Sony VAIO VPC-Z11X9R/B, VAIO VPCZ11Z9E, VAIO VPCZ11A7R, VAIO VPC-Z11X9R/S, VAIO VPC-Z11Z9E/B User Guide

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User Guide

Personal Computer

VPCZ11 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 ...........................................	17
Connecting a Power Source .......................................	18
Using the Battery Pack................................................	20
Shutting Down Your Computer Safely ........................	27
Using the Power Saving Modes ..................................	28
Updating Your Computer ............................................	30
Using Your VAIO Computer..............................................	31
Using the Keyboard.....................................................	32
Using the Touch Pad...................................................	35
Using Special-function Buttons ...................................	36
Using the Built-in Camera ...........................................	37
Using the Optical Disc Drive .......................................	38
Using "Memory Stick"..................................................	45
Using Other Modules / Memory Cards........................	52
Using the Internet........................................................	60
Using the Network (LAN) ............................................	61
Using the Wireless LAN ..............................................	62

Using the Wireless WAN .............................................	67
Using the Bluetooth Function ......................................	71
Using Fingerprint Authentication .................................	77
Using the TPM.............................................................	84
Using Peripheral Devices..................................................	94
Using the Noise Canceling Headphones.....................	95
Connecting a Port Replicator.....................................	102
Connecting an Optical Disc Drive..............................	110
Connecting External Speakers or Headphones ........	112
Connecting an External Display ................................	113
Selecting Display Modes ...........................................	120
Using the Multiple Monitors Function ........................	121
Connecting an External Microphone .........................	123
Connecting a USB Device .........................................	124
Connecting an i.LINK Device.....................................	126
Customizing Your VAIO Computer..................................	128
Selecting Performance Modes ..................................	129
Setting the Password.................................................	132
Using Intel(R) VT .......................................................	139
Using the VAIO Control Center .................................	140
Using the VAIO Power Management.........................	141
Changing the Display Language ...............................	142

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Upgrading Your VAIO Computer ....................................	143
Adding and Removing Memory.................................	144
Precautions.....................................................................	150
Safety Information .....................................................	151
Care and Maintenance Information...........................	154
Handling Your Computer...........................................	155
Handling the LCD Screen .........................................	157
Using the Power Source ...........................................	158
Handling the Built-in Camera ....................................	159
Handling Discs ..........................................................	160
Using the Battery Pack..............................................	161
Handling "Memory Stick"...........................................	162
Handling the Built-in Storage Device ........................	163
Using Fingerprint Authentication ...............................	164
Using the TPM ..........................................................	165
Troubleshooting ..............................................................	167
Computer Operations................................................	169
System Update / Security..........................................	175
Recovery ...................................................................	177
Battery Pack..............................................................	180
Built-in Camera .........................................................	183
Networking (LAN/Wireless LAN) ...............................	185
Wireless WAN ...........................................................	189
Bluetooth Technology ...............................................	190

Optical Discs..............................................................	194
Display.......................................................................	199
Printing ......................................................................	203
Microphone................................................................	204
Speakers ...................................................................	205
Touch Pad .................................................................	207
Keyboard ...................................................................	208
Floppy Disks ..............................................................	209
Audio/Video ...............................................................	210
"Memory Stick" ..........................................................	213
Peripherals ................................................................	214
Port Replicator...........................................................	215
Trademarks .....................................................................	216
Notice ..............................................................................	218

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 you with a state-of-the-art 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.

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, visit the VAIO-Link web site at http://www.vaio-link.com for troubleshooting guidance.

Some other information resources are also available:

The Club VAIO community at http://club-vaio.com provides the possibility to ask questions to other VAIO users.

For product information, you can visit our products web site at http://www.vaio.eu/, or our online store at http://www.sonystyle-europe.com.

In case you need to contact VAIO-Link, 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. If you have problems locating your serial number, more guidance can be found on the VAIO-Link web site.

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 display – Use the display 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 or slightly below eye level when you are sitting in front of the monitor.

Getting Started >

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Getting Started

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

Locating Controls and Ports (page 10)

About the Indicator Lights (page 17)

Connecting a Power Source (page 18)

Using the Battery Pack (page 20)

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 27)

Using the Power Saving Modes (page 28)

Updating Your Computer (page 30)

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.

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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.

Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports	n 11 N

Front

A LCD screen (page 157)

B Keyboard (page 32)

C Built-in MOTION EYE camera (page 37)

D Built-in MOTION EYE camera indicator (page 17)

E Built-in speakers (stereo)

F Ambient light sensor (page 34), (page 201)

Measures ambient light intensity for automatically adjusting the

LCD brightness to an optimum level.

G Num lock indicator (page 17)

H Caps lock indicator (page 17)

I Scroll lock indicator (page 17)

J WIRELESS indicator (page 17)

K Charge indicator (page 17)

L Disc drive indicator (page 17)

M Touch pad (page 35)

N Left button (page 35)

O Fingerprint sensor* (page 77)

P Right button (page 35)

* On selected models only.

Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports	n 12 N

A ASSIST button (page 36)

B Window arrangement button (page 36)

C VAIO button (page 36)

D Drive eject button*1 (page 36), (page 38)

E Presentation button*2 (page 36)

F SPEED mode indicator (page 17), (page 129)

G Performance selector switch (page 129)

H AUTO mode indicator (page 17), (page 129)

I STAMINA mode indicator (page 17), (page 129)

J "Memory Stick Duo" slot*3 (page 45)

K Media Access indicator (page 17)

L SD memory card slot (page 56)

M WIRELESS switch (page 62), (page 67), (page 71)

N Built-in microphone (monaural)

O Headphones jack (page 112), (page 95)

P Microphone jack (page 123)

*1	On models with the built-in optical disc drive.
*2	On models without the built-in optical disc drive.
*3	Your computer supports only Duo-size "Memory Stick".

Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports	n 13 N

Back

A Battery connector (page 20)

B SIM card slot* (page 67)

* On selected models only.

Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports	n 14 N

Right

A USB port*1 (page 124)

B Optical disc drive*2 (page 38)

C Manual eject hole*2 (page 194)

D Monitor port*3 (page 114)

E Power button/Power indicator (page 17)

*1	Compliant with the USB 2.0 standard and supports high-/full-/low- speeds.
*2	On selected models only.
*3	Not accessible when your computer is attached to the port replicator.

Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports	n 15 N

Left

A DC IN port (page 18)

B Air vent

C Security slot

D Network (LAN) port*1 (page 61)

E HDMI output port*2 (page 117)

F USB ports*3 (page 124)

G ExpressCard/34 slot (page 52)

H i.LINK 4-pin (S400) port*4 (page 126)

	*1		Not accessible when your computer is attached to the port replicator.
	*2		There may be no sound from an output device connected to the HDMI
			output port for the first few seconds after playback starts. This is not a
			malfunction.
	*3		Compliant with the USB 2.0 standard and support high-/full-/low- speeds.
	*4		On selected models only.

Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports	n 16 N

Bottom

A Air vents

B Port replicator connector cover (page 103)

C Memory module compartment cover (page 144)

Getting Started >
About the Indicator Lights	n 17 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
		turns off when the computer is turned off or enters Hibernate mode.
	Charge	Illuminates while the battery pack is charging. See Charging the Battery Pack (page 24) 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.
	AUTO mode	Illuminates while the computer is in AUTO mode to provide optimum performance.
	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.
	Disc drive	Illuminates while data access to the built-in storage device or the optical disc drive* 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.

*On selected models only.

Getting Started >
Connecting a Power Source	n 18 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 an AC power source 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 or on the optional port replicator.

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

Getting Started >
Connecting a Power Source	n 19 N

To disconnect your computer completely from an AC power source, unplug the AC adapter from the AC outlet. 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 29).

Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack	n 20 N

Using the Battery Pack

The battery pack is already installed on your computer at the time of delivery but is not fully charged.

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Do not use your computer without installing the battery pack as it may cause the computer to malfunction.

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 21 N

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

Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack	n 22 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 23 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 and hold the battery RELEASE latch (2) outward, put your fingertip underneath the tab (3) on the battery pack, and lift the battery pack in the direction of the arrow, and then 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 24 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, 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 25 N

Keep the battery pack in your computer while it is directly connected to an AC power source. 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.

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 26 N

Checking the Battery Charge Capacity

The battery charge capacity gradually decreases as the number of battery charging increases or the duration of use of the battery pack extends. To get the most out of the battery pack, check the battery charge capacity and change the battery settings.

To check the battery charge capacity

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

2Click Power Management and Battery.

Additionally, you can enable the battery care function to extend the life of the battery pack.

Extending the Battery Life

When your computer is running on battery power, you can extend the 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 28) for more information.

Change the power saving settings on the Power Options. See Using the VAIO Power Management (page 141) 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 27 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 28 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 an AC power source, 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 29 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.

Press the power button on your computer.

!

If you press and hold the power button 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

Press the power button.

!

If you press and hold the power button for more than four seconds, your computer will turn off automatically.

Getting Started >
Updating Your Computer	n 30 N

Updating Your Computer

Be sure to update your VAIO computer with the following software applications so that the computer can run more efficiently and securely.

The VAIO Update automatically notifies you of new updates for enhancing your computer's performance available on the Internet, and downloads and installs them on the computer.

Windows Update

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

VAIO Update 5

Click Start, All Programs, and VAIO Update 5 and then follow the on-screen instructions.

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