Sony VGN-P29VN User Manual

NUser GuidePersonal ComputerVGN-P series

10nNGetting Started >Locating Controls and PortsLocating Controls and PortsTake a moment to identify the controls and ports shown on the following

100nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Power Saving ModesUsing Hibernate ModeIn Hibernate mode, the state of the system is saved on the bui

101nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Power Saving ModesTo return to Normal modeSlide the power switch (in the direction of G on the switc

102nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Using the VAIO Power ManagementUsing the VAIO Power ManagementPower management helps you set up power plans fo

103nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Using the VAIO Power ManagementVAIO Power Management ViewerYou can view performance with the power plan that w

104nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Protecting the Hard DiskProtecting the Hard DiskIf your computer is equipped with a built-in hard disk drive,

105nNPrecautions >PrecautionsThis section describes safety guidelines and precautions to help you protect your VAIO computer from potential damage.

106nNPrecautions >Handling the LCD ScreenHandling the LCD Screen❑ Do not leave the LCD screen facing the sun. This could damage the LCD screen. Be

107nNPrecautions >Using the Power SourceUsing the Power SourceSee the specifications to find out about the configuration of your computer.❑ Do not

108nNPrecautions >Handling Your ComputerHandling Your Computer❑ Clean the cabinet and the LCD panel with a soft cloth, which is dry or lightly mois

109nNPrecautions >Handling Your Computer❑ We advise not to use your computer directly on your lap. The temperature of the bottom of the unit may ri

11nNGetting Started >Locating Controls and PortsA Built-in speakers (stereo)B Pointing stick (page 29)C Left button (page 29)D Center button (page

110nNPrecautions >Handling Your Computer❑ Do not exert pressure on the LCD screen or its edges when opening the LCD screen lid or lifting your comp

111nNPrecautions >Handling the Built-in CameraHandling the Built-in Camera❑ Do not touch the lens protection cover of the built-in camera, as it ma

112nNPrecautions >Handling DiscsHandling Discs❑ Fingerprints and dust on the surface of a disc may cause read errors. Always hold the disc by its e

113nNPrecautions >Using the Battery PackUsing the Battery Pack❑ Do not leave battery packs in temperatures above 60°C, such as in a car parked in t

114nNPrecautions >Using HeadphonesUsing Headphones❑ Road safety – Do not use headphones while driving, cycling, or operating any motorized vehicle.

115nNPrecautions >Handling the Memory StickHandling the Memory Stick❑ Do not touch the Memory Stick connector with your finger or metallic objects.

116nNPrecautions >Handling the Built-in Storage DeviceHandling the Built-in Storage DeviceThe built-in storage device (hard disk drive or solid sta

117nNPrecautions >Handling the Display/LAN AdapterHandling the Display/LAN AdapterTo help you keep the display/LAN adapter at hand, the display/LAN

118nNTroubleshooting >TroubleshootingThis section describes how to solve common problems you might encounter when using your VAIO computer. Many pr

119nNTroubleshooting >❑ Audio/Video (page 155)❑ Memory Cards (page 157)❑ Peripherals (page 158)

12nNGetting Started >Locating Controls and PortsBackA SIM card slot (page 53)B Battery connector (page 17)

120nNTroubleshooting >ComputerComputerWhat should I do if my computer does not start?❑ Make sure your computer is securely plugged into a power sou

121nNTroubleshooting >ComputerWhat should I do if the green power indicator light turns on but my screen remains blank?❑ Press the Alt+F4 keys seve

122nNTroubleshooting >ComputerWhat should I do if my computer or software stops responding?❑ If your computer stops responding while a software app

123nNTroubleshooting >ComputerWhy doesn't my computer enter Sleep or Hibernate mode?Your computer may become unstable if the operating mode is

124nNTroubleshooting >ComputerWhat should I do if a message appears notifying of either incompatibility or the improper installation of the battery

125nNTroubleshooting >ComputerWhat should I do if my game software does not work or it keeps crashing?❑ Check the web site of the game if there are

126nNTroubleshooting >ComputerWhy doesn't my screen turn off after the automatic turn-off time has passed?The VAIO original screen saver disab

127nNTroubleshooting >ComputerHow do I reduce the volume of the recovery partition?Your built-in storage device contains the recovery partition whe

128nNTroubleshooting >ComputerHow do I check the volume of the recovery partition?Your built-in storage device contains the recovery partition wher

129nNTroubleshooting >System SecuritySystem SecurityHow can I protect my computer against security threats, such as viruses?The Microsoft Windows o

13nNGetting Started >Locating Controls and PortsRightA Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port* (page 83)B I/O port (page 72)* Supports high-/full-/low- speeds

130nNTroubleshooting >BatteryBatteryHow do I find the battery charging status? You can check the charge indicator for the battery charging status.

131nNTroubleshooting >BatteryShould I be concerned that the installed battery pack is warm? No, it is normal for the battery pack to be warm when i

132nNTroubleshooting >Instant ModeInstant ModeWhat should I do if the Instant Mode does not start?❑ To start the Instant Mode, turn off the compute

133nNTroubleshooting >Instant Mode10 Once again, click Advanced on the General tab.11 Click to cancel the Compress contents to save disk space chec

134nNTroubleshooting >Built-in CameraBuilt-in CameraWhy does the viewfinder show no images or poor-quality images?❑ The built-in camera cannot be s

135nNTroubleshooting >Built-in CameraWhat should I do if movie playback shows dropped frames when my computer is running on the battery? The batter

136nNTroubleshooting >NetworkingNetworkingWhat should I do if my computer cannot connect to a wireless LAN access point?❑ You need to connect the d

137nNTroubleshooting >Networking❑ Make sure Maximum Performance is selected for Wireless Adapter Settings in the Power Options window. Selecting an

138nNTroubleshooting >NetworkingWhat should I do if I cannot access the Internet?❑ Check the access point settings. See the manual that came with y

139nNTroubleshooting >NetworkingHow do I avoid data transfer interruptions?❑ When your computer is connected to an access point, data transfer inte

14nNGetting Started >Locating Controls and PortsLeft A DC IN port (page 16)B Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port* (page 83)C Headphones jack (page 65), (pa

140nNTroubleshooting >NetworkingHow do I display the VAIO Smart Network window?To display the VAIO Smart Network window on the desktop, follow thes

141nNTroubleshooting >Bluetooth TechnologyBluetooth TechnologyWhat should I do if other Bluetooth devices cannot find my computer?❑ Make sure both

142nNTroubleshooting >Bluetooth TechnologyWhat should I do if other Bluetooth devices cannot connect to my computer?❑ Check the suggestions in What

143nNTroubleshooting >Bluetooth TechnologyCan I use a device with Bluetooth technology on airplanes?With Bluetooth technology, your computer transm

144nNTroubleshooting >Bluetooth TechnologyWhat should I do if I do not hear sound from my headphones or audio/video controller?Check the SCMS-T set

145nNTroubleshooting >GPSGPSWhat should I do if I cannot use the GPS function?❑ Make sure the WIRELESS switch is on and the WIRELESS indicator ligh

146nNTroubleshooting >DisplayDisplayWhy did my screen go blank?❑ Your computer screen may go blank if the computer loses power or enters a power sa

147nNTroubleshooting >DisplayWhy doesn't my screen display a video?❑ If the display output is directed to the external display and the externa

148nNTroubleshooting >DisplayWhat should I do if the LCD brightness of my screen changes?The LCD brightness setting, adjusted with the Fn+F5/F6 key

149nNTroubleshooting >PrintingPrintingWhat should I do if I cannot print a document?❑ Make sure your printer is on, and the printer cable is secure

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

150nNTroubleshooting >MicrophoneMicrophoneWhat should I do if my microphone does not work?❑ Your computer is not equipped with the microphone jack.

151nNTroubleshooting >SpeakersSpeakersWhat should I do if I do not hear sound from the built-in speakers?❑ If you are using a program that has its

152nNTroubleshooting >Pointing DevicePointing DeviceWhat should I do if my pointing device does not work?❑ You may have disabled the pointing devic

153nNTroubleshooting >KeyboardKeyboardWhat should I do if the keyboard configuration is wrong?The language layout of your computer's keyboard

154nNTroubleshooting >Floppy DisksFloppy DisksWhy doesn't the Safely Remove Hardware icon appear on the taskbar when the drive is connected?Yo

155nNTroubleshooting >Audio/VideoAudio/VideoHow do I turn off the Windows startup sound?To turn off the Windows startup sound, follow these steps:1

156nNTroubleshooting >Audio/VideoWhat should I do if I do not hear the sound from the sound output device connected to the HDMI output port, optica

157nNTroubleshooting >Memory CardsMemory CardsWhat should I do if I cannot find any memory card icons in the Computer window?The Memory Stick Duo i

158nNTroubleshooting >PeripheralsPeripheralsWhat should I do if I cannot connect a USB device?❑ If applicable, check the USB device is turned on an

159nNTrademarks >TrademarksSony, VAIO, the VAIO logo, VAIO Control Center, VAIO Power Management, VAIO Power Management Viewer, VAIO Update, and &q

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

160nNTrademarks >The ExpressCard word mark and logos are owned by the PCMCIA and any use of such marks by Sony Corporation is under license. Other

161nNNotice >Notice© 2009 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved.This manual and the software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be repr

© 2009 Sony Corporationn

17nNGetting Started >Using the Battery PackUsing the Battery PackThe battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of d

18nNGetting Started >Using the Battery Pack3 Fit the battery pack into the battery compartment.The battery pack should be level with the bottom of

19nNGetting Started >Using the Battery PackCharging the Battery PackThe battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time o

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

20nNGetting Started >Using the Battery Pack✍Keep the battery pack in your computer while it is directly connected to AC power. The battery pack con

21nNGetting Started >Using the Battery PackUsing the Battery Charge FunctionsYou can customize the current battery charging method using the Batter

22nNGetting Started >Using the Battery PackUsing the Battery Life Conserving WallpaperYou can conserve your battery life just by setting the specif

23nNGetting Started >Using the Battery PackRemoving the Battery Pack!You may lose data if you remove the battery pack while your computer is on and

24nNGetting Started >Shutting Down Your Computer SafelyShutting Down Your Computer SafelyTo avoid losing unsaved data, be sure to shut down your co

25nNGetting Started >Updating Your ComputerUpdating Your ComputerBe sure to install the latest updates on your computer with the following software

26nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using Your VAIO ComputerThis section describes how to get the most out of using your VAIO computer.❑ Using the Keyboa

27nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the KeyboardUsing the KeyboardYour keyboard has additional keys that perform model-specific tasks.Combinations

28nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Keyboard Fn + (F12): hibernateProvides the lowest level of power consumption. When you execute this comm

29nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Pointing DeviceUsing the Pointing DeviceThe keyboard contains a cursor-pointing device, the pointing stick

3nNPrecautions... 105Handling the LCD Screen ...

30nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Pointing Device✍The pointer may move on its own on rare occasions, which does not indicate a malfunction. L

31nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using Special-function ButtonsUsing Special-function ButtonsYour computer is equipped with special buttons to help yo

32nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Instant ModeUsing the Instant ModeThe Instant Mode enables you immediately to play music and videos or acce

33nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Built-in CameraUsing the Built-in CameraYour computer is equipped with a built-in MOTION EYE camera.With th

34nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Memory StickUsing the Memory StickThe Memory Stick is a compact, portable, and versatile IC recording media

35nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Memory StickInserting and Removing a Memory StickTo insert a Memory Stick!Your computer is supplied with a

36nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Memory Stick!Be sure to hold the Memory Stick with the arrow pointing in the correct direction as you inser

37nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Memory StickFormatting a Memory StickTo format a Memory StickThe Memory Stick has been formatted in the fac

38nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Memory StickNotes on Using the Memory Stick❑ Your computer has been tested and found compatible with Sony b

39nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using Other Modules / Memory CardsUsing Other Modules / Memory CardsUsing the SD Memory CardYour computer is equipped

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

40nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using Other Modules / Memory CardsTo insert an SD memory card!Your computer is supplied with a slot protector in the

41nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using Other Modules / Memory CardsTo remove an SD memory card!Insert the SD memory card slot protector to block any p

42nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using Other Modules / Memory CardsNotes on Using Memory CardsGeneral notes on using the memory card❑ Be sure to use m

43nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the InternetUsing the InternetBefore using the Internet, you need to sign up with an Internet Service Provider

44nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Network (LAN)Using the Network (LAN)You need the display/LAN adapter to connect your computer to 1000BASE-T

45nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Network (LAN)!Do not plug a telephone cable into the network (Ethernet) port on the display/LAN adapter.If

46nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Wireless LANUsing the Wireless LANUsing the Wireless LAN (WLAN), all your digital devices with the built-in

47nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Wireless LANThe IEEE 802.11a standard is a wireless LAN standard, using the 5 GHz band.The IEEE 802.11n dra

48nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Wireless LANCommunicating without an Access Point (Ad-hoc)An ad-hoc network is a network in which a LAN is

49nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Wireless LANTo communicate without an access point (ad-hoc)!The IEEE 802.11a standard, using the 5 GHz band

5nNBefore Use >Finding More about Your VAIO ComputerFinding More about Your VAIO ComputerThis section provides support information about your VAIO

50nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Wireless LANCommunicating with an Access Point (Infrastructure)An infrastructure network is a network that

51nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Wireless LANTo connect to a wireless network1 Make sure an access point is set up.See the manual that came

52nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Wireless LANStopping Wireless LAN CommunicationsTo stop wireless LAN communicationsClick the button next to

53nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Wireless WANUsing the Wireless WANUsing the wireless WAN (WWAN) allows you to extend your network and commu

54nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Wireless WANInserting a SIM CardTo use the wireless WAN function, you first need to insert a SIM card into

55nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Wireless WAN4 Insert the SIM card into the SIM card slot with its printed circuit side down.!Do not touch t

56nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Wireless WANStarting the Wireless WAN CommunicationsTo start the wireless WAN communications1 Turn on the W

57nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Bluetooth FunctionUsing the Bluetooth FunctionYou can establish wireless communications between your comput

58nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Bluetooth Function❑ Video and audio may not be synchronized if you play videos on your computer with audio

59nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Bluetooth FunctionBluetooth SecurityThe Bluetooth wireless technology has an authentication function, which

6nNBefore Use >Finding More about Your VAIO Computer3. Support Web SitesIf you have any problem with the computer, you can visit the VAIO-Link web

60nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Bluetooth FunctionCommunicating with Another Bluetooth DeviceYou can connect your computer to a Bluetooth d

61nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Bluetooth FunctionStopping Bluetooth CommunicationsTo stop Bluetooth communications1 Turn off the Bluetooth

62nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the GPS FunctionUsing the GPS FunctionYou can view location information in the Internet Explorer window with th

63nNUsing Your VAIO Computer >Using the GPS FunctionUsing the VAIO Location SearchThe VAIO Location Search feature takes advantage of GPS functions

64nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Using Peripheral DevicesYou can add functionality to your VAIO computer by using the various ports on the computer.❑

65nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Using the Noise Canceling HeadphonesUsing the Noise Canceling HeadphonesA pair of noise canceling headphones may be s

66nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Using the Noise Canceling HeadphonesBefore You Use the Noise Canceling Headphones❑ You can enable the noise canceling

67nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Using the Noise Canceling Headphones❑ The noise canceling function is to reduce low-frequency noise in the ambient en

68nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Using the Noise Canceling HeadphonesConnecting the Noise Canceling HeadphonesTo connect the noise canceling headphone

69nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Using the Noise Canceling HeadphonesAdjusting the Effect of the Noise Canceling FunctionThe noise canceling headphone

7nNBefore Use >Ergonomic ConsiderationsErgonomic ConsiderationsYou will be using your computer as a portable device in a variety of environments. W

70nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Using the Noise Canceling HeadphonesWhat to do if the icon and the balloon do not appearWhen the noise canceling func

71nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting a Display/LAN AdapterConnecting a Display/LAN AdapterA display/LAN adapter may be supplied with your compu

72nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting a Display/LAN AdapterConnecting the Display/LAN adapter to Your ComputerTo connect the display/LAN adapter

73nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting an Optical Disc DriveConnecting an Optical Disc DriveTo use optical CDs and DVDs with your computer, conne

74nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting an Optical Disc DriveDisconnecting an Optical Disc DriveYou can disconnect an optical disc drive when your

75nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting External Speakers or HeadphonesConnecting External Speakers or HeadphonesYou can connect external sound ou

76nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting an External DisplayConnecting an External DisplayYou can connect an external display (not supplied) to you

77nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting an External DisplayConnecting a ProjectorYou can connect a projector (for example, the Sony LCD projector)

78nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Selecting Display ModesSelecting Display ModesWhen an external display is connected, you can select either your compu

79nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Selecting Display ModesTo select a display✍You may not be able to display the same contents on your computer screen a

8nNBefore Use >Ergonomic Considerations❑ Viewing angle of the computer's display – Use the display's tilting feature to find the best pos

80nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Using the Multiple Monitors FunctionUsing the Multiple Monitors FunctionThe Multiple Monitors function allows you to

81nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Using the Multiple Monitors FunctionTo use the Multiple Monitors function✍Your external display may not support the M

82nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Using the Multiple Monitors Function✍You can also change one of the S button assignments to activate the Multiple Mon

83nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting a USB DeviceConnecting a USB DeviceYou can connect a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device to your computer, s

84nNUsing Peripheral Devices >Connecting a USB DeviceNotes on connecting a USB device❑ You may need to install the driver software supplied with yo

85nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Customizing Your VAIO ComputerThis section briefly describes how to change the main settings of your VAIO compu

86nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Setting the PasswordSetting the PasswordIn addition to the Windows password, you can use BIOS functions to set

87nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Setting the PasswordAdding the Power-on PasswordThe power-on password is provided to protect your computer from

88nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Setting the PasswordTo add the power-on password (machine password)1 Turn on the computer.2 Press the F2 key wh

89nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Setting the PasswordTo add the power-on password (user password)!Make sure you set the machine password before

9nNGetting Started >Getting StartedThis section describes how to get started using your VAIO computer.❑ Locating Controls and Ports (page 10)❑ Abou

90nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Setting the PasswordChanging/Removing the Power-on PasswordTo change or remove the power-on password (machine p

91nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Setting the PasswordTo change or remove the power-on password (user password)1 Turn on the computer.2 Press the

92nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Setting the PasswordAdding the Hard Disk PasswordThe hard disk password provides additional security for the da

93nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Setting the PasswordTo add the hard disk password1 Turn on the computer.2 Press the F2 key when the VAIO logo a

94nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Setting the PasswordChanging/Removing the Hard Disk PasswordTo change the hard disk password1 Turn on the compu

95nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Setting the PasswordTo remove the hard disk password1 Turn on the computer.2 Press the F2 key when the VAIO log

96nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Using the VAIO Control CenterUsing the VAIO Control CenterThe VAIO Control Center utility allows you to access

97nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Power Saving ModesUsing the Power Saving ModesYou can take advantage of the power management settings

98nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Power Saving ModesUsing Sleep ModeSleep mode turns off the LCD screen and places the built-in storage

99nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer >Using the Power Saving ModesIf the computer is not used for a certain period of time, it will enter Sleep mode.