In the manual, the ™ or ® marks are not specified. Sony Corporation reserves the right to make any modification to this manual or the information contained herein at any time without notice. The software described herein is governed by the terms of a separate user licence agreement.
Page 3
U.S. registered mark. NERGY Owner's record The serial number and model number are located on the bottom of your Sony computer. Record the numbers and refer to them if you call VAIO-Link. See also the printed Specifications document.
If reporting a gas leak, do not use the modem or a telephone in the vicinity of the leak. Avoid using the modem during a severe electrical storm. To change the backup battery, please contact your nearest Sony Service Centre. Before you connect peripherals, turn off the computer and all peripherals.
Page 5
Read this first Connectivity Never install modem or telephone wiring during a severe lightning storm. Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is specifically designed for wet locations. Take care when installing or modifying telephone lines. Use your computer only with the supplied AC adapter. To disconnect your computer completely from mains voltage, unplug the AC adapter.
Read this first Regulatory information Sony hereby declares that this product is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of European Directive 1999/5/EC (radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment Directive). Declaration of Conformity The European Union is targeting the free movement of goods for the internal market and to prevent technical barriers to trade. This effort has resulted in several EU Directives asking that manufacturers make their products comply with essential standards.
Page 7
Read this first Please read the Wireless LAN Regulations leaflet before activating the Wireless LAN functionality. Depending on the country, usage of the Wireless LAN functionality may be restricted. For country-specific details, please refer to the Wireless LAN Regulations leaflet. The Wireless LAN PC functionality which is incorporated into this unit has passed Wi-Fi certification, and complies with the interoperability specifications established by WECA (Wi-Fi Alliance).
Page 8
Read this first Disposing of lithium ion batteries Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium ion batteries. Dispose of promptly and properly at end-of-life. Danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer.
Page 9
Exceptional performance. Portability - The rechargeable battery pack provides hours of use without AC power. Sony audio and video quality - A high-resolution LCD screen enables you to take advantage of today’s advanced multimedia applications, games, and entertainment software. Multimedia features – Enjoy audio and video CDs.
VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc delivered with your computer, and VAIO-Link information. A Dual Language Operating System leaflet*; A Triple Language Operating System leaflet*; Your Sony Guarantee conditions; A Safety Regulations leaflet; A Wireless Lan Regulations leaflet; A Modem Regulations leaflet.
Page 11
Welcome Non-printed documentation The documentation available in the VAIO Info Centre includes the following guides: The Hardware Guide (this guide); The Software Guide, which contains short descriptions of the software features available with VAIO systems. Further sources Consult the Online Help files of the software you are using for detailed information on features and troubleshooting.
Welcome Ergonomic considerations You will be using your computer as a portable device in a variety of environments. Whenever possible, you should attempt to take account of the following ergonomic considerations to both stationary and portable environments: Position of your computer – Place the computer directly in front of you (1). Keep your forearms horizontal (2), with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable position (3) while using the keyboard, touchpad, or external mouse.
Page 13
Welcome Viewing angle of the computer’s display – Use the display’s tilting feature to find the best position. You can reduce eye strain and muscle fatigue by adjusting the tilt of the display to the proper position. Adjust the brightness setting of the display as well. Lighting –...
Specifications sheet, you can start using your computer safely and confidently. Read on to get the most out of using your VAIO computer. Connecting a power source Setting up your computer with Sony Notebook Setup Shutting down your notebook safely Using the keyboard...
Using your VAIO computer Connecting a power source You can use either an AC adapter or a rechargeable battery pack as a power source. Using the AC adapter To use the AC adapter, proceed as follows: Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter (1) into the DC In connector (2) on the computer. Plug one end of the power cord (3) into the AC adapter.
Using your VAIO computer Using the battery pack You can use a battery pack as a source of power. The battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of purchase. Inserting the battery pack To insert the battery, proceed as follows: Move the lock lever (1) on the bottom of the computer to the Unlock position.
Using your VAIO computer Charging the battery pack To charge the battery pack, proceed as follows: Connect the AC adapter to the computer. Insert the battery pack. The computer automatically charges the battery (the battery indicator light flashes in a double blink pattern as the battery charges).
Page 18
Using your VAIO computer Removing the battery pack To remove the battery pack, proceed as follows: Turn off the computer and close the cover. Slide the lock lever (1) to the Unlock position. Slide the release lever (2) to the Unlock position and slide the battery away from the computer. You can remove the battery pack without turning off the computer if it is connected to the mains voltage (AC adapter).
Using your VAIO computer Setting up your computer with Sony Notebook Setup The Sony Notebook Setup utility allows you to consult system information, specify preferences for system behaviour, and set up password protection for your VAIO computer. To use Sony Notebook Setup, proceed as follows: Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar.
Page 20
For more information about each option, click Help on the Sony Notebook Setup screen to display the help file. If you open Sony Notebook Setup as a limited user, then only the About This Computer tab will be visible. Description Selects the drive and device order you wish to use for loading the operating system.
Using your VAIO computer Shutting down your notebook safely It is important that you shut down your computer properly so you do not lose unsaved data. To shut down your computer, proceed as follows: Turn off any peripherals connected to your computer. Click the Start button.
Using your VAIO computer Using the keyboard Your keyboard is very similar to a desktop computer’s, but has additional keys that perform specific notebook-related tasks. For more information on the standard keys, please go to the Windows Help and Support Center. The VAIO-Link website (www.vaio-link.com) also contains glossary information to help you use the keyboard.
Page 23
Using your VAIO computer Combinations/ Feature <Fn> + (F12): Hibernate <Fn> + B * This function can only be used by the first user to log on. It will not work if you have switched to another user account. If another user wants to display on an external monitor or TV, use the monitor properties to switch to an external monitor or TV.
Page 24
Using your VAIO computer Indicators Indicator Power Battery Wireless LAN MagicGate Memory Stick Light Hard disk Num Lock Caps Lock Scroll Lock Functions Power on: lights green. Standby mode: flashes umber. Indicates the status of the battery. Turns on when the Wireless LAN is activated. Turns off when the Wireless LAN is not activated.
Using your VAIO computer Using the touchpad The keyboard contains a cursor-pointing device, your touchpad (1). You can point to, select, drag, and scroll objects on the screen using the built-in touchpad. Action Description Point Slide one finger on the touchpad to place the pointer (2) on an item or object. Click Press the left button (3) once.
Using your VAIO computer Using the disc drive Your computer is equipped with a disc drive. See the Specifications sheet for details on your model. To insert a disc, proceed as follows: Turn on the computer. Press the eject button (1) to open the drive. The tray slides out.
Using your VAIO computer Never touch the surface of the disc. Fingerprints and dust on the surface of a disc may cause writing errors. Do not put your VAIO computer into a power saving mode while using the pre-installed software and while using the CD burning software.
Page 28
Using your VAIO computer Troubleshooting optical disc drive I cannot switch from LCD display to TV and vice versa If a DVD disc is inserted in the optical drive, remove the disc. My disc drive tray does not open Make sure the computer is turned on and press the eject button on the drive. Click Start, and select My Computer.
Page 29
Using your VAIO computer There may be condensation in the drive. Remove the disc and leave the drive open for approximately one hour. Remove the battery while you wait for the condensation to disappear. I cannot play a DVD If a region code warning appears when you are using the DVD player, it could be that the DVD you are trying to play is incompatible with the DVD drive on your computer.
Page 30
Using your VAIO computer I cannot play a DVD when using two screens When you use two screens at the same time (LCD and TV / LCD and CRT), the following errors will occur: You will see a Hardware Overlay error message if you attempt to launch Click to DVD. You cannot play a DVD with Windows Media Player version 8 or 9.
Page 31
Using your VAIO computer Select the Settings tab. Change the Current Write Speed field. Click OK. The disc tray does not eject even when the eject button is pressed Check that the computer is turned on. The CD-writing application software may be stopping the disk from being ejected. Make sure the computer is not in Standby or Hibernate mode.
The computer will return to its original state if you restart it. Some PC Cards may require you to disable idle devices when using the PC Card. You can use Sony computer Setup to disable devices. Make sure you use the most recent software driver provided by the PC Card manufacturer.
Using your VAIO computer 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. For some PC Cards, if you alternate between Normal power operation and Standby or Hibernate power management modes while the card is inserted, you may find that a device connected to your system is not recognised.
Page 34
Some PC Cards or their functions may not be compatible with this computer. Troubleshooting PC Card My PC Card is not working Make sure the PC Card is compatible with your version of Windows. Use the Sony Notebook Setup utility to disable devices you are not currently using.
To find out more about the Memory Stick features, go to the VAIO Info Centre, click on Welcome > Cool Sony Links and then Memory Stick. This will take you to the dedicated website. Please see your printed Specifications sheet to see which Memory Stick types are compatible with your VAIO and if there are any limitations.
Using your VAIO computer LOCK LOCK * The 128 MB Memory Stick has a vertical lock. Inserting a Memory Stick There are 2 ways you can insert a Memory Stick in your computer: Using the Memory Stick slot; Using one of the PC Card slots. To do this, you need an optional PC Card adapter. You can only insert one Memory Stick at a time.
Using your VAIO computer Hold the Memory Stick with the arrow pointing in the correct direction when you insert it into the slot. To avoid damaging the computer or the Memory Stick, do not force the Memory Stick into the slot if it does not insert smoothly. Removing a Memory Stick To remove a Memory Stick using the Memory Stick slot, proceed as follows:...
Using your VAIO computer Using the modem Your computer is equipped with an internal modem. You need to connect to a phone line to take advantage of online services and the Internet, as well as to register your computer and software online, and to contact VAIO-Link.
Page 39
Using your VAIO computer In the Phone and Modem Options dialog box (Control Panel / Phone and Modem Options), check that your modem is listed in the Modems tab, and that the location information is correct on the Dialing Rules tab. If you do not see the Phone and Modem Options icon, click Switch to Classic View on the left side.
The Sony WLAN supports all normal Ethernet activities, but with the added benefits of mobility and roaming. You can still access information, internet/intranet and network resources, even in the middle of a meeting, or as you move from one place to another.
Page 41
Using your VAIO computer Communicating without Access Point (ad-hoc) An ad-hoc network is a network in which a local network is created only by the wireless devices themselves, with no other central controller or Access Point. Each device communicates directly with other devices in the network.
Page 42
Using your VAIO computer Select the Network Authentication (Shared mode) check box. Clear the The key is provided for me automatically check box. Some information becomes visible. Fill in the Network key*. The network key should be 5 or 13 ASCII characters or 10 or 26 hexadecimal characters long. Fill in exactly the same Network key again, for confirmation.
Page 43
Select the network you want to use. Type the Network Key. If you are using the Sony Access Point PCWA-A320, by default, the network key has the same name as the network ID, but without the first digit. in the taskbar displaying the Wireless Network Connection message.
Page 44
Using your VAIO computer For example: - ID of the network: 09316a (6 digits) - Network key: 9316a (5 digits) Type the Network Key again for confirmation. Click Connect. After 30 seconds, the connection is established. For more information about setting up an access point, see the documentation supplied with your Access Point.
Using your VAIO computer Using power saving modes When you use a battery as the source of power for your computer, you can take advantage of power management settings to conserve battery life. 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.
Using your VAIO computer If you press the power button for more than four seconds, the computer will switch off automatically. When the computer is in Standby mode, you cannot insert a disc. The computer comes out of Standby mode quicker than out of Hibernate mode. Standby uses more power than Hibernate.
Using your VAIO computer If you press the power button for more than four seconds, the computer will switch off automatically. When the computer is in Hibernate mode, you cannot insert a disc. Hibernate mode requires more time than Standby mode to be activated. It takes more time to return to normal mode from Hibernate mode than from Standby mode.
Using your VAIO computer Managing power with PowerPanel The PowerPanel utility controls the power management of your computer and provides key information about system activity and battery life. The automatic power management selects the most advantageous profiles, or lets you customise the profiles you choose, according to your own needs, with the goal of extended battery life.
Page 49
Using your VAIO computer Activating PowerPanel When you start the computer, the PowerPanel icon appears in the system tray by default. To see the current power profile, simply point to the icon. The current power profile will be displayed in a tooltip.
Page 50
Using your VAIO computer Running on batteries Icon Description Automatic Profile Selection - Analyses the performance of each application you choose and matches the profiles to its needs. Maximum Battery Life – Provides power saving features to give you maximum battery life and good performance.
Page 51
Using your VAIO computer Icon Description Communications – Extends battery life by initiating a quick display time-out. You can also establish settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and Standby to optimise power management for your system. Games – Disables the display and the Hard Disk timer. DVD –...
Using your VAIO computer Displaying detailed battery information You can display detailed information of your computer's battery. There are 3 ways in which you can display battery information: Right-click the PowerPanel icon in the taskbar and select Battery Information from the menu. Double-click the PowerPanel icon in the taskbar and select the Battery tab.
Page 53
Using your VAIO computer Editing a power profile To edit the power management settings of a power profile, proceed as follows: Right-click the PowerPanel icon in the taskbar and select Edit/Create Profiles from the menu. The Profile Editor window appears. Click the profile you want to edit on the left of the screen.
To identify and locate the ports on your computer, please see the printed Specifications sheet. Sony computer supplies, accessories and peripherals can be purchased from your local retailer or from the Sony website: For more information about connection compatibility, go to the VAIO-Link website:...
Connecting peripheral devices Connecting a port replicator Your notebook supports the use of an optional port replicator PCGA-PRV1. Attaching a port replicator enables you to connect additional peripherals to your computer, such as a printer or an external display. DVI-D connector Monitor/VGA port 3 USB ports The port replicator can be powered only with the AC adapter supplied with your notebook.
Page 56
Connecting peripheral devices Attaching your computer to the port replicator To attach your computer to the port replicator, proceed as follows: Disconnect all peripherals from the computer. Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter (1) into the DC In port (2) on the port replicator (3). Plug the power cord (4) into the AC adapter and an AC outlet.
Page 57
When attaching your computer to the port replicator, do not attempt to insert or remove the battery pack. Lifting and turning the computer with the attached port replicator may cause a temporary loss of power. Use the AC adapter that comes with your notebook or the optional Sony adapter.
Connecting peripheral devices Disconnecting your computer from the port replicator To disconnect your computer from the port replicator, proceed as follows: Stop the connected peripherals. Close the cover and pull the levers on each side of the port replicator to disconnect the computer from the port replicator.
Connecting peripheral devices Connecting an external display You can connect an external display to your notebook. For example, you can use your notebook with the following devices: Computer display (monitor); Projector. Turn off your computer and the peripherals, unplug the AC adapter and the power cord before connecting the external display. Connect the power cord after connecting all other cables.
Connecting peripheral devices Connecting a computer display To connect a computer display, proceed as follows: If you want to connect a VGA monitor, plug the display cable (1) (not supplied) into the monitor/VGA connector (2) If you want to connect a TFT monitor, plug the display cable (not supplied) into the DVI-D connector on the port replicator.
Connecting peripheral devices Connecting a projector To connect a projector, proceed as follows: Plug the RGB signal cable (1) into the monitor/VGA connector (2) identified by the Plug the audio cable (3) (not supplied) into the earphone connector (4) identified by the Plug the RGB signal cable and the audio cable into the connectors of the projector (5).
Connecting peripheral devices Selecting display modes When the computer is connected to an external display (desktop monitor, TV, ...), you can select which display is used as the primary monitor. If you want to work on the computer display and the external display at the same time, see Using the Dual Display function To change the primary monitor, proceed as follows: Click the Start button, and then Control Panel.
Connecting peripheral devices Using the Dual Display function The dual display function allows you to distribute portions of your desktop across separate displays. For example, if you have an external monitor attached to the monitor connector, your LCD display and the monitor can function as a single desktop.
Page 64
Connecting peripheral devices Selecting the Dual Display mode To select the Dual Display mode, proceed as follows: Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar. Click Control Panel. Click Appearance and Themes. Click the Display icon. Select the Settings tab. Click the display marked 2.
Page 65
Connecting peripheral devices Customizing the virtual desktop You can customize the Dual Display mode by changing the position of the two monitors comprising the virtual desktop. To customize Dual Display mode, proceed as follows: Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar. Click Control Panel.
Connecting peripheral devices Connecting external speakers You can enhance the sound quality of your computer by connecting external speakers. To connect external speakers, proceed as follows: Plug the speaker cable (1) into the headphone connector (2). Plug the other end of the speaker cable into the external speaker (3). Turn down the volume of the speakers before you turn them on.
Connecting peripheral devices Connecting an external microphone Your VAIO computer does not contain an internal microphone. If you need to use a sound input device, for example to chat on the Internet, you need to plug in an external microphone. To connect an external microphone, proceed as follows: Plug the microphone cable (1) into the microphone connector (2) identified by the Make sure your microphone is designed for computer use.
Connecting peripheral devices Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device You can connect a USB device (for example, a mouse, floppy disk drive, keyboard, printer) to your computer. USB devices are hot plug and play devices. You do not need to shut down your computer prior to connecting these devices unless the manual supplied with the device states otherwise.
Page 69
Connecting peripheral devices Connecting a USB mouse To connect a USB mouse, proceed as follows: Choose the USB connector (1) you prefer to use. Plug the USB mouse cable (2) into the USB connector. You can use your USB mouse (3). The VAIO USB mouse software driver is preinstalled on your computer, therefore, you only need to plug the USB mouse into the USB connector and you can start working.
Connecting peripheral devices To remove a USB floppy disk drive, proceed as follows: If your computer is on, wait until the floppy drive LED indicator turns off and then unplug the USB cable. If the floppy disk drive is not removed properly, your system may crash and you may lose any unsaved data.
Connecting peripheral devices Connecting a printer You can connect a Windows-compatible printer to your computer to print documents. Connecting a printer using the USB connector You can connect a USB printer compatible with your version of Windows to your computer. To connect a printer using the USB connector, proceed as follows: Plug a USB printer cable (1) into one of the USB connectors (2) on your computer.
Connecting peripheral devices Connecting an i.LINK device Your computer includes two i.LINK (IEEE1394) connectors, which you can use to connect to an i.LINK device such as a digital video camera recorder or to connect two VAIO notebooks in order to copy, delete or edit files.
Launch the DVgate application. On Sony digital video cameras, connectors labelled DV Out, DV In/Out or i.LINK are i.LINK-compatible. The Sony digital video camera recorder is an example; your digital video camera recorder may need to be connected differently. If your digital video camera recorder includes a Memory Stick slot, you can copy images from it to your computer via a Memory Stick.
Page 74
If this is the case, turn off all connected devices and disconnect unused devices. Check the connection and then turn on the power again. You are strongly advised to use only Sony i.LINK cables, as using other brands may cause problems with the i.LINK devices.
Connecting peripheral devices Connecting to a network (LAN) You can connect your computer to 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX-type networks via an Ethernet network cable. For the detailed settings and devices needed to connect to the network, consult your Network Administrator. The default settings make your computer able to connect to the network. If the main unit is docked, you can only use the Ethernet network connector on the port replicator.
Upgrading your VAIO computer Upgrading your VAIO computer Your computer and memory modules use high precision components and electronic connectors technology. To avoid the invalidation of your guarantee by mishandling, it is recommended that: You contact your dealer to install a new memory module. You do not install it yourself, if you are not familiar with upgrading memory on a computer.
Page 77
Upgrading your VAIO computer Do not open the memory module package until you are ready to install the module. The package protects the module from ESD. Use the special bag delivered with the memory module or wrap the module in aluminium foil to protect it from electrostatic discharge.
Page 78
Upgrading your VAIO computer Changing or adding a memory module To change or add a memory module, proceed as follows: Shut down your computer and disconnect all peripheral devices. Unplug the computer and remove the battery pack. Wait until the computer cools down. Unscrew the screw at the bottom of your computer.
Page 79
Upgrading your VAIO computer Lift the keyboard from the LCD display side and gently turn it over the touchpad. Be careful not to detach the cable (1) when lifting the keyboard. Touch a metal object (such as the connector panel on the back of your computer) to discharge static electricity.
Page 80
Upgrading your VAIO computer Install the memory module. Be careful not to touch the other components on the motherboard. Slide the memory module into the slot. Snap the connectors into place when the board is correctly seated. Gently replace the keyboard, then press it into your computer. Close the computer cover, then tighten the screws on the bottom of the computer.
Page 81
To view the amount of memory, proceed as follows: Turn on the computer. Go to Sony Notebook Setup via the Start menu. The Sony Notebook Setup dialog box appears. In the About this Computer tab you can view the amount of system memory. If the additional memory...
Getting help Getting help This section describes how to get help and support if something goes wrong with your computer. Sony offers you many support options for your computer. Sony support options Please see the section Documentation pack delivered with your computer, as well as further sources of reference.
Page 83
Getting help e-Support What is e-Support? You have searched our user guides and website (www.vaio-link.com) but have not found an answer to your question/issue? e-Support is the ideal solution for you! Our e-Support Web Portal is an interactive website on which you can submit any technical query you may have regarding your VAIO and receive answers from our dedicated support team.
Page 84
Getting help Can I submit questions in my native language? Since you are interacting with our e-Support Team through a portal, which connects you directly to our central database, e-Support will only accept and deal with queries submitted in English. Can 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 only treat your queries from Monday till Friday between 8am and 6pm.
Page 85
Precautions Precautions This section describes safety guidelines and precautions to help you protect your computer from potential damage. Please contact VAIO-Link if you need assistance. On handling the hard disk On handling the LCD screen On using the power source On handling your computer On handling floppy disks On handling discs...
Precautions On handling the hard disk The hard disk has a high storage density and reads or writes data in a short time. However, it can be easily damaged by mechanical vibration, shock or dust. Although the hard disk has the internal safety device to prevent losing data due to mechanical vibration, shock or dust, you should be careful when handling your computer.
Precautions The LCD is manufactured using high-precision technology. You may, however, see tiny black points and/ or bright points (red, blue, or green) that continuously appear on the LCD. This is a normal result of the manufacturing process and does not indicate a malfunction. Avoid rubbing the LCD screen, as this can damage the screen.
Page 88
Precautions Do not place your computer in a location subject to: Heat sources, such as radiators or air ducts, Direct sunlight, Excessive dust, Moisture or rain, Mechanical vibration or shock, Strong magnets or speakers that are not magnetically shielded, Ambient temperature of more than 35ºC or less than 5ºC, High humidity.
Precautions On handling floppy disks Do not open the shutter manually or touch the surface of the floppy disk. Keep floppy disks away from magnets. Keep floppy disks away from direct sunlight and other sources of heat. On handling discs Do not touch the surface of the disc.
Precautions On using the battery pack Never leave the battery pack in temperatures above 60°C, such as in a car parked in the sun or under direct sunlight. Battery life is shorter in a cold environment. This is due to decreased battery efficiency at low temperatures.
Precautions On using headphones Road safety – Do not use headphones while driving, cycling, or operating any motorized vehicle. It may create a traffic hazard and is illegal in some areas. It can also be potentially dangerous to play loud music while walking, especially at pedestrian crossings.
Page 92
Sony, DVgate, DVgate Plus, Giga Pocket, HotKey Utility, Memory Stick Formatter, PictureGear Studio, SonicStage, SonicStage Mastering Studio, Sony Notebook Setup, Sony Style Imaging, UI Design Selector, VAIO Action Setup, VAIO Edit Components, VAIO Media, VAIO System Information, Memory Stick, the Memory Stick logo, VAIO and the VAIO logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation.