Sony VGN-P11Z User Manual

NUser GuidePersonal ComputerVGN-P series

10nNBefore UseWindows Help and SupportWindows Help and Support is a comprehensive resource for practical advice, tutorials, and demonstrations to help

100nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerAdding the Windows PasswordThe Windows password comes in handy when you have to share a single computer with other

101nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerChanging/Removing the Windows PasswordTo change the Windows password1 Click Start and Control Panel.2 Click User Ac

102nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerSetting Up Your Computer with the VAIO Control CenterThe VAIO Control Center utility allows you to access system in

103nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Power Saving ModesYou can take advantage of the power management settings to conserve battery life. In ad

104nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Sleep ModeSleep mode turns off the LCD screen and places the storage device(s) and the CPU into a low power c

105nNCustomizing 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

106nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Hibernate ModeIn Hibernate mode, the state of the system is saved on the built-in storage device and power is

107nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerTo return to Normal modeSlide the power switch (in the direction of G on the switch).The computer returns to its no

108nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerManaging Power with the VAIO Power ManagementPower management helps you set up power plans for running on AC or bat

109nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerVAIO Power Management ViewerYou can view performance with the power plan that was modified with the VAIO Power Mana

11nNBefore UseFurther Sources❑ Consult the help files included with the software you are using for detailed information on features and troubleshootin

110nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerProtecting the Hard DiskIf your computer is equipped with a built-in hard disk drive, then it has the VAIO HDD Prot

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

112nNPrecautionsHandling the LCD Screen❑ Do not leave the LCD screen facing the sun. This could damage the LCD screen. Be careful when using your comp

113nNPrecautionsUsing the Power Source❑ See the online specifications to check the power operation of your model.❑ Do not share the AC outlet with oth

114nNPrecautionsHandling Your Computer❑ Clean the cabinet and the LCD panel with a soft cloth, which is dry or lightly moistened with a mild detergent

115nNPrecautions❑ Do not place electronic equipment near your computer. The electromagnetic field of the equipment may cause the computer to malfuncti

116nNPrecautions❑ Do not exert pressure on the LCD screen or its edges when opening the LCD screen lid or lifting your computer. The LCD screen may be

117nNPrecautionsHandling 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

118nNPrecautionsHandling Floppy Disks❑ Do not open the shutter manually and touch the internal components of the floppy disk.❑ Keep floppy disks away

119nNPrecautionsHandling Discs❑ Do not touch the surface of the disc.❑ Fingerprints and dust on the surface of a disc may cause read errors. Always ho

12nNBefore UseErgonomic ConsiderationsYou will be using your computer as a portable device in a variety of environments. Whenever possible, you should

120nNPrecautionsUsing the Battery Pack❑ Do not leave battery packs in temperatures above 60°C, such as in a car parked in the sun or under direct sunl

121nNPrecautions Using Headphones❑ Road safety – Do not use headphones while driving, cycling, or operating any motorized vehicle. It may create a tra

122nNPrecautionsHandling the Memory Stick❑ Do not touch the Memory Stick connector with your finger or metallic objects.❑ Use only the adhesive label

123nNPrecautionsHandling the Hard Disk!The following precautions apply to models with a built-in hard disk drive. See the online specifications to fin

124nNPrecautionsHandling the Display/LAN AdapterTo help you keep the display/LAN adapter (supplied with selected models only) at hand, the display/LAN

125nNPrecautions Updating Your ComputerBe sure to install the latest updates on your computer with the following software applications so that the com

126nNTroubleshootingTroubleshootingThis section describes how to solve common problems you might encounter when using your VAIO computer. Many problem

127nNTroubleshootingComputerWhat should I do if my computer does not start?❑ Make sure your computer is securely plugged into a power source and turne

128nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if the green power indicator light turns on but my screen remains blank?❑ Press the Alt+F4 keys several times to

129nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if my computer or software stops responding?❑ If your computer stops responding while a software application is r

13nNBefore Use❑ Viewing angle of the computer's display – Use the display's tilting feature to find the best position. You can reduce eye st

130nNTroubleshootingWhy doesn't my computer enter Sleep or Hibernate mode?Your computer may become unstable if the operating mode is changed befo

131nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if a message appears notifying of either incompatibility or the improper installation of the battery pack and my

132nNTroubleshootingWhat 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

133nNTroubleshootingWhy doesn't my screen turn off after the automatic turn-off time has passed?The VAIO original screen saver disables the timer

134nNTroubleshootingHow do I reduce the volume of the recovery partition?Your built-in storage device* contains the recovery partition where data for

135nNTroubleshootingHow do I check the volume of the recovery partition?Your built-in storage device contains the recovery partition where data for th

136nNTroubleshootingSystem SecurityHow can I protect my computer against security threats, such as viruses?The Microsoft Windows operating system is p

137nNTroubleshootingBatteryHow do I find the battery charging status? See Charging the Battery Pack (page 24). When is my computer using AC power? Whe

138nNTroubleshootingShould 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

139nNTroubleshootingBuilt-in MOTION EYE CameraWhy does the viewer window show no images or poor-quality images?❑ The built-in MOTION EYE camera cannot

14nNGetting StartedGetting StartedThis section describes how to get started using your VAIO computer.❑ Locating Controls and Ports (page 15)❑ About th

140nNTroubleshootingWhy does movie playback show dropped frames when my computer is running on the battery?The battery pack is running out of power. C

141nNTroubleshootingNetworkingWhat should I do if my computer cannot connect to a wireless LAN access point?❑ You need to connect the display/LAN adap

142nNTroubleshooting❑ Make sure Maximum Performance is selected for Wireless Adapter Settings in the Power Options window. Selecting any other option

143nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if I cannot access the Internet?❑ Check the access point settings. See the manual that came with your access poin

144nNTroubleshootingHow do I avoid data transfer interruptions?❑ When your computer is connected to an access point, data transfer interruptions may o

145nNTroubleshootingWhy does the network connection stop when I change the encryption key?Two computers with the wireless LAN function may lose a peer

146nNTroubleshootingBluetooth TechnologyWhat should I do if other Bluetooth devices cannot find my computer?❑ Make sure both devices have the Bluetoot

147nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if other Bluetooth devices cannot connect to my computer?❑ Make sure the other devices are authenticated.❑ To all

148nNTroubleshootingWhy is my Bluetooth connection slow?❑ The data transfer speed depends on the obstructions and/or the distance between the two devi

149nNTroubleshootingWhy can't I use the Bluetooth function when I log onto my computer as a user with a standard user account?The Bluetooth funct

15nNGetting StartedLocating Controls and PortsTake a moment to identify the controls and ports shown on the following pages.FrontA WIRELESS switch (pa

150nNTroubleshootingGPS!The following Q & A entries apply to models with the GPS function only.What should I do if I cannot use the GPS function?❑

151nNTroubleshootingDisplayWhy did my screen go blank?❑ Your computer screen may go blank if the computer loses power or enters a power saving mode (S

152nNTroubleshootingWhy doesn't my screen display a video?❑ If the display output is directed to the external display and the external display is

153nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if the LCD brightness of my screen changes?The LCD brightness setting, adjusted with the Fn+F5/F6 keys, is tempor

154nNTroubleshootingPrintingWhat should I do if I cannot print a document?❑ Make sure your printer is on, and the printer cable is securely connected

155nNTroubleshootingMicrophoneWhat should I do if my microphone does not work?❑ Your computer is not equipped with the microphone jack. You cannot use

156nNTroubleshootingMouseWhat should I do if my computer does not recognize my mouse?❑ Make sure your mouse is securely plugged into the port.❑ Restar

157nNTroubleshootingSpeakersWhat should I do if my external speakers do not work?❑ If you are using a program that has its own volume control, make su

158nNTroubleshootingWhat 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

159nNTroubleshootingPointing DeviceWhat should I do if my pointing device does not work?❑ You may have disabled the pointing device before connecting

16nNGetting StartedABuilt-in speakers (stereo)B Pointing stick (page 33)C Left button (page 33)D Center button (page 33)E Right button (page 33)F Wind

160nNTroubleshootingKeyboardWhat should I do if the keyboard configuration is wrong?The language layout of your computer's keyboard is labeled on

161nNTroubleshootingFloppy DisksWhy doesn't the Safely Remove Hardware icon appear on the taskbar when the drive is connected?Your computer does

162nNTroubleshootingAudio/VideoHow do I turn off the Windows startup sound?To turn off the Windows startup sound, follow these steps:1 Click Start and

163nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if I find dropped frames during video playback?If the video playback window is overlaid with another window, you

164nNTroubleshootingMemory CardWhat should I do if I cannot find any memory card icons in the Computer window?The Memory Stick Duo icon and the SD / M

165nNTroubleshootingCan I copy images from a digital camera using a Memory Stick?Yes, and you can view video clips that you have recorded with Memory

166nNTroubleshootingPeripheralsWhat should I do if I cannot connect a USB device?❑ If applicable, check the USB device is turned on and using its own

167nNSupport OptionsSupport OptionsThis section contains information on where to go for answers to questions about your VAIO computer.❑ Sony Support I

168nNSupport OptionsSony Support InformationSee Documentation (page 8) for details on the printed and non-printed documentation supplied with your com

169nNSupport Optionse-SupportWhat is e-Support?If you have searched our user guides and web site (http://www.vaio-link.com) but have not found an answ

17nNGetting StartedBackA Battery connector (page 22)

170nNSupport OptionsCan I submit my questions at any time?Yes, you can submit your questions 24/7, but keep in mind that our e-Support Team can only a

171nNTrademarksTrademarksSony, VAIO, the VAIO logo, VAIO Control Center, VAIO Power Management, VAIO Power Management Viewer, VAIO Update, and "B

172nNTrademarksThe ExpressCard word mark and logos are owned by the PCMCIA and any use of such marks by Sony Corporation is under license. Other trade

© 2009 Sony Corporationn

18nNGetting StartedRightA Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port* (page 85)B I/O port (page 76)* Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.

19nNGetting StartedLeft A DC IN port (page 21)B Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port* (page 85)C Headphones jack (page 69), (page 79)* Supports high-/full-/low

2nNContentsBefore Use ...

20nNGetting StartedAbout the Indicator LightsYour computer is equipped with the following indicator lights: Indicator FunctionsPower 1 Illuminates in

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 Fit the battery pack into the battery compartment.The battery pack should be level with the bottom of the computer.4 Slide the ba

24nNGetting StartedCharging the Battery PackThe battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of delivery.To charge the ba

25nNGetting Started✍Keep the battery pack in your computer while it is directly connected to AC power. The battery pack continues to charge while you

26nNGetting StartedUsing the Battery Charge FunctionsYou can customize the current battery charging method using the Battery Charge Functions: the bat

27nNGetting StartedUsing the Battery Life Conserving WallpaperYou can conserve your battery life just by setting the specific wallpaper as your deskto

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 the Bluetooth Function...

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 Computer Fn + (F12): hibernateProvides the lowest level of power consumption. When you execute this command, the states of the

33nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Pointing DeviceThe keyboard contains a cursor-pointing device, the pointing stick (1). You can point to, select,

34nNUsing Your VAIO Computer✍The pointer may move on its own in rare occasions, which does not indicate a malfunction. Leave the pointing stick untouc

35nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Special-function ButtonsYour computer is equipped with special buttons to help you use specific functions of the com

36nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Instant ModeThe Instant Mode enables you immediately to play music and videos or access the Internet without lau

37nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerSharing Bookmarks between the Instant Mode and the Internet ExplorerYou can export/import your Favorites files of the Inte

38nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Built-in MOTION EYE CameraYour computer is equipped with a built-in MOTION EYE camera.The built-in MOTION EYE ca

39nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerCapturing Still ImagesTo capture a still image1 Click Start, All Programs, ArcSoft WebCam Companion 2, and WebCam Companio

4nNPrecautions ...

40nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerCapturing MoviesTo capture a movie1 Click Start, All Programs, ArcSoft WebCam Companion 2, and WebCam Companion 2 to launc

41nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Memory StickThe Memory Stick is a compact, portable, and versatile IC recording media especially designed for ex

42nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerInserting a Memory Stick!Your computer is supplied with a slot protector in the Memory Stick slot. Remove the slot protect

43nNUsing Your VAIO Computer!Be sure to hold the Memory Stick with the arrow pointing in the correct direction as you insert it into the slot. To avoi

44nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo format a Memory StickThe Memory Stick has been formatted in the factory default setting and is ready for use.If you wan

45nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerRemoving a Memory Stick!Do not remove the Memory Stick while the Media Access indicator light is lit. If you do, you may l

46nNUsing 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

47nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerInserting an SD Memory Card!Your computer is supplied with a slot protector in the SD memory card slot. Remove the slot pr

48nNUsing Your VAIO Computer✍If the SD memory card does not go into the slot easily, remove it gently and verify you are inserting it in the proper di

49nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerRemoving an SD Memory Card!Do not remove an SD memory card while the Media Access indicator light is lit. If you do, the c

5nNMouse ...

50nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the InternetBefore using the Internet, you need to sign up with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and set up device

51nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Network (LAN)You need the display/LAN adapter (supplied with selected models only) to connect your computer to 1

52nNUsing Your VAIO Computer!Do not plug a telephone cable into the network (Ethernet) port on the display/LAN adapter.If the network (Ethernet) port

53nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Wireless LAN (WLAN)Using the Wireless LAN (WLAN), all your digital devices with the built-in WLAN function commu

54nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerThe IEEE 802.11b/g standard is a wireless LAN standard, using the 2.4 GHz band. The IEEE 802.11g standard provides high-sp

55nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerCommunicating without an Access Point (Ad-hoc)An ad-hoc network is a network in which a LAN is created only by wireless de

56nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo communicate without an access point (ad-hoc)!You cannot select the 5 GHz band, which is used for the IEEE 802.11a stand

57nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerCommunicating with an Access Point (Infrastructure)An infrastructure network is a network that extends an existing wired l

58nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo connect to a wireless network1 Make sure an access point is set up.See the manual that came with your access point for

59nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerStopping Wireless LAN CommunicationsTo stop wireless LAN communicationsClick the button next to or above the WLAN icon in

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 Bluetooth FunctionThe Bluetooth function is available on selected models only. See the online specifications to

61nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerNotes on using the Bluetooth function❑ The data transfer rate varies, depending on the following conditions:❑ Obstacles, s

62nNUsing Your VAIO Computer❑ The 2.4 GHz band, with which Bluetooth devices or wireless LAN devices work, is used by various devices. Bluetooth devic

63nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerBluetooth SecurityThe Bluetooth wireless technology has an authentication function, which allows you to determine with who

64nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerCommunicating with Another Bluetooth DeviceYou can connect your computer to a Bluetooth device such as another computer, a

65nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerStopping Bluetooth CommunicationsTo stop Bluetooth communications1 Turn off the Bluetooth device that is communicating wit

66nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Global Positioning System (GPS) FunctionYou can view location information in the Internet Explorer window with t

67nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the VAIO Location SearchThe VAIO Location Search feature takes advantage of GPS functions on a Wide Area Network (WA

68nNUsing Peripheral DevicesUsing Peripheral DevicesYou can add functionality to your VAIO computer by using the various ports on the computer.❑ Using

69nNUsing Peripheral DevicesUsing the Noise Canceling HeadphonesA pair of noise canceling headphones may be supplied with your computer depending on t

7nNBefore UseNotice© 2009 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved.This manual and the software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be reprodu

70nNUsing Peripheral DevicesBefore You Use the Noise Canceling Headphones❑ You can enable the noise canceling function only when the supplied noise ca

71nNUsing Peripheral Devices❑ The noise canceling function is to reduce low-frequency noise in the ambient environment but not high-frequency noise. N

72nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting the Noise Canceling HeadphonesTo connect the noise canceling headphones1 Plug the headphones cable into the hea

73nNUsing Peripheral DevicesAdjusting the Effect of the Noise Canceling FunctionThe noise canceling headphones supplied with your computer is configur

74nNUsing Peripheral DevicesWhat to do if the icon and the balloon do not appearWhen the noise canceling function icon ( / ) is not on the taskbar and

75nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a Display/LAN AdapterConnecting a display/LAN adapter (supplied with selected models only) expands connectivity

76nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting the Display/LAN adapter to Your ComputerTo connect the display/LAN adapter to your computer!Do not move your co

77nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting an Optical Disc DriveTo use optical CDs and DVDs with your computer, you need to connect an external optical di

78nNUsing Peripheral DevicesDisconnecting an Optical Disc DriveYou can disconnect an optical disc drive when your computer is on or off. Disconnecting

79nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting External SpeakersYou can connect external sound output devices (not supplied), such as speakers or headphones,

8nNBefore UseDocumentationYour documentation includes printed information and user guides to read on your VAIO computer.Printed Documentation❑ Quick S

80nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting an External DisplayYou can connect an external display (not supplied) to your computer. For example, you can us

81nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a ProjectorYou can connect a projector (for example, the Sony LCD projector) to your computer.You need a displa

82nNUsing Peripheral DevicesSelecting Display ModesYou can select which display to use as the primary monitor when an external display (desktop monito

83nNUsing Peripheral DevicesUsing the Multiple Monitors FunctionThe Multiple Monitors function allows you to distribute portions of your desktop acros

84nNUsing Peripheral DevicesTo use the Multiple Monitors function1 Right-click on the desktop and select Personalize.2 Click Display Settings.3 Follow

85nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) DeviceTo protect your computer and/or USB devices from damage, observe the followi

86nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a USB Floppy Disk DriveYou can purchase a USB floppy disk drive and connect it to your computer.To connect a US

87nNUsing Peripheral DevicesDisconnecting a USB floppy disk driveYou can disconnect a USB floppy disk drive when your computer is on or off. Disconnec

88nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a PrinterYou can connect a Windows-compatible printer to your computer to print documents.Connecting a Printer

89nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerThis section briefly describes how to change the main settings of your VAIO computer.

9nNBefore UseNon-printed Documentation❑ User Guide (this manual) — Explains features of your computer. It also includes information on solving common

90nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerSetting the PasswordIn addition to the Windows password, you can use BIOS functions to set two types of passwords to

91nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerAdding the Power-on PasswordThe power-on password is provided to protect your computer from unauthorized access.Ther

92nNCustomizing 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.

93nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerTo add the power-on password (user password)!Make sure you set the machine password before setting the user password

94nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerChanging/Removing the Power-on PasswordTo change or remove the power-on password (machine password)1 Turn on the com

95nNCustomizing 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

96nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerAdding the Hard Disk PasswordThe hard disk password provides additional security for the data stored on your built-i

97nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerTo add the hard disk password1 Turn on the computer.2 Press the F2 key when the VAIO logo appears.The BIOS setup scr

98nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerChanging/Removing the Hard Disk PasswordTo change the hard disk password1 Turn on the computer.2 Press the F2 key wh

99nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerTo remove the hard disk password1 Turn on the computer.2 Press the F2 key when the VAIO logo appears.The BIOS setup