Sony Vaio VGN-A217M Installation instructions

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Hardware Guide
VGN-A series

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Notice
© 2004 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved.
This manual and the software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, translated, or reduced to any machine-readable form without prior written
approval.
Sony Corporation provides no warranty with regard to this manual, the software, or other information contained herein and hereby expressly disclaims any implied
warranties or merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose with regard to this manual, the software or such other information. In no event shall Sony
Corporation be liable for any incidental, consequential, or special damages, whether based on tort, contract, or otherwise, arising out of or in connection with this
manual, the software, or other information contained herein or the use thereof.
Macrovision: This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights. Use of this copyright
protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorised by Macrovision.
Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.
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.
Please note that the illustrations in this manual may not necessarily apply to your model. Please see the Specifications sheet for the specific configuration of your
VAIO.

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ENERGY STAR
As an ENERGY STAR Partner, Sony has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.
The International ENERGY STAR Office Equipment Program is an international program that promotes energy saving through the use of computers and their office
equipment. The program backs the development and dissemination of products with functions that effectively reduce energy consumption. It is an open system in
which business proprietors can participate voluntarily. The targeted products are office equipment such as computers, displays, printers, facsimiles and copiers. Their
standards and logos are uniform among participating nations.
ENERGY STAR is a U.S. registered mark.
Environmental information
Halogenated flame retardants are not used in cabinets and in printed wiring boards.
Lead-free solder is used for soldering
Corrugated cardboard is used for packaging cushions.
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.

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Safety Information
General
❑Risk of explosion if battery is replaced by an incorrect type. Dispose of used batteries according to the instructions.
❑Opening the unit, for whatever reason, could lead to damages that are not covered by the guarantee.
❑To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.
❑To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose your VAIO computer to rain or moisture.
❑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.
❑Connect the power cord only after connecting all cables.
❑Turn on the computer only after turning off all peripherals.
❑Do not move your computer while the system is in Standby mode.
❑The magnetic properties of some objects can have serious consequences for your hard disk drive. They can erase the data on
the hard disk drive and cause the computer to malfunction. Do not place your computer near or on any objects which emit
magnetic fields, mainly:
❑TV sets;
❑Speakers;
❑Magnets and magnetic bracelets.

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Audio/video
Audio and picture distortion may occur if this equipment is positioned in close proximity to any equipment emitting electromagnetic
radiation.
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.
❑Make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible.
❑Never touch uninsulated telephone wire or terminals unless the telephone line has been disconnected at the network interface.

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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. Manufacturers are required to affix the "CE" mark on the products they
sell and to draw up a "Declaration of Conformity" (DoC).
Primarily, the Declarations of Conformity are intended for the market surveillance authorities as proof that products satisfy the required standards. Additionally, Sony
provides these EU DoC's on the website www.compliance.sony.de as a service to our customers.
You can search for all Declarations of Conformity available for a specific product by typing in the model name in the search box. A list of matching documents will
be displayed and can be downloaded. Please note that the availability of declarations depends on the scope of the EU Directives and the individual product
specifications.
This product complies with EN 55022 Class B and EN 55024 for use in following areas: residential, commercial and light-industrial.
This product has been tested and found compliant with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for using connection cables not longer than 3 metres (9.8 feet).
Before activating the built-in modem, please read the Regulations Guide.
The optical disc drive is classified as a CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT and complies with the Laser Product Safety Standard EN 60825-1. Repair and maintenance only
by authorised Sony technicians. Improper repairs and use can create safety hazards.
Your computer may have Bluetooth functionality. Depending on the country, usage of the built-in Bluetooth functionality may be restricted. For country-specific
details, please refer to the Regulations Guide.
CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT
TO EN 60825-1

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Your computer may have Wireless LAN functionality. If your model is equipped with Wireless LAN, please read the Regulations Guide 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 Regulations
Guide. 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 (Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance).

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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. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
❑The battery pack used in this device may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if mistreated. Do not disassemble, heat above
60°C (140°F) or incinerate.
❑Dispose of used batteries promptly and properly.
❑Keep away from children.
❑In some areas the disposal of lithium ion batteries in household or business waste may be prohibited.
❑Use the public collection system.
Disposing of internal memory backup battery
❑Your computer is equipped with an internal memory backup battery that should not have to be replaced during the lifetime of
the product. For changing this battery, please contact VAIO-Link.
❑Danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced.
❑Dispose of properly at end-of-life.
❑In some areas the disposal of lithium ion and other non-hazardous batteries in household or business waste may be prohibited.
❑Please use the public collection system.

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Hardware Guide
Welcome
Congratulations on purchasing a Sony VAIO computer. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing
and communications to provide you with state-of-the-art personal computing.
Here are the main features you can enjoy:
❑Exceptional performance.
❑Portability – The rechargeable battery pack provides hours of use without AC power.
❑Sony audio and video quality – A The high-resolution LCD screen and high-quality external stereo speakers* enables you to
take advantage of today’s advanced multimedia applications, games, and entertainment software.
❑Multimedia features – Enjoy audio and video CDs/DVDs.
❑Interconnectivity – Your computer has Memory Stick, Ethernet, USB 2.0 (High-speed/Full-speed/Low-speed) and i.LINK
functionalities. i.LINK is a bidirectional digital interface for exchanging data. With the Memory Stick you can easily exchange and
share digital data with compatible products.
❑Wireless technology – Thanks to Bluetooth* functionalities and Wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11b/g) technology, you can
communicate freely, without cables or wires.
❑Wireless setup – Enjoy the freedom of having a mouse without cables*.
❑VAIO Zone – Take advantage of the new VAIO Zone technology, allowing you to watch TV and record your favourite programs
digitally and by remote control*.
❑Windows – Your system includes the latest operating system from Microsoft.
❑Communications – Access popular online services, send and receive e-mails, browse the internet.

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❑Excellent customer support – If you are experiencing any problems with your computer, please check the VAIO-Link website
for a possible solution:
www.vaio-link.com
Before contacting VAIO-Link, please try to solve the problem by reading this guide, your printed Guide to Troubleshooting and
Recovering your VAIO System, or the manuals and help files for the peripherals or software.
Or go to Start > Help and Support for VAIO support information as well as tips and tricks.
∗Depending on your model. Read the printed Specifications document for more information.

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Documentation pack
Your documentation pack contains printed information and user guides to read on your computer.
Guides are provided in PDF format, which you can easily browse through and print out.
The My Info Centre portal is a perfect starting point to using your VAIO - a comprehensive collection of everything you need to get
the most from your PC.
The user guides are collected under My Documentation, which can be shown as follows:
1Go to Start and click the My Info Centre icon*.
2From My Home, select your country and language from the drop-down boxes.
3From the pictures at the top of the window click My Documentation .
4Select the guide you want to read.
* The My Info Centre icon is only visible after you have performed the Prepare your VAIO setup.
✍You can manually browse to the user guides by going to My Computer > VAIO (C:) (your C drive) > My Documentation > Documentation and opening the folder for your
language.
You may have a separate disc for the documentation of bundled accessories.

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Printed documentation
❑A Getting Started brochure, where you will find a brief description of the items in your box and how to setup your computer.
❑A Specifications sheet, containing a table of specifications, a list of bundled software, an overview of all connectors and,
on the reverse side, a guide to setting up your VAIO.
❑A Guide to Troubleshooting and Recovering your VAIO System, where you will find solutions to common problems, an
explanation of how to recover your computer’s system if you need to, and VAIO-Link information.
❑Your Sony Guarantee conditions.
❑Booklets containing the following information: Safety Regulations, Modem Regulations, Wireless LAN Regulations,
Bluetooth Regulations* and Wireless Product Regulations*.
∗Depending on your model. Read the printed Specifications document for more information.

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Non-printed documentation
My Documentation contains the following VAIO user guides:
❑The Hardware Guide (this guide) explains the features of your VAIO in detail, how to use these features confidently and safely,
connect peripheral devices, upgrade your computer, and more.
❑The Software Guide describes how to register your VAIO, the software features available with VAIO systems, how to change
settings, how to manage drivers, and more.
❑The VAIO Zone guide explains the valuable features of VAIO’s mulitmedia portal. If your computer has TV tuner functionalities,
this is where you will find information about watching/recording TV on your VAIO.
My Documentation also gives you:
❑Help files about reading the guides.
❑Important information about your computer, in the form of notices and announcements.
In My Info Centre you can also find:
My Software
Feeling creative? Click this icon for an overview of your software and check out our upgrade options.
My VAIO essentials
Want to expand the capabilities of your VAIO? Click this icon and have a look at your compatible accessories.
My Websites
Click this icon and check out our most popular websites.
My ISP
Click this icon to find out about the preferential offers from our partners and access the world of the internet.

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Further sources
1Go to Start > Help and Support for VAIO support information as well as tips and tricks.
2Consult the Online Help files of the software you are using for detailed information on features and troubleshooting.
3Go to www.club-vaio.com to find online tutorials about your favourite VAIO software.

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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 or touchpad. Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides.
Have breaks during sessions with your computer. Excessive use of the computer may strain muscles or tendons.
❑Position of the mouse – Keep your forearms horizontal, with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable position if you are using a
mouse* – not at an angle. Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides. Place the mouse at the same level as the keyboard
of your computer and use your whole arm to move it.
❑Furniture and posture – Sit in a chair with good back support. Adjust the level of the chair so your feet are flat on the floor. A
footrest may make you more comfortable. Sit in a relaxed, upright posture and avoid slouching forward or leaning far backwards.
❑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.

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❑Lighting – Choose a location where windows and lights do not create glare or reflection on the display. Use indirect lighting to
avoid bright spots on the display. You can also purchase accessories for your display that help reduce glare. Proper lighting adds
to your comfort and work effectiveness.
❑Positioning an external display – When using an external display, set the display at a comfortable viewing distance. Make sure
the display screen is at eye level or slightly lower when you are sitting in front of the screen.

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Using your VAIO computer
Hardware Guide
Using your VAIO computer
Once you have read and followed the information in the printed Getting Started guide and 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 (page 17)
❑Setting up your computer with Sony Notebook Setup (page 22)
❑Shutting down your computer safely (page 24)
❑Using the keyboard (page 25)
❑Using the touchpad (page 28)
❑Using the TV function (page 29)
❑Using the mouse (page 30)
❑Using special buttons (page 33)
❑Using the disc drive (page 35)
❑Using PC Cards (page 41)
❑Using the Memory Stick (page 44)
❑Using the modem (page 47)
❑Using the Bluetooth functionality (page 48)
❑Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 53)
❑Using power saving modes (page 60)

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Hardware Guide
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:
1Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter (1) into the DC In connector (2) on the computer or on the docking station if you are
using one.
2Plug one end of the power cord (3) into the AC adapter.
3Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet (4).
✍Use your computer only with the supplied AC adapter.
To disconnect your computer completely from mains voltage, unplug the AC adapter.
Make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible.
If you do not use the computer for a long period of time, put your computer into Hibernate mode. This power saving mode saves you the time of shutting down in the normal
way.

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Hardware Guide
Using the battery pack
Check the Specifications sheet for the life time of your battery. Additional battery packs are available as a separate option. The
battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of purchase.
A tool is installed on your machine to check if you use a genuine Sony battery designed for this model. When a different kind of
battery is detected and your notebook is:
1. off or in Hibernate mode: your computer does not start and the battery does not charge. Replace the battery with a genuine Sony
battery.
2. on: you receive the following pop-up message: This battery cannot be used with your computer. Please use only genuine
Sony batteries compatible with this computer. Click "OK" to put your computer into Hibernate mode. When your computer
hibernates, remove the battery, and insert a genuine Sony battery. Click OK. Your computer enters Hibernate mode. Replace
the battery with a genuine Sony battery.
!Certain rechargeable batteries do not meet Sony quality and safety standards. For safety reasons this notebook only functions with genuine Sony batteries designed for this
model. When inserting another kind of battery, the battery will not be charged and the notebook will not function.

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Using your VAIO computer
Hardware Guide
Inserting the battery pack
To insert the battery pack, proceed as follows:
1Slide the lock lever (1) on the bottom of the computer to the UNLOCK position.
2Slide the release lever (2) on the bottom of the computer to the RELEASE position.
3Remove the battery compartment cover.
4Slide the battery into the battery compartment cover.
5Insert the tab on the battery into the notch and push the battery down into the compartment until it clicks into place.
6Slide the lock lever to the LOCK position to secure the battery on the computer.
✍When the computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack inserted in the battery bay, it uses power from the AC outlet.