Sony VAIO VGN-N270E, VAIO VGN-N250E, VAIO VGN-N230E-T, VAIO VGN-N230E, VAIO VGN-N220E User Manual

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User Guide

Personal Computer

V G N - N 2 0 0 S e r i e s

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Contents
Before Use .........................................................................................................................................................................	6
Documentation.............................................................................................................................................................	6
Ergonomic Considerations...........................................................................................................................................	8
Getting Started .................................................................................................................................................................	10
Locating Controls and Ports.......................................................................................................................................	11
About the Indicator Lights ..........................................................................................................................................	16
Connecting a Power Source ......................................................................................................................................	17
Using the Battery Pack ..............................................................................................................................................	19
Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .......................................................................................................................	24
Using Your VAIO Computer .............................................................................................................................................	25
Using the Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................................	26
Using the Touch Pad .................................................................................................................................................	28
Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................	29
Using the ExpressCard Module .................................................................................................................................	39
Using the Memory Stick Media ..................................................................................................................................	42
Using Other Memory Cards .......................................................................................................................................	48
Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................	51
Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) .....................................................................................................................................	52

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Using Peripheral Devices.................................................................................................................................................	58
Connecting External Speakers ..................................................................................................................................	59
Connecting an External Display .................................................................................................................................	60
Selecting Display Modes............................................................................................................................................	63
Using the Multiple Monitors Function.........................................................................................................................	64
Connecting an External Microphone..........................................................................................................................	66
Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device......................................................................................................	67
Connecting a Printer ..................................................................................................................................................	70
Connecting an i.LINK Device .....................................................................................................................................	71
Connecting to a Network (LAN) .................................................................................................................................	73
Customizing Your VAIO Computer ..................................................................................................................................	74
Setting the Password .................................................................................................................................................	75
Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Central ...........................................................................................................	78
Using the Power Saving Modes .................................................................................................................................	79
Managing Power with VAIO Power Management......................................................................................................	83
Upgrading Your VAIO Computer......................................................................................................................................	85
Adding and Removing Memory..................................................................................................................................	86

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Precautions ......................................................................................................................................................................	92
On Handling the LCD Screen ....................................................................................................................................	93
On Using the Power Source ......................................................................................................................................	94
On Handling Your Computer......................................................................................................................................	95
On Handling Floppy Disks .........................................................................................................................................	97
On Handling Discs .....................................................................................................................................................	98
On Using the Battery Pack.........................................................................................................................................	99
On Using Headphones.............................................................................................................................................	100
On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................	101
On Handling the Hard Disk ......................................................................................................................................	102
Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................	103
Computer .................................................................................................................................................................	104
System Security .......................................................................................................................................................	111
Battery......................................................................................................................................................................	112
Internet.....................................................................................................................................................................	114
Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................	116
Optical Discs ............................................................................................................................................................	119
Display .....................................................................................................................................................................	123
Printing.....................................................................................................................................................................	126
Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................	127
Mouse ......................................................................................................................................................................	128
Speakers..................................................................................................................................................................	129
Touch Pad................................................................................................................................................................	130
Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................	131

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Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................	132
Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................	133
Memory Stick Media ................................................................................................................................................	134
Peripherals ...............................................................................................................................................................	135
Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................	136
Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................	136
Program Support Information...................................................................................................................................	140

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Before Use

Before Use

Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer, and welcome to the on-screen User Guide. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing, and communications to provide state-of-the-art personal computing.

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

Documentation

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

Printed Documentation

Welcome mat — Contains an overview of connections, setting up information, etc.

Safety Information — Contains safety guidelines and owner information.

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Before Use

Non-printed Documentation

User Guide (this manual) — Contains features of your computer. It also includes information about the software programs included with your computer, as well as information on solving common problems.

Specifications — The online Specifications describe the hardware and software configuration of your VAIO computer. To view the online Specifications:

1 Connect to the Internet.

2 Go to the Sony online support Web site at: http://esupport.sony.com/EN/VAIO/ for customers in USA, http://www.sony.ca/support for customers in Canada,

http://esupport.sony.com/ES/VAIO/ for customers in Spanish speaking Latin American countries or areas, or http://esupport.sony.com/ES/VAIO/BR/ for customers in Brazil.

VAIO Recovery Guide — Provides information about restoring individual software programs, software drivers, and drive partition(s) or your entire hard disk drive to the original factory installed settings.

To access this on-screen guide:

1 Click Start and Help and Support.

2 Click Manuals & Specifications.

3 Click VAIO Recovery Guide.

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Before Use

Ergonomic Considerations

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

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

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

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Before Use

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

Lighting – Choose a location where windows and lights do not create glare and reflection on the display. Use indirect lighting to avoid bright spots on the display. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work effectiveness.

Positioning an external display – When using an external display, set the display at a comfortable viewing distance. Make sure the display screen is at eye level or slightly lower when you are sitting in front of the monitor.

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Getting Started

Getting Started

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

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

Locating Controls and Ports (page 11)

About the Indicator Lights (page 16)

Connecting a Power Source (page 17)

Using the Battery Pack (page 19)

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 24)

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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 Num lock indicator (page 16)

B Caps lock indicator (page 16)

C Scroll lock indicator (page 16)

D Power button

E LCD screen (page 93)

F Keyboard (page 26)

G Touch pad (page 28)

H Power indicator (page 16)

I Battery indicator (page 16)

J Hard disk drive indicator (page 16)

K WLAN (Wireless LAN) indicator (page 16)

L SD memory card slot (page 48)

M Media Access indicator (page 16)

N Memory Stick PRO/Duo media slot* (page 43)

* Your computer supports Memory Stick PRO media and Memory Stick Duo media with high speed and high capacity capabilities.

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Getting Started

Back

A Network (Ethernet) port (page 73)

B Modem port (page 51)

C Battery connector (page 19)

D DC IN port (page 17)

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Getting Started

Right

A WIRELESS switch (page 52)

B Headphones jack (page 59)

C Microphone jack (page 66)

D Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports*1 (page 67)

E ExpressCard™/34 slot*2 (page 39)

F Air vents

G Monitor (VGA) port (page 60)

H i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 port (page 71)

*1	Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.
*2	Referred to as the ExpressCard slot hereinafter.

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Getting Started

Left

A Security slot

B Optical disc drive (page 29)

C Optical disc drive indicator (page 16)

D Drive eject button (page 29)

E Manual eject hole (page 119)

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Getting Started

Bottom

A Air vents

B Memory module compartment cover (page 88)

C Built-in speakers (stereo)

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Getting Started

About the Indicator Lights

Your computer is equipped with the following indicator lights.

	Indicator	Functions
	Power 1	Illuminates when the power of the computer is on, blinks when the computer is in Sleep mode, and turns off
		when the computer is in Hibernate mode or off.
	Battery e	Illuminates when the computer is using battery power, blinks when the battery pack is running out of power, and
		double-blinks when the battery pack is charging.
	Media Access	Illuminates when data is read from or written to a memory card. (Do not enter Sleep mode or turn off the
		computer when this indicator is on.) When the indicator is off, the memory card is not being used.
	Optical disc drive	Illuminates when data is read from or written to the optical disc. When the indicator is off, the optical disc is not
		being used.
	Hard disk drive	Illuminates when data is read from or written to the hard disk. Do not enter Sleep mode or turn off the computer
		when this indicator is on.
	Num lock	Press the Num Lk key to activate the numeric keypad. Press it a second time to deactivate the numeric keypad.
		The numeric keypad is not active when the indicator is off.
	Caps lock	Press the Caps Lock key to type letters in uppercase. Letters appear in lowercase if you press the Shift key
		while the indicator is on. Press the key a second time to turn off the indicator. Normal typing resumes when the
		Caps lock indicator is off.
	Scroll lock	Press the Scr Lk key to change how you scroll the display. Normal scrolling resumes when the Scroll lock
		indicator is off. The Scr Lk key functions differently depending on the program you are using and does not work
		with all programs.
	Wireless LAN	Illuminates when the wireless LAN function is running.

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Getting Started

Connecting a Power Source

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

Using the AC Adapter

Use your computer only with the supplied AC adapter.

The supplied AC adapter has an attachment on its plug to avoid accidental disconnection.

To use the AC adapter

1Plug one end of the power cord (1) into the AC adapter (3).

2Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet (2).

3Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter (3) into the DC IN port (4) on the computer, while fitting the extension of the plug attachment on the bottom of the computer as illustrated below.

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Getting Started

To disconnect your computer completely from AC power, unplug the AC adapter.

Make sure that the AC outlet is easily accessible.

If you do not use your computer for a long period of time, place the computer into Hibernate mode. See Using Hibernate Mode (page 82). This power saving mode saves the time of shutting down or resuming.

The plug attachment can be detached and reattached with the plug in the reverse direction.

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Getting Started

Using the Battery Pack

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

Installing the Battery Pack

To install the battery pack

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

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

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

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Getting Started

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

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

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This computer is designed to operate only with genuine Sony batteries.

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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 purchase.

To charge the battery pack

1Install the battery pack.

2Connect the AC adapter to the computer.

The computer automatically charges the battery pack (the battery indicator light flashes in a double blink pattern as the battery pack charges). When the battery pack is about 85% charged, the battery indicator turns off.

Battery indicator light status	Meaning
On	The computer is using battery power.
Blinks	The battery pack is running out of power.
Double blinks	The battery pack is charging.
Off	The computer is using AC power.

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Getting Started

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

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

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

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

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

For some software applications and some peripheral devices, your computer may not enter Hibernate mode even when battery life is low. To avoid loss of data when using battery power, you should save your data frequently and manually activate a power management mode, such as Sleep or Hibernate. If the battery pack wears out when the computer enters Sleep mode, you will lose any unsaved data. Going back to the previous work state is impossible. To avoid loss of data, you should save your data frequently.

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

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Getting Started

Removing the Battery Pack

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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) to the UNLOCK position.

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

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Getting Started

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely

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

To shut down your computer

1Turn off any peripherals connected to the computer.

2Click Start, the arrow next to the Lock button, and 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 26)

Using the Touch Pad (page 28)

Using the Optical Disc Drive (page 29)

Using the ExpressCard Module (page 39)

Using the Memory Stick Media (page 42)

Using Other Memory Cards (page 48)

Using the Internet (page 51)

Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 52)

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Using Your VAIO Computer

Using the Keyboard

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

Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key

Some functions are not available before Windows is launched.

Combinations/Feature		Functions
Fn + % (F2): speaker switch		Turns on and off the built-in speakers and the headphones.
Fn + 2 (F3/F4): speaker volume		Adjusts the built-in speaker volume.
		To increase the volume, press Fn+F4 and then M or ,, or keep pressing Fn+F4.
		To decrease the volume, press Fn+F3 and then m or <, or keep pressing Fn+F3.
Fn + 8 (F5/F6): brightness control		Adjusts the LCD brightness of your computer screen.
		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.
Fn +	/T (F7): display output	Toggles among your computer screen, an external display, and simultaneous output to both.
Fn +	(F10): zoom	Changes the screen resolution to magnify/restore your computer's screen view.
		The magnified view is not as clear as the standard view, as it is implemented by applying a lower resolution
		to the computer screen with a higher resolution.
		This key combination may not work with graphic images as it magnifies the screen view by changing the
		resolution.
		The location and size of software windows may change when the screen view is magnified or the standard
		view is restored because pressing this key combination changes the resolution.
		When your computer's screen view is magnified, switching the view to the external display disables the
		function and restores the standard view.

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Using Your VAIO Computer

	Combinations/Feature		Functions
	Fn +	(F12): Hibernate	Provides for the lowest level of power consumption. When you execute this command, the
			states of the system and the peripheral devices are written to the hard disk and the system
			power is turned off. To return the system to its original state, use the power button to turn on the
			power.
			For details on power management, see Using the Power Saving Modes (page 79).

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Using Your VAIO Computer

Using the Touch Pad

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 (1) 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 on the touch pad 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).

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Using Your VAIO Computer

Using the Optical Disc Drive

Your computer is equipped with an optical disc drive.

To insert a disc

1Turn on the computer.

2Press the drive eject button (1) to open the drive. The tray slides out.

3Place a disc in the middle of the tray with the label side facing upward and gently push it until the disc clicks into place.

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Using Your VAIO Computer

4 Close the tray by pushing it in gently.

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

If you plan to use an external optical disc drive, connect the drive before you launch any preinstalled CD/DVD program.