Sony VAIO VGN-S1VP, VAIO VGN-S1XP, VAIO VGN-S1HP Hardware Guide

Hardware Guide

VGN-S series

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Notice

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.

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 licence agreement.

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

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ENERGY STAR

As an ENERGY STAR Partner, Sony has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency. The International ENERGY STAR Office Equipment Program is an international program that promotes energy saving through the 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.

ENERGY STAR is a U.S. registered mark.

Owner's record

The serial number, model number and product key are located on the bottom of your Sony computer. Record the numbers and refer to them if you call VAIO-Link. See also the printed Specifications document.

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Safety Information

General

❑ Opening the unit, for whatever reason, could lead to damages that are not covered by the guarantee.

❑ To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.

❑ To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose your VAIO computer to rain or moisture.

❑ If reporting a gas leak, do not use the modem or a telephone in the vicinity of the leak.

❑ Avoid using the modem during a severe electrical storm.

❑ To change the backup battery, please contact your nearest Sony Service Centre.

❑ Before you connect peripherals, turn off the computer and all peripherals.

❑ Connect the power cord only after connecting all cables.

❑ Turn on the computer only after turning off all peripherals.

❑ Do not move your computer while the system is in Standby mode.

❑ The magnetic properties of some objects can have serious consequences for your hard disk drive. They can erase the data on

the hard disk drive and cause the computer to malfunction. Do not place your computer near or on any objects which emit magnetic fields, mainly:

❑ TV sets

❑ Speakers

❑ Magnets and magnetic bracelets.

Audio/video

❑ Audio and picture distortion may occur if this equipment is positioned in close proximity to any equipment emitting

electromagnetic radiation.

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Connectivity

❑ Never install modem or telephone wiring during a severe lightning storm.

❑ Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is specifically designed for wet locations.

❑ Take care when installing or modifying telephone lines.

❑ Use your computer only with the supplied AC adapter. To disconnect your computer completely from mains voltage, unplug the

AC adapter.

❑ Make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible.

❑ Never touch uninsulated telephone wire or terminals unless the telephone line has been disconnected at the network interface.

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Regulatory information

Sony hereby declares that this product is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of European Directive 1999/5/EC (radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment Directive).

Declaration of Conformity

The European Union is targeting the free movement of goods for the internal market and to prevent technical barriers to trade. This effort has resulted in several EU Directives asking that manufacturers make their products comply with essential standards. Manufacturers are required to affix the "CE" mark on the products they sell and to draw up a "Declaration of Conformity" (DoC).

Primarily, the Declarations of Conformity are intended for the market surveillance authorities as proof that products satisfy the required standards. Additionally, Sony provides these EU DoC's on the website

You can search for all Declarations of Conformity available for a specific product by typing in the model name in the search box above. A list of matching documents will be displayed and can be downloaded. Please note that the availability of declarations depends on the scope of the EU Directives and the individual product specifications.

This product complies with EN 55022 Class B and EN 55024 for use in following areas: residential, commercial and light-industrial. This product has been tested and found compliant with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for using connection cables not longer than 3 metres (9.8 feet). Before activating the built-in modem, please read the Modem Regulations leaflet.

The optical disc drive is classified as a CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT and complies with the Laser Product Safety Standard EN 60825-1. Repair and maintenance only by authorised Sony technicians. Improper repairs and use can create safety hazards.

http://www.compliance.sony.de as a service to our customers.

CLASS 1

LASER PRODUCT

TO EN 60825-1

Depending on the country, usage of the built-in Bluetooth functionality may be restricted. For country-specific details, please refer to the Bluetooth Safety Regulations leaflet.

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In case your model is equipped with Wireless LAN, please read the Wireless LAN Regulations leaflet before activating the Wireless LAN functionality. Depending on the country, usage of the Wireless LAN functionality may be restricted. For country-specific details, please refer to the Wireless LAN Regulations leaflet. The Wireless LAN PC functionality which is incorporated into this unit has passed Wi-Fi certification, and complies with the interoperability specifications established by WECA (Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance).

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Disposing of lithium ion batteries

❑ Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium ion batteries. Dispose of promptly and properly at end-of-life.

❑ Danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the

manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

❑ The battery pack used in this device may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if mistreated. Do not disassemble, heat above

60°C (140°F) or incinerate.

❑ Dispose of used batteries promptly and properly.

❑ Keep away from children.

❑ In some areas the disposal of lithium ion batteries in household or business waste may be prohibited.

❑ Use the public collection system.

Disposing of internal memory backup battery

❑ Your computer is equipped with an internal memory backup battery that should not have to be replaced during the lifetime of

the product. For changing this battery, please contact VAIO-Link.

❑ Danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced.

❑ Dispose of properly at end-of-life.

❑ In some areas the disposal of lithium ion and other non-hazardous batteries in household or business waste may be prohibited.

❑ Please use the public collection system.

Welcome

Congratulations on purchasing a Sony VAIO computer. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing and communications to provide you with state-of-the-art personal computing.

Here are the main features you can enjoy:

❑ Exceptional performance.

❑ Portability - The rechargeable battery pack provides hours of use without AC power.

❑ Sony audio and video quality - A high-resolution LCD screen enables you to take advantage of today’s advanced multimedia

applications, games, and entertainment software.

❑ Multimedia features – Enjoy audio and video CDs/DVDs.

❑ Interconnectivity – Your computer has Ethernet, USB 2.0 (High-speed/Full-speed/Low-speed) and i.LINK functionalities.

i.LINK is a bidirectional digital interface for exchanging data. With the Memory Stick you can easily exchange and share digital data with compatible products.

❑ Wireless technology – Thanks to the Bluetooth and the Wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11b/g) technology, you can communicate

freely, without cables or wires.

❑ Windows - Your system includes Microsoft’s Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 1a operating system.

❑ Communications - Access popular online services, send and receive e-mails, browse the Internet.

❑ Excellent customer support - If you are experiencing any problems with your computer, please check the VAIO-Link website

for a possible solution:

http://www.vaio-link.com

Before contacting VAIO-Link, please try to solve the problem by reading this guide, your printed Guide to Troubleshooting and Recovering your VAIO System, or the manuals and help files for the peripherals or software.

Welcome

Documentation pack

Your Documentation Pack contains printed information and user guides to read on your computer.

The user guides can be found on your desktop through the My Info Centre Icon .

From My Info Centre, click the My Documentation icon to see the guides.

Printed documentation

❑ A Getting Started brochure, where you will find a brief description of the items in your box, and how to setup your computer;

❑ A Specifications sheet, containing a table of specifications, a list of bundled software and an overview of all connectors.

❑ A Guide to Troubleshooting and Recovering your VAIO System, where you will find solutions to common problems, an

explanation of how to recover your computer’s system if you need to, and VAIO-Link information.

❑ Yo ur Sony Guarantee conditions;

❑ A Safety Regulations leaflet;

❑ A Modem Regulations leaflet;

❑ A Wireless Lan Regulations leaflet;

❑ A Bluetooth Regulations leaflet applying to the Bluetooth function.

Welcome

Non-printed documentation

Click on the desktop icon , then My Documentation to view the VAIO user guides.

❑ The Hardware Guide (this guide) explains the features of your VAIO in detail, how to use these features confidently and safely,

connect peripheral devices, upgrade your computer, and more.

❑ The Software Guide describes how to register your VAIO, the software features available with VAIO systems, how to change

settings, how to manage drivers and more.

My Documentation also gives you:

❑ Help files about reading the guides.

❑ Important information about your computer, in the form of notices and announcements.

My Info Centre also gives you:

My Software

Feeling creative? Click on this icon for an overview of your software and check out our upgrade options.

My VAIO essentials

Want to expand the capabilities of your VAIO? Click on this icon and have a look at your compatible accessories.

My Websites

Click on this icon and check out our most popular websites.

My ISP

Click on this icon to find out about the preferred offerings from our partners and access the world of the internet.

Further sources

1 Consult the Online Help files of the software you are using for detailed information on features and troubleshooting.

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

Welcome

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, touchpad, 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.

❑ 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.

Using your VAIO computer

Once you have read and followed the information in the printed Getting Started guide and Specifications sheet, you can start using your computer safely and confidently. Read on to get the most out of using your VAIO computer.

❑ Connecting a power source (page 13)

❑ Setting up your computer with Sony Notebook Setup (page 18)

❑ Shutting down your computer safely (page 20)

❑ Using the keyboard (page 21)

❑ Using the touchpad (page 25)

❑ Using special buttons (page 25)

❑ Using the disc drive (page 26)

❑ Using PC Cards (page 32)

❑ Using the Memory Stick (page 36)

❑ Using the modem (page 40)

❑ Using the Bluetooth functionality (page 43)

❑ Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 49)

❑ Using power saving modes (page 59)

❑ Managing power with VAIO Power Management (page 62)

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, proceed as follows:

1 Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter (1) into the DC In connector (2) on the computer.

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

3 Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet (4).

The LED indicator of the AC adapter turns green (5).

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✍ Use your computer only with the supplied AC adapter.

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

Make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible.

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Using the battery pack

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

Certain rechargeable batteries do not meet Sony quality and safety standards. For safety reasons this notebook only functions with genuine Sony batteries designed for this model. When inserting another kind of battery, the battery will not be charged and the notebook will not function.

A tool is installed on your machine that checks if you use a genuine Sony battery designed for this model. When another kind of battery is detected and your notebook:

1. is off or in Hibernate mode: your computer does not start and the battery does not charge. Replace the battery with a genuine Sony battery.

2. is on: you receive the following pop-up message: This battery cannot be used with your computer. Please use only genuine

Sony batteries compatible with this computer. Click "OK" to put your computer into Hibernate mode. When your computer hibernates, remove the battery, and insert a genuine Sony battery. Click OK. Your computer enters Hibernate mode. Replace

the battery with a genuine Sony battery.

✍ Do not remove the optical disc from the optical disc drive and insert the battery at the same time.

If you use the optical disc drive when the battery is inserted, it is possible that the optical disc tray sticks a bit to the desk when you open it.

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Inserting the battery pack

To insert the battery pack, proceed as folows:

1 Slide the battery into the compartment (1) until it clicks into place.

2 Slide the lock lever (2) into the Lock position to secure the battery on the computer.

3 Move the release lever (3) to the Release position.

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

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Charging the battery pack

To charge the battery pack, proceed as follows:

1 Connect the AC adapter to the computer.

2 Insert the battery pack.

The computer automatically charges the battery (the battery indicator light flashes in a double blink pattern as the battery charges). Depending on your model, your computer has one or two battery indicator lights.

Battery indicator light status Meaning

On The computer is using battery power.

Single blink The battery is running out of power.

Double blink The battery is charging.

Off The computer is using AC power.

✍ When the battery is running out of power, both the battery and power indicators 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 insert 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 indicators 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.

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

Removing the battery pack

To remove the battery pack, proceed as follows:

1 Turn off the computer and close the cover.

2 Slide the lock lever (1) to the Unlock position.

3 Slide and hold the release lever (2) as indicated and slide the battery away from the computer.

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✍ You can remove the battery pack without turning off the computer if it is connected to the mains voltage (AC adapter).

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.

Using your VAIO computer

Setting up your computer with Sony Notebook Setup

The Sony Notebook Setup utility allows you to consult system information, specify preferences for system behaviour, and set up password protection for your VAIO computer.

To use Sony Notebook Setup, proceed as follows:

1 Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar.

2 In All Programs, select Sony Notebook Setup and then click Sony Notebook Setup.

The Sony Notebook Setup window appears.

Tab Description

About This Computer Displays system information, including memory capacity, serial number, and BIOS version.

Initial Setting Selects the drive and device order you wish to use for loading the operating system. You can specify the hard

Power On Password Sets the password to secure your computer.

Device Disables ports or devices to release resources to the system. To change the port settings, select a port and click

S Buttons (depending on your model) You can link an action that you often perform to the S1 button (button next to the power button). In Sony

Plug and Display (depending on your model)

drive as well as other drives inserted into your computer. You can change the volume of the sounds played while the operating system is loading.

If you use this option, remember the password at all times. If you forget the password, you cannot change this setting anymore, and you will not be able to start your computer.

Settings in the Device tab.

Notebook Setup there are some actions pre-defined: Standby, Hibernate, External Display, Launch Application. If the Bluetooth functionality is installed, another option appears in the drop-down list: Waiting for receiving files (Bluetooth Communication).

By default, when you connect your computer to an external display, the external display is automatically detected and Hotkey Utility automatically outputs to this display. If you want to disable this function or change the settings, you can do this in this tab.

Tab Descr iption

Automatic Brightness (depending on your model)

Station/Port replicator (depending on your model)

Bass boost (depending on your model)

S1 S2 buttons ( depending on your model)

By default, the light sensor senses the brightness from outside and the display brightness is adjusted accordingly. This setting only applies 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 this tab. There are 3 possibilities: Brightest, Standard and Darkest.

You can select if you want the digital and/or analogue output to the speaker and the optical out on the docking station/port replicator.

Turn s t h e Bass Boost function on/off (only with headphones). You can also check the effect of the Bass Boost function by selecting a sound file sample and playing it.

Sets the functions from a drop-down list for the P1/P2 buttons located next to the keyboard. Select External Display and click Advanced to set up the display options.

3 Select the tab for the item you want to change.

4 Once finished, click OK.

The item has been changed.

✍ For more information about each option, click Help on the Sony Notebook Setup screen to display the help file.

If you open Sony Notebook Setup as a limited user, then only the About This Computer tab will be visible.

Using your VAIO computer

Shutting down your computer safely

It is important that you shut down your computer properly so you do not lose unsaved data.

To shut down your computer, proceed as follows:

1 Turn off any peripherals connected to your computer.

2 Click the Start button.

3 Click Turn Off Computer.

The Turn off computer window appears.

4 Click Turn O ff.

5 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 turns off.

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

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Using the keyboard

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

For more information on the standard keys, please go to the Windows Help and Support Center. The VAIO-Link website (www.vaio-link.com) also contains glossary information to help you use the keyboard.

Combinations and functions with the <Fn> key

Combinations/Feature Functions

<Fn> + <Esc> : Standby Puts the system into Standby mode, a power management state. To return the system to the active

<Fn> + (F2): speaker switch Toggles the built-in speaker on and off.

<Fn> + (F3/F4): speaker volume Adjusts the built-in speaker volume.

<Fn> + (F5): brightness control (down) Decreases the lightness intensity.

<Fn> + (F6): brightness control (up) Increases the lightness intensity.

<Fn> + (F7)*: switch to the external display Toggles between the LCD, external device (monitor or TV depending on which device is connected)

<Fn> + (F12): Hibernate Provides for the lowest level of power consumption. When you execute this command, the states

state, press any key.

To increase the built-in speakers and/or the headphones volume by one level, press <Fn>+<F4>

and then To decrease the built-in speakers and/or the headphones volume by one level, press

<Fn>+<F3> and then

and both LCD and external device. This function can only be used by the first user to log in. It will not work under a second user account.

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 power saving modes (page 59).

or .

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Combinations/Feature Functions

FN + B

Activates BassBoost. This means that the bass sound level is enhanced at all levels without distorting other frequencies (only with headphones).

! * This function can only be used by the first user to log on. It will not work if you have switched to another user account. If another user wants to display on an external

monitor or TV, use the monitor properties to switch to an external monitor or TV.

✍ Some functions are not available until Windows is launched.

Using your VAIO computer

Troubleshooting sound

My speakers are not producing sound

❑ The speaker volume may be turned to the minimum. Press <Fn>+<F4> and then or to increase the volume.

❑ If your computer is powered by battery, check that the battery is inserted properly and that it is charged.

❑ If you are using an application that has its own volume control, check that the volume is turned up.

❑ Check the volume controls in Windows.

Indicators

Indicator Functions

Power

Battery Indicates the status of the battery.

Wireless LAN Turns on when the Wireless LAN is activated. Turns off when the

Bluetooth indicator Turns blue when the Bluetooth functionality is available.

Memory Stick PRO Tur n s o n w he n th e Memory Stick is in use. Turns off when the

Disk drive indicator Turns on when the optical drive is in use. Turns off when the

Light On Off

Hard disk

Num Lock

Caps Lock

Scroll Lock

Power on: lights green. Standby mode: flashes umber.

Wireless LAN is not activated.

Memory Stick is no longer in use.

optical drive is no longer in use.

Data is read from or written to the hard drive. The hard drive is not being accessed.

Turns on when the number keys in the numeric keypad are active.

Turns on when the letters appear in uppercase as you type. The <Shift> key lowers the case of typed characters when Caps Lock is on.

Turns on when the screen scrolls differently (Not all applications support this function).

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Turns off when the alphanumeric character keys in the keypad area are active.

Turns off when the letters appear in lowercase as you type (unless you hold down the <Shift> key).

Turns off when the information moves across the display normally.

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Using the touchpad

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

Action Description

Point Slide one finger on the touchpad 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 touchpad to scroll vertically.

Move your finger along the bottom to scroll horizontally (the scroll function is available only with applications that support a touchpad scroll feature).

Using special buttons

S1/S2 buttons :

You can link an action that you execute often to this shorcut button. See Setting up your computer with Sony Notebook Setup

(page 18).

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Using the disc drive

Your computer is equipped with a disc drive. See the Specifications sheet for details on your model.

To insert a disc, proceed as follows:

1 Turn on the computer.

2 Press the 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.

4 Close the tray by pushing it gently.

✍ See the Troubleshooting Guide if you have problems using discs.

Using your VAIO computer

Reading and writing CDs and DVDs

To achieve optimum performance when writing data on to disc (also called ’burning’), follow these recommendations :

❑ To make the data on a disc readable on an optical drive, you need to close the session when you eject it. To complete this

process, follow the instructions included with your software.

❑ Only use circular discs. Do not use discs with any other shape (star, heart, card, etc.), as this may damage the disk drive.

❑ Do not strike or shake the computer while writing data to a disc.

❑ For optimal writing speed, deactivate the screensaver before writing data to a disc.

❑ Memory-resident disc utilities may cause unstable operation or data loss. Deactivate these utilities before writing data to a disc.

❑ When using your software application to burn discs, make sure you exit and close all other applications.

❑ Never touch the surface of the disc. Fingerprints and dust on the surface of a disc may cause writing errors.

❑ Do not put your VAIO computer into a power saving mode while using the pre-installed software and while using the CD burning

software.

❑ Never put stickers on discs. This will affect the use of the disc irreparably.

✍ Ultra-speed CD-RW is not supported.

Does not support DVD-RW 4x writing.

Supports the following DVD-RW discs: DVD-RW version 1.1 (1x speed) and DVD-RW version 1.1/2x-SPEED DVD-RW revision 1.0 (1x-2x speed).

Does not support the following DVD-RW discs: DVD-RW version 1.2/4x-SPEED DVD-RW revision 2.0 (2x-4x speed).

Supports 8cm disc reading, but does not support 8cm disc writing.

Using your VAIO computer

Playing DVDs

To achieve optimum performance when playing DVDs, you should follow these recommendations.

❑ You can play DVDs using the optical drive and the WinDVD for VAIO software. See the help file on the WinDVD for VAIO

software for details.

❑ Close all open applications before playing a DVD movie.

❑ Do not use resident disc utilities or resident utilities to speed up the access of discs, because they may cause the system to

become unstable.

❑ Make sure that the screensaver is deactivated.

❑ Region codes indicators are labelled on the DVDs to indicate in which region and on what type of player you can play the disc.

Unless a '2' (Europe belongs to region '2') or 'all' (this means that you can play this DVD everywhere in the world) is labelled on your DVD disc or on the packaging, you cannot play the disc on this player.

❑ Do not try to change the region code settings of the DVD drive. Any difficulties caused by changing the region code settings of

the DVD drive are out of warranty.

❑ If your computer has Wireless LAN and Wireless LAN is activated, playing DVDs may cause some interruptions in audio and

video.

Using your VAIO computer

Troubleshooting optical disc drive

I cannot switch from LCD display to TV and vice versa

If a DVD disc is inserted in the optical drive, remove the disc.

My disc drive tray does not open

❑ Make sure the computer is turned on and press the eject button on the drive.

❑ Click Start, and select My Computer. Right-click the optical disc drive and select Eject.

❑ Make sure the computer is not in Standby or Hibernate mode.

❑ If this does not work, try the following:

When the computer is OFF, open the tray by inserting a sharp, pointed object (for example a paperclip) into the hole next to the eject button.

I cannot play a disc

❑ After inserting the disc, wait for a few seconds for the system to detect it before you try to access it.

❑ Make sure the label of the disc is facing up.

❑ If the disc requires software, make sure the software is installed according to the instructions of the program.

❑ Check the volume of your speakers.

❑ Clean the disc with an appropriate cleaner.

❑ Make sure your computer is running on AC power supply only and try the disc again.

❑ There may be condensation in the drive. Remove the disc and leave the drive open for approximately one hour. Remove

the battery while you wait for the condensation to disappear.

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