Sony VGN-NR220E, VGN-NR220E/S, VGN-NR240E, VGN-NR260E, VGN-NR260E/S User Guide

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User Guide

Personal Computer

V G N - N 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 ..........................................................................................................................................	19
Connecting a Power Source ......................................................................................................................................	20
Using the Battery Pack ..............................................................................................................................................	21
Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .......................................................................................................................	25
Using Your VAIO Computer .............................................................................................................................................	26
Using the Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................................	27
Using the Touch Pad .................................................................................................................................................	29
Using Special-function Buttons ..................................................................................................................................	30
Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................	31
Using the ExpressCard Module .................................................................................................................................	40
Using the Memory Stick Media ..................................................................................................................................	43
Using Other Memory Cards .......................................................................................................................................	50
Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................	53
Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) .....................................................................................................................................	55

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Using Peripheral Devices.................................................................................................................................................	62
Connecting External Speakers ..................................................................................................................................	63
Connecting an External Display.................................................................................................................................	64
Selecting Display Modes............................................................................................................................................	67
Using the Multiple Monitors Function.........................................................................................................................	68
Connecting an External Microphone..........................................................................................................................	70
Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device......................................................................................................	71
Connecting a Printer ..................................................................................................................................................	74
Connecting an i.LINK Device .....................................................................................................................................	75
Connecting to a Network (LAN) .................................................................................................................................	77
Customizing Your VAIO Computer ..................................................................................................................................	78
Setting the Password .................................................................................................................................................	79
Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center................................................................................................	82
Using the Power Saving Modes.................................................................................................................................	83
Managing Power with VAIO Power Management......................................................................................................	88
Upgrading Your VAIO Computer......................................................................................................................................	89
Adding and Removing Memory..................................................................................................................................	90

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Precautions ......................................................................................................................................................................	96
On Handling the LCD Screen ....................................................................................................................................	97
On Using the Power Source ......................................................................................................................................	98
On Handling Your Computer......................................................................................................................................	99
On Handling Floppy Disks .......................................................................................................................................	101
On Handling Discs ...................................................................................................................................................	102
On Using the Battery Pack.......................................................................................................................................	103
On Using Headphones.............................................................................................................................................	105
On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................	106
On Handling the Hard Disk ......................................................................................................................................	107
On Updating Your Computer ...................................................................................................................................	108
Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................	109
Computer .................................................................................................................................................................	111
System Security .......................................................................................................................................................	118
Battery......................................................................................................................................................................	120
Internet.....................................................................................................................................................................	122
Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................	124
Optical Discs ............................................................................................................................................................	127
Display .....................................................................................................................................................................	131
Printing.....................................................................................................................................................................	135
Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................	136
Mouse ......................................................................................................................................................................	137
Speakers..................................................................................................................................................................	138
Touch Pad................................................................................................................................................................	139

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Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................	140
Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................	141
Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................	142
Memory Stick Media ................................................................................................................................................	143
Peripherals...............................................................................................................................................................	144
Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................	145
Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................	145
Program Support Information...................................................................................................................................	149
Trademarks..............................................................................................................................................................	160

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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.

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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://esupport.sony.com/CA 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.

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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.

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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 19)

Connecting a Power Source (page 20)

Using the Battery Pack (page 21)

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 25)

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Getting Started

Locating Controls and Ports

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

Front

A S1 button (page 30)

B AV MODE button (page 30)

C Num lock indicator (page 19)

D Caps lock indicator (page 19)

E Scroll lock indicator (page 19)

F Power button

G LCD screen (page 97)

H Built-in speakers (stereo)

I Keyboard (page 27)

J Touch pad (page 29)

K SD memory card slot (page 50)

L Media Access indicator (page 19)

M Memory Stick slot* (page 45)

N Power indicator (page 19)

O Battery indicator (page 19)

P Hard disk drive indicator (page 19)

Q WIRELESS LAN (Wireless LAN) indicator (page 19)

R WIRELESS LAN switch (page 55)

* Your computer supports both standardand Duo-size Memory Stick media.

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Getting Started

Back

A DC IN port (page 20)

B Battery connector (page 21)

C Network (Ethernet) port (page 77)

D Modem port (page 53)

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Getting Started

Right

A ExpressCard/34 slot (page 40)

B Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports* (page 71)

C i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 port (page 75)

D Headphones jack (page 63)

E Microphone jack (page 70)

F Monitor (VGA) port (page 64)

G Air vent

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

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Getting Started

Left

A Security slot

B Optical disc drive (page 31)

C Optical disc drive indicator (page 19)

D Drive eject button (page 31)

E Manual eject hole (page 127)

F Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports* (page 71)

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

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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.
	Media Access	Illuminates when data is read from or written to a memory card. (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.
	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.
	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.
	Wireless LAN	Illuminates when the wireless LAN functionality is enabled.

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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.

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 86). 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.

3Slide 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.

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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.

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Getting Started

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

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

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

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 27)

Using the Touch Pad (page 29)

Using Special-function Buttons (page 30)

Using the Optical Disc Drive (page 31)

Using the ExpressCard Module (page 40)

Using the Memory Stick Media (page 43)

Using Other Memory Cards (page 50)

Using the Internet (page 53)

Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 55)

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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 + % (F2): speaker switch		Turns on and off the built-in speakers and the headphones.
Fn + 2 (F3/F4): speaker volume		Adjusts the built-in speaker volume.
		To increase the volume, press Fn+F4 and then M or ,, or keep pressing Fn+F4.
		To decrease the volume, press Fn+F3 and then m or <, or keep pressing Fn+F3.
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.

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Using Your VAIO Computer

	Combinations/Feature		Functions
	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 83).

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Using Your VAIO Computer

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.
	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 to suit your preference for using the mouse. See Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center (page 82) to launch VAIO Control Center. Once launched, select the topic on the pointing device and see the help file for the detailed instructions.

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Be sure to connect a mouse before disabling the touch pad. If you disable the touch pad without connecting a mouse, you will be able to use only the keyboard for pointer operations.

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Using Your VAIO Computer

Using Special-function Buttons

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

Special-function button

Functions

By default, the S1 button turns the volume on and off.

S1 button

The default button assignment may be different from the above. In such a case, you can change the assignment in the window for changing the S1 button assignment. To display this window, press and hold the button or launch and navigate through VAIO Control Center.

See the help file on VAIO Control Center for the S1 button assignment.

Launches VAIO Launcher for selecting the desired software.

AV MODE button You can change the default software options in VAIO Launcher. To do so, press and hold the AV MODE button to display the setup window.