Page 1 Welcome Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO This user guide provides detailed information on all aspects of using your new VAIO computer, from keyboard functions to preinstalled software programs. In the left navigation window, click the topics you want to learn more about, and that information will be displayed in this main window.
Page 2: Powering Your Computer
Powering Your Computer Your VAIO computer comes with a battery and an AC adapter. This chapter explains how to install and use these supplied ® accessories to power your computer. It also describes ways you can efficiently utilize the battery as a power source. ...
Page 3: Using Ac Power
Using AC Power The supplied battery is not charged when you receive your computer. To use your computer immediately, use the supplied AC adapter as the power source. While the computer uses AC power, it automatically charges the battery if it is inserted. Using the Battery for more information on installing and using your battery.
Page 4 Connecting the AC adapter To connect the AC adapter Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC IN port on your computer. Connecting the AC Adapter to the Com puter Plug one end of the power cord into the AC adapter, and plug the other end into an AC outlet. Use only the supplied AC adapter with your computer.
Page 5 Turning on the computer To turn on the computer Slide the release lever to the right, and lift the cover while holding the bottom of the computer firmly. Opening the Com puter Press the power button until the power indicator turns on. Turning on the Com puter If you hold the power button down, the computer turns off.
Page 6: Using The Battery
Using the Battery A battery is an auxiliary power source you can use when your computer is not plugged into an AC outlet. Your computer may come equipped with one or two battery bays, depending on the model you purchased. If your computer comes with two battery bays, you can purchase a second rechargeable battery to extend your computing time.
Page 7 Inserting a battery To insert a battery Push the battery bay cover down to open it. The battery bay cover swings out but does not detach from the computer. Opening the Battery Bay Slide the battery into the battery bay. If the computer is on, it automatically detects the battery. Inserting a Battery Push the battery bay cover up until it clicks into place.
Page 8 Removing a battery If you are not using the computer for an extended period of time, remove the battery from the computer to avoid damaging the battery. You can remove the battery when the computer is on or off. If the computer is on, connect the AC adapter and exit a power saving mode before you remove the battery. To remove a battery Push the battery bay cover down to open it.
Page 9 Using a second battery To insert a second battery If another device is in the multipurpose bay, remove that device. Insert the battery into the multipurpose bay. When the computer uses the second battery, the Battery 2 indicator turns on. Inserting the Second Battery To remove the second battery Make sure the Battery 2 indicator is off and the Battery 1 indicator is on or the computer is connected to AC...
Page 10 Displaying battery information You can display the remaining battery charge on the Battery Information toolbar and/or the Battery Information window. To display the Battery Information toolbar Right-click the center of the Windows Select Toolbars from the shortcut menu, and click Battery Information. The Battery Information toolbar appears on the taskbar.
Page 11 Click Help in the lower right corner of the window for more information. The battery icons that appear on the Battery Information toolbar and the Battery Information window indicate the current status of the installed battery. Battery icon Battery status Charging Fully charged Discharging...
Page 12 Charging a battery You will need to charge the battery if battery power drops below 10 percent or you have not used the battery for a long time. The lithium-ion battery supplied with your computer may be recharged at any time, whether you wait until the battery is completely or partially discharged.
Page 13 Notes on batteries  Never leave the battery in temperatures above 140°F (60°C), such as under direct sunlight or in a car parked in the sun.  While the battery is in use or being discharged, the battery heats up. This is normal and is not cause for concern. ...
Page 14 Frequently asked questions How do I know when the battery is charged? To determine the remaining battery charge, see When is the computer using AC power? When the computer is directly connected to the AC adapter, it uses AC power, even if a battery is installed. When should I recharge the battery? ...
Page 15: Conserving Battery Power
Conserving Battery Power You may use the power saving modes and PowerPanel significantly extend your computing time, depending on how you use your computer.  Using power saving modes  Using the PowerPanel utility  Frequently asked questions utility to conserve battery power. Conserving battery power may Page 15...
Page 16 Using power saving modes In addition to the normal operating mode, which allows you to turn off specific devices, your computer has two distinct power saving modes: Standby and Hibernate. You can use the Standby and Hibernate power saving modes to override a profile setting or initiate an immediate action.
Page 17 Using the PowerPanel utility The PowerPanel utility enables you to select and customize a predefined power management profile to conserve battery life. The following table describes all the predefined power management profiles in PowerPanel. Your computer is set to Automatic Profile Selection by default. You can customize the settings for all the following profiles, except the Disable Power Management profile.
Page 18 Do not choose the Automatic Profile Selection when connected to AC power. To select a profile Right-click the CPU icon on the Windows taskbar. Select Profiles, and click the profile on the shortcut menu. The profile settings are implemented instantly. See Using the PowerPanel utility When you use the battery to power your computer, your system automatically selects the Maximum Battery Life power management profile by default.
Page 19 HDD Standby Timer Controls the time it takes the system to switch the hard disk drive to Standby mode when the system is idle. This setting only turns off power to the hard disk drive. i.LINK Port Controls the power supply to the i.LINK port.
Page 20 Frequently asked questions Can my computer enter Hibernate mode while using battery power? Your computer can enter Hibernate mode while using battery power, but some software programs and peripheral devices prevent the system from entering Hibernate mode at all. If you are using a program that prevents the system from entering Hibernate mode, save your data frequently.
Page 21: Internet And Network Connections
Internet and Network Connections  Internet Connections  Network Connections  Connecting Another VAIO Computer Page 21...
Page 22: Internet Connections
Connection Wizard guides you through the process of connecting to the Internet and choosing an Internet service provider (ISP) or setting up an existing account. When you connect to the Internet, you can register your VAIO services, and gain access to Sony Computing Support. ...
Page 23 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 have set up your telephone cable, you're ready to connect to the Internet. To connect a telephone cable Locate the Modem jack on your computer.
Page 24 Setting up an Ethernet Internet connection Your computer accommodates both 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX Ethernet connections, with data transfer speeds of between 10 and 100 Mbps, depending on the line conditions and Ethernet cable. To connect an Ethernet cable Locate the Ethernet port on your computer. For location information, see Locating Ports and Controls in the Setting Up chapter of your printed VAIO Connecting an Ethernet Cable Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into your computer's Ethernet port...
Page 25 Customizing your Internet connection The Internet Properties dialog box enables you to change the way you view the Internet. You can change your home page, fonts, language, and colors. You can also regulate content and set your browsing preferences. To open the Internet Properties dialog box Click Start on the Windows ®...
Page 26  Make sure the telephone number the program is dialing is correct.  Make sure the software you are using is compatible with the computer's modem. (All preinstalled Sony programs are compatible.)  If you are still experiencing problems, use the supplied Application Recovery CD(s) to reinstall the modem driver software.
Page 27: Network Connections
Network Connections With a Sony computer, you can easily set up or connect to a variety of networks. The New Connection Wizard and Network Setup Wizard make it easy to gain access to remote and local area networks (LANs) using wireless, Ethernet, or dial-up connections.
Page 28 Using Ethernet and dial-up connections Local area networks (LANs) comprise a group of computers and associated devices within a small geographic area, such as a home or office building. For setting up LANs, Ethernet is a widely installed technology. Your computer accommodates both 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX Ethernet connections, with data transfer speeds of between 10 and 100 Mbps, depending on the Ethernet cable.
Page 29 Microsoft Windows Help by clicking Help and Support from the Start menu, and then clicking Networking and the Web in ® ® the left panel. To connect to a remote network using a telephone or Ethernet cable Connect an Ethernet or telephone cable to your computer. See dial-up Internet connection From the Start menu, point to All Programs, Accessories, Communications, and click New Connection Wizard.
Page 30 A wireless local area network (LAN) is a network in which you can connect to a LAN through a wireless (radio) connection. You can opt to purchase a Sony Wireless LAN Access Point to set up a LAN. The wireless LAN access point is designed for building a wireless LAN environment. Because a wireless LAN configuration requires no wiring, you can operate multiple computers more freely than ever before.
Page 31 Select a network from the Available networks list box. Type the network key of the available network in the Network key box. See your network administrator for this information. Click Connect. To set up a wireless network Insert a Wireless LAN PC Card into the PC Card slot. See LAN indicator turns on.
Page 32 Click to cancel the The key is provided for me automatically check box. Type between 5 and 13 ASCII characters or 10 to 26 hexadecimal characters in the Network key box. 10. Click OK. Your new network name appears in the Preferred networks list box. To set up a computer-to-computer (ad-hoc) network Insert a Wireless LAN PC Card into the PC Card slot.
Page 33 Make sure the appropriate device name is selected, and click OK. A message appears stating it is now safe to remove the hardware device. Remove the PC Card. See Removing PC Cards Turning off the wireless LAN functionality while accessing remote documents, files, or resources may result in data loss.
Page 34 Checking your network connection status Whether you have a wireless, Ethernet, or dial-up connection, you can check the status of that connection by double-clicking the Wireless Network Connection icon on your taskbar. The Wireless Network Connection Status window appears. Wireless Network Connection Status Window Page 34...
Page 35 Frequently asked questions Why can't my computer connect to a wireless LAN access point?  Connection availability is affected by distance and obstructions. You may need to move your computer away from obstructions or closer to any access point you may be using. ...
Page 36 Wireless LAN communication occurs on divided frequency bands known as channels. Third-party wireless LAN access point channels may be preset to different channels from Sony devices. If you are using a wireless LAN access point, refer to connectivity information contained in your access point instructions.
Page 37: Connecting Another Vaio Computer
N K is a trademark of Sony us ed to des ignate that a produc t c ontains an I E E E 1 3 9 4 c onnec tion. T he i.LI...
Page 38 Connecting VAIO computers When you connect two VAIO computers, you can use one computer to edit, copy, or delete files on the other computer. You can also print from a printer attached to either computer. To connect VAIO computers Plug one end of the i.LINK cable into the i.LINK port Click Start on the Windows ®...
Page 39 Disconnecting VAIO computers You can disconnect two VAIO computers when the computers are on or off. ® To disconnect VAIO computers when the computers are on Close all open files that are shared with the connected computers. Unplug the i.LINK cable from the i.LINK port on each computer.
Page 40: Frequently Asked Questions
N K is a trademark of Sony us ed only to des ignate that a produc t c ontains an I E E E 1 3 9 4 c onnec tion. T he i.LI...
Page 41: Cds, Dvds, And Optical Drives
CDs, DVDs, and Optical Drives  Inserting and Ejecting CDs or DVDs  Copying and Playing CDs  Copying and Playing DVDs Page 41...
Page 42: Inserting And Ejecting Cds Or Dvds
Inserting and Ejecting CDs or DVDs Avoid using adhesive labels to identify your CDs or DVDs. Adhesive labels may damage the optical drive if they come off while the disc is in the drive. To insert a CD or DVD Turn on the computer or exit a power saving mode (Standby or Hibernate) if one is active.
Page 43 into the manual eject hole next to the Eject button. Lift the disc from the drive. Push the drive tray gently to close it. Page 43...
Page 44: Copying And Playing Cds
Copying and Playing CDs You can use the optical drive installed in your computer to play CDs and copy files to CD-Rs and CD-RWs.  Playing CDs  Copying files to a CD-RW or CD-R Do not remove the optical drive when the computer is in a power saving mode (Standby or Hibernate). Doing so may cause the computer to malfunction.
Page 45 Playing CDs Before you play an audio CD, you may need to enable your computer's audio feature. To enable the audio feature Click Start on the Windows ® System Properties window appears. Select the Hardware tab, and click Device Manager in the Device Manager box. A window with a listing of the computer's hardware devices appears.
Page 46 Copying files to a CD-RW or CD-R Before you write data to a CD-RW or CD-R, read the following notes to avoid a computer malfunction and ensure the best writing results:  Deactivate the screen saver and exit anti-virus software. ...
Page 47: Copying And Playing Dvds
Copying and Playing DVDs The type of optical drive installed in your computer may vary, depending on the model you purchased. Computers equipped with a CD-RW/DVD drive can play DVDs and can read most DVD-R media. Computers equipped with a DVD-RW drive can play and copy files to DVDs.
Page 48 Playing DVDs You can play a DVD on your computer or TV. If you watch DVDs on your computer, use either the AC adapter or the supplied battery for power. To play a DVD on the computer using AC power Close all open programs.
Page 49 Switch the TV input channel to external input. See the guide that came with your peripheral device for more information on its installation and use. Restart the computer by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete, and then selecting Restart from the Shut Down menu of the Windows Task Manager dialog box.
Page 50 Disconnecting the TV from the computer Simply unplug the audio-video (AV) cable from the A/V OUT jack on the computer. Page 50...
Page 51 You can copy files to a DVD-R or DVD-RW if your computer is equipped with a DVD-RW drive. Use the DVD-RW drive and the preinstalled Click to DVD or Drag'n Drop CD/DVD program to create your own DVDs. The Sony Click to DVD program is ideal for creating full-featured video DVDs, and the Drag'n Drop CD/DVD program is ideal for creating data DVDs.
Page 52 Frequently asked questions How do I maintain CDs and DVDs?  Avoid touching the surface of the disc with your fingers. Fingerprints and dust on the surface of the disc may cause reading errors.  To clean the disc, hold the edge of the disc, and use a soft cloth to wipe the surface from the center out. If the disc is badly soiled, moisten a soft cloth with water, wring it out well, and use it to wipe the surface of the disc from the center out.
Page 53 Click Start on the Windows System. The System Properties window appears. Select the Hardware tab, and click Device Manager in the Device Manager box. A window with a listing of the computer's hardware devices appears. Double-click the optical drive to open the submenu. Double-click the listed drive name, and select the Properties tab.
Page 54 Press Fn+F8 to select either the computer or TV display. See Selecting a display mode for more information. The Fn+F8 key combination will not work once a DVD is inserted into the optical drive. Switching the display while a DVD is playing may cause the computer to malfunction, and you may need to restart the DVD software.
Page 55: Printer Connections
Printer Connections  Printing With Your Computer Page 55...
Page 56: Printing With Your Computer
Printing With Your Computer You can connect a universal serial bus (USB) printer or a parallel port printer to your computer. To print properly, the printer you connect must be compatible with the Microsoft  Connecting a printer  Disconnecting a printer ...
Page 57 Connecting a printer Your computer is compatible with many popular printers. The New Hardware Wizard guides you through the software installation process. Some printers require separate driver software installation. See the instructions that accompanied your printer for more information. If you cannot print once you have connected your computer to your printer, see asked questions in this section for more information.
Page 58 See the guide that came with the parallel port printer for more information on its installation and use. Page 58...
Page 59 Disconnecting a printer You can disconnect a USB or parallel printer when the computer is on or off. Disconnecting a printer when the computer is in a power saving mode (Standby or Hibernate) may cause the computer to malfunction. To disconnect a printer ...
Page 60  You may need to enable the computer's printer settings. Click Start, and point to All Programs, Sony Notebook Setup, and click Sony Notebook Setup again. Click the Device tab. In the left panel, make sure the Printer Port check box is selected, and click Setting.
Page 61: Computer Features
Computer Features  Using the Keyboard  Using the Touch Pad  Using the Jog Dial Control  Using Memory Stick Media  Using the Multilingual User Interface Language Option  Changing the Window Design of Sony Programs Page 61...
Page 62: Using The Keyboard
Using the Keyboard Your keyboard is very similar to a typewriter's, but your computer keyboard has additional keys that perform specific computer-related tasks.  Key locations and descriptions  Combinations and functions with the Windows key  Indicators  Combinations and functions with the Fn key Page 62...
Page 63 Key locations and descriptions Keyboard Description Numeric keypad Contains the keys found on a typical calculator. Use the numeric keypad area to type numbers or to perform mathematical calculations such as addition and subtraction. Numbers appear on the front beveled edge of the numeric keys.
Page 64 Page 64...
Page 65 Combinations and functions with the Windows key Combination Function + F1 Displays the VAIO Help and Support Center window. + Tab Switches the selected button on the taskbar. Displays the desktop. Displays the My Computer window. Displays the Search Results window, where you can find a file or folder. This is the equivalent of selecting Search from the Start menu.
Page 66 Indicators Indicator Function Power Turns on when the power to the computer is on, blinks in Standby mode, and turns off when the computer is in Hibernate mode or off. Battery Turns on when the computer is using battery power, blinks when the battery is running out of power, double-blinks when the battery is charging.
Page 67 Combinations and functions with the Fn key If you switch user identities during a computing session, the Fn+F7 key functionality (if available on your computer) will be interrupted. To switch to an external display or monitor, see Combinations/ Feature Function Fn + (F3) Mute On/Off...
Page 68 Fn + B Bass Boost Toggles the bass-boost function off and on. This feature is available only while using headphones. You can also carry out these functions using the Jog Dial Control. Some functions are not available until the Microsoft Windows operating system launches.
Page 69: Using The Touchpad
Using the Touch Pad The keyboard contains a pointing device called a touch pad. You can point to, select, drag, and scroll objects on the screen using the built-in touch pad.  Describing the touch pad  Customizing the touch pad ...
Page 70 Describing the touch pad Locating and Describing the Touch Pad Action Description Point Slide one finger on the touch pad to place the pointer on an item or object. Click Press the left button once. Double-click Press the left button twice. Right-click Press the right button once.
Page 71 Customizing the touch pad Sony Notebook Setup lets you customize your touch pad, such as enable or disable the touch pad. You can also open the Mouse Properties dialog box, which enables you to set your touch pad and mouse preferences, such as changing pointers, enabling or disabling the tapping feature, clicking both buttons simultaneously, and adjusting the touch pad speed.
Page 72 Frequently asked questions Why doesn't the touch pad work?  You may have disabled the touch pad without connecting a mouse to the computer. See for more information.  Restart the computer to activate the touch pad again.  If your touch pad is interpreting a single tap as a double-click, adjust the button assignments. Follow these steps: Press the Windows Click the Tools menu, and select Folder Options.
Page 73: Using The Jog Dial Control
Using the Jog Dial Control Your computer is equipped with a Jog Dial programs, folders, and documents from a predefined list. The Jog Dial control and Jog Dial Navigator are compatible with preinstalled software programs that support Jog Dial Navigator functions. ...
Page 74 Locating the Jog Dial control Jog Dial Control To use the Jog Dial control  Rotate the Jog Dial Control to scroll up and down a menu.  Press the Jog Dial control to select a menu item.  Press the Back button (on selected models) to return to the previous menu. If your computer does not come with a Back button, you can select Return on the Jog Dial Launcher to go back to the previous menu.
Page 75 Using the Jog Dial Navigator icon The Jog Dial Navigator icon appears on the taskbar when you turn on your computer. The arrows on the Jog Dial Navigator icon on the taskbar change to show the direction in which you are turning the Jog Dial Control.
Page 76 Using the Jog Dial Bar The Jog Dial Bar appears as a floating window on your desktop when you double-click the Jog Dial Navigator icon the taskbar. Jog Dial Bar Features Action 1 Jog Dial icon Right-click to display a shortcut menu. This icon is also displayed on the Microsoft 2 VAIO Settings button Click to display computer settings, such as volume and screen brightness.
Page 77 Using Jog Dial Launcher Jog Dial Launcher displays a menu of programs installed on your computer. You can use the Jog Dial open these programs. To open Jog Dial Launcher  Click the Launcher button  Press and hold Ctrl, and then press the Jog Dial control. To open a program Open Jog Dial Launcher.
Page 78 Application Enables you to carry out commands for specific Sony programs. Scroll Enables you to scroll through an active window and the Start menu of specific Sony programs. To select Application mode when a program is open  Click APPS on the Jog Dial Bar. When you select Application mode, the Jog Dial Navigator window appears at the lower right side of the program window.
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Page 80 Changing Jog Dial Navigator settings You can change the Jog Dial Navigator settings to modify the Jog Dial Navigator functionality and appearance. To change settings Click the Jog Dial Setting button Jog Dial Setting Dialog Box Click the tabs near the top of the dialog box to view options, and then make your changes. Click Apply, and then click OK.
Page 81: Using Memory Stick Media
Using Memory Stick Media This compact, portable, and versatile recording medium has a data capacity exceeding that of a floppy disk. The medium is specially designed for exchanging and sharing digital data with compatible products. Because it is removable, the media can be used for external data storage.
Page 82 Selecting Memory Stick media The following two types of Memory Stick  MagicGate Memory Stick media (hereafter called MG Memory Stick media), which is provided with copyright protection  Memory Stick media, which does not have the same copyright protection as MagicGate Memory Stick media Some music files with secure copyright protection may be stored on MG Memory Stick media but not on regular Memory Stick media.You can also use MagicGate media-compatible devices to record and playback music when they are connected to your computer.
Page 83 Inserting Memory Stick media Before using Memory Stick media, back up important data. The media slot accommodates only one Memory Stick media at a ® time. To insert Memory Stick media Insert the Memory Stick media with the arrow facing up and toward the Memory Stick media slot. Inserting the media in the wrong direction may damage the connector pins.
Page 84 Viewing the contents Depending on the model you purchased, the Sony Memory Stick window appears automatically when you insert a Memory Stick media. From this window, you can choose to view, print, copy or organize your Memory Stick images or data. If the...
Page 85 Write-protecting Memory Stick media Memory Stick media is designed with a write-protect tab to protect data from accidental erasure or overwriting. Move the ® tab to the right or left to set or release write-protection. When the write-protect tab of the Memory Stick media is set to LOCK, data cannot be recorded or erased.
Page 86 From the Start menu, click My Computer. The My Computer window appears. Right-click Sony MemoryStick, and click Format from the menu. The Format Sony MemoryStick dialog box appears. Select Quick Format in the Format options box, and then click Start.
Page 87 Removing Memory Stick media If the media is removed prematurely, a blue screen with an error message appears prompting you to continue or exit. Reinsert the media into the slot and press Enter to continue. This enables the media to finish reading or writing data. To remove Memory Stick media Wait a minimum of 10 seconds after the Memory Stick media finishes reading or writing data before removing the media.
Page 88 Using recorded music requires permission of the copyright holders.  Sony is not responsible for music files that cannot be recorded from a CD or downloaded from other sources. Can I copy images from a digital video camera using Memory Stick media? Yes, and you can view video clips that you have recorded with Memory Stick media-compatible video camera recorders.
Page 89: Using The Multilingual User Interface Language Option
Using the Multilingual User Interface Language Option (Microsoft Windows XP Professional only) After you have initially setup your new VAIO ® ® language displayed in Microsoft Windows ® option changes the text controlled by Windows XP Professional operating system. Menus, help files, and icons generated by Windows XP Professional are shown in your selected language.
Page 90 Changing Numbers, Currency, Time, and Date Formats You can change your operating system's number, currency, time, and date formats to coordinate with your chosen country or language settings. To change these formats Click Start on the Windows taskbar, and then click Control Panel. Click Date, Time, Language and Regional Options, and click Regional and Language Options.
Page 91: Changing The Window Design Of Sony Programs
Click << or >> to view the designs. Click Apply to select a design that appears in the center window. The UI Design Selector window design changes. The window design for your Sony software will match the UI Design Selector window. Click OK.
Page 92: Connecting Mice And Keyboards
Connecting Mice and Keyboards  Using External Mice and Keyboards Page 92...
Page 93: Using External Mice And Keyboards
Using External Mice and Keyboards You can connect a universal serial bus (USB) mouse or keyboard to your computer. If you purchased a port replicator, you can also connect a PS/2 mouse or keyboard to the port replicator. To function properly, the device you connect must be ®...
Page 94 Connecting a USB mouse or keyboard Your computer is compatible with many popular mice and keyboards. The New Hardware Wizard guides you through the software installation process. Some devices require separate driver software installation. See the instructions that accompanied your mouse or keyboard for more information. If the mouse or keyboard does not work once you have connected it to your computer, see Your computer can be on or off when connecting a mouse or keyboard.
Page 95 Connecting a PS/2 mouse or keyboard You can connect either an external PS/2 Connect only one PS/2 device to the port replicator at a time. See the instructions that accompanied your mouse or keyboard for more information. If the mouse or keyboard does not work once you have connected it to your port replicator, Frequently asked questions for more information.
Page 96 Disconnecting a mouse or keyboard You can disconnect a USB or PS/2 keyboard when the computer is in a power saving mode (Standby or Hibernate) may cause the computer to malfunction. To disconnect the mouse or keyboard  Unplug the USB cable from the USB port ...
Page 97 Frequently asked questions Why doesn't the computer recognize the mouse?  Make sure the mouse is securely plugged into the USB or Mouse/Keyboard (PS/2) port. See mouse or keyboard Connecting a PS/2 mouse or keyboard  You may need to install or reinstall the mouse driver software. Use the supplied Application Recovery CD to install the drivers.
Page 98: Floppy Disk Drives And Pc Cards
Floppy Disk Drives and PC Cards  Using Floppy Disk Drives  Using PC Cards Page 98...
Page 99: Using Floppy Disk Drives
Using Floppy Disk Drives You can connect a floppy disk drive to your computer or port replicator (not supplied). The floppy disk drive enables you to read data stored on a floppy disk.  Connecting a floppy disk drive  Inserting and removing floppy disks ...
Page 100 Connecting a floppy disk drive You can connect a floppy disk drive when your computer is on or off. Connecting the drive when the computer is in a power saving mode (Standby or Hibernate) may cause the computer to malfunction. To connect a floppy disk drive Close any active programs to prevent data loss.
Page 101 Inserting and removing floppy disks Floppy disks are portable devices that store data. To protect your floppy disks, keep them away from magnets and direct sunlight or other heat sources. To insert a floppy disk Hold the floppy disk with the label facing up. Push the floppy disk into the drive until it clicks into place.
Page 102 Notes on handling floppy disks  Do not open the shutter manually and touch the surface of the floppy disk.  Keep floppy disks away from magnets.  Keep floppy disk away from direct sunlight and other heat sources. Page 102...
Page 103 Disconnecting a floppy disk drive You can disconnect a floppy disk drive when the computer is on or off. Disconnecting the drive when the computer is in a power saving mode (Standby or Hibernate) may cause the computer to malfunction. To disconnect a floppy disk drive Close any active programs to prevent data loss.
Page 104 Carrying the floppy disk drive Fold the floppy disk drive cable and connector into the side compartment on the floppy disk drive. Carrying a Floppy Disk Driv e Page 104...
Page 105 Frequently asked questions Why doesn't the Safety Remove Hardware icon The computer does not recognize the floppy disk drive. First, make sure the USB cable is properly connected to the USB port. If you need to secure the connection, wait a few moments for the computer to recognize the drive. If the icon still does not appear, follow these steps: Close all programs that were opened from the disk and wait for the LED indicator to turn off.
Page 106: Using Pc Cards
Using PC Cards Your computer includes one or more PC Card slots. A PC Card enables you to connect portable external devices such as another hard disk drive or a PC Network Interface Card (NIC) to connect to a network. See your VAIO Computer Specifications for the type of PC Card that is compatible with your computer.
Page 107 Your computer may contain PC Card slot protectors. Remove these protectors before you insert a PC Card into the slot. To remove slot protectors. Some PC Cards may require you to disable idle devices when using the PC Card. You can use Sony Notebook Setup to disable devices.
Page 108 Removing PC Cards You can remove PC Cards while the computer is on or off. PC Cards draw power from the computer when they are inserted into the PC Card slot, whether or not you use the card. If you are not using your PC Card and you are using a battery as a power source, remove the PC Card from the PC Card slot to conserve battery power.
Page 109 The PC Card drive enables you to read data stored on a DVD or CD. Your computer may come with an external PC Card drive, depending on the model you purchased. If you wish to purchase an optional PC Card drive, shop Sony online at http://www.sonystyle.com/vaio or contact your local retailer.
Page 110 Click Stop. The Stop a Hardware device window appears. Make sure the PC Card drive is selected, and click OK. A message appears stating it is now safe to remove the hardware device. Eject the PC Card from the PC Card slot. Page 110...
Page 111 Make sure the PC Card is inserted properly. See  Make sure the PC Card is compatible with the Microsoft  Use the Sony Notebook Setup utility to disable devices you are not currently using. See Setup for more information. ...
Page 112: Connecting A Port Replicator
Connecting a Port Replicator  Locating Ports and Connectors  Using the Port Replicator Page 112...
Page 113: Locating Ports And Connectors
Locating Ports and Connectors You can purchase a port replicator to use with the computer you purchased. The port replicator contains several ports and connectors, which enable you to connect additional peripherals to your computer. Back USB ports 2 LINE IN jacks 3 S Video Out jack Network port (Ethernet 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX port)
Page 114: Using The Port Replicator
Using the Port Replicator Connecting the port replicator You must use the AC adapter to power the computer when it is connected to the port replicator. However, you can insert the battery to charge it while you are using the AC adapter to power the port replicator. Make sure you insert the battery before you connect the port replicator.
Page 115 Using the Port Replicator Connecting the port replicator You must use the AC adapter to power the computer when it is connected to the port replicator. However, you can insert the battery to charge it while you are using the AC adapter to power the port replicator. Make sure you insert the battery before you connect the port replicator.
Page 116 Removing the port replicator To remove the port replicator Close any active programs to prevent data loss. Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon appears. Click to select the floppy disk drive in the Hardware devices window, if it is not already selected. Click Stop.
Page 117: Audio And Video Connections
Audio and Video Connections  Using i.LINK Digital-Video Recorders  Using Computer Monitors and Projectors  Using Speakers, CD Players, or Amplifiers  Using Microphones Page 117...
Page 118: Using I.link Digital-Video Recorders
N K is a trademark of Sony us ed to des ignate that a produc t c ontains an I E E E 1 3 9 4 c onnec tor. T he i.LI...
Page 119 Connecting an i.LINK digital video recorder You can connect an i.LINK digital video (DV) recorder when the computer is powered on or off. Connecting the DV recorder when the computer is in a power saving mode (Standby or Hibernate) may cause the computer to malfunction. To connect an i.LINK digital video recorder Turn on the DV device and the computer.
Page 120 Disconnecting the i.LINK digital video recorder You can disconnect the i.LINK digital video recorder when the computer is on or off. Disconnecting the DV device when the computer is in a power saving mode (Standby or Hibernate) may cause the computer to malfunction. To disconnect the i.LINK DV recorder when the computer is off Turn off the computer and the i.LINK DV device.
Page 121 Using a digital video camera recorder Your computer comes with preinstalled driver software that is compatible with most Sony digital video camera recorders. If you purchased a camera that comes with its own driver software, install these drivers before you use the camera.
Page 122 Notes on connecting an i.LINK device  Do not connect more than one digital video camera recorder at a time. The programs supplied with your computer will not recognize multiple cameras.  Do not connect an external device that requires power from the i.LINK port. The i.LINK port cannot supply power to the external device.
Page 123 N K is a trademark of Sony us ed only to des ignate that a produc t c ontains an I E E E 1 3 9 4 c onnec tion. T he i.LI...
Page 124: Using Computer Monitors And Projectors
Using Computer Monitors and Projectors You can connect an external display (such as a computer monitor or a projector) to your computer or port replicator (not supplied).  Connecting a computer monitor  Connecting a TV  Connecting a projector ...
Page 125 Connecting a computer monitor You can display the images on the computer screen (LCD) onto an external computer monitor. The external monitor displays the operations you perform on your computer. To connect a computer monitor Make sure the computer monitor is plugged into an AC outlet. Turn off the computer.
Page 126 Connecting a TV You can connect a multimedia display, such as a TV or a VCR, to the computer or the port replicator (not supplied). To connect a TV to the computer Plug the display into an AC outlet. Plug the display cable into the A/V OUT jack on your computer. Plug the other end of the AV cable into the video-in port on the display.
Page 127 jack on the port replicator. The S Video Out jack and the AV Out jack are not designed to be used simultaneously. If you connect cables to both jacks, only the S Video jack will function. Connecting a TV to the Port Replicator Switch the TV input channel to external input.
Page 128 Connecting a projector You can use a projector to display the actions and images on the computer screen (LCD). To connect a projector Plug the projector into an AC outlet. Turn off the computer. Plug the display cable into the Monitor (VGA) port Plug the other end of the display cable into the projector.
Page 129 Selecting a display mode This computer uses the ATI video controller. When you connect your computer to an external display (projector, computer monitor, or TV), you can switch the display mode between the computer screen (LCD) and the external display, using shortcut keys or the Display Properties settings.
Page 130 Disconnecting a computer monitor or projector You can disconnect the external computer monitor or projector by unplugging the display or Monitor (VGA) cable from your computer's port. Disconnecting the external display when the computer is in a power saving mode (Standby or Hibernate) may cause the computer to malfunction.
Page 131: Using Speakers, Cd Players, Or Amplifiers
Using Speakers, CD Players, or Amplifiers Your computer comes with built-in stereo speakers. If you wish to enhance the sound quality of your computer, you can purchase and connect external speakers. You can also purchase and connect other audio devices, such as a CD player or an amplifier.
Page 132 Connecting standard speakers Do not place floppy disks on the speakers. The speakers' magnetic field may damage the data stored on the floppy disks. To connect standard speakers to your computer Turn down the volume of the speakers. Plug the speaker cable into the Headphone jack Plug the other end of the speaker cable into the speaker.
Page 133 Disconnecting standard speakers You can disconnect external speakers when the computer is on or off. Simply unplug the speaker cable from the Headphone jack on the computer. Page 133...
Page 134 Connecting active speakers or amplifiers You can connect amplifiers or active speakers, which are equipped with amplifiers, to the port replicator or the computer. To connect active speakers or amplifiers to the port replicator Connect the port replicator to the computer. See Plug the audio cable into the LINE OUT jacks on the port replicator.
Page 135 Disconnecting active speakers or amplifiers You can disconnect active speakers or amplifiers when the computer is on or off. Simply unplug the audio cable from the LINE OUT on the port replicator or the A/V OUT jack on the computer. Page 135...
Page 136 Connecting CD, MiniDisc, or audio cassette players You can connect CD, MiniDisc, or audio cassette players to the port replicator. To connect CD, MiniDisc, or audio cassette players Connect the port replicator to the computer. See Plug the audio cable into the LINE IN jacks on the port replicator. The LINE IN jacks consist of one Audio (L) jack and one Audio (R) jack.
Page 137 Disconnecting CD, MiniDisc, or audio cassette players You can disconnect CD, MiniDisc, or audio cassette player when the computer is on or off. Simply unplug the audio cable from the LINE IN jack on the port replicator. Page 137...
Page 138 Adjusting the volume To adjust the volume for playing CDs and DVDs, use the Volume icon control. Adjusting the volume for playing CDs or DVDs does not adjust the volume for recording CDs or DVDs. You can only adjust the recording volume in the Recording Control window. See record for instructions on how to open this window.
Page 139 Enabling the audio feature If you do not hear sound when playing a CD or DVD, you may need to enable the audio feature. To enable the audio feature Click Start on the Windows ® Click Performance and Maintenance, and click System. The System Properties window appears. Select the Hardware tab, and click Device Manager.
Page 140 Frequently asked questions Why won't my speakers work?  Make sure the speakers are properly connected and the volume is turned up loud enough to hear sound.  Your speakers may not be designed for computer use.  If the speakers have a mute button, set the button to off. ...
Page 141: Using Microphones
You can connect an external microphone to your computer to enhance the sound input to your computer. Make sure your microphone is designed for computer use. If you wish to purchase a microphone, shop Sony online at http://www.sonystyle.com/vaio or contact your local retailer.
Page 142 Connecting a microphone Plug the microphone cable into the Microphone jack on the computer. Connecting a Microphone Jack See the guide that came with your microphone for more information on its installation and use. A protruding dot loc ated next to the M ic rophone jac k dis tinguis hes this jac k from the H eadphone jac k. Page 142...
Page 143 Disconnecting a microphone You can disconnect an external microphone when the computer is on or off. Simply unplug the microphone cable from the Microphone jack on the computer. Page 143...
Page 144 Using a microphone or other device to record You can record messages, memos, or other recordings in analog by connecting a microphone or other audio device to the Microphone jack on your computer or port replicator and switching the jack functionality. The Microphone jack MIC IN (monaural).
Page 145 Frequently asked questions Why doesn't my microphone work? If you are using an external microphone, make sure the microphone is properly plugged into the Microphone jack on the computer. See Connecting a microphone for more information. Page 145...
Page 146: Preinstalled Programs
Preinstalled Programs  Software Programs On Your Computer  DVgate Program Notes  Program Support Information Page 146...
Page 147: Software Programs On Your Computer
Software Programs On Your Computer Your computer may not be supplied with all of the programs listed in purchased. Preinstalled software may not be identical to retail versions or include supporting documentation.  Program overview  Frequently asked questions Program overview, depending on the configuration you Page 147...
Page 148 Click to DVD (On selected models) Sony Electronics Inc. At the touch of a button, Click to DVD software enables you to automatically burn DVDs from videos or still pictures. Create DVDs by capturing video content straight from a digital video (DV) device or stored video files — and you can also edit the video if desired.
Page 149 Sony Electronics Inc. PictureGear Studio image management software displays images from your hard drive or a Sony digital still camera. The images appear in a convenient light-table format, so that you can easily view the contents of an entire folder and create your own photo albums and make prints.
Page 150 Internet content. Sony on Yahoo! Yahoo! Inc. Personalize your own Web portal with Sony on Yahoo! Get a free Web mail account, customized news and local weather reports, comics, instant messaging, and more. VAIO Edit Components Sony Electronics Inc.
Page 151 Make sure you place the CD in the tray with the label facing up. Which program do I use for CD-R/CD-RW functions? Use the preinstalled Sony SonicStage program and Windows model you purchased is preconfigured with all of the necessary components for CD-R and CD-RW capability.
Page 152: Dvgate Program Notes
DVgate Program Notes  Recording images to a digital video device  Adjusting image resolution  Saving to your hard disk drive Page 152...
Page 153 Recording images to a digital video device If your system displays the message, "Failed to record to DV deck, please check deck's power status, cable connection...," while you are recording images to a digital video device using the DVgate program, close all open programs, and restart your computer.
Page 154 Adjusting image resolution If the images on the computer screen (LCD) do not display smoothly, the resolution may not be set correctly. To check the resolution From the DVgate Motion-Monitor window, click Setup. From the shortcut menu, point to Settings, and then select Low Resolution. The settings you change in this menu affect the images in the monitor window only.
Page 155 Saving to your hard disk drive In order to improve the performance of your computer's DVgate been formatted with two partitions, C and D. The C partition holds 40 percent and the D partition holds 60 percent of the entire drive capacity. The DVgate program saves files to the D partition. This prevents large video captures from consuming the available space on your C partition.
Page 156: Program Support Information
Program Support Information  Sony Service Center Adobe Acrobat Reader , Photoshop ® ® ® Web site http://www.adobe.com/ e-mail techdocs@adobe.com telephone 206-675-6126 (fee-based support) 206-628-5737 hours M-F, 6 A.M.-5 P.M. (Pacific time) America Online (America Online, Inc.) ® Web site http://www.aol.com/...
Page 157 RealOne Player (RealNetworks, Inc.) Web site http://service.real.com/rjoptions.html e-mail http://service.real.com/help/call.html Sony Applications (Sony Electronics Inc.) Web site http://www.sony.com/pcsupport telephone 888-4-SONY-PC (888-476-6972) hours 7 days a week, 24 hours a day Support from 1 -8 8 8 -4 -SO N Y -P C is free of c harge for 9 0 days after the original date of purc has e.
Page 158 Sony Service Center For the Sony Service Center nearest you, call 1-888-4-SONY-PC (1-888-476-6972) or find Sony Customer Service on the Web at http://www.ita.sel.sony.com/support. Page 158...
Page 159: Memory Upgrades
Memory Upgrades  Upgrading Your Computer's Memory Page 159...
Page 160: Upgrading Your Computer's Memory
Upgrading Your Computer's Memory Before you begin upgrading your computer's memory, make sure you read page to view the VAIO Computer Specifications for the type of module and amount of memory installed on your computer. ® See also Typical expansion memory configuration. upgrades and information about which memory modules to use, refer to your VAIO ...
Page 161 The procedures described below assume familiarity with the general terminology associated with personal computers and with the safety practices and regulatory compliance required for using and modifying electronic equipment. Sony recommends that memory upgrades be performed by an authorized Sony Service Center. To find the nearest center or agent, go to: http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.
Page 162 Typical expansion memory configuration Total System Memory (MB) On board (MB) Slot (MB) 1024 Page 162...
Page 163 Removing and installing memory modules Make sure you read Precautions and procedures module, do not open the module package until you are ready to install it. The package protects the module from Electrostatic discharge (ESD). To remove a memory module Turn off the computer and all peripheral devices.
Page 164 Snap the connectors into place when the board is correctly seated, and close the computer cover. Replace the fastening screws on the bottom of the computer. Make sure the system memory matches the amount of installed memory. See for more information. Confirming added memory capacity Page 164...
Page 165 Click Start on the Windows ® Select Sony Notebook Setup from the submenu. The Sony Notebook Setup dialog box appears. On the About This Computer tab, make sure the System Memory displayed in the System Information box matches the amount of memory installed.
Page 166: Using The Recovery Cds
Using the Recovery CDs  Application and System Recovery CDs  Using Your Recovery CDs Page 166...
Page 167: Application And System Recovery Cds
CDs. If your computer does not come with an optical drive, use an external optical drive. Application Recovery CD(s) Sony Electronics Inc. This CD enables you to reinstall individual software programs and device drivers if they become corrupted or are erased.
Page 168: Using Your Recovery Cds
Using Your Recovery CDs The following sections describe how to use the Application Recovery and System Recovery utilities.  Using the Application Recovery CD(s)  Using the System Recovery CD(s) Page 168...
Page 169 Logon to the Microsoft Windows ® Insert Sony Application Recovery CD No. 1 into your computer's optical drive. The Application Recovery utility loads automatically. Click OK in the VAIO welcome window. The Sony Application Recovery Program window appears. Double-click the Software folder icon.
Page 170 You are prompted to insert the next CD(s), depending on the application or driver you want to restore. If you have any questions about using the Application Recovery CD(s), visit http://www.sony.com/pcsupport, or contact Sony Customer Support at 1-888-4-SONY-PC.
Page 171 Your system may take a few minutes to load necessary files. A blue screen may appear during the downloading process. Insert the Sony System Recovery CD into the optical drive. The first CD must be in the drive before you restart your computer.
Page 172 Your system may include one or more System Recovery CDs. If you have more than one System Recovery CDs, insert the first CD to run the System Recovery program. You are prompted to insert the second CD once the information from the first CD has been installed.
Page 173: Troubleshooting And Support
Troubleshooting and Support This section describes how to solve common problems you may encounter when using your computer. Many problems have simple solutions, so try these suggestions before you contact Sony Computing Support (http://www.sony.com/pcsupport).  Troubleshooting Your Computer  Troubleshooting Batteries ...
Page 174: Troubleshooting Your Computer
Select Exit (Save Changes), and press Enter. The Setup Confirmation window appears again. Select Yes, and press Enter. The computer restarts. If this occurs on a regular basis, contact Sony Computing Support (http://www.sony.com/pcsupport). Why does the message, "Operating system not found" appear when my computer starts, and why won't Windows start? ...
Page 175 Turn off the computer. Remove any peripheral devices connected to the computer. Restart the computer. Press F2 when the Sony logo appears. The BIOS Setup window appears. Press the Right Arrow key Press the Down Arrow key SETUP items appears.
Page 176 Why is the sound of my computer's fan so loud? Use the PowerPanel utility to change the Thermal Control Strategy setting to Quiet. This setting slows down the CPU speed. See PowerPanel Help for more information. To reduce fan noise Right-click the CPU icon on the taskbar, and select Edit/Create Profiles.
Page 177: Troubleshooting Batteries
Troubleshooting Batteries How do I know when the battery is charged? To determine the remaining battery charge, see When is the computer using AC power? When the computer is directly connected to the AC adapter, it uses AC power, even if a battery is installed. When should I recharge the battery? ...
Page 178: Troubleshooting The Printer
 You may need to set or reset your computer's printer settings. Click Start, and point to All Programs, Sony Notebook Setup, and click Sony Notebook Setup again. Click the Device tab. In the left panel, make sure the Printer Port check box is selected, and click Setting.
Page 179: Troubleshooting The Mouse And Touchpad
Troubleshooting the Mouse and Touch Pad Why doesn't the computer recognize the mouse?  Make sure the mouse is securely plugged into the USB or Mouse/Keyboard (PS/2) port. See mouse or keyboard Connecting a PS/2 mouse or keyboard  You may need to install or reinstall the mouse driver software. Use the supplied Application Recovery CD to install the drivers.
Page 180 Press Alt to highlight the menu bar, and press the Right Arrow key Press Enter. Press R to restart the computer.  If you still cannot restart your computer, press and hold the power to turn off the computer.  If the pointer does not move while playing a disc, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete simultaneously to stop playback and restart the computer.
Page 181: Troubleshooting The Modem
 Make sure the telephone number the program is dialing is correct.  Make sure the program you are using is compatible with the computer's modem. (All preinstalled Sony programs are compatible.)  If you are still experiencing problems, use the supplied Application Recovery CD(s) to reinstall the modem driver software.
Page 182: Troubleshooting Networks
Troubleshooting Networks Why can't my computer connect to a wireless LAN access point?  Connection availability is affected by distance and obstructions. You may need to move your computer away from obstructions or closer to any access point you may be using. ...
Page 183 N K is a trademark of Sony us ed only to des ignate that a produc t c ontains an I E E E 1 3 9 4 c onnec tion. T he i.LI...
Page 184: Troubleshooting Dvds And Cds
Troubleshooting DVDs and CDs How do I maintain DVDs?  Avoid touching the surface of the disc with your fingers. Fingerprints and dust on the surface of the disc may cause reading errors.  To clean the disc, hold the edge of the disc, and use a soft cloth to wipe the surface from the center out. If the disc is badly soiled, moisten a soft cloth with water, wring it out well, and use it to wipe the surface of the disc from the center out.
Page 185  Condensation may cause the computer to malfunction. If this occurs, do not use it for at least one hour.  Make sure the digital CD audio is enabled for your optical drive. Follow these steps:  Click Start on the Windows .
Page 186 vary depending on the format you are using. Page 186...
Page 187: Troubleshooting Floppy Disk Drives
Troubleshooting Floppy Disk Drives Why doesn't the Safety Remove Hardware icon The computer does not recognize that the floppy disk drive is connected to the computer. First, make sure the USB connector is properly inserted into the USB port. If you need to secure the connection, wait a few moments for the computer to recognize the drive.
Page 188: Troubleshooting Pc Cards
Make sure the PC Card is inserted properly. See  Make sure the PC Card is compatible with the Microsoft  Use the Sony Notebook Setup utility to disable devices you are not currently using. See Setup for more information. ...
Page 189: Troubleshooting Audio-Video Connections
Troubleshooting Audio-Video Connections Why can't I use the DV recorder? You may not be able to use the DV recorder and the message, DV equipment seems to be disconnected or turned off may appear because the i.LINK cable is not securely plugged into the i.LINK ports on the computer or camera. Unplug the connectors, and plug them in again.
Page 190 N K is a trademark of Sony us ed only to des ignate that a produc t c ontains an I E E E 1 3 9 4 c onnec tion. T he i.LI...
Page 191: Troubleshooting The Computer Screen (Lcd)
Troubleshooting the Computer Screen (LCD) Why did the computer screen (LCD) go blank?  Your computer screen may go blank if the computer has lost power or is in a power saving mode (Standby or Hibernate).  Make sure the computer is plugged into a power source and is on. The power indicator on the computer will be on if the computer is on.
Page 192: Troubleshooting Memory Stick Media
 Sony is not responsible for music files that cannot be recorded from a CD or downloaded from other sources. Can I copy images from a digital video camera using Memory Stick media? Yes, and you can view video clips that you have recorded with Memory Stick media-compatible video camera recorders.
Page 193: Troubleshooting Programs
Make sure you place the CD in the tray with the label side facing up. Which program do I use for CD-R/CD-RW functions? Use the preinstalled Sony SonicStage software and Windows specific model you purchased is preconfigured with all of the necessary components for CD-R and CD-RW capability.
Page 194: Computer Support Information
Sony Computing Support This service provides instant access to information on commonly encountered problems. Type a description of the problem and the Knowledge Database searches for the corresponding solutions online. You can visit Sony Computing Support at: http://www.sony.com/pcsupport. Computer Quick Start provide information on how to maximize ®...

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