Sony VGN-TX5MN-W, VGN-TX5XN-B, VGN-TX5VN-L User Manual
User Guide
Personal Computer
VGN-TX series
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Contents
Before Use .........................................................................................................................................................................6
Notice...........................................................................................................................................................................6
Documentation .............................................................................................................................................................7
Ergonomic Considerations.........................................................................................................................................11
Getting Started .................................................................................................................................................................13
Locating Controls and Ports.......................................................................................................................................14
About the Indicator Lights ..........................................................................................................................................21
Connecting a Power Source ......................................................................................................................................22
Using the Battery Pack ..............................................................................................................................................23
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 Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................34
Using PC Cards .........................................................................................................................................................43
Using the Memory Stick Media ..................................................................................................................................46
Using Other Memory Cards .......................................................................................................................................51
Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................54
Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) .....................................................................................................................................55
Using the Bluetooth Functionality ..............................................................................................................................62
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Using Peripheral Devices .................................................................................................................................................69
Connecting a Port Replicator .....................................................................................................................................70
Connecting External Speakers ..................................................................................................................................74
Connecting an External Display.................................................................................................................................75
Selecting Display Modes............................................................................................................................................78
Using the Multiple Monitors Function.........................................................................................................................79
Connecting an External Microphone..........................................................................................................................81
Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device......................................................................................................82
Connecting a Printer ..................................................................................................................................................85
Connecting an i.LINK Device .....................................................................................................................................86
Connecting to a Network (LAN) .................................................................................................................................88
Customizing Your VAIO Computer ..................................................................................................................................89
Setting the Password .................................................................................................................................................90
Using Fingerprint Authentication................................................................................................................................97
Using Trusted Platform Module (TPM).....................................................................................................................122
Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center..............................................................................................129
Using the Power Saving Modes...............................................................................................................................130
Managing Power with VAIO Power Management ....................................................................................................135
Changing the Performance Setting..........................................................................................................................138
Configuring Your Modem .........................................................................................................................................139
Protecting the Hard Disk ..........................................................................................................................................141
Upgrading Your VAIO Computer....................................................................................................................................142
Adding and Removing Memory................................................................................................................................143
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Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................149
On Handling the LCD Screen ..................................................................................................................................150
On Using the Power Source ....................................................................................................................................151
On Handling Your Computer....................................................................................................................................152
On Handling Floppy Disks .......................................................................................................................................154
On Handling Discs ...................................................................................................................................................155
On Using the Battery Pack.......................................................................................................................................156
On Using Headphones.............................................................................................................................................157
On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................158
On Handling the Hard Disk ......................................................................................................................................159
Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................160
Computer .................................................................................................................................................................161
System Security .......................................................................................................................................................168
Battery......................................................................................................................................................................169
Internet.....................................................................................................................................................................171
Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................173
Bluetooth Technology ..............................................................................................................................................176
Optical Discs ............................................................................................................................................................180
Display .....................................................................................................................................................................184
Printing.....................................................................................................................................................................187
Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................188
Mouse ......................................................................................................................................................................189
Speakers..................................................................................................................................................................190
Touch Pad................................................................................................................................................................191
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Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................192
Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................193
PC Cards .................................................................................................................................................................194
Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................196
Memory Stick Media ................................................................................................................................................197
Peripherals ...............................................................................................................................................................198
Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................199
Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................199
e-Support .................................................................................................................................................................200
Trademarks..............................................................................................................................................................202
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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.
!
External views illustrated in this manual may look slightly different from those of your computer.
Notice
© 2007 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved.
This manual and the software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, translated, or reduced to any
machine-readable form without prior written approval.
Sony Corporation provides no warranty with regard to this manual, the software, or other information contained herein and
hereby expressly disclaims any implied warranties or merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose with regard to this
manual, the software, or such other information. In no event shall Sony Corporation be liable for any incidental, consequential,
or special damages, whether based on tort, contract, or otherwise, arising out of or in connection with this manual, the
software, or other information contained herein or the use thereof.
In the manual, the ™ or ® marks are not specified.
Sony Corporation reserves the right to make any modification to this manual or the information contained herein at any time
without notice. The software described herein is governed by the terms of a separate user license agreement.
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Before Use
Documentation
Your documentation includes printed information and user guides to read on your VAIO computer.
Guides are provided in PDF format, which you can easily browse through and print out.
The My Club VAIO portal is a perfect starting point to use your computer — a comprehensive collection of everything you
need to get the most from your computer.
The user guides are collected under Documentation, which can be shown by clicking the VAIO Documentation icon on the
desktop or following these steps:
1 Click Start , All Programs, and My Club VAIO.
2 Click Documentation.
3 Select the guide you want to read.
✍
You can manually browse to the user guides by going to Computer > VAIO (C:) (your C drive) > Documentation > Documentation and opening the
folder for your language.
You may have a separate disc for the documentation of bundled accessories.
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Before Use
Printed Documentation
❑ A Setting Up Poster — Describes the process from unpacking to starting up your VAIO.
❑ Troubleshooting Guide — Contains solutions to common problems.
❑ Recovery Guide — Contains an explanation of how to make a backup copy of your data and recover your computer
system, and solutions to computer malfunctions.
❑ Instant Mode — Provides a guide to use Instant Mode.
❑ Booklets containing the following information: Sony GUARANTEE conditions, Safety / Regulations, Modem
Regulations, Wireless LAN Regulations, Bluetooth Regulations, End User Software License Agreement, and
Sony Support services.
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.vaio-link.com/
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Before Use
My Club VAIO
In My Club VAIO you can find:
Documentation, which gives you:
❑ Access to the User Guide. This manual explains the features of your computer in detail, how to use these features
confidently and safely, connect peripheral devices and more.
❑ Access to Help & Training. This is the portal of VAIO Help and Support Center.
❑ Important information about your computer, in the form of notices and announcements.
In My Club VAIO you can also find:
❑ Accessories
Want to expand the capabilities of your computer? Click this icon and have a look at your compatible accessories.
❑ Software
Feeling creative? Click this icon for an overview of your software and check out our upgrade options.
❑ Wallpapers
Click this icon and check out our most popular Sony and Club VAIO wallpapers.
❑ Links
Click this icon and check out our most popular Sony and Club VAIO Web sites.
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Before Use
Windows Help and Support
Windows Help and Support is a comprehensive resource for practical advice, tutorials, and demonstrations to help you
learn to use your computer.
Use the Search feature, Index, or table of contents to view all Windows Help resources, including those that are on the
Internet.
To access Windows Help and Support, click Start and Help and Support. Or go to Windows Help and Support by
pressing and holding the Microsoft Windows key and pressing the F1 key.
Further Sources
❑ Consult the help files on the software you are using for detailed information on features and troubleshooting.
❑ Go to http://www.club-vaio.com
to find online tutorials about your favorite VAIO software.
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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. 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.
Getting Started
This section describes how to get started using your VAIO computer.
❑ Locating Controls and Ports (page 14)
❑ About the Indicator Lights (page 21)
❑ Connecting a Power Source (page 22)
❑ Using the Battery Pack (page 23)
❑ 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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Getting Started
Front
Getting Started
A Media Access indicator (page 21)
B Memory Stick PRO/Duo media slot
*1
(page 47)
C SD memory card/MultiMediaCard (MMC) slot (page 51)
D LCD screen (page 150)
E Keyboard (page 29)
F Touch pad (page 31)
G Fingerprint sensor
*2
(page 97)
H WIRELESS switch (page 55)
I Muting button (page 32)
J Volume buttons (page 32)
K Headphones jack (page 74)
L Microphone jack (page 81)
*1
Your computer supports Memory Stick PRO media and Memory Stick Duo
media with high speed and high capacity capabilities.
*2
On selected models only.
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Getting Started
AV MODE button (page 32)
A
B Play/Pause button (page 32)
C Stop button (page 32)
D Previous track button (page 32)
E Next track button (page 32)
F Disc drive eject button (page 32)
G Battery indicator (page 21)
H Hard disk drive indicator (page 21)
I Num lock indicator (page 21)
J Caps lock indicator (page 21)
K Scroll lock indicator (page 21)
L Power button
M Built-in speakers (stereo)
N Bluetooth indicator (page 21)
O WIRELESS LAN (Wireless LAN) indicator (page 21)
P Muting indicator (page 21)
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Back
A Network (Ethernet) port (page 88)
B Battery connector (page 23)
C DC IN port (page 22)
D i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 port (page 86)
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Getting Started
Right
A Optical disc drive (page 34)
B Optical disc drive indicator (page 21)
C Manual eject hole (page 180)
D Substitute drive eject button (page 34)
E Monitor (VGA) port (page 75)
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Getting Started
Left
A Security slot
B Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports
C PC Card slot (page 43)
D PC Card release button (page 45)
E Air vent
F Modem port (page 54)
* Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.
*
(page 82)
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Getting Started
Bottom
A Air vents
B Port replicator connector (page 71)
C Battery release latch (page 26)
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Getting Started
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
Battery e Illuminates when the computer is using battery power, blinks when the battery pack is running out of power, and
Media Access Illuminates when data is read from or written to a memory card. (Do not enter Sleep mode or turn off the
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
Muting % Illuminates when the volume is turned off.
Hard disk drive
Num lock
Caps lock
Scroll lock
Bluetooth technology
Wireless LAN Illuminates when the wireless LAN function is running.
when the computer is in Hibernate mode or off.
double-blinks when the battery pack is charging.
computer when this indicator is on.) When the indicator is off, the memory card is not being used.
being used.
Illuminates when data is read from or written to the hard disk. 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.
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.
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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
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 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 your computer completely from AC power, unplug the AC adapter.
Make sure that the AC outlet is easily accessible.
If you do not use your computer for a long period of time, place the computer into Hibernate mode. See Using Hibernate Mode (page 133). This power
saving mode saves the time of shutting down or resuming.
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
1 Turn off the computer and close the LCD screen lid.
2 Slide the battery pack into the battery compartment until it clicks into place.
✍
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
!
Certain rechargeable batteries do not meet Sony quality and safety standards. For safety reasons this computer only functions with genuine Sony
batteries designed for this model. When installing another kind of battery, the battery will not be charged and the computer will not function.
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
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 is about 85% charged, the battery indicator turns off.
Battery indicator light status Meaning
On The computer is using battery power.
Blinks The battery pack is running out of power.
Double blinks The battery pack is charging.
Off The computer is using AC power.
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Getting Started
✍
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 attach 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 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
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 and hold the battery release latch (1) and slide the battery pack away from the computer.
✍
If the battery pack is stuck by the side spring locks, release one lock and then the other to remove the battery pack.
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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
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 29)
❑ Using the Touch Pad (page 31)
❑ Using Special-function Buttons (page 32)
❑ Using the Optical Disc Drive (page 34)
❑ Using PC Cards (page 43)
❑ Using the Memory Stick Media (page 46)
❑ Using Other Memory Cards (page 51)
❑ Using the Internet (page 54)
❑ Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 55)
❑ Using the Bluetooth Functionality (page 62)
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Using Your VAIO Computer
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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.
The VAIO-Link Web site (http://www.vaio-link.com
Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key
✍
Some functions are not available before Windows launches.
Combinations/Feature Functions
Fn + 8 (F5/F6): brightness control Adjusts the LCD brightness of your computer screen.
Fn + /T (F7): display output
Fn + (F10): zoom
) also contains glossary information to help you use the keyboard.
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.
Toggles among your computer screen, an external display, and simultaneous output to both.
Changes the screen resolution to magnify/restore your computer's screen view.
✍
The default resolutions of the standard view and the magnified view are as follows:
Standard view: 1366 x 768 pixels
Magnified view: 1064 x 600 pixels
The magnified view is not as clear as the standard view, as it is implemented by applying a lower resolution
to the computer screen with a higher resolution.
This key combination may not work with graphic images as it magnifies the screen view by changing the
resolution.
The location and size of software windows may change when the screen view is magnified or the standard
view is restored because pressing this key combination changes the resolution.
When your computer's screen view is magnified, switching the view to the external display disables the
function and restores the standard view.
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Combinations/Feature Functions
Fn + (F12): Hibernate
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Using Your VAIO Computer
Provides for the lowest level of power consumption. When you execute this command, the
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 button to turn on the
power.
For details on power management, see Using the Power Saving Modes (page 130).
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