Sony VGN-AR705E, VGN-AR705E/B, VGN-AR710E, VGN-AR710E/B, VGN-AR720E User Guide

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User Guide

Personal Computer

V G N - A R S e r i e s

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Contents
Before Use .........................................................................................................................................................................	6
Documentation.............................................................................................................................................................	7
Ergonomic Considerations.........................................................................................................................................	11
Getting Started .................................................................................................................................................................	13
Locating Controls and Ports.......................................................................................................................................	14
About the Indicator Lights ..........................................................................................................................................	21
Connecting a Power Source ......................................................................................................................................	23
Using the Battery Pack ..............................................................................................................................................	24
Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .......................................................................................................................	28
Using Your VAIO Computer .............................................................................................................................................	29
Using the Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................................	30
Using the Touch Pad .................................................................................................................................................	31
Using Special-function Buttons ..................................................................................................................................	32
Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...................................................................................................................	34
Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................	35
Using the TV Function ...............................................................................................................................................	45
Using PC Cards .........................................................................................................................................................	62
Using the ExpressCard Module .................................................................................................................................	65
Using the Memory Stick Media ..................................................................................................................................	69
Using Other Memory Cards .......................................................................................................................................	75
Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................	78

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Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) .....................................................................................................................................	80
Using the Bluetooth Functionality ..............................................................................................................................	87
Using Peripheral Devices.................................................................................................................................................	94
Connecting External Speakers ..................................................................................................................................	95
Connecting an External Display.................................................................................................................................	96
Selecting Display Modes..........................................................................................................................................	101
Using the Multiple Monitors Function.......................................................................................................................	102
Connecting an External Microphone........................................................................................................................	104
Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device....................................................................................................	105
Connecting a Printer ................................................................................................................................................	108
Connecting an i.LINK Device ...................................................................................................................................	109
Connecting to a Network (LAN) ...............................................................................................................................	111
Customizing Your VAIO Computer ................................................................................................................................	112
Setting the Password ...............................................................................................................................................	113
Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center..............................................................................................	116
Using the Power Saving Modes...............................................................................................................................	117
Managing Power with VAIO Power Management....................................................................................................	122
Upgrading Your VAIO Computer....................................................................................................................................	123
Adding and Removing Memory................................................................................................................................	124

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Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................	129
On Handling the LCD Screen ..................................................................................................................................	130
On Using the Power Source ....................................................................................................................................	131
On Handling Your Computer....................................................................................................................................	132
On Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...........................................................................................................	134
On Handling Floppy Disks .......................................................................................................................................	135
On Handling Discs ...................................................................................................................................................	136
On Using the Battery Pack.......................................................................................................................................	137
On Using Headphones.............................................................................................................................................	139
On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................	140
On Handling the Hard Disk ......................................................................................................................................	141
On Updating Your Computer ...................................................................................................................................	142
Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................	143
Computer .................................................................................................................................................................	145
System Security .......................................................................................................................................................	152
Battery......................................................................................................................................................................	154
Built-in MOTION EYE Camera.................................................................................................................................	156
Internet.....................................................................................................................................................................	159
Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................	161
Bluetooth Technology ..............................................................................................................................................	164
Optical Discs ............................................................................................................................................................	168
Display .....................................................................................................................................................................	173
Printing.....................................................................................................................................................................	178
Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................	179

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Mouse ......................................................................................................................................................................	180
Speakers..................................................................................................................................................................	181
Touch Pad................................................................................................................................................................	183
Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................	184
Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................	185
PC Cards .................................................................................................................................................................	186
Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................	188
Memory Stick Media ................................................................................................................................................	191
Peripherals...............................................................................................................................................................	192
Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................	193
Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................	193
Program Support Information...................................................................................................................................	197
Trademarks..............................................................................................................................................................	208

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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 experience.

!

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

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Before Use

Documentation

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

Printed Documentation

Welcome mat — Contains an overview of components connection, set-up information, etc.

Safety Information — Contains safety guidelines and owner information.

Non-printed Documentation

User Guide (this manual) — Explains features of your computer. It also includes information about the software programs included with your computer, as well as information on solving common problems. User Guide is provided in the PDF format, which you can easily browse through and print out.

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

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

1 Connect to the Internet.

2 Go to the Sony online support Web site at the following URLs: http://esupport.sony.com/EN/VAIO/ for customers in USA http://sony.ca/view/Computers_Bulletins.htm for customers in Canada

http://esupport.sony.com/ES/VAIO/ for customers in Spanish speaking Latin American countries or areas http://esupport.sony.com/ES/VAIO/BR/ for customers in Brazil

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Before Use

VAIO Recovery Center User Guide — Provides information about restoring individual software programs, software drivers, and drive partition(s) or your entire hard disk drive to the original factory installed settings.

To access this on-screen guide:

1 Click Start and Help and Support.

2 Click Manuals & Specifications.

3 Click VAIO Recovery Center User Guide.

RAID Guide (Selected models only) — Provides information about using RAID systems. To access this on-screen guide:

1 Click Start and Help and Support.

2 Click Manuals & Specifications.

3 Click Other Documents.

Media Center User Guide (Selected models only) — Provides information about using Windows Media Center. To access this on-screen guide:

1 Click Start and Help and Support.

2 Click Manuals & Specifications.

3 Click Media Center User Guide.

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Before Use

Help and Support

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

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

Manuals & Specifications

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

VAIO Support

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

Backup & Recovery

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

Wireless & Networking

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

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

Security

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

VAIO Sites

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

VAIO Tutorials

Sony provides guided help tutorials that help you accomplish a task. It can either perform the task for you or show you how to do it step by step.

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Before Use

VAIO Registration

Please take a moment to register your VAIO computer to enjoy the following benefits:

Your computer will be registered with Sony Product Support.

You will receive an e-coupon good for purchase of eligible accessories at SonyStyle.com.

Extended Service Plan

Sony VAIO products come with a 1 year Limited Warranty. Protect your investment further by purchasing an optional Extended Service Plan.

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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 for both stationary and portable environments:

Position of your computer – Place the computer directly in front of you (1). Keep your forearms horizontal (2), with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable position (3) while using the keyboard, touch pad, or external mouse. Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides. Have breaks during sessions with 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.

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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 level of the display as well.

Lighting – Choose a location where windows and lights do not cause glare and reflection on the display. Use indirect lighting to avoid bright spots on the display. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work efficiency.

Positioning an external display – When using an external display, set the display at a comfortable viewing distance. Make sure the display screen is at eye level or slightly lower when you are sitting in front of the monitor.

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Getting Started

Getting Started

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

!

Before starting your computer for the first time, do not connect any other hardware that did not originally come with your computer. Be sure to start up your computer with only the supplied accessories connected and set up your system. Upon completion, connect one device (for example, a printer, an external hard disk drive, a scanner, and so on) at a time, following the manufacturers' instructions.

Locating Controls and Ports (page 14)

About the Indicator Lights (page 21)

Connecting a Power Source (page 23)

Using the Battery Pack (page 24)

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 28)

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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 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.

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Getting Started

Front

		E Built-in speakers (stereo)
		F SONY logo lamp*1 (page 116)
		G Touch pad (page 31)
		H Power indicator (page 21)
		I Battery indicator (page 21)
		J Hard disk drive indicator (page 21)
		K Memory Stick indicator (page 21)
		L LCD screen lid LOCK/RELEASE switch
			Be sure to slide this switch to the LOCK position before moving
			your computer.
		M Remote sensor*1
			Point the supplied remote commander to this sensor for
			operations.
		N Remote sensor indicator*1 (page 21)
		O Built-in microphone (monaural)
		P SD memory card indicator (page 21)
		Q Memory Stick slot*2 (page 71)
		R SD memory card slot (page 75)
		S WIRELESS switch (page 80)
	A Built-in MOTION EYE camera (page 34)	T WLAN (Wireless LAN) indicator (page 21)
		U Bluetooth indicator*1 (page 21)
	B Built-in MOTION EYE camera indicator (page 21)
		*1	On selected models only.
	C LCD screen (page 130)
		*2
	D Keyboard (page 30)		Your computer supports both standardand Duo-size Memory Stick media.

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Getting Started

A Num lock indicator (page 21)

B Caps lock indicator (page 21)

C Scroll lock indicator (page 21)

D S1/S2 buttons (page 32)

E VOLUME buttons (page 32)

F Disc drive eject button (page 35)

G Muting button (page 32)

H Power button

I Power indicator (page 21)

J CHANNEL buttons* (page 32)

K TV REC button* (page 32)

L Play/Pause button (page 32)

M Stop button (page 32)

N Previous track button (page 32)

O Next track button (page 32)

P AV MODE button (page 32)

*On selected models only.

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Getting Started

Back

A VHF/UHF input port*1 (page 45)

B Air vent

C Security slot

D Battery connector (page 24)

E Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port*2 (page 105)

F DC IN port (page 23)

*1 On selected models only.

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

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Getting Started

Right

A Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports*1 (page 105)

B PC Card release button (page 64)

C PC Card slot (page 62)

D ExpressCard module release button (page 68)

E Universal ExpressCard slot (page 66)

F i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 port (page 109)

G AV In jack*2 *3

Connect an external device such as a VCR.

H S VIDEO INPUT port*2 *3

Connect an external device such as a VCR.

I S VIDEO OUTPUT port (page 98)

J HDMI port (page 98)

K Monitor (VGA) port (page 96)

L Network (Ethernet) port (page 111)

M Modem port (page 78)

*1

*2

*3

Support high-/full-/low- speeds.

On selected models only.

Parallel use of the AV In jack and the S VIDEO INPUT port will direct video signals to the S VIDEO INPUT port.

!

HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.

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Getting Started

Left

A OPTICAL OUT port

(Output Sampling Rate: 44.1 KHz/48.0 KHz/96.0 KHz) Connect an S/PDIF device such as digital headphones or an AV amplifier.

B Microphone jack (page 104)

C Headphones jack (page 95)

D Optical disc drive (page 35)

E Substitute drive eject button (page 35)/ Optical disc drive indicator (page 21)

F Manual eject hole (page 168)

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Getting Started

Bottom

A Air vents

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Getting Started

About the Indicator Lights

Your computer is equipped with the following indicator lights.

	Indicator	Functions
	Power 1	Illuminates when the power of the computer is on, blinks when the computer is in Sleep mode, and turns off
		when the computer is in Hibernate mode or off.
	Battery e	Illuminates when the computer is using battery power, blinks when the battery pack is running out of power, and
		double-blinks when the battery pack is charging.
	Memory Stick	Illuminates when data is read from or written to the Memory Stick media in the Memory Stick slot. (Do not enter
		Sleep mode or turn off the computer when this indicator is on.) When the indicator is off, the Memory Stick media
		is not being used.
	Built-in MOTION EYE camera	Illuminates while the built-in MOTION EYE camera is in use.
	SD memory card	Illuminates when data is read from or written to the media in the SD memory card slot. (Do not enter Sleep mode
		or turn off the computer when this indicator is on.) When the indicator is off, the memory card is not being used.
	Optical disc drive	Illuminates when data is read from or written to the optical disc media. When the indicator is off, the optical disc
		media is not being used.
	Remote sensor*	Illuminates upon reception of infrared signals from the remote commander.
	Hard disk drive	Illuminates when data is read from or written to the hard disk drive. Do not enter Sleep mode or turn off the
		computer when this indicator is on.
	Num lock	Press the Num Lk key to activate the numeric keypad. Press it a second time to deactivate the numeric keypad.
		The numeric keypad is not active when the indicator is off.
	Caps lock	Press the Caps Lock key to type letters in uppercase. Letters appear in lowercase if you press the Shift key
		while the indicator is on. Press the key a second time to turn off the indicator. Normal typing resumes when the
		Caps lock indicator is off.

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Getting Started

Indicator

Functions

Scroll lock

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

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

*On selected models only.

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Getting Started

Connecting a Power Source

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

Using the AC Adapter

Use your computer only with the supplied AC adapter.

To use the AC adapter

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

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

3Plug the cable connected 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.

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

Make sure that the AC outlet is easily accessible.

If you do not intend to use your computer for a long period of time, place the computer into Hibernate mode. See Using Hibernate Mode (page 120). This power saving mode saves the time of shutting down and resuming.

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Getting Started

Using the Battery Pack

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

Installing the Battery Pack

To install the battery pack

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

2Slide the battery lock switch (1) inward.

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

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

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

!

This computer is designed to operate only with genuine Sony batteries.

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Getting Started

Charging the Battery Pack

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

To charge the battery pack

1Install the battery pack.

2Connect the AC adapter to the computer.

The computer automatically charges the battery pack (the battery indicator light flashes in a double blink pattern as the battery pack charges). When the battery pack is about 85% charged, the battery indicator turns off.

Battery indicator light status	Meaning
On	The computer is using battery power.
Blinks	The battery pack is running out of power.
Double blinks	The battery pack is charging.
Off	The computer is using AC power.

!

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

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Getting Started

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Getting Started

Removing the Battery Pack

!

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

To remove the battery pack

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

2Slide the battery lock switch (1) inward.

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

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Getting Started

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely

To avoid losing unsaved data, be sure to shut down your computer properly, as described below.

To shut down your computer

1Turn off any peripherals connected to the computer.

2Click Start, the arrow next to the Lock button, and Shut Down.

3Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents or to consider other users and wait for the computer to turn off automatically.

The power indicator light turns off.

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Using Your VAIO Computer

Using Your VAIO Computer

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

Using the Keyboard (page 30)

Using the Touch Pad (page 31)

Using Special-function Buttons (page 32)

Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera (page 34)

Using the Optical Disc Drive (page 35)

Using the TV Function (page 45)

Using PC Cards (page 62)

Using the ExpressCard Module (page 65)

Using the Memory Stick Media (page 69)

Using Other Memory Cards (page 75)

Using the Internet (page 78)

Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 80)

Using the Bluetooth Functionality (page 87)

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Using Your VAIO Computer

Using the Keyboard

Your keyboard is very similar to a desktop computer keyboard, but has additional keys that perform model-specific tasks.

Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key

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

	Combinations/Feature		Functions
	Fn + 8 (F5/F6): brightness control		Adjusts the LCD brightness of your computer screen.
			To increase lighting intensity, press Fn+F6 and then M or ,, or keep pressing Fn+F6.
			To decrease lighting intensity, press Fn+F5 and then m or <, or keep pressing Fn+F5.
	Fn +	/T (F7): display output	Toggles among your computer screen, an external display, and simultaneous output to both.
	Fn +	(F10): zoom	Changes the screen resolution to magnify/restore your computer's screen view.
			The magnified view is not as clear as the standard view, as it is implemented by applying a lower resolution
			to the computer screen with a higher resolution.
			This key combination may not work with graphic images as it magnifies the screen view by changing the
			resolution.
			The location and size of software windows may change when the screen view is magnified or the standard
			view is restored because pressing this key combination changes the resolution.
			When your computer's screen view is magnified, switching the view to the external display disables the
			function and restores the standard view.
	Fn +	(F12): Hibernate	Provides for the lowest level of power consumption. When you execute this command, the
			states of the system and the connected peripheral devices are written to the hard disk drive and
			the system power is turned off. To return the system to its original state, use the power button
			to turn on the power.
			For details on power management, see Using the Power Saving Modes (page 117).