Sony VAIO VGN-S4HRP-B, VAIO VGN-S4XRP-B, VAIO VGN-S4VP-B, VAIO VGN-S4M-S, VAIO VGN-S4HP-B User Manual

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User Guide

Personal Computer

VGN-S series

Contents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .............................................................................................................................20

Using Your VAIO Computer ...................................................................................................................................................21

Using the Keyboard..........................................................................................................................................................22

Using the Touch Pad........................................................................................................................................................24

Using Special-function Buttons ........................................................................................................................................25

Using the Optical Disc Drive ............................................................................................................................................26

Using PC Cards ...............................................................................................................................................................34

Using the Memory Stick Media ........................................................................................................................................38

Using the Internet.............................................................................................................................................................42

Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) ...........................................................................................................................................43

Using the Bluetooth Functionality (on Selected Models Only) .........................................................................................52

Using Peripheral Devices.......................................................................................................................................................59

Connecting a Port Replicator ...........................................................................................................................................60

Connecting External Speakers.........................................................................................................................................66

Connecting an External Display.......................................................................................................................................67

Selecting Display Modes..................................................................................................................................................71

Using the Multiple Monitors Function ...............................................................................................................................72

Connecting an External Microphone ................................................................................................................................74

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device............................................................................................................75

Connecting a Printer ........................................................................................................................................................78

Connecting an i.LINK Device ...........................................................................................................................................80

Connecting to a Network (LAN) .......................................................................................................................................82

Customizing Your VAIO Computer ........................................................................................................................................84

Setting the Password .......................................................................................................................................................85

Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center......................................................................................................87

Using the Power Saving Modes.......................................................................................................................................89

Managing Power with VAIO Power Management ............................................................................................................94

Setting Up Your Language with Windows XP Professional .............................................................................................99

Configuring Your Modem ...............................................................................................................................................102

Setting a Sony Wallpaper...............................................................................................................................................105

Installing and Upgrading Applications ............................................................................................................................106

Managing Drivers ...........................................................................................................................................................111

Upgrading Your VAIO Computer..........................................................................................................................................122

Adding and Removing Memory......................................................................................................................................123

Precautions ..........................................................................................................................................................................134

On Handling the LCD Screen.........................................................................................................................................135

On Using the Power Source...........................................................................................................................................136

On Handling Your Computer..........................................................................................................................................137

On Handling Floppy Disks..............................................................................................................................................139

On Handling Discs .........................................................................................................................................................140

On Using the Battery Pack.............................................................................................................................................141

On Using Headphones...................................................................................................................................................142

On Handling Memory Stick Media..................................................................................................................................142

On Handling the Hard Disk ............................................................................................................................................143

Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................................................................................144

Troubleshooting the optical disc drive............................................................................................................................145

Troubleshooting PC Cards .............................................................................................................................................148

Troubleshooting the modem ..........................................................................................................................................148

Troubleshooting the Bluetooth functionality ...................................................................................................................150

Troubleshooting Wireless LAN.......................................................................................................................................153

Troubleshooting Power Management ............................................................................................................................156

Troubleshooting External Displays.................................................................................................................................157

Troubleshooting Sound (Speaker) .................................................................................................................................158

Troubleshooting Sound (Microphone)............................................................................................................................159

Troubleshooting Floppy Disks........................................................................................................................................161

Troubleshooting Printers................................................................................................................................................162

Troubleshooting i.LINK Devices.....................................................................................................................................164

Support Options ...................................................................................................................................................................165

Sony Support Information ..............................................................................................................................................165

e-Support .......................................................................................................................................................................166

Trademarks ....................................................................................................................................................................168

Before Use

Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO

computer, and welcome to the on-screen User Guide. Sony has combined

leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing, and communications to provide state-of-the-art personal computing.

Notice

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.

Please note that the illustrations in this manual may not necessarily apply to your model. Please see the printed

Specifications sheet for the specific configuration of your VAIO computer.

Before Use

ENERGY STAR

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

The International E

NERGY 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.

NERGY STAR is a U.S. registered mark.

Before Use

Documentation

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

Guides are provided in PDF format, which you can easily browse through and print out.

The My Club VAIO portal is a perfect starting point to using your VAIO computer — a comprehensive collection of everything

you need to get the most from your computer.

The user guides are collected under Documentation, which can be shown as follows:

1 Click Start and then the My Club VAIO icon .

2 Click Documentation.

3 Select the guide you want to read.

✍

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

for your language.

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

Printed Documentation

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

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

❑ Troubleshooting Guide — Contains solutions to common problems.

❑ Recovery Guide — Contains an explanation of how to recover your computer's system if you need to.

❑ Booklets containing the following information: Sony Guarantee conditions, Safety Regulations, Modem Regulations and

Wireless LAN Regulations.

Before Use

Non-printed Documentation

My Club VAIO

In My Club VAIO you can find:

Documentation, which gives you:

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

and safely, connect peripheral devices and more.

❑ Access to Help and Training. This is the portal of VAIO Help and Support Center.

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

In My Club VAIO you can also find:

❑ Accessories

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

❑ Software

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

❑ Wallpapers

Click this icon and check out our most popular Sony and Club VAIO wallpapers.

❑ Links

Click this icon and check out our most popular Sony and Club VAIO web sites.

Help and Support Center

Help and Support Center is a comprehensive resource for practical advice, tutorials, and demonstrations to help you learn to

use Microsoft Windows XP and your VAIO.

Use the Search feature, Index, or table of contents to view all Windows Help resources, including those that are on the Internet.

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

Before Use

Further Sources

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

❑ Go to www.club-vaio.com

to find online tutorials about your favorite VAIO software.

Before Use

Ergonomic Considerations

You will be using your computer as a portable device in a variety of environments. Whenever possible, you should attempt to

take account of the following ergonomic considerations to both stationary and portable environments:

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

wrists in a neutral, comfortable position (3) while using the keyboard, touch pad, or external mouse. Let your upper arms hang

naturally at your sides. Have breaks during sessions with your computer. Excessive use of the computer may strain muscles

or tendons.

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

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

backwards.

Before Use

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

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

as well.

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

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

adds to your comfort and work effectiveness.

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

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

Getting Started

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

❑ About the Indicator Lights (page 14)

❑ Connecting a Power Source (page 15)

❑ Using the Battery Pack (page 16)

❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 20)

Getting Started

About the Indicator Lights

Indicator Functions

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

Hibernate mode or off.

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

blinks when the battery is charging.

Memory Stick Pro/Duo

Illuminates when data is read from or written to the Memory Stick media. (Do not enter Standby mode or turn off the

computer when this indicator is on.) When the indicator is off, the Memory Stick media is not being used.

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

Illuminates when data is read from or written to the hard disk. Do not enter Standby mode or turn off the computer

when this indicator is on.

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 Scroll Lock key to change how you scroll the display. Normal scrolling resumes when the Scroll Lock

indicator is off. The Scroll Lock key functions differently depending on the program you are using and does not work

with all programs.

Bluetooth

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

WIRELESS LAN Illuminates when the wireless LAN function is running.

* On selected models only.

Getting Started

Connecting a Power Source

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

Using the AC Adapter

To use the AC adapter

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

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

3 Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter (3) into the DC In port (4) on the computer.

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

✍

Use your computer only with the supplied AC adapter.

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

Make sure that the AC outlet is easily accessible.

If you do not use the AC adapter for a long period of time, put your computer into Hibernate mode. See Using Hibernate Mode (page 92). This power saving

mode saves you the time of shutting down in the normal way.

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

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

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

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

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

✍

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

Getting Started

Charging the Battery Pack

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

To charge the battery pack

1 Install the battery pack.

2 Connect the AC adapter to the computer.

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

charges).

Battery indicator light status Meaning

On The computer is using battery power.

Blinks The battery is running out of power.

Double blinks The battery is charging.

Off The computer is using AC power.

Getting Started

✍

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

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

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

battery.

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

battery life.

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

indicator lights start flashing.

For some software applications and some peripheral devices, your computer may not enter Hibernate mode even when battery life is low. To avoid loss of

data when using battery power, you should save your data frequently and manually activate a power management mode, such as Standby or Hibernate. If

the battery wears out when your computer enters Standby mode, you will lose any unsaved data. Going back to the previous work state is impossible. To

avoid loss of data, you should save your data frequently.

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

Getting Started

Removing the Battery Pack

To remove the battery pack

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

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

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

✍

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

computer is in Standby mode.

Getting Started

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely

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

To shut down your computer

1 Turn off any peripherals connected to your computer.

2 Click Start and then Turn Off Computer.

The Turn off computer window appears.

3 Click Turn Off.

4 Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents or to consider other users and wait for your computer to turn off

automatically.

The power indicator light turns off.

✍

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

Using Your VAIO Computer

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

and confidently.

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

❑ Using the Keyboard (page 22)

❑ Using the Touch Pad (page 24)

❑ Using Special-function Buttons (page 25)

❑ Using the Optical Disc Drive (page 26)

❑ Using PC Cards (page 34)

❑ Using the Memory Stick Media (page 38)

❑ Using the Internet (page 42)

❑ Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 43)

❑ Using the Bluetooth Functionality (on Selected Models Only) (page 52)

Using Your VAIO Computer

Using the Keyboard

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

For more information on the standard keys, see Windows Help and Support Centre and click on the Customizing your

computer link.

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

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

Using Your VAIO Computer

Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key

✍

Some functions are not available until 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 volume, press Fn+F4 and then M or ,, or keep pressing Fn+F4.

To decrease volume, press Fn+F3 and then m or <, or keep pressing Fn+F3.

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

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): switch to the external display

Toggles between the LCD, external device (e.g. monitor) and both LCD and external device.

Fn + (F12): Hibernate

Provides for the lowest level of power consumption. When you execute this command, the states

of the system and of the peripheral devices are written to the hard disk and the system power is

turned off. To return the system to its original state, use the power switch to turn on the power.

For details on power management, see the section Using the Power Saving Modes (page 89).

Using Your VAIO Computer

Using the Touch Pad

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

screen using the touch pad.

Action Description

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

Click Press the left button (3) once.

Double-click Press the left button twice.

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

Drag Slide one finger while pressing the left button.

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

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

Using Your VAIO Computer

Using Special-function Buttons

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

Special-function button Functions

S1/S2 buttons

By default, the S1 button turns on and off the volume and the S2 button toggles the display output between the

LCD and external device. You can also link to these shortcut buttons another action that you execute often. See

Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center (page 87).

Using Your VAIO Computer

Using the Optical Disc Drive

Your computer is equipped with an optical disc drive.

To insert a disc

1 Turn on the computer.

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

The tray slides out.

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

4 Close the tray by pushing it in gently.

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

malfunction.

Using Your VAIO Computer

✍

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

✍

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

The location of the drive eject button depends on the model you purchased. See the printed Specifications sheet for details on your model.

Using Your VAIO Computer

Reading and Writing CDs and DVDs

Your computer plays and records CDs and DVDs, depending on the model you purchased. Check your specifications for the type

of optical disc drive installed on your computer. Use the table below to see which types of media your optical disc drive supports.

This product is designed to playback discs that conform to the Compact Disc Digital Audio standard specifications (CD Standard). A DualDisc is a two sided

disc product which mates DVD recorded material on one side with digital audio material on the other side. Please be aware that the audio side (non-DVD

side) of a DualDisc may not play on this product because it does not conform to the CD Standard.

Due to the multiple formats of discs now available, when buying pre-recorded or blank discs for use with a Sony VAIO computer, be sure to read the notices

on the disc packaging carefully to check both playback and recording compatibility with your computer's optical disc drives. Sony does NOT guarantee the

compatibility of VAIO CD drives with discs that not compliant with the official "CD" format standard (or "DVD" standard in relation to DVD drives). USING

NON-COMPLIANT DISCS CAN CAUSE FATAL DAMAGE TO YOUR VAIO PC OR CREATE SOFTWARE CONFLICTS AND CAUSE SYSTEM HANGING.

For inquiries about disc formats, contact the individual publisher of the pre-recorded disc or the manufacturer of the recordable disc.

Optical disc drive Plays Records to

CD-ROM CD, CD-R, and CD-RW —

DVD-ROM DVD and most DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW

and DVD+R DL (Double Layer)

—

CD-RW CD, CD-R, and CD-RW CD-R and CD-RW

CD-RW/DVD-ROM CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, most DVD-R, DVD-RW,

DVD+R, DVD+R DL (Double Layer)

and DVD+RW

CD-R and CD-RW

DVD-RW CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R,

DVD+R DL (Double Layer)

and DVD+RW

CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R and DVD-RW

DVD±RW CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R,

DVD+R DL (Double Layer)

and DVD+RW

CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R,

DVD+R DL (Double Layer)

and DVD+RW

* On selected models only.

Using Your VAIO Computer

Notes on writing data onto a disc

❑ To make the data on a disc readable on an optical disc 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 in any other shape (star, heart, card, etc.), as this may damage the optical disc drive.

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

❑ Deactivate the screen saver and exit anti-virus software before writing data onto a disc.

❑ Do not use memory-resident utility software while writing data to a disc. This may cause the computer to malfunction.

❑ 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 switch power modes 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.

❑ Connect and use the AC adapter to power your computer or make sure your battery is at least 50 percent charged.

❑ Some DVD players and computer's DVD drives may not be able to play DVDs created by the VAIO Zone software.

✍

Ultra-speed CD-RW is supported.

Supports writing to DVD-RW discs compliant with DVD-RW version 1.1/1.2.

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

Because the maximum writing speed to DVD+R DL (Double Layer) discs is 2.4x speed, it may take a while to finish writing to such discs.

* Depending on the model you purchased. See the printed Specifications sheet to see whether your model is equipped with the optical disc drive capable of DVD writing.

Using Your VAIO Computer

Notes on playing DVDs

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

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

details.

❑ Close all open applications before playing a DVD movie.

❑ Do not use memory-resident utility software to speed up disc access when playing a DVD. This may cause the computer to

malfunction.

❑ Deactivate the screen saver and exit anti-virus software before playing a disc.

❑ Some discs recorded at 20 or 24 bits may produce noise while playing. If you have audio devices connected, this may damage

your hearing and the speakers. Reduce the volume before playing a DVD.

❑ Do not switch power saving modes while the computer is playing a DVD.

❑ Region codes indicators are labeled 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 in most regions of the world) is

labeled on your DVD disc or on the packaging, you cannot play the disc on this player.

If you change the DVD region code while the WinDVD software is running, restart the software or eject the disc and re-insert it to make the new setting

effective.

❑ 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.

❑ When you are playing a DVD (video or audio) and you want to remove a USB device, such as USB-compatible speakers,

make sure you stop the DVD first. Removing a USB-compatible device during DVD (video or audio) playback may cause a

malfunction.

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