Sony VPCSA31FX, VPCSA31FXBI, VPCSA31FXSI, VPCSA31GX, VPCSA31GXBI User Guide

...

User Guide

Personal Computer

VPCSA Series / VPCSB Series / VPCSC Series / VPCSE Series

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 the GPS Function ..............................................86

Using Fingerprint Authentication .................................87

Using the TPM .............................................................92

Using Peripheral Devices................................................102

Connecting a Port Replicator.....................................103

Connecting External Speakers or Headphones ........110

Connecting an External Display ................................111

Selecting Display Modes ...........................................117

Using the Multiple Monitors Function ........................118

Connecting a USB Device .........................................120

Customizing Your VAIO Computer..................................122

Selecting Performance Modes ..................................123

Setting the Password.................................................125

Using the VAIO Control Center .................................131

Using the VAIO Power Management.........................132

Protecting Data from Unauthorized Use ....................133

Protecting the Hard Disk ............................................135

Upgrading Your VAIO Computer .................................... 136

Adding and Removing Memory ................................. 137

Precautions..................................................................... 143

Safety Information ..................................................... 144

Care and Maintenance Information........................... 147

Handling Your Computer........................................... 148

Handling the LCD Screen ......................................... 150

Using the Power Source ........................................... 151

Handling the Built-in Camera .................................... 152

Handling Discs .......................................................... 153

Using the Battery Pack.............................................. 154

Handling "Memory Stick"........................................... 155

Handling the Built-in Storage Device ........................ 156

Using Fingerprint Authentication ............................... 157

Using the TPM .......................................................... 158

Troubleshooting .............................................................. 159

Computer Operations ................................................ 161

System Update / Security.......................................... 167

Recovery / Recovery Media ...................................... 168

Partition ..................................................................... 171

Battery Pack .............................................................. 172

Built-in Camera ......................................................... 174

Networking (LAN/Wireless LAN) ............................... 176

Wireless WAN ........................................................... 180

BLUETOOTH Technology .........................................181

Optical Discs..............................................................184

GPS ...........................................................................189

Display .......................................................................190

Printing ......................................................................195

Microphone ................................................................196

Speakers ...................................................................197

Touch Pad .................................................................199

Keyboard ...................................................................200

Floppy Disks ..............................................................201

Audio/Video ...............................................................202

"Memory Stick" ..........................................................204

Peripherals ................................................................205

About the International ENERGY STAR(R) Program......206

Trademarks .....................................................................207

Notice ..............................................................................209

Before Use >

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/ http://fr.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/

(English)

(French)

Before Use > Finding More about Your VAIO Computer

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 Regulations — Safety guidelines and owner information.

✍

Before activating the wireless functions such as the wireless LAN and BLUETOOTH technology, read the Safety Regulations carefully.

Before Use > Finding More about Your VAIO Computer

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

Use my VAIO Get assistance with your VAIO computer by accessing useful information such as interactive VAIO tutorials,

Troubleshoot my VAIO Maintain and troubleshoot your VAIO computer with the VAI O Ca r e, system restore, backup and recovery,

Recovery Media, and more.

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.

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

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/ http://fr.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/

(English)

(French)

Before Use > Finding More about Your VAIO Computer

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:

1 Your VAIO computer model

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

2 Your 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.

3 The operating system on your computer

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

5 A 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 Store and get personalized service and support for your VAIO computer. Sony 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.sony.com/store

to find the nearest location.

Before Use > Ergonomic Considerations

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

❑ 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 >

Getting Started

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

Before starting your computer for the first time, do not connect any other hardware that did not originally come with your computer. 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

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.

Getting Started > Locating Controls and Ports

Front

A Built-in camera (page 48) B Built-in camera indicator (page 20) C Ambient light sensor (page 43), (page 193)

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 Keyboard (page 41) H ASSIST button (page 45)

I WEB button

(page 45)

J VAI O button (page 45) K Wireless Display button

(page 45)

L LCD screen (page 150) M Built-in speakers (stereo) N Power button

Illuminates depending on the computer's operating mode (page

34).

* Your computer is equipped with either of the buttons.

Getting Started > Locating Controls and Ports

A Drive eject button (page 45), (page 49) B Performance selector switch (page 123) C Touch pad (page 44) D Left button (page 44)

E Fingerprint sensor

(page 87)

F Right button (page 44) G WIRELESS switch (page 69), (page 74), (page 80), (page 86) H WIRELESS indicator (page 20) I Charge indicator (page 20) J Disc drive indicator (page 20) K Built-in microphone (monaural)

L Numeric keypad

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

On selected models only.

On VPCSE Series only.

Getting Started > Locating Controls and Ports

Back

A Air vent

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

Right

The location of the ports and slots on the right side of your computer is different depending on the model you purchased. VPCSA, VPCSB, or VPCSC Series is illustrated at the top and VPCSE Series is illustrated at the bottom of the enlarged illustrations.

A "Memory Stick Duo" slot

(page 56)

B Media access indicator (page 20) C Security slot D SD memory card slot (page 63)

E Monitor port F HDMI output port G USB port H USB ports I LAN port J DC IN port

Your computer supports only Duo-size "Memory Stick".

Not accessible when your computer is attached to the port replicator.

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.

Compliant with the USB 2.0 standard.

(page 112)

(page 120)

(page 68)

(page 21)

(page 114)

Getting Started > Locating Controls and Ports

Left

A Headphones jack (page 110) B Optical disc drive (page 49) C Manual eject hole (page 184)

Getting Started > Locating Controls and Ports

Bottom (with the bottom cover)

A Air vents B Port replicator connector cover (page 104)

C Extended battery pack connector cover

D Battery off button (page 28), (page 164), (page 173) E SIM card cover

(page 74), (page 79)

F Bottom cover

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.

On selected models only.

Getting Started > Locating Controls and Ports

Bottom (without the bottom cover)

A Memory module (page 137) B Battery connector (page 23)

Getting Started > About the Indicator Lights

About the Indicator Lights

Your computer is equipped with the following indicator lights:

Indicator Functions

Charge

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

Disc drive

Num lock

Caps lock

Scroll lock

WIRELESS Illuminates while one or more wireless options are enabled.

Illuminates while the battery pack is charging. See Charging the Battery Pack (page 29) for more information.

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.

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.

Illuminates during Num lock mode. In this mode, you can use the numeric keys to type numbers or to perform basic math calculations. To activate Num lock mode, press the Fn+Num Lk keys on models without the numeric keypad or the Num Lk key on models with the numeric keypad. To deactivate Num lock mode, press the key(s) a second time. The indicator light turns off.

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.

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.

Getting Started > Connecting a Power Source

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

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

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

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

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

Getting Started > Connecting a Power Source

✍

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

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

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

2 Unscrew 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

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

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.

There are five tabs on VPCSA, VPCSB, and VPCSC Series and six tabs on VPCSE Series.

6 Replace and tighten the removed screws.

Getting Started > Using the Battery Pack

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.

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

2 Unscrew 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

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

✍

If your computer does not recognize the battery pack, turn off your computer and push and hold the battery off button for about 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 about 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

Charging the Battery Pack

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

To charge the battery pack

1 Install the battery pack.

2 Connect the 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 power indicator

Blinks along with the orange power indicator

Blinks fast in orange A battery error has occurred due to a failed battery

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

The battery pack is running out of power. (Normal mode)

The battery pack is running out of power. (Sleep mode)

pack or an unlocked battery pack.

Getting Started > Using the Battery Pack

✍

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.

+ 180 hidden pages