Sony VPCM121AX/L User's Guide

NUser GuidePersonal ComputerVPCM1 Series

10nNBefore Use >Ergonomic ConsiderationsErgonomic ConsiderationsYou will be using your computer as a portable device in a variety of environments.

100nNTroubleshooting >System Update / SecuritySystem Update / SecurityHow can I find important updates for my computer?You can find and install the

101nNTroubleshooting >System Update / SecurityHow do I keep my antivirus software updated?You can keep the Norton Internet Security software progra

102nNTroubleshooting >RecoveryRecoveryHow can I create recovery discs?You can create recovery discs using the VAIO Care. The discs are used to rest

103nNTroubleshooting >RecoveryHow do I check the volume of the recovery partition?Your built-in storage device contains the recovery partition wher

104nNTroubleshooting >Battery PackBattery PackHow do I find the battery charging status? You can check the charge indicator for the battery chargin

105nNTroubleshooting >Battery PackCan my computer enter Hibernate mode while running on battery power? Your computer can enter Hibernate mode while

106nNTroubleshooting >Built-in CameraBuilt-in CameraWhy does the viewfinder show no images or poor-quality images?❑ The built-in camera cannot be s

107nNTroubleshooting >Built-in CameraWhat should I do if movie playback shows dropped frames while my computer is running on battery power?The batt

108nNTroubleshooting >Networking (LAN/Wireless LAN)Networking (LAN/Wireless LAN)What should I do if my computer cannot connect to a wireless LAN ac

109nNTroubleshooting >Networking (LAN/Wireless LAN)What should I do if I cannot access the Internet?❑ Check the access point settings. See the manu

11nNBefore Use >Ergonomic Considerations❑ Viewing angle of the computer display – Use the display tilting feature to find the best position. You ca

110nNTroubleshooting >Networking (LAN/Wireless LAN)How do I avoid data transfer interruptions?❑ While your computer is connected to an access point

111nNTroubleshooting >Bluetooth TechnologyBluetooth TechnologyWhat should I do if other Bluetooth devices cannot find my computer?❑ Make sure both

112nNTroubleshooting >Bluetooth TechnologyWhat should I do if other Bluetooth devices cannot connect to my computer?❑ Check the suggestions in What

113nNTroubleshooting >Bluetooth TechnologyCan I use a device with Bluetooth technology on airplanes?With Bluetooth technology, your computer transm

114nNTroubleshooting >Bluetooth TechnologyWhat should I do if I do not hear sound from my headphones or audio/video controller?Check the SCMS-T set

115nNTroubleshooting >Optical DiscsOptical DiscsWhat should I do if my external optical disc drive does not work properly?Make sure that your exter

116nNTroubleshooting >DisplayDisplayWhy did my screen go blank?❑ Your computer screen may go blank if the computer loses power or enters a power sa

117nNTroubleshooting >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

118nNTroubleshooting >DisplayWhy doesn't my screen display a video?❑ If the display output is directed to the external display and the externa

119nNTroubleshooting >PrintingPrintingWhat should I do if I cannot print a document?❑ Make sure your printer is on, and the printer cable is secure

12nNGetting Started >Getting StartedThis section describes how to get started using your VAIO computer.!Before starting your computer for the first

120nNTroubleshooting >MicrophoneMicrophoneWhat should I do if my microphone does not work?❑ If you are using an external microphone, make sure the

121nNTroubleshooting >SpeakersSpeakersWhat should I do if I do not hear sound from the built-in speakers?❑ If you are using a program that has its

122nNTroubleshooting >SpeakersWhat should I do if my external speakers do not work?❑ Check the suggestions in What should I do if I do not hear sou

123nNTroubleshooting >Touch PadTouch PadWhat should I do if the touch pad does not work?❑ You may have disabled the touch pad before connecting a m

124nNTroubleshooting >KeyboardKeyboardWhat should I do if the keyboard configuration is wrong?The language layout of your computer's keyboard

125nNTroubleshooting >Floppy DisksFloppy DisksWhy doesn't the Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media icon appear on the taskbar when the drive

126nNTroubleshooting >Audio/VideoAudio/VideoHow do I turn off the Windows startup sound?To turn off the Windows startup sound, follow these steps:1

127nNTroubleshooting >Audio/VideoWhat should I do if I do not hear the sound from the sound output device connected to the HDMI output port, optica

128nNTroubleshooting >"Memory Stick""Memory Stick"What should I do if I cannot use "Memory Stick" that was formatted

129nNTroubleshooting >PeripheralsPeripheralsWhat should I do if I cannot connect a USB device?❑ If applicable, check the USB device is turned on an

13nNGetting Started >Locating Controls and PortsLocating Controls and PortsTake a moment and see the following reference lists to identify the cont

130nNTrademarks >Trademarks© 2010 Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibi

131nNTrademarks >CompactFlash® is a trademark of SanDisk Corporation., "XMB," and "xross media bar" are trademarks of Sony Corp

132nNNotice >Notice© 2010 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved.This manual and the software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be repr

© 2010 Sony Corporationn

14nNGetting Started >Locating Controls and PortsLocation List of Controls and Ports without Marks Control/port name LocationBuilt-in microphone (mo

15nNGetting Started >About the Indicator LightsAbout the Indicator LightsYour computer is equipped with the following indicator lights: Indicator F

16nNGetting Started >Connecting a Power SourceConnecting a Power SourceYou can use either an AC adapter or a rechargeable battery pack for supplyin

17nNGetting Started >Connecting a Power Source✍To disconnect your computer completely from an AC power source, unplug the AC adapter from the AC ou

18nNGetting Started >Using the Battery PackUsing the Battery PackThe battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of d

19nNGetting Started >Using the Battery Pack4 Push the battery pack down into the compartment until it clicks into place.5 Slide the battery LOCK sw

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

20nNGetting 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

21nNGetting Started >Using the Battery PackCharging the Battery PackThe battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time o

22nNGetting Started >Using the Battery Pack✍Keep the battery pack in your computer while it is directly connected to an AC power source. The batter

23nNGetting Started >Using the Battery PackChecking the Battery Charge CapacityThe battery charge capacity gradually decreases as the number of bat

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

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 >Using the Power Saving ModesUsing Hibernate ModeTo activate Hibernate modePress the Fn+F12 keys.Alternatively, you can click S

29nNGetting Started >Updating Your ComputerUpdating Your ComputerBe sure to update your VAIO computer with the following software applications for

3nNTroubleshooting ... 91Computer Operations...

30nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using Your VAIO ComputerThis section describes how to get the most out of using your VAIO computer.❑ Using the Keyboa

31nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the KeyboardUsing the KeyboardYour keyboard has additional keys that perform model-specific tasks.Combinations

32nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Keyboard Fn + (F12): hibernationProvides the lowest level of power consumption. When you execute this co

33nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Touch PadUsing the Touch PadYou can point to, select, drag, and scroll objects on the screen using the touc

34nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Built-in CameraUsing the Built-in CameraYour computer is equipped with a built-in MOTION EYE camera.Some fe

35nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using "Memory Stick"Using "Memory Stick""Memory Stick" is a compact, portable, and vers

36nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using "Memory Stick"Inserting and Removing "Memory Stick"To insert "Memory Stick"1 Loca

37nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using "Memory Stick"To remove "Memory Stick"!Do not remove "Memory Stick" while the Med

38nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using "Memory Stick"Formatting "Memory Stick"To format "Memory Stick""Memory Stick

39nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using "Memory Stick"6 Click Start.7 Follow the on-screen instructions.!It may take time to format "Mem

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

40nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using "Memory Stick"Notes on Using "Memory Stick"❑ Your computer has been tested and found compat

41nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using Other Modules / Memory CardsUsing Other Modules / Memory CardsUsing the SD Memory CardYour computer is equipped

42nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using Other Modules / Memory CardsTo insert an SD memory card1 Locate the SD memory card slot.2 Hold the SD memory ca

43nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using Other Modules / Memory CardsTo remove an SD memory card1 Locate the SD memory card slot.2 Check that the Media

44nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using Other Modules / Memory CardsNotes on Using Memory CardsGeneral notes on using the memory card❑ Be sure to use m

45nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the InternetUsing the InternetBefore using the Internet, you need to sign up with an Internet Service Provider

46nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Network (LAN)Using the Network (LAN)You can connect your computer to 100BASE-TX/10BASE-T type networks with

47nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Wireless LANUsing the Wireless LANThe Wireless LAN (WLAN) allows your computer to connect to a network thro

48nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Wireless LANNotes on Using the Wireless LAN FunctionGeneral notes on using the wireless LAN function❑ In so

49nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Wireless LANNote on the data encryptionThe WLAN standard includes the encryption methods: Wired Equivalent

5nNBefore Use >About Models with Windows 7 StarterOn models with the Windows 7 Starter operating system, you cannot use some of the features availa

50nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Wireless LANUsing the Wireless LAN Function!Be sure to turn on the WIRELESS switch before starting the wire

51nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Bluetooth FunctionUsing the Bluetooth FunctionYou can establish wireless communications between your comput

52nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Bluetooth FunctionBluetooth SecurityThe Bluetooth wireless technology has an authentication function, which

53nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Bluetooth FunctionCommunicating with Another Bluetooth DeviceYou can connect your computer to a Bluetooth d

54nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Bluetooth FunctionNotes on Using the Bluetooth Function❑ The data transfer rate varies, depending on the fo

55nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Bluetooth Function❑ The Bluetooth function may not work with other devices, depending on the manufacturer o

56nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Using Peripheral DevicesYou can add functionality to your VAIO computer by using the various ports on the computer.❑

57nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting an Optical Disc DriveConnecting an Optical Disc DriveTo use optical disc media with your computer, connect

58nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting an Optical Disc DriveTo connect an optical disc drive1 Connect your external optical disc drive to an AC o

59nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting External Speakers or HeadphonesConnecting External Speakers or HeadphonesYou can connect external sound ou

6nNBefore Use >Finding More about Your VAIO ComputerFinding More about Your VAIO ComputerThis section provides support information about your VAIO

60nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting an External DisplayConnecting an External DisplayYou can connect an external display to your computer. For

61nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting an External DisplayConnecting a Computer Display or a ProjectorYou can connect an external display, such a

62nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Selecting Display ModesSelecting Display ModesWhen an external display is connected, you can select either your compu

63nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Using the Multiple Monitors FunctionUsing the Multiple Monitors FunctionThe Multiple Monitors function allows you to

64nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Using the Multiple Monitors FunctionTo use the Multiple Monitors function✍Your external display may not support the M

65nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting an External MicrophoneConnecting an External MicrophoneYou can connect an external microphone (not supplie

66nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting a USB DeviceConnecting a USB DeviceYou can connect a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device to your computer, s

67nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting a USB DeviceNotes on connecting a USB device❑ You may need to install the driver software supplied with yo

68nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Customizing Your VAIO ComputerThis section briefly describes how to change the main settings of your VAIO compu

69nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Setting the PasswordSetting the PasswordSetting the password allows you to protect your computer from unauthori

7nNBefore Use >Finding More about Your VAIO Computer❑ Program help files — May be included with the preinstalled software programs on your computer

70nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Setting the PasswordSetting the Power-on PasswordTo add the power-on password (machine password)1 Turn on the c

71nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Setting the PasswordTo add the power-on password (user password)!Make sure you set the machine password before

72nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Setting the PasswordTo change or remove the power-on password (machine password)1 Turn on the computer.2 Press

73nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Setting the PasswordTo change or remove the power-on password (user password)1 Turn on the computer.2 Press the

74nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Setting the PasswordSetting the Windows PasswordTo add the Windows password1 Click Start and Control Panel.2 Cl

75nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Setting the PasswordTo remove the Windows password1 Click Start and Control Panel.2 Click User Accounts and Fam

76nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Using the VAIO Control CenterUsing the VAIO Control CenterThe VAIO Control Center utility allows you to access

77nNPrecautions >PrecautionsThis section describes safety guidelines and precautions to help you protect your VAIO computer from potential damage.❑

78nNPrecautions >Safety InformationSafety InformationComputer❑ Use your computer on a solid, stable surface.❑ Provide adequate air circulation to p

79nNPrecautions >Safety InformationBattery Pack❑ Do not leave battery packs in temperatures above 140°F / 60°C, such as in a car parked in the sun

8nNBefore Use >Finding More about Your VAIO Computer3. Support Web Sites❑ Sony online support web siteThe Sony online support web site provides ins

80nNPrecautions >Safety InformationHeadphones❑ Road safety – Do not use headphones while driving, cycling, or operating any motorized vehicle. It m

81nNPrecautions >Care and Maintenance InformationCare and Maintenance InformationComputer❑ Clean the cabinet with a soft, dry or lightly moistened

82nNPrecautions >Handling Your ComputerHandling Your Computer❑ If you drop a solid object or any liquid onto your computer, shut down the computer,

83nNPrecautions >Handling Your Computer❑ To avoid losing data when your computer is damaged, back up your data regularly.❑ Do not exert pressure on

84nNPrecautions >Handling the LCD ScreenHandling the LCD Screen❑ Do not leave the LCD screen facing the sun. This could damage the LCD screen. Be s

85nNPrecautions >Using the Power SourceUsing the Power SourceSee the specifications to find out about the configuration of your computer.❑ Do not s

86nNPrecautions >Handling the Built-in CameraHandling the Built-in Camera❑ Do not touch the lens protection cover of the built-in camera, as it may

87nNPrecautions >Handling DiscsHandling Discs❑ Fingerprints and dust on the surface of a disc may cause read errors. Be sure to hold the disc by it

88nNPrecautions >Using the Battery PackUsing the Battery Pack❑ Battery life is shorter in a cold environment. This is due to decreased battery effi

89nNPrecautions >Handling "Memory Stick"Handling "Memory Stick"❑ Do not touch the "Memory Stick" connector with your

9nNBefore Use >Finding More about Your VAIO Computer4. Customer Information CenterIf you do not find the information you are looking for at our sit

90nNPrecautions >Handling the Built-in Storage DeviceHandling the Built-in Storage DeviceThe built-in storage device (hard disk drive or solid stat

91nNTroubleshooting >TroubleshootingThis section describes how to solve common problems you might encounter when using your VAIO computer. Many pro

92nNTroubleshooting >❑ Display (page 116)❑ Printing (page 119)❑ Microphone (page 120)❑ Speakers (page 121)❑ Touch Pad (page 123)❑ Keyboard (page 12

93nNTroubleshooting >Computer OperationsComputer OperationsWhat should I do if my computer does not start?❑ Make sure your computer is securely plu

94nNTroubleshooting >Computer OperationsWhat should I do if the green power indicator light turns on but my screen remains blank?❑ Press the Alt+F4

95nNTroubleshooting >Computer OperationsWhat should I do if my computer or software stops responding?❑ If your computer stops responding while a so

96nNTroubleshooting >Computer OperationsWhy doesn't my computer enter Sleep or Hibernate mode?Your computer may become unstable if the operati

97nNTroubleshooting >Computer OperationsWhy does the System Properties window display a slower CPU speed than the maximum?This is normal. Because y

98nNTroubleshooting >Computer OperationsHow can I change the boot device order?You can use one of the BIOS functions to change the boot device orde

99nNTroubleshooting >Computer OperationsWhy doesn't my computer respond fast enough while Windows Aero is running?Performance of your computer