Manual abstract:
e is low. To avoid loss of data when using battery power, you should save your data frequently and manually activate a power management mode, such as Standby or Hibernate. If the battery wears out when the computer enters Standby mode, you will lose any unsaved data. Going back to the previous work state is impossible. To avoid loss of data, you should save your data frequently. When the computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack installed, it uses power from the AC outlet.
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Getting Started
Removing the Battery Pack
! You may lose data if you remove the battery pack while the computer is on and not connected to the AC adapter or if you remove the battery while the computer is in Standby mode.
To remove the battery pack
1 2 Turn off the computer and close the LCD screen lid. Slide and hold the release latch (1) and slide the battery away from the computer.
If the battery is stuck by the side spring locks, release one lock and then the other to remove the battery.
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Getting Started
Shutting Down Your Computer Safely
To avoid losing unsaved data, be sure to shut down your computer properly, as described below.
To shut down your computer
1 2 3 4 Turn off any peripherals connected to the computer. Click Start and then Turn Off Computer. The Turn off computer window appears. Click Turn Off. Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents or to consider other users and wait for the computer to turn off automatically. The power indicator light turns off.
See the printed Troubleshooting Guide if you have problems shutting down the computer.
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Using Your VAIO Computer
Using Your VAIO Computer
Once you have read and followed the information in the printed Specifications Guide, you can start using your computer safely and confidently. Read on to get the most out of using your computer. Using the Keyboard (page 28) Using the Touch Pad (page 31) Using Special-function Buttons (page 32) Using the Optical Disc Drive (page 34) Using PC Cards (page 42) Using the Memory Stick Media (page 45) Using Other Memory Cards (page 48) Using the Internet (page 50) Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 52) Using the Bluetooth Functionality (page 62)
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Using Your VAIO Computer
Using the Keyboard
Your keyboard is very similar to a desktop computer keyboard, but has additional keys that perform model-specific tasks. For more information on the standard keys, see Help and Support Center and click on the Customizing your computer link. The VAIO-Link web site (www.vaio-link.com) also contains glossary information to help you use the keyboard.
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Using Your VAIO Computer
Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key
Some functions are not available until Windows is launched. Combinations/Feature
Fn + 8 (F5/F6): brightness control
Functions
Adjusts the brightness of the LCD. To increase lightness intensity, press Fn+F6 and then M or ,, or keep pressing Fn+F6. To decrease lightness intensity, press Fn+F5 and then m or <, or keep pressing Fn+F5. Toggles between the LCD, external device (e.g. monitor) and both LCD and external device. Changes the screen resolution to magnify/restore the screen view.
Fn + Fn +
/T (F7): switch to the external display (F10): zoom
The default resolutions of the standard view and the magnified view are as follows: Standard view: 1366 x 768 pixels Magnified view: 1064 x 600 pixels The magnified view is not as clear as the standard view, as it is implemented by applying a lower resolution to the LCD screen with a higher resolution. This key combination is disabled during video playback. Make sure to quit such software before pressing the key combination. This key combination may not work with graphic images as it magnifies the screen view by changing the resolution. The location and size of software windows may change when the screen view is magnified or the standard view is restored because pressing this key combination changes the resolution. When the LCD screen view is magnified, switching the view to the external display disables the function and restores the standard view.
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Using Your VAIO Computer
Combinations/Feature
Fn + (F12): Hibernate
Functions
Provides for the lowest level of power consumption. When you execute this command, the states of the system and the peripheral devices are written to the hard disk and the system power is turned off. To return the system to its original state, use the power switch to turn on the power. For details on power management, see Using the Power Saving Modes (page 93).
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Using Your VAIO Computer
Using the Touch Pad
The keyboard contains a cursor-pointing device, the touch pad (1). You can point to, select, drag, and scroll objects on the screen using the touch pad.
Action
Point Click Double-click Right-click Drag Scroll
Description
Slide one finger on the touch pad to place the pointer (2) on an item or object. Press the left button (3) once. Press the left button twice. Press the right button (4) once. In many applications, this action displays a shortcut menu. Slide one finger while pressing the left button. Move your finger along the right edge of the touch pad to scroll vertically. Move your finger along the bottom to scroll horizontally (the scroll function is available only with applications that support a touch pad scroll feature).
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Using Your VAIO Computer
Using Special-function Buttons
Your computer is equipped with special buttons to help you use specific functions of the computer. The AV MODE, Play/Pause, Stop, Previous track, Next track, and Disc drive eject buttons support Instant Mode. When the computer is off or in Hibernate, only the AV MODE button is enabled. See the printed Instant Mode booklet for more information on the Instant Mode.
Special-function button Functions
When Windows is NOT launched: Activates Instant Mode to enable you immediately to play CDs and DVDs and view the image data stored in the memory card, such as a Memory Stick media or SD card, without launching Windows. See the printed Instant Mode booklet for more information. When Windows is launched and running: Launches the VAIO Zone software by default. You can change this button assignment with the AV Mode Button settings utility. To start this utility, press and hold the AV MODE button. See the help file on the AV Mode Button Settings utility for more information. You need administrator rights on the computer to change the AV MODE button assignment. This button is enabled in Instant Mode as well as when Windows is launched and running. Starts or pauses DVD/CD playback with the VAIO Zone software. This button is enabled in Instant Mode as well as when Windows is launched and running. Stops DVD/CD playback with the VAIO Zone software. This button is enabled in Instant Mode as well as when Windows is launched and running. Plays the previous chapter/movie in the DVD or the previous song in the CD during playback with the VAIO Zone software. You can also press and hold this shortcut button for rewinding. This button is enabled in Instant Mode as well as when Windows is launched and running. Plays the next chapter/movie in the DVD or the next song in the CD during playback with the VAIO Zone software. You can also press and hold this shortcut button for fast-fowarding.
AV MODE button
Play/Pause button
Stop button
Previous track button
Next track button
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Using Your VAIO Computer
Special-function button
Functions
Ejects the drive tray. If this button does not work, try the substitute drive eject button on the optical disc drive. Turns the speaker and microphone volume on and off. Increase and decrease the volume.
Disc drive eject button Mute button Volume buttons (Volume up and Volume down)
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Using Your VAIO Computer
Using the Optical Disc Drive
Your computer is equipped with an optical disc drive.
To insert a disc
1 2 Turn on the computer. Press the drive eject button (1) to open the drive. The tray slides out.
If power supply to the optical disc drive is disabled by VAIO Power Management, it will take a while to eject the drive tray. Note that the substitute drive eject button is disabled when the optical disc drive is not powered. When recovering your system, turn on the computer and press the substitute drive eject button on the optical disc drive. Insert your Recovery Disc into the optical disc drive, turn off the computer, and then turn on the computer again to launch the VAIO Recovery Wizard.
3
Place a disc in the middle of the tray with the label side facing up until the disc clicks into place.
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Using Your VAIO Computer
4
Close the tray by pushing it in gently.
! Do not remove the optical disc when the computer is in a power saving mode (Standby or Hibernate). Doing so may cause the computer to malfunction.
If you plan to use an external optical disc drive, connect the drive before you launch any preinstalled CD/DVD program. See the printed Troubleshooting Guide if you have problems using discs.
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Using Your VAIO Computer
Reading and Writing CDs and DVDs
Your computer plays and records CDs and DVDs, depending on the model you purchased. Check your specifications for the type of optical disc drive installed on your model. Use the table below to see which types of media your optical disc drive supports.
Optical disc drive
CD-ROM DVD-ROM
Plays
CD, CD-R, and CD-RW DVD+R, DVD+RW and DVD+R DL (Double Layer)*
Records to
--
CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD and most DVD-R, DVD-RW, --
CD-RW/DVD-ROM
CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, most DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+R DL (Double Layer)* and DVD+RW
CD-R and CD-RW
DVD±RW
CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, most DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+R DL (Double Layer)* and DVD+RW
CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+R DL (Double Layer)* and DVD+RW
*
On selected models only.
! This product is designed to playback discs that conform to the Compact Disc Digital Audio standard specifications (CD Standard). A DualDisc is a two sided disc product which mates DVD recorded material on one side with digital audio material on the other side. Please be aware that the audio side (non-DVD side) of a DualDisc may not play on this product because it does not conform to the CD Standard. ! Due to the multiple formats of discs now available, when buying pre-recorded or blank discs for use with a VAIO computer, be sure to read the notices on the disc packaging carefully to check both playback and recording compatibility with your computer's optical disc drives. Sony does NOT guarantee the compatibility of VAIO CD drives with discs that not compliant with the official "CD" format standard (or "DVD" standard in relation to DVD drives). USING NON-COMPLIANT DISCS CAN CAUSE FATAL DAMAGE TO YOUR VAIO PC OR CREATE SOFTWARE CONFLICTS AND CAUSE SYSTEM HANGING. For inquiries about disc formats, contact the individual publisher of the pre-recorded disc or the manufacturer of the recordable disc.
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Using Your VAIO Computer
Supports writing to DVD-RW discs compliant with DVD-RW version 1.1/1.2. Supports writing to DVD-R discs compliant with DVD-R for General version 2.0/2.1. Supports 8cm disc reading, but does not support 8cm disc writing. Writing to DVD+R DL (Double Layer) discs is available only on discs supporting DVD+R DL (Double Layer) recording.
Notes on writing data onto a disc
To make the data on a disc readable on an optical disc drive, you need to close the session when you eject it. To complete this process, follow the instructions included with your software. Only use circular discs. Do not use discs in any other shape (star, heart, card, etc.), as this may damage the optical disc drive. Do not strike or shake the computer while writing data onto a disc. Deactivate the screen saver and exit anti-virus software before writing data onto a disc. Do not use memory-resident utility software while writing data to a disc. This may cause the computer to malfunction. When using your software application to burn discs, make sure you exit and close all other applications. Never touch the surface of the disc. Fingerprints and dust on the surface of a disc may cause writing errors. Do not switch power modes while using the pre-installed software and while using the CD burning software. Never put stickers on discs. This will affect the use of the disc irreparably. Connect and use the AC adapter to power the computer or make sure your battery is at least 50 percent charged.
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Using Your VAIO Computer
Notes on playing DVDs
To achieve optimum performance when playing DVDs, you should follow these recommendations. You can play DVDs using the optical disc drive and the DVD playback software, such as VAIO Zone or WinDVD. See the help file on such software for details. Close all open applications before playing a DVD movie. Do not use memory-resident utility software to speed up disc access when playing a DVD. This may cause the computer to malfunction. Deactivate the screen saver and exit anti-virus software before playing a disc. Some discs recorded at 20 or 24 bits may produce noise while playing. If you have audio devices connected, this may damage your hearing and the speakers. Reduce the volume before playing a DVD. Do not switch power saving modes while the computer is playing a DVD. Region codes indicators are labeled on the DVDs to indicate in which region and on what type of player you can play the disc. Unless a "2" (Europe belongs to region "2") or "all" (this means that you can play this DVD in most regions of the world) is labeled on your DVD disc or on the packaging, you cannot play the disc on this player.
! If you change the DVD region code while the WinDVD software is running, restart the software or eject the disc and re-insert it to make the new setting effective.
Do not try to change the region code settings of the DVD drive. Any difficulties caused by changing the region code settings of the DVD drive are out of warranty. If the computer has Wireless LAN and Wireless LAN is activated, playing DVDs may cause some interruptions in audio and video. When you are playing a DVD (video or audio) and you want to remove a USB device, such as USB-compatible speakers, make sure you stop the DVD first. Removing a USB-compatible device during DVD (video or audio) playback may cause a malfunction.
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Using Your VAIO Computer
Playing CDs
To play an audio CD
1 2 Insert the disc into the optical disc drive. If nothing appears on the desktop once you insert an audio CD disc, then click Start, point to All Programs, and click to open a CD program, such as the SonicStage software. If the Audio CD window appears, click to select an option.
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Using Your VAIO Computer
Copying Files to CDs
To determine which type of CD your computer supports, see Reading and Writing CDs and DVDs (page 36).
To copy files to a CD-RW or CD-R
! Do not strike or shake the computer while writing data onto a disc.
1 2 3
Insert a blank CD-R or CD-RW disc into the optical disc drive. If the CD Drive window appears, click Take no action. Open Windows Explorer by pressing the Windows key and the E key simultaneously. In the Folders panel on the left, locate the file(s) or folder(s) you want to copy and either: Right-click the file(s) or folder(s), point to Send To, and click the optical disc drive* name. Drag the file(s) or folder(s) onto the optical disc drive icon in the Files Stored on This Computer panel.
4 5 6 7 8
*
Close Windows Explorer. Click Start and then My Computer. Click the optical disc drive icon under Devices with Removable Storage. A new window appears with the file(s) or folder(s) you want to copy listed under Files Ready to Be Written to the CD. In the CD Writing Tasks box, click Write these files to CD. Follow the instructions in the CD Writing Wizard.
The read/write drive letter designation may vary, depending on your system's hardware configuration.
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Using Your VAIO Computer
Playing DVDs
To play a DVD
1 2 3 4 Close all open programs. Insert the DVD into the optical disc drive. Click Start and point to All Programs. Select a DVD software program to play the DVD.
For instructions on how to use a program, see the help guide included with the DVD software program.
Copying Files to DVDs
To copy files to a DVD-R or DVD-RW
1 2 3 4 Connect the AC adapter to the computer. Insert the disc into the optical disc drive. Click Start and point to All Programs. Select a DVD software program you want to use from the submenu.
For instructions on how to use a program, see the help guide included with the DVD software program.
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Using Your VAIO Computer
Using PC Cards
PC Cards allow you to connect portable external devices to your computer.
Inserting a PC Card
! Some PC Cards or their functions may not be compatible with the computer.
You do not need to shut down the computer before inserting or removing a PC Card.
To insert a PC Card
1 2 3 4 5 Push the PC Card release button so that the release button pops out. Push the PC Card release button a second time so that the PC Card slot protector pops out. Gently take hold of the protector and pull it out of the slot. Insert the PC Card into the PC Card slot with the front label facing up. Gently push the PC Card into the slot. The PC Card is automatically detected by your system. The Safely Remove Hardware icon appears on the taskbar.
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Using Your VAIO Computer
! When not using a PC Card, insert the PC Card slot protector to protect against debris entering the slot.
Before carrying the computer, make sure to insert the PC Card slot protector into the slot.
Some devices may not function properly if you continually switch to Normal mode from Standby mode or Hibernate mode. For some PC Cards, if you alternate between Normal mode and Standby or Hibernate mode while the card is inserted, you may find that a device connected to your system is not recognized. Restart your system to correct the problem. Restarting will restore the original state of the computer. While the card is inserted, the computer may not enter Hibernate power management mode. It may enter Standby mode. We recommend that you remove the card before the computer enters Hibernate mode. Make sure you use the most recent software driver provided by the PC Card manufacturer. If an "!" mark appears on the Device Manager tab in the System Properties window, remove the software driver and then reinstall it. Do not force a PC Card into the slot. It may damage the connector pins. If you have difficulty inserting a PC Card, check that you are inserting the PC Card in the correct direction. See the manual supplied with your PC Card for more information on use.
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Using Your VAIO Computer
Removing a PC Card
Follow the steps below to remove the PC Card while your computer is on. If it is not removed properly, your system may not work properly.
To remove a PC Card
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
To remove a PC Card when the computer is off, skip steps 1 to 7.
Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon on the taskbar. The Safely Remove Hardware window appears. Select the hardware you want to unplug. Click Stop. The Stop a Hardware Device window appears. Confirm that the device can be safely removed from the system. Click OK. A window appears, explaining that it is safe to remove the device. Click OK. Click Close. Push the PC Card release button so that the release button pops out. Push the PC Card release button a second time so that the PC Card pops out.
10 Gently take hold of the Card and pull it out of the slot. 11 If the PC Card release button is still out, push it back in.
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Using Your VAIO Computer
Using the Memory Stick Media
Your computer supports the Memory Stick media. Memory Stick media is a compact, portable, and versatile device especially designed for exchanging and sharing digital data with compatible products, such as digital cameras, mobile phones and other devices. Because it is removable, it can be used for external data storage. See the printed Specifications Guide to see which Memory Stick media types are compatible with your model and if there are any limitations. You can purchase Memory Stick media from the Sony Style website (www.sonystyle-europe.com), or from your local Sony dealer. Detailed information about which VAIO computers are compatible with which Memory Stick media can be found at www.vaio-link.com.
Write-protecting a Memory Stick Media
Some versions of Memory Stick media are designed with an erasure prevention switch to protect valuable data from accidental erasure or overwriting. Move the tab horizontally or vertically* to set or release write-protection. When the erasure prevention switch is off, data can be saved on the Memory Stick media. When the erasure prevention switch is on, data can be read from but not saved on the Memory Stick media.
*
Some versions of Memory Stick media do not have an erasure prevention switch.
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Using Your VAIO Computer
Inserting a Memory Stick Media
There are two ways you can insert a Memory Stick media into your computer: Using the Memory Stick media slot; Using a PC Card slot. To do this, you need an optional PC Card adapter. You can only insert one Memory Stick media at a time.
To insert a Memory Stick media using the Memory Stick media slot
1 2 Insert the Memory Stick media with the arrow facing up and toward the Memory Stick media slot. Carefully slide the Memory Stick media into the slot until it clicks in place. The Memory Stick media is automatically detected by your system and appears in your My Computer window as a local drive, under the appropriate letter (depending on the configuration of the computer).
! Be sure to hold the Memory Stick media with the arrow pointing in the correct direction as you insert it into the slot. To avoid damaging the computer or the Memory Stick media, do not force the Memory Stick media into the slot if it does not insert smoothly.
Do not insert more than one Memory Stick media into the Memory Stick media slot. Inserting the media improperly may damage the computer.
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Using Your VAIO Computer
The computer supports Memory Stick Duo media and is equipped with the Memory Stick combo slot that is compatible with both standard- and duosize media. For more information on Memory Stick Duo media, visit the Memory Stick web site at http://www.memorystick.com/en/.
To view the contents of the Memory Stick media
1 2 Click Start and then My Computer to open the My Computer window. Double-click the Memory Stick media icon to view the list of data files saved in the Memory Stick media.
To format a Memory Stick media
Use the Memory Stick Formatter software. See the help file on the Memory Stick Formatter software for details.
Removing a Memory Stick Media
To remove a Memory Stick media using the Memory Stick media slot
1 2 3 Check that the Media Access indicator is off. Push the Memory Stick media in toward the computer. The Memory Stick media ejects. Pull the Memory Stick media out of the slot.
! Always remove the Memory Stick media gently, or it may pop out unexpectedly.
Do not remove the Memory Stick media while the Media Access indicator is turned on. If you do, you may lose data. Large volumes of data may take time to load, so be sure the indicator is off before removing the Memory Stick media.
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Using Your VAIO Computer
Using Other Memory Cards
In addition to the Memory Stick media slot, your computer is equipped with an SD card slot to accommodate other memory cards. You can use this slot to transfer data between digital cameras, camcorders, music players, and other audio/video devices.
Before You Use Memory Cards
Your computer supports the following memory cards: Multi Media Card (MMC) Secure Digital (SD) For the latest information on compatible memory cards, visit the Sony online support Web site regularly.
! Always insert the correct memory card into the appropriate memory card slot.
Do not attempt to insert a different memory card or memory card adapter into a different memory card slot. An incompatible memory card or adapter may be difficult to remove from the wrong slot and can cause damage your computer. Use care when inserting or removing a memory card from the slot. Do not force the memory card in or out of the slot.
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Using Your VAIO Computer
Inserting a Memory Card
To insert a memory card
1 Locate the SD card slot on the front of the computer.
2
Insert the memory card into the slot, in the direction of the arrow on the media. Do not force the card into the slot.
If the memory card does not go into the slot easily, remove it gently and verify you are inserting it in the proper direction.
Removing a Memory Card
! Do not remove a memory card while the Media Access indicator light is on. The card or its data may become damaged.
To remove a memory card
1 2 Press the extended part of the memory card, causing it to extend out from the slot. When the card extends, carefully pull it out of the slot.
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Using Your VAIO Computer
Using the Internet
Setting Up a Dial-up Internet Connection
Before you can connect to the Internet, you need to connect your computer to a telephone line via a telephone cable (not supplied). Once you set up your telephone cable, you're ready to connect to the Internet.
To connect a telephone cable
1 2 Plug one end of the phone cable (1) into the modem port Plug the other end into the wall jack (2). on the computer.
The computer does not work with party lines, cannot be connected to a coin-operated telephone, and may not work with multiple telephone lines or a private branch exchange (PBX). Some of these connections may result in excess electrical current and could cause a malfunction in the internal modem. If you connect a telephone cable coming through a splitter, the modem or connected device may not work ...
= 9.15
= 1.66