Sony VGN-S570P User Manual Page 1

NUser GuidePersonal ComputerVGN-S500 Series

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

100nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerAdding and Removing MemoryIf you want to expand the functionality of your computer, you can increase the memory by in

101nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer❑ Use the special bag delivered with the memory module or wrap the module in aluminium foil to protect it from electr

102nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerRemoving and Installing a Memory ModuleTo change or add a memory module to the memory module slot on the bottom of th

103nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer6 Remove the memory module:❑ Pull the tabs in the direction of the arrows (1).The memory module is released.❑ Make su

104nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer7 Slide the memory module into the memory module slot and push it in until it clicks into place.!Do not touch any oth

105nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerTo change or add a memory module to the memory module underneath the keyboard1 Shut down the computer and disconnect

106nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer6 Turn over the computer upside down and lift open the LCD.7 Lift the keyboard from the LCD display side, turn it ove

107nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer8 Unscrew the two screws next to the memory slot and remove the memory slot cover.9 Touch a metal object (such as the

108nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer11 Remove the new memory module from its packaging.12 Install the memory module.❑ Slide the memory module into the sl

109nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer13 Close the module cover and then tighten the screws.14 Gently replace the keyboard and then press it into the compu

11nNGetting StartedLocating Controls and PortsTake a moment to identify the controls and ports shown on the following pages.!The following illustratio

110nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer15 Close the LCD and then tighten the screws on the bottom of the computer.!Make sure to put a soft cloth between the

111nNPrecautionsPrecautionsThis section describes safety guidelines and precautions to help you protect your computer from potential damage.❑ On Handl

112nNPrecautionsOn 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

113nNPrecautionsOn Using the Power Source❑ See the online Specifications to check the power operation of your model.❑ Do not share the AC outlet with

114nNPrecautionsOn Handling Your Computer❑ Clean the cabinet with a soft cloth, which is dry or lightly moistened with a mild detergent solution. Do n

115nNPrecautions❑ 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

116nNPrecautionsOn Handling Floppy Disks❑ Do not open the shutter manually or touch the surface of the floppy disk.❑ Keep floppy disks away from magne

117nNPrecautionsOn 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

118nNPrecautionsOn 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

119nNPrecautionsOn Using Headphones❑ Road safety – Do not use headphones while driving, cycling, or operating any motorized vehicle. It may create a t

12nNGetting StartedASpeakersB Power buttonC Optical disc drive (page 29)D Manual eject hole (page 146)E Drive eject button (page 29)F Memory Stick med

120nNPrecautionsOn 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

121nNTroubleshootingTroubleshootingThis section describes how to solve common problems you might encounter when using your computer. Many problems hav

122nNTroubleshooting❑ Audio/Video (page 161)❑ Memory Stick Media (page 162)❑ Peripherals (page 163)

123nNTroubleshootingComputerWhat should I do if my computer won't start?❑ Make sure the computer is securely plugged into a power source and turn

124nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if a BIOS error appears when my computer starts? If the message "Press <F1> to resume, <F2> to s

125nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if the power indicator (Green) lights but my screen does not display anything when I turn on my computer?If nothi

126nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if the message "Operating system not found" appears when my computer starts, and why won't Windows

127nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if my computer or software stops responding?❑ It is best to turn off the computer using the Turn Off Computer opt

128nNTroubleshootingWhy won't my computer enter Standby or Hibernate mode?The computer may become unstable if the operating mode is changed befor

129nNTroubleshootingWhy doesn't the computer start or the power button does not work when the battery indicator is flashing?❑ This symptom could

13nNGetting StartedBackA Battery connector (page 19)

130nNTroubleshootingWhy is the sound of my computer's fan so loud?The computer's fan may be running at a high speed to cool the CPU. By lowe

131nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if I start my computer and the message "System Disabled" appears and Windows does not start?If you ente

132nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if I cannot use my computer as a VAIO Media or Windows Media Connect server?To use your computer as a VAIO Media

133nNTroubleshootingSystem SecurityThis section provides information about keeping your computer operating smoothly and protecting against potential t

134nNTroubleshootingTo visit the Windows Updates web site 1 Connect to the Internet. 2 Type http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ in the address bar of

135nNTroubleshootingBatteryHow do I know when the battery is charged? To determine the remaining battery charge, see Charging the Battery Pack (page 2

136nNTroubleshootingCan my computer enter Hibernate mode while using battery power? The computer can enter Hibernate mode while using battery power, b

137nNTroubleshootingInternet Why doesn't my modem work?❑ Make sure the telephone cable is securely plugged into the Modem port on the computer an

138nNTroubleshootingWhy is my modem connection slow? The computer is equipped with a V.92/ V.90 compatible modem. Many factors may influence modem con

139nNTroubleshootingNetworkingWhy can't my computer connect to a wireless LAN access point? ❑ Connection availability is affected by distance and

14nNGetting StartedRightA i.LINK® (IEEE1394) S400 port (page 83)B Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports* (page 78)C Air ventD DC In port (page 18)* Supports hi

140nNTroubleshootingWhy can't I access the Internet? ❑ Check the access point settings. See the instructions supplied with the access point.❑ Mak

141nNTroubleshootingWhat are channels? ❑ Wireless LAN communication occurs on divided frequency bands known as channels. Third-party wireless LAN acce

142nNTroubleshootingBluetooth TechnologyWhy can't other Bluetooth devices discover my computer? ❑ Make sure both devices have the Bluetooth featu

143nNTroubleshootingWhy can't other Bluetooth devices connect to my computer? ❑ Make sure the other device is authenticated.❑ The computer may no

144nNTroubleshootingWhy is my Bluetooth connection slow? ❑ The data transfer speed depends on the obstacles and/or the distance between the two device

145nNTroubleshootingCan I use a device with Bluetooth technology on airplanes? With Bluetooth technology, the computer transmits a radio frequency of

146nNTroubleshootingCDs 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.

147nNTroubleshootingWhat 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

148nNTroubleshooting5 Double-click the optical disc drive device to open the submenu.6 Double-click the listed drive, and select the Properties tab.7

149nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if I cannot write to CD?❑ Do not launch any software application or allow any to launch automatically, not even a

15nNGetting StartedLeftA Network (Ethernet) port (page 85)B Modem port (page 44)C Microphone jack (page 77)D Headphones jack (page 66)E Monitor (VGA)

150nNTroubleshootingDisplayWhy did the computer screen (LCD) go blank? ❑ The computer screen may go blank if the computer has lost power or has entere

151nNTroubleshootingWhat 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

152nNTroubleshootingPrintingWhy can't I print a document? ❑ Make sure the printer is on, and the printer cable is securely connected to the ports

153nNTroubleshootingMicrophoneWhy doesn't my microphone work? If you are using an external microphone, make sure the microphone is turned on and

154nNTroubleshootingMouseWhat should I do if the computer doesn't recognize the mouse? ❑ Make sure the mouse is securely plugged into the port.❑

155nNTroubleshootingSpeakersWhy won't my speakers work? ❑ Make sure the speakers are properly connected and the volume is turned up loud enough t

156nNTroubleshootingTouch PadWhat should I do if the touch pad does not work? ❑ Try restarting the computer. Follow these steps:1 Press the Windows ke

157nNTroubleshootingHow do I change the left and right button assignments? If the computer is interpreting a single-click as a double-click, you may w

158nNTroubleshootingKeyboardWhat should I do if the keyboard configuration is wrong?❑ The language layout of the computer's keyboard is specified

159nNTroubleshootingFloppy DisksWhy doesn't the Safely Remove Hardware icon appear on the taskbar when the drive is connected? The computer does

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

160nNTroubleshootingPC CardsWhy doesn't my PC Card work? ❑ Make sure the PC Card is inserted properly. See Inserting a PC Card (page 37) for more

161nNTroubleshootingAudio/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

162nNTroubleshootingMemory Stick MediaWhy can't I open my image files? You may need to reformat your Memory Stick media.Formatting Memory Stick m

163nNTroubleshootingPeripheralsWhat should I do if I cannot connect a USB device?❑ If applicable, check the USB device is switched on and using its ow

164nNSupport OptionsSupport OptionsThe section contains information on where to go for answers to questions about your computer and the preinstalled s

165nNSupport OptionsFor users in Latin American countries or areasCustomer Information CenterIf you do not find the information you are looking for at

166nNSupport OptionsIn order to contact a Sony technical support representative, please call the following numbers:❑ In Argentina:(011) 6770-SONY (766

167nNSupport OptionsProgram Support InformationDepending on the computer model and particular configuration you purchased, your computer may not inclu

168nNSupport OptionsClick to DVD™ softwareSony Electronics Inc.At the touch of a button, Click to DVD software allows you to automatically burn DVDs f

169nNSupport OptionsDVgate Plus™ softwareSony Electronics Inc.Connect a compatible digital video camera to your computer's i.LINK® port and captu

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

170nNSupport OptionsIntel® PROSetIntel Corporation❑ For users in USA and CanadaWeb Site http://www.intel.com/network/connectivity/products/wireless/pr

171nNSupport OptionsMoodLogicMoodLogic, Inc.❑ For users in USA and CanadaWeb Site http://www.moodlogic.com/support E-mail [email protected]®

172nNSupport OptionsPictureGear Studio™ softwareSony Electronics Inc.PictureGear Studio still image management software displays still images from you

173nNSupport OptionsSonicStage® softwareSony Electronics Inc.The SonicStage jukebox software program gives you all the tools you need to manage music

174nNSupport OptionsSonicStage® Mastering Studio softwareSony Electronics Inc.Use SonicStage® Mastering Studio software to record songs from analog re

175nNSupport OptionsVAIO® Action SetupSony Electronics Inc.VAIO Action Setup manages the settings for your computer's shortcut keys.❑ For users i

176nNSupport OptionsVAIO® CentralSony Electronics Inc.VAIO Central provides a central location that gathers resources to configure your VAIO computer

177nNSupport OptionsVAIO Media™ softwareSony Electronics Inc.VAIO Media™ software brings multimedia to your network, enabling you to share music, vide

178nNSupport OptionsVAIO® Support CentralSony Electronics Inc.VAIO Support Central provides an easy to navigate solution to common support needs, such

179nNSupport OptionsVAIO® UpdateSony Electronics Inc.The VAIO Update utility helps you keep your VAIO® computer up to date by regularly checking the S

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

180nNSupport OptionsVAIO® Wireless UtilitySony Electronics Inc.The VAIO Wireless Utility walks you through setting up your wireless network connection

181nNSupport OptionsVAIO Zone™ softwareSony Electronics Inc. VAIO Zone software provides an effortless way to browse and enjoy pictures, music, and vi

© 2005 Sony Corporationn

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

28nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Special-function ButtonsYour computer is equipped with special buttons to help you use specific functions of the com

29nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Optical Disc DriveYour computer is equipped with an optical disc drive.To insert a disc1 Turn on the computer.2

3nNUsing Peripheral Devices...

30nNUsing 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

31nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerReading and Writing CDs and DVDsYour computer plays and records CDs and DVDs, depending on the model you purchased. Check

32nNUsing 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

33nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerNotes on playing DVDsTo achieve optimum performance when playing DVDs, you should follow these recommendations.❑ You can p

34nNUsing 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

35nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerCopying Files to CDsTo determine which type of CD your computer supports, see Reading and Writing CDs and DVDs (page 31).T

36nNUsing 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

37nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing PC CardsPC Cards allow you to connect portable external devices to your computer.Inserting a PC Card!Some PC Cards o

38nNUsing Your VAIO Computer✍Some devices may not function properly if you continually switch to Normal mode from Standby mode or Hibernate mode. For

39nNUsing 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

4nNPrecautions ...

40nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Memory Stick MediaYour computer supports the Memory Stick media. Memory Stick media is a compact, portable, and

41nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerInserting a Memory Stick MediaThere are two ways you can insert a Memory Stick media into your computer:❑ Using the Memory

42nNUsing Your VAIO Computer!Be sure to hold the Memory Stick media with the arrow pointing in the correct direction as you insert it into the slot. T

43nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerRemoving a Memory Stick MediaTo remove a Memory Stick media using the Memory Stick media slot1 Check that the Memory Stick

44nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the InternetSetting Up a Dial-up Internet ConnectionBefore you can connect to the Internet, you need to connect your

45nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Wireless LAN (WLAN)Using the Sony Wireless LAN (WLAN), all your digital devices with built-in WLAN functionality com

46nNUsing 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

47nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo communicate without an Access Point (ad-hoc)1 Turn on the WIRELESS or WIRELESS LAN switch.The WIRELESS LAN indicator li

48nNUsing Your VAIO Computer13 Enter exactly the same Network key again, for confirmation.14 Select the check box This is a computer-to-computer (ad h

49nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo disconnect from a computer-to-computer (ad-hoc) network1 Click Start and then Control Panel.2 Click Network and Interne

5nNKeyboard...

50nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerCommunicating with an Access Point (Infrastructure)An infrastructure network is a network that extends an existing wired l

51nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo connect to a wireless network1 Make sure an access point is set up.See the instructions that accompanied the access poi

52nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo connect to a wireless network (Models with the VAIO Wireless Utility software only)Use the VAIO Wireless Utility softwa

53nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerWireless LAN Channel SelectionIn an 802.11b/g configuration, channel 1 to 11 can be used.(a) With an Access Point ("I

54nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Bluetooth FunctionalityThe Bluetooth functionality is available on selected models only. See the online Specific

55nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerNotes on using the Bluetooth functionality❑ The data transfer rate varies, depending on the following conditions:❑ Obstacl

56nNUsing Your VAIO Computer❑ The 2.4 GHz band with which Bluetooth devices or wireless LAN devices work, is used by various devices. Bluetooth device

57nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerCommunicating with Another Bluetooth DeviceYou can connect your computer to a Bluetooth device such as another computer, a

58nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo see the help file1 Right-click the Bluetooth icon on the taskbar and select Bluetooth Settings from the menu.2 Select

59nNUsing Peripheral DevicesUsing Peripheral DevicesYou can add functionality to your computer by using the various ports on the computer.❑ Connecting

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 DevicesConnecting a Port ReplicatorAttaching a port replicator enables you to connect additional peripherals to your computer, su

61nNUsing Peripheral DevicesAttaching Your Computer to the Port ReplicatorTo attach your computer to the port replicator1 Disconnect all peripherals f

62nNUsing Peripheral Devices4 Open the port replicator connector cover.5 Slide out the front lever.

63nNUsing Peripheral Devices6 Align the bottom connector of the computer with the connector on the port replicator and push down until it clicks into

64nNUsing Peripheral DevicesDisconnecting Your Computer from the Port Replicator!To prevent loss of unsaved data, be sure to turn off the computer bef

65nNUsing Peripheral Devices4 Close the port replicator connector cover on the bottom of the computer.✍It is extremely important to close the port rep

66nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting External SpeakersYou can enhance the sound quality of your computer by connecting external speakers.To connect

67nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting an External DisplayYou can connect an external display to your computer. For example, you can use the computer

68nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a Computer DisplayYou can connect a computer display (monitor) either directly to your computer or via the (opt

69nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a Multimedia Computer DisplayYou can connect a multimedia computer display that includes built-in speakers and

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

70nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a ProjectorYou can connect a projector (for example, the Sony LCD projector) directly to your computer or via t

71nNUsing Peripheral DevicesSelecting Display ModesYou can select which display to be used as the primary monitor when an external display (desktop mo

72nNUsing Peripheral DevicesModels with the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator1 Click Start and then Control Panel.2 Click Appearance and Themes.3 Click

73nNUsing Peripheral DevicesModels with the NVIDIA video controller1 Click Start and then Control Panel.2 Click Appearance and Themes.3 Click Display.

74nNUsing Peripheral DevicesUsing the Multiple Monitors FunctionThe Multiple Monitors function allows you to distribute portions of your desktop acros

75nNUsing Peripheral DevicesTo select the Multiple Monitors modeModels with the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator1 Right-click on the desktop to displa

76nNUsing Peripheral DevicesModels with the NVIDIA video controller1 Click Start and then Control Panel.2 Click Appearance and Themes.3 Click Display.

77nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting an External MicrophoneIf you need to use a sound input device (for example, to chat on the Internet) you need t

78nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) DeviceTo prevent your computer and/or USB devices from damage, observe the followi

79nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a USB Floppy Disk DriveYou can purchase a USB floppy disk drive and connect it to your computer.To connect a US

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

80nNUsing Peripheral DevicesDisconnecting a USB floppy disk driveYou can disconnect a USB floppy disk drive when the computer is on or off. Disconnect

81nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a PrinterYou can connect a Windows-compatible printer to your computer to print documents.Connecting a Printer

82nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a Printer Using the Printer PortTo connect a printer using the printer port1 Plug the printer power cord (1) in

83nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting an i.LINK DeviceNotes on connecting i.LINK devices❑ The computer includes an i.LINK (IEEE1394) port, which you

84nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a Digital Video Camera RecorderTo connect a digital video camera recorder1 Plug one end of the i.LINK cable (1)

85nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting to a Network (LAN)You can connect your computer to 100BASE-TX/10BASE-T-type networks via an Ethernet network ca

86nNUsing Peripheral Devices!Telephone lines cannot be connected to the Network (LAN) connector on your computer.If the Network (LAN) connector is con

87nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerThis section briefly describes how to change the main settings of your computer.❑ Sett

88nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerSetting the PasswordUse one of the BIOS functions to set the password.Once you have set the password, you will have

89nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer5 Select Password When Power ON under Security.Press the space bar to change the setting from Disabled to Enabled.6

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

90nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerSetting Up Your Computer with VAIO CentralThe VAIO Central utility allows you to consult system information and spec

91nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Power Saving ModesWhen you use a battery as the power source for your computer, you can take advantage of

92nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Standby ModeStandby mode turns off the LCD screen and sets the hard disk and the CPU to a low power consumptio

93nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerTo change the Standby mode settings1 Click Start and then Control Panel.2 Click Performance and Maintenance.3 Click

94nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Hibernate ModeIn Hibernate mode, the state of the system is saved on the hard disk and power is turned off. Ev

95nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer✍If you do not use the AC adapter for a long period of time, put the computer into Hibernate mode. This power saving

96nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerManaging Power with VAIO Power ManagementPower management helps you to set up power schemes for running on AC power

97nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerActivating VAIO Power Management Power SchemesVAIO Power Management provides several predefined power schemes. Each

98nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerVAIO Power Management ViewerTo start VAIO Power Management ViewerClick on the VAIO Power Management tab.Alternativ

99nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerYour computer and memory modules use high precision components and electronic connectors t