Sony VGN-TXN25N, VGN-TXN25N B, VGN-TXN25N W, VGN-TXN27N, VGN-TXN27N B User Guide

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User Guide

Personal Computer

V G N - T X N 2 0 S e r i e s

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Contents
Before Use .........................................................................................................................................................................	6
Documentation.............................................................................................................................................................	7
Ergonomic Considerations.........................................................................................................................................	10
Getting Started .................................................................................................................................................................	12
Locating Controls and Ports.......................................................................................................................................	13
About the Indicator Lights ..........................................................................................................................................	20
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 .........................................................................................................................................................	44
Using the Memory Stick Media ..................................................................................................................................	47
Using Other Memory Cards .......................................................................................................................................	52
Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................	55
Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) .....................................................................................................................................	56
Using the Bluetooth Functionality ..............................................................................................................................	63

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Using Peripheral Devices.................................................................................................................................................	70
Connecting a Port Replicator .....................................................................................................................................	71
Connecting External Speakers ..................................................................................................................................	75
Connecting an External Display .................................................................................................................................	76
Selecting Display Modes............................................................................................................................................	79
Using the Multiple Monitors Function.........................................................................................................................	80
Connecting an External Microphone..........................................................................................................................	82
Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device......................................................................................................	83
Connecting a Printer ..................................................................................................................................................	86
Connecting an i.LINK Device .....................................................................................................................................	87
Connecting to a Network (LAN) .................................................................................................................................	89
Customizing Your VAIO Computer ..................................................................................................................................	90
Setting the Password .................................................................................................................................................	91
Using Fingerprint Authentication..............................................................................................................................	102
Using Trusted Platform Module (TPM).....................................................................................................................	127
Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Central .........................................................................................................	134
Using the Power Saving Modes ...............................................................................................................................	135
Managing Power with VAIO Power Management....................................................................................................	140
Changing the Performance Setting ..........................................................................................................................	143
Protecting the Hard Disk ..........................................................................................................................................	144
Upgrading Your VAIO Computer....................................................................................................................................	145
Adding and Removing Memory................................................................................................................................	146

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Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................	152
On Handling the LCD Screen ..................................................................................................................................	153
On Using the Power Source ....................................................................................................................................	154
On Handling Your Computer....................................................................................................................................	155
On Handling Floppy Disks .......................................................................................................................................	157
On Handling Discs ...................................................................................................................................................	158
On Using the Battery Pack.......................................................................................................................................	159
On Using Headphones.............................................................................................................................................	160
On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................	161
On Handling the Hard Disk ......................................................................................................................................	162
Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................	163
Computer .................................................................................................................................................................	165
System Security .......................................................................................................................................................	172
Battery......................................................................................................................................................................	173
Internet.....................................................................................................................................................................	175
Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................	177
Bluetooth Technology ..............................................................................................................................................	180
Optical Discs ............................................................................................................................................................	184
Display .....................................................................................................................................................................	188
Printing.....................................................................................................................................................................	191
Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................	192
Mouse ......................................................................................................................................................................	193
Speakers..................................................................................................................................................................	194
Touch Pad................................................................................................................................................................	195

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Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................	196
Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................	197
PC Cards .................................................................................................................................................................	198
Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................	200
Memory Stick Media ................................................................................................................................................	201
Peripherals ...............................................................................................................................................................	202
Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................	203
Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................	203
Program Support Information...................................................................................................................................	206

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Before Use

Before Use

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

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

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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 connections, setting up information, etc.

Safety Information — Contains safety guidelines and owner information.

Instant Mode — Provides a guide to use Instant Mode.

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/ for customers in USA, http://www.sony.ca/support for customers in Canada,

http://esupport.sony.com/ES/VAIO/ for customers in Spanish speaking Latin American countries or areas, or http://esupport.sony.com/ES/VAIO/BR/ for customers in Brazil.

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Before Use

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 and Help and Support.

2 Click Manuals & Specifications.

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 and Help and Support.

2 Click Manuals & Specifications.

3 Click SmartWi Connection Utility Guide.

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Before Use

Help and Support

Help and Support is easy to access and provides a single location for information and technical assistance for your VAIO computer. Choose from the following categories to find the answers you need.

To access Help and Support, click Start and Help and Support.

Manuals & Specifications

Here you will find the on-screen User Guide, warranty information, other VAIO documents, and system and software information for your computer.

VAIO Support

Access interactive help in the form of VAIO tutorials, an escalation page containing support and contact information, and various links to VAIO online support Web sites.

Backup & Recovery

Find information on how to back up and restore your operating system, system software, and your personal data.

Wireless & Network

Learn about wireless connections including Bluetooth Wireless technology and Wireless LAN. Run utilities that include

VAIO Media Setup and Windows Network and Sharing, and access to wireless tutorials.

Security

Keep your data safe and your computer running efficiently with updates and maintenance programs from Microsoft and Sony.

VAIO Sites

Contains links to other Internet sites you might find interesting and useful.

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Before Use

Ergonomic Considerations

You will be using your computer as a portable device in a variety of environments. Whenever possible, you should attempt to take account of the following ergonomic considerations 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.

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Getting Started

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 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 13)

About the Indicator Lights (page 20)

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

A Media Access indicator (page 20)

B Memory Stick PRO/Duo media slot* (page 48)

C SD memory card/MultiMediaCard (MMC) slot (page 52)

D LCD screen (page 153)

E Keyboard (page 29)

F Touch pad (page 31)

G Fingerprint sensor (page 102)

H WIRELESS switch (page 56)

I Muting button (page 32)

J Volume buttons (page 32)

K Headphones jack (page 75)

L Microphone jack (page 82)

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

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Getting Started

A AV MODE button (page 32)

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 20)

H Hard disk drive indicator (page 20)

I Num lock indicator (page 20)

J Caps lock indicator (page 20)

K Scroll lock indicator (page 20)

L Power button

M Built-in speakers (stereo)

N Bluetooth indicator (page 20)

O WIRELESS LAN (Wireless LAN) indicator (page 20)

P WWAN (Wireless WAN) indicator* (page 20)

Q Muting indicator (page 20)

*On selected models only.

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Getting Started

Back

A Network (Ethernet) port (page 89)

B Battery connector (page 23)

C DC IN port (page 22)

D i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 port (page 87)

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Getting Started

Right

A Optical disc drive (page 34)

B Optical disc drive indicator (page 20)

C Manual eject hole (page 184)

D Substitute drive eject button (page 34)

E Monitor (VGA) port (page 76)

F WWAN antenna* (page 56)

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 WWAN connector cap in place.

Place the cap with a small groove upright, and push it until it clicks into place as shown below.

*On selected models only.

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Getting Started

Left

A Security slot

B Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports* (page 83)

C PC Card slot (page 44)

D PC Card release button (page 46)

E Air vent

F Modem port (page 55)

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

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Getting Started

Bottom

A Air vents

B Port replicator connector (page 72)

C Battery release latch (page 26)

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Getting Started

About the Indicator Lights

Your computer is equipped with the following indicator lights.

	Indicator	Functions
	Power 1	Illuminates when the power of the computer is on, blinks when the computer is in Sleep mode, and turns off
		when the computer is in Hibernate mode or off.
	Battery e	Illuminates when the computer is using battery power, blinks when the battery pack is running out of power, and
		double-blinks when the battery pack is charging.
	Media Access	Illuminates when data is read from or written to a memory card. (Do not enter Sleep mode or turn off the
		computer when this indicator is on.) When the indicator is off, the memory card is not being used.
	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
		being used.
	Muting %	Illuminates when the volume is turned off.
	Hard disk drive	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.
	Num lock	Press the Num Lk key to activate the numeric keypad. Press it a second time to deactivate the numeric keypad.
		The numeric keypad is not active when the indicator is off.
	Caps lock	Press the Caps Lock key to type letters in uppercase. Letters appear in lowercase if you press the Shift key
		while the indicator is on. Press the key a second time to turn off the indicator. Normal typing resumes when the
		Caps lock indicator is off.
	Scroll lock	Press the Scr Lk key to change how you scroll the display. Normal scrolling resumes when the Scroll lock
		indicator is off. The Scr Lk key functions differently depending on the program you are using and does not work
		with all programs.
	Bluetooth technology	Illuminates when the WIRELESS switch is set to ON and Bluetooth technology is enabled.

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Getting Started

Indicator	Functions
Wireless LAN	Illuminates when the wireless LAN function is running.
Wireless WAN*	Illuminates when the wireless WAN function is enabled.

*On selected models only.

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Getting Started

Connecting a Power Source

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

Using the AC Adapter

Use your computer only with the supplied AC adapter.

To use the AC adapter

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

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

3Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter (3) into the DC IN port (4) on the computer or on the (optional) 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 138). This power saving mode saves the time of shutting down or resuming.

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Getting Started

Using the Battery Pack

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

Installing the Battery Pack

To install the battery pack

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

2Slide 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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This computer is designed to operate only with genuine Sony batteries.

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Getting Started

Charging the Battery Pack

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

To charge the battery pack

1Install the battery pack.

2Connect the AC adapter to the computer.

The computer automatically charges the battery pack (the battery indicator light flashes in a double blink pattern as the battery pack charges). When the battery pack 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

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

2Slide 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

1Turn off any peripherals connected to the computer.

2Click Start, the arrow next to the Lock button, and Shut Down.

3Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents or to consider other users and wait for the computer to turn off automatically.

The power indicator light turns off.

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Using Your VAIO Computer

Using Your VAIO Computer

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

Using the Keyboard (page 29)

Using the Touch Pad (page 31)

Using Special-function Buttons (page 32)

Using the Optical Disc Drive (page 34)

Using PC Cards (page 44)

Using the Memory Stick Media (page 47)

Using Other Memory Cards (page 52)

Using the Internet (page 55)

Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 56)

Using the Bluetooth Functionality (page 63)

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Using Your VAIO Computer

Using the Keyboard

Your keyboard is very similar to a desktop computer keyboard, but has additional keys that perform model-specific tasks.

Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key

Some functions are not available before Windows launches.

Combinations/Feature		Functions
Fn +	(F1): wireless switching*	Toggles among Bluetooth, wireless LAN, and wireless WAN functionalities.
Fn + 8 (F5/F6): brightness control		Adjusts the LCD brightness of your computer screen.
		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.
Fn +	/T (F7): display output	Toggles among your computer screen, an external display, and simultaneous output to both.
Fn +	(F10): zoom	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.

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Using Your VAIO Computer

	Combinations/Feature		Functions
	Fn +	(F12): Hibernate	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 135).

*On selected models only.