Sony VGN-FS800 User Manual

NUser GuidePersonal ComputerVGN-FS800 Series

10nNGetting StartedGetting StartedThis section describes how to get started with using your VAIO computer.❑ Locating Controls and Ports (page 11)❑ Abo

100nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerSetting Up Your Computer with VAIO CentralThe VAIO Central utility allows you to consult system information and spe

101nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Power Saving ModesWhen you use a battery as the power source for your computer, you can take advantage of

102nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Standby ModeStandby mode turns off the LCD screen and sets the hard disk and the CPU to a low power consumpti

103nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerTo change the Standby mode settings1 Click Start and then Control Panel.2 Click Performance and Maintenance.3 Click

104nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Hibernate ModeIn Hibernate mode, the state of the system is saved on the hard disk and power is turned off. E

105nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer✍If you do not use the computer for a long period of time, put the computer into Hibernate mode. This power saving

106nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerManaging Power with VAIO Power ManagementPower management helps you to set up power schemes for running on AC power

107nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerActivating VAIO Power Management Power SchemesVAIO Power Management provides several predefined power schemes. Each

108nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerYour computer and memory modules use high precision components and electronic connectors

109nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerAdding and Removing MemoryIf you want to expand the functionality of your computer, you can increase the memory by in

11nNGetting StartedLocating Controls and PortsTake a moment to identify the controls and ports shown on the following pages.FrontA LCD screen (page 11

110nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer❑ Use the special bag delivered with the memory module or wrap the module in aluminum foil to protect it from electro

111nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerRemoving and Installing a Memory ModuleTo change or add a memory module1 Shut down the computer and disconnect all pe

112nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer6 Remove the memory module:❑ Pull the latches in the direction of the arrows (1).The memory module is released.❑ Make

113nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer8 Slide the memory module into the memory module slot and push it in until it clicks into place.!Do not touch any oth

114nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerViewing the Amount of MemoryTo view the amount of memory1 Turn on the computer.2 Click Start, point to All Programs,

115nNPrecautionsPrecautionsThis section describes safety guidelines and precautions to help you protect your computer from potential damage.❑ On Handl

116nNPrecautionsOn Handling the LCD Screen❑ Do not leave the LCD facing the sun. This could damage the LCD. Be careful when using the computer near a

117nNPrecautionsOn Using the Power Source❑ See the online Specifications to check the power operation of your model.❑ Do not share the AC outlet with

118nNPrecautionsOn Handling Your Computer❑ Clean the cabinet with a soft cloth, which is dry or lightly moistened with a mild detergent solution. Do n

119nNPrecautions❑ Do not use cut or damaged connection cables.❑ If the computer is brought directly from a cold location to a warm one, moisture may c

12nNGetting StartedADisplay lock latchB S1 button (page 29)C S2 button (page 29)D Num lock indicator (page 17)E Caps lock indicator (page 17)F Scroll

120nNPrecautionsOn Handling Floppy Disks❑ Do not open the shutter manually or touch the surface of the floppy disk.❑ Keep floppy disks away from magne

121nNPrecautionsOn Handling Discs❑ Do not touch the surface of the disc.❑ Do not drop or bend the disc.❑ Fingerprints and dust on the surface of a dis

122nNPrecautionsOn Using the Battery Pack❑ Do not leave the battery pack in temperatures above 140°F (60°C), such as in a car parked in the sun or und

123nNPrecautionsOn Using Headphones❑ Road safety – Do not use headphones while driving, cycling, or operating any motorized vehicle. It may create a t

124nNPrecautionsOn Handling the Hard DiskThe hard disk has a high storage density and reads or writes data in a short time. However, it can be easily

125nNTroubleshootingTroubleshootingThis section describes how to solve common problems you might encounter when using your computer. Many problems hav

126nNTroubleshooting❑ Memory Stick Media (page 160)❑ Peripherals (page 161)

127nNTroubleshootingComputerWhat should I do if my computer won't start?❑ Make sure the computer is securely plugged into a power source and turn

128nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if a BIOS error appears when my computer starts? If the message "Press <F1> to resume, <F2> to s

129nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if the power indicator (Green) lights but my screen does not display anything when I turn on my computer?If nothi

13nNGetting StartedBackA Air ventB Battery connector (page 19)

130nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if my computer or software stops responding?❑ It is best to turn off the computer using the Turn Off Computer opt

131nNTroubleshootingWhy won't my computer enter Standby or Hibernate mode?The computer may become unstable if the operating mode is changed befor

132nNTroubleshootingWhy does a window appear to notify of incompatibility of the battery pack or improper connection to the computer and an operating

133nNTroubleshootingWhy does the System Properties window display a slower CPU speed than the maximum?This is normal. Because the computer's CPU

134nNTroubleshootingWhy does it take time before my computer starts?If Norton Internet Security's Personal Firewall is active, it may take some t

135nNTroubleshootingSystem SecurityThis section provides information about keeping your computer operating smoothly and protecting against potential t

136nNTroubleshootingTo use the Automatic Updates feature 1 Connect to the Internet. 2 Click the Automatic Updates icon on the taskbar. 3 Click Next, a

137nNTroubleshootingBatteryHow do I know when the battery is charged? To determine the remaining battery charge, see Charging the Battery Pack (page 2

138nNTroubleshootingCan my computer enter Hibernate mode while using battery power? The computer can enter Hibernate mode while using battery power, b

139nNTroubleshootingInternet Why doesn't my modem work?❑ Make sure the telephone cable is securely plugged into the Modem port on the computer an

14nNGetting StartedRightA PC Card eject button (page 42)B PC Card slot (page 40)C i.LINK® (IEEE1394) S400 port (page 93)D Memory Stick media slot*1 (p

140nNTroubleshootingWhy is my modem connection slow? The computer is equipped with a V.92/ V.90 compatible modem. Many factors may influence modem con

141nNTroubleshootingNetworkingWhy can't my computer connect to a wireless LAN access point? ❑ Connection availability is affected by distance and

142nNTroubleshootingWhy is the data transfer speed slow? ❑ The wireless LAN data transfer speed is affected by distance and obstructions between devic

143nNTroubleshootingWhat are channels? ❑ Wireless LAN communication occurs on divided frequency bands known as channels. Third-party wireless LAN acce

144nNTroubleshootingCDs and DVDsWhy does my computer freeze when I try to read a disc?The disc the computer is trying to read may be dirty or damaged.

145nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if the optical disc drive isn't playing my CD or DVD properly? ❑ Make sure the disc was inserted into the op

146nNTroubleshooting5 Double-click the optical disc drive device to open the submenu.6 Double-click the listed drive, and select the Properties tab.7

147nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if I cannot write to CD?❑ Do not launch any software application or allow any to launch automatically, not even a

148nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if I cannot write to DVD-RAM using Windows functions?This Q & A entry applies to selected models only. See th

149nNTroubleshootingDisplayWhy did the computer screen (LCD) go blank? ❑ The computer screen may go blank if the computer has lost power or has entere

15nNGetting StartedLeftA Network (Ethernet) port (page 95)B Modem port (page 46)C Optical disc drive (page 30)D Manual eject hole (page 144)E Drive ej

150nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if the brightness of the screen changes?The brightness of your screen when adjusted with the Fn+F5/F6 keys is tem

151nNTroubleshootingPrintingWhy can't I print a document? ❑ Make sure the printer is on, and the printer cable is securely connected to the ports

152nNTroubleshootingMicrophoneWhy doesn't my microphone work? If you are using an external microphone, make sure the microphone is turned on and

153nNTroubleshootingMouseWhat should I do if the computer doesn't recognize the mouse? ❑ Make sure the mouse is securely plugged into the port.❑

154nNTroubleshootingSpeakersWhy won't my speakers work? ❑ Make sure the speakers are properly connected and the volume is turned up loud enough t

155nNTroubleshootingTouch PadWhat should I do if the touch pad does not work? ❑ Try restarting the computer.Press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys simultaneou

156nNTroubleshootingKeyboardWhat should I do if the keyboard configuration is wrong?❑ The language layout of the computer's keyboard is specified

157nNTroubleshootingFloppy DisksWhy doesn't the Safely Remove Hardware icon appear on the taskbar when the drive is connected? The computer does

158nNTroubleshootingPC CardsWhy doesn't my PC Card work? ❑ Make sure the PC Card is inserted properly. See Inserting a PC Card (page 40) for more

159nNTroubleshootingAudio/VideoWhy can't I use the DV camera recorder? You may not be able to use the DV camera recorder, and the message DV equi

16nNGetting StartedBottom A Port replicator connector (page 60)B Air vents

160nNTroubleshootingMemory Stick MediaWhy can't I open my image files? You may need to reformat your Memory Stick media.Formatting Memory Stick m

161nNTroubleshootingPeripheralsWhat should I do if I cannot connect a USB device?❑ If applicable, check the USB device is switched on and using its ow

162nNSupport OptionsSupport OptionsThe section contains information on where to go for answers to questions about your computer and the preinstalled s

163nNSupport OptionsFor users in Latin American countries or areasCustomer Information CenterIf you do not find the information you are looking for at

164nNSupport OptionsIn order to contact a Sony technical support representative, please call the following numbers:❑ In Argentina:(011) 6770-SONY (766

165nNSupport OptionsProgram Support InformationDepending on the computer model and particular configuration you purchased, your computer may not inclu

166nNSupport OptionsAmerica Online® (Dial-Up)America Online, Inc.❑ For users in USA and CanadaWeb Site http://www.aol.com AOL® ExplorerAmerica Online,

167nNSupport OptionsClick to DVD™ softwareSony Electronics Inc.At the touch of a button, Click to DVD software allows you to automatically burn DVDs f

168nNSupport OptionsIntel® PROSetIntel Corporation❑ For users in USA and CanadaWeb Site http://www.intel.com/network/connectivity/products/wireless/pr

169nNSupport Options60-Day Trial Version of Microsoft® Digital Image Starter Edition 2006!The Microsoft Digital Image Starter Edition 2006 60-Day Tria

17nNGetting StartedAbout the Indicator LightsYour computer is equipped with the following indicator lights. Indicator FunctionsPower 1 Illuminates whe

170nNSupport OptionsNorton Internet Security™Symantec Corporation❑ For users in USA and CanadaWeb Site http://www.symantec.com/techsupp Quicken® New U

171nNSupport OptionsSonicStage® Mastering Studio softwareSony Electronics Inc.Use SonicStage® Mastering Studio software to record songs from analog re

172nNSupport OptionsVAIO® CentralSony Electronics Inc.VAIO Central provides a central location that gathers resources to configure your VAIO computer

173nNSupport OptionsVAIO® UpdateSony Electronics Inc.The VAIO Update utility helps you keep your VAIO® computer up to date by regularly checking the S

174nNSupport OptionsWinDVD® software for VAIO® computersInterVideo, Inc. ❑ For users in USA and CanadaWeb site http://www.intervideo.com/jsp/Support.j

© 2006 Sony Corporationn

18nNGetting StartedConnecting a Power SourceYou can use either an AC adapter or a rechargeable battery pack as a power source for your computer.Using

19nNGetting StartedUsing the Battery PackThe battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of purchase.Installing the Batt

2nNContentsBefore Use ...

20nNGetting Started4 Slide the lock switch (1) to the LOCK position to secure the battery on the computer.✍When the computer is directly connected to

21nNGetting StartedCharging the Battery PackThe battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of purchase.To charge the ba

22nNGetting Started✍When the battery is running out of power, both the battery and power indicator lights blink.Keep the battery pack in the computer

23nNGetting StartedRemoving the Battery Pack!You may lose data if you remove the battery pack while the computer is on and not connected to the AC ada

24nNGetting StartedShutting Down Your Computer SafelyTo avoid losing unsaved data, be sure to shut down your computer properly, as described below.To

25nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Your VAIO ComputerThis section describes how to get the most out of using your computer.❑ Using the Keyboard (page 2

26nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the KeyboardYour keyboard is very similar to a desktop computer keyboard, but has additional keys that perform model

27nNUsing Your VAIO Computer Fn + (F10): zoomChanges the screen resolution to magnify/restore the screen view.✍The magnified view is not as clear a

28nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Touch PadThe keyboard contains a cursor-pointing device, the touch pad (1). You can point to, select, drag, and

29nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Special-function ButtonsYour computer is equipped with special buttons to help you use specific functions of the com

3nNUsing Peripheral Devices...

30nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Optical Disc DriveYour computer is equipped with an optical disc drive.To insert a disc1 Turn on the computer.2

31nNUsing Your VAIO Computer4 Close the tray by pushing it in gently.!Do not remove the optical disc when the computer is in a power saving mode (Stan

32nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerReading and Writing CDs and DVDsYour computer plays and records CDs and DVDs, depending on the model you purchased. Check

33nNUsing Your VAIO Computer✍Supports writing to DVD-RW discs compliant with DVD-RW version 1.1/1.2.Supports writing to DVD-R discs compliant with DVD

34nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerNotes on playing DVDsTo achieve optimum performance when playing DVDs, you should follow these recommendations.❑ You can p

35nNUsing Your VAIO Computer❑ When you are playing a DVD (video or audio) and you want to remove a USB device, such as USB-compatible speakers, make s

36nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerPlaying CDsTo play an audio CD1 Insert the disc into the optical disc drive. 2 If nothing appears on the desktop once you

37nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerCopying Files to CDsSee the online Specifications to find the type of your optical disc drive, and then Reading and Writin

38nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerPlaying DVDsTo play a DVD1 Close all open programs.2 Insert the DVD into the optical disc drive.3 Click Start and point to

39nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the TV FunctionIf you have purchased an A/V port replicator, you can use a TV tuner to enable the TV function. See t

4nNPrecautions ...

40nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing PC CardsPC Cards allow you to connect portable external devices to your computer.Inserting a PC Card!Some PC Cards o

41nNUsing Your VAIO Computer✍Some devices may not function properly if you continually switch to Normal mode from Standby mode or Hibernate mode. For

42nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerRemoving a PC CardFollow the steps below to remove the PC Card while your computer is on. If it is not removed properly, y

43nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Memory Stick MediaYour computer supports the Memory Stick media. Memory Stick media is a compact, portable, and

44nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerInserting a Memory Stick MediaTo insert a Memory Stick media1 Hold the Memory Stick media with the arrow facing up and tow

45nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo view the contents of the Memory Stick media1 Click Start and then My Computer to open the My Computer window. 2 Double-

46nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the InternetSetting Up a Dial-up Internet ConnectionBefore you can connect to the Internet, you need to connect your

47nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Wireless LAN (WLAN)Using the Sony Wireless LAN (WLAN), all your digital devices with built-in WLAN functionality com

48nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerCommunicating without an Access Point (Ad-hoc)An ad-hoc network is a network in which a local network is created only by t

49nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo communicate without an Access Point (ad-hoc)1 Turn on the WIRELESS or WIRELESS LAN switch.The WIRELESS LAN indicator li

5nNFloppy Disks ...

50nNUsing Your VAIO Computer12 Enter the Network key*2.The network key should be 5 or 13 alphanumeric characters or 10 or 26 hexadecimal*3 characters

51nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo disconnect from a computer-to-computer (ad-hoc) network1 Click Start and then Control Panel.2 Click Network and Interne

52nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerCommunicating with an Access Point (Infrastructure)An infrastructure network is a network that extends an existing wired l

53nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo connect to a wireless network1 Make sure an access point is set up.See the instructions that accompanied the access poi

54nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo connect to a wireless network (Models with the VAIO Wireless Utility software only)Use the VAIO Wireless Utility softwa

55nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerWireless LAN Channel SelectionIn an 802.11a*/b/g configuration, channel 1 to 11 can be used.* The IEEE802.11a standard is

56nNUsing Your VAIO Computer✍The 2.4 GHz bandwidth used by wireless LAN compatible devices is also used by other various devices. Although technologie

57nNUsing Peripheral DevicesUsing Peripheral DevicesYou can add functionality to your computer by using the various ports on the computer.❑ Connecting

58nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a Port ReplicatorAttaching an optional port replicator enables you to connect additional peripherals to your co

59nNUsing Peripheral DevicesBusiness port replicator!The port replicator can be powered only through the AC adapter supplied with the computer. Do not

6nNBefore UseBefore UseCongratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer, and welcome to the on-screen User Guide. Sony has combined leadin

60nNUsing Peripheral DevicesAttaching Your Computer to the Port ReplicatorTo attach your computer to the port replicator!To prevent loss of unsaved da

61nNUsing Peripheral Devices4 Open the port replicator connector cover on the bottom of the computer.5 Align the bottom connector of the computer with

62nNUsing Peripheral Devices6 Turn on the computer.!When the A/V port replicator is attached to the computer, you cannot access the DC In port, the mo

63nNUsing Peripheral DevicesDisconnecting Your Computer from the Port Replicator!To prevent loss of unsaved data, be sure to turn off the computer bef

64nNUsing Peripheral DevicesSetting Up TV Connections!The following connections may not be available depending on the country or area of your residenc

65nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting to standard cable access (CATV)To connect in CATV mode (Option 1)1 Connect one end of the TV coaxial cable (1)

66nNUsing Peripheral DevicesTo connect in CATV mode (Option 2)1 Connect the two metal hooks on a 75-ohm/300-ohm RCA transformer cable (1) (not supplie

67nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting to a standard antennaYou can connect your computer to an indoor/outdoor antenna system, using Option 1 or Optio

68nNUsing Peripheral DevicesTo connect in terrestrial mode (Option 1)1 Connect one end of a TV coaxial cable (1) (not supplied) to your antenna outlet

69nNUsing Peripheral DevicesTo connect in terrestrial mode (Option 2)1 Connect one end of the antenna's 300-ohm twin lead cable (1) to the screw-

7nNBefore UseNon-printed Documentation❑ User Guide (this manual) — Contains features of your computer. It also includes information about the software

70nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting with a cable or satellite set-top box (STB)You can connect your computer to cable service access that uses a se

71nNUsing Peripheral DevicesTo connect in STB mode (Option 1)1 Connect one end of a TV coaxial cable (1) (not supplied) to your cable service access (

72nNUsing Peripheral DevicesTo connect in STB mode (Option 2)1 Connect one end of the TV coaxial cable (1) (supplied) to your cable service access (wa

73nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting External SpeakersA pair of external speakers is supplied with the optional A/V port replicator for the enhancem

74nNUsing Peripheral DevicesTo connect the supplied external speakers1 Attach the computer to an A/V port replicator.2 Plug the power cord (1) to the

75nNUsing Peripheral DevicesYou can also enhance the sound quality of the computer by directly connecting other external speakers.To connect other ext

76nNUsing Peripheral DevicesUsing the Remote CommanderA remote commander is supplied with the optional A/V port replicator to enable various remote op

77nNUsing Peripheral Devices* With the remote commander, you can increase the volume only up to the level set by the volume control on the external sp

78nNUsing Peripheral DevicesTo connect the external infrared receiver1 Choose the USB port (1) you prefer to use.2 Plug the external infrared receiv

79nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting an External DisplayYou can connect an external display to your computer. For example, you can use the computer

8nNBefore UseErgonomic ConsiderationsYou will be using your computer as a portable device in a variety of environments. Whenever possible, you should

80nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a Computer DisplayYou can connect a computer display (monitor) either directly to your computer or via the (opt

81nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a Multimedia Computer DisplayYou can connect a multimedia computer display that includes built-in speakers and

82nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a ProjectorYou can connect a projector (for example, the Sony LCD projector) directly to your computer or via t

83nNUsing Peripheral DevicesSelecting Display ModesYou can select which display to be used as the primary monitor when an external display (desktop mo

84nNUsing Peripheral DevicesModels with the NVIDIA video controller1 Click Start and then Control Panel.2 Click Appearance and Themes.3 Click Display.

85nNUsing Peripheral DevicesUsing the Multiple Monitors FunctionThe Multiple Monitors function allows you to distribute portions of your desktop acros

86nNUsing Peripheral DevicesTo select the Multiple Monitors mode!To find which video controller your model includes, see the online Specifications.Mod

87nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting an External MicrophoneIf you need to use a sound input device (for example, to chat on the Internet) you need t

88nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) DeviceTo prevent your computer and/or USB devices from damage, observe the followi

89nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a USB Floppy Disk DriveYou can purchase a USB floppy disk drive and connect it to your computer.To connect a US

9nNBefore Use❑ Viewing angle of the computer's display – Use the display's tilting feature to find the best position. You can reduce eye str

90nNUsing Peripheral DevicesDisconnecting a USB floppy disk driveYou can disconnect a USB floppy disk drive when the computer is on or off. Disconnect

91nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a PrinterYou can connect a Windows-compatible printer to your computer to print documents.Connecting a Printer

92nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a Printer Using the Printer PortTo connect a printer using the printer port1 Plug the printer power cord (1) in

93nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting an i.LINK DeviceNotes on connecting i.LINK devices❑ The computer includes an i.LINK (IEEE1394) port, which you

94nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a Digital Video Camera RecorderTo connect a digital video camera recorder1 Plug one end of the i.LINK cable (1)

95nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting to a Network (LAN)You can connect your computer to 100BASE-TX/10BASE-T-type networks via an Ethernet network ca

96nNUsing Peripheral Devices!Telephone lines cannot be connected to the Network (LAN) connector on your computer.If the Network (LAN) connector is con

97nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerThis section briefly describes how to change the main settings of your computer. Among

98nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerSetting the PasswordUse one of the BIOS functions to set the password.Once you have set the password, you will have

99nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer5 Select Password when Power ON under Security.Press the space bar to change the setting from Disabled to Enabled.6