Sony VPCF121FX, VPCF121FX/B, VPCF121FX/H, VPCF121GX, VPCF121GX/B User Guide

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User Guide

Personal Computer

VPCF12 Series

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Contents
Before Use..........................................................................	4
Finding More about Your VAIO Computer ....................	5
Ergonomic Considerations ............................................	9
Getting Started..................................................................	11
Locating Controls and Ports........................................	12
About the Indicator Lights ...........................................	17
Connecting a Power Source .......................................	18
Using the Battery Pack................................................	20
Shutting Down Your Computer Safely ........................	27
Using the Power Saving Modes ..................................	28
Keeping Your Computer in Optimum Condition ..........	31
Using Your VAIO Computer..............................................	33
Using the Keyboard.....................................................	34
Using the Touch Pad...................................................	37
Using Special-function Buttons ...................................	38
Using the Built-in Camera ...........................................	39
Using the Optical Disc Drive .......................................	40
Using "Memory Stick"..................................................	47
Using Other Modules / Memory Cards........................	54
Using the Internet........................................................	61
Using the Network (LAN) ............................................	62
Using the Wireless LAN ..............................................	63

Using the Bluetooth Function ......................................	67
Using the "TransferJet" Function .................................	72
Using Peripheral Devices..................................................	75
Connecting External Speakers or Headphones ..........	76
Connecting an External Display ..................................	77
Selecting Display Modes .............................................	82
Using the Multiple Monitors Function ..........................	83
Connecting an External Microphone ...........................	85
Connecting a USB Device ...........................................	86
Connecting an i.LINK Device.......................................	88
Customizing Your VAIO Computer....................................	90
Setting the Password...................................................	91
Using Intel(R) VT .........................................................	98
Using the VAIO Control Center ...................................	99
Using the VAIO Power Management.........................	100
Upgrading Your VAIO Computer.....................................	101
Adding and Removing Memory .................................	102

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Precautions.....................................................................	108
Safety Information .....................................................	109
Care and Maintenance Information...........................	112
Handling Your Computer...........................................	113
Handling the LCD Screen .........................................	115
Using the Power Source ...........................................	116
Handling the Built-in Camera ....................................	117
Handling Discs ..........................................................	118
Using the Battery Pack..............................................	119
Handling "Memory Stick"...........................................	120
Handling the Built-in Storage Device ........................	121
Troubleshooting ..............................................................	122
Computer Operations................................................	124
System Update / Security..........................................	130
Recovery ...................................................................	132
Battery Pack..............................................................	135
Built-in Camera .........................................................	137
Networking (LAN/Wireless LAN) ...............................	139
Bluetooth Technology ...............................................	142
"TransferJet" Function...............................................	146
Optical Discs .............................................................	148
Display ......................................................................	153
Printing ......................................................................	157
Microphone ...............................................................	158

Speakers ...................................................................	159
Touch Pad .................................................................	161
Keyboard ...................................................................	162
Floppy Disks ..............................................................	163
Audio/Video ...............................................................	164
"Memory Stick" ..........................................................	167
Peripherals ................................................................	168
Trademarks .....................................................................	169
Notice ..............................................................................	171

Before Use >

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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 you with a state-of-the-art computing experience.

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

How to find specifications

Some features, options, and supplied items may not be available on your computer.

To find out about the configuration of your computer, visit the Sony online support web site at the following URLs:

For customers in USA http://esupport.sony.com/EN/VAIO/

For customers in Canada http://www.sony.ca/support/

For customers in Spanish-speaking Latin American countries or areas http://esupport.sony.com/ES/VAIO/LA

For customers in Brazil http://esupport.sony.com/PT/VAIO/BR/

Before Use >
Finding More about Your VAIO Computer	n 5 N

Finding More about Your VAIO Computer

This section provides support information about your VAIO computer.

1. Printed Documentation

Quick Start Guide — An overview of components connection, set-up information, etc.

Safety Information — Safety guidelines and owner information.

Before activating the wireless functions such as the wireless LAN and Bluetooth technology, read the Safety Information carefully.

Before Use >
Finding More about Your VAIO Computer	n 6 N

2. On-screen Documentation

Help and Support — General information and technical assistance for your VAIO computer. To access Help and Support:

1Click Start and Help and Support.

2Choose from the following categories to find the answers you need.

Get started with my VAIO Get help with Internet and wireless setup, security setup, personalizing your VAIO computer, creating recovery media, and more.

Use my VAIO	Get assistance with your VAIO computer by accessing interactive VAIO tutorials, how-to articles, the VAIO
	technology page, specifications, and system and software information.
	You can find useful documentation such as general and model specific user guide on your VAIO computer.
Troubleshoot my VAIO	Maintain and troubleshoot your VAIO computer with the VAIO Care, system restore, backup and recovery,
	and contact Sony support.

Program help files — May be included with the preinstalled software programs on your computer. You may be able to access the help files from the help menu on a specific program.

SmartWi™ Connection Utility Help — Information about setting up Bluetooth®, wireless LAN, GPS, and wireless WAN functions.

Some features and options may not be available on your computer.

See the specifications to find out about the configuration of your computer.

To access this on-screen guide:

1 Click Start, All Programs, and SmartWi Connection Utility.

2 Click SmartWi Connection Utility Help.

Before Use >
Finding More about Your VAIO Computer	n 7 N

3. Support Web Sites

Sony online support web site

The Sony online support web site provides instant access to information on commonly encountered problems. Type a description of the problem and the Knowledge Database searches for the corresponding solutions online.

For customers in USA http://esupport.sony.com/EN/VAIO/

For customers in Canada http://www.sony.ca/support/

For customers in Spanish-speaking Latin American countries or areas http://esupport.sony.com/ES/VAIO/LA

For customers in Brazil http://esupport.sony.com/PT/VAIO/BR/

Operating system online support web site

Your computer comes preinstalled with a Microsoft Windows operating system. For operating system support, you can visit Microsoft customer support at http://support.microsoft.com/directory/.

Before Use >
Finding More about Your VAIO Computer	n 8 N

4. Customer Information Center

If you do not find the information you are looking for at our site, you may call Sony directly. You can find the contact numbers on the Sony online support web site. In order to receive the fastest and most efficient services, have the following information readily available:

1Your VAIO computer model

You can find it at the lower right corner of the display on the computer.

2Your computer's serial number

You can find it on the bottom, the back panel, or inside the battery compartment of your Sony VAIO computer. The serial number is the last 7 digits of the number below the barcode.

3The operating system on your computer

4The hardware component or the software program that is causing the problem

5A brief description of the problem

5. In Store Service & Support (available in USA only)

Make an appointment with a Sony certified technician at a U.S. Sony Style store and get personalized service and support for your VAIO computer. Sony Style Backstage Technicians can assist with the setup of your new VAIO computer, system optimization, data rescue, and any repair service you might need.

Visit the web site at www.sonystyle.com/backstage to find the nearest location.

Before Use >
Ergonomic Considerations	n 9 N

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. Keep your forearms horizontal, with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable position while using the keyboard or the pointing device. Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides. Take frequent breaks while using 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.

Before Use >
Ergonomic Considerations	n 10 N

Viewing angle of the computer display – Use the display 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 or slightly below eye level when you are sitting in front of the monitor.

Getting Started >

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Getting Started

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

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Before starting your computer for the first time, do not connect any other hardware that did not originally come with your computer. Upon completion, connect one device (for example, a printer, an external hard disk drive, a scanner, and so on) at a time, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Locating Controls and Ports (page 12)

About the Indicator Lights (page 17)

Connecting a Power Source (page 18)

Using the Battery Pack (page 20)

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 27)

Using the Power Saving Modes (page 28)

Keeping Your Computer in Optimum Condition (page 31)

Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports	n 12 N

Locating Controls and Ports

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

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The appearance of your computer may be different from those illustrated in this manual due to variations in specifications.

Front

A Ambient light sensor (page 36), (page 155)

Measures ambient light intensity for automatically adjusting the LCD brightness to an optimum level.

B Num lock indicator (page 17)

C Caps lock indicator (page 17)

D Scroll lock indicator (page 17)

E Built-in microphone (monaural)

F Built-in MOTION EYE camera indicator (page 17)

G Built-in MOTION EYE camera (page 39)

H LCD screen (page 115)

I Built-in speakers (stereo)

J Numeric keypad

Use the numeric keypad to type numbers or to perform basic math calculations.

K Keyboard (page 34)

L Touch pad (page 37)

M Right button(page 37)

N Left button (page 37)

O "TransferJet" port* (page 72)

* On selected models only.

Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports	n 13 N
	A DISPLAY OFF button (page 38)
	B Play/Pause button (page 38)
	C Stop button (page 38)
	D Previous track button (page 38)
	E Next track button (page 38)
	F ASSIST button (page 38)
	G S1 button (page 38)
	H VAIO button (page 38)
	I Charge indicator (page 17)
	J Disc drive indicator (page 17)
	K WIRELESS indicator (page 17)
	L Media Access indicator (page 17)
	M WIRELESS switch (page 63), (page 67), (page 72)
	N "Memory Stick Duo" slot* (page 47)
	O SD memory card slot (page 57)
	* Your computer supports only Duo-size "Memory Stick".

Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports	n 14 N

Right

A Headphones/OPTICAL OUT jack (page 76)

(Optical Output Sampling Rate: 44.1 KHz/48.0 KHz/96.0 KHz)

B Microphone jack (page 85)

C USB ports* (page 86)

D Optical disc drive (page 40)

E Drive eject button (page 40)

F Manual eject hole (page 148)

G Power button/Power indicator (page 17)

* Compliant with the USB 2.0 standard and support high-/full-/low- speeds.

Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports	n 15 N

Left

A DC IN port (page 18)

B Security slot

C Air vent

D Network (LAN) port (page 62)

E Monitor port (page 77)

F HDMI output port*1 (page 80)

G eSATA/USB port*2

	Connect an external device compliant with the eSATA or USB
	standard.
H ExpressCard/34 slot (page 54)
I i.LINK 4-pin (S400) port (page 88)
*1	There may be no sound from an output device connected to the HDMI
	output port for the first few seconds after playback starts. This does not
	indicate a malfunction.
*2	Compliant with the USB 2.0 standard and supports high-/full-/low- speeds.

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Notes on using the eSATA/USB port:

- An eSATA device and a USB device cannot be connected to the port simultaneously.

- The computer may not be able to recognize your USB device depending on the plug shape of the device. In this case, use one of the USB dedicated ports.

- When disconnecting an eSATA device, click the Safely Remove

Hardware and Eject Media icon on the taskbar and select the device before removal.

- The port does not support an eSATA port multiplier.

Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports	n 16 N

Back/Bottom

A Air vents

B Memory module compartment cover (page 102)

C Battery connector (page 20)

Getting Started >
About the Indicator Lights	n 17 N

About the Indicator Lights

Your computer is equipped with the following indicator lights:

	Indicator	Functions
	Power 1	Illuminates in green while the computer is in Normal mode, blinks slowly in orange while the computer is in Sleep
		mode, and turns off when the computer is turned off or enters Hibernate mode.
	Charge	Illuminates while the battery pack is charging. See Charging the Battery Pack (page 23) for more information.
	Built-in MOTION EYE camera	Illuminates while the built-in camera is in use.
	Media Access	Illuminates while data access to a memory card, such as "Memory Stick" and an SD memory card, is in
		progress. (Do not place the computer into Sleep mode or turn it off while this indicator light is lit.) When the
		indicator light is unlit, the memory card is not in use.
	Disc drive	Illuminates while data access to the built-in storage device or the optical disc drive is in progress. Do not place
		the computer into Sleep mode or turn it off while this indicator light is lit.
	Num lock	Press the Num Lk key to activate the numeric keypad. Press it a second time to deactivate the numeric keypad.
		The numeric keypad is not active when the indicator light is unlit.
	Caps lock	Press the Caps Lock key to type letters in uppercase. Letters appear in lowercase if you press the Shift key
		while the indicator light is lit. Press the key a second time to turn off the indicator light. Normal typing resumes
		when the Caps lock indicator light is turned off.
	Scroll lock	Press the Fn+Scr Lk keys to change how you scroll the display. Normal scrolling resumes when the Scroll lock
		indicator light is turned off. The Scr Lk key functions differently depending on the program you are using and
		does not work with all programs.
	WIRELESS	Illuminates while one or more wireless options are enabled.

Getting Started >
Connecting a Power Source	n 18 N

Connecting a Power Source

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

Using the AC Adapter

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

Use only the supplied AC adapter for your computer.

To use the AC adapter

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

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

3Plug the cable from the AC adapter (3) into the DC IN port (4) on the computer.

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The shape of the DC In plug varies depending on the AC adapter.

Getting Started >
Connecting a Power Source	n 19 N

To disconnect your computer completely from an AC power source, unplug the AC adapter from the AC outlet. Make sure that an AC outlet is easily accessible.

If you do not intend to use your computer for an extended period of time, place the computer into Hibernate mode. See Using Hibernate Mode (page 30).

Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack	n 20 N

Using the Battery Pack

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

Installing/Removing the Battery Pack

To install the battery pack

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

2Slide the battery LOCK switch (1) inward.

Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack	n 21 N

3Slide the battery pack diagonally into the battery compartment until the projection (2) on either side of the battery compartment fits into the U-shaped cut (3) on either side of the battery pack.

4 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.

Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack	n 22 N

To remove the battery pack

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You will lose all unsaved data if you remove the battery pack while your computer is on and not connected to the AC adapter.

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

2Slide the battery LOCK switch (1) inward.

3Slide and hold the battery RELEASE latch (2) inward, put your fingertip underneath the tab (3) on the battery pack, and lift the battery pack in the direction of the arrow, and then slide it away from the computer.

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This computer is designed to operate only with genuine Sony battery packs.

Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack	n 23 N

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

1Install the battery pack.

2Connect the computer to a power source with the AC adapter.

The charge indicator light is on while the battery pack is charging. When the battery pack charges close to the maximum charge level you selected, the charge indicator turns off.

Charge indicator status	Meaning
Lit in orange	The battery pack is charging.
Blinks along with the green	The battery pack is running out of power.
power indicator	(Normal mode)
Blinks along with the orange	The battery pack is running out of power.
power indicator	(Sleep mode)
Blinks fast in orange	A battery error has occurred due to a failed battery
	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 >
Using the Battery Pack	n 24 N

Keep the battery pack in your computer while it is directly connected to an AC power source. The battery pack continues to charge while you are using the computer.

When the battery pack is running out of power and both the charge and power indicator lights blink, you should either connect the AC adapter to recharge the battery pack or shut down your computer and install a fully charged battery pack.

Your computer is supplied with a lithium ion battery pack and can be recharged any time. Charging a partially discharged battery pack does not affect the life of battery.

While some software applications or peripheral devices are in use, your computer may not enter Hibernate mode even when the remaining battery life becomes short. To avoid loss of data while the computer is running on the battery, you should save your data frequently and manually activate a power management mode, such as Sleep or Hibernate.

If the battery pack runs out of power while the computer is in 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.

Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack	n 25 N

Checking the Battery Charge Capacity

The battery charge capacity gradually decreases as the number of battery charging increases or the duration of use of the battery pack extends. To get the most out of the battery pack, check the battery charge capacity and change the battery settings.

To check the battery charge capacity

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

2Click Power Management and Battery.

Additionally, you can enable the battery care function to extend the life of the battery pack.

Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack	n 26 N

Extending the Battery Life

When your computer is running on battery power, you can extend the battery life using the following methods.

Decrease the LCD brightness of your computer screen.

Use the power saving mode. See Using the Power Saving Modes (page 28) for more information.

Change the power saving settings on the Power Options. See Using the VAIO Power Management (page 100) for more information.

Set the wallpaper in Long Battery Life Wallpaper Setting as your desktop background with the VAIO Control Center.

Getting Started >
Shutting Down Your Computer Safely	n 27 N

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely

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

To shut down your computer

1Turn off any peripherals connected to the computer.

2Click Start and the Shut down button.

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

The power indicator light turns off.

Getting Started >
Using the Power Saving Modes	n 28 N

Using the Power Saving Modes

You can take advantage of the power management settings to conserve battery life. In addition to the normal operating mode, your computer has two distinct power saving modes to suit your preference: Sleep and Hibernate.

!

If you do not intend to use your computer for an extended period of time while it is disconnected from an AC power source, place the computer into Hibernate mode or turn it off.

If the battery pack runs out of power while your computer is in 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.

Mode	Description
Normal mode	This is the normal state of your computer while it is in use. The green power indicator light is lit while the
	computer is in this mode.
Sleep mode	Sleep mode turns off the LCD screen and places the built-in storage device(s) and the CPU into a low power
	consumption mode. The orange power indicator light blinks slowly while your computer is in this mode. Your
	computer comes out of Sleep mode quicker than out of Hibernate mode. However, Sleep mode uses more
	power than Hibernate mode.
Hibernate mode	While your computer is in Hibernate mode, the state of the system is saved on the built-in storage device(s) and
	power is turned off. Even when the battery pack runs out of power, no data will be lost. The power indicator light
	is unlit while your computer is in this mode.

Getting Started >
Using the Power Saving Modes	n 29 N

Using Sleep Mode

To activate Sleep mode

Click Start, the arrow next to the Shut down button, and Sleep.

To return to Normal mode

Press any key.

Press the power button on your computer.

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If you press and hold the power button for more than four seconds, your computer will turn off automatically. You will lose all unsaved data.

Getting Started >
Using the Power Saving Modes	n 30 N

Using Hibernate Mode

To activate Hibernate mode

Press the Fn+F12 keys.

Alternatively, you can click Start, the arrow next to the Shut down button, and Hibernate.

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Do not move your computer before its power indicator light turns off.

To return to Normal mode

Press the power button.

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If you press and hold the power button for more than four seconds, your computer will turn off automatically.