Sony VGN-SR410J, VGN-SR410J/B, VGN-SR410J/H, VGN-SR420J, VGN-SR420J/B User Guide

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User Guide

Personal Computer

VGN-SR Series

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Contents
Before Use..........................................................................	4
Finding More about Your VAIO Computer ....................	5
Ergonomic Considerations ............................................	9
Getting Started..................................................................	11
Locating Controls and Ports........................................	12
About the Indicator Lights ...........................................	19
Connecting a Power Source .......................................	20
Using the Battery Pack................................................	21
Shutting Down Your Computer Safely ........................	28
Updating Your Computer ............................................	29
Using Your VAIO Computer..............................................	30
Using the Keyboard.....................................................	31
Using the Touch Pad...................................................	33
Using the Switch Function...........................................	34
Using the Built-in Camera ...........................................	35
Using the Optical Disc Drive .......................................	36
Using the Memory Stick ..............................................	43
Using Other Modules / Memory Cards........................	48
Using the Internet........................................................	54
Using the Network (LAN) ............................................	56
Using the Wireless LAN ..............................................	58
Using the Bluetooth Function ......................................	62

Using Fingerprint Authentication .................................	67
Using the TPM.............................................................	74
Using Peripheral Devices..................................................	83
Connecting a Docking Station .....................................	84
Connecting External Speakers or Headphones ..........	92
Connecting an External Display ..................................	93
Selecting Display Modes ...........................................	101
Using the Multiple Monitors Function ........................	104
Connecting an External Microphone .........................	106
Connecting a USB Device .........................................	107
Connecting an i.LINK Device.....................................	109
Customizing Your VAIO Computer..................................	111
Setting the Password.................................................	112
Using the VAIO Control Center .................................	123
Using the Power Saving Modes ................................	124
Using the VAIO Power Management.........................	129
Protecting the Hard Disk............................................	131
Upgrading Your VAIO Computer.....................................	132
Adding and Removing Memory .................................	133

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Precautions.....................................................................	140
Handling the LCD Screen .........................................	141
Using the Power Source ...........................................	142
Handling Your Computer...........................................	143
Handling the Built-in Camera ....................................	146
Handling Discs ..........................................................	147
Using the Battery Pack..............................................	148
Using Headphones....................................................	150
Handling the Memory Stick .......................................	151
Handling the Built-in Storage Device ........................	152
Using Fingerprint Authentication ...............................	153
Using the TPM ..........................................................	154
Troubleshooting ..............................................................	155
Computer ..................................................................	157
System Security ........................................................	165
Battery.......................................................................	166
Built-in Camera .........................................................	168
Internet ......................................................................	170
Networking ................................................................	172
Bluetooth Technology ...............................................	175
Optical Discs .............................................................	179
Display ......................................................................	183
Printing ......................................................................	188
Microphone ...............................................................	189

Speakers ...................................................................	190
Touch Pad .................................................................	191
Keyboard ...................................................................	192
Floppy Disks ..............................................................	193
Audio/Video ...............................................................	194
Memory Stick.............................................................	197
Peripherals ................................................................	198
Docking Station .........................................................	199
Trademarks .....................................................................	200
Notice ..............................................................................	202

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, visit the Sony online support web sites at the following URLs:

For customers in USA http://esupport.sony.com/EN/VAIO/

For customers in Canada http://www.sony.ca/support/

For customers in Spanish-speaking Latin American countries or areas http://esupport.sony.com/LA/

For customers in Brazil http://esupport.sony.com/BR/

Before Use >
Finding More about Your VAIO Computer	n 5 N

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.

Safety Information — Safety guidelines and owner information.

2. On-screen Documentation

Help and Support — General information and technical assistance for your VAIO computer. To access Help and Support:

1 Click Start and Help and Support.

2 Choose from the following categories to find the answers you need.

Get started with my VAIO	Get help with Internet and wireless setup, security setup, personalizing your VAIO computer, and creating
	recovery discs and more.
Use my VAIO	Access interactive help in the form of VAIO tutorials, how-to articles, the VAIO technology page,
	specifications, and system and software information.
	You can find useful documentation such as below:
	- VAIO User Guide (This manual)
	- VAIO Recovery Center User Guide - Information about restoring individual software programs,
	hardware drivers, and drive partition(s) or your entire built-in storage device to the original factory settings
	- Software Information
Troubleshoot my VAIO	Maintain and troubleshoot your VAIO computer with VAIO Care, system restore, backup and recovery, and
	contact Sony support.

Before Use >
Finding More about Your VAIO Computer	n 6 N

Program help files — May be included with the preinstalled programs on your computer. You may be able to access the help files from the help menu on a specific program.

SmartWi™ Connection Utility Help (Selected models only) — Information about setting up Bluetooth®, wireless LAN, GPS, and wireless WAN functions.

Features and options may not be available on your computer.

See the specifications to find out about configuration of your computer.

To access this on-screen guide:

1 Click Start, All Programs, and SmartWi Connection Utility.

2 Click SmartWi Connection Utility Help.

Before Use >
Finding More about Your VAIO Computer	n 7 N

3. Support Web Sites

Sony online support web site

The Sony online support web site provides instant access to information on commonly encountered problems. Type a description of the problem and the Knowledge Database searches for the corresponding solutions online.

For customers in USA http://esupport.sony.com/EN/VAIO/

For customers in Canada http://www.sony.ca/support/

For customers in Spanish-speaking Latin American countries or areas http://esupport.sony.com/LA/

For customers in Brazil http://esupport.sony.com/BR/

Operating system online support web site

Your computer comes preinstalled with a Microsoft Windows operating system. For operating system support, you can visit Microsoft customer support at http://support.microsoft.com/directory/.

Before Use >
Finding More about Your VAIO Computer	n 8 N

4. Customer Information Center

If you do not find the information you are looking for at our site, you may call Sony directly. You can find the contact numbers on the Sony online support web site. In order to receive the fastest and most efficient services, have the following information readily available:

1Your VAIO computer model

You can find it at the lower right corner of the display on the computer.

2Your computer's serial number

You can find it on the bottom, the back panel, or inside the battery compartment of your Sony VAIO computer. The serial number is the last 7 digits of the number below the barcode.

3The operating system on your computer

4The hardware component or the software program that is causing the problem

5A brief description of the problem

5. In Store Service & Support (available in USA only)

Make an appointment with a Sony certified technician at a U.S. Sony Style store and get personalized service and support for your VAIO PC. Sony Style Backstage Technicians can assist with the set up of your new VAIO PC, system optimization, data rescue, and any repair service you might need.

Visit the web site at www.sonystyle.com/backstage to find the nearest location.

Before Use >
Ergonomic Considerations	n 9 N

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	n 10 N

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 >

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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 12)

About the Indicator Lights (page 19)

Connecting a Power Source (page 20)

Using the Battery Pack (page 21)

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 28)

Updating Your Computer (page 29)

Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports	n 12 N

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.

Front

A Built-in MOTION EYE camera (page 35)

B Built-in MOTION EYE camera indicator (page 19)

C Built-in microphone (monaural)

D LCD screen (page 141)

E Built-in speakers (stereo)

F Keyboard (page 31)

G Touch pad (page 33)

H Fingerprint sensor (page 67)

I WIRELESS switch (page 58), (page 62)

J WIRELESS indicator (page 19)

K Memory Stick slot* (page 43)

L Media Access indicator (page 19)

M SD memory card slot (page 50)

* Your computer supports both the standard-size Memory Stick and the Duosize Memory Stick.

Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports	n 13 N

A Num lock indicator (page 19)

B Caps lock indicator (page 19)

C Scroll lock indicator (page 19)

D Charge indicator (page 19)

E Disc drive indicator (page 19)

F MODE button (page 34)

G Switch buttons (page 34)

H SETTING button (page 34)

Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports	n 14 N

Back

A Battery connector (page 21)

Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports	n 15 N

Right

A Optical disc drive indicator (page 19)

B Manual eject hole (page 179)

C Drive eject button (page 36)

D Optical disc drive (page 36)

E Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports* (page 107)

F Power button/Power indicator (page 19)

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

Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports	n 16 N
	A Port cover
	Open the port cover to access the ports behind it.
	Pull the port cover down with your fingertip and gently pull it until
	it is completely out of the socket.

B Network (Ethernet) port (page 56)

C Modem port (page 54)

Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports	n 17 N

Left

A DC IN port (page 20)

B Microphone jack (page 106)

C Headphones jack (page 92)

D Air vent

E Monitor port*1 (page 94)

F HDMI output port*2 (page 94)

G i.LINK 4-pin (S400) port (page 109)

H ExpressCard/34 slot (page 48)

I Security slot

		*1			Not accessible when your computer is attached to the docking station.
		*2			On selected models only.

Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports	n 18 N

Bottom

A Air vents

B Docking station connector (page 86)

C Memory module compartment cover (page 133)

Getting Started >
About the Indicator Lights	n 19 N

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
		turns off when the computer is off or in Hibernate mode.
	Charge	Illuminates while the battery pack is charging. See Charging the Battery Pack (page 24) for more information.
	Media Access	Illuminates while data is being read from or written to a memory card. (Do not place the computer into Sleep
		mode or turn it off when this indicator is lit.) When the indicator is unlit, the memory card is not in use.
	Built-in MOTION EYE camera	Illuminates while the built-in camera is in use.
	Optical disc drive	Illuminates while the drive is reading or writing data. When the indicator is unlit, the optical disc media is not in
		use.
	Disc drive	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.
	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 unlit.
	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 lit. Press the key a second time to turn off the indicator. Normal typing resumes when the
		Caps lock indicator is unlit.
	Scroll lock	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.
	WIRELESS	Illuminates when one or more wireless options are enabled.

Getting Started >
Connecting a Power Source	n 20 N

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

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 or on the optional docking station.

!

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 127).

Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack	n 21 N

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.

Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack	n 22 N

3Slide 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.

Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack	n 23 N

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.

!

This computer is designed to operate only with genuine Sony battery packs.

Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack	n 24 N

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 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 26).

Charge indicator status	Meaning
Lit in orange	The battery pack is charging.
Blinks along with the green power	The battery pack is running out of power. (Normal
indicator	mode)
Blinks along with the orange power	The battery pack is running out of power. (Sleep mode)
indicator
Blinks fast in orange	A battery error has occurred due to a failed battery
	pack or an unlocked battery pack.

!

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

Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack	n 25 N

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.

Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack	n 26 N

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

1Click Start, All Programs, and VAIO Control Center.

2Click Power Management and then Battery Charge Functions.

3Click Advanced.

4Click to select the Enable Battery Care Function check box.

5Select the desired maximum charge level.

6Click 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

1Click Start, All Programs, and VAIO Control Center.

2Click Display and then Long Battery Life Wallpaper Setting.

3Click Set Long Battery Life Wallpaper. At the confirmation prompt, click OK.

Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack	n 27 N

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.

3Slide 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	n 28 N

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 then 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.

Getting Started >
Updating Your Computer	n 29 N

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 >

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Using Your VAIO Computer

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

Using the Keyboard (page 31)

Using the Touch Pad (page 33)

Using the Switch Function (page 34)

Using the Built-in Camera (page 35)

Using the Optical Disc Drive (page 36)

Using the Memory Stick (page 43)

Using Other Modules / Memory Cards (page 48)

Using the Internet (page 54)

Using the Network (LAN) (page 56)

Using the Wireless LAN (page 58)

Using the Bluetooth Function (page 62)

Using Fingerprint Authentication (page 67)

Using the TPM (page 74)