Sony VGN-SZ640, VGN-SZ640E, VGN-SZ640N, VGN-SZ640N/B, VGN-SZ645P User Guide

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User Guide

Personal Computer

V G N - S Z 6 0 0 S e r i e s

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Contents
Before Use .........................................................................................................................................................................	6
Documentation.............................................................................................................................................................	6
Ergonomic Considerations...........................................................................................................................................	9
Getting Started .................................................................................................................................................................	11
Locating Controls and Ports.......................................................................................................................................	12
About the Indicator Lights ..........................................................................................................................................	18
Connecting a Power Source ......................................................................................................................................	20
Using the Battery Pack ..............................................................................................................................................	21
Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .......................................................................................................................	27
Using Your VAIO Computer .............................................................................................................................................	28
Using the Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................................	29
Using the Touch Pad .................................................................................................................................................	31
Using Special-function Buttons ..................................................................................................................................	32
Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...................................................................................................................	33
Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................	34
Using PC Cards .........................................................................................................................................................	43
Using the ExpressCard Module .................................................................................................................................	46
Using the Memory Stick Media ..................................................................................................................................	50
Using Other Memory Cards .......................................................................................................................................	56
Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................	59
Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) .....................................................................................................................................	60
Using the Bluetooth Functionality ..............................................................................................................................	67

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Using Peripheral Devices.................................................................................................................................................	74
Connecting a Docking Station....................................................................................................................................	75
Connecting External Speakers ..................................................................................................................................	84
Connecting an External Display .................................................................................................................................	85
Selecting Display Modes............................................................................................................................................	89
Using the Multiple Monitors Function.........................................................................................................................	92
Connecting an External Microphone..........................................................................................................................	94
Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device......................................................................................................	95
Connecting a Printer ..................................................................................................................................................	98
Connecting an i.LINK Device .....................................................................................................................................	99
Connecting to a Network (LAN) ...............................................................................................................................	101
Customizing Your VAIO Computer ................................................................................................................................	103
Selecting Performance Modes.................................................................................................................................	104
Setting the Password ...............................................................................................................................................	105
Using Fingerprint Authentication..............................................................................................................................	116
Using Trusted Platform Module (TPM).....................................................................................................................	124
Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Central .........................................................................................................	131
Using VAIO Status Monitor ......................................................................................................................................	132
Using the Power Saving Modes ...............................................................................................................................	133
Managing Power with VAIO Power Management....................................................................................................	138
Protecting the Hard Disk ..........................................................................................................................................	141
Upgrading Your VAIO Computer....................................................................................................................................	142
Adding and Removing Memory................................................................................................................................	143

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Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................	150
On Handling the LCD Screen ..................................................................................................................................	151
On Using the Power Source ....................................................................................................................................	152
On Handling Your Computer....................................................................................................................................	153
On Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...........................................................................................................	155
On Handling Floppy Disks .......................................................................................................................................	156
On Handling Discs ...................................................................................................................................................	157
On Using the Battery Pack.......................................................................................................................................	158
On Using Headphones.............................................................................................................................................	159
On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................	160
On Handling the Hard Disk ......................................................................................................................................	161
On Handling the Memory Card Adapter...................................................................................................................	162
On Updating Your Computer ...................................................................................................................................	163
Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................	164
Computer .................................................................................................................................................................	166
System Security .......................................................................................................................................................	173
Battery......................................................................................................................................................................	174
Built-in MOTION EYE Camera.................................................................................................................................	176
Internet.....................................................................................................................................................................	179
Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................	181
Bluetooth Technology ..............................................................................................................................................	184
Optical Discs ............................................................................................................................................................	188
Display .....................................................................................................................................................................	192
Printing.....................................................................................................................................................................	196

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Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................	197
Mouse ......................................................................................................................................................................	198
Speakers..................................................................................................................................................................	199
Touch Pad................................................................................................................................................................	201
Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................	202
Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................	203
PC Cards .................................................................................................................................................................	204
Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................	206
Memory Stick Media ................................................................................................................................................	207
Peripherals ...............................................................................................................................................................	208
Docking Station........................................................................................................................................................	209
Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................	210
Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................	210
Program Support Information...................................................................................................................................	213

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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.

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

Documentation

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

Printed Documentation

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

Safety Information — Contains safety guidelines and owner information.

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Before Use

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.

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://www.sony.ca/support 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

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.

SmartWi™ Connection Utility Help (Selected models only) — Provides information about setting up Bluetooth, wireless LAN, and wireless WAN functionalities.

To access this on-screen guide:

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

2 Click SmartWi Connection Utility Help.

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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.

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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 12)

About the Indicator Lights (page 18)

Connecting a Power Source (page 20)

Using the Battery Pack (page 21)

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 27)

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Getting Started

Locating Controls and Ports

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

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Please note that the illustrations in this manual may not necessarily apply to your model.

Front

A Built-in MOTION EYE camera* (page 33)

B Built-in microphone (monaural)*

C Built-in MOTION EYE camera indicator* (page 18)

D LCD screen (page 151)

E Built-in speakers (stereo)

F Keyboard (page 29)

G Touch pad (page 31)

H Fingerprint sensor (page 116)

* On selected models only.

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Getting Started

A Power indicator (page 18)

B Battery indicator (page 18)

C Hard disk drive indicator (page 18)

D WLAN (Wireless LAN) indicator (page 18)

E WWAN (Wireless WAN) indicator* (page 18)

F Bluetooth indicator (page 18)

G S1/S2 buttons (page 32)

H STAMINA mode indicator (page 18)

I Performance selector switch (page 104)

J SPEED mode indicator (page 18)

K WIRELESS switch (page 60)

L Num lock indicator (page 18)

M Caps lock indicator (page 18)

N Scroll lock indicator (page 18)

O Power button

*On selected models only.

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Getting Started

Back

A DC IN port (page 20)

B Battery connector (page 21)

C Air vents

D Security slot

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Getting Started

Right

A Optical disc drive (page 34)

B Optical disc drive indicator (page 18)

C Manual eject hole (page 188)

D Drive eject button (page 34)

E ExpressCard/34 slot (page 46)

F Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports*1 (page 95)

G Network (Ethernet) port (page 101)

H Modem port (page 59)

I WWAN antenna*2 (page 60)

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

*2 On selected models only.

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Getting Started

Left

A Microphone jack (page 94)

B Headphones jack (page 84)

C Air vents

D i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 port (page 99)

E Monitor (VGA) port (page 86)

F PC Card slot (page 43)

G PC Card release button (page 45)

H Memory Stick Duo/PRO Duo media indicator (page 18)

I Memory Stick Duo/PRO Duo media slot* (page 51)

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

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Getting Started

Bottom

A Docking station connector (page 76)

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 of the computer is on, blinks when the computer is in Sleep mode, and turns off
		when the computer is in Hibernate mode or off.
	Battery e	Illuminates when the computer is using battery power, blinks when the battery pack is running out of power, and
		double-blinks when the battery pack is charging.
	Memory Stick Duo/PRO Duo media	Illuminates when data is read from or written to the Memory Stick media in the Memory Stick Duo/PRO Duo
		media slot. (Do not enter Sleep mode or turn off the computer when this indicator is on.) When the indicator is
		off, the Memory Stick media is not being used.
	Built-in MOTION EYE camera*	Illuminates while the built-in MOTION EYE camera is in use.
	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.
	STAMINA mode	Illuminates when the computer is in STAMINA mode to conserve battery power.
	SPEED mode	Illuminates when the computer is in SPEED mode to provide faster performance.
	Hard disk drive	Illuminates when data is read from or written to the hard disk drive. Do not enter Sleep mode or turn off the
		computer when this indicator is on.
	Num lock	Press the Num Lk key to activate the numeric keypad. Press it a second time to deactivate the numeric keypad.
		The numeric keypad is not active when the indicator is off.
	Caps lock	Press the Caps Lock key to type letters in uppercase. Letters appear in lowercase if you press the Shift key
		while the indicator is on. Press the key a second time to turn off the indicator. Normal typing resumes when the
		Caps lock indicator is off.

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Getting Started

	Indicator	Functions
	Scroll lock	Press the Scr Lk key to change how you scroll the display. Normal scrolling resumes when the Scroll lock
		indicator is off. The Scr Lk key functions differently depending on the program you are using and does not work
		with all programs.
	Bluetooth technology	Illuminates when the WIRELESS switch is set to ON and Bluetooth technology is enabled.
	Wireless LAN	Illuminates when the wireless LAN functionality is enabled.
	Wireless WAN*	Illuminates when the wireless WAN functionality is enabled.

*On selected models only.

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Getting Started

Connecting a Power Source

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

Using the AC Adapter

Use your computer only with the supplied AC adapter.

To use the AC adapter

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

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

3Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter (3) into the DC IN port (4) on the computer or on the optional docking station.

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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 136). This power saving mode saves the time of shutting down or resuming.

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Getting Started

Using the Battery Pack

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

Installing the Battery Pack

To install the battery pack

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

2Slide the battery lock switch (1) inward.

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

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Getting Started

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 charges close to the maximum charge level you selected with the battery care function, the battery indicator turns off. To select your desired maximum charge level with the battery care function, see To use the battery care function (page 25).

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

!

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 its 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 any 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

To use the battery care function

You can select your desired maximum charge level with the battery care function to reduce battery degradation.

1Click Start, All Programs, and VAIO Central. The VAIO Central window appears.

2Double-click Power Management and Battery Care Function.

3Click to select the Enable Battery Care Function check box.

4Select the desired maximum charge level.

5Click OK.

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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 29)

Using the Touch Pad (page 31)

Using Special-function Buttons (page 32)

Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera (page 33)

Using the Optical Disc Drive (page 34)

Using PC Cards (page 43)

Using the ExpressCard Module (page 46)

Using the Memory Stick Media (page 50)

Using Other Memory Cards (page 56)

Using the Internet (page 59)

Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 60)

Using the Bluetooth Functionality (page 67)

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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 + F1: wireless switching*		Toggles among Bluetooth, wireless LAN, and wireless WAN functionalities.
Fn + % (F2): speaker switch		Turns on and off the built-in speakers and the headphones.
Fn + 2 (F3/F4): volume		Adjusts the volume level.
		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.

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Using Your VAIO Computer

Combinations/Feature

Functions

Changes the screen resolution to magnify/restore your computer's screen view.

Fn + (F10): zoom

The magnified view is not as clear as the standard view, as it is implemented by applying a lower resolution to the computer screen with a higher resolution.

This key combination may not work with graphic images as it magnifies the screen view by changing the resolution.

The location and size of software windows may change when the screen view is magnified or the standard view is restored because pressing this key combination changes the resolution.

When your computer's screen view is magnified, switching the view to the external display disables the function and restores the standard view.

	Fn +	(F12): Hibernate	Provides for the lowest level of power consumption. When you execute this command, the
			states of the system and the connected peripheral devices are written to the hard disk drive and
			the system power is turned off. To return the system to its original state, use the power button
			to turn on the power.
			For details on power management, see Using the Power Saving Modes (page 133).

*On selected models only.