Sony VGN-Z520N, VGN-Z520N/B, VGN-Z530N, VGN-Z530N/B, VGN-Z540 User Guide

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User Guide
Personal Computer
VGN-Z500 Series
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Contents
Before Use .........................................................................................................................................................................6
NERGY STAR ...............................................................................................................................................................7
Documentation .............................................................................................................................................................8
Ergonomic Considerations.........................................................................................................................................12
Getting Started .................................................................................................................................................................14
Locating Controls and Ports.......................................................................................................................................15
About the Indicator Lights ..........................................................................................................................................21
Connecting a Power Source ......................................................................................................................................23
Using the Battery Pack ..............................................................................................................................................24
Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .......................................................................................................................31
Using Your VAIO Computer .............................................................................................................................................32
Using the Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................................33
Using the Touch Pad .................................................................................................................................................34
Using Special-function Buttons ..................................................................................................................................35
Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...................................................................................................................36
Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................39
Using the ExpressCard Module .................................................................................................................................49
Using the Memory Stick Media ..................................................................................................................................52
Using Other Memory Cards .......................................................................................................................................58
Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................61
Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) .....................................................................................................................................63
Using the Bluetooth Functionality ..............................................................................................................................71
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Using Peripheral Devices .................................................................................................................................................76
Connecting a Docking Station....................................................................................................................................77
Connecting External Speakers ..................................................................................................................................85
Connecting an External Display.................................................................................................................................86
Selecting Display Modes............................................................................................................................................93
Using the Multiple Monitors Function .........................................................................................................................96
Connecting an External Microphone..........................................................................................................................99
Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device....................................................................................................100
Connecting a Printer ................................................................................................................................................103
Connecting an i.LINK Device ...................................................................................................................................104
Connecting to a Network (LAN) ...............................................................................................................................106
Customizing Your VAIO Computer ................................................................................................................................108
Selecting Performance Modes .................................................................................................................................109
Setting the Password ...............................................................................................................................................110
Using Fingerprint Authentication..............................................................................................................................122
Using Trusted Platform Module (TPM).....................................................................................................................130
Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center..............................................................................................140
Using VAIO Status Monitor ......................................................................................................................................141
Using the Power Saving Modes...............................................................................................................................142
Managing Power with VAIO Power Management ....................................................................................................147
Protecting the Hard Disk ..........................................................................................................................................149
Upgrading Your VAIO Computer....................................................................................................................................150
Adding and Removing Memory................................................................................................................................151
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Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................157
On Handling the LCD Screen ..................................................................................................................................158
On Using the Power Source ....................................................................................................................................159
On Handling Your Computer....................................................................................................................................160
On Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera...........................................................................................................162
On Handling Floppy Disks .......................................................................................................................................163
On Handling Discs ...................................................................................................................................................164
On Using the Battery Pack.......................................................................................................................................165
On Using Headphones.............................................................................................................................................167
On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................168
On Handling the Hard Disk ......................................................................................................................................169
On Updating Your Computer ...................................................................................................................................170
Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................171
Computer .................................................................................................................................................................173
System Security .......................................................................................................................................................181
Battery......................................................................................................................................................................182
Built-in MOTION EYE Camera.................................................................................................................................184
Internet.....................................................................................................................................................................187
Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................189
Bluetooth Technology ..............................................................................................................................................193
Optical Discs ............................................................................................................................................................197
Display .....................................................................................................................................................................202
Printing.....................................................................................................................................................................206
Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................207
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Mouse ......................................................................................................................................................................208
Speakers..................................................................................................................................................................209
Touch Pad................................................................................................................................................................211
Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................212
Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................213
Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................214
Memory Stick Media ................................................................................................................................................217
Peripherals ...............................................................................................................................................................219
Docking Station ........................................................................................................................................................220
Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................221
Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................222
Program Support Information...................................................................................................................................225
Trademarks ....................................................................................................................................................................237
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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 experience.
!
External views illustrated in this manual may look slightly different from those of your computer.
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Before Use

ENERGY STAR

As an ENERGY STAR Partner, Sony has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency. The International ENERGY STAR Office Equipment Program is an international Program that promotes energy saving through the use of computers and their office equipment. The program backs the development and dissemination of products with functions that effectively reduce energy consumption.
For detailed information on the ENERGY STAR Program, visit the following Web sites:
http://www.energystar.govhttp://www.eu-energystar.org
(USA)
(Europe)
This computer is designed based on the ENERGY STAR standards and delivered with the following power saving settings:
The LCD backlight is turned off automatically after inactivity of about 15 minutes.The computer enters Sleep mode automatically after inactivity of about 30 minutes.
Press any key to bring the computer back into Normal mode. For detailed information on power saving modes, see Using the Power Saving Modes (page 142).
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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 components connection, set-up information, etc.Safety Information — Contains safety guidelines and owner information.
Non-printed Documentation
User Guide (this manual) — Explains features of your computer. It also includes information about the software programs
included with your computer, as well as information on solving common problems.
To go to Web sites described in this manual by clicking their respective URLs beginning with http://, your computer must be connected to the Internet.
Specifications — The online specifications describe the hardware and software configurations of your VAIO computer.
To view the online specifications:
1 Connect to the Internet. 2 Go to the Sony online support Web site at the following URLs:
http://esupport.sony.com/EN/VAIO/ http://www.sony.ca/support/ http://esupport.sony.com/ES/VAIO/ http://esupport.sony.com/ES/VAIO/BR/
for customers in Canada
for customers in USA
for customers in Spanish speaking Latin American countries or areas
for customers in Brazil
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Before Use
VAIO Recovery Center User Guide — Provides information about restoring individual software programs, hardware
drivers, and drive partition(s) or your entire hard disk drive to the original factory installed settings. To access this on-screen guide:
1 Click Start and Help and Support. 2 Click Manuals & Specifications. 3 Click VAI O Recovery Center User Guide.
RAID Guide (Selected models only) — Provides information about using RAID systems.
To access this on-screen guide:
1 Click Start and Help and Support. 2 Click Manuals & Specifications. 3 Click Other Documents.
SmartWi
Connection Utility Help (Selected models only) — Provides information about setting up Bluetooth, wireless
LAN, and wireless WAN functionalities. To access this on-screen guide:
1 Click Start, All Programs, and SmartWi Connection Utility. 2 Click SmartWi Connection Utility Help.
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Before Use
Help and Support
Help and Support is easy to access and provides a single location for information and technical assistance for your VAIO computer. Choose from the following categories to find the answers you need.
To access Help and Support, click Start and Help and Support.
Manuals & Specifications
Here you will find the on-screen User Guide, warranty information, other VAIO documents, and system and software information for your computer.
VAIO Support
Access interactive help in the form of VAIO tutorials, an escalation page containing support and contact information, and various links to VAIO online support Web sites.
Backup & Recovery
Find information on how to back up and restore your operating system, system software, and your personal data.
Wireless & Networking
Learn about wireless connections including Bluetooth Wireless technology and Wireless LAN. Run utilities that include VAIO Media Setup and Windows Network and Sharing Center, and access to wireless tutorials.
Security
Keep your data safe and your computer running efficiently with updates and maintenance programs from Microsoft and Sony.
VAIO Sites
Contains links to other Internet sites you might find interesting and useful.
VAIO Tutorials
Sony provides guided help tutorials that help you accomplish a task. It can either perform the task for you or show you how to do it step by step.
VAIO Registration
Please take a moment to register your VAIO computer to enjoy the following benefits:
Your computer will be registered with Sony Product Support.You will receive an e-coupon good for purchase of eligible accessories at SonyStyle.com.
Extended Service Plan
Sony VAIO products come with a 1 year Limited Warranty. Protect your investment further by purchasing an optional Extended Service Plan.
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Before Use
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Before Use

Ergonomic Considerations

You will be using your computer as a portable device in a variety of environments. Whenever possible, you should attempt to take account of the following ergonomic considerations for both stationary and portable environments:
Position of your computer – Place the computer directly in front of you (1). Keep your forearms horizontal (2), with your
wrists in a neutral, comfortable position (3) while using the keyboard, touch pad, or external mouse. Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides. Have breaks during sessions with your computer. Excessive use of the computer may strain eyes, muscles, or tendons.
Furniture and posture – Sit in a chair with good back support. Adjust the level of the chair so your feet are flat on the
floor. A footrest may make you more comfortable. Sit in a relaxed, upright posture and avoid slouching forward or leaning far backwards.
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Before Use
Viewing angle of the computer's display – Use the display's tilting feature to find the best position. You can reduce eye
strain and muscle fatigue by adjusting the tilt of the display to the proper position. Adjust the brightness level of the display as well.
Lighting – Choose a location where windows and lights do not cause glare and reflection on the display. Use indirect
lighting to avoid bright spots on the display. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work efficiency.
Positioning an external display – When using an external display, set the display at a comfortable viewing distance.
Make sure the display screen is at eye level or slightly lower when you are sitting in front of the monitor.

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 other hardware that did not originally come with your computer. Be sure to start up your computer with only the supplied accessories connected and set up your system. Upon completion, connect one device (for example, a printer, an external hard disk drive, a scanner, and so on) at a time, following the manufacturers' instructions.
Locating Controls and Ports (page 15)
About the Indicator Lights (page 21)
Connecting a Power Source (page 23)
Using the Battery Pack (page 24)
Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 31)
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Getting Started

Locating Controls and Ports

Take a moment to identify the controls and ports shown on the following pages.
!
The appearance of your computer may be different from those illustrated in this manual due to variations in specifications. It may also vary in some countries or areas.
Front
A Built-in MOTION EYE camera (page 36) B Built-in MOTION EYE camera indicator (page 21) C Num lock indicator (page 21) D Caps lock indicator (page 21) E Scroll lock indicator (page 21) F LCD screen (page 158) G Built-in speakers (stereo) H Keyboard (page 33) I Touch pad (page 34) J Fingerprint sensor (page 122)
* On selected models only.
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Getting Started
STAMINA mode indicator (page 21)
A B Performance selector switch (page 109) C SPEED mode indicator (page 21) D S1/S2 buttons (page 35) E Disc drive eject button (page 35) F Charge indicator (page 21) G Hard disk drive/Optical disc drive indicator (page 21) H Media Access indicator (page 21) I WIRELESS indicator (page 21) J SD memory card slot (page 58)
K Memory Stick slot
*
(page 52)
L WIRELESS switch (page 63) M Built-in microphone (monaural)
* Your computer supports both standard- and Duo-size Memory Stick media.
Back
A Battery connector (page 24)
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Getting Started
Right
Getting Started
A Optical disc drive (page 39) B Optical disc drive indicator (page 21) C Manual eject hole (page 197) D Substitute drive eject button (page 39)
E HDMI port F Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port G Monitor port
*1 *2
(page 90)
*2 *4
(page 86)
*3
(page 100)
H Power button/Power indicator (page 21)
*1
Available only when your computer is in SPEED mode.
*2
These two ports are mutually exclusive. When one port has an external display connected, the other is disabled.
*3
Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.
*4
Disabled when the computer is attached to the docking station.
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Left
A DC IN port (page 23) B Network (Ethernet) port (page 106) C Air vent
D ExpressCard/34
slot (page 49)
E Security slot F Modem port (page 61)
G Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port
*
(page 100)
H i.LINK 4-pin (S400) port (page 104) I Microphone jack (page 99) J Headphones jack (page 85)
* Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.
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Getting Started
Bottom
A Docking station connector (page 79) B Air vents
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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 in green when the computer is turned on, blinks slowly in orange while the computer is in Sleep
mode, and turns off when the computer is placed into Hibernate mode or turned off.
Charge
Media Access Illuminates while data is being read from or written to a memory card. (Do not place the computer into Sleep
Built-in MOTION EYE camera Illuminates while the built-in MOTION EYE camera is in use.
STAMINA mode Illuminates while the computer is in STAMINA mode to conserve battery power.
SPEED mode Illuminates while the computer is in SPEED mode to provide faster performance.
Optical disc drive Illuminates while data is being read from or written to the optical disc media. When the indicator is off, the optical
Hard disk drive/Optical disc drive
Num lock
Caps lock
Scroll lock
Illuminates while the battery pack is charging. See Charging the Battery Pack (page 27) for more information.
mode or turn it off when this indicator is on.) When the indicator is off, the memory card is not in use.
disc media is not in use.
*
Illuminates while data is being read from or written to the built-in flash memory, the hard disk drive disc media. Do not place the computer into Sleep mode or turn it off 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.
, or the optical
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Getting Started
Indicator Functions
WIRELESS Illuminates when the WIRELESS switch is turned on, provided that one or more wireless options are enabled
in the VAIO Smart Network window.
* Your computer is equipped with a built-in flash memory storage or a hard disk drive depending on the model you purchased. See the online specifications to find
out about your storage device configuration.
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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 connected to the AC adapter (3) into the DC IN port (4) on the computer or on the optional docking station.
!
The shape of the DC In plug varies depending on the AC adapter.
To disconnect your computer completely from AC power, unplug the AC adapter.
Make sure that the AC outlet is easily accessible.
If you do not intend to use your computer for a long period of time, place the computer into Hibernate mode. See Using Hibernate Mode (page 145). This power saving mode saves the time of shutting down and resuming.

Using the Battery Pack

The battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of delivery.
Installing the Battery Pack
To install the battery pack
1 Turn off the computer and close the LCD screen lid. 2 Slide the battery LOCK switch (1) inward.
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Getting Started
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3 Slide the battery pack diagonally into the battery compartment until the projections (2) on either side of the battery
compartment fit into the U-shaped cuts (3) on either side of the battery pack.
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Getting Started
4 Rotate the battery pack in the direction of the arrow, and push the battery pack down into the compartment until it clicks
into place.
5 Slide the battery LOCK switch outward to secure the battery pack on the computer.
When your computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack installed, it uses power from the AC outlet.
!
This computer is designed to operate only with genuine Sony batteries.
Getting Started
Charging the Battery Pack
The battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of delivery.
To charge the battery pack
1 Install the battery pack. 2 Connect the AC adapter to the computer.
The charge indicator turns on while the battery pack is charging. When the battery pack charges close to the maximum charge level you selected with the battery care function, the charge indicator turns off. To select your desired maximum charge level, see Using the Battery Care Function (page 29).
Charge indicator light status Meaning
Lit in orange The battery pack is charging.
Unlit The battery pack is in any of the following states:
Blinks along with the green power indicator light
Blinks along with the orange power indicator light
Blinks fast in orange A battery error has occurred due to a failed battery
- Fully charged.
- Completely out of power.
- Removed.
The battery pack is running out of power. (Normal mode)
The battery pack is running out of power. (Sleep mode)
pack or an unlocked battery pack.
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Charge the battery pack as described in this manual from your first battery charge.
Getting Started
Keep the battery pack in your computer while it is directly connected to AC power. The battery pack continues to charge while you are using the computer.
If the battery level falls below 10%, you should either connect the AC adapter to recharge the battery pack or shut down your computer and install a fully charged battery pack.
The battery pack supplied with your computer is a lithium ion battery pack and can be recharged any time. Charging a partially discharged battery pack does not affect the battery life.
For some software applications and some peripheral devices, your computer may not enter Hibernate mode even when battery life is low. To avoid loss of data when using battery power, you should save your data frequently and manually activate a power management mode, such as Sleep or Hibernate.
If the battery pack wears out when the computer enters Sleep mode, you will lose all unsaved data. Going back to the previous work state is impossible. To avoid loss of data, you should save your data frequently.
When your computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack installed, it uses power from the AC outlet.
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Getting Started
Using the Battery Care Function
You can select your desired maximum charge level to reduce battery degradation and check the battery wear level with the battery care function.
To use the battery care function
1 Click Start, All Programs, and VAIO Control Center. 2 Click Power Management and Battery Care Function. 3 Click to select the Enable Battery Care Function check box in the right pane. 4 Click Advanced. 5 Select the desired maximum charge level. 6 Click OK.
To check the battery wear level
Follow steps 1 and 4 in To use the battery care function above and check detailed information. If the battery wear level is high, replace the battery pack with a new genuine Sony battery pack.
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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 the battery LOCK switch (1) inward. 3 Slide and hold the battery RELEASE latch (2) inward, hook your fingertip under the tab (3) on the battery pack, and turn
the battery pack in the direction of the arrow, and then slide it away from the computer.
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