Sony VGN-A790, VGN-FS610FP, VGN-FS620, VGN-FS620/W, VGN-FS620P User Guide

User Guide

Personal Computer

VGN-A700 Series/VGN-FS600 Series

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Contents

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

Documentation ...................................................................................................................................................................6

Ergonomic Considerations.................................................................................................................................................8

Getting Started .......................................................................................................................................................................10

Locating Controls and Ports.............................................................................................................................................11

About the Indicator Lights ................................................................................................................................................24

Connecting a Power Source ............................................................................................................................................25

Using the Battery Pack.....................................................................................................................................................26

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .............................................................................................................................33

Using Your VAIO Computer ...................................................................................................................................................34

Using the Keyboard..........................................................................................................................................................35

Using the Touch Pad........................................................................................................................................................37

Using Special-function Buttons ........................................................................................................................................38

Using the Optical Disc Drive ............................................................................................................................................40

Using the TV Function (on Selected Models Only) ..........................................................................................................47

Using PC Cards ...............................................................................................................................................................48

Using the Memory Stick Media ........................................................................................................................................52

Using the Internet.............................................................................................................................................................56

Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) ...........................................................................................................................................57

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Using Peripheral Devices.......................................................................................................................................................65

Connecting a Port Replicator ...........................................................................................................................................66

Using the Mouse (on Selected Models Only)...................................................................................................................87

Connecting External Speakers.........................................................................................................................................91

Using the Remote Commander........................................................................................................................................97

Connecting an External Display.....................................................................................................................................100

Selecting Display Modes................................................................................................................................................108

Using the Multiple Monitors Function .............................................................................................................................111

Connecting an External Microphone ..............................................................................................................................115

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device..........................................................................................................116

Connecting a Printer ......................................................................................................................................................119

Connecting an i.LINK Device .........................................................................................................................................121

Connecting to a Network (LAN) .....................................................................................................................................123

Customizing Your VAIO Computer ......................................................................................................................................125

Setting the Password .....................................................................................................................................................126

Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center....................................................................................................131

Using the Power Saving Modes.....................................................................................................................................133

Managing Power with VAIO Power Management ..........................................................................................................138

Upgrading Your VAIO Computer..........................................................................................................................................142

Adding and Removing Memory......................................................................................................................................143

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Precautions ..........................................................................................................................................................................157

On Handling the LCD Screen.........................................................................................................................................158

On Using the Power Source...........................................................................................................................................159

On Handling Your Computer..........................................................................................................................................160

On Handling Floppy Disks..............................................................................................................................................162

On Handling Discs .........................................................................................................................................................163

On Using the Battery Pack.............................................................................................................................................164

On Using Headphones...................................................................................................................................................165

On Handling Memory Stick Media..................................................................................................................................165

On Handling the Hard Disk ............................................................................................................................................166

Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................................................................................167

Computer .......................................................................................................................................................................168

System Security .............................................................................................................................................................178

Battery............................................................................................................................................................................180

Internet ...........................................................................................................................................................................182

Networking .....................................................................................................................................................................184

CDs and DVDs...............................................................................................................................................................186

Display ...........................................................................................................................................................................189

Printing ...........................................................................................................................................................................192

Microphone ....................................................................................................................................................................193

Mouse ............................................................................................................................................................................194

Speakers ........................................................................................................................................................................195

Touch Pad......................................................................................................................................................................196

Keyboard........................................................................................................................................................................198

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Floppy Disks...................................................................................................................................................................199

PC Cards........................................................................................................................................................................200

Audio/Video....................................................................................................................................................................201

Memory Stick Media.......................................................................................................................................................202

Peripherals .....................................................................................................................................................................203

Support Options ...................................................................................................................................................................204

Sony Support Information ..............................................................................................................................................204

Program Support Information.........................................................................................................................................207

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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.

Documentation

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

Printed Documentation

❑ Welcome mat — Contains 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 sheet describes the hardware and software configuration of your VAIO

computer.
To view the online Specifications sheet:

1 Connect to the Internet.
2 Go to the Sony online support Web site at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport

http://kdb.sony-latin.com/

for customers in Latin American countries or areas.

❑ VAIO Recovery Options 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 online software information:

1 Click Start, point to All Programs, and click VAIO Control Center.
2 Click the Categories tab and then the Documentation folder.
3 Click Recovery Guide.

for customers in USA and Canada, or at

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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. You can also purchase accessories for your display that help reduce glare. Proper lighting
adds to your comfort and work effectiveness.

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

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

Getting Started

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

❑ Locating Controls and Ports (page 11)
❑ About the Indicator Lights (page 24)
❑ Connecting a Power Source (page 25)
❑ Using the Battery Pack (page 26)
❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 33)

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Getting Started

Locating Controls and Ports

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

!

The following illustrations may appear different from your model, depending on the country or area of your residency.

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Getting Started

VGN-A700 Series models

Front

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Getting Started

A Mute button/indicator (page 38)
B Volume buttons (page 38)
C Brightness button (page 38)
D Magnify screen button (page 38)
E S1 button (page 38)
F LCD screen (page 158)
G Keyboard (page 35)
H Touch pad (page 37)
I Power indicator (page 24)
J Battery indicator (page 24)
K Hard disk drive indicator (page 24)
L Optical disc drive indicator (page 24)

M Memory Stick media slot
N Memory Stick media indicator (page 24)
O WIRELESS switch (page 57)
P WIRELESS LAN indicator (page 24)

* Your computer supports Memory Stick Duo media and Memory Stick Pro

high speed and high capacity capabilities.

*

(page 52)

A Speakers
B Num lock indicator (page 24)
C Caps lock indicator (page 24)
D Scroll lock indicator (page 24)
E Power button
F Auto luminance sensor (page 38)

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Getting Started

Back

A DC In port (page 25)
B Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports

C Network (Ethernet) port (page 123)
D AV Out jack (page 104)
E Monitor (VGA) port (page 100)
F Air vent

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

*

(page 116)

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Getting Started

Right

A

Drive eject button (page 40)

B Optical disc drive (page 40)
C Drive eject button (page 40)
D Manual eject hole (page 186)
E Modem port (page 56)

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Getting Started

✍

You can use either drive eject button to eject the optical disc drive tray. The drive eject button located next to the optical disc drive functions only with the
Microsoft Windows operating system.

Left

A Microphone jack (page 115)
B Headphones jack (page 91)

C i.LINK

®

(IEEE1394) S400 port (page 121)

D Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port
E PC Card slot (page 48)
F PC Card eject button (page 48)

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

*

(page 116)

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Getting Started

Bottom

A AV station/port replicator connector (page 66)
B Air vents
C LOCK/UNLOCK switch (page 26)
D RELEASE switch (page 26)
E Battery bay (page 26)

F CONNECT button

* On selected models with wireless mouse functionality.

*

(page 87)

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Getting Started

VGN-FS600 Series models

Front

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Getting Started

A LCD screen (page 158)
B Speakers
C Keyboard (page 35)
D Touch pad (page 37)
E Power indicator (page 24)
F Battery indicator (page 24)
G Hard disk drive indicator (page 24)
H Memory Stick media indicator (page 24)
I

WLAN (Wireless LAN) switch (on selected models only) (page 57)

J WIRELESS LAN indicator (on selected models only) (page 24)
K Headphones jack (page 91)
L Microphone jack (page 115)

A Display lock latch
B S1 button (page 38)
C S2 button (page 38)
D Num lock indicator (page 24)
E Caps lock indicator (page 24)
F Scroll lock indicator (page 24)
G Power button

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Getting Started

Back

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Getting Started

A Air vent
B Battery connector (page 26)

Right

Getting Started

A PC Card eject button (page 48)
B PC Card slot (page 48)

C i.LINK
D Memory Stick media slot
E Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports

®

(IEEE1394) S400 port (page 121)

*1

(page 52)

*2

(page 116)

F Monitor (VGA) port (page 100)
G DC In port (page 25)

*1

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

*2

Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.

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Left

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Getting Started

A Network (Ethernet) port (page 123)
B Modem port (page 56)
C Optical disc drive (page 40)
D Manual eject hole (page 186)
E Drive eject button (page 40)

Bottom

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Getting Started

A Port replicator connector (page 66)
B Air vents

Getting Started

About the Indicator Lights

Indicator Functions

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

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

Memory Stick Pro/Duo

Optical disc drive

Mute %

Brightness 8

Hard disk

Num Lock

Caps Lock

Scroll Lock

WIRELESS LAN Illuminates when the wireless LAN function is running.

* On selected models only.

*

*

*

Hibernate mode or off.

blinks when the battery is charging.

Illuminates when data is read from or written to the Memory Stick media. (Do not enter Standby mode or turn off the
computer when this indicator is on.) When the indicator is off, the Memory Stick media is not being used.

Illuminates when data is read from or written to the optical disc. When the indicator is off, the optical disc is not being
used.

Illuminates when the volume is turned off.

Illuminates when the screen is on maximum brightness intensity.

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

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.

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.

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

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Connecting a Power Source

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

Using the AC Adapter

To use the AC adapter

1 Plug one end of the power cord (1) into the AC adapter.
2 Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet (2).
3 Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter (3) into the DC In port (4) on the computer.

!

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

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Getting Started

✍

Use your computer only with the supplied AC adapter.

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

Make sure that the AC outlet is easily accessible.

If you do not use the AC adapter for a long period of time, put your computer into Hibernate mode. See Using Hibernate Mode (page 136). This power
saving mode saves you the time of shutting down in the normal way.

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

VGN-A700 Series models

1 Turn off your computer and close the LCD screen lid.
2 Slide the LOCK/UNLOCK switch (1) on the bottom of the computer to the UNLOCK position.
3 Slide the RELEASE switch (2) on the bottom of the computer to the RELEASE position.

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Getting Started

4 Remove the battery compartment cover.

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Getting Started

5 Slide the battery in the battery compartment cover.

6 Turn over the battery attached to the battery compartment cover.
7 Insert the tab on the battery compartment cover into the notch, and push the battery down into the compartment until it clicks

into place.

8 Slide the LOCK/UNLOCK switch to the LOCK position to secure the battery on the computer.

VGN-FS600 Series models

1 Turn off your computer and close the LCD screen lid.
2 Slide the lock switch (1) to the UNLOCK position.

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

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

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Getting Started

✍

When the 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.

Getting Started

Charging the Battery Pack

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

To charge the battery pack

1 Install the battery pack.
2 Connect the AC adapter to the computer.

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

Battery indicator light status Meaning

On The computer is using battery power.

Blinks The battery is running out of power.

Double blinks The battery is charging.

Off The computer is using AC power.

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Getting Started

✍

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Removing the Battery Pack

To remove the battery pack

VGN-A700 Series models

1 Turn off your computer and close the LCD screen lid.
2 Slide the LOCK/UNLOCK switch (1) on the bottom of the computer to the UNLOCK position.
3 Slide the RELEASE switch (2) on the bottom of the computer to the RELEASE position.

The right edge of the battery compartment cover is pushed up.

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Getting Started

4 Raise the edge to remove the battery compartment cover.
5 Open the tabs on the battery compartment cover to release the battery and remove it from the battery compartment cover.
6 Insert the two tabs on the battery compartment cover diagonally into the notches and push the cover into the compartment

until it clicks into place.

VGN-FS600 Series models

1 Turn off your computer and close the LCD screen lid.
2 Slide the lock switch (1) to the UNLOCK position.

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

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Getting Started

✍

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

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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

1 Turn off any peripherals connected to your computer.
2 Click Start and then Turn Off Computer.

The Turn off computer window appears.
3 Click Turn Off.
4 Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents or to consider other users and wait for your computer to turn off

automatically.

The power indicator light turns off.

Using Your VAIO Computer

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

❑ Using the Keyboard (page 35)
❑ Using the Touch Pad (page 37)
❑ Using Special-function Buttons (page 38)
❑ Using the Optical Disc Drive (page 40)
❑ Using the TV Function (on Selected Models Only) (page 47)
❑ Using PC Cards (page 48)
❑ Using the Memory Stick Media (page 52)
❑ Using the Internet (page 56)
❑ Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 57)

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Using Your VAIO Computer

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

computer link.

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Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key

Combinations/Feature Functions

Fn + % (F2): speaker switch
Fn + 2 (F3/F4): speaker volume

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

Fn + /T (F7): switch to the external display

Fn + (F10): zoom

Fn + (F12): Hibernate

* On selected models only.

*

*

*

Turns on and off the built-in speakers and the headphones.
Adjusts the built-in speaker volume.

To increase volume, press Fn+F4 and then M or ,, or keep pressing Fn+F4.
To decrease volume, press Fn+F3 and then m or <, or keep pressing Fn+F3.

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.

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

Changes the screen resolution to magnify/restore the screen view.

✍

The magnified view is not as clear as the standard view, as it is implemented by applying a lower resolution
to the LCD screen with a higher resolution.
This key combination is disabled during video playback. Make sure to quit such software before pressing the
key combination.
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 the LCD screen view is magnified, switching the view to the external display disables the function and
restores the standard view.

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 switch to turn on the power.
For details on power management, see the section Using the Power Saving Modes (page 133).

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Using Your VAIO Computer

✍

Some functions are not available until Windows is launched.

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Using Your VAIO Computer

Using the Touch Pad

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

Action Description

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

Click Press the left button (3) once.

Double-click Press the left button twice.

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

Drag Slide one finger while pressing the left button.

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

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

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Using Your VAIO Computer

Using Special-function Buttons

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

VGN-A700 Series models

Special-function button Functions

Turns the volume on and off. The LED turns on when the volume is turned off.

Mute button

Increase and decrease the volume.

Vol um e buttons
(Volume down and Volume up)

You can increase and decrease the brightness intensity. When the screen is on maximum brightness intensity, the

Brightness button

Magnify screen button (Zoom) :

S1 button

LED turns on.
Auto luminance sensor:
By default, the light sensor senses the brightness from outside and the display brightness is adjusted accordingly.
This setting applies only when the display is set to automatic brightness mode. Press the brightness button to set
the display to automatic brightness mode. You can adjust the general level of the automatic brightness mode in
Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center (page 131).

Changes the image resolution in all applications, except in those that use the DVD player.

The S1 button, by default, launches the VAIO Zone software. You also can link to this shortcut button another
action that you execute often. See Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center (page 131).

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Using Your VAIO Computer

✍

When an external display is connected to your computer, the Magnify screen button is disabled.

The magnified view is not as clear as the standard view.

Pressing the Magnify screen button changes the resolution, thus may cause a defect to any running software that does not support change in resolution.

Make sure to quit such software before pressing the Magnify screen button.

The Magnify screen button may not work with graphic images because 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 when the standard view is restored.

When the LCD screen view is magnified, switching the view to the external display disables the function and restores the standard view.

VGN-FS600 Series models

Special-function button Functions

S1/S2 buttons

By default, the S1 button turns the volume on and off and the S2 button toggles the display output between the
LCD and external device. You can also link to these shortcut buttons another action that you execute often. See
Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center (page 131).

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Using the Optical Disc Drive

Your computer is equipped with an optical disc drive.

To insert a disc

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

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

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Using Your VAIO Computer

4 Close the tray by pushing it in gently.

!

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

✍

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

✍

The location of the drive eject button depends on the model you purchased. See Locating Controls and Ports (page 11).

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Using Your VAIO Computer

Reading and Writing CDs and DVDs

Your computer plays and records CDs and DVDs, depending on the model you purchased. Check your specifications for the type
of optical disc drive installed on your computer. Use the table below to see which types of media your optical disc drive supports.

Optical disc drive Plays Records to

CD-ROM CD, CD-R, and CD-RW —

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

and DVD+R DL (Double Layer)

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

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

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

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

DVD+R DL (Double Layer)

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

DVD+R DL (Double Layer)

* On selected models only.

*

*

and DVD+RW

*

and DVD+RW

*

and DVD+RW

—

CD-R and CD-RW

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

CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R,
DVD+R DL (Double Layer)* and DVD+RW

!

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

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

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

!

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

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

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

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

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

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Using Your VAIO Computer

Notes on writing data onto a disc

❑ To make the data on a disc readable on an optical disc drive, you need to close the session when you eject it. To complete

this process, follow the instructions included with your software.

❑ Only use circular discs. Do not use discs in any other shape (star, heart, card, etc.), as this may damage the optical disc drive.
❑ Do not strike or shake the computer while writing data onto a disc.
❑ Deactivate the screen saver and exit anti-virus software before writing data onto a disc.
❑ Do not use memory-resident utility software while writing data to a disc. This may cause the computer to malfunction.
❑ When using your software application to burn discs, make sure you exit and close all other applications.
❑ Never touch the surface of the disc. Fingerprints and dust on the surface of a disc may cause writing errors.
❑ Do not switch power modes while using the pre-installed software and while using the CD burning software.
❑ Never put stickers on discs. This will affect the use of the disc irreparably.
❑ Connect and use the AC adapter to power your computer or make sure your battery is at least 50 percent charged.
❑ Some DVD players and computer's DVD drives may not be able to play DVDs created by the VAIO Zone software.

✍

Ultra-speed CD-RW is supported on VGN-A700 Series models but not on VGN-FS600 Series models.

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

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

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

Specifications sheet for more information on the optical disc drive.

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Notes on playing DVDs

To achieve optimum performance when playing DVDs, you should follow these recommendations.
❑ You can play DVDs using the optical disc drive and the VAIO Zone software. See the help file on the VAIO Zone software for

details.

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

malfunction.

❑ Deactivate the screen saver and exit anti-virus software before playing a disc.
❑ Some discs recorded at 20 or 24 bits may produce noise while playing. If you have audio devices connected, this may damage

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

❑ Do not switch power saving modes while the computer is playing a DVD.
❑ Region code indicators are labeled on the DVDs to indicate in which region and on what type of player you can play the disc.

If the DVD is labeled "all," this means that you can play this DVD in most regions of the world. If the region code of your

residence area is different from the label on the DVD disc or on the packaging, you cannot play the disc on this player.

!

You can change the DVD region code only a limited number of times. When you have exceeded this number, the drive's DVD region code is permanently

assigned and you will not be able to change it again. Reconfiguring your computer does not reset this count.

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

effective.

❑ If your computer has Wireless LAN and Wireless LAN is activated, playing DVDs may cause some interruptions in audio and

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

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

malfunction.

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Using Your VAIO Computer

Playing CDs

To play an audio CD

1 Insert the disc into the optical disc drive.
2 If nothing appears on the desktop once you insert an audio CD disc, then click Start, point to All Programs, and click to open

a CD program, such as the SonicStage software.

If the Audio CD window appears, click to select an option.

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Using Your VAIO Computer

Copying Files to CDs

To determine which type of CD your computer supports, see Reading and Writing CDs and DVDs (page 41).

To copy files to a CD-RW or CD-R

1 Insert a blank CD-R or CD-RW disc into the optical disc drive.

If the CD Drive window appears, click Take no action.

2 Open Windows Explorer by pressing the Windows key and the E key simultaneously.
3 In the Folders panel on the left, locate the file(s) or folder(s) you want to copy and either:

*

❑ Right-click the file(s) or folder(s), point to Send To, and click the optical disc drive

❑ Drag the file(s) or folder(s) onto the optical disc drive icon in the Files Stored on This Computer panel.

4 Close Windows Explorer.
5 Click Start and then My Computer.
6 Click the optical disc drive icon under Devices with Removable Storage. A new window appears with the file(s) or folder(s)

you want to copy listed under Files Ready to Be Written to the CD.
7 In the CD Writing Tasks box, click Write these files to CD.
8 Follow the instructions in the CD Writing Wizard.

* The read/write drive letter designation may vary, depending on your system's hardware configuration.

name.

!

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

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Using Your VAIO Computer

Playing DVDs

To play a DVD

1 Close all open programs.
2 Insert the DVD into the optical disc drive.
3 Click Start and point to All Programs.
4 Select a DVD software program to play the DVD.

For instructions on how to use a program, see the help guide included with the DVD software program.

Copying Files to DVDs (on Selected Models Only)

See the online Specifications sheet to see whether your model is equipped with an optical disc drive capable of DVD writing.

To copy files to a DVD-R or DVD-RW

1 Connect the AC adapter to the computer.
2 Insert the disc into the optical disc drive.
3 Click Start and point to All Programs.
4 Select a DVD software program you want to use from the submenu.

For instructions on how to use a program, see the help guide included with the DVD software program.

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Using the TV Function (on Selected Models Only)

If an A/V port replicator is delivered with the model you purchased, your computer is equipped with a TV tuner. In combination
with Sony's VAIO Zone software, the TV tuner board allows you to:

❑ Watch, record and play back analog broadcasted cable and terrestrial TV programs, all by remote control.
❑ Digitize analog video and audio using the S-video or composite and audio inputs.
❑ Manage your video units (capsules), preview them and create multiple folders.
❑ Set up a timer to record channels at a repeated time.
❑ Suspend viewing TV (time-shifting).
❑ Stream your recorded TV contents via Ethernet (or WLAN) to connected PCs.

✍

Sony cannot guarantee the streaming of recorded content if it does not meet a certain level of high quality.

To use the VAIO Zone software, you need to connect your computer and TV to the A/V port replicator and set up the VAIO Zone
software for TV viewing. See Attaching Your Computer to the Port Replicator (page 71) and Setting Up TV Connections
(on Selected Models Only) (page 79) for details.

Once your computer and TV are connected to the A/V port replicator, click Start and then VAIO Zone. When starting the VAIO
Zone software for the first time, the VAIO Zone setup wizard opens automatically and prompts you to set up your TV channel
source and establish the listings for your local TV program guide. Follow the on-screen instructions.

For details on using the software and the remote commander, please see the help file in the VAIO Zone software.

Using PC Cards

PC Cards allow you to connect portable external devices.

Inserting a PC Card

To insert a PC Card

1 Insert the PC Card into the PC Card slot with the front label facing up.
2 Gently push the PC Card into the slot.

The PC Card is automatically detected by your system.

The Safely Remove Hardware icon appears on the taskbar.

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Using Your VAIO Computer

Using Your VAIO Computer

✍

Some devices may not function properly if you continually switch to Normal mode from Standby mode or Hibernate mode. For some PC Cards, if you

alternate between Normal mode and Standby or Hibernate mode while the card is inserted, you may find that a device connected to your system is not

recognized. Restart your system to correct the problem. Restarting will restore the original state of the computer.

While the card is inserted, your computer may not enter Hibernate power management mode. It may enter Standby mode. We recommend that you remove

the card before your computer enters Hibernate mode.

Some PC Cards or their functions may not be compatible with your computer.

Make sure you use the most recent software driver provided by the PC Card manufacturer.

If an "!" mark appears on the Device Manager tab in the System Properties window, remove the software driver and then reinstall it.

Do not force a PC Card into the slot. It may damage the connector pins. If you have difficulty inserting a PC Card, check that you are inserting the PC Card

in the correct direction. See the manual supplied with your PC Card for more information on use.

Do not carry your computer while touching the head of a PC Card, because pressure or shock may damage the connector pins.

You do not need to shut down your computer before inserting or removing a PC Card.

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Removing a PC Card

Follow the steps below to remove the PC Card while your computer is on. If it is not removed properly, your system may not work
properly.

To remove a PC Card

✍

To remove a PC Card when your computer is off, skip steps 1 to 7.

1 Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon on the taskbar.

The Safely Remove Hardware window appears.

2 Select the hardware you want to unplug.
3 Click Stop.

The Stop a Hardware Device window appears.
4 Confirm that the device can be safely removed from the system.
5 Click OK.

A window appears, explaining that it is safe to remove the device.

6 Click OK.
7 Click Close.
8 Push the PC Card release button so that the release button pops out.
9 Push the PC Card release button a second time so that the PC Card pops out.
10 Gently take hold of the Card and pull it out of the slot.
11 If the PC Card release button is still out, push it back in.

Using Your VAIO Computer

✍

If you remove the PC Card from the computer when it is still turned on, your system could malfunction and you might lose any unsaved data.

Before you remove the PC Card, click the PC Card icon on the taskbar and close the card. Close any applications that use the PC Card before removing the

card. Otherwise, data may be lost.

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Using the Memory Stick Media

Your VAIO computer supports the Memory Stick media. Memory Stick media is a compact, portable, and versatile device
especially designed for exchanging and sharing digital data with compatible products, such as digital cameras, mobile phones
and other devices. Because it is removable, it can be used for external data storage.

For the latest information on Memory Stick media, visit the Sony online support Web site at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport
customers in USA and Canada, or at http://kdb.sony-latin.com/

for customers in Latin American countries or areas.

Write-protecting a Memory Stick Media

Some versions of Memory Stick media are designed with an erasure prevention switch to protect valuable data from accidental
erasure or overwriting.

Move the tab horizontally or vertically
saved on the Memory Stick media. When the erasure prevention switch is on, data can be read from but not saved on the Memory
Stick media.

*

to set or release write-protection. When the erasure prevention switch is off, data can be

for

* Some versions of Memory Stick media do not have an erasure prevention switch.

Using Your VAIO Computer

Inserting a Memory Stick Media

There are two ways you can insert a Memory Stick media into your computer:

❑ Using the Memory Stick media slot;
❑ Using a PC Card slot. To do this, you need an optional PC Card adapter.

You can only insert one Memory Stick media at a time.

To insert a Memory Stick media using the Memory Stick media slot

1 Insert the Memory Stick media with the arrow facing up and toward the Memory Stick media slot.
2 If your computer is equipped with the Memory Stick media slot cover, lift the slot cover.
3 Carefully slide the Memory Stick media into the slot until it clicks in place.

The Memory Stick media is automatically detected by your system and appears in your My Computer window as a local drive,

under the appropriate letter (depending on the configuration of your computer).

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✍

The location of the Memory Stick media slot depends on the model your purchased. See Locating Controls and Ports (page 11).

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Using Your VAIO Computer

!

Be sure to hold the Memory Stick media with the arrow pointing in the correct direction as you insert it into the slot. To avoid damaging the computer or

the Memory Stick media, do not force the Memory Stick media into the slot if it does not insert smoothly.

Do not insert more than one Memory Stick media into the Memory Stick media slot. Inserting the media improperly may damage the computer.

✍

Your computer supports Memory Stick Duo media. For more information on Memory Stick Duo media, visit the Memory Stick web site at

http://www.memorystick.com/en/

.

Viewing the Contents

Depending on the model you purchased, the Memory Stick window may appear when you insert a Memory Stick media. From
this window, you can choose to view, print, copy or organize your images or data stored on the Memory Stick media. If the
Memory Stick window does not appear when you insert the Memory Stick media, follow these steps:

To view the contents

1 Click Start and then My Computer.

The My Computer window appears.
2 Click Memory Stick.

The Memory Stick window appears, displaying the contents stored on the Memory Stick media.

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Formatting a Memory Stick Media

Memory Stick media is formatted for immediate use when you purchase it. If you need to reformat Memory Stick media, use the
Memory Stick Formatter software that is provided with the media. For more information about using Memory Stick Formatter,
see the Memory Stick Formatter help file.

!

Formatting Memory Stick media erases all data previously saved to it. Before you reformat Memory Stick media, confirm that the media does not contain

files you want to keep. Back up important data before formatting the media.

To format a Memory Stick media

1 Click Start, point to All Programs, Memory Stick Utility, and click Memory Stick Formatter.

The Memory Stick Formatter window appears.

2 Click Start Format, and follow the on-screen instructions.
3 After formatting, click Exit.

Removing a Memory Stick Media

To remove a Memory Stick media using the Memory Stick media slot

1 Check that the Memory Stick media indicator is off.
2 Push the Memory Stick media in toward the computer.

The Memory Stick media ejects.

3 Pull the Memory Stick media out of the slot.

!

Always remove the Memory Stick media gently, or it may pop out unexpectedly.

Do not remove the Memory Stick media while the Memory Stick media indicator is turned on. If you do, you may lose data. Large volumes of data may take

time to load, so be sure the indicator is off before removing the Memory Stick media.

Using Your VAIO Computer

Using the Internet

Setting Up a Dial-up Internet Connection

Before you can connect to the Internet, you need to connect your computer to a telephone line via a telephone cable (not
supplied). Once you set up your telephone cable, you're ready to connect to the Internet.

To connect a telephone cable

1 Plug one end of the phone cable (1) into the modem port on the computer.
2 Plug the other end into the wall jack (2).

✍

Your computer does not work with party lines, cannot be connected to a coin-operated telephone, and may not work with multiple telephone lines or a private

branch exchange (PBX). Some of these connections may result in excess electrical current and could cause a malfunction in the internal modem.

If you connect a telephone cable coming through a splitter, the modem or connected device may not work properly.

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To set up a dial-up connection to the Internet

1 Click Start, point to All Programs, Accessories, Communications, and click New Connection Wizard.

The New Connection Wizard appears.

2 Click Next. If the Location Information window appears, follow the on-screen instructions.
3 If it is not already selected, click to select Connect to the Internet, and click Next.
4 Follow the on-screen instructions.

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Using Wireless LAN (WLAN)

Using the Sony Wireless LAN (WLAN), all your digital devices with built-in WLAN functionality communicate freely with each other
through a powerful network. A WLAN is a network in which a user can connect to a local area network (LAN) through a wireless
(radio) connection. So there is no need anymore to pull cables or wires through walls and ceilings.

Please note that the Wireless LAN functionality is equipped on selected models only.
The Sony WLAN supports all normal Ethernet activities, but with the added benefits of mobility and roaming. You can still access

information, internet/intranet and network resources, even in the middle of a meeting, or as you move from one place to another.
You can communicate without an Access Point, which means that you can communicate between a limited number of computers

(ad-hoc). Or you can communicate through an Access Point, which allows you to create a full infrastructure network
(infrastructure).

✍

WLAN uses the IEEE802.11b/g standard, which specifies the used technology. The standard includes the encryption method: Wired Equivalent Privacy

(WEP), which is a security protocol and WiFi Protected Access (WPA - Proposed jointly by the IEEE and Wi-Fi Alliance, WiFi Protected Access is a

specification of standards based, interoperable security enhancements that increase the level of data protection and access control for existing WiFi

networks. WPA has been designed to be forward compatible with the IEEE802.11i specification. It utilizes the enhanced data encryption TKIP (Temporal Key

Integrity Protocol) in addition to user authentication using 802.1X and EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol)). Data encryption protects the vulnerable

wireless link between clients and Access Points. Besides that, there are other typical LAN security mechanisms to ensure privacy, such as: password

protection, end-to-end encryption, virtual private networks, and authentication.

Wireless LAN devices using the IEEE802.11a standard and the ones using the IEEE802.11b or g standard cannot communicate because the frequencies are

different.

IEEE802.11b: The standard speed is 11 Mbps, or about 30 to 100 times faster than a standard dial up.

IEEE802.11a/g: The standard speed is 54 Mbps, or about 5 times faster than a Wireless LAN device using the IEEE802.11b standard.

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Communicating without an Access Point (Ad-hoc)

An ad-hoc network is a network in which a local network is created only by the wireless devices themselves, with no other central
controller or Access Point. Each device communicates directly with other devices in the network. You can set up an ad-hoc
network easily at home.

To communicate without an Access Point (ad-hoc)

1 Turn on the WIRELESS LAN switch.

The

WIRELESS LAN indicator lights up.

2 Click Start and then Control Panel.
3 Click Network and Internet Connections.
4 Click Network Connections.

The Network Connections window appears.
5 Right-click Wireless Network Connection, then click Properties.

The Wireless Network Connection Properties window appears.
6 Select the Wireless Networks tab.
7 Click the Add… button.

The Wireless network properties window appears.
8 Enter a Network name (SSID)

You can choose a 32-digit alphanumeric name.
9 Select Open from the Network Authentication drop-down box.
10 Select WEP from the Data Encryption drop-down box.
11 Deselect the The key is provided for me automatically option button.

Some information becomes visible.
12 Enter the Network key

*1

The network key should be 5 or 13 alphanumeric characters or 10 or 26 hexadecimal

whatever you want.
13 Enter exactly the same Network key again, for confirmation.

*1

.

.

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Using Your VAIO Computer

*2

characters long. You can choose

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14 Select the check box This is a computer-to-computer (ad hoc) network; wireless access points are not used at the

bottom of the screen.
15 Click OK.

Yo u r Network name appears in the Preferred networks.
16 Click Advanced.

The Advanced window appears.

17 Select the Computer-to-computer (ad hoc) networks only option button.
18 Click Close.
19 Click OK.

Your computer is ready to communicate with another computer.

*1

If you want to communicate between two or more computers, you need to configure all these computers the exact same way. This means that you need to enter the same
Network name and the same Network key on all computers as on the first computer you configure.

*2

Hexadecimal: A number representation using the digits 0-9, with their usual meaning, plus the letters A-F (or a-f) to represent hexadecimal digits with values of (decimal) 10
to 15.

✍

An ad-hoc network does not support WPA.

Using Your VAIO Computer

To disconnect from a computer-to-computer (ad-hoc) network

1 Click Start and then Control Panel.
2 Click Network and Internet Connections.
3 Click Network Connections.

The Network Connections window appears.
4 In the right panel under LAN or High-Speed Internet, double-click Wireless Network Connection.

The Wireless Network Connection Status window appears.
5 Click Properties.

The Wireless Network Connection Properties window appears.
6 On the Wireless Networks tab, click Advanced.

The Advanced window appears.
7 Click to select Any available network (access point preferred), and click Close.
8 Click OK.
9 Click Close.
10 Turn off the WIRELESS LAN switch.

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Communicating with an Access Point (Infrastructure)

An infrastructure network is a network that extends an existing wired local network to wireless devices by providing an Access
Point, for example the Sony Access Point. The Access Point bridges the wireless and wired LAN and acts as a central controller
for the Wireless LAN. The Access Point coordinates transmission and reception from multiple wireless devices within a specific
range.

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To connect to a wireless network

Use the VAIO Wireless Utility to guide you through the set up process and provide you with more detailed information about
wireless connections.

1 Make sure an access point is set up. See the instructions that accompanied the access point for more information.
2 Turn on the WIRELESS LAN switch.

The

WIRELESS LAN indicator lights up.

3 Click Start, point to All Programs, and click VAIO Wireless Utility.

The VAIO Wireless Utility appears.
4 Follow the on-screen instructions.

To disconnect from a wireless network

❑ Turn off the WIRELESS LAN switch.

!

Turning off the wireless LAN functionality while accessing remote documents, files, or resources may result in data loss.

✍

The WPA key needs to contain at least 8 characters.

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Wireless LAN Channel Selection

In an 802.11b/g configuration, channel 1 to 11 can be used.

(a) With an Access Point ("Infrastructure")

❑ The channel used will be the channel selected by the Access Point.

!

For details on how to select the channel that will be used by the Access Point, see the access point manual.

(b) Without an Access Point ("ad-hoc")

❑ If the Wireless connection is initiated by the VAIO computer, channel 11 will be selected.
❑ If the Wireless connection is initiated by a peer Wireless LAN equipment, the Wireless LAN communication will make use of

the channel selected by the peer Wireless LAN equipment.

✍

The 2.4 GHz bandwidth used by wireless LAN compatible devices is also used by other various devices. Although technologies to minimize interference from

other devices that uses the same bandwidth are employed on wireless LAN compatible devices, such interference may cause lower communication speed,

narrower communication range, or broken wireless connections.

The communication speed varies depending on the distance between communication devices, existence of obstacles between such devices, the device

configuration, the radio conditions, and the software in use. In addition, communications may be cut off depending on the radio conditions.

The communication range varies depending on the actual distance between communication devices, existence of obstacles between such devices, the radio

conditions, the ambient environment that includes existence of walls and materials of such walls, and the software in use.

Deploying IEEE802.11b and IEEE802.11g products on the same wireless network may reduce the communication speed due to radio interference. Taking

this into consideration, the IEEE802.11g products are designed to reduce the communication speed to ensure communications with IEEE802.11b products.

When the communication speed is not as fast as expected, changing the wireless channel on the access point may increase the communication speed.

Using Peripheral Devices

You can add functionality to your computer by using the various ports on your unit.

❑ Connecting a Port Replicator (page 66)
❑ Using the Mouse (on Selected Models Only) (page 87)
❑ Connecting External Speakers (page 91)
❑ Using the Remote Commander (page 97)
❑ Connecting an External Display (page 100)
❑ Selecting Display Modes (page 108)
❑ Using the Multiple Monitors Function (page 111)
❑ Connecting an External Microphone (page 115)
❑ Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device (page 116)
❑ Connecting a Printer (page 119)
❑ Connecting an i.LINK Device (page 121)
❑ Connecting to a Network (LAN) (page 123)

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Connecting a Port Replicator

Attaching a port replicator enables you to connect additional peripherals to your computer, such as a printer and an external
display.

A port replicator may be delivered with your computer, depending on the model you purchased. If not, you can additionally
purchase an optional port replicator.

66

Locating Ports on the Port Replicator

A/V port replicator for VGN-A700 Series models

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A Composite Audio In jacks (page 68)
B Composite Video In jack (page 68)
C S Video In port (page 68)
D VHF/UHF port (page 79)

E Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports
F Monitor (VGA) port (page 101)
G Volume jack (page 93)
H DVI-D por t (page 101)
I Speaker jacks (right and left) (page 93)
J Optical Out port Output frequency (96 kHz/48 kHz/44 kHz/

Vari able)

K Network (Ethernet) port (1000BASE-T / 100BASE-TX /

10BASE-T) (page 123)

L Composite Audio Out jacks (page 106)
M Composite Video Out jack (page 106)
N S Video Out port (page 106)
O Printer port (page 119)

P Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports
Q DC In port (page 25)

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

*

(page 116)

*

(page 116)

67

✍

The printer port on this port replicator is intended for printer connections only.

Using Peripheral Devices

✍

To the A/V port replicator, you can connect an external video/audio source such as a video camera, VCR or DVD player. Connect your video/audio device's

video cable to the S Video In or Composite Vide In jack and the audio cable to the Composite Audio In Jacks.

Business port replicator for VGN-A700 Series models

A

Composite Audio In jacks (page 68)

B Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports
C Monitor (VGA) port (page 101)
D DVI-D por t (page 101)
E Optical Out port Output frequency (96 kHz/48 kHz/44 kHz/

Vari able)

F Network (Ethernet) port (1000BASE-T / 100BASE-TX /

10BASE-T) (page 123)

G Composite Audio Out jacks (page 106)
H Composite Video Out jack (page 106)
I S Video Out port (page 106)
J Printer port (page 119)

K Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports
L DC In port (page 25)

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

*

(page 116)

*

(page 116)

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✍

To the business port replicator, you can connect an external audio device such as a CD player. Connect your audio device's audio cable to the Composite

Audio In jack.

!

When a video cable is connected to each of the S Video Out and Composite Video Out jacks, the Composite Video Out jack is disabled.

Using Peripheral Devices

A/V port replicator for VGN-FS600 Series models

A

Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports* (page 116)

B Headphones/Speakers jack (page 91)
C Composite Video In jack (page 69)

D Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports
E DC In port (page 25)
F Network (Ethernet) port (100BASE-TX / 10BASE-T) (page 123)
G Monitor (VGA) port (page 101)
H Optical Out port Output frequency (96 kHz/48 kHz/44 kHz/

Vari able)

I Composite Audio In jacks (page 69)
J S Video In port (page 69)
K VHF/UHF port (page 79)

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

*

(page 116)

✍

To the A/V port replicator, you can connect an external video/audio source such as a video camera, VCR or DVD player. Connect your video/audio device's

video cable to the S Video In or Composite Vide In jack and the audio cable to the Composite Audio In Jacks.

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Using Peripheral Devices

Business port replicator for VGN-FS600 Series models

A DC In port (page 25)
B Network (Ethernet) port (100BASE-TX / 10BASE-T) (page 123)
C Monitor (VGA) port (page 101)
D Printer port (page 119)

E Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports

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

!

The port replicator can be powered only through the AC adapter supplied with your computer. Do not unplug the AC adapter from the port replicator and the

AC outlet while using the port replicator; this may cause data damage or hardware malfunctions.

✍

The printer port on the port replicator is intended for printer connections only.

*

(page 116)

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Attaching Your Computer to the Port Replicator

To attach your computer to the port replicator

VGN-A700 Series models

1 Disconnect all peripherals from the computer.
2 Plug the power cord (1) into the AC adapter and an AC outlet.
3 Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter (2) into the DC In port (3) on the port replicator (4).

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4 Open the port replicator connector cover.

5 Align the bottom connector of the computer with the connector on the port replicator and push down until it clicks into place.

6 Slide the lock switch to LOCK.

7 Turn on the computer.

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Using Peripheral Devices

VGN-FS600 Series models

1 Disconnect all peripherals from the computer.
2 Plug the power cord (1) into the AC adapter and an AC outlet.
3 Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter (2) into the DC In port (3) on the port replicator (4).

4 Open the port replicator connector cover.

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Using Peripheral Devices

5 Align the bottom connector of the computer with the connector on the port replicator and push down until it clicks into place.

!

When the A/V port replicator is attached to your computer, you cannot access the DC In port, the monitor (VGA) port, the third USB port from the front, and

the network (Ethernet) port on the computer.

✍

Use the AC adapter that comes with your computer or the optional Sony adapter.

!

Do not move your computer while attached to the port replicator; this may detach the port replicator and cause damage to the port replicator and the

computer.

Disconnecting Your Computer from the Port Replicator

!

To prevent loss of unsaved data, be sure to turn off your computer before disconnecting it from the port replicator.

To disconnect your computer from the port replicator

VGN-A700 Series models

1 Turn off the computer and the connected peripherals.
2 Slide the lock switch to UNLOCK.

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3 Lift the computer away from the port replicator.

4 Close the port replicator connector cover on the bottom of your computer.

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Using Peripheral Devices

VGN-FS600 Series models

1 Lift the computer away from the port replicator.

2 Close the port replicator connector cover on the bottom of your computer.

✍

It is extremely important to close the port replicator connector cover after disconnecting your computer from the port replicator. If the cover is left open,

dust may get inside and damage the computer.

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

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Using Peripheral Devices

Setting Up TV Connections (on Selected Models Only)

The best method of connecting your computer system, TV monitor or display, and cable service access, depends on the type of
cable connection available in your home.

TV signal reception strength will vary widely depending on service availability in your area as well as the type of connection
available.

✍

The A/V port replicator is supplied with certain audio and video cables. Depending on your in-home cable access, you may require extra cables, adapters or

connection equipment not supplied with your computer.

One primary cable to connect your computer to a TV cable or antenna is the TV coaxial cable (supplied with the A/V port
replicator). One end connects to the computer's VHF/UHF port, and the other end connects to the cable service access or
antenna.

A TV coaxial cable

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Using Peripheral Devices

Connecting to standard cable access (CATV)

To connect in CATV mode (Option 1)

1 Connect one end of the TV coaxial cable (1) (supplied) to your cable service access (wall outlet) (2).
2 Connect the other end of the coaxial cable to the VHF/UHF port (3) on the A/V port replicator.

To connect in CATV mode (Option 2)

1 Connect the two metal hooks on the 75-ohm/300-ohm RCA transformer cable (1) (optional) to your cable service access (wall

outlet) (2).
2 Connect the TV coaxial cable (3) (supplied) from the transformer end of the RCA transformer cable to the VHF/UHF port (4)

on the port replicator.

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Using Peripheral Devices

Connecting to a standard antenna

You can connect your computer to an indoor/outdoor antenna system, using Option 1 or Option 2 from the previous section,
Connecting to standard cable access (CATV) (page 80). Depending on the type of antenna system in your home, your
connection may require a VHF/UHF RF combiner/transformer (optional) to connect your computer and the indoor/outdoor
antenna system.

✍

If you are connecting to an indoor/outdoor antenna, you may need to reorient the antenna for best reception. Move the antenna cable away from other power

sources or connectors to reduce reception interference.

Your computer is supplied with certain audio and video cables. Depending on your in-home cable access, you may require extra cables, adapters or

connection equipment not supplied with your computer.

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To connect in terrestrial mode (Option 1)

1 Connect one end of a TV coaxial cable (1) (optional) to your antenna outlet (2). Connect the other end to a VHF/UHF RF

combiner/transformer (3) (optional).

2 Connect the coaxial cable feed connector (4) (optional) to the VHF/UHF RF combiner/transformer (3).
3 Connect the TV coaxial cable (5) (supplied) from the feed connector (4) to the VHF/UHF port (6) on the port replicator.

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Using Peripheral Devices

To connect in terrestrial mode (Option 2)

1 Connect one end of the antenna's 300-ohm twin lead cable (1) to the screw-type grips at your antenna outlet (2). Connect the

other end to the grips on the VHF/UHF RF combiner/transformer (3).

2 Connect the coaxial cable feed connector (4) (optional) to the VHF/UHF RF combiner/transformer (3).
3 Connect the TV coaxial cable (5) (supplied) from the feed connector (4) to the VHF/UHF port (6) on the port replicator.

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Using Peripheral Devices

Connecting with a cable or satellite set-top box (STB)

You can connect your computer to cable service access that uses a set-top box (cable or satellite). When using the set-top box
(STB) setup, you can only change channels through the STB, using its controls or supplied remote commander.

When using the STB setup:
❑ A standard TV remote control cannot be used to change TV channels. You can use your TV remote control to set the TV to

the channel-out number (channel 3, 4, etc.) or direct video input specified by your cable or satellite service provider.
❑ You may be able to use a universal remote control or commander to change TV channels, if the device is able to control the

STB.

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Using Peripheral Devices

To connect in STB mode (Option 1)

1 Connect one end of a TV coaxial cable (1) (optional) to your cable service access (wall outlet) (2). Connect the other end to

the VHF/UHF IN jack on the back panel of your set-top box (STB) (3).
2 Connect a second TV coaxial cable (4) (optional) to the VHF/UHF OUT jack on your STB unit (3). Connect the other end to

the single-connection end of a splitter device (5) (optional).
3 Connect a third TV coaxial cable (6) (supplied) to the double-connection end of the splitter device (5). Connect the other end

to the VHF/UHF port (7) on the port replicator.
4 Connect a fourth TV coaxial cable (8) (optional) to the double-connection end of the splitter device (5). Connect the other end

to the VHF/UHF port (9) on the rear of your TV monitor or display.

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Using Peripheral Devices

To connect in STB mode (Option 2)

1 Connect one end of the TV coaxial cable (1) (supplied) to your cable service access (wall outlet) (2). Connect the other end

to the VHF/UHF IN jack on the back panel of your set-top box (STB) (3).
2 Connect a second TV coaxial cable (4) (optional) to the VHF/UHF OUT jack on your STB unit (3). Connect the other end to

the VHF/UHF port (5) on the rear of your TV monitor or display.
3 Connect one end of a stereo A/V dubbing cable with triple RCA jacks (6) (optional), to the Composite Audio Out (L/R) jacks

(7) and the Video Out jack (8) on the back panel of your STB unit (3), matching the plug and jack colors.
4 Connect the other RCA jacks of the stereo A/V dubbing cable (6) into the Composite Audio In (L/R) jacks (9) and the

Composite Video In jack (10) on the A/V port replicator, matching the plug and jack colors.

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Using Peripheral Devices

Using the Mouse (on Selected Models Only)

Your computer includes a wireless optical mouse, which has no cables to plug in and uses a light-emitting diode (LED) instead

*

of a ball. You can use the mouse anywhere you feel comfortable within a range of approximately 31 inches (80 cm)
unit. Avoid using the mouse on a piece of glass or other transparent material; this can interfere with smooth cursor movement on
the screen.

* Effective usage distance depends on the environment.

A Left button

Click or double-click the left button to select items. To drag and
drop items, hold the left button down while sliding the mouse,
then release the button to drop the item.

B Central wheel

Rotate the central wheel to scroll up or down a page. Press the
wheel once to lock the scroll action and control the movement
by moving the entire mouse (the scroll function is available only
with applications that support it).

C Right button

Press the right button once to display a context-sensitive
shortcut menu (not always an active function).

D Power switch

Slide the switch to turn the mouse on and off. This will help you
save battery power.

E CONNECT button

Press to enable communication between your VAIO computer
and the wireless mouse.

of the main

Using Peripheral Devices

Before You Use the Mouse

Before using the wireless mouse, you must establish communication between the computer and the mouse.

To connect the wireless mouse

1 Insert the two specific AA batteries into the wireless mouse as shown.

2 Turn on the computer.
3 Press the CONNECT button (1) on the computer.

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Using Peripheral Devices

4 Turn over the wireless mouse, slide the power switch to the ON position, and press the CONNECT button.

Communication between the wireless mouse and the computer should now be established.

✍

Step 3 and 4 must be completed within 10 seconds of each other.

Two AA batteries, specific for use in the wireless mouse, are supplied with your computer. They are identified by a sticker "For mouse" on the packaging.

If your wireless mouse does not operate properly, the batteries may need to be replaced. If your wireless mouse is not being used for an extended period

of time, remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from battery leakage.

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Adjusting the Mouse Functions

1 Click Start and then Control Panel.
2 Click Printers and Other Hardware.
3 Click the Mouse.

The Mouse Properties window appears.
4 Change the settings.

To set up your mouse for left-handed users

1 Click the Buttons tab on the Mouse Properties window.
2 Select the option button next to Switch primary and secondary buttons.
3 Click OK.

The new mouse settings are now active.

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Using Peripheral Devices

Connecting External Speakers

A pair of external speakers is delivered with your computer for extended use of the VAIO Zone software.

External speakers for VGN-A700 Series models

A Volume control

The right speaker is equipped with the volume control. Turn this
control clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the speaker
volume.

B Infrared receiver for remote commander

The left speaker is equipped with the infrared receiver for
communications with the remote commander. Point your
remote commander to this sensor for operations.

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Using Peripheral Devices

External speakers for VGN-FS600 Series models

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Using Peripheral Devices

A Headphones jack
B Volume control

Turn clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the speaker
volume.

C Power button

Turns on and off the speakers.

To connect the external speakers

External speakers for VGN-A700 Series models

1 Attach your computer to an A/V port replicator.
2 Plug the volume cable (1) of the speaker to the Volume jack on the port replicator.
3 Plug the speaker cables (2) to the Speaker jacks.
4 Plug the USB cable (3) to one of the USB ports.

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Using Peripheral Devices

!

To use a remote commander for volume control, make sure to connect the speaker's USB cable to the USB port.

Make sure to place the external speakers in a stable position.

Do not grasp the depression on the front of the speaker to take hold of it.

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Using Peripheral Devices

External speakers for VGN-FS600 Series models

1 Attach your computer to an A/V port replicator.
2 Plug the power cord (1) to the AC adapter and a AC outlet.
3 Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter (2) to the right speaker (3).
4 Plug the cable from the left speaker (4) to the speaker L jack on the right speaker.
5 Plug the speaker cable (5) to the headphones jack on the port replicator.

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Using Peripheral Devices

You can also enhance the sound quality of your computer by connecting other external speakers directly to your computer.

To connect external speakers

1 Plug the speaker cable (1) into the headphones jack (2) i.
2 Plug the other end of the speaker cable to the external speaker (3).
3 Turn down the volume of the speakers before you turn them on.

✍

Make sure your speakers are designed for computer use.

!

Do not place floppy disks on the speakers; their magnetic field may damage the data on the disks.

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Using Peripheral Devices

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Using Peripheral Devices

Using the Remote Commander

A remote commander is delivered with your computer for extended use of the VAIO Zone software.
The infrared receiver for communications with the remote commander delivered with VGN-A700 Series models is located on the

supplied left external speaker. Make sure to attach your computer to the supplied A/V port replicator and connect the speakers
to your computer before using the remote commander.

If your computer is one of VGN-FS600 Series models, you need to connect the supplied external infrared receiver to your
computer before using the remote commander.

Using Peripheral Devices

A MUTING button

Turns off the external speakers. Press the MUTING button to
turn on the speakers.

B Channel buttons

Select the respective channels.

C Direct buttons

Activate individual features of VAIO Zone.

D Volume button

*

Increases

or decreases the speaker volume.

E Channel control button

Switches the channel in the ascending or descending order.

F STANDBY button

Puts the system into Standby mode.

G Operation buttons

Use these buttons for VAIO Zone operations.

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* With the remote commander, you can increase the volume only up to the level set by the volume control on the external speaker.

To connect the external infrared receiver to VGN-FS600 Series models

1 Choose the USB port (1) you prefer to use.
2 Plug the external infrared receiver cable (2) into the USB port.

You can now use your infrared receiver (3).

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Using Peripheral Devices

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Using Peripheral Devices

Connecting an External Display

You can connect an external display to your computer. For example, you can use your computer with a computer display or a
projector.

❑ Connecting a Computer Display (page 101)
❑ Connecting a Multimedia Computer Display (page 103)
❑ Connecting a TV (page 104)
❑ Connecting a Projector (page 107)

✍

Connect the power cord after connecting all other cables.

Connected external displays are used as second screens.

On Windows systems only, you can also use an external display to set up multiple monitors.