Sony VAIO VGN-SZ470N-C, VAIO VGN-SZ430N, VAIO VGN-SZ440, VAIO VGN-SZ440N, VAIO VGN-SZ480 User Manual

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User Guide

Personal Computer

V G N - S Z 4 0 0 S e r i e s

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Contents
Before Use .........................................................................................................................................................................	6
Documentation.............................................................................................................................................................	6
Ergonomic Considerations.........................................................................................................................................	10
Getting Started .................................................................................................................................................................	12
Locating Controls and Ports.......................................................................................................................................	13
About the Indicator Lights ..........................................................................................................................................	19
Connecting a Power Source ......................................................................................................................................	21
Using the Battery Pack ..............................................................................................................................................	22
Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .......................................................................................................................	27
Using Your VAIO Computer .............................................................................................................................................	28
Using the Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................................	29
Using the Touch Pad .................................................................................................................................................	31
Using Special-function Buttons ..................................................................................................................................	32
Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...................................................................................................................	33
Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................	34
Using PC Cards .........................................................................................................................................................	44
Using the ExpressCard Module .................................................................................................................................	47
Using the Memory Stick Media ..................................................................................................................................	51
Using Other Memory Cards .......................................................................................................................................	57
Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................	60
Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) .....................................................................................................................................	61
Using the Bluetooth Functionality ..............................................................................................................................	68

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Using Peripheral Devices.................................................................................................................................................	75
Connecting a Docking Station....................................................................................................................................	76
Connecting External Speakers ..................................................................................................................................	85
Connecting an External Display .................................................................................................................................	86
Selecting Display Modes............................................................................................................................................	90
Using the Multiple Monitors Function.........................................................................................................................	92
Connecting an External Microphone..........................................................................................................................	94
Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device......................................................................................................	95
Connecting a Printer ..................................................................................................................................................	98
Connecting an i.LINK Device .....................................................................................................................................	99
Connecting to a Network (LAN) ...............................................................................................................................	101
Customizing Your VAIO Computer ................................................................................................................................	103
Selecting Performance Modes.................................................................................................................................	104
Setting the Password ...............................................................................................................................................	105
Using Fingerprint Authentication..............................................................................................................................	116
Using Trusted Platform Module (TPM).....................................................................................................................	142
Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Central .........................................................................................................	149
Using the Power Saving Modes ...............................................................................................................................	150
Managing Power with VAIO Power Management....................................................................................................	155
Protecting the Hard Disk ..........................................................................................................................................	158
Upgrading Your VAIO Computer....................................................................................................................................	159
Adding and Removing Memory................................................................................................................................	160

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Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................	167
On Handling the LCD Screen ..................................................................................................................................	168
On Using the Power Source ....................................................................................................................................	169
On Handling Your Computer....................................................................................................................................	170
On Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...........................................................................................................	172
On Handling Floppy Disks .......................................................................................................................................	173
On Handling Discs ...................................................................................................................................................	174
On Using the Battery Pack.......................................................................................................................................	175
On Using Headphones.............................................................................................................................................	176
On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................	177
On Handling the Hard Disk ......................................................................................................................................	178
On Handling the Memory Card Adapter...................................................................................................................	179
Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................	180
Computer .................................................................................................................................................................	182
System Security .......................................................................................................................................................	189
Battery......................................................................................................................................................................	190
Built-in MOTION EYE Camera.................................................................................................................................	192
Internet.....................................................................................................................................................................	195
Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................	197
Bluetooth Technology ..............................................................................................................................................	200
Optical Discs ............................................................................................................................................................	204
Display .....................................................................................................................................................................	208
Printing.....................................................................................................................................................................	211
Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................	212

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Mouse ......................................................................................................................................................................	213
Speakers..................................................................................................................................................................	214
Touch Pad................................................................................................................................................................	215
Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................	216
Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................	217
PC Cards .................................................................................................................................................................	218
Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................	220
Memory Stick Media ................................................................................................................................................	221
Peripherals ...............................................................................................................................................................	222
Docking Station........................................................................................................................................................	223
Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................	224
Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................	224
Program Support Information...................................................................................................................................	227

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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

SmartWi™ Connection Utility Guide (Selected models only) — Provides information about setting up Bluetooth, wireless LAN, and wireless WAN functionalities.

To access this on-screen guide:

1 Click Start and Help and Support.

2 Click Manuals & Specifications.

3 Click SmartWi Connection Utility Guide.

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Before Use

Help and Support

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

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

Manuals & Specifications

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

VAIO Support

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

Backup & Recovery

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

Wireless & Network

Learn about wireless connections including Bluetooth Wireless technology and Wireless LAN. Run utilities that include

VAIO Media Setup and Windows Network and Sharing, and access to wireless tutorials.

Security

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

VAIO Sites

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

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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 13)

About the Indicator Lights (page 19)

Connecting a Power Source (page 21)

Using the Battery Pack (page 22)

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 27)

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Getting Started

Locating Controls and Ports

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

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

Front

A Built-in MOTION EYE camera* (page 33)

B Built-in MOTION EYE camera indicator* (page 19)

C Built-in microphone (monaural)*

D LCD screen (page 168)

E Built-in speakers (stereo)

F Keyboard (page 29)

G Touch pad (page 31)

H Fingerprint sensor* (page 116)

* On selected models only.

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Getting Started

A Power indicator (page 19)

B Battery indicator (page 19)

C Hard disk drive indicator (page 19)

D WLAN (Wireless LAN) indicator (page 19)

E WWAN (Wireless WAN) indicator* (page 19)

F Bluetooth indicator* (page 19)

G S1/S2 buttons (page 32)

H STAMINA mode indicator (page 19)

I Performance selector switch (page 104)

J SPEED mode indicator (page 19)

K WIRELESS switch (page 61)

L Num lock indicator (page 19)

M Caps lock indicator (page 19)

N Scroll lock indicator (page 19)

O Power button

*On selected models only.

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Getting Started

Back

A DC IN port (page 21)

B SIM card slot*

See the SmartWi Connection Utility Guide for more information.

C Battery connector (page 22)

D Air vents

E Security slot

* On selected models only.

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Getting Started

Right

A Optical disc drive (page 34)

B Optical disc drive indicator (page 19)

C Manual eject hole (page 204)

D Drive eject button (page 34)

E ExpressCard™/34 slot*1 (page 47)

F Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports*2 (page 95)

G Network (Ethernet) port (page 101)

H Modem port (page 60)

I WWAN antenna*3 (page 61)

*1 Referred to as the ExpressCard slot hereinafter.

*2 Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.

*3 On selected models only.

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Getting Started

Left

A Microphone jack (page 94)

B Headphones jack (page 85)

C Air vents

D i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 port (page 99)

E Monitor (VGA) port (page 87)

F PC Card slot (page 44)

G PC Card release button (page 46)

H Memory Stick Duo/PRO Duo media indicator (page 19)

I Memory Stick Duo/PRO Duo media slot* (page 52)

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

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Getting Started

Bottom

A Docking station connector (page 77)

B Air vents

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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.
	Memory Stick Duo/PRO Duo media	Illuminates when data is read from or written to the Memory Stick media in the Memory Stick Duo/PRO Duo
		slot. (Do not enter Sleep mode or turn off the computer when this indicator is on.) When the indicator is off, the
		Memory Stick media is not being used.
	Built-in MOTION EYE camera*	Illuminates while the built-in MOTION EYE camera is in use.
	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.
	STAMINA mode	Illuminates when the computer is in STAMINA mode to conserve battery power.
	SPEED mode	Illuminates when the computer is in SPEED mode to provide faster performance.
	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.

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Getting Started

Indicator

Functions

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.

Bluetooth technology	*	Illuminates when the WIRELESS switch is set to ON and Bluetooth technology is enabled.
Wireless LAN		Illuminates when the wireless LAN function is running.
Wireless WAN*		Illuminates when the wireless WAN function is enabled.

*On selected models only.

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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.

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 or on the optional docking station.

!

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

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

Make sure that the AC outlet is easily accessible.

If you do not use your computer for a long period of time, place the computer into Hibernate mode. See Using Hibernate Mode (page 153). This power saving mode saves the time of shutting down or resuming.

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Getting Started

Using the Battery Pack

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

!

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

!

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 29)

Using the Touch Pad (page 31)

Using Special-function Buttons (page 32)

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

Using the Optical Disc Drive (page 34)

Using PC Cards (page 44)

Using the ExpressCard Module (page 47)

Using the Memory Stick Media (page 51)

Using Other Memory Cards (page 57)

Using the Internet (page 60)

Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 61)

Using the Bluetooth Functionality (page 68)

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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 launches.

Combinations/Feature		Functions
Fn + F1: wireless switching*		Toggles among Bluetooth, wireless LAN, and wireless WAN functionalities.
		!
		This function is not available for the models that do not support the wireless WAN functionality.
Fn + % (F2): speaker switch		Turns on and off the built-in speakers and the headphones.
Fn + 2 (F3/F4): volume		Adjusts the volume level.
		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.

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Using Your VAIO Computer

Combinations/Feature

Functions

Changes the screen resolution to magnify/restore your computer's screen view.

Fn + (F10): zoom

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.

	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 150).

*On selected models only.