Operating Instructions - Hardware Guide
Personal Computer
VGN-AW Series
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Contents
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Before Use.......................................................................... 4
Finding More about Your VAIO Computer .................... 5
Ergonomic Considerations ............................................ 7
Getting Started.................................................................... 9
Locating Controls and Ports........................................ 10
About the Indicator Lights ........................................... 17
Connecting a Power Source ....................................... 18
Using the Battery Pack................................................ 19
Shutting Down Your Computer Safely ........................ 26
Updating Your Computer ............................................ 27
Using Your VAIO Computer.............................................. 28
Using the Keyboard..................................................... 29
Using the Touch Pad................................................... 30
Using Special-function Buttons ................................... 31
Using the Built-in Camera ........................................... 33
Using the Optical Disc Drive ....................................... 34
Using the Memory Stick .............................................. 42
Using Other Modules / Memory Cards ........................ 47
Using the Internet ........................................................ 56
Using the Network (LAN) ............................................ 58
Using the Wireless LAN .............................................. 59
Using the Bluetooth Function ...................................... 66
Using Fingerprint Authentication ................................. 71
Using Peripheral Devices..................................................78
Connecting External Speakers or Headphones ..........79
Connecting an External Display ..................................80
Selecting Display Modes .............................................87
Using the Multiple Monitors Function ..........................89
Connecting an External Microphone ...........................92
Connecting a USB Device ...........................................93
Connecting an i.LINK Device.......................................95
Customizing Your VAIO Computer....................................97
Setting the Password...................................................98
Using the VAIO Control Center .................................105
Using the Power Saving Modes ................................106
Using the VAIO Power Management.........................111
Changing the Display Language ...............................113
Upgrading Your VAIO Computer.....................................114
Adding and Removing Memory .................................115
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Precautions..................................................................... 121
Handling the LCD Screen ......................................... 122
Using the Power Source ........................................... 123
Handling Your Computer........................................... 124
Handling the Built-in Camera .................................... 127
Handling Discs .......................................................... 128
Using the Battery Pack.............................................. 129
Using Headphones.................................................... 130
Handling the Memory Stick ....................................... 131
Handling the Built-in Storage Device ........................ 132
Using Fingerprint Authentication ............................... 133
Troubleshooting .............................................................. 134
Computer .................................................................. 136
System Security ........................................................ 142
Battery....................................................................... 143
Built-in Camera ......................................................... 145
Networking ................................................................ 147
Bluetooth Technology ............................................... 152
Optical Discs ............................................................. 156
Display ...................................................................... 160
Printing ...................................................................... 164
Microphone ............................................................... 165
Speakers ................................................................... 166
Touch Pad................................................................. 167
Keyboard ...................................................................168
Floppy Disks ..............................................................169
Audio/Video ...............................................................170
Memory Stick .............................................................173
Peripherals ................................................................174
Trademarks .....................................................................175
Notice ..............................................................................177
Before Use >
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Before Use
Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer, and welcome to the on-screen User Guide. Sony has
combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing, and communications to provide state-of-the-art personal
computing experience.
!
External views illustrated in this manual may look slightly different from those of your computer.
Information in the supplied manuals including this User Guide is intended for users of the VAIO computers with the Microsoft® Windows Vista®
32-bit operating system. You may find differences in the information when your computer comes preinstalled with the 64-bit operating system.
How to find specifications
Some features, options, and supplied items may not be available on your computer.
To find out about the configuration of your computer, see the Specifications (supplied with your computer).
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Before Use >
Finding More about Your VAIO Computer
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Finding More about Your VAIO Computer
This section provides support information about your VAIO computer.
1. Printed Documentation
❑ Quick Start Guide — An overview of components connection, set-up information, etc.
❑ Specifications — The hardware configurations of your VAIO computer.
❑ Troubleshooting and Recovery Guide
❑ Safety Regulations
2. On-screen Documentation
❑ VAIO Manual — General information and technical assistance for your VAIO computer.
To access VAIO Manual, double-click VAIO Manual on the desktop.
❑ Windows Help and Support — A comprehensive resource for practical advice, tutorials, and demonstrations to help you
learn to use your computer.
To access Windows Help and Support, click Start and Help and Support, or press and hold the Microsoft Windows
key and press the F1 key.
Before Use >
Finding More about Your VAIO Computer
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3. Support Web Sites
If you have any problem with the computer, you can visit the following VAIO online web sites for troubleshooting:
❑ http://www.sony-asia.com/support/vaio/
❑ http://scs.sony.co.kr/
❑ http://service.sony.com.tw/
Before contacting VAIO Helpdesk by telephone, try to solve the problem by reading the supplied documentation and visiting
other Sony web sites.
❑ For other Sony products, visit the web site at http://www.sony.net
❑ For available optional accessories, visit the following web sites:
❑ http://vaio-online.sony.com/
❑ http://vaio-online.sony.co.kr/
❑ http://www.sonystyle.com.tw/vaio/
(Korean)
(Traditional Chinese)
(English)
(Korean)
(English)
.
(Traditional Chinese)
Before Use >
Ergonomic Considerations
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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 or the pointing device. Let your upper arms hang
naturally at your sides. Take frequent breaks while using your computer. Excessive use of the computer may strain eyes,
muscles, or tendons.
❑ Furniture and posture – Sit in a chair with good back support. Adjust the level of the chair so your feet are flat on the
floor. A footrest may make you more comfortable. Sit in a relaxed, upright posture and avoid slouching forward or leaning
far backwards.
Before Use >
Ergonomic Considerations
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❑ Viewing angle of the computer's display – Use the display's tilting feature to find the best position. You can reduce eye
strain and muscle fatigue by adjusting the tilt of the display to the proper position. Adjust the brightness level of the display
as well.
❑ Lighting – Choose a location where windows and lights do not cause glare and reflection on the display. Use indirect
lighting to avoid bright spots on the display. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work efficiency.
❑ Positioning an external display – When using an external display, set the display at a comfortable viewing distance.
Make sure the display screen is at eye level or slightly lower when you are sitting in front of the monitor.
Getting Started >
Getting Started
This section describes how to get started using your VAIO computer.
❑ Locating Controls and Ports (page 10)
❑ About the Indicator Lights (page 17)
❑ Connecting a Power Source (page 18)
❑ Using the Battery Pack (page 19)
❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 26)
❑ Updating Your Computer (page 27)
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Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports
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 >
Locating Controls and Ports
Front
A Built-in MOTION EYE camera (page 33)
B Built-in MOTION EYE camera indicator (page 17)
C Built-in microphone (monaural)
D LCD screen (page 122)
E Built-in speakers (stereo)
F Fingerprint sensor
*1
(page 71)
G Numeric keypad
Use the numeric keypad to type numbers or to perform basic
math calculations.
H Keyboard (page 29)
I Touch pad (page 30)
J Charge indicator (page 17)
K Disc drive indicator (page 17)
L WIRELESS indicator (page 17)
M Media Access indicator (page 17)
N Memory Stick slot
*2
(page 42)
O WIRELESS switch (page 59), (page 66)
P SD memory card slot (page 49)
*1
On selected models only.
*2
Your computer supports both the standard-size Memory Stick and the Duosize Memory Stick.
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Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports
A S1/S2 buttons (page 31)
B Play/Pause button (page 31)
C Stop button (page 31)
D Previous track button (page 31)
E Next track button (page 31)
F AV MODE button (page 31)
G Num lock indicator (page 17)
H Caps lock indicator (page 17)
I Scroll lock indicator (page 17)
J Muting button (page 32)
K Volume control buttons (page 32)
L Drive eject button (page 32), (page 34)
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Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports
Back
A Battery connector (page 19)
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Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports
Right
A Headphones/OPTICAL OUT jack (page 79)
(Optical Output Sampling Rate: 44.1 KHz/48.0 KHz/96.0 KHz)
B Microphone jack (page 92)
C Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports
D Optical disc drive (page 34)
E Optical disc drive indicator (page 17)
F Substitute drive eject button (page 34)
G Manual eject hole (page 156)
H Network (Ethernet) port (page 58)
I Power button/Power indicator (page 17)
* Support high-/full-/low- speeds.
*
(page 93)
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Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports
Left
A DC IN port (page 18)
B Security slot
C Air vent
D Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port
E Monitor port (page 81)
F HDMI output port (page 81)
G ExpressCard/34 slot (page 47)
H CF (CompactFlash) memory card slot (page 52)
I CF memory card release button (page 52)
J CF memory card indicator (page 17)
K i.LINK 4-pin (S400) port (page 95)
* Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.
*
(page 93)
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Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports
Bottom
A Subwoofer speakers for bass frequencies
B Air vents
C Memory module compartment cover (page 115)
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Getting Started >
About the Indicator Lights
About the Indicator Lights
Your computer is equipped with the following indicator lights:
Indicator Functions
Power 1 Illuminates in green when the computer is on, blinks slowly in orange while the computer is in Sleep mode, and
Charge
Built-in MOTION EYE camera Illuminates while the built-in MOTION EYE camera is in use.
Media Access Illuminates while data is being read from or written to a memory card. (Do not place the computer into Sleep
CF memory card Illuminates while data is being read from or written to a CF memory card. (Do not place the computer into Sleep
Optical disc drive Illuminates while the drive is reading or writing data. When the indicator is unlit, the optical disc media is not in
Disc drive
Num lock
Caps lock
Scroll lock
WIRELESS Illuminates when one or more wireless options are enabled.
turns off when the computer is off or in Hibernate mode.
Illuminates while the battery pack is charging. See Charging the Battery Pack (page 22) for more information.
mode or turn it off when this indicator is lit.) When the indicator is unlit, the memory card is not in use.
mode or turn it off when this indicator is lit.) When the indicator is unlit, the CF memory card is not in use.
use.
Illuminates while the built-in storage device or the optical disc drive is running to read or write data.
Do not place the computer into Sleep mode or turn it off when this indicator is lit.
Press the Num Lk key to activate the numeric keypad. Press it a second time to deactivate the numeric keypad.
The numeric keypad is not active when the indicator is unlit.
Press the Caps Lock key to type letters in uppercase. Letters appear in lowercase if you press the Shift key
while the indicator is lit. Press the key a second time to turn off the indicator. Normal typing resumes when the
Caps lock indicator is unlit.
Press the Fn+Scr Lk keys to change how you scroll the display. Normal scrolling resumes when the Scroll lock
indicator is unlit. The Scr Lk key functions differently depending on the program you are using and does not
work with all programs.
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Getting Started >
Connecting a Power Source
Connecting a Power Source
You can use either an AC adapter or a rechargeable battery pack for supplying power to your computer.
Using the AC Adapter
✍
Use only the supplied AC adapter for your computer.
To use the AC adapter
1 Plug one end of the power cord (1) into the AC adapter (3).
2 Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet (2).
3 Plug the cable connected to the AC adapter (3) into the DC IN port (4) on the computer.
!
The shape of the DC In plug varies depending on the AC adapter.
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✍
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 109).
Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack
Using the Battery Pack
The battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of delivery.
Installing the Battery Pack
To install the battery pack
1 Turn off the computer and close the LCD screen lid.
2 Slide the battery LOCK switch (1) inward.
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Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack
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3 Slide the battery pack diagonally into the battery compartment until the projections (2) on either side of the battery
compartment fit into the U-shaped cuts (3) on either side of the battery pack.
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Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack
4 Push the battery pack down into the compartment until it clicks into place.
5 Slide the battery LOCK switch outward to secure the battery pack on the computer.
✍
When your computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack installed, it uses power from the AC outlet.
!
For your safety, it is highly recommended that you use genuine Sony rechargeable battery packs and AC adapters that meet the quality assurance
standards and supplied by Sony for your VAIO computer. Some VAIO computers may operate only with genuine Sony battery packs.
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Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack
Charging the Battery Pack
The battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of delivery.
To charge the battery pack
1 Install the battery pack.
2 Connect the computer to a power source with the AC adapter.
The charge indicator light turns on while the battery pack is charging. When the battery pack charges close to the
maximum charge level you selected with the battery charge functions, the charge indicator turns off. To select your desired
maximum charge level, see Using the Battery Charge Functions (page 24).
Charge indicator status Meaning
Lit in orange The battery pack is charging.
Blinks along with the green power
indicator
Blinks along with the orange power
indicator
Blinks fast in orange A battery error has occurred due to a failed battery
The battery pack is running out of power. (Normal
mode)
The battery pack is running out of power. (Sleep mode)
pack or an unlocked battery pack.
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!
Charge the battery pack as described in this manual from your first battery charge.
Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack
✍
Keep the battery pack in your computer while it is directly connected to AC power. The battery pack continues to charge while you are using the
computer.
If the battery charge level falls below 10%, you should either connect the AC adapter to recharge the battery pack or shut down your computer and
install a fully charged battery pack.
Your computer is supplied with a lithium ion battery pack and can be recharged any time. Charging a partially discharged battery pack does not affect
the life of battery.
While some software applications or peripheral devices are in use, your computer may not enter Hibernate mode even when the remaining battery life
is short. 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 >
Using the Battery Pack
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Using the Battery Charge Functions
You can customize the current battery charging method using the Battery Charge Functions. To make the life of battery
longer, enable the battery care function.
To enable the battery care function
1 Click Start, All Programs, and VAIO Control Center.
2 Click Power Management and then Battery Charge Functions.
3 Click Advanced.
4 Click to select the Enable Battery Care Function check box.
5 Select the desired maximum charge level.
6 Click OK.
To check the battery charge capacity
Follow steps 1 to 3 in To enable the battery care function above and check detailed information. If the battery charge
capacity is low, replace the battery pack with a new genuine Sony battery pack.
Using the Battery Life Conserving Wallpaper
You can conserve your battery life just by setting the specific wallpaper as your desktop background.
To set the battery life conserving wallpaper
1 Click Start, All Programs, and VAIO Control Center.
2 Click Display and then Long Battery Life Wallpaper Setting.
3 Click Set Long Battery Life Wallpaper.
At the confirmation prompt, click OK.
Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack
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Removing the Battery Pack
!
You may lose data if you remove the battery pack while your computer is on and not connected to the AC adapter or if you remove the battery pack
while the computer is in Sleep mode.
To remove the battery pack
1 Turn off the computer and close the LCD screen lid.
2 Slide the battery LOCK switch (1) inward.
3 Slide and hold the battery RELEASE latch (2) inward, put your fingertip underneath the tab (3) on the battery pack, and
lift the battery pack in the direction of the arrow, and then slide it away from the computer.
Getting Started >
Shutting Down Your Computer Safely
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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 the computer.
2 Click Start, the arrow next to the Lock button, and then Shut Down.
3 Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents or to consider other users and wait for the computer to turn off
automatically.
The power indicator light turns off.
Getting Started >
Updating Your Computer
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Updating Your Computer
Be sure to install the latest updates on your computer with the following software applications so that the computer can run
more efficiently.
❑ Windows Update
Click Start, All Programs, and Windows Update and then follow the on-screen instructions.
❑ VAIO Update 4
Click Start, All Programs, VAIO Update 4, and VAIO Update Options and then follow the on-screen instructions.
!
Your computer must be connected to the Internet to download the updates.
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 29)
❑ Using the Touch Pad (page 30)
❑ Using Special-function Buttons (page 31)
❑ Using the Built-in Camera (page 33)
❑ Using the Optical Disc Drive (page 34)
❑ Using the Memory Stick (page 42)
❑ Using Other Modules / Memory Cards (page 47)
❑ Using the Internet (page 56)
❑ Using the Network (LAN) (page 58)
❑ Using the Wireless LAN (page 59)
❑ Using the Bluetooth Function (page 66)
❑ Using Fingerprint Authentication (page 71)
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Using Your VAIO Computer >
Using the Keyboard
Using the Keyboard
Your keyboard has additional keys that perform model-specific tasks.
Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key
✍
Some keyboard functions can be used only after the operating system is finished launching.
Combinations/Feature Functions
Fn + 8 (F5/F6): brightness control Changes the LCD brightness of your computer screen.
Fn + /T (F7): display output
Fn + / (F9/F10): zoom
Fn + (F12): hibernate
To increase lighting intensity, keep pressing the Fn+F6 keys or press the Fn+F6 keys and then
the M or , key.
To decrease lighting intensity, keep pressing the Fn+F5 keys or press the Fn+F5 keys and then
the m or < key.
Toggles among your computer screen, an external display, and simultaneous output to both.
Changes the size of an image or a document displayed on some software.
To make the view look smaller and further away (zoom out), press the Fn+F9 keys.
To make the view look bigger and closer (zoom in), press the Fn+F10 keys.
See the help file included with the VAIO Control Center for more information.
Provides the lowest level of power consumption. When you execute this command, the states
of the system and the connected peripheral devices are saved to the built-in storage device 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 106).
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Using Your VAIO Computer >
Using the Touch Pad
Using the Touch Pad
You can point to, select, drag, and scroll objects on the screen using the touch pad.
Action Description
Point Slide your finger on the touch pad (1) to place the pointer (2) on an item or object.
Click Press the left button (3) once.
Double-click Press the left button twice in a row.
Right-click Press the right button (4) once. In many applications, this action displays a shortcut menu.
Drag Slide your finger on the touch pad while pressing the left button.
Scroll Slide your finger along the right edge of the touch pad to scroll vertically. Slide your finger along the bottom edge to scroll
horizontally (the scroll function is available only with applications that support a touch pad scroll feature).
✍
You can disable/enable the touch pad while a mouse is connected to your computer. To change the touch pad settings, use the VAIO Control Center.
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!
Be sure to connect a mouse before disabling the touch pad. If you disable the touch pad before connecting a mouse, you will be able to use only the
keyboard for pointer operations.
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