Welcome Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer, and welcome to the online VAIO® Computer User Guide. This user guide provides de
Charging a battery You will need to charge the battery if battery power drops below 10 percent or you have not used the battery for a longtime. The li
Selecting a display When you connect an external display (projector, computer monitor, or TV) to your computer, you can switch the displaybetween the
5.Click the Monitor, Panel, or TV button on the upper left corner of the display. 6.Click Apply. 7.Click OK. For more information, click Help. If
Disconnecting a computer monitor or projector You can disconnect the external computer monitor or projector by unplugging the display or Monitor (VGA)
Using Speakers Your computer comes with built-in stereo speakers. If you wish to enhance the sound quality of your computer, you canpurchase and conne
Connecting speakers You can connect speakers to your computer to enhance the sound quality of your computer. Do not place floppy disks on the spea
Disconnecting speakers You can disconnect external speakers when the computer is on or off. Simply unplug the speaker cable from the Headphonejack on
Adjusting the volume To adjust the volume for playing CDs and DVDs, use the Volume icon on the Windows® taskbar. Adjusting the volume forplaying CDs
Enabling the audio feature If you do not hear sound when playing a CD or DVD, you may need to enable the audio feature. To enable the audio feature 1.
Frequently asked questions Why won't my speakers work? Make sure the speakers are properly connected and the volume is turned up loud enough to
Using Microphones You can connect an external microphone to your computer to enhance the sound input to your computer. Make sure yourmicrophone is des
Notes on batteries Never leave the battery in temperatures above 140°F (60°C), such as under direct sunlight or in a car parked in thesun. While the
Connecting a microphone Plug the microphone cable into the Microphone jack1 on the computer. Connecting a Microphone See the guide that accompa
Disconnecting a microphone You can disconnect an external microphone when the computer is on or off. Simply unplug the microphone cable from theMicrop
Using a microphone to record sound You can record messages, memos, etc. by connecting a microphone to the Microphone jack1 on your computer. To recor
Frequently asked questions Why doesn't my microphone work? If you are using an external microphone, make sure the microphone is turned on and is
Memory Upgrades Before you upgrade your computer's memory, make sure you read the safety information in Precautions and Procedures.For the type o
Precautions and Procedures Sony recommends that memory upgrades be performed by an authorized Sony Service Center. To find thenearest center or ag
Removing and Installing Memory Modules Make sure you read the safety information in Precautions and Procedures before you remove or install a memory m
2.Push the module down until it snaps into place. 3.When the module is correctly seated, close the memory bay. 4.Replace the fastening screw(s) on the
Confirming Added Memory Capacity After you've installed a new memory module, make sure the operating system recognizes it. To check your system&a
Troubleshooting This section describes how to solve some basic problems you may encounter when using your computer. For moretroubleshooting topics ref
Frequently asked questions How do I know when the battery is charged? To determine the remaining battery charge, see Locating battery information. Whe
Troubleshooting Your Computer What do I do if my computer won't start? Make sure the computer is securely plugged into a power source and turned
2.Restart the computer and confirm that the Microsoft® Windows® operating system starts properly. If Windows still does not start, follow these steps
3.Press R to select restart. 3.If the computer does not restart, follow these steps: 1.Press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys simultaneously. The Windows Task
1 A vailable on selected models. Page 123
Support Options If you have questions about your computer or the preinstalled programs, refer to the following sources for answers in thesequence list
Conserving Battery Power You may use the power saving modes and power schemes to conserve battery power. Conserving battery power maysignificantly ext
Using power saving modes In addition to the normal operating mode, which allows you to turn off specific devices, your computer has two distinctpower
Using power schemes You can use the preset power schemes or you can customize the power profiles to conserve power. By using the powerschemes and powe
power icon on the taskbar for more information. 3.Select the Advanced tab, and select your changes from the drop-down menus in the Power buttons box.
Frequently asked questions Can my computer enter Hibernate mode while using battery power? Your computer can enter Hibernate mode while using battery
Internet and Network Connections Internet Connections Network Connections Connecting Another VAIO Computer Page 18
Internet Connections This section describes the basic steps for setting up your dial-up or Ethernet connection to the Internet. The NewConnection Wiza
Powering Your Computer Your VAIO® computer comes with a battery and an AC adapter. This chapter explains how to install and use these suppliedaccessor
Setting up a dial-up Internet connection Before you can connect to the Internet, you need to connect your computer to a telephone line via a telephone
Setting up an Ethernet Internet connection Your computer accommodates both 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX Ethernet connections, with data transfer speeds of
Customizing your Internet connection The Internet Properties dialog box enables you to change the way you view the Internet. You can change your home
Frequently asked questions Why doesn't my modem work? Make sure the telephone cable is securely plugged into the Modem jack on the computer and
Network Connections With a Sony computer, you can easily set up or connect to a variety of networks. The New Connection Wizard and NetworkSetup Wizard
Using Ethernet and dial-up connections For setting up local area networks (LANs), Ethernet is a widely installed technology. Your computer accommodate
2.From the Start menu, point to All Programs, Accessories, Communications, and click New Connection Wizard. 3.Click Next. If you are prompted to the L
Connecting Another VAIO Computer The preinstalled Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system enables you to connect a compatible i.LINK®1 cable (not supp
Connecting VAIO computers When you connect two VAIO computers, you can use one computer to edit, copy, or delete files on the other computer. Youcan a
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Using AC Power The supplied battery is not charged when you receive your computer. To use your computer immediately, use the suppliedAC adapter as the
Disconnecting VAIO computers You can disconnect two VAIO computers when the computers are on or off. To disconnect VAIO computers when the computers a
Frequently asked questions Why can't I establish a connection between two VAIO computers? Your computer may not recognize an i.LINK1 connection
CDs and DVDs Inserting and Ejecting CDs or DVDs Copying and Playing CDs Playing DVDs Page 32
Inserting and Ejecting CDs or DVDs Avoid using adhesive labels to identify your CDs or DVDs. Adhesive labels may damage the optical drive if they
4.Lift the disc from the drive. 5.Push the drive tray gently to close it. Page 34
Copying and Playing CDs Your computer comes equipped with a CD-RW/DVD drive, which plays DVD and most DVD-R discs, and reads and writes datato CD-R an
Playing CDs Before you play an audio CD, you may need to enable your computer's audio feature. To enable the audio feature 1.Click Start on the W
Copying files to a CD-RW or CD-R You can copy files to CD-R or CD-RW discs if your VAIO® computer is equipped with a CD-RW/DVD drive or DVD-RW drive.B
Do not strike or shake the computer while writing data to a disc. 1 T he read/write drive letter designation may vary, depending on your system&ap
Connecting the AC adapter To connect the AC adapter 1.Plug the AC adapter cable into the DC IN port. Connecting the AC Adapter to the Computer 2.Plu
Playing DVDs You can play DVDs in your computer's optical drive and view the video on a TV. The type of optical drive installed in orconnected to
Connecting your computer to a TV Your computer is equipped with an A/V OUT jack, which enables you to connect your computer to a TV. To locate the A/V
Playing DVDs on a TV To play a DVD 1.Close all open programs. 2.Disable the screen saver and the virus checker. 3.Change the power schemes to Max Batt
Disconnecting your computer from a TV Simply unplug the audio-video (AV) cable from the A/V OUT jack on the computer. Page 43
Playing DVDs on your computer Your computer is equipped with an optical drive that enables you to watch DVDs and most DVD-R discs on your computer. To
Frequently asked questions How do I maintain CDs and DVDs? Avoid touching the surface of the disc with your fingers. Fingerprints and dust on the sur
between the speakers and the computer. 4.Make sure the CD audio feature is enabled and the correct driver software is installed. Follow these steps: 1
resolution. See Selecting a display for more information. How do I switch the computer screen (LCD) from LCD to TV? Press the Fn+F7 keys to view t
Printer Connections Printing With Your Computer Page 48
Printing With Your Computer Your computer is compatible with many popular printers. However, to ensure the best performance, printers must becompatibl
Turning on the computer To turn on the computer 1.Lift the lid of the computer by sliding the front switch to the right and lifting the lid. You may n
Connecting a printer You can connect a universal serial bus (USB) printer or, depending on the model, a parallel port printer to your computer.The New
3.Restart your computer by clicking Start, Turn Off Computer, and Restart. 4.Make sure the computer recognizes the printer. Follow these steps: Click
Disconnecting a printer You can disconnect the printer cable when the computer is on or off. Disconnecting a printer when the computer is in apower sa
Frequently asked questions Why can't I print a document? Make sure the printer is on, and the printer cable is securely connected to the ports o
Computer Features Using the Touch Pad Using Memory Stick Media Changing the Window Design of Sony Programs Page 54
Using the Touch Pad A pointing device called a touch pad is located in front of the keyboard. You can point to, select, drag, and scroll objects onthe
Describing the touch pad Locating the Touch Pad Touch Pad Action Description Sliding one finger Equivalent to using a mouse to place the pointer o
Customizing the touch pad Open the Mouse Properties dialog box to set your touch pad and mouse preferences, such as changing pointers, enablingor disa
Frequently asked questions What do I do if the touch pad does not work? Try restarting your computer. Follow these steps: 1.Press the Windows key .
Using Memory Stick Media This compact, portable, and versatile recording medium has a data capacity exceeding that of a floppy disk. The medium isspec
Using the Battery Your computer comes equipped with one battery, which is not fully charged at the time of purchase. To use your computerimmediately,
Selecting Memory Stick media Memory Stick® media are a compact, portable, and versatile data storage media designed for exchanging and sharing digital
Inserting Memory Stick media Before using Memory Stick media, back up important data. The media slot accommodates only one Memory Stick media at atime
Viewing the contents Depending on the model you purchased, the Sony Memory Stick window may appear when you insert a Memory Stickmedia. From this wind
Write-protecting Memory Stick media Memory Stick® media is designed with a write-protect tab to protect data from accidental erasure or overwriting. M
Formatting Memory Stick media Memory Stick® media is formatted for immediate use when you purchase it. If you need to reformat Memory Stick media, use
Removing Memory Stick media If the media is removed prematurely, a blue screen with a message may appear prompting you to continue or exit. Reinsertth
Frequently asked questions Why can't I open my image files? You may need to reformat your Memory Stick media. Formatting Memory Stick media e
Changing the Window Design of Sony Programs This feature changes the appearance, such as color, of certain Sony programs. To change the window design
Mice and Keyboards Using the Keyboard Connecting Mice and Keyboards Page 68
Using the Keyboard Your keyboard is very similar to a typewriter's, but your computer keyboard has additional keys that perform specificcomputer-
Inserting a battery To insert a battery 1.Push the battery bay cover down to open it. The battery bay cover swings out but does not detach from thecom
Key locations and descriptions Keyboard Key Description Numeric keypad Contains the keys found on a typical calculator. Use the numeric keypad are
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Combinations and functions with the Windows key Combination Function +F1 Displays the VAIO Help and Support Center window. +Tab Switches the select
Indicator lights Indicator Function Power Turns on when the power to the computer is on, blinks in Standby mode, and turns off when the computer is i
Combinations and functions with the Fn key Combinations/ Feature Function Fn+F3 Toggles the built-in speakers off and on. Fn+F4 Adjusts the built-i
Connecting Mice and Keyboards Your computer is compatible with many popular mice and keyboards. To function properly, the device you connect must beco
Connecting a mouse or keyboard Your computer can be on or off when connecting a universal serial bus (USB) mouse or keyboard. If you connect the mouse
Disconnecting a mouse or keyboard You can disconnect a USB mouse or keyboard when the computer is on or off. Disconnecting the mouse or keyboard whent
Frequently asked questions What do I do if the computer doesn't recognize the mouse? Make sure the mouse is securely plugged into the port. See
Floppy Disk and PC Card Connections Using a Floppy Disk Drive Using PC Cards Page 79
Removing a battery If you are not using the computer for an extended period of time, remove the battery from the computer to avoid damagingthe battery
Using a Floppy Disk Drive You can connect a floppy disk drive to your computer. The floppy disk drive enables you to read or write data to a floppydis
Connecting a floppy disk drive You can connect a floppy disk drive when your computer is on or off. Connecting the drive when the computer is in a pow
Inserting and removing floppy disks To write data to a disk, use one that is not write-protected or disable the write-protect feature. The floppy disk
Protecting floppy disks Do not open the shutter manually or touch the surface of the floppy disk. Keep floppy disks away from magnets, direct sunlig
Disconnecting a floppy disk drive You can disconnect a USB floppy disk drive when the computer is on or off. Disconnecting the drive when the computer
Storing a floppy disk drive Fold the floppy disk drive cable and connector into the side compartment on the floppy disk drive. Storing a Floppy Disk
Frequently asked questions Why doesn't the Safely Remove Hardware icon appear on the taskbar when the drive is connected? The computer does not
Using PC Cards Your computer includes one or more PC Card slots. A PC Card enables you to connect devices such as an optical drive,floppy disk drive,
Inserting PC Cards To insert a PC Card 1.Make sure the front label of the PC Card is facing up. 2.Push the PC Card gently into the slot. The system au
Removing PC Cards You can remove PC Cards while the computer is on or off. PC Cards draw power from the computer when they are insertedinto the PC Car
Locating battery information You can display information for each of the batteries installed in your computer. To view battery information 1.Click Sta
Frequently asked questions Why doesn't my PC Card work? Make sure the PC Card is inserted properly. See Inserting PC Cards for more information.
Audio and Video Connections Using i.LINK Digital-Video Recorders Using Computer Monitors and Projectors Using Speakers Using Microphones Page 91
Using i.LINK Digital-Video Recorders You can connect a digital-video (DV) recorder, such as an i.LINK®1 digital video camera recorder, to the i.LINK®
Connecting an i.LINK digital video recorder You can connect an i.LINK digital video (DV) recorder when the computer is on or off. Connecting the DV re
Disconnecting the i.LINK digital video recorder You can disconnect the digital video recorder while the computer is on or off. Simply unplug the i.LIN
Using a digital video camera recorder Your computer comes with preinstalled driver software that is compatible with most Sony digital video camera rec
Frequently asked questions Why can't I use the DV recorder? You may not be able to use the DV recorder, and the message DV equipment seems to be
Using Computer Monitors and Projectors You can connect an external display (such as a computer monitor or a projector) to your computer. Connecting a
Connecting a computer monitor Your computer can display images to the computer screen (LCD), to an external computer monitor, or to both the LCD andex
Connecting a multimedia device You can connect a multimedia device, such as a multimedia computer monitor or projector, to your computer. Connecting a
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