Sony VPCSA21GX, VPCSA21GX/BI, VPCSA21GX/SI, VPCSA22GX, VPCSA22GX/BI User Guide

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User Guide

Personal Computer

VPCSA Series / VPCSB 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 ...........................................	20
Connecting a Power Source .......................................	21
Using the Battery Pack................................................	23
Shutting Down Your Computer Safely ........................	33
Using the Power Saving Modes ..................................	34
Keeping Your Computer in Optimum Condition ..........	37
Using Your VAIO Computer..............................................	40
Using the Keyboard.....................................................	41
Using the Touch Pad...................................................	44
Using Special-function Buttons ...................................	45
Using the Quick Web Access Function .......................	46
Using the Built-in Camera ...........................................	48
Using the Optical Disc Drive .......................................	49
Using "Memory Stick"..................................................	56
Using Other Modules / Memory Cards........................	63
Using the Internet........................................................	67
Using the Network (LAN) ............................................	68

Using the Wireless LAN...............................................	69
Using the Wireless WAN .............................................	74
Using the International Roaming Service ....................	79
Using the BLUETOOTH Function................................	80
Using Fingerprint Authentication .................................	86
Using the TPM.............................................................	91
Using Peripheral Devices................................................	101
Connecting a Port Replicator.....................................	102
Connecting External Speakers or Headphones ........	109
Connecting an External Display ................................	110
Selecting Display Modes ...........................................	116
Using the Multiple Monitors Function ........................	117
Connecting a USB Device .........................................	119
Customizing Your VAIO Computer..................................	121
Selecting Performance Modes ..................................	122
Setting the Password.................................................	124
Using the VAIO Control Center .................................	130
Using the VAIO Power Management.........................	131
Protecting Data from Unauthorized Use....................	132
Protecting the Hard Disk............................................	134

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Upgrading Your VAIO Computer ....................................	135
Adding and Removing Memory.................................	136
Precautions.....................................................................	142
Safety Information .....................................................	143
Care and Maintenance Information...........................	146
Handling Your Computer...........................................	147
Handling the LCD Screen .........................................	149
Using the Power Source ...........................................	150
Handling the Built-in Camera ....................................	151
Handling Discs ..........................................................	152
Using the Battery Pack..............................................	153
Handling "Memory Stick"...........................................	154
Handling the Built-in Storage Device ........................	155
Using Fingerprint Authentication ...............................	156
Using the TPM ..........................................................	157
Troubleshooting ..............................................................	158
Computer Operations................................................	160
System Update / Security..........................................	166
Recovery / Recovery Media ......................................	167
Partition .....................................................................	171
Battery Pack..............................................................	172
Built-in Camera .........................................................	174
Networking (LAN/Wireless LAN) ...............................	176
Wireless WAN ...........................................................	180

BLUETOOTH Technology .........................................	181
Optical Discs..............................................................	184
Display.......................................................................	189
Printing ......................................................................	194
Microphone................................................................	195
Speakers ...................................................................	196
Touch Pad .................................................................	198
Keyboard ...................................................................	199
Floppy Disks ..............................................................	200
Audio/Video ...............................................................	201
"Memory Stick" ..........................................................	203
Peripherals ................................................................	204
Trademarks .....................................................................	205
Notice ..............................................................................	208

Before Use >

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Before Use

Congratulations on your purchase of this 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.

!

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/ (English) http://www.fr.sony.ca/support (French)

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.

Recovery, Backup and Troubleshooting Guide

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

VAIO User Guide — General information of your VAIO computer including support and troubleshooting information. To access VAIO User Guide, click Start , All Programs, and VAIO Manual.

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

1 Click Start and Help and Support.

2 Choose 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 useful information such as interactive VAIO tutorials,
	how-to articles, the VAIO technology page, specifications, and system and software information. The
	available information varies depending on the model you purchased.
	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.

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/ (English) http://www.fr.sony.ca/support (French)

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 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 20)

Connecting a Power Source (page 21)

Using the Battery Pack (page 23)

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 33)

Using the Power Saving Modes (page 34)

Keeping Your Computer in Optimum Condition (page 37)

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.

Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports	n 13 N

Front

A Built-in camera (page 48)

B Built-in camera indicator (page 20)

C Ambient light sensor (page 43), (page 192)

Measures ambient light intensity for automatically adjusting the

LCD brightness to an optimum level.

D Num lock indicator (page 20)

E Caps lock indicator (page 20)

F Scroll lock indicator (page 20)

G LCD screen (page 149)

H Built-in speakers (stereo)

I Power button

Illuminates depending on the computer's operating mode (page

34).

J Keyboard (page 41)

K Touch pad (page 44)

L Left button (page 44)

M Fingerprint sensor* (page 86)

N Right button (page 44)

* On selected models only.

Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports	n 14 N
	A ASSIST button (page 45)
	B WEB button* (page 45)
	C VAIO button (page 45)
	D Wireless Display button* (page 45)
	E Drive eject button (page 45), (page 49)
	F Performance selector switch (page 122)
	G WIRELESS switch (page 69), (page 74), (page 80)
	H WIRELESS indicator (page 20)
	I Charge indicator (page 20)
	J Disc drive indicator (page 20)
	K Built-in microphone (monaural)
	* Your computer is equipped with either of the buttons.

Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports	n 15 N

Back

A Air vent

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It is recommended that you do not use your computer with the LCD screen lid fully open for an extended period of time. If you do so, the temperature of the bottom of the unit may rise.

Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports	n 16 N

Right

A "Memory Stick Duo" slot*1 (page 56)

B Media Access indicator (page 20)

C Security slot

D SD memory card slot (page 63)

E Monitor port*2 (page 111)

F HDMI output port*2 (page 113)

G USB port*3 (page 119)

H USB ports*4 (page 119)

I LAN port*2 (page 68)

J DC IN port*2 (page 21)

*1			Your computer supports only Duo-size "Memory Stick".
*2			Not accessible when your computer is attached to the port replicator.
*3			Compliant with the USB 2.0/3.0 standards. USB ports that are compliant
			with the USB 3.0 standard are identifiable by their blue color.
		*4	Compliant with the USB 2.0 standard.

Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports	n 17 N

Left

A Headphones jack (page 109)

B Optical disc drive (page 49)

C Manual eject hole (page 184)

Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports	n 18 N

Bottom (with the bottom cover)

A Air vents

B Port replicator connector cover (page 103)

C Extended battery pack connector cover*1

D Battery off button (page 28), (page 173)

E SIM card cover*2 (page 74), (page 79)

F Bottom cover

*1	For detailed instructions on how to attach an extended battery pack, see the
	manual that came with your extended battery pack.
	While the extended battery pack is attached to your computer, be sure to
	keep the removed connector cover for future use.
*2	On selected models only.

Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports	n 19 N

Bottom (without the bottom cover)

A Memory module (page 136)

B Battery connector (page 23)

Getting Started >
About the Indicator Lights	n 20 N

About the Indicator Lights

Your computer is equipped with the following indicator lights:

	Indicator	Functions
	Charge	Illuminates while the battery pack is charging. See Charging the Battery Pack (page 29) for more information.
	Built-in 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 Fn+Num Lk keys to activate the numeric keypad. Press the keys 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 21 N

Connecting a Power Source

You can use either an AC adapter or a rechargeable battery pack for supplying power to your computer. Before using the computer for the first time, you need to connect an AC adapter to your computer.

!

Do not use your computer without installing the battery pack as it may cause the computer to malfunction.

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 22 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 36).

Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack	n 23 N

Using the Battery Pack

The battery pack is already installed on your computer at the time of delivery but is not fully charged.

!

Do not use your computer without installing the battery pack as it may cause the computer to malfunction.

Installing/Removing the Battery Pack

In order to distinguish the battery pack which is installed on your computer at the time of delivery from an extended battery pack (supplied with selected models only), it may be referred to as the primary battery pack in this manual.

For detailed instructions on how to attach and charge an extended battery pack, see the manual that came with your extended battery pack.

To install the battery pack

1Turn off the computer, close the LCD screen lid, and unplug the AC adapter if plugged.

2Unscrew the two screws (1), slide the bottom cover in the direction of the arrow (2), and remove the cover.

!

Be careful not to lose the removed screws.

Be careful not to touch the wires and the projections inside the bottom cover.

Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack	n 24 N

3 Slide the battery pack into the battery compartment in the direction of the arrow.

4 Push the battery pack down into the compartment until the projection (3) clicks into place.

Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack	n 25 N

5 Replace the cover. Make sure all the tabs on the cover are slid in place and push the cover in the direction of the arrow.

6 Replace and tighten the removed screws.

Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack	n 26 N

To remove the battery pack

!

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, close the LCD screen lid, and unplug the AC adapter if plugged.

2Unscrew the two screws (1), slide the bottom cover in the direction of the arrow (2), and remove the cover.

!

Be careful not to lose the removed screws.

Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack	n 27 N

3 Pull and hold the tab in the direction of the arrow (3) and pull the battery pack in the direction of the arrow (4).

4 Slide the battery pack away from the computer in the direction of the arrow.

Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack	n 28 N

If your computer does not recognize the battery pack, turn off your computer and push and hold the battery off button for three seconds with a thin, straight object (such as a paper clip). If this does not solve the problem, remove the battery pack and install it once again.

If an extended battery pack is attached to the computer, turn off the computer and remove the extended battery pack. If this does not solve the problem, push and hold the battery off button for three seconds. If the problem persists, remove both battery packs and install them once again.

!

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

Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack	n 29 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.

!

Charge the battery pack as described in this manual from your first battery charge.

Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack	n 30 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.

About the use of an extended battery pack

If an extended battery pack is attached to your computer, the primary battery pack is charged first up to about 80% of its battery capacity. Then, the extended battery pack starts charging up to about 80%. After both battery packs are charged up to about 80%, the primary battery pack starts charging to 100%. Then, the extended battery pack starts charging to 100%.

If an extended battery pack is attached to your computer, battery power of the extended battery pack is used first. Battery power of the primary battery pack will be used after the extended battery pack runs out of power.