Sony VGN-SZ730E, VGN-SZ730E/C, VGN-SZ740, VGN-SZ740E, VGN-SZ740EC User Guide

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User Guide

Personal Computer

VGN-SZ700 Series

Contents

Before Use .........................................................................................................................................................................6

Documentation .............................................................................................................................................................7

Ergonomic Considerations.........................................................................................................................................11

Getting Started .................................................................................................................................................................13

Locating Controls and Ports.......................................................................................................................................14

About the Indicator Lights ..........................................................................................................................................20

Connecting a Power Source ......................................................................................................................................22

Using the Battery Pack ..............................................................................................................................................23

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .......................................................................................................................29

Using Your VAIO Computer .............................................................................................................................................30

Using the Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................................31

Using the Touch Pad .................................................................................................................................................33

Using Special-function Buttons ..................................................................................................................................34

Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...................................................................................................................35

Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................36

Using PC Cards .........................................................................................................................................................45

Using the ExpressCard Module .................................................................................................................................49

Using the Memory Stick Media ..................................................................................................................................53

Using Other Memory Cards .......................................................................................................................................59

Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................62

Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) .....................................................................................................................................63

Using the Bluetooth Functionality ..............................................................................................................................71

Using Peripheral Devices .................................................................................................................................................78

Connecting a Docking Station....................................................................................................................................79

Connecting External Speakers ..................................................................................................................................88

Connecting an External Display.................................................................................................................................89

Selecting Display Modes............................................................................................................................................93

Using the Multiple Monitors Function .........................................................................................................................95

Connecting an External Microphone..........................................................................................................................97

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device......................................................................................................98

Connecting a Printer ................................................................................................................................................101

Connecting an i.LINK Device ...................................................................................................................................102

Connecting to a Network (LAN) ...............................................................................................................................104

Customizing Your VAIO Computer ................................................................................................................................106

Selecting Performance Modes .................................................................................................................................107

Setting the Password ...............................................................................................................................................108

Using Fingerprint Authentication..............................................................................................................................119

Using Trusted Platform Module (TPM).....................................................................................................................127

Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center..............................................................................................136

Using VAIO Status Monitor ......................................................................................................................................137

Using the Power Saving Modes...............................................................................................................................138

Managing Power with VAIO Power Management ....................................................................................................143

Protecting the Hard Disk ..........................................................................................................................................145

Upgrading Your VAIO Computer....................................................................................................................................146

Adding and Removing Memory................................................................................................................................147

Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................154

On Handling the LCD Screen ..................................................................................................................................155

On Using the Power Source ....................................................................................................................................156

On Handling Your Computer....................................................................................................................................157

On Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...........................................................................................................159

On Handling Floppy Disks .......................................................................................................................................160

On Handling Discs ...................................................................................................................................................161

On Using the Battery Pack.......................................................................................................................................162

On Using Headphones.............................................................................................................................................164

On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................165

On Handling the Hard Disk ......................................................................................................................................166

On Handling the Memory Card Adapter...................................................................................................................167

On Updating Your Computer ...................................................................................................................................168

Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................169

Computer .................................................................................................................................................................171

System Security .......................................................................................................................................................179

Battery......................................................................................................................................................................181

Built-in MOTION EYE Camera.................................................................................................................................183

Internet.....................................................................................................................................................................186

Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................188

Bluetooth Technology ..............................................................................................................................................191

Optical Discs ............................................................................................................................................................195

Display .....................................................................................................................................................................199

Printing.....................................................................................................................................................................203

Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................204

Mouse ......................................................................................................................................................................205

Speakers..................................................................................................................................................................206

Touch Pad................................................................................................................................................................208

Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................209

Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................210

PC Cards .................................................................................................................................................................211

Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................213

Memory Stick Media ................................................................................................................................................214

Peripherals ...............................................................................................................................................................215

Docking Station ........................................................................................................................................................216

Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................217

Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................217

Program Support Information...................................................................................................................................221

Trademarks..............................................................................................................................................................233

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.

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.

✍

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/ http://sony.ca/view/Computers_Bulletins.htm http://esupport.sony.com/ES/VAIO/ http://esupport.sony.com/ES/VAIO/BR/

for customers in USA

for customers in Canada

for customers in Spanish speaking Latin American countries or areas

for customers in Brazil

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 VAI O 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.

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.

❑ 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.

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.

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.

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 14)

❑ About the Indicator Lights (page 20)

❑ Connecting a Power Source (page 22)

❑ Using the Battery Pack (page 23)

❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 29)

Getting Started

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 B Built-in microphone (monaural)

C Built-in MOTION EYE camera indicator D LCD screen (page 155) E Built-in speakers (stereo) F Keyboard (page 31) G Touch pad (page 33) H Fingerprint sensor (page 119)

* On selected models only.

(page 35)

(page 20)

Power indicator (page 20)

A B Battery indicator (page 20) C Hard disk drive indicator (page 20) D WLAN (Wireless LAN) indicator (page 20)

E WWAN (Wireless WAN) indicator

(page 20)

F Bluetooth indicator (page 20) G S1/S2 buttons (page 34) H STAMINA mode indicator (page 20) I Performance selector switch (page 107) J SPEED mode indicator (page 20) K WIRELESS switch (page 63) L Num lock indicator (page 20) M Caps lock indicator (page 20) N Scroll lock indicator (page 20) O Power button

* On selected models only.

Getting Started

Back

A DC IN port (page 22) B Battery connector (page 23) C Air vent D Security slot

Getting Started

Right

A Optical disc drive (page 36) B Optical disc drive indicator (page 20) C Manual eject hole (page 195) D Drive eject button (page 36)

E ExpressCard/34 F Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports

slot (page 49)

(page 98)

G Network (Ethernet) port (page 104) H Modem port (page 62)

I WWAN antenna

Support high-/full-/low- speeds.

On selected models only.

(page 63)

Getting Started

Left

A Microphone jack (page 97) B Headphones jack (page 88) C Air vent D i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 port (page 102) E Monitor (VGA) port (page 90) F PC Card slot (page 45) G PC Card release button (page 48) H Memory Stick indicator (page 20)

I Memory Stick slot

* Your computer supports Duo-size Memory Stick media only.

(page 54)

Getting Started

Bottom

A Docking station connector (page 80) B Air vents

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

Memory Stick

Built-in MOTION EYE camera

Optical disc drive Illuminates when data is read from or written to the optical disc media. When the indicator is off, the optical disc

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

Num lock

Caps lock

double-blinks when the battery pack is charging.

Illuminates when data is read from or written to the Memory Stick media in the Memory Stick 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.

Illuminates while the built-in MOTION EYE camera is in use.

media is not being used.

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.

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.

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.

Indicator Functions

Scroll lock

Bluetooth technology

Wireless LAN Illuminates when the wireless LAN functionality is enabled.

Wireless WAN

* On selected models only.

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.

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

Illuminates when the wireless WAN functionality is enabled.

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

1 Plug one end of the power cord (1) into the AC adapter (3). 2 Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet (2). 3 Plug the cable connected to the AC adapter (3) into the DC IN port (4) on the computer 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 141). This power saving mode saves the time of shutting down and resuming.

Using the Battery Pack

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

Installing the Battery Pack

To install the battery pack

1 Turn off the computer and close the LCD screen lid. 2 Slide the battery lock switch (1) inward.

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

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.

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

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

1 Install the battery pack. 2 Connect 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 27).

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.

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

Getting Started

✍

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.

To use the battery care function

You can select your desired maximum charge level with the battery care function to reduce battery degradation. 1 Click Start, All Programs, and VAIO Control Center.

The VAIO Control Center window appears.

2 Double-click Power Management and Battery Care Function. 3 Click to select the Enable Battery Care Function check box. 4 Select the desired maximum charge level. 5 Click OK.

Getting Started

Removing the Battery Pack

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

To remove the battery pack

1 Turn off the computer and close the LCD screen lid. 2 Slide the battery lock switch (1) inward.

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

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

1 Turn off any peripherals connected to the computer.

2 Click Start, the arrow next to the Lock button, and Shut Down. 3 Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents or to consider other users and wait for the computer to turn off

automatically. The power indicator light turns off.

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 Special-function Buttons (page 34)

❑ Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera (page 35)

❑ Using the Optical Disc Drive (page 36)

❑ Using PC Cards (page 45)

❑ Using the ExpressCard Module (page 49)

❑ Using the Memory Stick Media (page 53)

❑ Using Other Memory Cards (page 59)

❑ Using the Internet (page 62)

❑ Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 63)

❑ Using the Bluetooth Functionality (page 71)

Using Your VAIO Computer

+ 205 hidden pages