Sony VGN-N29VN User Manual

NUser GuidePersonal ComputerVGN-N series

10nNBefore UseMy Club VAIOIn My Club VAIO you can find:Documentation, which gives you:❑ Access to the User Guide. This manual explains the features of

100nNPrecautionsOn Handling Your Computer❑ Clean the cabinet with a soft cloth, which is dry or lightly moistened with a mild detergent solution. Do n

101nNPrecautions❑ Use only specified peripheral equipment and interface cables; otherwise, problems may occur.❑ Do not use cut or damaged connection c

102nNPrecautionsOn Handling Floppy Disks❑ Do not open the shutter manually or touch the surface of the floppy disk.❑ Keep floppy disks away from magne

103nNPrecautionsOn 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

104nNPrecautionsOn Using 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 s

105nNPrecautionsOn Using Headphones❑ Road safety – Do not use headphones while driving, cycling, or operating any motorized vehicle. It may create a t

106nNPrecautionsOn Handling Memory Stick Media❑ Do not use the media in a location subject to static electricity or electrical noise.❑ Do not touch th

107nNPrecautionsOn 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

108nNTroubleshootingTroubleshootingThis section describes how to solve common problems you might encounter when using your VAIO computer. Many problem

109nNTroubleshootingComputerWhat should I do if my computer does not start?❑ Make sure your computer is securely plugged into a power source and turne

11nNBefore UseWindows Help and SupportWindows Help and Support is a comprehensive resource for practical advice, tutorials, and demonstrations to help

110nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if a BIOS error appears when I turn on my computer?If the message "Press <F1> to resume, <F2> to

111nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if my computer or software stops responding?❑ If your computer stops responding while a software application is r

112nNTroubleshootingWhy doesn't my computer enter Sleep or Hibernate mode?Your computer may become unstable if the operating mode is changed befo

113nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if a message window, notifying of incompatibility or improper installation of the battery pack, appears and my co

114nNTroubleshootingWhat 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

115nNTroubleshootingHow can I change the volume of the startup sound?To change the startup sound volume1 Turn on the computer.2 Press the F2 key when

116nNTroubleshootingSystem SecurityThis section provides information about keeping your computer operating smoothly and protecting against potential t

117nNTroubleshootingBatteryHow do I find the battery charging status? See Charging the Battery Pack (page 25). When is my computer using AC power? Whe

118nNTroubleshootingShould 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

119nNTroubleshootingInternetWhat should I do if my modem does not work?❑ Make sure the telephone cable is securely plugged into the modem port on your

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

120nNTroubleshootingWhy is my modem connection slow?Your computer is equipped with a V.92/ V.90 compatible modem. Many factors may influence modem con

121nNTroubleshootingNetworkingWhat should I do if my computer cannot connect to a wireless LAN access point?❑ Connection availability is affected by d

122nNTroubleshootingWhy is the data transfer speed slow?❑ The wireless LAN data transfer speed is affected by distance and obstructions between device

123nNTroubleshootingWhat are channels?❑ Wireless LAN communication occurs on divided frequency bands known as channels. Third-party wireless LAN acces

124nNTroubleshootingOptical 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

125nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if I cannot play a CD or DVD properly on my computer?❑ Make sure the disc is inserted into the optical disc drive

126nNTroubleshooting5 Double-click the optical disc drive device to open a list of the optical disc drives of your computer.6 Double-click the desired

127nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if I cannot write data to CD media?❑ Make sure you neither launch any software application nor allow any to launc

128nNTroubleshootingDisplayWhy did my computer screen go blank?❑ Your computer screen may go blank if the computer has lost power or has entered a pow

129nNTroubleshootingWhy doesn't my computer screen display a video?❑ If the external display is selected for the display output and the external

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

130nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if the external display stays blank?If you cannot change the display output with the Fn+F7 keys, you need to chan

131nNTroubleshootingPrintingWhat should I do if I cannot print a document?❑ Make sure your printer is on, and the printer cable is securely connected

132nNTroubleshootingMicrophoneWhat should I do if my microphone does not work?If you are using an external microphone, make sure the microphone is tur

133nNTroubleshootingMouseWhat should I do if my computer does not recognize my mouse?❑ Make sure your mouse is securely plugged into the port.❑ Restar

134nNTroubleshootingSpeakersWhat should I do if my speakers do not work?❑ Make sure your speakers are properly connected and the volume is turned up l

135nNTroubleshootingTouch PadWhat should I do if the touch pad does not work?❑ You may have disabled the touch pad without connecting a mouse to your

136nNTroubleshootingKeyboardWhat should I do if the keyboard configuration is wrong?The language layout of your computer's keyboard is labeled on

137nNTroubleshootingFloppy DisksWhy doesn't the Safely Remove Hardware icon appear on the taskbar when the drive is connected?Your computer does

138nNTroubleshootingAudio/VideoWhat should I do if I cannot use my DV camcorder?If the message appears to indicate DV equipment seems to be disconnect

139nNTroubleshootingMemory Stick MediaWhat should I do if I cannot use Memory Stick media, which were formatted on a VAIO computer, on other devices?Y

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

140nNTroubleshootingPeripheralsWhat should I do if I cannot connect a USB device?❑ If applicable, check the USB device is turned on and using its own

141nNSupport OptionsSupport OptionsThe section contains information on where to go for answers to questions about your VAIO computer.Sony Support Info

142nNSupport Optionse-SupportWhat is e-Support?You have searched our user guides and Web site (http://www.vaio-link.com) but have not found an answer

143nNSupport OptionsCan 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

144nNSupport OptionsTrademarksSony, Battery Checker, Click to DVD, DVgate Plus, SonicStage CP, SonicStage Mastering Studio, VAIO Control Center, VAIO

145nNSupport OptionsSD is a registered trademark of Toshiba Corporation.MultiMediaCard™ is a trademark of MultiMediaCard Association.All other names o

© 2007 Sony Corporationn

15nNGetting StartedLocating Controls and PortsTake a moment to identify the controls and ports shown on the following pages.FrontA Num lock indicator

16nNGetting StartedBackA Network (Ethernet) port (page 76)B Modem port (page 54)C Battery connector (page 23)D DC IN port (page 21)

17nNGetting StartedRightA WIRELESS switch (page 55)B Headphones jack (page 62)C Microphone jack (page 69)D Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports*1 (page 70)E E

18nNGetting StartedLeftA Security slotB Optical disc drive (page 33)C Optical disc drive indicator (page 20)D Drive eject button (page 33)E Manual eje

19nNGetting StartedBottom A Air ventsB Memory module compartment cover (page 93)C Built-in speakers (stereo)

2nNContentsBefore Use ...

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

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

22nNGetting Started✍To disconnect your computer completely from AC power, unplug the AC adapter.Make sure that the AC outlet is easily accessible.If y

23nNGetting StartedUsing the Battery PackThe battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of purchase.Installing the Batt

24nNGetting Started4 Slide the battery lock switch (1) to the LOCK position to secure the battery pack on the computer.✍When your computer is directly

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

26nNGetting Started✍When the battery pack is running out of power, both the battery and power indicator lights blink.Keep the battery pack in your com

27nNGetting 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

28nNGetting StartedShutting Down Your Computer SafelyTo avoid losing unsaved data, be sure to shut down your computer properly, as described below.To

29nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Your VAIO ComputerThis section describes how to get the most out of using your VAIO computer.❑ Using the Keyboard (p

3nNUsing Peripheral Devices...

30nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the KeyboardYour keyboard is very similar to a desktop computer keyboard, but has additional keys that perform model

31nNUsing Your VAIO Computer Fn + (F10): zoomChanges the screen resolution to magnify/restore your computer's screen view.✍The default resolut

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

34nNUsing 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

35nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerReading and Writing Optical DiscsYour computer plays and records CDs and DVDs, depending on the model you purchased. Check

36nNUsing Your VAIO Computer!This product is designed to playback discs that conform to the Compact Disc Digital Audio standard specifications (CD Sta

37nNUsing Your VAIO Computer!To play copyright protected Blu-ray Discs continually, you need to update the AACS key. Note that the AACS key update req

38nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerNotes on writing data to a disc❑ Use only Sony Value-added software when writing to CD/DVD media. (e.g. Click to DVD) Othe

39nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerNotes on playing discsTo achieve optimum performance when playing DVDs, you should follow these recommendations.❑ Close al

4nNPrecautions ...

40nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerPlaying CDsTo play an audio CD1 Insert a disc into the optical disc drive. 2 If nothing appears on the desktop, then click

41nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerPlaying DVDsTo play a DVD1 Close all running software applications.2 Insert a DVD into the optical disc drive.3 If nothing

42nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the ExpressCard ModuleYour computer is equipped with either a Universal ExpressCard slot* or an ExpressCard™/34 slot

43nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerInserting an ExpressCard Module!Use care when inserting or removing the ExpressCard module from the slot. Do not force it

44nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerRemoving an ExpressCard ModuleFollow the steps below to remove the ExpressCard module while your computer is on. If it is

45nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Memory Stick MediaYour computer supports the Memory Stick media. Memory Stick media is a compact, portable, and

46nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerInserting a Memory Stick MediaTo insert a Memory Stick media1 Locate the Memory Stick PRO/Duo media slot.2 Hold the Memory

47nNUsing Your VAIO Computer!Be sure to hold the Memory Stick media with the arrow pointing in the correct direction as you insert it into the slot. T

48nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo format a Memory Stick mediaThe Memory Stick media has been formatted in the factory default setting and is ready for us

49nNUsing Your VAIO Computer6 At the confirmation prompt, click OK.The formatting process starts.!It may take time to format the Memory Stick media de

5nNFloppy Disks ...

50nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerRemoving a Memory Stick MediaTo remove a Memory Stick media1 Check that the Media Access indicator light is off.2 Push the

51nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Other Memory CardsIn addition to the Memory Stick PRO/Duo media slot, your computer is equipped with an SD memory ca

52nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerInserting a Memory CardTo insert a memory card1 Locate the SD memory card slot on the front of the computer.2 Hold the mem

53nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerRemoving a Memory Card!Do not remove a memory card while the Media Access indicator light is on. The card or its data may

54nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the InternetSetting Up a Dial-up Internet ConnectionBefore you can connect to the Internet, you need to connect your

55nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Wireless LAN (WLAN)Using the Sony Wireless LAN (WLAN), all your digital devices with built-in WLAN functionality com

56nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerWireless LAN devices using the IEEE 802.11a standard and the ones using the IEEE 802.11b or g standard cannot communicate

57nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerCommunicating without an Access Point (Ad-hoc)An ad-hoc network is a network in which a local network is created only by t

58nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo communicate without an access point (ad-hoc)1 Turn on the WIRELESS or WIRELESS LAN switch.The Wireless LAN indicator li

59nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerCommunicating with an Access Point (Infrastructure)An infrastructure network is a network that extends an existing wired l

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

61nNUsing Peripheral DevicesUsing Peripheral DevicesYou can add functionality to your VAIO computer by using the various ports on the computer.❑ Conne

62nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting External SpeakersYou can enhance the sound quality of your computer by connecting external speakers.To connect

63nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting an External DisplayYou can connect an external display (not supplied) to your computer. For example, you can us

64nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a Multimedia Computer DisplayYou can connect a multimedia computer display that includes built-in speakers and

65nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a ProjectorYou can connect a projector (for example, the Sony LCD projector) directly to your computer.To conne

66nNUsing Peripheral DevicesSelecting Display ModesYou can select which display to be used as the primary monitor when an external display (desktop mo

67nNUsing Peripheral DevicesUsing the Multiple Monitors FunctionThe Multiple Monitors function allows you to distribute portions of your desktop acros

68nNUsing Peripheral DevicesTo select the Multiple Monitors mode1 Right-click on the desktop and select Personalize from the shortcut menu.2 Click Dis

69nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting an External MicrophoneIf you need to use a sound input device (for example, to chat over the Internet) you need

7nNBefore UseENERGY STARAs an ENERGY STAR Partner, Sony has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.The In

70nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) DeviceTo prevent your computer and/or USB devices from damage, observe the followi

71nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a USB Floppy Disk DriveYou can purchase a USB floppy disk drive and connect it to your computer.To connect a US

72nNUsing Peripheral DevicesDisconnecting a USB floppy disk driveYou can disconnect a USB floppy disk drive when your computer is on or off. Disconnec

73nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a PrinterYou can connect a Windows-compatible printer to your computer to print documents.Connecting a Printer

74nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting an i.LINK DeviceNotes on connecting i.LINK devices❑ Your computer is equipped with an i.LINK port, which you ca

75nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a Digital Video CamcorderTo connect a digital video camcorder1 Plug one end of an i.LINK cable (1) (not supplie

76nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting to a Network (LAN)You can connect your computer to 100BASE-TX/10BASE-T-type networks with an Ethernet network c

77nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerThis section briefly describes how to change the main settings of your VAIO computer.

78nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerSetting the PasswordUse one of the BIOS functions to set the password.Once you have set the password, you will have

79nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerTo add the power-on password1 Turn on the computer.2 Press the F2 key when the VAIO logo appears.The BIOS setup scre

8nNBefore UseDocumentationYour documentation includes printed information and user guides to read on your VAIO computer.Guides are provided in PDF for

80nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerChanging/Removing the Power-on PasswordTo change or remove the power-on password1 Turn on the computer.2 Press the F

81nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerSetting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control CenterThe VAIO Control Center utility allows you to consult system inform

82nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Power Saving ModesWhen you use a battery pack as the power source for your computer, you can take advantag

83nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Sleep ModeSleep mode turns off the LCD screen and places the hard disk and the CPU into a low power consumptio

84nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerIf the computer is not used for 25 minutes, it will enter Sleep mode. To avoid this, you can change the Sleep mode s

85nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Hibernate ModeIn Hibernate mode, the state of the system is saved on the hard disk and power is turned off. Ev

86nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerManaging Power with VAIO Power ManagementPower management helps you set up power schemes for running on AC power or

87nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerActivating VAIO Power Management Power SchemesVAIO Power Management provides several predefined power schemes. Each

88nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerConfiguring Your ModemBefore you can start using your internal modem (not all modem are built-in), or each time you

89nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer8 If you modified your location settings, click Apply, and then OK.The Phone and Modem Options window appears.9 Chec

9nNBefore UsePrinted Documentation❑ A Setting Up Poster — Describes the process from unpacking to starting up your VAIO.❑ Troubleshooting Guide — Cont

90nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerYour VAIO computer and memory modules use high precision components and electronic connect

91nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerAdding and Removing MemoryIf you want to expand the functionality of your computer, you can increase the memory by ins

92nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer❑ Use the special bag delivered with the memory module or wrap the module in aluminum foil to protect it from electros

93nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerRemoving and Installing a Memory ModuleTo change or add a memory module1 Shut down the computer and disconnect all per

94nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer6 Remove the memory module:❑ Pull the latches in the direction of the arrows (1).The memory module is released.❑ Make

95nNUpgrading 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

96nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerViewing the Amount of MemoryTo view the amount of memory1 Turn on the computer.2 Click Start, All Programs, and VAIO C

97nNPrecautionsPrecautionsThis section describes safety guidelines and precautions to help you protect your VAIO computer from potential damage.❑ On H

98nNPrecautionsOn Handling the LCD Screen❑ Do not leave the LCD screen facing the sun. This could damage the LCD screen. Be careful when using your co

99nNPrecautionsOn Using the Power Source❑ See the online Specifications to check the power operation of your model.❑ Do not share the AC outlet with o