Sony VGX-TP20E, VGX-TP20EB, VGX-TP20EW, VGX-TP25E/B User Manual

User Guide

Personal Computer

VGX-TP20 Series

N

Contents

Before Use .........................................................................................................................................................................5

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

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

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

About the Indicator Lights ..........................................................................................................................................16

Setting Up Your Computer.........................................................................................................................................17

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely .......................................................................................................................28

Using Your VAIO Computer .............................................................................................................................................29

Using the Keyboard ...................................................................................................................................................30

Using the Touch Pad .................................................................................................................................................34

Using the Optical Disc Drive ......................................................................................................................................35

Using the TV Function ...............................................................................................................................................45

Using the Memory Stick Media ..................................................................................................................................66

Using Other Memory Cards .......................................................................................................................................72

Using the Internet.......................................................................................................................................................76

Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) .....................................................................................................................................77

2

nN

3

nN

Using Peripheral Devices .................................................................................................................................................86

Selecting Display Modes............................................................................................................................................87

Using the Multiple Monitors Function .........................................................................................................................88

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device......................................................................................................90

Connecting a Printer ..................................................................................................................................................93

Connecting an i.LINK Device .....................................................................................................................................94

Connecting to a Network (LAN) .................................................................................................................................96

Customizing Your VAIO Computer ..................................................................................................................................98

Setting the Password .................................................................................................................................................99

Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center..............................................................................................102

Using the Power Saving Mode.................................................................................................................................103

Upgrading Your VAIO Computer....................................................................................................................................106

Adding and Removing Memory................................................................................................................................107

Precautions ....................................................................................................................................................................114

On Using the Power Source ....................................................................................................................................115

On Handling Your Computer....................................................................................................................................116

On Handling Floppy Disks .......................................................................................................................................119

On Handling Discs ...................................................................................................................................................120

On Using Headphones.............................................................................................................................................121

On Handling Memory Stick Media............................................................................................................................122

On Handling the Hard Disk ......................................................................................................................................123

On Updating Your Computer ...................................................................................................................................124

4

nN

Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................125

Computer .................................................................................................................................................................126

System Security .......................................................................................................................................................133

Networking ...............................................................................................................................................................135

Optical Discs ............................................................................................................................................................138

Display .....................................................................................................................................................................142

Printing.....................................................................................................................................................................145

Microphone ..............................................................................................................................................................146

Speakers..................................................................................................................................................................147

Keyboard..................................................................................................................................................................149

Touch Pad................................................................................................................................................................150

Floppy Disks ............................................................................................................................................................151

Audio/Video..............................................................................................................................................................152

Memory Stick Media ................................................................................................................................................155

Peripherals ...............................................................................................................................................................156

Support Options .............................................................................................................................................................157

Sony Support Information ........................................................................................................................................157

Program Support Information...................................................................................................................................161

Trademarks..............................................................................................................................................................173

nN

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.

5

6

nN

Before Use

Documentation

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

Printed Documentation

❑ Welcome mat — Contains an overview of components connection, set-up information, etc.
❑ Safety Information — Contains safety guidelines and owner information.

Non-printed Documentation

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

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

✍

To go to Web sites described in this manual by clicking their respective URLs beginning with http://, your computer must be connected to the Internet.

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

To view the online specifications:

1 Connect to the Internet.
2 Go to the Sony online support Web site at the following URLs:

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

for customers in USA

for customers in Canada

for customers in Spanish speaking Latin American countries or areas

for customers in Brazil

nN

Before Use

❑ VAIO Recovery Center User Guide — Provides information about restoring individual software programs, software

drivers, and drive partition(s) or your entire hard disk drive to the original factory installed settings.
To access this on-screen guide:

1 Click Start and Help and Support.
2 Click Manuals & Specifications.
3 Click VAI O Recovery Center User Guide.

❑ Media Center User Guide (Selected models only) — Provides information about using Windows Media Center.

To access this on-screen guide:

1 Click Start and Help and Support.
2 Click Manuals & Specifications.
3 Click Media Center User Guide.

7

8

nN

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.

9

nN

Before Use

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, except a display (TV), 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 11)

❑ About the Indicator Lights (page 16)

❑ Setting Up Your Computer (page 17)

❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 28)

10

nN

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.

11

nN

Top

Getting Started

A Hard disk drive/Optical disc drive indicator (page 16)
B Power button/Power indicator (page 16)
C WLAN (Wireless LAN) indicator (page 16)

12

nN

Front

Getting Started

A SD memory card slot (page 72)
B WLAN (Wireless LAN) switch (page 77)
C Remote sensor

Point the supplied remote commander to this sensor for
operations.

D Optical disc drive (page 35)
E Memory Stick slot

*1

(page 66)

F Air vent
G Media Access indicator (page 16)

H Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports

*2

(page 90)

I i.LINK (IEEE 1394) S400 port (page 94)
J CONNECT button (page 25)
K Front panel door

To open the front panel door, put your fingertip on the left end
of the door and slide it half way to the right. The door will
automatically be retracted under the panel. To close the door,
slide it half way to the left. The door will keep sliding on its own
and shut.

*1

Your computer supports both standard- and Duo-size Memory Stick media.

*2

Support high-/full-/low- speeds.

13

nN

Back

!

The area around the air vent (1) becomes hot while your computer is on. Be sure to
wait until the computer cools down before you touch it.

HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or
registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.

Getting Started

A Air vents
B VHF/UHF input port

*1

(page 46)

C WLAN ANT port (page 79)

*2

(page 90)

*1

(page 57)

D INFRARED TRANSMITTER OUT jack
E Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports

F Headphones jack

Connect external headphones.

G Microphone jack

Connect an external microphone.

H OPTICAL OUT port

(Output Sampling Rate: 44.1 KHz/48.0 KHz/96.0 KHz)
Connect an S/PDIF device such as digital headphones or an AV
amplifier.

I Network (Ethernet) port (page 96)
J A/V IN port

*1

(page 53)

K HDMI OUT port (page 18)
L Monitor (VGA) port (page 20)
M DC IN port (page 21)

*1

On selected models only.

*2

Support high-/full-/low- speeds.

14

nN

Bottom

A Air vents
B Security slot

15

nN

Getting Started

About the Indicator Lights

Your computer is equipped with the following indicator lights.

Indicator Functions

Power 1 The indication behavior varies depending on the state of your computer:

Green lit: the computer is on.
Orange lit: the computer is in Sleep mode.
Off: the computer is off.

Media Access Illuminates when data is read from or written to a memory card. (Do not enter Sleep mode or turn off the

Hard disk drive/Optical disc drive

Wireless LAN Illuminates when the wireless LAN functionality is enabled.

computer when this indicator is on.) When the indicator is off, the memory card is not being used.

Illuminates when data is read from or written to the hard disk drive or the optical disc media. Do not enter Sleep
mode or turn off the computer when this indicator is on.

16

nN

Getting Started

17

nN

Getting Started

Setting Up Your Computer

Connecting a Display

Connect a display (not supplied) to your computer. When connecting it, see the manual that came with your display as well.

✍

Connect the power cord of your display after connecting all other cables.

To connect a display (HDMI-compatible TV)

1 Plug one end of the HDMI cable (supplied) (1) to the HDMI OUT port (2) on the computer.
2 Plug the other end to the display (TV) (3).

18

nN

Getting Started

19

nN

Getting Started

✍

See the manual that came with your TV for more information on installation and use.

If your TV is equipped with a DVI-D port, you can use the HDMI cable and the HDMI to DVI-D adapter (both supplied) for connection. To use them for
connection, however, you also need an audio cable (not supplied) since no audio signals are carried through the DVI-D port.

If your TV is equipped with an HDMI port and a DVI-D port, we recommend that you use the HDMI port.

The HDMI cable carries both video and audio signals.

!

If a device driver other than the one provided by Sony is used, the image will not be displayed and the audio will not be heard. Always use the device
driver provided by Sony for updates.

Your computer is compliant with the HDCP standard and capable of encrypting the transmission channel of digital video signals for the purpose of
copyright protection, which enables you to play and view a wide variety of copyright protected, high-quality contents. Note that you need to connect an

HDCP-compliant external display to your computer to view the copyright protected contents. If your computer has a non-compliant display connected,
you will not be able to play or view any copyright protected contents.

To change the sound output device

If you do not hear sound from the device connected to the HDMI OUT port, you need to change the device for sound output.

1 Close all open programs.
2 Click Start and Control Panel.
3 Click Hardware and Sound.
4 Click Manage audio devices under Sound.
5 On the Playback tab, select the desired device for sound output and click Set Default.

20

nN

Getting Started

To connect a display (monitor)

1 If you want to connect a VGA monitor, connect the display cable (1) (not supplied) into the monitor (VGA) port (2) on the

back of the computer.

2 If necessary, plug the display cable into the display.

21

nN

Getting Started

Connecting a Power Source

You need an AC adapter to connect to an AC power source and it must be plugged into the power source before you can
establish communication with your wireless keyboard.

✍

Use your computer only with the supplied AC adapter.

To connect 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 and the power cord from your display (TV) into AC outlets (2).
3 Route the cable from the AC adapter (3) through the hooks (4) on the back of your computer and plug it into the DC IN

port (5).

22

nN

Getting Started

✍

To disconnect your computer completely from AC power, unplug the power cord when the computer is off.

Make sure that the AC outlets are easily accessible.

!

If you unplug the AC adapter from your computer while the computer is on or in Sleep mode, you may lose all unsaved data.

23

nN

Getting Started

24

nN

Getting Started

Attaching the Rear Cover

An exclusively designed rear cover is supplied with your computer for port protection and tidy cabling. Once you have set up
your computer, attach the rear cover. Be sure to hold the cover with your both hands when attaching it.

!

You may not be able to attach the rear cover depending on the shape or size of connected cable plugs. In such a case, leave the back of your computer
uncovered and keep the rear cover at hand.

To remove the rear cover, grasp the cover as illustrated below and pull it away from the computer.

!

Do not leave the removed rear cover on the floor. Stepping on it may hurt your foot.

25

nN

Getting Started

Connecting the Wireless Keyboard

A wireless keyboard and four AA alkaline batteries for use in the keyboard are supplied with your computer. Before attempting
to use the wireless keyboard, you must install the batteries and establish communication between the computer and the
keyboard.

✍

If you find your keyboard not working, for example after replacement of the keyboard batteries, try the following steps for reconnection.

To connect the wireless keyboard

!

To connect the wireless keyboard, it must be located within a range of approximately 11 inches (30 cm) to 40 inches (1 m) from the computer.

1 Turn over the wireless keyboard.
2 Press the button (1) on the battery compartment cover and slide and lift the cover in the direction of the arrow to remove

the cover.

3 Insert the supplied four AA batteries into the battery compartment as illustrated below:

4 Turn on the computer.
5 Slide the power switch (2) on the keyboard to the ON position.
6 Press the CONNECT button (3) on the front of the computer.
7 Press the CONNECT button (4) on the bottom of the keyboard.

The connect indicator turns on in the LCD window on the keyboard when connection is established between the
computer and the keyboard. If not, repeat the procedure.

!

Steps 6 and 7 must be completed within 10 seconds of each other.

26

nN

Getting Started

If the wireless keyboard is left unused for 20 minutes or longer, the connect indicator will turn off. This could indicate that the connection between
your computer and the keyboard is lost. Press the Fn key to check that the connect indicator turns on before using the keyboard.

27

nN

Getting Started

✍

You can check the battery indicator ( or ) in the LCD window on the wireless keyboard for its battery power level.

If the wireless keyboard does not operate properly, the batteries may need to be replaced. If the wireless keyboard is not being used for an extended
period of time, remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from battery leakage.

28

nN

Getting Started

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely

To avoid losing unsaved data, be sure to shut down your computer properly, as described below.

To shut down your computer

1 Turn off any peripherals connected to the computer.

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

automatically.
The power indicator light turns off.

Using Your VAIO Computer

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

❑ Using the Keyboard (page 30)

❑ Using the Touch Pad (page 34)

❑ Using the Optical Disc Drive (page 35)

❑ Using the TV Function (page 45)

❑ Using the Memory Stick Media (page 66)

❑ Using Other Memory Cards (page 72)

❑ Using the Internet (page 76)

❑ Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 77)

29

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

Using Your VAIO Computer

Using the Keyboard

A wireless keyboard is supplied with your computer.
The wireless keyboard uses a standard key arrangement with additional keys that perform specific functions.

Using the Wireless Keyboard

!

To maintain good communication, operate the wireless keyboard within the distance limitations of keyboard: approximately 32.8 feet (10 m) from your
computer.

Confirm that the supplied AA batteries are properly installed.

Press the CONNECT button located on the front of your computer first, and then press the CONNECT button on the bottom of the wireless keyboard.

If you find your keyboard not working after replacement of the keyboard batteries, reconnect the keyboard. See Connecting the Wireless Keyboard

(page 25) for the detailed procedure.

Avoid using any wireless devices that exchange radio signals on the 2.4 GHz frequency band near the wireless keyboard. These devices may cause
interference, causing the keyboard to stop working properly.

Do not place metal furniture or objects near your computer or wireless keyboard, as this may create interference, causing the keyboard to stop working
properly.

30

nN

Do not mix old (used) and new batteries when replacing batteries in the wireless keyboard. Always use the same type and manufacture of battery.

Do not mix alkaline with manganese batteries. Using incompatible batteries or mixing used, new or different types of batteries can damage the wireless
keyboard.

31

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

A Security slot
B Function keys

Perform certain tasks. The task associated with each function
key varies among software applications.

C Shortcut buttons

Perform the pre-assigned tasks. The default tasks are as
follows:

: Launches VAIO Living Browser.

P , p: Displays the previous or next page while VAIO Living
Browser is running.

: Magnifies the screen view while VAIO Living Browser is
running. One press magnifies the contents by 25%. When
magnification reaches 175%, it goes back to 100%.

S1: Opens the Media Center Start menu.
S2: Launches Resolution Setting Utility.

✍

The default S button assignments may be different from the above. In such a
case, you can change the assignments with VAIO Control Center. See Setting Up
Your Computer with VAIO Control Center (page 102) and find out more in its
help file.

D Sleep button

Provides for the lower level of power consumption.
For details on power management, see Using the Power
Saving Mode (page 103).

✍

Illustrated above is the English keyboard as an example.

32

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

Indicators

E

(Num lock): Turns on while in the Num Lock state.

(Caps lock): Turns on while in the Caps Lock state.
(Scroll lock): Turns on while in the Scroll Lock state.

(Connect): Turns on while connection between the computer and
the wireless keyboard is in place to indicate that the keyboard is
ready for use (page 25).

(Battery): turns on while the AA batteries for the

wireless keyboard are sufficient and switches to when the
batteries wear out.

F Power switch

Slide the power switch to turn on and off the wireless keyboard.

G Windows key

Displays the Start menu.

H Touch pad

See Using the Touch Pad (page 34) for more information.

I Applications key

Displays a shortcut menu in certain software applications.

J Directional arrow keys

Move the pointer on the screen.

33

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

A Battery compartment

Storage compartment for the AA batteries.

B CONNECT button (page 25)

Press to enable the wireless keyboard to communicate with the
computer.

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 your 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 your finger on the touch pad while pressing the left button.

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

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

✍

To keep moving the pointer or scrolling, slide and hold your finger at the edge of the touch pad.

34

nN

!

If pointer movement or scrolling continues against your intention, your fingertip may have reached an edge of the touch pad. In such a case, take your
finger off the touch pad. It is recommended that you put your finger on the touch pad around its center to start an operation.

Using the Optical Disc Drive

Your computer is equipped with an optical disc drive.

To insert a disc

1 Turn on the computer.
2 Push in the optical disc drive tray with your fingertip to eject it.
3 Grasp the tray and gently pull it out.

35

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

36

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

4 Place a disc in the middle of the tray with the label side facing upward; and gently push it until the disc clicks into place

while holding the bottom of the tray with the other hand.

!

When the optical disc drive tray is out, be sure not to exert pressure on the tray as it may damage the tray or the disc drive.

5 Close the tray by pushing it in gently.

!

Do not remove the optical disc when your computer is in Sleep mode. Doing so may cause the computer to malfunction.

Before removing the optical disc, make sure that the optical disc drive indicator light is off.

37

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

Reading and Writing Optical Discs

Your computer plays and records CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Disc™ media, depending on the model you purchased. Check your
specifications for the type of optical disc drive installed on your model. Use the table below to see which types of media your
optical disc drive supports.

Using Your VAIO Computer

PR: playable and recordable
P: playable but not recordable
–: not playable or recordable

CD­ROM

DVD± RW/

PPPPPRPP–

±R DL/RAM

Blu-ray Disc P P P P

Blu-ray Disc

PPPP

Combo

*1

Supports writing data to DVD-R discs compliant with DVD-R for General Version 2.0/2.1.

*2

Supports writing data to DVD-RW discs compliant with DVD-RW Version 1.1/1.2.

*3

The DVD±RW/RAM disc drive on your computer does not support the DVD-RAM cartridge. Use non-cartridge discs or discs with a removable cartridge.

*4

Writing data to single-sided DVD-RAM discs (2.6 GB) compliant with DVD-RAM Version 1.0 is not supported.
DVD-RAM Version 2.2/12X-SPEED DVD-RAM Revision 5.0 disc is not supported.

*5

Writing data to DVD+R DL (Double Layer) discs is available only on discs supporting DVD+R DL (Double Layer) recording.

*6

Writing data to DVD-R DL (Dual Layer) discs is available only on discs supporting DVD-R DL (Dual Layer) recording.

*7

Supports writing data to BD-R Version 1.1 discs (single-layer discs with the capacity of 25 GB, dual-layer discs with the capacity of 50 GB) and BD-RE Version 2.1
discs (single-layer discs with the capacity of 25 GB, dual-layer discs with the capacity of 50 GB).

*8

Writing data to Ultra Speed CD-RW discs is not supported on models with the Blu-ray Disc drive.

*9

BD-R stands for Blu-ray Disc-Recordable in Version 1.1 format.

*10

BD-RE stands for Blu-ray Disc-Rewritable in Version 2.1 format.

*11

The Blu-ray Disc drive on your computer does not support BD-RE Disc media in Version 1.0 format and Blu-ray Disc media with a cartridge.

Video CDMusic CDCD

Extra

CD-R/RWDVD-

ROM

*8

PR

PR

PPP

*8

PPP

DVD­Video

BD­ROM

DVD-R/RWDVD+R/RWDVD+R DLDVD-R DLDVD-

RAM

PR

PR

PR

*1 *2

*1 *2

*1 *2

PR

PR

PR

PR

PR

PR

*5

*5

*5

PR

PR

PR

*6

PR

*6

PR

*6

PR

*3 *4

*3 *4

*3 *4P*11

38

nN

*9

/

BD-R

*10

RE

–

*7 *11

PR

39

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

!

This product is designed to play back discs that conform to the Compact Disc Digital Audio standard specifications (CD Standard). A DualDisc is a two
sided disc product which mates DVD recorded material on one side with digital audio material on the other side. Be aware that the audio side (non-DVD
side) of a DualDisc may not play on this product because it does not conform to the CD Standard.

Due to the multiple formats of discs now available, when buying pre-recorded or blank discs for use with a VAIO computer, be sure to read the notices
on the disc packaging carefully to check both playback and recording compatibility with your computer's optical disc drives. Sony does NOT guarantee

the compatibility of VAIO CD drives with discs that are not compliant with the official "CD" format standard (or "DVD" standard in relation to DVD drives,
or "Blu-ray Disc" standard in relation to Blu-ray Disc drives). USING NON-COMPLIANT DISCS CAN CAUSE FATAL DAMAGE TO YOUR VAIO PC OR
CREATE SOFTWARE CONFLICTS AND CAUSE SYSTEM HANGING.
For inquiries about disc formats, contact the individual publisher of the pre-recorded disc or the manufacturer of the recordable disc.

✍

8cm disc writing is not supported.

!

To play copyright protected Blu-ray Disc media continuously, you need to update the AACS key. Note that the AACS key update requires Internet access.

As with other optical media devices, circumstances may limit compatibility or prevent Blu-ray Disc media playback. VAIO computers may not support
movie playback on packaged media recorded in AVC or VC1 format at high bit rates.

Region settings are required for some contents on DVDs and BD-ROM Disc media. If the region setting on the optical disc drive does not match the
region coding on the disc, playback is not possible.

Unless your external display is compliant with the High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) standard, you cannot play or view the contents
on copyright protected Blu-ray Disc media.

Some contents may restrict video output to be standard definition or prohibit analog video output at all. It is strongly recommended that digital HDCP­compliant environment be implemented for optimum compatibility and viewing quality.

40

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

Notes on writing data to a disc

❑ Use only Sony recommended software, which is preinstalled on your computer, to write data to a disc.

Other software programs may not be fully compatible and errors may result.

❑ To make data on a disc readable on the optical disc drive, you need to close the session before you eject it. To complete

this process, follow the instructions included with your software.

❑ Only use circular discs. Do not use discs in any other shape (star, heart, card, etc.), as this may damage the optical disc

drive.

❑ Do not strike or shake your computer while writing data to a disc.
❑ Deactivate the screen saver and exit anti-virus software before writing data to a disc.
❑ Do not use memory-resident utility software while writing data to a disc. This may cause your computer to malfunction.
❑ Before using your software application to burn discs, make sure you exit and close all other applications.
❑ Do not place your computer into the power saving mode while using the preinstalled software or any disc burning software.
❑ Make sure you use the same disc burning software to add data to a used disc. Use of different disc burning software for

additional data burning may cause a failure. For example, if you have a disc with data that you burned with the Roxio
Easy Media Creator software, use the Roxio Easy Media Creator software to add more data to the same disc.

41

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

Notes on playing discs

To achieve optimum performance when playing discs, you should follow these recommendations.
❑ Some CD players and computers' optical disc drives may not be able to play audio CDs created with the CD-R or CD-RW

media.

❑ Some DVD players and computers' optical disc drives may not be able to play DVDs created with the DVD+R DL, DVD-

R DL, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, or DVD-RAM media.

❑ Do not use memory-resident utility software to speed up disc access when playing a disc. This may cause your computer

to malfunction.

❑ Do not place your computer into the power saving mode while your computer is playing a disc.
❑ Region code indicators are labeled on the DVDs to indicate in which region and on what type of player you can play the

disc. If the DVD is labeled "all," this means that you can play this DVD in most regions of the world. If the region code for
your residence area is different from the label on the DVD disc or on the packaging, you cannot play the disc on your
computer.

Using Your VAIO Computer

Playing CDs

To play an audio CD

1 Insert a disc into the optical disc drive.
2 If nothing appears on the desktop, then click Start, All Programs, and the desired CD software to play the CD.

If the Audio CD window appears, click to select an option.

Copying Files to CDs

To copy files to a disc

!

Do not strike or shake your computer while writing data to a disc.

1 Insert a disc into the optical disc drive.

If the AutoPlay window appears, click Burn files to disc and follow the on-screen instructions until the empty disc folder
appears.

2 Open the folder that contains the file(s) you want to copy and drag them to the empty disc folder.
3 Close the disc folder.

42

nN

43

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

Playing DVDs

To play a DVD

1 Close all running software applications.
2 Insert a DVD into the optical disc drive.
3 If nothing appears on the desktop, then click Start, All Programs, and the desired DVD software to play the DVD.

For instructions on how to use the software, see the help file on your DVD software.

Copying Files to DVDs

To copy files to a disc

1 Close all running software applications.
2 Insert a disc into the optical disc drive.
3 If nothing appears on the desktop, then click Start, All Programs, and the desired DVD burning software to copy files to

the disc.

For instructions on how to use the software, see the help file on your DVD burning software.

44

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

Playing Blu-ray Disc Media

To play a Blu-ray Disc media

1 Close all running software applications.
2 Insert a Blu-ray Disc media into the optical disc drive.
3 If nothing appears on the desktop, then click Start, All Programs, and the desired Blu-ray Disc software to play the disc.

For instructions on how to use the software, see the help file on your software.

45

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

Using the TV Function

To enhance your audio and visual experience in conjunction with Windows Media Center, your computer may be delivered
with an external digital cable tuner or have two TV tuner boards installed: one analog tuner board and one ATSC tuner board.
See the online specifications to find out about your TV tuner board configuration.

!

For details on the external digital cable tuner, see the manual that came with the tuner.

To use the ATSC tuner board, you need to connect the supplied digital TV tuner. See the manual that came with the tuner for details.

Windows Media Center provides you with a wide range of TV, DVD, and video viewing, as well as music recording and
playback. This section describes how to set up your TV, set-top box, and other equipment. See the on-screen Media Center
User Guide for more information on Windows Media Center features.

To access this on-screen guide

1 Click Start and Help and Support.
2 Click Manuals & Specifications.
3 Click Media Center User Guide.

46

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

Setting Up TV Connections

!

The following connections may not be available in some countries or areas.

The best method to connect your computer system, TV monitor or display, and cable service access, depends on the type of
cable connection available in your home.

TV signal reception strength will vary widely depending on service availability in your area as well as the type of connection
available.

One primary cable to connect the computer to a cable service access or a TV antenna is the TV coaxial cable (1) (supplied
with selected models only). One end connects to the computer's VHF/UHF input port, and the other end connects to the cable
service access or to the antenna.

47

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

Connecting to standard cable access (CATV)

To connect in CATV mode (Option 1)

1 Connect one end of the TV coaxial cable (1) (supplied with selected models only) to your cable service access (wall outlet)

(2).

2 Connect the other end to the VHF/UHF input port (3) on the computer.

48

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

To connect in CATV mode (Option 2)

1 Connect the two metal hooks on a 75-ohm/300-ohm RCA transformer cable (1) (not supplied) to the screw-type grips at

your cable service access (wall outlet) (2).

2 Connect one end of the TV coaxial cable (3) (supplied with selected models only) to the transformer end of the RCA

transformer cable (1). Connect the other end to the VHF/UHF input port (4) on the computer.

49

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

Connecting to a standard antenna

You can connect your computer to an indoor/outdoor antenna system, using Option 1 or Option 2 from the previous section,
Connecting to standard cable access (CATV) (page 47). Depending on the type of antenna system in your home, your
connection may require a VHF/UHF RF combiner/transformer (not supplied) to connect the computer and the indoor/outdoor
antenna system.

✍

If you are connecting to an indoor/outdoor antenna, you may need to reorient the antenna for best reception. Move the antenna cable away from other
power sources or connectors to reduce signal interference.

To connect in land-based (terrestrial) broadcasting mode (Option 1)

1 Connect one end of a TV coaxial cable (1) (not supplied) to your antenna outlet (2). Connect the other end to a VHF/UHF

RF combiner/transformer (3) (not supplied).

2 Connect a coaxial cable feed connector (4) (not supplied) to the VHF/UHF RF combiner/transformer (3).
3 Connect one end of another TV coaxial cable (5) (supplied with selected models only) to the feed connector (4). Connect

the other end to the VHF/UHF input port (6) on the computer.

50

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

To connect in land-based (terrestrial) broadcasting mode (Option 2)

1 Connect one end of a 300-ohm twin lead cable (1) (not supplied) to the screw-type grips at your antenna outlet (2).

Connect the other end to the grips on a VHF/UHF RF combiner/transformer (3) (not supplied).

2 Connect a coaxial cable feed connector (4) (not supplied) to the VHF/UHF RF combiner/transformer (3).
3 Connect one end of the TV coaxial cable (5) (supplied with selected models only) to the feed connector (4). Connect the

other end to the VHF/UHF input port (6) on the computer.

51

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

Connecting with a cable or satellite set-top box (STB)

You can connect your computer to cable service access that uses a set-top box (cable or satellite). When using the set-top
box (STB) setup, you can change channels only through the STB, using its controls or the supplied remote commander.

When using the STB setup:
❑ A standard TV remote control cannot be used to change TV channels. You can use your TV remote control to set the TV

to the channel-out number (channel 3, 4, etc.) or direct video input specified by your cable or satellite service provider.

❑ You may be able to use a universal remote control or commander to change TV channels, if the device is capable of

controlling the STB.

52

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

To connect in STB mode (Option 1)

1 Connect one end of a TV coaxial cable (1) (not supplied) to your cable service access (wall outlet) (2). Connect the other

end to the VHF/UHF IN port on the back panel of your set-top box (STB) (3).

2 Connect a second TV coaxial cable (4) (not supplied) to the VHF/UHF OUT port on the set-top box (STB) (3). Connect

the other end to the single-connection end of a splitter device (5) (not supplied).

3 Connect a third TV coaxial cable (6) (supplied with selected models only) to the double-connection end of the splitter

device (5). Connect the other end to the VHF/UHF input port (7) on the computer.

4 Connect a fourth TV coaxial cable (8) (not supplied) to the double-connection end of the splitter device (5). Connect the

other end to the VHF/UHF input port (9) on the rear of your TV monitor or display.

53

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

To connect in STB mode (Option 2)

1 Connect one end of a TV coaxial cable (1) (supplied with selected models only) to your cable service access (wall outlet)

(2). Connect the other end to the VHF/UHF IN port on the back panel of your set-top box (STB) (3).

2 Connect a second TV coaxial cable (4) (not supplied) to the VHF/UHF OUT port on the set-top box (STB) (3). Connect

the other end to the VHF/UHF input port (5) on the rear of your TV monitor or display.

3 Connect one end of a stereo A/V dubbing cable with triple RCA plugs (6) (not supplied), to the Composite Audio Out (L/

R) jacks (7) and the Video Out jack (8) on the back panel of your set-top box (STB) (3), matching the plug and jack colors.

4 Connect the other RCA plugs of the stereo A/V dubbing cable (6) to the appropriate plug receptacles of the AV cable

adapter (9) (supplied with selected models only), matching the plug and receptacle colors.

5 Connect the other end of the AV cable adapter (9) into the A/V IN port (10) on the computer.
6 If you prefer better video quality, connect one end of an S Video cable (11) (not supplied) to the S Video Out port (12) on

the back panel of the set-top box (STB) (3). Connect the other end to the S Video plug receptacle of the AV cable adapter
(9).

54

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

Using the Remote Commander

A remote commander is supplied with your computer for using Windows Media Center features, including TV channel
selection.

Before you use the remote commander

Before using the remote commander, you need to insert the supplied AA manganese batteries to enable communication
between the computer and the remote commander.

To insert batteries

1 Turn the remote commander over.
2 Slightly push down the dented area (1), slide the battery cover in the direction of the arrow, and remove the cover.

55

56

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

3 Insert the supplied two AA batteries into the remote commander.

4 Put the battery cover back on the remote commander and slide it in the reverse direction of the arrow illustrated above

until the cover clicks into place.

✍

If the remote commander does not operate properly, you may need to replace the batteries. When the remote commander is not going to be used for
an extended period of time, remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from battery leakage.

Using Your VAIO Computer

To connect the remote sensor control

✍

If you are using a cable or satellite set-top box, you can attach the remote sensor control to the set-top box, which enables you to control the set-top
box with the remote commander.

1 Plug the cable from the remote sensor control (1) (supplied with selected models only) into the INFRARED

TRANSMITTER OUT jack (2) on the computer.

2 Remove the adhesive tape cover from the bottom of the remote sensor control (1).
3 Attach the remote sensor control (1) onto the set-top box (3) near the infrared sensor (4).

57

nN

!

Do not cover the infrared sensor when attaching the remote sensor control.

The remote sensor must be visible in a line of sight with the remote commander in order to function properly.

58

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

Locating buttons on the remote commander

59

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

Using Your VAIO Computer

A Pause X button

Press to pause media playback. Press again to resume
playback.
Stop x button
Press to stop media playback or TV recording session.
Forward M button
Press to fast-forward media at three speeds.
Skip B? button
Press to move media forward, for example, one audio track, one
DVD chapter, and 30 seconds of recorded TV or video.
Replay ?b button
Press to move media backward, for example, one audio track,
one DVD chapter, and 7 seconds of TV or video.
Rewind m button
Press to move media backward at three speeds.
Record z button
Press to begin recording.
Play N button
Press to begin media playback.

B Back button

Press to return to the previous window.

C Volume buttons

Press to increase (+) or decrease (-) the volume.

D Recorded TV button

Press to view previously recorded TV programs.

60

nN

✍

Illustrated above is the English remote commander as an example.

61

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

E Guide button

Press to view the TV program guide for your area.

F Alphanumeric buttons

Press to select specific channels or enter text. (Press ENTER or
OK to activate the channel selection.)

G CLEAR button

Press to backspace and delete entered text.

H APPLICATION SELECT button

Press to switch among open applications. This button works the
same as the Alt+Tab keys.

I APPLICATION CLOSE button

Press to close the active application window.

J Sleep button

Press to place the computer into Sleep mode to reduce power
consumption.

K Start button

Press to open the Media Center Start menu.

L More button

Press to view additional options that are available for Media
Center features.

M Directional arrow buttons

Press the M, m, <, and , buttons to move the pointer on the
screen.
OK button
Press to select the desired action or window option. When
watching full-screen TV, press to return to the previous channel.
Press again to switch between channels.

N Muting button

Press to turn off the sound. Press again to restore the sound.

O Channel/Page buttons

Press to change or page up/down channels (no number input
required).

P Live TV button

Press to view TV programs.

Q DVD menu button

Press to open the main menu on a DVD.

R ENTER button

Press to activate feature or action, such as channel selection or
return to previous channel. (This button's actions are similar to
using the OK button.)

62

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

Controlling your computer and BRAVIA TV ("BRAVIA" Sync)

If you have a Sony BRAVIA TV with the Control for HDMI function, connecting your computer and BRAVIA TV with an HDMI
cable makes additional control features available with the computer's remote commander and the BRAVIA remote control.

Enabling the Control for HDMI function

To use additional control features, you need to enable the Control for HDMI function first.

To enable the Control for HDMI function

1 Click Start, All Programs, and VAIO Control Center.

The VAIO Control Center window appears.

2 Click Control for HDMI.
3 Select the Control for HDMI check box.
4 Make sure the TV -> VAIO power synchronize check box is not selected.

!

If you select this check box, turning off the BRAVIA TV with its remote control will also turn off your computer.

5 Click OK.

63

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

Using the computer's remote commander to simultaneously turn on the computer and the
BRAVIA TV (One-Touch Play)

When your computer and BRAVIA are off, you can press one of the following buttons on the computer's remote commander
to turn both on and start Windows.

A Sleep button
B Start button

✍

Illustrated above is the English remote commander as an example.

✍

You can press the sleep button on your wireless keyboard or the power button on the computer to turn on both your computer and BRAVIA.

When your computer is in Sleep mode, you can press any key on your keyboard to turn on your BRAVIA.

!

In case you have unplugged and re-plugged the HDMI cable, make sure that your computer and BRAVIA are properly connected by turning on the
computer with the standard procedure before using the One-Touch Play feature.

When your BRAVIA is in the double-view mode, using the One-Touch Play feature will place the BRAVIA into the single-view mode.

64

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

Using the BRAVIA remote control for Windows Media Center features

You can use the remote control supplied with your BRAVIA TV for a wide variety of Windows Media Center features,
including TV viewing and optical disc operations. To start Windows Media Center, press the SYNC MENU button on the
remote control.

65

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

Controlling TV volume with the supplied remote commander

You can change the volume on your TV with the supplied remote commander by changing the remote commander's signal
setting to match with the one used by your TV manufacturer.

Press and hold the OK button and press alphanumeric buttons to enter your TV manufacturer code. For example, press and
hold the OK button and press the 0 and 2 buttons consecutively to enter the manufacturer code for Sony: Sony (02).

Manufacturer Code

VAIO computer
(default setting)

Sony 02

Samsung 03, 05, 06, 08, 11, 13

Toshiba 07, 09

Panasonic 04, 10

Sharp 07, 12

!

If your TV manufacturer has more than one manufacturer code, you may not be able to control the TV volume with the remote commander even though
you have specified one of them for matching the signal setting. In such a case, try another code.

01

Changes to this signal setting for the TV volume control may not work on some TVs. Sony assumes no liability for the controllability.

66

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

Using the Memory Stick Media

Memory Stick media is a compact, portable, and versatile IC recording media especially designed for exchanging and sharing
digital data with compatible products, such as digital cameras, mobile phones and other devices. Because it is removable, it
can be used for external data storage.

✍

The Memory Stick slot is located behind the front panel door. You need to open this door before accessing the slot.

67

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

Before You Use the Memory Stick Media

The Memory Stick slot on your computer can accommodate both standard- and Duo-size media and supports Memory Stick
PRO and Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo formats with high speed data transfer and large data capacity capabilities.

✍

You can insert a Duo-size Memory Stick media directly into the Memory Stick slot without using a Memory Stick Duo Adaptor.

!

Before using a Memory Stick Micro (M2) media, be sure to insert it into an M2 Standard-size or M2 Duo-size Adaptor. If you insert the media directly
into the Memory Stick slot without the Adaptor, you may not be able to remove it from the slot.

For the latest information about the Memory Stick media, visit the Memory Stick Web site at http://www.memorystick.com/en/.

!

Your computer has been tested and found compatible with Sony branded Memory Stick media with capacity of up to 8 GB that are available as of
September 2007. However, not all Memory Stick media that meet the same specifications as the compatible media are guaranteed of compatibility.

Inserting a Memory Stick media with multiple conversion adapters is not guaranteed of compatibility.

MagicGate is the general name of the copyright protection technology developed by Sony. Use a Memory Stick media with the MagicGate logo to use
this feature.

Except for your personal use, it is against the copyright law to use any audio and/or image data you recorded without prior consent from the respective
copyright holders. Accordingly, Memory Stick media with such copyrighted data can be used only within the law.

The Memory Stick slot on your computer does not support 8-bit parallel data transfer (high speed data transfer).

The Memory Stick Micro media in an M2 Duo-size Adaptor may not operate properly if it is additionally inserted into a Memory Stick Duo Adaptor.

Using Your VAIO Computer

Inserting a Memory Stick Media

To insert a Memory Stick media

1 Slide open the front panel door with your fingertip.
2 Locate the Memory Stick slot (page 13).
3 Hold the Memory Stick media with the arrow facing upward and pointing toward the Memory Stick slot.
4 Carefully slide the Memory Stick media into the slot until it clicks into place.

The Memory Stick media is automatically detected by your system and the contents on the Memory Stick media are
displayed. If nothing appears on the desktop, click Start, Computer, and double-click the Memory Stick media icon.

!

Be sure to hold the Memory Stick media with the arrow pointing in the correct direction as you insert it into the slot. To avoid damaging your computer
or the Memory Stick media, do not force the Memory Stick media into the slot if you cannot insert it smoothly.

68

nN

Do not insert more than one Memory Stick media into the slot. Improper insertion of the media may damage both your computer and the media.

While the Memory Stick media is in the slot, you cannot close the front panel door. A forceful attempt to close the door may damage both your computer
and the media.

Using Your VAIO Computer

To view the contents on the Memory Stick media

1 Click Start and Computer to open the Computer window.
2 Double-click the Memory Stick media icon to view the list of data files saved in the Memory Stick media.

To format a Memory Stick media

The Memory Stick media has been formatted in the factory default setting and is ready for use.
If you want to reformat the media with your computer, follow these steps.

!

Be sure to use the device that is designed to format the media and supports the Memory Stick media when formatting the media.

Formatting the Memory Stick media erases the entire data on the media. Before formatting the media, make sure that it does not contain your valuable
data.

Do not remove the Memory Stick media from the slot while formatting the media. This could cause a malfunction.

1 Carefully slide the Memory Stick media into the slot until it clicks into place.
2 Click Start and Computer to open the Computer window.
3 Right-click the Memory Stick media icon and select Format.
4 Click Restore device defaults.

69

nN

!

The size of the allocation unit and file system may change.

Do not select NTFS from the File system drop-down list as it may cause a malfunction.

✍

The formatting process will be completed more quickly if you select Quick Format in Format options.

5 Click Start.
6 At the confirmation prompt, click OK.

The formatting process starts.

!

It may take time to format the Memory Stick media depending on the media.

7 Once completed, click OK.
8 Click Close.

70

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

Using Your VAIO Computer

Removing a Memory Stick Media

To remove a Memory Stick media

1 Check that the Media Access indicator light is off.
2 Firmly grasp the extended part of the Memory Stick media.
3 Carefully pull it out of the slot.

!

Always remove the Memory Stick media gently, or it may pop out unexpectedly.

Do not remove the Memory Stick media while the Media Access indicator light is on. If you do, you may lose data. Large volumes of data may take time
to load, so be sure the indicator is off before removing the Memory Stick media.

71

nN

72

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

Using Other Memory Cards

In addition to the Memory Stick slot, your computer is equipped with an SD memory card slot. You can use this slot to transfer
data among digital cameras, camcorders, music players, and other audio/video devices.

✍

The SD memory card slot is located behind the front panel door. You need to open this door before accessing the slot.

73

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

Before You Use Memory Cards

The SD memory card slot on your computer supports the following memory cards:

❑ SD memory card
❑ SDHC memory card
❑ MultiMediaCard (MMC)

For the latest information on compatible memory cards, see Sony Support Information (page 157) to visit the appropriate
support Web site.

!

Your computer has been tested and found compatible only with major memory card media available as of September 2007. However, not all memory
card media that meet the same specifications as the compatible media are guaranteed of compatibility.

Always insert the correct memory card into the SD memory card slot.

SD memory cards with capacity of up to 2 GB and SDHC memory cards with capacity of up to 8 GB have been tested and found compatible with your
computer.

The SD memory card slot on your computer does not support the copyright protection and high-speed data transfer features of the SD memory card
and SDHC memory card.

Do not attempt to insert a memory card or memory card adapter of a different type into the SD memory card slot. An incompatible memory card or
memory card adapter may cause difficulty in removing from the slot and can cause damage to your computer.

Use care when inserting or removing a memory card from the SD memory card slot. Do not force the memory card in or out of the slot.

Using Your VAIO Computer

Inserting a Memory Card

To insert a memory card

1 Slide open the front panel door with your fingertip.
2 Locate the SD memory card slot (page 13).
3 Hold the memory card with the arrow facing upward and pointing toward the memory card slot.

4 Carefully slide the memory card into the slot until it clicks into place.

Do not force the card into the slot.

✍

If the memory card does not go into the slot easily, remove it gently and verify you are inserting it in the proper direction.

!

While a memory card is in the slot, you cannot close the front panel door. A forceful attempt to close the door may damage both your computer and
the media.

74

nN

Removing a Memory Card

!

Do not remove a memory card while the Media Access indicator light is on. If you do, the card or its data may become damaged.

To remove a memory card

1 Check that the Media Access indicator light is off.
2 Firmly grasp the extended part of the memory card.
3 Carefully pull it out of the slot.

75

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

76

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

Using the Internet

To use the Internet, you need to connect an external modem device, for example a USB telephone modem, an xDSL modem,
or a cable modem, to your computer. For the detailed instructions on connection setups and modem configuration, see the
manual that came with your modem.

77

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

Using Wireless LAN (WLAN)

Using the Sony Wireless LAN (WLAN), all your digital devices with built-in WLAN functionality communicate freely with each
other through a network. A WLAN is a network in which a user can connect to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a wireless
(radio) connection. So there is no need anymore to pull cables or wires through walls and ceilings.

You can communicate without an access point, which means that you can communicate with a limited number of computers
(ad-hoc). Or you can communicate through an access point, which allows you to create a full infrastructure network.

✍

In some countries, using WLAN products may be restricted by the local regulations (e.g. limited number of channels). Therefore, before activating the
WLAN functionality, read the Safety Information carefully.

*

WLAN uses the IEEE 802.11a
encryption methods: Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), which is a security protocol, Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2), and Wi-Fi Protected Access

(WPA). Proposed jointly by the IEEE and Wi-Fi Alliance, both WPA2 and WPA are specifications of standards based, interoperable security
enhancements that increase the level of data protection and access control for existing Wi-Fi networks. WPA has been designed to be forward
compatible with the IEEE 802.11i specification. It utilizes the enhanced data encryption TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) in addition to user
authentication using 802.1X and EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol). Data encryption protects the vulnerable wireless link between clients and
access points. Besides that, there are other typical LAN security mechanisms to ensure privacy, such as: password protection, end-to-end encryption,
virtual private networks, and authentication. WPA2, the second generation of WPA, provides stronger data protection and network access control and
is also designed to secure all versions of 802.11 devices, including 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g, and 802.11n draft standard, multi-band and multi­mode. In addition, based on the ratified IEEE 802.11i standard, WPA2 provides government grade security by implementing the National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST) FIPS 140-2 compliant AES encryption algorithm and 802.1X-based authentication. WPA2 is backward compatible
with WPA.

* See the online specifications to see whether your model supports the IEEE 802.11a standard and/or the IEEE 802.11n draft standard.

/b/g standard or the IEEE 802.11n* draft standard, which specifies the used technology. The standard includes the

78

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

The IEEE 802.11b/g standard is a wireless LAN standard, using the 2.4 GHz bandwidth. The IEEE 802.11g standard provides high-speed
communications, faster than the IEEE 802.11b standard.

The IEEE 802.11a standard is a wireless LAN standard, using the 5 GHz bandwidth, and provides high-speed communications of up to 54 Mbps.

The IEEE 802.11n draft standard is a wireless LAN standard, using the 2.4 or 5 GHz bandwidth, and provides high-speed communications of up to 144

*

Mbps

on the 2.4 GHz bandwidth or up to 300 Mbps* on the 5 GHz bandwidth.

* Actual communication speed varies depending on your access point settings and so on.

®

Your computer may employ the Intel

Next-Gen Wireless-N technology* compliant with the IEEE 802.11a/b/g standard and the IEEE 802.11n draft

standard.

*Employed only on models that support the IEEE 802.11n draft standard.

Wireless LAN devices using the 2.4 GHz bandwidth and the ones using the 5 GHz bandwidth cannot communicate with each other because the
frequencies are different.

The 2.4 GHz bandwidth used by wireless LAN compatible devices is also used by other various devices. Although technologies to minimize interference
from other devices that use the same bandwidth are employed on wireless LAN compatible devices, such interference may cause lower communication

speed, narrower communication range, or broken wireless connections.

The communication speed varies depending on the distance between communication devices, existence of obstacles between such devices, the device
configuration, the radio conditions, and the software in use. In addition, communications may be cut off depending on the radio conditions.

The communication range varies depending on the actual distance between communication devices, existence of obstacles between such devices, the
radio conditions, the ambient environment that includes existence of walls and materials of such walls, and the software in use.

Deploying IEEE 802.11b and IEEE 802.11g products on the same wireless network may reduce the communication speed due to radio interference.
Taking this into consideration, the IEEE 802.11g products are designed to reduce the communication speed to ensure communications with

IEEE 802.11b products. When the communication speed is not as fast as expected, changing the wireless channel on the access point may increase
the communication speed.

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

Connecting the Wireless LAN Antenna

To use the wireless LAN functionality on your computer, you must connect the supplied wireless LAN antenna to your
computer.

To connect the wireless LAN antenna

Screw the wireless LAN antenna cable (1) counterclockwise into the WLAN ANT port (2) on the back of your computer.

!

Be sure to turn the cable plug counterclockwise so as not to damage the WLAN ANT port.

79

!

Be sure to keep the wireless LAN antenna at least 11 inches (30 cm) away from your computer.

✍

For better reception, if needed, you may mount the wireless LAN antenna to a wall using the supplied screw.

80

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

81

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

Communicating without an Access Point (Ad-hoc)

An ad-hoc network is a network in which a LAN is created only by the wireless devices themselves, with no other central
controller or access point. Each device communicates directly with other devices in the network. You can set up an ad-hoc
network easily at home.

❑ If the wireless connection is initiated by the VAIO computer, channel 11 will be selected by default.
❑ If the wireless connection is initiated by peer wireless LAN equipment, the wireless LAN communication will make use of

the channel selected by the peer wireless LAN equipment.

To communicate without an access point (ad-hoc)

!

You cannot select the 5 GHz bandwidth, which is used for the IEEE 802.11a standard, on ad-hoc networks.

The IEEE 802.11n draft standard, using the 2.4 or 5 GHz bandwidth, is not available on ad-hoc networks.

1 Turn on the WLAN switch.

The Wireless LAN indicator lights up.

2 Click Start and Control Panel.
3 Click View network status and tasks under Network and Internet.
4 Click Set up a connection or network on the left pane.

The Set up a connection or network window appears.

5 Select an option to specify the ad-hoc network settings and click Next.
6 Follow the on-screen instructions.

82

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

83

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

Communicating with an Access Point (Infrastructure)

An infrastructure network is a network that extends an existing wired local network to wireless devices by providing an access
point (not supplied), for example the Sony Access Point. The access point bridges the wireless and wired LAN and acts as a
central controller for the wireless LAN. The access point coordinates transmission and reception from multiple wireless
devices within a specific range.

The access point will select which channel to use on an infrastructure network.

!

For details on how to select the channel that will be used by the access point, see the manual that came with your access point.

Using Your VAIO Computer

To connect to a wireless network

1 Make sure an access point is set up.

See the manual that came with your access point for more information.

2 Turn on the WLAN switch.

The Wireless LAN indicator lights up.

3 Click Start and Control Panel.
4 Click View network status and tasks under Network and Internet.
5 Click Manage wireless networks.
6 Click Add.
7 Follow the on-screen instructions.

✍

For WPA-PSK or WPA2-PSK authentication, you must enter a passphrase. The passphrase is case sensitive and must be between 8 and 63
alphanumeric characters long or up to 64 characters long using numbers from 0 to 9 and letters from A to F.

84

nN

Stopping Wireless LAN Communication

To stop wireless LAN communication

Turn off the WLAN switch.

!

Turning off the wireless LAN functionality while accessing remote documents, files, or resources may result in data loss.

85

nN

Using Your VAIO Computer

Using Peripheral Devices

You can add functionality to your VAIO computer by using the various ports on the computer.

❑ Selecting Display Modes (page 87)

❑ Using the Multiple Monitors Function (page 88)

❑ Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device (page 90)

❑ Connecting a Printer (page 93)

❑ Connecting an i.LINK Device (page 94)

❑ Connecting to a Network (LAN) (page 96)

86

nN

Using Peripheral Devices

87

nN

Using Peripheral Devices

Selecting Display Modes

You can select which display to be used as the primary monitor when two displays (TV, desktop monitor, etc.) are connected
to your computer.

If you want to work on both displays at the same time, see Using the Multiple Monitors Function (page 88) for more
information.

To select a display

1 Click Start and Control Panel.
2 Click Additional Options.
3 Click NVIDIA Control Panel.
4 Select the display setup option under Display.
5 Follow the on-screen instructions to change the settings.

✍

You may not be able to display the same contents on both displays (including a combination of one display and one projector) at the same time,
depending on the type of your display or projector.

Before turning on your computer, turn on the external display.

88

nN

Using Peripheral Devices

Using the Multiple Monitors Function

The Multiple Monitors function allows you to distribute portions of your desktop across separate displays. For example, if you
have a display connected to the HDMI OUT port and another connected to the monitor (VGA) port, two displays can function
as a single desktop.

You can move the cursor from one display to the other. This allows you to drag objects, such as an open application window
or a toolbar, from one display to the other.

✍

Your external display may not support the Multiple Monitors function.

Certain software applications may not be compatible with Multiple Monitors settings.

Make sure that your computer does not enter Sleep mode while you are using Multiple Monitors mode; otherwise the computer may not return to
Normal mode.

If you set different colors on each display, do not expand a single window across two displays; otherwise your software may not work properly.

Set fewer colors or a lower resolution for each display.

To select the Multiple Monitors mode

1 Click Start and Control Panel.
2 Click Adjust screen resolution under Appearance and Personalization.

The Display Settings window appears.

3 Right-click the number 2 monitor and select Attached.
4 Click OK.

At the confirmation prompt, click Yes.

✍

Additionally, you can set the display colors and resolution for each display and customize the Multiple Monitors mode.

89

nN

Using Peripheral Devices

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device

✍

You need to slide open the front panel door to access the USB ports on the front.

Connecting a USB Mouse

To connect a USB mouse

1 Choose the USB port (1) you prefer to use.
2 Plug the USB mouse cable (2) into the USB port.

You can now use your USB mouse (not supplied) (3).

90

nN

Using Peripheral Devices

Connecting a USB Floppy Disk Drive

You can purchase a USB floppy disk drive and connect it to your computer.

To connect a USB floppy disk drive

1 Choose the USB port (1) you prefer to use.
2 Plug the USB floppy disk drive cable (2) into the USB port.

Your USB floppy disk drive (3) is now ready for use.

!

When using a USB floppy disk drive, do not apply force on the USB port. This may cause a malfunction.

91

nN

Using Peripheral Devices

92

nN

Using Peripheral Devices

Disconnecting a USB floppy disk drive

You can disconnect a USB floppy disk drive when your computer is on or off. Disconnecting the drive when the computer is
in Sleep mode may cause the computer to malfunction.

To disconnect a USB floppy disk drive

✍

To disconnect a USB floppy disk drive when your computer is off, skip steps 1 to 8.

1 Close all programs accessing the floppy disk drive.
2 Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon on the taskbar.

The Safely Remove Hardware window appears.

3 Select the floppy disk drive you want to unplug.
4 Click Stop.

The Stop a Hardware device window appears.

5 Confirm that the floppy disk drive can be safely removed from the system.
6 Click OK.

A message appears stating it is now safe to remove the hardware device.

7 Click OK.
8 Click Close to close the Safely Remove Hardware window.
9 Disconnect the floppy disk drive from the computer.

Using Peripheral Devices

Connecting a Printer

You can connect a Windows-compatible printer to your computer to print documents.

Connecting a Printer Using the USB Port

You can connect a USB printer compatible with your version of Windows to the computer.

✍

You need to slide open the front panel door to access the USB ports on the front.

To connect a printer using the USB port

1 Plug the power cord (1) of your printer into an AC outlet.

2 Choose the USB port (3) you prefer to use.
3 Plug one end of a USB printer cable (2) (not supplied) into the USB port and the other end to your printer.

93

nN

94

nN

Using Peripheral Devices

Connecting an i.LINK Device

Notes on connecting i.LINK devices

❑ Your computer is equipped with an i.LINK port, which you can use to connect to an i.LINK device, such as a digital video

camcorder.

❑ The i.LINK port on your computer does not supply power to external devices generally powered by i.LINK ports.
❑ The i.LINK port supports transfer rates up to 400 Mbps; however, the actual transfer rate depends on the transfer rate of

the external device.

❑ The optional i.LINK cables may not be available in some countries or areas.
❑ An i.LINK connection with other compatible devices is not fully guaranteed.
❑ The i.LINK connection varies depending on the software applications, operating system, and i.LINK-compatible devices

you use. See the manual that came with your software for more information.

❑ Check the working conditions and operating system compatibility of i.LINK-compatible PC peripherals (for example, an

HDD or a CD-RW drive) before you connect them to your computer.

95

nN

Using Peripheral Devices

Connecting a Digital Video Camcorder

✍

The i.LINK port is located behind the front panel door. You need to open this door before accessing the port.

To connect a digital video camcorder

Plug one end of an i.LINK cable (1) (not supplied) into the i.LINK port (2) on the computer and the other end into the DV In/
Out port (3) on the digital video camcorder.

✍

On Sony digital video cameras, ports labeled DV Out, DV In/Out, or i.LINK are i.LINK-compatible.

The Sony digital video camcorder shown here is an example; your digital video camcorder may need to be connected differently.

You cannot access the pictures stored on a Memory Stick media when using an i.LINK connection.

96

nN

Using Peripheral Devices

Connecting to a Network (LAN)

You can connect your computer to 100BASE-TX/10BASE-T-type networks with an Ethernet network cable. Connect one end
of a network cable (not supplied) to the network (Ethernet) port on the back of the computer and the other end to your network.
For detailed settings and devices needed to connect to the network, ask your network administrator.

!

Your computer has a protective sticker covering the network (Ethernet) port located on its back. Connect a 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX cable to
the network (Ethernet) port. Using an incorrect cable, such as a phone cable, may result in an electric current overload that can cause a malfunction,
excessive heat, or fire in the network (Ethernet) port. For help on connecting to a network, ask your network administrator.

✍

Your computer can be connected to the network with the default settings.

Using Peripheral Devices

!

Telephone lines cannot be connected to the network (LAN) connector on your computer.
If the network (LAN) connector is connected to the telephone lines mentioned below, high electric current to the connector may cause damage,
overheating, or fire.

- Home (intercom speakerphone) or business-use telephone lines (multi-line business telephone)

- Public telephone subscriber line

- PBX (private branch exchange)

Do not plug a telephone cable into the network port.

97

nN

98

nN

Customizing Your VAIO Computer

Customizing Your VAIO Computer

This section briefly describes how to change the main settings of your VAIO computer. Among other things, you will learn
how to use and customize the look of your Sony software and utilities, etc.

❑ Setting the Password (page 99)

❑ Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center (page 102)

❑ Using the Power Saving Mode (page 103)

nN

Customizing Your VAIO Computer

Setting the Password

Use one of the BIOS functions to set the password.
Once you have set the password, you will be prompted to enter the password after the VAIO logo appears to start your

computer. The power-on password allows you to protect your computer from unauthorized access.

99

100

nN

Customizing Your VAIO Computer

Adding the Power-on Password

The power-on password is provided to protect your computer from unauthorized access.

!

Once you have set the power-on password, you cannot start your computer without entering the password. Make sure not to forget the password. Write
down your password and keep it safe and private from other people.

If you forget the power-on password and need assistance to reset it, a password reset fee will be charged, and your computer may need to be sent in
for depot service for password reset.

To add the power-on password

1 Turn on the computer.
2 Press the F2 key when the VAIO logo appears.

The BIOS setup screen appears. If not, restart the computer and press the F2 key several times when the VAIO logo
appears.

3 Press the < or , key to select Security to display the Security tab, select Set Machine Password, and then press the

Enter key.

4 On the password entry screen, enter the password twice and press the Enter key.

The password can be up to 32 alphanumeric characters (including spaces) long.

5 At the confirmation prompt, press the Enter key.

✍

The following is to configure your computer to prompt password entry when you turn it on or display the BIOS setup screen.

6 Select Password when Power On under Security.

Press the space bar to change the setting from Disabled to Enabled.

7 Press the < or , key to select Exit, select Exit Setup, and then press the Enter key.

At the confirmation prompt, press the Enter key.