Sony VAIO PCG-NV290 User manual

1
Welcome.......................................................7
Powering Your Computer ...........................9
Using AC Power........................................................10
Connecting the AC adapter................................................10
Turning on the computer....................................................11
Using the Battery.......................................................13
Inserting a battery ..............................................................13
Removing a battery............................................................14
Displaying battery information..........................................15
Charging a battery..............................................................17
Notes on batteries...............................................................19
Frequently asked questions................................................19
Conserving Battery Power ........................................20
Using power saving modes ................................................20
Using PowerPanel utility ...................................................21
Frequently asked questions................................................25
Internet and Network Connections..........27
Internet Connections .................................................28
Setting up a dial-up Internet connection ............................28
Setting up an Ethernet Internet connection........................30
Customizing your Internet connection...............................32
Frequently asked questions................................................33
Network Connections................................................34
Using Ethernet and dial-up connections ............................34
Using wireless LAN connections ......................................37
Checking your network connection status .........................43
Frequently asked questions................................................43

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Connecting Another VAIO Computer ...................... 46
Connecting VAIO computers............................................ 46
Disconnecting VAIO computers....................................... 48
Frequently asked questions ............................................... 48
CDs and DVDs ...........................................51
Inserting and Ejecting CDs or DVDs ....................... 52
Copying and Playing CDs......................................... 54
Playing CDs ...................................................................... 54
Copying files to a CD-RW or CD-R................................. 55
Frequently asked questions ............................................... 56
Copying and Playing DVDs ..................................... 61
Playing DVDs ................................................................... 61
Disconnecting the TV from the computer......................... 64
Copying files to a DVD-R or DVD-RW........................... 65
Frequently asked questions ............................................... 65
Printer Connections..................................71
Printing With Your Computer .................................. 72
Connecting a printer.......................................................... 72
Disconnecting a printer ..................................................... 74
Frequently asked questions ............................................... 74
Computer Features ...................................77
Using the Keyboard .................................................. 78
Key locations and descriptions ......................................... 78
Combinations and functions with the Windows key ........ 80
Indicators........................................................................... 81
Combinations and functions with the Fn key.................... 82

3
Using the Touch Pad .................................................84
Describing the touch pad ...................................................84
Customizing the touch pad ................................................85
Frequently asked questions................................................86
Using the Jog Dial Control........................................88
Locating the Jog Dial control.............................................88
Using the Jog Dial Navigator icon.....................................89
Using the Jog Dial Bar.......................................................89
Using Jog Dial Launcher ...................................................90
Using Application and Scroll modes .................................92
Changing Jog Dial Navigator settings ...............................94
Using Memory Stick Media.....................................96
Selecting Memory Stick media..........................................96
Inserting Memory Stick media ..........................................97
Viewing the contents .........................................................98
Write-protecting Memory Stick media..............................98
Formatting Memory Stick media.......................................99
Removing Memory Stick media........................................99
Frequently asked questions..............................................100
Using the Multipurpose Bay ...................................102
Installing a device ............................................................102
Removing a device...........................................................103
Notes on using a device in the multipurpose bay ............104
Using the Multilingual User Interface Language
Option......................................................................105
Changing Numbers, Currency, Time, and Date Formats 106
Changing the Window Design of Sony Programs ..107

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Connecting Mice and Keyboards ..........109
Using External Mice and Keyboards ...................... 110
Connecting a mouse or keyboard.................................... 110
Disconnecting a mouse or keyboard ............................... 111
Frequently asked questions ............................................. 111
Floppy Disk Drives and PC Cards .........113
Using Floppy Disk Drives ......................................114
Inserting and removing floppy disks............................... 114
Notes on handling floppy disks....................................... 115
Frequently asked questions ............................................. 115
Using PC Cards....................................................... 116
Inserting PC Cards .......................................................... 116
Removing PC Cards........................................................ 117
Connecting and disconnecting PC Card drives............... 118
Frequently asked questions ............................................. 120
Audio and Video Connections ...............121
Using i.LINK Digital-Video Recorders..................122
Connecting an i.LINK digital video recorder ................. 122
Disconnecting the i.LINK digital video recorder............ 123
Using a digital video camera recorder ............................ 123
Notes on connecting an i.LINK device........................... 124
Frequently asked questions ............................................. 124
Using Computer Monitors and Projectors .............. 125
Connecting a computer monitor...................................... 125
Connecting a multimedia computer monitor .................. 126
Connecting a projector .................................................... 127
Selecting a display mode................................................. 128
Disconnecting a computer monitor or projector ............. 131

5
Using Speakers........................................................132
Connecting speakers ........................................................132
Disconnecting external speakers......................................133
Notes on using the speakers.............................................133
Adjusting the volume.......................................................133
To adjust the volume using the volume dial control........135
Enabling the audio feature ...............................................135
Frequently asked questions..............................................135
Using Microphones .................................................139
Connecting a microphone ................................................139
Disconnecting a microphone ...........................................139
Using a microphone or other device to record.................140
Frequently asked questions..............................................141
Preinstalled Programs ............................143
Software Programs On Your Computer ..................144
Program overview............................................................144
Frequently asked questions..............................................150
DVgate Program Notes ...........................................152
Recording images to a digital video device .....................152
Adjusting image resolution..............................................152
Saving to your hard disk drive.........................................152
Program Support Information .................................154
Sony Service Center.........................................................156
Memory Upgrades ...................................157
Upgrading Your Computer’s Memory....................158
Precautions and procedures .............................................158
Typical expansion memory configuration .......................159
Removing and installing memory modules .....................159
Confirming added memory capacity................................161

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Using the Recovery CDs ........................163
Application and System Recovery CDs..................164
Using Your Recovery CDs ..................................... 164
Using the Application Recovery CD(s) .......................... 164
Using the System Recovery CD(s) ................................. 166
Troubleshooting and Support................169
Troubleshooting Your Computer............................ 170
Troubleshooting Batteries....................................... 174
Troubleshooting the Printer ....................................175
Troubleshooting the Mouse and Touch Pad ........... 177
Troubleshooting the Modem................................... 179
Troubleshooting Networks ..................................... 180
Troubleshooting DVDs and CDs............................ 183
Troubleshooting i.LINK Drives.............................. 187
Troubleshooting Floppy Disk Drives ..................... 188
Troubleshooting PC Cards......................................189
Troubleshooting Audio-Video Connections........... 190
Troubleshooting the computer screen (LCD) ......... 193
Troubleshooting Memory Stick Media................... 195
Troubleshooting Programs...................................... 197
Computer Support Information...............................198

7
Welcome
Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer, and
welcome to the online VAIO® Computer User Guide.
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.
✍View the Electronic Flyer, which provides updates and supplemental information about
your computer.
✍View the VAIO® Computer Specifications, which lists your computer’s hardware
specifications and preinstalled software information, such as descriptions and contact
information.

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9
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.
❑Using AC Power
❑Using the Battery
❑Conserving Battery Power

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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.
See “Using the Battery” for more information on installing and using your
battery.
❑Connecting the AC adapter
❑Turningonthecomputer
Connecting the AC adapter
To connect the AC adapter
1Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC IN port on your
computer.
2Plug one end of the power cord into the AC adapter, and plug the other end
into an AC outlet.
Connecting the AC Adapter to the Computer
✍Use only the supplied AC adapter with your computer.
AC adapter
DC IN port
Power cord
(supplied)
(supplied)

Using AC Power
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Turning on the computer
To turn on the computer
1Slide the release lever to the right, and lift the cover while holding the
bottom of the computer firmly.
2Press the power button until the power indicator turns on.
3If necessary, adjust the brightness controls for the computer screen (LCD) as
follows:
Opening the Computer
Turning on the Computer
✍If you hold the power button down, the computer turns off.
Release lever
Power buttonPower indicator

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❑To increase light intensity, press the Fn+F5 keys. Press the Up Arrow
key or the Right Arrow key .
❑To decrease light intensity, press the Fn+F5 keys. Press the Down
Arrow key or the Left Arrow key .

Using the Battery
13
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. Regardless how many batteries you use, you can always
extend the life of the battery by conserving power. See “Conserving Battery
Power” for more information.
❑Inserting a battery
❑Removing a battery
❑Displaying battery information
❑Charging a battery
❑Notes on batteries
❑Frequently asked questions
Inserting a battery
To insert a battery
1Push the battery bay cover down to open it. The battery bay cover swings out
but does not detach from the computer.
✍The battery that comes with your computer is not fully charged at the time of
purchase.
Opening the Battery Bay

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2Slide the battery into the battery bay. If the computer is on, it automatically
detects the battery.
3Push the battery bay cover up until it clicks into place.
Some software programs and peripheral devices prevent the system from
activating Hibernate mode when the battery is low or the computer is running on
AC power. 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. See “Using power saving modes” for more information.
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.
To remove a battery
1Pushthebatterybaycoverdowntoopenit.
2Pull the battery out of the battery bay.
Inserting a Battery
If the computer is on, connect the AC adapter and exit a power saving mode
before you remove the battery.
Battery (supplied)
VAIO logo facing up

Using the Battery
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3Push in and lift up the battery bay cover until it clicks into place.
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
1Right-click the center of the Windows® taskbar.
2Select Toolbars from the shortcut menu, and click Battery Information.
The Battery Information toolbar appears on the taskbar.
The total charge remaining in the battery is listed in percent and real-time values.
The following toolbar indicates there is 100 percent or approximately 2 hours and
40 minutes of battery charge left.
❑Percentage indicator — Displays the percentage of the remaining charge.
Removing a Battery
✍If the Battery Information toolbar is hidden behind the taskbar icons, right-click the
taskbar and click to cancel Lock the Taskbar. Click and drag the edge of the Battery
Information toolbar to the left until it is in clear view.
Battery Information Toolbar

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❑Time indicator — Displays estimated time (hours : minutes) remaining
before the battery fully discharges, also known as the time-to-empty.
To close the Battery Information toolbar
1Right-click the Battery Information toolbar.
2Select Toolbars from the shortcut menu, and click to cancel Battery
Information.TheBattery Information toolbar disappears from the toolbar.
To display the Battery Information window
Double-click the CPU icon on the Windows taskbar. The PowerPanel
window appears.
❑Power Profile — Displays the power management settings for various
devices on your system. You can change the settings to conserve power.
❑Battery tab — Displays the total charge remaining in the battery. You can
click Advanced for specific information on the battery.
PowerPanel Window

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❑Alarms tab — Displays the alarm settings, which notify you when the
battery is fully charged or too low. You can change your computer’s alarm
settings on this window.
The battery icons that appear on the Battery Information toolbar and the
Battery Information window indicate the current status of the installed battery.
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. Charging a partially discharged
battery does not affect battery life. If you charge the battery and find that battery
power is still low, the battery may be reaching the end of its life, and you may
need to replace it.
✍Click Help in the lower right corner of the window for more information.
Battery icon Battery status
Charging
Fully charged
Discharging
No battery
✍The battery supplied with your computer is not charged at the time of purchase.

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To charge a battery
You can charge the battery when the computer is on or off. However, the battery
will charge faster when the computer is off. Charging the battery takes several
hours. See your VAIO® Computer Specifications on the “Welcome” page for the
approximate time needed to charge your battery.
1Insert the battery into the battery bay.
2Connect the AC adapter to the computer. The computer automatically
charges the battery as long as the computer is using AC power.
The battery indicator blinks while the battery charges. The battery indicator stops
blinking when the battery is fully charged.
✍Charge the battery at temperatures between 50°F and 80°F (10°C to 30°C). Lower
temperatures require more time to charge.
Battery Indicator
Battery indicator
status Description
On The computer is using battery power.
Battery indicator

Using the Battery
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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.
❑Keep the battery away from all sources of heat.
❑Keep the battery dry.
❑Do not open or disassemble the battery.
❑Do not expose the battery to any mechanical shock.
❑Battery life is shorter in a cold environment because of decreased battery
efficiency at low temperatures.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know when the battery is charged?
To determine the remaining battery charge, see “Displaying battery information.”
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?
❑When the battery level falls below 10 percent.
❑When both the battery and power indicators blink.
❑When you have not used the battery for a long time.
Single blink The battery is running out of power.
Double blink The battery is charging.
Off The computer is using AC power.
Battery indicator
status Description

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Conserving Battery Power
You may use the power saving modes and PowerPanel™ utility to conserve
battery power. Conserving battery power may significantly extend your
computing time, depending on how you use your computer.
❑Using power saving modes
❑Using PowerPanel utility
❑Frequently asked questions
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. Use the Standby and Hibernate power saving modes to override a
profile setting or initiate an immediate action.
❑Standby — Saves the state of the system and peripheral devices in memory
(RAM). Power consumption is reduced to a minimum. The system remains
on, and the computer screen (LCD) is off.
❑Hibernate — Saves the state of the system and peripheral devices on the
hard disk. Power consumption is reduced to the lowest possible setting
without being completely off. Hibernate mode consumes the lowest level of
power. Your computer enters Hibernate mode when the remaining battery
charge drops below 5 percent, regardless of the setting you select.
To activate Standby mode
1Press the key combination Fn+Esc. The power indicator blinks in this mode.
2PressanykeytoreturntoNormalmode.
To activate Hibernate mode
1Press the key combination Fn+F12 or the power button and release it
immediately. Do not move the computer until the power indicator turns off.
2Press the power button to return to normal mode.
✍Some software programs and peripheral devices prevent the system from entering
Hibernate mode. If you are using a program that prevents the system from entering
Hibernate mode, save your data frequently to avoid data loss.