Sony VPCW211AX/L User's Guide Page 1

NUser GuidePersonal ComputerVPCW21 Series

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

100nNTroubleshooting >Computer OperationsWhat should I do if the green power indicator light turns on but my screen remains blank?❑ Press the Alt+F

101nNTroubleshooting >Computer OperationsWhat should I do if my computer or software stops responding?❑ If your computer stops responding while a s

102nNTroubleshooting >Computer OperationsWhy doesn't my computer enter Sleep or Hibernate mode?Your computer may become unstable if the operat

103nNTroubleshooting >Computer OperationsWhy does the System Properties window display a slower CPU speed than the maximum?This is normal. Because

104nNTroubleshooting >Computer OperationsHow can I change the boot device order?You can use one of the BIOS functions to change the boot device ord

105nNTroubleshooting >Computer OperationsWhy doesn't my computer respond fast enough while Windows Aero is running?Performance of your compute

106nNTroubleshooting >System Update / SecuritySystem Update / SecurityHow can I find important updates for my computer?You can find and install the

107nNTroubleshooting >System Update / SecurityHow do I keep my antivirus software updated?You can keep the Norton Internet Security software progra

108nNTroubleshooting >RecoveryRecoveryHow can I create recovery discs?You can create recovery discs using the VAIO Recovery Center. The discs are u

109nNTroubleshooting >RecoveryHow do I check the volume of the recovery partition?Your built-in storage device contains the recovery partition wher

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

110nNTroubleshooting >Battery PackBattery PackHow do I find the battery charging status? You can check the charge indicator for the battery chargin

111nNTroubleshooting >Battery PackCan my computer enter Hibernate mode while running on battery power? Your computer can enter Hibernate mode while

112nNTroubleshooting >Built-in CameraBuilt-in CameraWhy does the viewfinder show no images or poor-quality images?❑ The built-in camera cannot be s

113nNTroubleshooting >Built-in CameraWhat should I do if movie playback shows dropped frames while my computer is running on battery power?The batt

114nNTroubleshooting >Networking (LAN/Wireless LAN)Networking (LAN/Wireless LAN)What should I do if my computer cannot connect to a wireless LAN ac

115nNTroubleshooting >Networking (LAN/Wireless LAN)What should I do if I cannot access the Internet?❑ Check the access point settings. See the manu

116nNTroubleshooting >Networking (LAN/Wireless LAN)How do I avoid data transfer interruptions?❑ While your computer is connected to an access point

117nNTroubleshooting >Bluetooth TechnologyBluetooth TechnologyWhat should I do if other Bluetooth devices cannot find my computer?❑ Make sure both

118nNTroubleshooting >Bluetooth TechnologyWhat should I do if other Bluetooth devices cannot connect to my computer?❑ Check the suggestions in What

119nNTroubleshooting >Bluetooth TechnologyCan I use a device with Bluetooth technology on airplanes?With Bluetooth technology, your computer transm

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

120nNTroubleshooting >Bluetooth TechnologyWhat should I do if I do not hear sound from my headphones or audio/video controller?Check the SCMS-T set

121nNTroubleshooting >Optical DiscsOptical DiscsWhat should I do if my external optical disc drive does not work properly?Make sure that your exter

122nNTroubleshooting >DisplayDisplayWhy did my screen go blank?❑ Your computer screen may go blank if the computer loses power or enters a power sa

123nNTroubleshooting >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

124nNTroubleshooting >DisplayWhy doesn't my screen display a video?❑ If the display output is directed to the external display and the externa

125nNTroubleshooting >PrintingPrintingWhat should I do if I cannot print a document?❑ Make sure your printer is on, and the printer cable is secure

126nNTroubleshooting >MicrophoneMicrophoneWhat should I do if my microphone does not work?❑ If you are using an external microphone, make sure the

127nNTroubleshooting >SpeakersSpeakersWhat should I do if I do not hear sound from the built-in speakers?❑ If you are using a program that has its

128nNTroubleshooting >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

129nNTroubleshooting >Touch PadTouch PadWhat should I do if the touch pad does not work?❑ You may have disabled the touch pad before connecting a m

13nNGetting Started >Locating Controls and PortsLocating Controls and PortsTake a moment to identify the controls and ports shown on the following

130nNTroubleshooting >KeyboardKeyboardWhat should I do if the keyboard configuration is wrong?The language layout of your computer's keyboard

131nNTroubleshooting >Floppy DisksFloppy DisksWhy doesn't the Safely Remove Hardware icon appear on the taskbar when the drive is connected?Yo

132nNTroubleshooting >Audio/VideoAudio/VideoHow do I turn off the Windows startup sound?To turn off the Windows startup sound, follow these steps:1

133nNTroubleshooting >Audio/VideoWhat should I do if I do not hear the sound from the sound output device connected to the HDMI output port, optica

134nNTroubleshooting >"Memory Stick""Memory Stick"What should I do if I cannot use "Memory Stick" that was formatted

135nNTroubleshooting >PeripheralsPeripheralsWhat should I do if I cannot connect a USB device?❑ If applicable, check the USB device is turned on an

136nNTrademarks >Trademarks© 2010 Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibi

137nNTrademarks >CompactFlash® is a trademark of SanDisk Corporation., "XMB," and "xross media bar" are trademarks of Sony Corp

138nNNotice >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 PortsA WIRELESS switch (page 52), (page 56)B WIRELESS indicator (page 19)C "Memory Stick Duo"

15nNGetting Started >Locating Controls and PortsBackA Battery connector (page 22)

16nNGetting Started >Locating Controls and PortsRightA USB ports* (page 71)B Network (LAN) port (page 51)C Security slot* Compliant with the USB 2.

17nNGetting Started >Locating Controls and PortsLeftA DC IN port (page 20)B Air ventC Monitor port (page 65)D Microphone jack (page 70)E Headphones

18nNGetting Started >Locating Controls and PortsBottom A Built-in speakers (stereo)B Air vent

19nNGetting Started >About the Indicator LightsAbout the Indicator LightsYour computer is equipped with the following indicator lights: Indicator F

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

20nNGetting Started >Connecting a Power SourceConnecting a Power SourceYou can use either an AC adapter or a rechargeable battery pack for supplyin

21nNGetting Started >Connecting a Power Source✍To disconnect your computer completely from an AC power source, unplug the AC adapter from the AC ou

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

23nNGetting Started >Using the Battery Pack3 Slide the battery pack diagonally into the battery compartment until the projection (2) on either side

24nNGetting Started >Using the Battery Pack4 Push the battery pack down into the compartment until it clicks into place.5 Slide the battery LOCK sw

25nNGetting 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

26nNGetting Started >Using the Battery PackCharging the Battery PackThe battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time o

27nNGetting Started >Using the Battery Pack✍Keep the battery pack in your computer while it is directly connected to an AC power source. The batter

28nNGetting Started >Using the Battery PackExtending the Battery LifeWhen your computer is running on battery power, you can extend the battery lif

29nNGetting Started >Shutting Down Your Computer SafelyShutting Down Your Computer SafelyTo avoid losing unsaved data, be sure to shut down your co

3nNTroubleshooting ... 97Computer Operations...

30nNGetting Started >Using the Power Saving ModesUsing the Power Saving ModesYou can take advantage of the power management settings to conserve ba

31nNGetting Started >Using the Power Saving ModesUsing Sleep ModeTo activate Sleep modeClick Start, the arrow next to the Shut down button, and S

32nNGetting Started >Using the Power Saving ModesUsing Hibernate ModeTo activate Hibernate modePress the Fn+F12 keys.Alternatively, you can click S

33nNGetting Started >Updating Your ComputerUpdating Your ComputerBe sure to update your VAIO computer with the following software applications so t

34nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using Your VAIO ComputerThis section describes how to get the most out of using your VAIO computer.❑ Using the Keyboa

35nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the KeyboardUsing the KeyboardYour keyboard has additional keys that perform model-specific tasks.Combinations

36nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Keyboard Fn + (F12): hibernationProvides the lowest level of power consumption. When you execute this co

37nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Touch PadUsing the Touch PadYou can point to, select, drag, and scroll objects on the screen using the touc

38nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Built-in CameraUsing the Built-in CameraYour computer is equipped with a built-in MOTION EYE camera.With th

39nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using "Memory Stick"Using "Memory Stick""Memory Stick" is a compact, portable, and vers

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"Inserting and Removing "Memory Stick"To insert "Memory Stick"1 Loca

41nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using "Memory Stick"!Before using "Memory Stick Micro" ("M2"), be sure to insert it int

42nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using "Memory Stick"To remove "Memory Stick"!Do not remove "Memory Stick" while the Med

43nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using "Memory Stick"Formatting "Memory Stick"To format "Memory Stick""Memory Stick

44nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using "Memory Stick"6 Click Start.7 Follow the on-screen instructions.!It may take time to format "Mem

45nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using "Memory Stick"Notes on Using "Memory Stick"❑ Your computer has been tested and found compat

46nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using Other Modules / Memory CardsUsing Other Modules / Memory CardsUsing the SD Memory CardYour computer is equipped

47nNUsing 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

48nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using Other Modules / Memory CardsTo remove an SD memory card1 Locate the SD memory card slot.2 Check that the Media

49nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using Other Modules / Memory CardsNotes on Using Memory CardsGeneral notes on using the memory card❑ Be sure to use m

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 InternetUsing the InternetBefore using the Internet, you need to sign up with an Internet Service Provider

51nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Network (LAN)Using the Network (LAN)You can connect your computer to 100BASE-TX/10BASE-T type networks with

52nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Wireless LANUsing the Wireless LANThe Wireless LAN (WLAN) allows your computer to connect to a network thro

53nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Wireless LANNotes on Using the Wireless LAN FunctionGeneral notes on using the wireless LAN function❑ In so

54nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Wireless LANNote on the data encryptionThe WLAN standard includes the encryption methods: Wired Equivalent

55nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Wireless LANUsing the Wireless LAN Function!Be sure to turn on the WIRELESS switch before starting the wire

56nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Bluetooth FunctionUsing the Bluetooth FunctionYou can establish wireless communications between your comput

57nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Bluetooth FunctionBluetooth SecurityThe Bluetooth wireless technology has an authentication function, which

58nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Bluetooth FunctionCommunicating with Another Bluetooth DeviceYou can connect your computer to a Bluetooth d

59nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Bluetooth FunctionNotes on Using the Bluetooth Function❑ The data transfer rate varies, depending on the fo

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

60nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Bluetooth Function❑ The Bluetooth function may not work with other devices, depending on the manufacturer o

61nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Using Peripheral DevicesYou can add functionality to your VAIO computer by using the various ports on the computer.❑

62nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting an Optical Disc DriveConnecting an Optical Disc DriveTo use optical disc media with your computer, connect

63nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting an Optical Disc Drive✍See the manual that came with your external optical disc drive for detailed instruct

64nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting External Speakers or HeadphonesConnecting External Speakers or HeadphonesYou can connect external sound ou

65nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting an External DisplayConnecting an External DisplayYou can connect an external display to your computer. For

66nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting an External DisplayConnecting a Computer Display or a ProjectorYou can connect an external display, such a

67nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Selecting Display ModesSelecting Display ModesWhen an external display is connected, you can select either your compu

68nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Using the Multiple Monitors FunctionUsing the Multiple Monitors FunctionThe Multiple Monitors function allows you to

69nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Using the Multiple Monitors FunctionTo use the Multiple Monitors function✍Your external display may not support the M

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

70nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting an External MicrophoneConnecting an External MicrophoneYou can connect an external microphone (not supplie

71nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting a USB DeviceConnecting a USB DeviceYou can connect a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device to your computer, s

72nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting a USB DeviceNotes on connecting a USB device❑ You may need to install the driver software supplied with yo

73nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Customizing Your VAIO ComputerThis section briefly describes how to change the main settings of your VAIO compu

74nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Setting the PasswordSetting the PasswordSetting the password allows you to protect your computer from unauthori

75nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Setting the PasswordSetting the Power-on PasswordTo add the power-on password (machine password)1 Turn on the c

76nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Setting the PasswordTo add the power-on password (user password)!Make sure you set the machine password before

77nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Setting the PasswordTo change or remove the power-on password (machine password)1 Turn on the computer.2 Press

78nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Setting the PasswordTo change or remove the power-on password (user password)1 Turn on the computer.2 Press the

79nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Setting the PasswordSetting the Windows PasswordTo add the Windows password1 Click Start and Control Panel.2 Cl

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

80nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Setting the PasswordTo remove the Windows password1 Click Start and Control Panel.2 Click User Accounts and Fam

81nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Using the VAIO Control CenterUsing the VAIO Control CenterThe VAIO Control Center utility allows you to access

82nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Using the VAIO Power ManagementUsing the VAIO Power ManagementPower management helps you set up power plans for

83nNPrecautions >PrecautionsThis section describes safety guidelines and precautions to help you protect your VAIO computer from potential damage.❑

84nNPrecautions >Safety InformationSafety InformationComputer❑ Use your computer on a solid, stable surface.❑ Provide adequate air circulation to p

85nNPrecautions >Safety InformationBattery Pack❑ Do not leave battery packs in temperatures above 140°F / 60°C, such as in a car parked in the sun

86nNPrecautions >Safety InformationHeadphones❑ Road safety – Do not use headphones while driving, cycling, or operating any motorized vehicle. It m

87nNPrecautions >Care and Maintenance InformationCare and Maintenance InformationComputer❑ Clean the cabinet with a soft, dry or lightly moistened

88nNPrecautions >Handling Your ComputerHandling Your Computer❑ If you drop a solid object or any liquid onto your computer, shut down the computer,

89nNPrecautions >Handling Your Computer❑ To avoid losing data when your computer is damaged, back up your data regularly.❑ Do not exert pressure on

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

91nNPrecautions >Using the Power SourceUsing the Power SourceSee the specifications to find out about the configuration of your computer.❑ Do not s

92nNPrecautions >Handling the Built-in CameraHandling the Built-in Camera❑ Do not touch the lens protection cover of the built-in camera, as it may

93nNPrecautions >Handling DiscsHandling Discs❑ Fingerprints and dust on the surface of a disc may cause read errors. Be sure to hold the disc by it

94nNPrecautions >Using the Battery PackUsing the Battery Pack❑ Battery life is shorter in a cold environment. This is due to decreased battery effi

95nNPrecautions >Handling "Memory Stick"Handling "Memory Stick"❑ Do not touch the "Memory Stick" connector with your

96nNPrecautions >Handling the Built-in Storage DeviceHandling the Built-in Storage DeviceThe built-in storage device (hard disk drive or solid stat

97nNTroubleshooting >TroubleshootingThis section describes how to solve common problems you might encounter when using your VAIO computer. Many pro

98nNTroubleshooting >❑ Display (page 122)❑ Printing (page 125)❑ Microphone (page 126)❑ Speakers (page 127)❑ Touch Pad (page 129)❑ Keyboard (page 13

99nNTroubleshooting >Computer OperationsComputer OperationsWhat should I do if my computer does not start?❑ Make sure your computer is securely plu