Sony VGN-S550P, VGN-S550PS, VGN-S560P, VGN-S560PB, VGN-S570P User Guide

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User Guide

Personal Computer

V G N - S 5 0 0 S e r i e s

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Contents
Before Use .........................................................................................................................................................................	6
Documentation.............................................................................................................................................................	6
Ergonomic Considerations ...........................................................................................................................................	8
Getting Started .................................................................................................................................................................	10
Locating Controls and Ports.......................................................................................................................................	11
About the Indicator Lights ..........................................................................................................................................	17
Connecting a Power Source ......................................................................................................................................	18
Using the Battery Pack ..............................................................................................................................................	19
Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .......................................................................................................................	24
Using Your VAIO Computer .............................................................................................................................................	25
Using the Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................................	26
Using the Touch Pad .................................................................................................................................................	27
Using Special-function Buttons ..................................................................................................................................	28
Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................	29
Using PC Cards .........................................................................................................................................................	37
Using the Memory Stick Media ..................................................................................................................................	40
Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................	44
Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) .....................................................................................................................................	45
Using the Bluetooth Functionality ..............................................................................................................................	54

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Using Peripheral Devices.................................................................................................................................................	59
Connecting a Port Replicator .....................................................................................................................................	60
Connecting External Speakers ..................................................................................................................................	66
Connecting an External Display .................................................................................................................................	67
Selecting Display Modes............................................................................................................................................	71
Using the Multiple Monitors Function.........................................................................................................................	74
Connecting an External Microphone..........................................................................................................................	77
Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device......................................................................................................	78
Connecting a Printer ..................................................................................................................................................	81
Connecting an i.LINK Device .....................................................................................................................................	83
Connecting to a Network (LAN) .................................................................................................................................	85
Customizing Your VAIO Computer ..................................................................................................................................	87
Setting the Password .................................................................................................................................................	88
Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Central ...........................................................................................................	90
Using the Power Saving Modes .................................................................................................................................	91
Managing Power with VAIO Power Management......................................................................................................	96
Upgrading Your VAIO Computer......................................................................................................................................	99
Adding and Removing Memory................................................................................................................................	100

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Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................	111
On Handling the LCD Screen ..................................................................................................................................	112
On Using the Power Source ....................................................................................................................................	113
On Handling Your Computer....................................................................................................................................	114
On Handling Floppy Disks .......................................................................................................................................	116
On Handling Discs ...................................................................................................................................................	117
On Using the Battery Pack.......................................................................................................................................	118
On Using Headphones.............................................................................................................................................	119
On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................	119
On Handling the Hard Disk ......................................................................................................................................	120
Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................	121
Computer .................................................................................................................................................................	123
System Security .......................................................................................................................................................	133
Battery......................................................................................................................................................................	135
Internet.....................................................................................................................................................................	137
Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................	139
Bluetooth Technology ..............................................................................................................................................	142
CDs and DVDs.........................................................................................................................................................	146
Display .....................................................................................................................................................................	150
Printing.....................................................................................................................................................................	152
Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................	153
Mouse ......................................................................................................................................................................	154
Speakers ..................................................................................................................................................................	155
Touch Pad................................................................................................................................................................	156

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Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................	158
Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................	159
PC Cards .................................................................................................................................................................	160
Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................	161
Memory Stick Media ................................................................................................................................................	162
Peripherals ...............................................................................................................................................................	163
Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................	164
Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................	164
Program Support Information...................................................................................................................................	167

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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.

Documentation

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

Printed Documentation

Welcome mat — Contains an overview of connections, setting up information, etc.

Safety information — Contains safety guidelines and owner information.

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Before Use

Non-printed Documentation

User Guide (this manual) — Contains features of your computer. It also includes information about the software programs included with your computer, as well as information on solving common problems.

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

1 Connect to the Internet.

2 Go to the Sony online support Web site at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport for customers in USA,

at http://www.sony.ca/support for customers in Canada, or at http://www.sony.com/lapcsupport for customers in Latin American countries or areas.

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

To access this online VAIO Recovery Options Guide:

1 Click Start, point to All Programs, and click VAIO Support Central.

2 Click VAIO Documentation.

3 Click Recovery Guide.

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Before Use

Ergonomic Considerations

You will be using your computer as a portable device in a variety of environments. Whenever possible, you should attempt to take account of the following ergonomic considerations to both stationary and portable environments:

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

Furniture and posture – Sit in a chair with good back support. Adjust the level of the chair so your feet are flat on the floor. A footrest may make you more comfortable. Sit in a relaxed, upright posture and avoid slouching forward or leaning far backwards.

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Before Use

Viewing angle of the computer's display – Use the display's tilting feature to find the best position. You can reduce eye strain and muscle fatigue by adjusting the tilt of the display to the proper position. Adjust the brightness setting of the display as well.

Lighting – Choose a location where windows and lights do not create glare and reflection on the display. Use indirect lighting to avoid bright spots on the display. You can also purchase accessories for your display that help reduce glare. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work effectiveness.

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

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Getting Started

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

Locating Controls and Ports (page 11)

About the Indicator Lights (page 17)

Connecting a Power Source (page 18)

Using the Battery Pack (page 19)

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 24)

Sony VGN-S550P, VGN-S550PS, VGN-S560P, VGN-S560PB, VGN-S570P User Guide

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Getting Started

Locating Controls and Ports

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

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

Front

A S1 button (page 28)

B S2 button (page 28)

C Num lock indicator (page 17)

D Caps lock indicator (page 17)

E Scroll lock indicator (page 17)

F LCD screen (page 112)

G Keyboard (page 26)

H Touch pad (page 27)

I Power indicator (page 17)

J Battery indicator (page 17)

K Hard disk drive indicator (page 17)

L Optical disc drive indicator (page 17)

M Memory Stick media indicator (page 17)

N WLAN (Wireless LAN) indicator* (page 17)

O Bluetooth indicator* (page 17)

P WIRELESS switch* (page 17)

* Wireless LAN and Bluetooth functionalities are available on selected models only.

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Getting Started

A Speakers

B Power button

C Optical disc drive (page 29)

D Manual eject hole (page 146)

E Drive eject button (page 29)

F Memory Stick media slot* (page 40)

G Air vent

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

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Getting Started

Back

A Battery connector (page 19)

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Getting Started

Right

A i.LINK® (IEEE1394) S400 port (page 83)

B Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports* (page 78)

C Air vent

D DC In port (page 18)

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

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Getting Started

Left

A Network (Ethernet) port (page 85)

B Modem port (page 44)

C Microphone jack (page 77)

D Headphones jack (page 66)

E Monitor (VGA) port (page 68)

F PC Card slot (page 37)

G PC Card eject button (page 39)

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Getting Started

Bottom

A Port replicator connector (page 60)

B 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 to the computer is on, blinks in Standby 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 is running out of power, and
		double-blinks when the battery is charging.

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

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

Hard disk		Illuminates when data is read from or written to the hard disk. Do not enter Standby mode or turn off the
Hard disk		computer when this indicator is on.
		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.
Num lock		The numeric keypad is not active when the indicator is off.
		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
Caps lock		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 Scr Lk indicator
Scroll lock		is off. The Scr Lk key functions differently depending on the program you are using and does not work with all

		programs.

Bluetooth	*	Illuminates when the WIRELESS switch is set to ON and Bluetooth technology is enabled.
	*


WIRELESS LAN		Illuminates when the wireless LAN function is running.

*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 the 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 attached to the AC adapter (3) into the DC In port (4) on the computer or on the (optional) port replicator.

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

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

Make sure that the AC outlet is easily accessible.

If you do not use the AC adapter for a long period of time, put the computer into Hibernate mode. See Using Hibernate Mode (page 94). This power saving mode saves you the time of shutting down in the normal way.

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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 purchase.

Installing the Battery Pack

To install the battery pack

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

2Slide the lock switch (1) to the UNLOCK position.

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

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Getting Started

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

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

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

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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 purchase.

To charge the battery pack

1Install the battery pack.

2Connect the AC adapter to the computer.

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

Battery indicator light status	Meaning

On	The computer is using battery power.

Blinks	The battery is running out of power.

Double blinks	The battery is charging.

Off	The computer is using AC power.

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Getting Started

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

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

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

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

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

For some software applications and some peripheral devices, the computer may not enter Hibernate mode even when battery life is low. To avoid loss of data when using battery power, you should save your data frequently and manually activate a power management mode, such as Standby or Hibernate. If the battery wears out when the computer enters Standby mode, you will lose any unsaved data. Going back to the previous work state is impossible. To avoid loss of data, you should save your data frequently.

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

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Getting Started

Removing the Battery Pack

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

To remove the battery pack

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

2Slide the lock switch (1) to the UNLOCK position.

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

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Getting Started

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely

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

To shut down your computer

1Turn off any peripherals connected to the computer.

2Click Start and then Turn Off Computer. The Turn off computer window appears.

3Click Turn Off.

4Respond 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

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

Using the Keyboard (page 26)

Using the Touch Pad (page 27)

Using Special-function Buttons (page 28)

Using the Optical Disc Drive (page 29)

Using PC Cards (page 37)

Using the Memory Stick Media (page 40)

Using the Internet (page 44)

Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 45)

Using the Bluetooth Functionality (page 54)

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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.

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

Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key

Some functions are not available until Windows is launched.

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

Fn + 8 (F5/F6): brightness control		Adjusts the brightness of the LCD.
		To increase lightness intensity, press Fn+F6 and then M or ,, or keep pressing Fn+F6.
		To decrease lightness intensity, press Fn+F5 and then m or <, or keep pressing Fn+F5.

Fn +	/T (F7): switch to the external display	Toggles between the LCD, external device (e.g. monitor) and both LCD and external device.
Fn +	/T (F7): switch to the external display

Fn +	(F12): Hibernate	Provides for the lowest level of power consumption. When you execute this command, the
Fn +	(F12): Hibernate	states of the system and the peripheral devices are written to the hard disk and the system

		power is turned off. To return the system to its original state, use the power switch to turn on the
		power.
		For details on power management, see Using the Power Saving Modes (page 91).

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Using Your VAIO Computer

Using the Touch Pad

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



	Action		Description

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

	Click		Press the left button (3) once.

	Double-click		Press the left button twice.

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

	Drag		Slide one finger while pressing the left button.

	Scroll		Move your finger along the right edge of the touch pad to scroll vertically. Move your finger along the bottom to scroll
			horizontally (the scroll function is available only with applications that support a touch pad scroll feature).

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Using Your VAIO Computer

Using Special-function Buttons

Your 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 and the S2 button toggles the display output between

S1/S2 buttons the LCD and external device. You can change these button assignments on the window for changing the S button assignments. To display this window, press and hold either button or launch and navigate through