Sony VGN-NS101E/L User's Guide

NUser GuidePersonal ComputerVGN-NS100 Series

10nNBefore UseErgonomic ConsiderationsYou will be using your computer as a portable device in a variety of environments. Whenever possible, you should

100nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerViewing the Amount of MemoryTo view the amount of memory1 Turn on the computer.2 Click Start, All Programs, and VAIO

101nNPrecautionsPrecautionsThis section describes safety guidelines and precautions to help you protect your VAIO computer from potential damage.❑ Han

102nNPrecautionsHandling the LCD Screen❑ Do not leave the LCD screen facing the sun. This could damage the LCD screen. Be careful when using your comp

103nNPrecautionsUsing the Power Source❑ See the online specifications to check the power operation of your model.❑ Do not share the AC outlet with oth

104nNPrecautionsHandling Your Computer❑ Clean the cabinet with a soft cloth, which is dry or lightly moistened with a mild detergent solution. Do not

105nNPrecautions❑ Your computer uses high-frequency radio signals and may cause interference to radio or TV reception. If this occurs, relocate the co

106nNPrecautionsHandling the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera❑ Do not touch the lens protection cover of the built-in MOTION EYE camera, as it may cause scr

107nNPrecautionsHandling Floppy Disks❑ Do not open the shutter manually and touch the internal components of the floppy disk.❑ Keep floppy disks away

108nNPrecautionsHandling Discs❑ Do not touch the surface of the disc.❑ Fingerprints and dust on the surface of a disc may cause read errors. Always ho

109nNPrecautionsUsing the Battery Pack❑ Do not leave battery packs in temperatures above 140°F (60°C), such as in a car parked in the sun or under dir

11nNBefore Use❑ Viewing angle of the computer's display – Use the display's tilting feature to find the best position. You can reduce eye st

110nNPrecautions❑ If you have not used the battery pack for a considerable amount of time, the remaining battery life may become short. However, this

111nNPrecautionsUsing Headphones❑ Road safety – Do not use headphones while driving, cycling, or operating any motorized vehicle. It may create a traf

112nNPrecautionsHandling the Memory Stick❑ Do not touch the Memory Stick connector with your finger or metallic objects.❑ Use only the adhesive label

113nNPrecautionsHandling the Hard DiskThe hard disk drive has a high storage density and reads or writes data in a short time. However, it can be easi

114nNPrecautionsUpdating Your ComputerBe sure to install the latest updates on your computer with the following software applications so that the comp

115nNTroubleshootingTroubleshootingThis section describes how to solve common problems you might encounter when using your VAIO computer. Many problem

116nNTroubleshooting❑ Floppy Disks (page 149)❑ Audio/Video (page 150)❑ Memory Stick (page 152)❑ Peripherals (page 153)

117nNTroubleshootingComputerWhat should I do if my computer does not start?❑ Make sure your computer is securely plugged into a power source and turne

118nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if the green power indicator light turns on but my screen remains blank?❑ Press the Alt+F4 keys several times to

119nNTroubleshootingWhy doesn't my computer enter Sleep or Hibernate mode?Your computer may become unstable if the operating mode is changed befo

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

120nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if a message window, notifying of incompatibility or improper installation of the battery pack, appears and my co

121nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if my game software does not work or it keeps crashing?❑ Check the web site of the game if there are any patches

122nNTroubleshootingWhy doesn't my screen turn off after the automatic turn-off time has passed?The VAIO Original Screen Saver disables the timer

123nNTroubleshootingSystem SecurityHow can I protect my computer against security threats, such as viruses?The Microsoft Windows operating system is p

124nNTroubleshootingBatteryHow do I find the battery charging status? See Charging the Battery Pack (page 25). When is my computer using AC power? Whe

125nNTroubleshootingShould I be concerned that the installed battery pack is warm? No, it is normal for the battery pack to be warm when it is powerin

126nNTroubleshootingBuilt-in MOTION EYE CameraWhy does the viewer window show no images or poor-quality images?❑ The built-in MOTION EYE camera cannot

127nNTroubleshootingWhy does movie playback show dropped frames when my computer is running on the battery?The battery pack is running out of power. C

128nNTroubleshootingWhy can't I use the built-in MOTION EYE camera?❑ The built-in MOTION EYE camera cannot be shared by more than one software ap

129nNTroubleshootingInternetWhat should I do if my modem does not work?❑ Make sure the telephone cable is securely plugged into the modem port on your

13nNGetting StartedLocating Controls and PortsTake a moment to identify the controls and ports shown on the following pages.FrontA Muting (S1) button

130nNTroubleshootingWhy is my modem connection slow?Your computer is equipped with a V.92/V.90 compatible modem. Many factors may influence modem conn

131nNTroubleshootingNetworkingWhat should I do if my computer cannot connect to a wireless LAN access point?❑ Connection capability is affected by dis

132nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if I cannot access the Internet?❑ Check the access point settings. See the manual that came with your access poin

133nNTroubleshootingHow do I avoid data transfer interruptions?❑ When your computer is connected to an access point, data transfer interruptions may o

134nNTroubleshootingOptical DiscsWhy does my computer freeze when I try to read a disc?The disc that your computer is trying to read may be dirty or d

135nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if I cannot play a disc properly on my computer?❑ Make sure the disc is inserted into the optical disc drive with

136nNTroubleshooting4 Click Device Manager on the left pane.The Device Manager window appears with a listing of your computer's hardware devices.

137nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if I cannot play Blu-ray Disc media?!This Q & A entry applies to selected models only. See the online specifi

138nNTroubleshootingDisplayWhy did my screen go blank?❑ Your computer screen may go blank if the computer loses power or enters a power saving mode (S

139nNTroubleshootingWhy doesn't my screen display a video?❑ If the display output is directed to the external display and the external display is

14nNGetting StartedA Built-in MOTION EYE camera*1 (page 34)B Built-in MOTION EYE camera indicator*1 (page 19)C Built-in microphone (monaural)*1D WIREL

140nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if the LCD brightness of my screen changes?The LCD brightness setting, adjusted with the Fn+F5/F6 keys, is tempor

141nNTroubleshootingHow do I run Windows Aero?!This Q & A entry applies to selected models only.To run Windows Aero, follow these steps:1 Click St

142nNTroubleshootingPrintingWhat should I do if I cannot print a document?❑ Make sure your printer is on, and the printer cable is securely connected

143nNTroubleshootingMicrophoneWhat should I do if my microphone does not work?❑ If you are using an external microphone, make sure the microphone is t

144nNTroubleshootingMouseWhat should I do if my computer does not recognize my mouse?❑ Make sure your mouse is securely plugged into the port.❑ Restar

145nNTroubleshootingSpeakersWhat should I do if my external speakers do not work?❑ If you are using a program that has its own volume control, make su

146nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if I do not hear sound from the built-in speakers?❑ If you are using a program that has its own volume control, m

147nNTroubleshootingTouch PadWhat should I do if the touch pad does not work?❑ You may have disabled the touch pad without connecting a mouse to your

148nNTroubleshootingKeyboardWhat should I do if the keyboard configuration is wrong?The language layout of your computer's keyboard is labeled on

149nNTroubleshootingFloppy DisksWhy doesn't the Safely Remove Hardware icon appear on the taskbar when the drive is connected?Your computer does

15nNGetting StartedBackA DC IN port (page 21)B Network (Ethernet) port (page 79)C Modem port (page 60)

150nNTroubleshootingAudio/VideoWhat should I do if I cannot use my DV camcorder?If a message appears stating that the i.LINK device is disconnected or

151nNTroubleshootingHow do I change the sound output device?If you do not hear sound from the device connected to the USB port, you need to change the

152nNTroubleshootingMemory StickWhat should I do if I cannot use Memory Stick formatted on a VAIO computer on other devices?You may need to reformat y

153nNTroubleshootingPeripheralsWhat should I do if I cannot connect a USB device?❑ If applicable, check the USB device is turned on and using its own

154nNSupport OptionsSupport OptionsThis section contains information on where to go for answers to questions about your VAIO computer and the preinsta

155nNSupport OptionsSony Support InformationSee the following sources for answers in the sequence listed below.1 VAIO Computer DocumentationThis on-sc

156nNSupport OptionsFor customers in Latin American countries or areasCustomer Information CenterIf you do not find the information you are looking fo

157nNSupport OptionsIn order to contact a Sony technical support representative, call the following numbers:❑ In Argentina:(011) 6770-SONY (7669)❑ In

158nNSupport OptionsProgram Support InformationDepending on the computer model and particular configuration you purchased, your computer may not inclu

159nNSupport OptionsAmerica Online® (Dial-Up)America Online, Inc.❑ For customers in USA and CanadaWeb site http://www.aol.com AOL® BlueString™America

16nNGetting StartedRightA Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports* (page 73)B Optical disc drive (page 37)C Optical disc drive indicator (page 19)D Drive eject b

160nNSupport OptionsClick to DiscSony Electronics Inc.At the touch of a button, Click to Disc allows you to automatically burn DVDs from a digital vid

161nNSupport OptionsMagic-i™ Visual EffectsArcSoft, Inc.A smart and simple webcam application designed to enhance users' video chat experience th

162nNSupport OptionsMicrosoft® Office Professional 2007 60-Day Trial Version!This trial software will work only for 60 days after you first use it. Yo

163nNSupport OptionsMicrosoft® Windows Live™ OneCare™ Trial Version!This trial software will work for ninety (90) days after you first use it. You wil

164nNSupport OptionsQuickBooks® Simple StartIntuit Inc.❑ For customers in USA and CanadaWeb site http://www.intuit.com/support/ Quicken® 2008 DeluxeIn

165nNSupport OptionsSonicStage™ Mastering StudioSony Electronics Inc.Use SonicStage Mastering Studio to record songs from analog records or cassette t

166nNSupport OptionsVAIO® LauncherSony Electronics Inc.For contacts about the software, see Program Support Information (page 158).VAIO Media™ plusSon

167nNSupport OptionsVAIO® Update 4Sony Electronics Inc.VAIO Update helps you keep your VAIO® computer up to date by regularly checking the Sony online

168nNSupport OptionsWinDVD® for VAIO®InterVideo, Inc.❑ For customers in USA and CanadaWeb site http://www.intervideo.com/jsp/Support.jsp Telephone 1-8

169nNTrademarksTrademarks© 2008 Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.S

17nNGetting StartedLeftA Air ventB Monitor port (page 66)C Microphone jack (page 72)D Headphones jack (page 65)E Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports* (page 7

170nNTrademarksAll other names of systems, products, and services are trademarks of their respective owners. In the manual, the ™ or ® marks may not b

© 2008 Sony Corporationn

18nNGetting StartedBottom A Battery connector (page 22)B Air ventsC Memory module compartment cover (page 97)

19nNGetting StartedAbout the Indicator LightsYour computer is equipped with the following indicator lights:Indicator FunctionsPower 1 Illuminates in g

2nNContentsBefore Use ...

20nNGetting Started WIRELESS Illuminates when the WIRELESS switch is turned on.* On selected models only.Indicator Functions

21nNGetting StartedConnecting a Power SourceYou can use either an AC adapter or a rechargeable battery pack for supplying power to your computer.Using

22nNGetting StartedUsing the Battery PackThe battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of delivery.Installing the Batt

23nNGetting Started3 Slide the battery pack diagonally into the battery compartment until the projections (2) on either side of the battery compartmen

24nNGetting Started4 Rotate the battery pack in the direction of the arrow, and push the battery pack down into the compartment until it clicks into p

25nNGetting StartedCharging the Battery PackThe battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of delivery.To charge the ba

26nNGetting Started✍Keep the battery pack in your computer while it is directly connected to AC power. The battery pack continues to charge while you

27nNGetting StartedUsing the Battery Charge FunctionsYou can select the battery charging method for your battery pack with the Battery Charge Function

28nNGetting StartedRemoving the Battery Pack!You may lose data if you remove the battery pack while your computer is on and not connected to the AC ad

29nNGetting StartedShutting Down Your Computer SafelyTo avoid losing unsaved data, be sure to shut down your computer properly, as described below.To

3nNUsing Peripheral Devices...

30nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Your VAIO ComputerThis section describes how to get the most out of using your VAIO computer.❑ Using the Keyboard (p

31nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the KeyboardYour keyboard is very similar to a desktop computer keyboard, but has additional keys that perform model

32nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Touch PadYou can point to, select, drag, and scroll objects on the screen using the touch pad.✍You can disable/e

33nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Special-function ButtonsYour computer is equipped with special buttons to help you use specific functions of the com

34nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Built-in MOTION EYE CameraYour computer may be equipped with a built-in MOTION EYE camera. See the online specif

35nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerCapturing Still ImagesTo capture a still image1 Click Start, All Programs, ArcSoft WebCam Companion 2, and WebCam Companio

36nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerCapturing MoviesTo capture a movie1 Click Start, All Programs, ArcSoft WebCam Companion 2, and WebCam Companion 2 to launc

37nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Optical Disc DriveYour computer is equipped with an optical disc drive.To insert a disc1 Turn on the computer.2

38nNUsing Your VAIO Computer4 Close the tray by pushing it in gently.!Do not remove the optical disc when your computer is in a power saving mode (Sle

39nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerReading and Writing Optical DiscsYour computer plays and records CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Disc™ media, depending on the mode

4nNPrecautions ...

40nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerPR: playable and recordableP: playable but not recordable–: not playable or recordableCD-ROMVideo CDMusic CDCD ExtraCD-R/R

41nNUsing Your VAIO Computer!This product is designed to play back discs that conform to the Compact Disc Digital Audio standard specifications (CD St

42nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerNotes on writing data to a disc❑ Only use circular discs. Do not use discs in any other shape (star, heart, card, etc.), a

43nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerPlaying CDsTo play an audio CD1 Insert a disc into the optical disc drive. 2 If nothing appears on the desktop, click Star

44nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerPlaying DVDsTo play a DVD1 Close all running software applications.2 Insert a DVD into the optical disc drive.3 If nothing

45nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerPlaying Blu-ray Disc Media!The Blu-ray Disc playback function is available on selected models only. See the online specifi

46nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the ExpressCard ModuleYour computer is equipped with either a Universal ExpressCard slot* or an ExpressCard/34 slot*

47nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerInserting an ExpressCard Module!Use care when inserting or removing the ExpressCard module from the slot. Do not force it

48nNUsing Your VAIO Computer✍If the module or adapter does not go into the slot easily, remove it gently and verify you are inserting it in the proper

49nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerRemoving an ExpressCard ModuleFollow the steps below to remove the ExpressCard module while your computer is on. If it is

5nNSpeakers...

50nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Memory StickMemory Stick is a compact, portable, and versatile IC recording media especially designed for exchan

51nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerBefore You Use the Memory StickThe Memory Stick slot on your computer can accommodate both standard- and Duo-size media an

52nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerInserting a Memory StickTo insert a Memory Stick1 Locate the Memory Stick slot.2 Hold the Memory Stick with the arrow faci

53nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo view the contents on the Memory Stick1 Click Start and Computer to open the Computer window. 2 Double-click the Memory

54nNUsing Your VAIO Computer5 Click Start.6 Follow the on-screen instructions.!It may take time to format the Memory Stick depending on the media type

55nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerRemoving a Memory Stick!Do not remove the Memory Stick while the Memory Stick indicator light is lit. If you do, you may l

56nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the SD Memory CardYour computer is equipped with an SD memory card slot. You can use this slot to transfer data amon

57nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerBefore You Use the SD Memory CardThe SD memory card slot on your computer supports the following memory cards:❑ SD memory

58nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerInserting an SD Memory CardTo insert an SD memory card1 Locate the SD memory card slot.2 Hold the SD memory card with the

59nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerRemoving an SD Memory Card!Do not remove an SD memory card while the SD memory card indicator light is lit. If you do, the

6nNBefore UseBefore UseCongratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer, and welcome to the on-screen User Guide. Sony has combined leadin

60nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the InternetSetting Up a Dial-up Internet ConnectionBefore you can connect to the Internet, you need to connect your

61nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Wireless LAN (WLAN)Using the Sony Wireless LAN (WLAN), all your digital devices with built-in WLAN function communic

62nNUsing Your VAIO Computer✍In some countries, using WLAN products may be restricted by the local regulations (e.g. limited number of channels). Ther

63nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerThe communication speed varies depending on the distance between communication devices, existence of obstacles between suc

64nNUsing Peripheral DevicesUsing Peripheral DevicesYou can add functionality to your VAIO computer by using the various ports on the computer.❑ Conne

65nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting External SpeakersYou can connect external sound output devices (not supplied), such as speakers or headphones,

66nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting an External DisplayYou can connect an external display (not supplied) to your computer. For example, you can us

67nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a Multimedia Computer DisplayYou can connect a multimedia computer display that includes built-in speakers and

68nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a ProjectorYou can connect a projector (for example, the Sony LCD projector) to your computer.To connect a proj

69nNUsing Peripheral DevicesSelecting Display ModesYou can select which display to use as the primary monitor when an external display (desktop monito

7nNBefore UseDocumentationYour documentation includes printed information and user guides to read on your VAIO computer.Printed Documentation❑ Welcome

70nNUsing Peripheral DevicesUsing the Multiple Monitors FunctionThe Multiple Monitors function allows you to distribute portions of your desktop acros

71nNUsing Peripheral DevicesTo use the Multiple Monitors function1 Right-click on the desktop and select Personalize.2 Click Display Settings.3 Follow

72nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting an External MicrophoneIf you need to use a sound input device (for example, to chat over the Internet), you nee

73nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) DeviceTo protect your computer and/or USB devices from damage, observe the followi

74nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a USB Floppy Disk DriveYou can purchase a USB floppy disk drive and connect it to your computer.To connect a US

75nNUsing Peripheral DevicesDisconnecting a USB floppy disk driveYou can disconnect a USB floppy disk drive when your computer is on or off. Disconnec

76nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a PrinterYou can connect a Windows-compatible printer to your computer to print documents.Connecting a Printer

77nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting an i.LINK DeviceNotes on connecting i.LINK devices❑ Your computer is equipped with an i.LINK port, which you ca

78nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a Digital Video CamcorderTo connect a digital video camcorderPlug one end of an i.LINK cable (1) (not supplied)

79nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting to a Network (LAN)You can connect your computer to 1000BASE-T/100BASE-TX/10BASE-T-type networks with an Etherne

8nNBefore Use❑ VAIO Recovery Center User Guide — Provides information about restoring individual software programs, hardware drivers, and drive partit

80nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerThis section briefly describes how to change the main settings of your VAIO computer.

81nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerSetting the PasswordUse one of the BIOS functions to set the password.Once you have set the password, you will be pr

82nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerTo add the power-on password (machine password)1 Turn on the computer.2 Press the F2 key when the VAIO logo appears.

83nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerTo add the power-on password (user password)!Make sure you set the machine password before setting the user password

84nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerChanging/Removing the Power-on PasswordTo change or remove the power-on password (machine password)1 Turn on the com

85nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerTo change or remove the power-on password (user password)1 Turn on the computer.2 Press the F2 key when the VAIO log

86nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerSetting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control CenterThe VAIO Control Center utility allows you to access system informa

87nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Power Saving ModesYou can take advantage of the power management settings to conserve battery life. In add

88nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Sleep ModeSleep mode turns off the LCD screen and places the storage device(s) and the CPU into a low power co

89nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerIf the computer is not used for a certain period of time, it will enter Sleep mode. To modify this, you can change t

9nNBefore UseHelp and SupportHelp and Support is easy to access and provides a single location for general information and technical assistance for yo

90nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Hibernate ModeIn Hibernate mode, the state of the system is saved on the hard disk drive and power is turned o

91nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerTo return to Normal modePress the power button.The computer returns to its normal state.!If you press and hold the p

92nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerManaging Power with VAIO Power ManagementPower management helps you set up power plans for running on AC or battery

93nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerVAIO Power Management ViewerYou can view performance with the power plan that was modified with the VAIO Power Manag

94nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerYour VAIO computer and memory modules use high precision components and electronic connect

95nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerAdding and Removing MemoryIf you want to expand the functionality of your computer, you can increase the amount of mem

96nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer❑ Use the special bag supplied with the memory module or wrap the module in aluminum foil to protect it from ESD.❑ Int

97nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerRemoving and Installing a Memory ModuleTo change or add a memory module1 Shut down the computer and disconnect all per

98nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer5 Touch a metal object to discharge static electricity.6 Remove the currently installed memory module as follows:❑ Pul

99nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer8 Slide the memory module into the memory module slot and push it in until it clicks into place.!Do not touch any othe