Sony VGN-S3HP User's Guide

NUser GuideVGN-S series / VGN-T series

10nNWelcomeIn My Info Centre you can also find:Further sources1 Go to Start > Help and Support for VAIO support information as well as tips and tri

100nNConnecting peripheral devicesSetting the colours and resolution for each displayYou can set the display colours and resolution for each display t

101nNConnecting peripheral devicesCustomising the multiple monitorsYou can customise the Multiple Monitors mode by changing the position of the two mo

102nNConnecting peripheral devicesDeactivating the Multiple Monitors functionTo deactivate the Multiple Monitors function, proceed as follows:1 Click

103nNConnecting peripheral devicesConnecting external speakersYou can enhance the sound quality of your computer by connecting external speakers.To co

104nNConnecting peripheral devicesTroubleshooting soundMy speakers are not producing sound❑ VGN-S series❑ The built-in speakers may be turned off. Pre

105nNConnecting peripheral devicesConnecting an external microphoneIf you need to use a sound input device, for example to chat on the Internet, you n

106nNConnecting peripheral devicesTroubleshooting soundMy microphone does not workIf you are using an external microphone, check that the microphone i

107nNConnecting peripheral devicesOnly left-channel audio is recorded with a monaural microphone (VGN-S series)Proceed as follows to change the audio

108nNConnecting peripheral devicesConnecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) deviceYou can connect a USB device (for example, a mouse, floppy disk drive,

109nNConnecting peripheral devicesConnecting a USB mouseTo connect a USB mouse, proceed as follows:1 Choose the USB connector (1) you prefer to use.

11nNWelcomeErgonomic considerationsYou will be using your computer as a portable device in a variety of environments. Whenever possible, you should at

110nNConnecting peripheral devicesConnecting a USB floppy disk driveAs an optional extra, you can purchase a USB floppy disk drive and connect it to y

111nNConnecting peripheral devicesInserting a floppy diskTo insert a floppy disk, proceed as follows:1 Hold the disk (1) with the label side facing up

112nNConnecting peripheral devicesRemoving a floppy diskTo remove a floppy disk, proceed as follows:When you have finished using the floppy disk, wait

113nNConnecting peripheral devicesTroubleshooting floppy disksMy USB floppy disk drive cannot write to a floppy disk❑ The floppy disk is write-protect

114nNConnecting peripheral devicesConnecting a printerYou can connect a Windows-compatible printer to your computer to print documents.Connecting a pr

115nNConnecting peripheral devicesConnecting a printer using the printer connectorTo connect a printer using the printer connector, proceed as follows

116nNConnecting peripheral devicesTroubleshooting printers❑ Make sure that the printer driver supports Windows XP.Ask the manufacturer of your printer

117nNConnecting peripheral devices❑ If the bidirectional communication functions are provided with your printer, disabling the functions on your compu

118nNConnecting peripheral devicesConnecting an i.LINK deviceYour computer includes an i.LINK (IEEE1394) connector, which you can use to connect to an

119nNConnecting peripheral devicesConnecting a digital video camera recorderTo connect a digital video camera recorder, proceed as follows:1 Plug one

12nNWelcome❑ Lighting – Choose a location where windows and lights do not create glare and reflection on the display. Use indirect lighting to avoid b

120nNConnecting peripheral devices✍On Sony digital video cameras, connectors labelled DV Out, DV In/Out or i.LINK are i.LINK-compatible.The Sony digit

121nNConnecting peripheral devicesTroubleshooting i.LINK devicesI cannot establish an i.LINK connection between two VAIO computers❑ You must have admi

122nNConnecting peripheral devicesConnecting to a network (LAN)You can connect your computer to 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX/1000BASE-T-type networks* via an E

123nNCustomising your computerCustomising your computerThe following sections briefly describe how to change the main settings of your computer. Among

124nNCustomising your computerSetting up your language with Windows XP ProfessionalWindows XP Professional computers are equipped with the Multilingua

125nNCustomising your computer4 In the Advanced tab of the Regional and Language Options window, select your language from the Language for non-Unicod

126nNCustomising your computerTo change the keyboard layout, proceed as follows:1 Click Start and then Control Panel.2 In the Control Panel window, do

127nNCustomising your computerConfiguring your modemBefore you can start using your internal modem (not all modem are built-in), or each time you use

128nNCustomising your computerUpdating the modem driverIf you need to update the modem driver for any reason, proceed as follows:1 Click the Start but

129nNCustomising your computerSetting a Sony wallpaperYour Sony VAIO computer offers you, among many other features, a choice of wallpapers.You can ch

13nNUsing your VAIO computerUsing your VAIO computerOnce you have read and followed the information in the printed Specifications sheet, you can start

130nNCustomising your computerInstalling and updating applicationsThis section explains how to install, run or uninstall a software.Furthermore, you w

131nNCustomising your computerInstalling softwareTo install bundled software from the supplied Recovery Disc or your hard disk drive, see the printed

132nNCustomising your computerChanging or removing softwareYou can remove or change a software application any time you like. Before proceeding, close

133nNCustomising your computerCautionWindows File protectionInstalling a program might overwrite shared system files such as dynamic-link libraries (D

134nNCustomising your computerDownloading softwarePlease note it is possible to download the latest upgrades of software for your computer from our we

135nNCustomising your computerManaging driversA driver is a software enabling you to use hardware devices. For example, in order for you to be able to

136nNCustomising your computerInstalling a driverFor more information on (re)installing drivers, see the printed Recovery Guide for details. To instal

137nNCustomising your computer8 Click Finish.You may be asked to restart your machine.9 Click Yes.The driver is installed.✍To install your device driv

138nNCustomising your computerChecking the driver's installationWhen the computer restarts, check that the device is working properly.To check th

139nNCustomising your computer❑ If the This device is working properly message is not displayed, the device is not working properly.Click OK to close

14nNUsing your VAIO computerConnecting a power sourceYou can use either an AC adapter or a rechargeable battery pack as a power source.Using the AC ad

140nNCustomising your computerUpdating a driverTo update the driver, proceed as follows:1 Click Start on the taskbar.2 Click Control Panel.3 Click the

141nNCustomising your computerUninstalling a driverLeave the device connected to your computer while uninstalling the driver.To uninstall the driver,

142nNCustomising your computer8 When the Confirm Device Removal dialog box appears, click OK.The driver is uninstalled.✍To uninstall your device drive

143nNCustomising your computerRestoring a driverSystem Restore is a feature of Microsoft Windows XP that restores your computer to a previous state, i

144nNCustomising your computer5 Double-click the option corresponding to the device you installed, then double-click your device.The Properties dialog

145nNUpgrading your VAIO computerUpgrading your VAIO computerYour computer and memory modules use high precision components and electronic connectors

146nNUpgrading your VAIO computer❑ Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) can damage memory modules and other components. Install the memory module only at an

147nNUpgrading your VAIO computerRemoving and installing a memory moduleVGN-S seriesTo change or add a memory module to the memory module slot on the

148nNUpgrading your VAIO computer6 Remove the memory module:❑ Pull the tabs in the direction of the arrows (1).The memory module is released.❑ Make su

149nNUpgrading 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

15nNUsing your VAIO computerUsing the battery packThe battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of purchase.Installing

150nNUpgrading your VAIO computer4 Unscrew the two screws at the bottom of the computer.5 Slide up the latches in the battery compartment to unlock th

151nNUpgrading your VAIO computer7 Lift the keyboard from the LCD display side, turn it over the touchpad, and gently put it on the computer. Be caref

152nNUpgrading 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

153nNUpgrading your VAIO computer12 Install the memory module.❑ Slide the memory module into the slot.❑ Push in the memory module until it clicks into

154nNUpgrading your VAIO computer14 Gently replace the keyboard and then press it into the computer.✍It would be easier to replace the keyboard if you

155nNUpgrading 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

156nNUpgrading your VAIO computerVGN-T seriesTo change or add a memory module, proceed as follows:1 Shut down your computer and disconnect all periphe

157nNUpgrading your VAIO computer6 Introduce a sharp object (such as a fine screwdriver) between the keys indicated on the picture (1) and push gently

158nNUpgrading your VAIO computer✍If you find it difficult to lift the keyboard, insert a thin object (such as a paper clip) through the screw hole on

159nNUpgrading your VAIO computer7 Lift the keyboard from the LCD display side, turn it over the touchpad, and gently put it on the computer. Be caref

16nNUsing your VAIO computerVGN-T seriesTo install the battery pack, proceed as follows:1 Turn off your computer and close the LCD.2 Slide the battery

160nNUpgrading your VAIO computer11 Slide the memory module into the memory module slot and push it in until it clicks into place.!Do not touch any ot

161nNUpgrading your VAIO computer12 Gently replace the keyboard and then press it into the computer.✍It would be easier to replace the keyboard if you

162nNGetting helpGetting helpThis section describes how to get help and support if something goes wrong with your computer.Sony offers you many suppor

163nNGetting helpe-SupportWhat is e-Support?You have searched our user guides and website (www.vaio-link.com) but have not found an answer to your que

164nNGetting helpCan I submit my questions at any time?Yes, you can submit your questions 24/7, but please keep in mind that our e-Support Team can on

165nNPrecautionsPrecautionsThis section describes safety guidelines and precautions to help you protect your computer from potential damage.Please con

166nNPrecautionsOn 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

167nNPrecautionsOn handling the LCD screen❑ Do not leave the LCD facing the sun as it can damage the LCD. Be careful when using the computer near a wi

168nNPrecautionsOn using the power source❑ See the printed Specifications sheet to check the power operation of your VAIO.❑ Do not share the AC outlet

169nNPrecautionsOn handling your computer❑ Clean the cabinet with a soft cloth, which is either dry or lightly moistened with a mild detergent solutio

17nNUsing your VAIO computerCharging the battery packTo charge the battery pack, proceed as follows:1 Install the battery pack.2 Connect the AC adapte

170nNPrecautions❑ If the computer is brought directly from a cold location to a warm one, moisture may condense inside your computer. In this case, al

171nNPrecautionsOn 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

172nNPrecautionsOn using the battery pack❑ Never leave the battery pack in temperatures above 60°C (140°F), such as in a car parked in the sun or unde

173nNPrecautionsOn handling Memory Sticks❑ Do not touch the Memory Stick connector with your finger or metallic objects.❑ Use only the label supplied

174nNTrademarksTrademarksSony, Battery Checker, Click to DVD, DVgate Plus, HotKey Utility, Keyboard Utility, Memory Stick Formatter, PictureGear Studi

175nNTrademarksThe Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Sony Corporation is under license.

18nNUsing your VAIO computer✍When the battery is running out of power, both the battery and power indicators blink.Keep the battery pack installed in

19nNUsing your VAIO computerRemoving the battery packVGN-S seriesTo remove the battery pack, proceed as follows:1 Turn off your computer and close the

2nNContentsRead this first...

20nNUsing your VAIO computerVGN-T seriesTo remove the battery pack, proceed as follows:1 Turn off your computer and close the LCD.2 Slide and hold the

21nNUsing your VAIO computerSetting the passwordUse one of the BIOS functions to set the password.Once you have set the password, you will have to ent

22nNUsing your VAIO computerChanging/removing the passwordTo change or remove the password, proceed as follows:1 Turn on your computer.2 Press F2 when

23nNUsing your VAIO computerSetting up your computer with VAIO Control CenterThe VAIO Control Center utility allows you to consult system information

24nNUsing your VAIO computer3 Select the desired control item.4 Once finished, click OK.The item has been changed.✍For more information about each opt

25nNUsing your VAIO computerChanging the performance setting (VGN-T series)To change the memory and graphics configuration that affects power consumpt

26nNUsing your VAIO computerShutting down your computer safelyIt is important that you shut down your computer properly so you do not lose unsaved dat

27nNUsing your VAIO computerUsing the keyboardYour keyboard is very similar to a desktop computer's, but has additional keys that perform model-s

28nNUsing your VAIO computer✍Some functions are not available until Windows is launched. <Fn> + (F10): zoom (VGN-T series only)Changes the scr

29nNUsing your VAIO computerIndicators Indicator FunctionsPower 1 Power on: lights green.Standby mode: flashes umber.Battery e Indicates the status of

3nNConnecting peripheral devices...

30nNUsing your VAIO computerTroubleshooting the keyboardA key top has fallen off❑ If any of the following keys falls off, replace the key top as shown

31nNUsing your VAIO computer❑ Space bar key

32nNUsing your VAIO computerVGN-T series❑ Caps Lock key, left Shift key, Backspace key, Enter key❑ right Shift key

33nNUsing your VAIO computer❑ Space bar key!Do not take off the key top intentionally, as it may cause a malfunction.Do not push the key top excessive

34nNUsing your VAIO computerUsing the touchpadThe keyboard contains a cursor-pointing device, your touchpad (1). You can point to, select, drag, and s

35nNUsing your VAIO computerUsing special buttonsYour computer is provided with special buttons to help you use the computer.VGN-S seriesS1/S2 buttons

36nNUsing your VAIO computer❑ Previous track button :Plays the previous chapter/movie in the DVD or the previous song in the CD during DVD/CD playbac

37nNUsing your VAIO computerUsing the optical disc driveYour computer is equipped with an optical disc drive. See the Specifications sheet for details

38nNUsing your VAIO computerReading and writing CDs and DVDsTo achieve optimum performance when writing data on to disc (also called "burning&quo

39nNUsing your VAIO computerPlaying DVDsTo achieve optimum performance when playing DVDs, you should follow these recommendations.❑ You can play DVDs

4nNPrecautions...

40nNUsing your VAIO computerTroubleshooting the optical disc driveMy optical disc drive tray does not open❑ Make sure the computer is turned on and pr

41nNUsing your VAIO computerI cannot play a DVD❑ If a region code warning appears when you are using your DVD player, it could be that the DVD you are

42nNUsing your VAIO computerI cannot play a DVD when using two screens❑ You will not have a problem in the following situations:❑ When you use a CRT o

43nNUsing your VAIO computerUsing PC CardsYour VAIO computer is equipped with a PC Card slot. PC Cards allow you to connect portable external devices.

44nNUsing your VAIO computer✍Some devices may not function properly if you repeat returning to Normal mode from Standby mode or Hibernate mode.The com

45nNUsing 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

46nNUsing your VAIO computer✍If you remove the PC Card from the computer when it is still turned on, your system might crash and you might lose data t

47nNUsing your VAIO computerUsing the Memory StickYour VAIO computer is designed to support the Memory Stick. The Memory Stick is a compact, portable,

48nNUsing your VAIO computerInserting a Memory StickThere are two ways you can insert a Memory Stick in your computer:❑ Using the Memory Stick slot;❑

49nNUsing your VAIO computer✍The location of the Memory Stick slot depends on the model of your computer. See the Specifications sheet for details on

5nNRead this firstRead this firstNotice© 2005 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved.This manual and the software described herein, in whole or in part

50nNUsing your VAIO computerUsing the modemYour VAIO computer is equipped with an internal modem. You need to connect to a phone line to take advantag

51nNUsing your VAIO computerTroubleshooting the modemMy modem does not work or cannot establish a connection❑ Check that the phone line is plugged int

52nNUsing your VAIO computerMy modem connection is slowMany factors influence modem connection speed, including telephone line noise or compatibility

53nNUsing your VAIO computerUsing the Bluetooth functionalityIf your VAIO computer is equipped with the Bluetooth functionality*, you can establish wi

54nNUsing your VAIO computerBluetooth securityThe Bluetooth wireless technology has an authentication function, which allows you to make sure with who

55nNUsing your VAIO computerCommunicating with another Bluetooth deviceYou can connect your computer to a Bluetooth device such as another computer or

56nNUsing your VAIO computer6 Choose one of the following options:❑ If you want Windows to provide you with a password, select Choose a Passkey for me

57nNUsing your VAIO computerCommunicating with another Bluetooth device using the Bluetooth File Transfer WizardYou can easily transfer data, such as

58nNUsing your VAIO computerStopping the Bluetooth connectionTo stop the Bluetooth connection, turn off the Wireless switch. The Bluetooth LED turns o

59nNUsing your VAIO computerTroubleshooting the Bluetooth functionalityI cannot use the Bluetooth functionality❑ If the Bluetooth LED is off, turn on

6nNRead this firstENERGY STARAs an ENERGY STAR Partner, Sony has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.T

60nNUsing your VAIO computerThe data transfer speed is slowThe data transfer speed depends on the obstacles and/or the distance between the two device

61nNUsing your VAIO computerCannot connect to service supported by target Bluetooth device.Connection is only possible for services also supported by

62nNUsing your VAIO computerUsing Wireless LAN (WLAN)Thanks to Sony's Wireless LAN (WLAN), all your digital devices with built-in WLAN functional

63nNUsing your VAIO computerCommunicating without Access Point (ad-hoc)An ad-hoc network is a network in which a local network is created only by the

64nNUsing your VAIO computer6 Enter a Network name (SSID)**.You can choose a 32-digit alphanumeric name.7 Select Open from the Network Authentication

65nNUsing your VAIO computer* See the printed Specifications sheet for more information.** If you want to communicate between two or more computers, y

66nNUsing your VAIO computerCommunicating with an Access Point (infrastructure)An infrastructure network is a network that extends an existing wired l

67nNUsing your VAIO computer5 Type the Network Key.If you are using the Sony Access Point, by default, you don't need to enter any encryption key

68nNUsing your VAIO computerUsing the WiFi protected access (WPA)WPA is a wireless security enhancement that allows you to transfer data in a highly s

69nNUsing your VAIO computerWireless LAN channel selectionIn a 802.11b/g configuration, channel 1 to 13 can be used.(a) With an access point ("In

7nNWelcomeWelcomeCongratulations on purchasing a Sony VAIO computer. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing and communic

70nNUsing your VAIO computerTroubleshooting Wireless LANI cannot use the Wireless LAN functionalityCheck if the Wireless (on models with the Bluetooth

71nNUsing your VAIO computerThe data transfer speed is slow❑ The maximum communication speed can vary depending on the obstacles or the distance betwe

72nNUsing your VAIO computerI cannot use a Wireless LAN networkCheck if the Wireless Zero Configuration service is active.To check the status of the W

73nNUsing your VAIO computerUsing power saving modesWhen you use a battery as the source of power for your computer, you can take advantage of power m

74nNUsing your VAIO computer✍If you press the power button for more than four seconds, the computer will switch off automatically. You will lose any u

75nNUsing your VAIO computerTo return to Normal mode, proceed as follows:Turn on the computer by pressing the power button. The computer returns to it

76nNUsing your VAIO computerManaging power with VAIO Power ManagementPower management helps you to set up power schemes of your computer that is runni

77nNUsing your VAIO computerActivating VAIO Power Management power schemesVAIO Power Management provides several predefined power schemes. Each power

78nNUsing your VAIO computer✍If you have a computer with a mobile CPU (see the printed Specifications sheet), a CPU control icon may appear on the tas

79nNUsing your VAIO computerVAIO Power Management ViewerTo start VAIO Power Management Viewer, proceed as follows:Click on the VAIO Power Management

8nNWelcomeDocumentation packYour documentation pack contains printed information and user guides to read on your VAIO computer.Guides are provided in

80nNConnecting peripheral devicesConnecting peripheral devicesYou can add functionality to your computer by using the various ports on your unit.❑ Con

81nNConnecting peripheral devicesConnecting a port replicatorYour computer supports the use of an optional port replicator. Attaching a port replicato

82nNConnecting peripheral devices!Digital connection with the external display via the DVI-D connector is not supported.✍The port replicator can be po

83nNConnecting peripheral devicesAttaching your computer to the port replicatorVGN-S seriesTo attach your computer to the port replicator, proceed as

84nNConnecting peripheral devices4 Slide open the port replicator cover on the bottom of your computer.5 Slide out the front lever.6 Align the bottom

85nNConnecting peripheral devicesVGN-T seriesTo attach your computer to the port replicator, proceed as follows:1 Disconnect all peripherals from the

86nNConnecting peripheral devices5 Align the bottom connector of the computer with the connector on the port replicator and push down until it clicks

87nNConnecting peripheral devicesDisconnecting your computer from the port replicator!Make sure to turn off your computer before disconnecting it from

88nNConnecting peripheral devicesVGN-T seriesTo disconnect your computer from the port replicator, proceed as follows:1 Turn off the computer and the

89nNConnecting peripheral devicesConnecting an external displayYou can connect an external display to your VAIO computer. For example, you can use you

9nNWelcomePrinted documentation❑ A Specifications sheet, containing a table of specifications, a list of bundled software, an overview of all connecto

90nNConnecting peripheral devicesConnecting a computer displayYou can connect a computer display (monitor) either directly to your computer or via the

91nNConnecting peripheral devicesConnecting a multimedia computer displayYou can connect a multimedia computer display that includes built-in speakers

92nNConnecting peripheral devicesConnecting a projectorYou can connect a projector (such as the Sony LCD projector) either directly to your computer o

93nNConnecting peripheral devicesTroubleshooting external displaysI cannot use the Plug and Display functionDepending on the external display or the w

94nNConnecting peripheral devicesSelecting display modesYou can select which display to be used as the primary monitor when an external display (deskt

95nNConnecting peripheral devicesModels with the Intel video controllerTo select a display, proceed as follows:1 Click the Start, then Control Panel.T

96nNConnecting peripheral devicesModels with the nVIDIA video controllerTo select a display, proceed as follows:1 Click the Start, then Control Panel.

97nNConnecting peripheral devicesUsing the Multiple Monitors functionThe Multiple Monitors function allows you to distribute portions of your desktop

98nNConnecting peripheral devicesSelecting the Multiple Monitors modeModels with the Intel video controllerTo select the Multiple Monitors mode, proce

99nNConnecting peripheral devicesModels with the nVIDIA video controllerTo select the Multiple Monitors mode, proceed as follows:1 Click the Start but