Welcome Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer, and welcome to the online VAIO® Computer User Guide. This user guide provides de
Turning on the computer To open and turn on the computer 1.Lift the cover while holding the bottom of the computer firmly. Opening the Computer 2.Pr
Mice and Keyboards Using the Keyboard Connecting External Mice and Keyboards Page 100
Using the Keyboard Your keyboard is very similar to a typewriter's, but your computer keyboard has additional keys that perform specificcomputer-
Key descriptions Key Description Numeric keypad Contains the keys found on a typical calculator. Use the numeric keypad area to type numbers or toper
equivalent of clicking the right mouse button. Page 103
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 External Mice and Keyboards Your computer is compatible with many popular mice and keyboards. To function properly, the device you connect
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
Using the Battery Your computer comes equipped with one battery bay. For information on how to extend the life of the battery, see Conserving Battery
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 Disks and PC Cards Using a Floppy Disk Drive Using PC Cards Page 111
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. Disconnecting the drive when the computer is in
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 PC Card slot. A PC Card enables you to connect devices such as an optical drive, floppy diskdrive, or Networ
Inserting a battery To insert a battery 1.Turn the computer over, and slide the UNLOCK/LOCK latch on the bottom of the computer to the UNLOCKposition.
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
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.
Port Replicator Locating Ports and Jacks Connecting a Port Replicator Connecting a Flat-Panel Display Disconnecting a Port Replicator Page 123
Locating Ports and Jacks A port replicator is a device that attaches to your notebook and contains additional jacks and ports, such as USB ports. Apor
Connecting a Port Replicator Connect a port replicator to the computer while the computer is off. Use the AC adapter (not the battery) to power thecom
5.Plug the AC adapter into the DC IN port on the port replicator, and plug the power cord into the AC adapter andan AC outlet. The power indicator tur
Connecting a Flat-Panel Display The port replicator includes a Digital Visual Interface (DVI-D) port, which enables you to connect your computer to af
Disconnecting a Port Replicator Disconnecting a port replicator when the computer is in a power saving mode (Standby or Hibernate) or the battery powe
Audio and Video Connections Using i.LINK Digital Video Recorders Using Computer Monitors and Projectors Using Speakers Using Microphones Page 129
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 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 digital video (DV) recorder when the computer is on or off. Connecting the DV recorder
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
Selecting a display You can connect external displays to your computer while it is on. When you connect an external display to your computer,you can s
5.Click the red button on the upper left corner of the display. 6.Click Apply. 7.Click OK. For more information, click Help. If you cannot see you
Locating battery information You can view the remaining battery charge and other miscellaneous battery information on the Battery Information toolbar,
Disconnecting a computer monitor or projector You can disconnect the external computer monitor or projector by unplugging the monitor (VGA) cable from
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 volumefor playing 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 enable sound input. Make sure your microphone is designedfor computer use
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
To view the Power Meter window if you are using battery power Double-click the battery icon in the Taskbar Notification area. The Power Meter window
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
Turning the Keyboard 7.Touch a metal object (such as the connector panel on the back of your computer) to discharge static electricity. Avoid to
5.Make sure the system recognizes the new memory module. See Confirming Added Memory Capacity for moreinformation. Page 156
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
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
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
If Windows still does not start, follow these steps to initialize the BIOS: 1.If there is a disk in the floppy disk drive, then remove it. 2.Turn off
2.Press and release Alt to highlight the menu bar, and press the Right Arrow key to select ShutDown. 3.Press Enter. 4.Press R to select restart. 5.If
Support Options If you have questions about your computer or the preinstalled programs, refer to the following sources for answers in thesequence list
Sony Support Information 1 VAIO® Computer Documentation The on-screen VAIO® Computer User Guide and the printed VAIO® Computer Quick Start provide in
Program Support Information Depending on the configuration you purchased, your computer may not include all of these software programs listedbelow. Ad
Support: Sony Electronics, see VAIO® Support Agent CLIÉ Converter Sony Electronics Inc. Support: Sony Electronics, see VAIO Support Agent Corel® WordP
e-mail [email protected] hours M - F, 9 AM - 6 PM PST Giga Pocket® Personal Video Recorder Sony Electronics Inc. Support: Sony Electronics, see VA
Microsoft® Works Microsoft Corp. Support: web site http://www.support.microsoft.com MoodLogic MoodLogic, Inc. Support: web site http://www.moodlogic
web site http://www.info.apple.com telephone 800-275-2273 RealOne Player RealNetworks, Inc. Support: web site(s) http://service.real.com/rjoption
Sound Blaster® Audigy Creative Labs, Inc. Support web site http://www.americas.creative.com/support/custsup.asp Station.com Sony Online Entertainme
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
WinDVD® for VAIO® InterVideo, Inc. Support: web site http://www.intervideo.com/jsp/Support.jsp telephone 510-651-0888 Page 170
Frequently asked questions How do I know when the battery is charged? To determine the remaining battery charge, see Locating battery information. Whe
Conserving Battery Power You may use the power saving modes and PowerPanel utility or power schemes to conserve battery power. Conservingbattery pow
Caring for Your Computer This section provides information on how to safely use your Sony computer. Storing Your Computer Using Cables and Connectio
Using power saving modes In addition to the normal operating mode, which allows you to turn off specific devices to save power, your computer hastwo d
Using PowerPanel utility The PowerPanel utility enables you to select and customize a predefined power management profile to conserve batterylife. The
To select a profile 1.Right-click the CPU icon on the Taskbar Notification area. See To view the PowerPanel window for Batteryicon descriptions. 2.Se
HDD Standby Timer Controls the time it takes the system to turn off power to the hard disk drive when the system isidle. This setting only turns off
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 Bluetooth Connections Connecting Another VAIO Computer Page 25
Internet Connections This section describes the basic steps for setting up your dial-up or Ethernet connection to the Internet. The NewConnection Wiza
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
5.Follow the on-screen instructions. Page 28
Setting up an Ethernet Internet connection Your computer accommodates both 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX Ethernet connections, with data transfer speeds of
Storing Your Computer Do not use or store your computer in a location subject to: Heat sources, such as radiators or air ducts Direct sunlight Exc
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
To connect to a remote network using a telephone or Ethernet cable 1.Connect an Ethernet or telephone cable to your computer. See To connect an Ethern
Using wireless network connections (selected models only) A wireless local area network (LAN) is a network in which you can connect to a LAN through a
5.From the Available wireless networks list, select the name of the network in which you want to connect. If youdo not see the network name, see If th
The following steps are for networks that require a network key. If you do not know the network key or are notsure a network key is required, see
4.Click Advanced. The Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box appears. Wireless Network Connection Properties 5.Click Add. The Wireless ne
11.Click to select This is a computer-to-computer (ad hoc) network; wireless access points are not used. 12.Click OK. The network name appears in the
Using Cables and Connections Use only specified peripheral equipment and interface cables. Do not use cut or damaged connection cables. If the tele
Checking your network connection status Whether you have a wireless, Ethernet, or dial-up connection, you can check the status of that connection. To
Frequently asked questions Why can't my computer connect to a wireless LAN access point? Connection availability is affected by distance and obs
Bluetooth Connections Bluetooth wireless technology provides short-range connectivity without the need for cabling. When the Bluetoothfunctionality
Using Bluetooth technology Using Bluetooth technology, your computer can communicate with: Compatible devices with integrated Bluetooth functionali
Establishing wireless connections The "Switch wireless devices" window enables you to select a wireless connection: Bluetooth, Wireless LAN,
4.Click Device Discovery. The Device Discovery window appears and searches for other nearby Bluetooth devices. Device Discov ery When a device is de
Authenticating devices Authentication is a security feature, which prevents unauthorized communication between Bluetooth devices. The firsttime Blue
4.In the Passkey text box, type your own passkey or use the passkey that is provided. Click Next. On the Bluetooth device in which you are trying to c
Cleaning Your Computer Clean the computer with a soft, dry cloth or a soft cloth lightly moistened with a mild detergent solution. Do not useany type
Renaming the Bluetooth USB Device The Bluetooth device installed on your computer has an assigned name that you may not recognize. Renaming this dev
Sending data and image files When a connection is made between your computer and another Bluetooth device, connection services become available.You
Using connection services When a connection is made between your computer and another Bluetooth device, you can click Service Discovery for alist of
Setting Bluetooth preferences The Bluetooth Options feature enables you to set hardware preferences for discovery, connection, and authentication. To
Setting BlueSpace NE preferences The BlueSpace NE Settings feature enables you to set software preferences for changing folder location, responding to
Adding a Bluetooth device Your computer can connect to several compatible Bluetooth devices, such as printers, mobile telephones, modems fordial-up
Disconnecting a Bluetooth device To disconnect or remove a device 1.If the BlueSpace NE window is not already open, click the Bluetooth - Standing by
Additional information The data transfer rate varies, depending on the following conditions: Obstacles, such as walls, located between devices Dist
Frequently asked questions Why can't other Bluetooth devices discover my computer? Make sure both devices have the Bluetooth feature enabled. Y
1.From the Start menu, click Control Panel. 2.Click Printers and Other Hardware, and then click Wireless Link. The Wireless Link window appears. 3.On
Handling the LCD Screen Direct sunlight can damage the LCD. Be careful when using the computer near a window. Do not scratch the LCD or exert pressu
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
Disconnecting VAIO computers You can disconnect two VAIO® computers when the computers are on or off. To disconnect VAIO computers when the computers
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 Writing To and Playing CDs Playing DVDs Page 64
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
into the manual eject hole next to the Eject button. 4.Lift the disc from the drive. 5.Push the drive tray gently to close it. Page 66
Writing To 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
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
1 O ptical drive types vary, depending on the model you purchas ed. Page 69
Powering Your Computer Your VAIO® computer comes with a battery and an AC adapter. This chapter explains how to install and use these suppliedaccessor
Writing files to a CD-RW or CD-R You can write files to CD-R or CD-RW discs if your VAIO® computer is equipped with a CD-RW/DVD drive or DVD-RW drive.
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
Playing DVDs You can play DVDs in your computer's optical drive. The type of optical drive installed in your computer may vary, dependingon the m
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
For more information about power management profiles, see Using PowerPanel utility. What do I do if the optical drive isn't playing my CD or DVD
If your computer is using battery power, make sure the battery is inserted properly and is charged. See Using theBattery for more information. If th
Printer Connections Printing With Your Computer Page 77
Printing With Your Computer Your computer is compatible with many popular printers. However, to ensure the best performance, printers must becompatibl
Connecting a printer You can easily connect a printer to your computer or port replicator (if applicable). If you wish to purchase a port replicator,s
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
4.Restart your computer by clicking Start, Turn Off Computer, and Restart. If the New Hardware Wizardappears, follow the on-screen instructions. 5.Mak
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 Using the Programmable Buttons Using the Multilingual User Interface Language Optio
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 Sony Notebook Setup lets you customize, enable, or disable the touch pad. Open the Mouse Properties dialog box to setyour to
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. Memory Stick®medi
Selecting Memory Stick media Memory Stick® media are a compact, portable, and versatile data storage media designed for exchanging and sharing digital
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
Inserting Memory Stick media The media slot accommodates only one Memory Stick media at a time. To insert Memory Stick media 1.Insert the Memory Stick
Viewing the contents Depending on the model you purchased, the Sony Memory Stick window may appear when you insert a Memory Stick®media. From this win
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 Memory Stick® media is removed prematurely, a blue screen with a message may appear prompting you to continue orexi
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
Using the Programmable Buttons As a shortcut, you can assign a pre-programmable button (P1/P2) to adjust volume or brightness, enter a power savingmod
Using the Multilingual User Interface Language Option (Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional only) After you have initially setup your new VAIO® compute
Changing Numbers, Currency, Time, and Date Formats You can change your operating system's number, currency, time, and date formats to coordinate
Changing the Window Design of Sony Programs This feature changes the appearance, such as color, of certain Sony programs. To change the window design
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