Sony VAIO VGN-Z21XN/B, VAIO VGN-Z21VN/X, VAIO VGN-Z21MN/B, VAIO VGN-Z21WN/B, VAIO VGN-Z21ZN/X User Manual

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User Guide

Personal Computer

VGN-Z series

Contents

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

Notice ...........................................................................................................................................................................7

NERGY STAR ...............................................................................................................................................................8

Documentation .............................................................................................................................................................9

Ergonomic Considerations.........................................................................................................................................12

Getting Started .................................................................................................................................................................14

Locating Controls and Ports.......................................................................................................................................15

About the Indicator Lights ..........................................................................................................................................21

Connecting a Power Source ......................................................................................................................................23

Using the Battery Pack ..............................................................................................................................................24

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .......................................................................................................................31

Using Your VAIO Computer .............................................................................................................................................32

Using the Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................................33

Using the Touch Pad .................................................................................................................................................34

Using Special-function Buttons ..................................................................................................................................35

Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...................................................................................................................36

Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................39

Using the ExpressCard Module .................................................................................................................................48

Using the Memory Stick .............................................................................................................................................51

Using the SD Memory Card .......................................................................................................................................57

Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................60

Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) .....................................................................................................................................61

Using the Bluetooth Function.....................................................................................................................................68

Using Peripheral Devices .................................................................................................................................................74

Connecting a Docking Station....................................................................................................................................75

Connecting External Speakers ..................................................................................................................................83

Connecting an External Display .................................................................................................................................84

Selecting Display Modes............................................................................................................................................93

Using the Multiple Monitors Function .........................................................................................................................96

Connecting an External Microphone ..........................................................................................................................99

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device....................................................................................................100

Connecting a Printer ................................................................................................................................................103

Connecting an i.LINK Device ...................................................................................................................................104

Connecting to a Network (LAN) ...............................................................................................................................106

Customizing Your VAIO Computer ................................................................................................................................108

Selecting Performance Modes .................................................................................................................................109

Setting the Password ...............................................................................................................................................110

Using Fingerprint Authentication ..............................................................................................................................122

Using Trusted Platform Module (TPM).....................................................................................................................130

Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center..............................................................................................140

Using VAIO Status Monitor ......................................................................................................................................141

Using the Power Saving Modes ...............................................................................................................................142

Managing Power with VAIO Power Management ....................................................................................................147

Setting Up Your Language with Windows Vista Ultimate.........................................................................................149

Configuring Your Modem .........................................................................................................................................150

Protecting the Hard Disk ..........................................................................................................................................152

Upgrading Your VAIO Computer....................................................................................................................................153

Adding and Removing Memory................................................................................................................................154

Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................160

Handling the LCD Screen ........................................................................................................................................161

Using the Power Source ..........................................................................................................................................162

Handling Your Computer .........................................................................................................................................163

Handling the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera............................................................................................................165

Handling Floppy Disks .............................................................................................................................................166

Handling Discs .........................................................................................................................................................167

Using the Battery Pack ............................................................................................................................................168

Using Headphones ..................................................................................................................................................169

Handling the Memory Stick ......................................................................................................................................170

Handling the Hard Disk ............................................................................................................................................171

Updating Your Computer .........................................................................................................................................172

Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................173

Computer .................................................................................................................................................................175

System Security .......................................................................................................................................................182

Battery......................................................................................................................................................................183

Built-in MOTION EYE Camera.................................................................................................................................185

Internet .....................................................................................................................................................................188

Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................190

Bluetooth Technology ..............................................................................................................................................194

Optical Discs ............................................................................................................................................................199

Display .....................................................................................................................................................................204

Printing .....................................................................................................................................................................208

Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................209

Mouse ......................................................................................................................................................................210

Speakers ..................................................................................................................................................................211

Touch Pad................................................................................................................................................................212

Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................213

Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................214

Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................215

Memory Stick ...........................................................................................................................................................218

Peripherals ...............................................................................................................................................................219

Docking Station ........................................................................................................................................................220

Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................221

Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................222

e-Support .................................................................................................................................................................223

Trademarks ....................................................................................................................................................................225

Before Use

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

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

Before Use

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.

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 ENERGY STAR Office Equipment Program is an international program that promotes energy saving through the use of computers and office equipment. The program backs the development and dissemination of products with functions that effectively reduce energy consumption.

For detailed information on the ENERGY STAR Program, visit the following web sites:

❑ http://www.energystar.gov

❑ http://www.eu-energystar.org

(USA)

(Europe)

This computer is designed in compliance with the ENERGY STAR standards and delivered with the following power saving settings:

❑ The LCD backlight is turned off automatically after about 15 minutes of inactivity.

❑ The computer enters Sleep mode automatically after about 30 minutes of inactivity.

Press any key to bring the computer back into Normal mode.

For detailed information on power saving modes, see Using the Power Saving Modes (page 142).

Before Use

Documentation

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

Printed Documentation

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

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

operation.

❑ Regulations, Guarantee, EULA and Service Support — Contains Sony guarantee conditions,

safety / regulations, modem regulations, wireless LAN regulations, wireless WAN regulations, Bluetooth regulations, end user software license agreement, and Sony support services information.

Before Use

Non-printed Documentation

❑ User Guide (this manual) — Explains features of your computer. It also includes information about the software programs

included with your computer, as well as information on solving common problems. The User Guide is provided in PDF format for easy browsing and printing.

To view this on-screen guide:

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

2 Open the folder for your language.

3 Select the guide you want to read.

✍

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

To go to web sites described in this manual by clicking their respective URLs beginning with http://, your computer must be connected to the Internet.

❑ Specifications — The online specifications describe the hardware and software configurations of your VAIO computer.

To view the online specifications:

1 Connect to the Internet.

2 Go to the Sony online support web site at http://www.vaio-link.com

✍

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

Before Use

Windows Help and Support

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

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

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

Further Sources

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

❑ Go to http://www.club-vaio.com

to find online tutorials about your favorite VAIO software.

Before Use

Ergonomic Considerations

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

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

wrists in a neutral, comfortable position (3) while using the keyboard, touch pad, or external mouse. Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides. Take frequent breaks while using your computer. Excessive use of the computer may strain eyes, muscles, or tendons.

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

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

Before Use

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

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

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

lighting to avoid bright spots on the display. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work efficiency.

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

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

Getting Started

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

❑ Locating Controls and Ports (page 15)

❑ About the Indicator Lights (page 21)

❑ Connecting a Power Source (page 23)

❑ Using the Battery Pack (page 24)

❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 31)

Getting Started

Locating Controls and Ports

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

The appearance of your computer may be different from those illustrated in this manual due to variations in specifications. It may also vary in some countries or areas.

Front

A Built-in MOTION EYE camera (page 36) B Built-in MOTION EYE camera indicator (page 21) C Num lock indicator (page 21) D Caps lock indicator (page 21) E Scroll lock indicator (page 21) F LCD screen (page 161) G Built-in speakers (stereo) H Keyboard (page 33) I Touch pad (page 34)

J Fingerprint sensor

* On selected models only.

(page 122)

Getting Started

STAMINA mode indicator (page 21)

A B Performance selector switch (page 109) C SPEED mode indicator (page 21) D S1/S2 buttons (page 35) E Disc drive eject button (page 35) F Charge indicator (page 21)

G Hard disk drive

/Optical disc drive indicator (page 21)

H Media Access indicator (page 21) I WIRELESS indicator (page 21) J SD memory card slot (page 57)

K Memory Stick slot

(page 51)

L WIRELESS switch (page 61) M Built-in microphone (monaural)

The storage device configuration of your computer may include a built-in flash memory storage drive depending on the model you purchased. See the online specifications to find out about your configuration.

Your computer supports both standard- and Duo-size Memory Stick.

Back

A Battery connector (page 24)

Getting Started

Right

A Optical disc drive (page 39) B Optical disc drive indicator (page 21) C Manual eject hole (page 199) D Substitute drive eject button (page 39)

E HDMI port F Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port G Monitor port

(page 89)

(page 85)

(page 100)

H Power button/Power indicator (page 21)

Available only when your computer is in SPEED mode.

Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.

Not accessible when your computer is attached to the docking station.

Getting Started

Left

A DC IN port (page 23) B Network (Ethernet) port (page 106) C Air vent

D ExpressCard/34

slot (page 48)

E Security slot F Modem port (page 60)

G Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port

(page 100)

H i.LINK 4-pin (S400) port (page 104) I Microphone jack (page 99) J Headphones jack (page 83)

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

Getting Started

Bottom

A Docking station connector (page 77) B Air vents C Memory module compartment cover (page 154)

Getting Started

About the Indicator Lights

Your computer is equipped with the following indicator lights:

Indicator Functions

Power 1 Illuminates in green when the computer is on, blinks slowly in orange while the computer is in Sleep mode, and

turns off when the computer is off or in Hibernate mode.

Charge

Media Access Illuminates while data is being read from or written to a memory card. (Do not place the computer into Sleep

Built-in MOTION EYE camera Illuminates while the built-in MOTION EYE camera is in use.

STAMINA mode Illuminates while the computer is in STAMINA mode to conserve battery power.

SPEED mode Illuminates while the computer is in SPEED mode to provide faster performance.

Optical disc drive Illuminates while the drive is reading or writing data. When the indicator is unlit, the optical disc media is not in

Hard disk drive

Optical disc drive

Num lock

Caps lock

Scroll lock

Illuminates while the battery pack is charging. See Charging the Battery Pack (page 27) for more information.

mode or turn it off when this indicator is lit.) When the indicator is unlit, the memory card is not in use.

use.

Illuminates while the drive is reading or writing data. Do not place the computer into Sleep mode or turn it off when this indicator is lit.

Press the Num Lk key to activate the numeric keypad. Press it a second time to deactivate the numeric keypad. The numeric keypad is not active when the indicator is unlit.

Press the Caps Lock key to type letters in uppercase. Letters appear in lowercase if you press the Shift key while the indicator is lit. Press the key a second time to turn off the indicator. Normal typing resumes when the Caps lock indicator is unlit.

Press the Scr Lk key to change how you scroll the display. Normal scrolling resumes when the Scroll lock indicator is unlit. The Scr Lk key functions differently depending on the program you are using and does not work with all programs.

Indicator Functions

WIRELESS Illuminates when the WIRELESS switch is turned on, provided that one or more wireless options are enabled

in the VAIO Smart Network window.

* The storage device configuration of your computer may include a built-in flash memory storage drive depending on the model you purchased. See the online

specifications to find out about your configuration.

Getting Started

Connecting a Power Source

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

Using the AC Adapter

✍

Use only the supplied AC adapter for your computer.

To use the AC adapter

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

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

3 Plug the cable connected 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 intend to use your computer for a long period of time, place the computer into Hibernate mode. See Using Hibernate Mode (page 145). This power saving mode saves the time of shutting down and resuming.

Using the Battery Pack

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

Installing the Battery Pack

To install the battery pack

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

2 Slide the battery LOCK switch (1) inward.

Getting Started

3 Slide the battery pack diagonally into the battery compartment until the projections (2) on either side of the battery

compartment fit into the U-shaped cuts (3) on either side of the battery pack.

Getting Started

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

into place.

5 Slide the battery LOCK switch outward to secure the battery pack on the computer.

✍

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

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

Getting Started

Charging the Battery Pack

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

To charge the battery pack

1 Install the battery pack.

2 Connect the AC adapter to the computer.

The charge indicator light turns on while the battery pack is charging. When the battery pack charges close to the maximum charge level you selected with the battery charge functions, the charge indicator turns off. To select your desired maximum charge level, see Using the Battery Charge Functions (page 29).

Charge indicator status Meaning

Lit in orange The battery pack is charging.

Blinks along with the green power indicator

Blinks along with the orange power indicator

Blinks fast in orange A battery error has occurred due to a failed battery

The battery pack is running out of power. (Normal mode)

The battery pack is running out of power. (Sleep mode)

pack or an unlocked battery pack.

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

Getting Started

✍

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

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

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

While some software applications or peripheral devices are in use, your computer may not enter Hibernate mode even when battery life is low. To avoid loss of data when using battery power, you should save your data frequently and manually activate a power management mode, such as Sleep or

Hibernate.

If the battery pack wears out when the computer enters Sleep mode, you will lose all unsaved data. Going back to the previous work state is impossible. To avoid loss of data, you should save your data frequently.

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

Getting Started

Using the Battery Charge Functions

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

To enable the battery care function

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

2 Click Power Management and then Battery Charge Functions.

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

4 Click Advanced.

5 Select the desired maximum charge level.

6 Click OK.

To check the battery wear level

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

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

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

2 Slide the battery LOCK switch (1) inward.

3 Slide and hold the battery RELEASE latch (2) inward, put your fingertip underneath the tab (3) on the battery pack, and

turn the battery pack in the direction of the arrow, and then slide it away from the computer.

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