Sony VGN-TXN15P, VGN-TXN15P B, VGN-TXN15P T, VGN-TXN15P W, VGN-TXN17P User Guide

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User Guide

Personal Computer

VGN-TXN10 Series

Contents

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

Documentation.............................................................................................................................................................6

Ergonomic Considerations ...........................................................................................................................................8

Getting Started .................................................................................................................................................................10

Locating Controls and Ports.......................................................................................................................................11

About the Indicator Lights ..........................................................................................................................................18

Connecting a Power Source ......................................................................................................................................20

Using the Battery Pack ..............................................................................................................................................21

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .......................................................................................................................25

Using Your VAIO Computer .............................................................................................................................................26

Using the Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................................27

Using the Touch Pad .................................................................................................................................................29

Using Special-function Buttons ..................................................................................................................................30

Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................32

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 ..............................................................................................................................65

Using Peripheral Devices.................................................................................................................................................72

Connecting a Port Replicator .....................................................................................................................................73

Connecting External Speakers ..................................................................................................................................77

Connecting an External Display .................................................................................................................................78

Selecting Display Modes............................................................................................................................................81

Using the Multiple Monitors Function.........................................................................................................................82

Connecting an External Microphone ..........................................................................................................................84

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device......................................................................................................85

Connecting a Printer ..................................................................................................................................................88

Connecting an i.LINK Device .....................................................................................................................................89

Connecting to a Network (LAN) .................................................................................................................................91

Customizing Your VAIO Computer ..................................................................................................................................92

Setting the Password .................................................................................................................................................93

Using Fingerprint Authentication ..............................................................................................................................102

Using Trusted Platform Module (TPM).....................................................................................................................120

Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Central .........................................................................................................125

Using the Power Saving Modes ...............................................................................................................................126

Managing Power with VAIO Power Management....................................................................................................131

Changing the Performance Setting..........................................................................................................................134

Protecting the Hard Disk ..........................................................................................................................................135

Upgrading Your VAIO Computer....................................................................................................................................136

Adding and Removing Memory................................................................................................................................137

Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................143

On Handling the LCD Screen ..................................................................................................................................144

On Using the Power Source ....................................................................................................................................145

On Handling Your Computer....................................................................................................................................146

On Handling Floppy Disks .......................................................................................................................................148

On Handling Discs ...................................................................................................................................................149

On Using the Battery Pack.......................................................................................................................................150

On Using Headphones.............................................................................................................................................151

On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................152

On Handling the Hard Disk ......................................................................................................................................153

Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................154

Computer .................................................................................................................................................................156

System Security .......................................................................................................................................................163

Battery......................................................................................................................................................................165

Internet.....................................................................................................................................................................167

Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................169

Bluetooth Technology ..............................................................................................................................................172

Optical Discs ............................................................................................................................................................176

Display .....................................................................................................................................................................181

Printing.....................................................................................................................................................................183

Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................184

Mouse ......................................................................................................................................................................185

Speakers..................................................................................................................................................................186

Touch Pad................................................................................................................................................................187

Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................188

Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................189

PC Cards .................................................................................................................................................................190

Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................191

Memory Stick Media ................................................................................................................................................192

Peripherals...............................................................................................................................................................193

Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................194

Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................194

Program Support Information...................................................................................................................................197

Before Use

Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer, and welcome to the on-screen User Guide. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing, and communications to provide state-of-the-art personal computing.

Documentation

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

Printed Documentation

❑ Welcome mat — Contains an overview of connections, setting up information, etc. ❑ Safety Information — Contains safety guidelines and owner information. ❑ Instant Mode — Provides a guide to use Instant Mode.

Before Use

Non-printed Documentation

❑ User Guide (this manual) — Contains features of your computer. It also includes information about the software programs

included with your computer, as well as information on solving common problems.

❑ Specifications — The online Specifications describe the hardware and software configuration of your VAIO computer.

To view the online Specifications:

1 Connect to the Internet. 2 Go to the Sony online support Web site at http://esupport.sony.com/EN/VAIO/

at http://www.sony.ca/support

for customers in Canada, at http://esupport.sony.com/ES/VAIO/ for customers in Latin

American countries or areas, or at http://esupport.sony.com/ES/VAIO/BR/

❑ VAIO Recovery 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, point to All Programs, and click VAIO Support Central. 2 Click VAIO Documentation. 3 Click VAIO Recovery Guide.

❑ SmartWi

™

Connection Utility Guide (Selected models only) — Provides information about setting up Bluetooth,

Wireless LAN, and Wireless WAN functionalities. To access this on-screen guide:

1 Click Start, point to All Programs, and click VAIO Support Central. 2 Click VAIO Documentation. 3 Click SmartWi Connection Utility Guide.

for customers in USA,

for customers in Brazil.

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.

Before Use

❑ Viewing angle of the computer's display – Use the display's tilting feature to find the best position. You can reduce eye

strain and muscle fatigue by adjusting the tilt of the display to the proper position. Adjust the brightness setting of the display as well.

❑ Lighting – Choose a location where windows and lights do not create glare and reflection on the display. Use indirect

lighting to avoid bright spots on the display. You can also purchase accessories for your display that help reduce glare. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work effectiveness.

❑ Positioning an external display – When using an external display, set the display at a comfortable viewing distance.

Make sure the display screen is at eye level or slightly lower when you are sitting in front of the monitor.

Getting Started

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

Before starting your computer for the first time, do not connect any new hardware that did not originally come with your computer. Make 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 manufacturer's instructions.

❑ Locating Controls and Ports (page 11) ❑ About the Indicator Lights (page 18) ❑ Connecting a Power Source (page 20) ❑ Using the Battery Pack (page 21) ❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 25)

Locating Controls and Ports

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

Getting Started

Front

Getting Started

A Media Access indicator (page 18) B Memory Stick PRO/Duo media slot

C SD memory card/MultiMediaCard (MMC) slot (page 51) D LCD screen (page 144) E Keyboard (page 27) F Touch pad (page 29) G Fingerprint sensor (page 102) H WIRELESS switch (page 55) I Muting button (page 30) J Volume buttons (page 30) K Headphones jack (page 77) L Microphone jack (page 84)

* Your computer supports Memory Stick PRO media and Memory Stick Duo

media with high speed and high capacity capabilities.

(page 48)

AV MO D E button (page 30)

A B Play/Pause button (page 30) C Stop button (page 30) D Previous track button (page 30) E Next track button (page 30) F Disc drive eject button (page 30) G Battery indicator (page 18) H Hard disk drive indicator (page 18) I Num lock indicator (page 18) J Caps lock indicator (page 18) K Scroll lock indicator (page 18) L Power button M Built-in speakers N Bluetooth indicator (page 18) O WIRELESS LAN indicator (page 18)

P WWAN indicator

(page 18)

Q Muting indicator (page 18)

* On selected models only.

Getting Started

Back

A Network (Ethernet) port (page 91) B Battery connector (page 21) C DC IN port (page 20) D i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 port (page 89)

Getting Started

Right

Getting Started

A Optical disc drive (page 32) B Optical disc drive indicator (page 18) C Manual eject hole (page 176) D Substitute drive eject button (page 32) E Monitor (VGA) port (page 78)

F WWAN antenna

If you do not intend to use the Wireless WAN functionality at all, you can detach the WWAN antenna. Once you have detached the WWAN antenna, be sure to put the supplied cover in place. Place the cover with a small groove upright, and push it until it clicks into place as shown below.

(page 55)

* On selected models only.

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 85)

Getting Started

Bottom

A Air vents B Port replicator connector (page 74) C Battery release latch (page 24)

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 Standby mode, and turns off

when the computer is in Hibernate mode or off.

Battery e Illuminates when the computer is using battery power, blinks when the battery pack is running out of power, and

double-blinks when the battery pack is charging.

Media Access Illuminates when data is read from or written to a memory card. (Do not enter Standby 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

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 Standby 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.

Indicator Functions

WIRELESS LAN Illuminates when the wireless LAN function is running.

WIRELESS WAN

* On selected models only.

Illuminates when the wireless WAN function 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 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 129). 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.

Getting Started

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 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.

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 Standby or

Hibernate. If the battery pack wears out when the computer enters Standby mode, you will lose any unsaved data. Going back to the previous work state is impossible. To avoid loss of data, you should save your data frequently.

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

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 Standby 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.

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 and then Turn Off Computer.

The Turn off computer window appears. 3 Click Turn Off. 4 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 computer.

❑ Using the Keyboard (page 27) ❑ Using the Touch Pad (page 29) ❑ Using Special-function Buttons (page 30) ❑ Using the Optical Disc Drive (page 32) ❑ 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 65)

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 functions are not available before Windows is launched.

Combinations/Feature Functions

Fn + (F1): wireless switching

Fn + 8 (F5/F6): brightness control Adjusts the LCD brightness of your computer screen.

Fn + /T (F7): display output

Fn + (F10): zoom

Toggles among Bluetooth, Wireless LAN, and Wireless WAN functionalities.

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 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.

Combinations/Feature Functions

Fn + (F12): Hibernate

* On selected models only.

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 126).

Using Your VAIO Computer

Using the Touch Pad

You can point to, select, drag, and scroll objects on the screen using the touch pad.

Action Description

Point Slide one finger on the touch pad (1) to place the pointer (2) on an item or object.

Click Press the left button (3) once.

Double-click Press the left button twice.

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

Drag Slide one finger on the touch pad while pressing the left button.

Scroll Move your finger along the right edge of the touch pad to scroll vertically. Move your finger along the bottom to scroll

horizontally (the scroll function is available only with applications that support a touch pad scroll feature).

Using Your VAIO Computer

Using Special-function Buttons

Your computer is equipped with special buttons to help you use specific functions of the computer. The AV MODE, Play/Pause, Stop, Previous track, Next track, and Disc drive eject buttons support Instant Mode. To activate

Instant Mode, the computer must be off. See the printed Instant Mode booklet for more information on the Instant Mode.

Special-function button Functions

When Windows is NOT launched:

AV M ODE button

Play/Pause button

Stop button

Previous track button

Next track button

Activates Instant Mode to enable you immediately to play CDs and DVDs without launching Windows. See the printed Instant Mode booklet for more information. When Windows is launched and running: Launches the WinDVD software by default. You can change this button assignment with the AV Mode B utton

Settings utility. To start this utility, press and hold the AV MODE button. See the help file on the AV Mode Button Settings utility for more information.

You need administrator rights on the computer to change the AV MODE button assignment.

This button is enabled in Instant Mode as well as when Windows is launched and running. Starts or pauses DVD playback with the WinDVD software or CD playback with the SonicStage software.

This button is enabled in Instant Mode as well as when Windows is launched and running. Stops DVD playback with the WinDVD software or CD playback with the SonicStage software.

This button is enabled in Instant Mode as well as when Windows is launched and running. Plays the previous chapter/movie in the DVD during playback with the WinDVD software or the previous song in the CD during playback with the SonicStage software.

This button is enabled in Instant Mode as well as when Windows is launched and running. Plays the next chapter/movie in the DVD during playback with the WinDVD software or the next song in the CD during playback with the SonicStage software.

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