Sony VAIO VPC-W12S1R/W, VAIO VPC-W12S1E/W, VAIO VPCW12Z1R, VAIO VPC-W12S1R/P, VAIO VPC-W12M1E/W User Guide

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User Guide

Personal Computer

VPCW12 Series

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Contents
Before Use..........................................................................	4
Finding More about Your VAIO Computer ....................	5
Ergonomic Considerations ............................................	7
Getting Started....................................................................	9
Locating Controls and Ports........................................	10
About the Indicator Lights ...........................................	16
Connecting a Power Source .......................................	17
Using the Battery Pack................................................	18
Shutting Down Your Computer Safely ........................	25
Using the Power Saving Modes ..................................	26
Updating Your Computer ............................................	28
Using Your VAIO Computer..............................................	29
Using the Keyboard.....................................................	30
Using the Touch Pad...................................................	32
Using the Built-in Camera ...........................................	33
Using "Memory Stick"..................................................	34
Using Other Modules / Memory Cards........................	40
Using the Internet........................................................	44

Using the Network (LAN).............................................	45
Using the Wireless LAN...............................................	46
Using the Bluetooth Function ......................................	53
Using Peripheral Devices..................................................	59
Connecting an Optical Disc Drive................................	60
Connecting External Speakers or Headphones ..........	61
Connecting an External Display ..................................	62
Selecting Display Modes .............................................	64
Using the Multiple Monitors Function ..........................	65
Connecting an External Microphone ...........................	67
Connecting a USB Device ...........................................	68
Customizing Your VAIO Computer....................................	70
Setting the Password...................................................	71
Using the VAIO Control Center ...................................	76
Using the VAIO Power Management...........................	77

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Precautions.......................................................................	78
Safety Information .......................................................	79
Care and Maintenance Information.............................	82
Handling Your Computer.............................................	83
Handling the LCD Screen ...........................................	85
Using the Power Source .............................................	86
Handling the Built-in Camera ......................................	87
Handling Discs ............................................................	88
Using the Battery Pack................................................	89
Handling "Memory Stick".............................................	90
Handling the Built-in Storage Device ..........................	91
Troubleshooting ................................................................	92
Computer ....................................................................	93
System Security ........................................................	100
Battery.......................................................................	101
Built-in Camera .........................................................	103
Networking ................................................................	105
Bluetooth Technology ...............................................	108
Display ......................................................................	112
Printing ......................................................................	116
Microphone ...............................................................	117

Speakers ...................................................................	118
Touch Pad .................................................................	119
Keyboard ...................................................................	120
Floppy Disks ..............................................................	121
Audio/Video ...............................................................	122
"Memory Stick" ..........................................................	123
Peripherals ................................................................	124
Trademarks .....................................................................	125
Notice ..............................................................................	127

Before Use >

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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 a state-of-the-art personal computing experience.

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

How to find specifications

Some features, options, and supplied items may not be available on your computer.

To find out about the configuration of your computer, visit the VAIO Link web site at http://www.vaio-link.com.

About Models with Windows 7 Starter

On models with the Windows 7 Starter operating system, you cannot use some of the features available on models with other editions of the Windows 7 operating system. Among those described in this User Guide, for example, you cannot use the following:

Ad-hoc connections of the Wireless LAN function

Multiple Monitors function

Long Battery Life Wallpaper Setting of the VAIO Control Center

Before Use >
Finding More about Your VAIO Computer	n 5 N

Finding More about Your VAIO Computer

This section provides support information about your VAIO computer.

1. Printed Documentation

Quick Start Guide — An overview of components connection, set-up information, etc.

Recovery and Troubleshooting Guide

Regulations, Guarantee, and Service Support

2. On-screen Documentation

User Guide (This manual) — Features of your computer and information about solving common problems. To view this on-screen guide:

1 Click Start, All Programs, and VAIO Documentation.

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.

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

To access Windows Help and Support, click Start and Help and Support, or press and hold the Microsoft Windows key and press the F1 key.

Before Use >
Finding More about Your VAIO Computer	n 6 N

3. Support Web Sites

If you have any problem with the computer, you can visit the VAIO-Link web site at http://www.vaio-link.com for troubleshooting.

Before contacting VAIO-Link by telephone, try to solve the problem by reading the supplied documentation and visiting other Sony web sites.

For more about VAIO and becoming part of the growing VAIO community, visit the web site at http://www.club-vaio.com.

For online purchases, visit the web site at http://www.sonystyle-europe.com.

For other Sony products, visit the web site at http://www.sony.net.

When you contact VAIO-Link by telephone, have the serial number of your VAIO computer ready at hand. The serial number is located on the bottom, the back panel, or inside the battery compartment of your VAIO computer.

Before Use >
Ergonomic Considerations	n 7 N

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. Keep your forearms horizontal, with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable position while using the keyboard or the pointing device. 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 >
Ergonomic Considerations	n 8 N

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 >

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Getting Started

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

Locating Controls and Ports (page 10)

About the Indicator Lights (page 16)

Connecting a Power Source (page 17)

Using the Battery Pack (page 18)

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 25)

Using the Power Saving Modes (page 26)

Updating Your Computer (page 28)

Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports	n 10 N

Locating Controls and Ports

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

Front

A Built-in MOTION EYE camera (page 33)

B Built-in MOTION EYE camera indicator (page 16)

C Built-in microphone (monaural)

D LCD screen (page 85)

E Keyboard (page 30)

F Touch pad (page 32)

G Left button (page 32)

H Right button (page 32)

I Num lock indicator (page 16)

J Caps lock indicator (page 16)

K Scroll lock indicator (page 16)

Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports	n 11 N
	A WIRELESS switch (page 46), (page 53)
	B WIRELESS indicator (page 16)
	C "Memory Stick Duo" slot* (page 34)
	D Media Access indicator (page 16)
	E SD memory card slot (page 40)
	F Charge indicator (page 16)
	G Disc drive indicator (page 16)
	H Power switch
	I Power indicator (page 16)
	* Your computer supports only Duo-size "Memory Stick".

Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports	n 12 N

Back

A Battery connector (page 18)

Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports	n 13 N

Right

A Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports* (page 68)

B Network (LAN) port (page 45)

C Security slot

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

Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports	n 14 N

Left

A DC IN port (page 17)

B Air vent

C Monitor port (page 62)

D Microphone jack (page 67)

E Headphones jack (page 61)

Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports	n 15 N

Bottom

A Built-in speakers (stereo)

B Air vent

Getting Started >
About the Indicator Lights	n 16 N

About the Indicator Lights

Your computer is equipped with the following indicator lights:

	Indicator	Functions
	Power 1	Illuminates in green while the computer is on, blinks slowly in orange while the computer is in Sleep mode, and
		goes out when the computer is turned off or enters Hibernate mode.
	Charge	Illuminates while the battery pack is charging. See Charging the Battery Pack (page 22) for more information.
	Built-in MOTION EYE camera	Illuminates while the built-in camera is in use.
	Media Access	Illuminates while data access to a memory card, such as "Memory Stick" and an SD memory card, is in
		progress. (Do not place the computer into Sleep mode or turn it off while this indicator light is lit.) When the
		indicator light is unlit, the memory card is not in use.
	Disc drive	Illuminates while data access to the built-in storage device is in progress. Do not place the computer into Sleep
		mode or turn it off while this indicator light is lit.
	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 light is unlit.
	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 light is lit. Press the key a second time to turn off the indicator light. Normal typing resumes
		when the Caps lock indicator light is turned off.
	Scroll lock	Press the Fn+Scr Lk keys to change how you scroll the display. Normal scrolling resumes when the Scroll lock
		indicator light is turned off. The Scr Lk key functions differently depending on the program you are using and
		does not work with all programs.
	WIRELESS	Illuminates while one or more wireless options are enabled.

Getting Started >
Connecting a Power Source	n 17 N

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

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

Use only the supplied AC adapter for your computer.

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 from the AC adapter (3) into the DC IN port (4) on the computer.

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 an extended period of time, place the computer into Hibernate mode. See Using Hibernate Mode (page 27).

Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack	n 18 N

Using the Battery Pack

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

Installing/Removing the Battery Pack

To install the battery pack

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

2Slide the battery LOCK switch (1) outward.

Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack	n 19 N

3Slide the battery pack diagonally into the battery compartment until the projection (2) on either side of the battery compartment fits into the cut (3) on either side of the battery pack.

Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack	n 20 N

4 Push the battery pack down into the compartment until it clicks into place.

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

Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack	n 21 N

To remove the battery pack

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

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

2Slide the battery LOCK switch (1) outward.

3Slide the battery RELEASE latch (2) outward.

The battery pack is unlocked and its front-side edge is slightly raised.

4Put your fingertip on the raised edge, lift the battery pack in the direction of the arrow, and slide it away from the computer.

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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 >
Using the Battery Pack	n 22 N

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

1Install the battery pack.

2Connect the computer to a power source with the AC adapter.

The charge indicator light is 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.

Charge indicator status	Meaning
Lit in orange	The battery pack is charging.
Blinks along with the green	The battery pack is running out of power.
power indicator	(Normal mode)
Blinks along with the orange	The battery pack is running out of power.
power indicator	(Sleep mode)
Blinks fast in orange	A battery error has occurred due to a failed battery
	pack or an unlocked battery pack.

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

Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack	n 23 N

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.

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

You can extend the life of your battery pack if you enable the battery care function of the Battery Charge Functions with the VAIO Control Center.

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

If the battery pack runs out of power while the computer is in 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.

Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack	n 24 N

Extending Your Battery Life

When your computer is running on battery power, you can extend your battery life using the following methods.

Decrease the LCD brightness of your computer screen.

Use the power saving mode. See Using the Power Saving Modes (page 26) for more information.

Change the power saving settings on the Power Options. See Using the VAIO Power Management (page 77) for more information.

Set the wallpaper in Long Battery Life Wallpaper Setting as your desktop background with the VAIO Control Center.

Getting Started >
Shutting Down Your Computer Safely	n 25 N

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 and the Shut down button.

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.

Getting Started >
Using the Power Saving Modes	n 26 N

Using the Power Saving Modes

You can take advantage of the power management settings to conserve battery life. In addition to the normal operating mode, your computer has two distinct power saving modes to suit your preference: Sleep and Hibernate.

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If you do not intend to use your computer for an extended period of time while it is disconnected from AC power, place the computer into Hibernate mode or turn it off.

If the battery pack runs out of power while your computer is in 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.

Mode	Description
Normal mode	This is the normal state of your computer while it is in use. The green power indicator light is lit while the
	computer is in this mode.
Sleep mode	Sleep mode turns off the LCD screen and places the built-in storage device(s) and the CPU into a low power
	consumption mode. The orange power indicator light blinks slowly while your computer is in this mode. Your
	computer comes out of Sleep mode quicker than out of Hibernate mode. However, Sleep mode uses more
	power than Hibernate mode.
Hibernate mode	While your computer is in Hibernate mode, the state of the system is saved on the built-in storage device(s) and
	power is turned off. Even when the battery pack runs out of power, no data will be lost. The power indicator light
	is unlit while your computer is in this mode.

Getting Started >
Using the Power Saving Modes	n 27 N

Using Sleep Mode

To activate Sleep mode

Click Start, the arrow next to the Shut down button, and Sleep.

To return to Normal mode

Press any key.

Slide the power switch (in the direction of G on the switch).

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If you slide (in the direction of G on the switch) and hold the power switch for more than four seconds, your computer will turn off automatically. You will lose all unsaved data.

Using Hibernate Mode

To activate Hibernate mode

Press the Fn+F12 keys.

Alternatively, you can click Start, the arrow next to the Shut down button, and Hibernate.

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Do not move your computer before its power indicator light turns off.

To return to Normal mode

Slide the power switch (in the direction of G on the switch).

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If you slide (in the direction of G on the switch) and hold the power switch for more than four seconds, your computer will turn off automatically.

Getting Started >
Updating Your Computer	n 28 N

Updating Your Computer

Be sure to install the latest updates on your computer with the following software applications so that the computer can run more efficiently.

Windows Update

Click Start, All Programs, and Windows Update and then follow the on-screen instructions.

VAIO Update 4

Click Start, All Programs, VAIO Update 4, and Go to VAIO Web Support and then follow the on-screen instructions.

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Your computer must be connected to the Internet to download the updates.

Using Your VAIO Computer >

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Using Your VAIO Computer

This section describes how to get the most out of using your VAIO computer.

Using the Keyboard (page 30)

Using the Touch Pad (page 32)

Using the Built-in Camera (page 33)

Using "Memory Stick" (page 34)

Using Other Modules / Memory Cards (page 40)

Using the Internet (page 44)

Using the Network (LAN) (page 45)

Using the Wireless LAN (page 46)

Using the Bluetooth Function (page 53)

Using Your VAIO Computer >
Using the Keyboard	n 30 N

Using the Keyboard

Your keyboard has additional keys that perform model-specific tasks.

Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key

Some keyboard functions can be used only after the operating system is finished launching.

	Combination/Feature		Function
	Fn + % (F2): muting		Turns on and off the built-in speakers or the headphones.
	Fn + 2 (F3/F4): volume control		Changes the volume level.
			To increase the volume, keep pressing the Fn+F4 keys or press the Fn+F4 keys and then the
			M or , key.
			To decrease the volume, keep pressing the Fn+F3 keys or press the Fn+F3 keys and then the
			m or < key.
	Fn + 8 (F5/F6): brightness control		Changes the LCD brightness of your computer screen.
			To increase lighting intensity, keep pressing the Fn+F6 keys or press the Fn+F6 keys and then
			the M or , key.
			To decrease lighting intensity, keep pressing the Fn+F5 keys or press the Fn+F5 keys and then
			the m or < key.
	Fn +	/T (F7): display output	Switches the display output between your computer screen, an external display, simultaneous
			output to both, and multiple displays with both that function as a single desktop. Press the Enter
			key to select the display output.
			!
			If you disconnect a display cable from your computer while an external display is selected as the display
			output destination, the computer screen goes blank. In such a case, press the F7 key twice while holding
			down the Fn key, and then press the Enter key to switch the display output to the computer screen.
			Multiple displays may not be supported depending on the operating system on your computer.