Sony VGN-NW26M User's Guide Page 1

NUser GuidePersonal ComputerVGN-NW series

10nNGetting Started >Locating Controls and PortsLocating Controls and PortsTake a moment to identify the controls and ports shown on the following

100nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer >Adding and Removing Memory6 Remove the currently installed memory module as follows:❑ Pull the latches in the di

101nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer >Adding and Removing Memory8 Slide the memory module into the memory module slot and push it in until it clicks i

102nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer >Adding and Removing MemoryViewing the Amount of MemoryTo view the amount of memory1 Turn on the computer.2 Click

103nNPrecautions >PrecautionsThis section describes safety guidelines and precautions to help you protect your VAIO computer from potential damage.

104nNPrecautions >Safety InformationSafety InformationComputer❑ Use your computer on a solid, stable surface.❑ We advise not to use your computer d

105nNPrecautions >Safety InformationBattery Pack❑ Do not leave battery packs in temperatures above 60°C, such as in a car parked in the sun or unde

106nNPrecautions >Safety InformationHeadphones❑ Road safety – Do not use headphones while driving, cycling, or operating any motorized vehicle. It

107nNPrecautions >Care and Maintenance InformationCare and Maintenance InformationComputer❑ Clean the cabinet with a soft, dry or lightly moistened

108nNPrecautions >Handling Your ComputerHandling Your Computer❑ If you drop a solid object or any liquid onto your computer, shut down the computer

109nNPrecautions >Handling Your Computer❑ To avoid losing data when your computer is damaged, back up your data regularly.❑ Do not exert pressure o

11nNGetting Started >Locating Controls and PortsFrontA Built-in microphone (monaural)B Built-in MOTION EYE camera indicator (page 16)C Built-in MOT

110nNPrecautions >Handling the LCD ScreenHandling the LCD Screen❑ Do not leave the LCD screen facing the sun. This could damage the LCD screen. Be

111nNPrecautions >Using the Power SourceUsing the Power SourceSee the specifications to find out about the configuration of your computer.❑ Do not

112nNPrecautions >Handling the Built-in CameraHandling the Built-in Camera❑ Do not touch the lens protection cover of the built-in camera, as it ma

113nNPrecautions >Handling DiscsHandling Discs❑ Fingerprints and dust on the surface of a disc may cause read errors. Be sure to hold the disc by i

114nNPrecautions >Using the Battery PackUsing the Battery Pack❑ Battery life is shorter in a cold environment. This is due to decreased battery eff

115nNPrecautions >Handling "Memory Stick"Handling "Memory Stick"❑ Do not touch the "Memory Stick" connector with your

116nNPrecautions >Handling the Built-in Storage DeviceHandling the Built-in Storage DeviceThe built-in storage device (hard disk drive or solid sta

117nNTroubleshooting >TroubleshootingThis section describes how to solve common problems you might encounter when using your VAIO computer. Many pr

118nNTroubleshooting >❑ "Memory Stick" (page 155)❑ Peripherals (page 156)

119nNTroubleshooting >ComputerComputerWhat should I do if my computer does not start?❑ Make sure your computer is securely plugged into a power sou

12nNGetting Started >Locating Controls and PortsA WEB button (page 33), (page 34)B Muting (S1) button (page 33)C DISPLAY OFF button (page 33)D Num

120nNTroubleshooting >ComputerWhat should I do if the green power indicator light turns on but my screen remains blank?❑ Make sure the LCD backligh

121nNTroubleshooting >ComputerWhat should I do if my computer or software stops responding?❑ If your computer stops responding while a software app

122nNTroubleshooting >ComputerWhy doesn't my computer enter Sleep or Hibernate mode?Your computer may become unstable if the operating mode is

123nNTroubleshooting >ComputerWhat should I do if a message appears notifying of either incompatibility or the improper installation of the battery

124nNTroubleshooting >ComputerWhat should I do if my game software does not work or it keeps crashing?❑ Check the web site of the game if there are

125nNTroubleshooting >ComputerWhy doesn't my screen turn off after the automatic turn-off time has passed?Some software applications or screen

126nNTroubleshooting >System SecuritySystem SecurityHow can I protect my computer against security threats, such as viruses?The Microsoft Windows o

127nNTroubleshooting >BatteryBatteryHow do I find the battery charging status? You can check the charge indicator for the battery charging status.

128nNTroubleshooting >BatteryShould I be concerned that the installed battery pack is warm? No, it is normal for the battery pack to be warm while

129nNTroubleshooting >Built-in CameraBuilt-in CameraWhy does the viewfinder show no images or poor-quality images?❑ The built-in camera cannot be s

13nNGetting Started >Locating Controls and PortsRightA Headphones jack (page 72)B Microphone jack (page 82)C Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports* (page 83

130nNTroubleshooting >Built-in CameraWhat should I do if movie playback shows dropped frames while my computer is running on battery power?The batt

131nNTroubleshooting >NetworkingNetworkingWhat should I do if my computer cannot connect to a wireless LAN access point?❑ Connection capability is

132nNTroubleshooting >Networking❑ Make sure Maximum Performance is selected for Wireless Adapter Settings in the Power Options window. Selecting an

133nNTroubleshooting >NetworkingWhat should I do if I cannot access the Internet?❑ Check the access point settings. See the manual that came with y

134nNTroubleshooting >NetworkingHow do I avoid data transfer interruptions?❑ While your computer is connected to an access point, data transfer int

135nNTroubleshooting >Bluetooth TechnologyBluetooth TechnologyWhat should I do if other Bluetooth devices cannot find my computer?❑ Make sure both

136nNTroubleshooting >Bluetooth TechnologyWhat should I do if other Bluetooth devices cannot connect to my computer?❑ Check the suggestions in What

137nNTroubleshooting >Bluetooth TechnologyCan I use a device with Bluetooth technology on airplanes?With Bluetooth technology, your computer transm

138nNTroubleshooting >Bluetooth TechnologyWhat should I do if I do not hear sound from my headphones or audio/video controller?Check the SCMS-T set

139nNTroubleshooting >Optical DiscsOptical DiscsWhy does my computer freeze when I try to read a disc?The disc that your computer is trying to read

14nNGetting Started >Locating Controls and PortsLeftA DC IN port (page 17)B Network (LAN) port (page 57)C Air ventD Monitor port (page 74)E HDMI ou

140nNTroubleshooting >Optical DiscsWhat should I do if I cannot play a disc properly on my computer?❑ Make sure the disc is inserted into the optic

141nNTroubleshooting >Optical Discs❑ Make sure the correct driver software is installed. Follow these steps:1 Click Start and Control Panel.2 Click

142nNTroubleshooting >Optical DiscsWhat should I do if I cannot play Blu-ray Disc media or my computer becomes unstable during Blu-ray Disc playbac

143nNTroubleshooting >DisplayDisplayWhy did my screen go blank?❑ Your computer screen may go blank if the computer loses power or enters a power sa

144nNTroubleshooting >DisplayWhat should I do if I do not see proper images or videos?❑ Be sure to select True Color (32 bit) for the display color

145nNTroubleshooting >DisplayWhy doesn't my screen display a video?❑ If the display output is directed to the external display and the externa

146nNTroubleshooting >DisplayWhat should I do if the external display remains blank?Press the Fn+F7 keys to change the display output. See Combinat

147nNTroubleshooting >PrintingPrintingWhat should I do if I cannot print a document?❑ Make sure your printer is on, and the printer cable is secure

148nNTroubleshooting >MicrophoneMicrophoneWhat should I do if my microphone does not work?❑ If you are using an external microphone, make sure the

149nNTroubleshooting >SpeakersSpeakersWhat should I do if I do not hear sound from the built-in speakers?❑ If you are using a program that has its

15nNGetting Started >Locating Controls and PortsBack/Bottom A Air ventsB Battery connector (page 19)C Memory module compartment cover (page 97)

150nNTroubleshooting >Touch PadTouch PadWhat should I do if the touch pad does not work?❑ You may have disabled the touch pad before connecting a m

151nNTroubleshooting >KeyboardKeyboardWhat should I do if the keyboard configuration is wrong?The language layout of your computer's keyboard

152nNTroubleshooting >Floppy DisksFloppy DisksWhy doesn't the Safely Remove Hardware icon appear on the taskbar when the drive is connected?Yo

153nNTroubleshooting >Audio/VideoAudio/VideoWhat should I do if I cannot use my digital video camcorder?If a message appears stating that the i.LIN

154nNTroubleshooting >Audio/VideoWhat should I do if I do not hear the sound from the sound output device connected to the HDMI output port, optica

155nNTroubleshooting >"Memory Stick""Memory Stick"What should I do if I cannot use "Memory Stick" that was formatted

156nNTroubleshooting >PeripheralsPeripheralsWhat should I do if I cannot connect a USB device?❑ If applicable, check the USB device is turned on an

157nNTrademarks >TrademarksSony, VAIO, the VAIO logo, VAIO Control Center, VAIO Power Management, VAIO Power Management Viewer, VAIO Update, and &q

158nNTrademarks >The ExpressCard word mark and logos are owned by the PCMCIA and any use of such marks by Sony Corporation is under license. Other

159nNNotice >Notice© 2009 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved.This manual and the software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be repr

16nNGetting Started >About the Indicator LightsAbout the Indicator LightsYour computer is equipped with the following indicator lights: Indicator F

© 2009 Sony Corporationn

17nNGetting Started >Connecting a Power SourceConnecting a Power SourceYou can use either an AC adapter or a rechargeable battery pack for supplyin

18nNGetting Started >Connecting a Power Source✍To disconnect your computer completely from AC power, unplug the AC adapter.Make sure that the AC ou

19nNGetting Started >Using the Battery PackUsing the Battery PackThe battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of d

2nNContentsBefore Use... 4Finding More about Your VAIO Computer ...

20nNGetting Started >Using the Battery Pack3 Slide the battery pack diagonally into the battery compartment until the projection (2) on either side

21nNGetting Started >Using the Battery PackTo remove the battery pack!You may lose data if you remove the battery pack while your computer is on an

22nNGetting Started >Using the Battery PackCharging the Battery PackThe battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time o

23nNGetting Started >Using the Battery Pack✍Keep the battery pack in your computer while it is directly connected to AC power. The battery pack con

24nNGetting Started >Using the Battery PackExtending Your Battery LifeWhen your computer is running on battery power, you can extend your battery l

25nNGetting Started >Shutting Down Your Computer SafelyShutting Down Your Computer SafelyTo avoid losing unsaved data, be sure to shut down your co

26nNGetting Started >Using the Power Saving ModesUsing the Power Saving ModesYou can take advantage of the power management settings to conserve ba

27nNGetting Started >Using the Power Saving ModesUsing Sleep ModeTo activate Sleep modeClick Start, the arrow next to the Shut down button, and S

28nNGetting Started >Updating Your ComputerUpdating Your ComputerBe sure to install the latest updates on your computer with the following software

29nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using Your VAIO ComputerThis section describes how to get the most out of using your VAIO computer.❑ Using the Keyboa

3nNPrecautions... 103Safety Information ...

30nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the KeyboardUsing the KeyboardYour keyboard has additional keys that perform model-specific tasks.Combinations

31nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Keyboard Fn + / (F9/F10): zoomingChanges the size of an image or a document displayed on some software.T

32nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Touch PadUsing the Touch PadYou can point to, select, drag, and scroll objects on the screen using the touc

33nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using Special-function ButtonsUsing Special-function ButtonsYour computer is equipped with special buttons to help yo

34nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Quick Web Access FunctionUsing the Quick Web Access FunctionThe Quick Web Access function enables you immed

35nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Quick Web Access FunctionNotes on using the Quick Web Access functionWhile the Quick Web Access function is

36nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Built-in CameraUsing the Built-in CameraYour computer is equipped with a built-in MOTION EYE camera.With th

37nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Optical Disc DriveUsing the Optical Disc DriveYour computer is equipped with an optical disc drive.Features

38nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Optical Disc Drive3 Place a disc in the middle of the drive tray with the label side facing upward and gent

39nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Optical Disc DriveSupported Disc MediaYour computer plays and records CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Disc™ media, d

4nNBefore Use >Before UseCongratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer, and welcome to the on-screen User Guide. Sony has combined l

40nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Optical Disc Drive!This unit is designed to playback discs that conform to the Compact Disc (CD) standard.

41nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Optical Disc DriveNotes on Using the Optical Disc DriveNotes on writing data to a disc❑ Only use circular d

42nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Optical Disc DriveNotes on region codes❑ Region code indicators are labeled on the discs or packages to ind

43nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Optical Disc DrivePlaying DiscsTo play a disc1 Insert a disc into the optical disc drive.!Connect the AC ad

44nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using "Memory Stick"Using "Memory Stick""Memory Stick" is a compact, portable, and vers

45nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using "Memory Stick"Inserting and Removing "Memory Stick"To insert "Memory Stick"1 Loca

46nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using "Memory Stick"!Be sure to hold "Memory Stick" with the arrow pointing in the correct direct

47nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using "Memory Stick"Formatting "Memory Stick"To format "Memory Stick""Memory Stick

48nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using "Memory Stick"6 Click Start.7 Follow the on-screen instructions.!It may take time to format "Mem

49nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using "Memory Stick"Notes on Using "Memory Stick"❑ Your computer has been tested and found compat

5nNBefore Use >Finding More about Your VAIO ComputerFinding More about Your VAIO ComputerThis section provides support information about your VAIO

50nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using Other Modules / Memory CardsUsing Other Modules / Memory CardsUsing the ExpressCard ModuleYour computer is equi

51nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using Other Modules / Memory Cards✍If the module does not go into the slot easily, remove it gently and verify you ar

52nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using Other Modules / Memory CardsUsing the SD Memory CardYour computer is equipped with an SD memory card slot. You

53nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using Other Modules / Memory Cards✍If the SD memory card does not go into the slot easily, remove it gently and verif

54nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using Other Modules / Memory CardsTo remove an SD memory card1 Locate the SD memory card slot.2 Check that the Media

55nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using Other Modules / Memory CardsNotes on Using Memory CardsGeneral notes on using the memory card❑ Be sure to use m

56nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the InternetUsing the InternetBefore using the Internet, you need to sign up with an Internet Service Provider

57nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Network (LAN)Using the Network (LAN)You can connect your computer to 1000BASE-T/100BASE-TX/10BASE-T type ne

58nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Wireless LANUsing the Wireless LANUsing the Wireless LAN (WLAN), all your digital devices with the built-in

59nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Wireless LANThe IEEE 802.11b/g standard is a wireless LAN standard, using the 2.4 GHz band. The IEEE 802.11

6nNBefore Use >Finding More about Your VAIO Computer3. Support Web SitesIf you have any problem with the computer, you can visit the VAIO-Link web

60nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Wireless LANCommunicating without an Access Point (Ad-hoc)An ad-hoc network is a network in which a LAN is

61nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Wireless LANTo communicate without an access point (ad-hoc)!The IEEE 802.11a standard, using the 5 GHz band

62nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Wireless LANCommunicating with an Access Point (Infrastructure)An infrastructure network is a network that

63nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Wireless LANTo connect to a wireless network1 Make sure an access point is set up.See the manual that came

64nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Wireless LANStopping Wireless LAN CommunicationsTo stop wireless LAN communicationsClick the switch next to

65nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Bluetooth FunctionUsing the Bluetooth FunctionThe Bluetooth® function may be available on your computer.Fea

66nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Bluetooth FunctionCommunicating with Another Bluetooth DeviceYou can connect your computer to a Bluetooth d

67nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Bluetooth FunctionTo communicate with another Bluetooth deviceTo communicate with another Bluetooth device,

68nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Bluetooth FunctionStopping Bluetooth CommunicationsTo stop Bluetooth communications1 Turn off the Bluetooth

69nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Bluetooth FunctionNotes on Using the Bluetooth Function❑ The data transfer rate varies, depending on the fo

7nNBefore Use >Ergonomic ConsiderationsErgonomic ConsiderationsYou will be using your computer as a portable device in a variety of environments. W

70nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Bluetooth Function❑ The 2.4 GHz band, with which Bluetooth devices or wireless LAN devices work, is used by

71nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Using Peripheral DevicesYou can add functionality to your VAIO computer by using the various ports on the computer.❑

72nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting External Speakers or HeadphonesConnecting External Speakers or HeadphonesYou can connect external sound ou

73nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting an External DisplayConnecting an External DisplayFeatures and options in this section may not be available

74nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting an External DisplayConnecting a Computer Display or a ProjectorYou can connect an external display, such a

75nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting an External Display!Your computer is compliant with the HDCP standard and capable of encrypting the transm

76nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting an External DisplayUsing the VAIO Presentation SupportThe VAIO Presentation Support allows you to use hand

77nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting an External DisplayConnecting a TV with an HDMI Input PortIf your computer is equipped with an HDMI output

78nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting an External Display✍See the manual that came with your TV for more information on installation and use.The

79nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Selecting Display ModesSelecting Display ModesWhen an external display is connected, you can select either your compu

8nNBefore Use >Ergonomic Considerations❑ Viewing angle of the computer's display – Use the display's tilting feature to find the best pos

80nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Using the Multiple Monitors FunctionUsing the Multiple Monitors FunctionThe Multiple Monitors function allows you to

81nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Using the Multiple Monitors FunctionTo use the Multiple Monitors function✍Your external display may not support the M

82nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting an External MicrophoneConnecting an External MicrophoneYou can connect an external microphone (not supplie

83nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting a USB DeviceConnecting a USB DeviceYou can connect a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device to your computer, s

84nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting a USB DeviceNotes on connecting a USB device❑ You may need to install the driver software supplied with yo

85nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting an i.LINK DeviceConnecting an i.LINK DeviceYour computer is equipped with an i.LINK port which you can use

86nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting an i.LINK DeviceConnecting a Digital Video CamcorderTo connect a digital video camcorderPlug one end of an

87nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Customizing Your VAIO ComputerThis section briefly describes how to change the main settings of your VAIO compu

88nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Setting the PasswordSetting the PasswordUse one of the BIOS functions to set the password.Once you have set the

89nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Setting the PasswordTo add the power-on password (machine password)1 Turn on the computer.2 Press the F2 key wh

9nNGetting Started >Getting StartedThis section describes how to get started using your VAIO computer.❑ Locating Controls and Ports (page 10)❑ Abou

90nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Setting the PasswordTo add the power-on password (user password)!Make sure you set the machine password before

91nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Setting the PasswordChanging/Removing the Power-on PasswordTo change or remove the power-on password (machine p

92nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Setting the PasswordTo change or remove the power-on password (user password)1 Turn on the computer.2 Press the

93nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Using Intel® VTUsing Intel® VTIntel® Virtualization Technology (VT) allows you to use hardware virtualization s

94nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Using the VAIO Control CenterUsing the VAIO Control CenterThe VAIO Control Center utility allows you to access

95nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Using the VAIO Power ManagementUsing the VAIO Power ManagementPower management helps you set up power plans for

96nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer >Upgrading Your VAIO ComputerYour VAIO computer and memory modules use high precision components and electronic co

97nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer >Adding and Removing MemoryAdding and Removing MemoryIf you want to expand the functionality of your computer, you

98nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer >Adding and Removing Memory❑ Do not open the memory module package before you are ready to change the module. The

99nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer >Adding and Removing MemoryRemoving and Installing a Memory ModuleTo change or add a memory module1 Shut down the