Started

Using the Battery Charge Functions

You can select the battery charging method for your battery pack with the Battery Charge Functions. To make the battery life longer, enable the battery care function.

To enable the battery care function

1Click Start, All Programs, and VAIO Control Center.

2Click Power Management and then Battery Charge Functions.

3Click to select the Enable Battery Care Function check box in the right pane.

4Click Advanced.

5Select the desired maximum charge level.

6Click OK.

To check the battery wear level

Follow steps 1 to 4 in To enable the battery care function above and check detailed information. If the battery wear level is high, replace the battery pack with a new genuine Sony battery pack.

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Getting Started

Removing the Battery Pack

!

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

To remove the battery pack

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

2Slide the battery LOCK switch (1) inward.

3Slide and hold the battery RELEASE latch (2) inward, put your fingertip underneath the tab (3) on the battery pack, and turn the battery pack in the direction of the arrow, and then slide it away from the computer.

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Getting Started

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely

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

To shut down your computer

1Turn off any peripherals connected to the computer.

2Click Start, the arrow next to the Lock button, and then Shut Down.

3Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents or to consider other users and wait for the computer to turn off automatically.

The power indicator light turns off.

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Using Your VAIO Computer

Using Your VAIO Computer

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

Using the Keyboard (page 31)

Using the Touch Pad (page 32)

Using Special-function Buttons (page 33)

Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera (page 34)

Using the Optical Disc Drive (page 37)

Using the ExpressCard Module (page 46)

Using the Memory Stick (page 49)

Using the SD Memory Card (page 55)

Using the Internet (page 58)

Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 59)

Using the Bluetooth Function (page 66)