Sony VPCW21 User Manual

User Guide

Personal Computer

VPCW21 Series

Contents

Before Use.......................................................................... 4

Finding More about Your VAIO Computer .................... 5

Ergonomic Considerations ............................................ 7

Getting Started.................................................................... 9

Locating Controls and Ports........................................ 10

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

Connecting a Power Source ....................................... 17

Using the Battery Pack................................................ 19

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely ........................ 26

Using the Power Saving Modes .................................. 27

Updating Your Computer ............................................ 30

Using Your VAIO Computer.............................................. 31

Using the Keyboard..................................................... 32

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

Using the Built-in Camera ........................................... 35

Using "Memory Stick".................................................. 36

Using Other Modules / Memory Cards........................ 43

Using the Internet ........................................................ 47

Using the Network (LAN) ............................................ 48

Using the Wireless LAN .............................................. 49

Using the Wireless WAN ............................................. 54

Using the Bluetooth Function ...................................... 58

Using Peripheral Devices..................................................64

Connecting an Optical Disc Drive................................65

Connecting External Speakers or Headphones ..........67

Connecting an External Display ..................................68

Selecting Display Modes .............................................70

Using the Multiple Monitors Function ..........................71

Connecting an External Microphone ...........................73

Connecting a USB Device ...........................................74

Customizing Your VAIO Computer....................................76

Setting the Password...................................................77

Using the VAIO Control Center ...................................84

Using the VAIO Power Management...........................85

Precautions .......................................................................86

Safety Information .......................................................87

Care and Maintenance Information .............................90

Handling Your Computer .............................................91

Handling the LCD Screen ............................................93

Using the Power Source..............................................94

Handling the Built-in Camera.......................................95

Handling Discs.............................................................96

Using the Battery Pack ................................................97

Handling "Memory Stick" .............................................98

Handling the Built-in Storage Device ...........................99

Troubleshooting .............................................................. 100

Computer Operations ................................................ 102

System Update / Security.......................................... 109

Recovery ................................................................... 111

Battery Pack .............................................................. 113

Built-in Camera ......................................................... 115

Networking (LAN/Wireless LAN) ............................... 117

Wireless WAN ........................................................... 120

Bluetooth Technology ............................................... 121

Optical Discs ............................................................. 125

Display ...................................................................... 126

Printing ...................................................................... 129

Microphone ............................................................... 130

Speakers ................................................................... 131

Touch Pad................................................................. 133

Keyboard................................................................... 134

Floppy Disks.............................................................. 135

Audio/Video ............................................................... 136

"Memory Stick" .......................................................... 138

Peripherals ................................................................ 139

Trademarks..................................................................... 140

Notice.............................................................................. 142

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 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 VAIO Link web site at http://www.vaio-link.com

About Models with Windows 7 Starter

On models with the Windows 7 Starter operating system, you cannot use some of the features available on models with other editions of the Windows 7 operating system. Among those described in this User Guide, for example, you cannot use the following:

❑ Ad-hoc connections of the wireless LAN function

❑ Multiple Monitors function

❑ Long Battery Life Wallpaper Setting of the VAIO Control Center

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 and Troubleshooting Guide (Quick Reference)

❑ Regulations, Guarantee, and Service Support

2. On-screen Documentation

❑ User Guide (This manual) — Features of your computer and information about solving common problems.

To view this on-screen guide:

1 Click Start , All Programs, and VAIO Documentation.

2 Open the folder for your language.

3 Select the guide you want to read.

✍

You can manually browse to the user guides by going to Computer > VAIO (C:) (your C drive) > Documentation > Documentation and opening the folder for your language.

❑ Recovery and Troubleshooting Guide (Detailed Version) — Detailed information on recovering, backup and

troubleshooting.

❑ Windows Help and Support — A comprehensive resource for practical advice, tutorials, and demonstrations to help you

learn to use your computer.

To access Windows Help and Support, click Start and Help and Support, or press and hold the Microsoft Windows key and press the F1 key.

Before Use > Finding More about Your VAIO Computer

3. Support Web Sites

If you have any problem with the computer, visit the VAIO-Link web site at http://www.vaio-link.com for troubleshooting guidance.

Some other information resources are also available:

❑ The Club VAIO community at http://club-vaio.com

❑ For product information, you can visit our products web site at http://www.vaio.eu/

http://www.sonystyle-europe.com

In case you need to contact VAIO-Link, have the serial number of your VAIO computer ready at hand. The serial number is located on the bottom, the back panel, or inside the battery compartment of your VAIO computer. If you have problems locating your serial number, more guidance can be found on the VAIO-Link web site.

provides the possibility to ask questions to other VAIO users.

, or our online store at

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.

❑ Locating Controls and Ports (page 10)

❑ About the Indicator Lights (page 16)

❑ Connecting a Power Source (page 17)

❑ Using the Battery Pack (page 19)

❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 26)

❑ Using the Power Saving Modes (page 27)

❑ Updating Your Computer (page 30)

Getting Started > Locating Controls and Ports

Locating Controls and Ports

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

Front

A Built-in microphone (monaural) B Built-in MOTION EYE camera indicator (page 16) C Built-in MOTION EYE camera (page 35) D LCD screen (page 93) E Keyboard (page 32) F Touch pad (page 34) G Left button (page 34) H Right button (page 34) I Num lock indicator (page 16) J Caps lock indicator (page 16) K Scroll lock indicator (page 16)

Getting Started > Locating Controls and Ports

A WIRELESS switch (page 49), (page 54), (page 58) B WIRELESS indicator (page 16) C "Memory Stick Duo" slot* (page 36) D Media Access indicator (page 16) E SD memory card slot (page 43) F Charge indicator (page 16) G Disc drive indicator (page 16) H Power switch I Power indic ator (page 16)

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

Getting Started > Locating Controls and Ports

Back

A SIM card slot B Battery connector (page 19)

* On models with the wireless WAN function.

(page 54)

Getting Started > Locating Controls and Ports

Right

A USB ports B Network (LAN) por t (page 48) C Security slot

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

(page 74)

Getting Started > Locating Controls and Ports

Left

A DC IN port (page 17) B Air vent C Monitor port (page 68) D Microphone jack (page 73) E Headphones jack (page 67)

Getting Started > Locating Controls and Ports

Bottom

A Built-in speakers (stereo) B Air vent

Getting Started > About the Indicator Lights

About the Indicator Lights

Your computer is equipped with the following indicator lights:

Indicator Functions

Power 1 Illuminates in green while the computer is on, blinks slowly in orange while the computer is in Sleep mode, and

Charge

Built-in MOTION EYE camera Illuminates while the built-in camera is in use.

Media Access Illuminates while data access to a memor y 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.

turns off when the computer is turned off or enters Hibernate mode.

Illuminates while the battery pack is charging. See Charging the Battery Pack (page 23) 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 is in progress. Do not place the computer into Sleep mode or turn it off while this indicator light is lit.

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.

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.

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 the 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

29).

Getting Started > Using the Battery Pack

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

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

2 Slide the battery LOCK switch (1) outward.

Getting Started > Using the Battery Pack

3 Slide the battery pack diagonally into the battery compartment until the projection (2) on either side of the battery

compartment fits into the cut (3) on either side of the battery pack.

Getting Started > Using the Battery Pack

4 Push the battery pack down into the compartment until it clicks into place.

5 Slide the battery LOCK switch inward to secure the battery pack on the computer.

Getting Started > Using the Battery Pack

To remove the battery pack

You may lose data if you remove the battery pack while your computer is on and not connected to the AC adapter or if you remove the battery pack while the computer is in Sleep mode.

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

2 Slide the battery LOCK switch (1) outward.

3 Slide the battery RELEASE latch (2) outward.

The battery pack is unlocked and its front-side edge is slightly raised.

4 Put your fingertip on the raised edge, lift the battery pack in the direction of the arrow, and slide it away from the computer.

Certain rechargeable batteries do not meet Sony quality and safety standards. For safety reasons this computer only functions with genuine Sony battery packs designed for this model. If an unauthorized battery pack is installed, the battery will not be charged and the computer will not function.

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.

You can extend the life of your battery pack if you enable the battery care function of the Battery Charge Functions with the VAIO Control Center.

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

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 27) for more information.

❑ Change the power saving settings on the Power Options. See Using the VAIO Power Management (page 85) 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

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 and the Shut down button.

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.

Getting Started > Using the Power Saving Modes

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

Hibernate mode While your computer is in Hibernate mode, the state of the system is saved on the built-in storage device(s) and

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.

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

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. ❑ Slide the power switch (in the direction of G on the switch).

If you slide (in the direction of G on the switch) and hold the power switch for more than four seconds, your computer will turn off automatically. You will lose all unsaved data.

Getting Started > Using the Power Saving Modes

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.

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

To return to Normal mode

Slide the power switch (in the direction of G on the switch).

If you slide (in the direction of G on the switch) and hold the power switch for more than four seconds, your computer will turn off automatically.

Getting Started > Updating Your Computer

Updating Your Computer

Be sure to update your VAIO computer with the following software applications so that the computer can run more efficiently and securely.

The VAIO Update automatically notifies you of new updates for enhancing your computer's performance available on the Internet, and downloads and installs them on the computer.

❑ Windows Update

Click Start, All Programs, and Windows Update and then follow the on-screen instructions.

❑ VAIO Update 5

Click Start, All Programs, and VAIO Update 5 and then follow the on-screen instructions.

Your computer must be connected to the Internet to download the updates.

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