NUser GuidePersonal ComputerVGC-LA series
10nNBefore UseWindows Help and SupportWindows Help and Support is a comprehensive resource for practical advice, tutorials, and demonstrations to help
100nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer4 Unscrew the screw (2) and remove the memory module compartment cover (3).5 Touch a metal object (such as the chassi
101nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer7 Remove the new memory module from its packaging.8 Slide the memory module into the memory module slot and push it i
102nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerViewing the Amount of MemoryTo view the amount of memory1 Turn on the computer.2 Click Start, All Programs, and VAIO
103nNPrecautionsPrecautionsThis section describes safety guidelines and precautions to help you protect your VAIO computer from potential damage.❑ On
104nNPrecautionsOn Handling the LCD Screen❑ Do not leave the LCD screen facing the sun. This could damage the LCD screen. Be careful when using your c
105nNPrecautionsOn Using the Power Source❑ See the online Specifications to check the power operation of your model.❑ Do not share the AC outlet with
106nNPrecautionsOn Handling Your Computer❑ Clean the cabinet with a soft cloth, which is dry or lightly moistened with a mild detergent solution. Do n
107nNPrecautions❑ Use only specified peripheral equipment and interface cables; otherwise, problems may occur.❑ Do not use cut or damaged connection c
108nNPrecautionsOn Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera❑ Do not touch the front mirror plate over the lens of the built-in MOTION EYE camera, as it ma
109nNPrecautionsOn Handling Discs❑ Do not touch the surface of the disc.❑ Do not drop or bend the disc.❑ Fingerprints and dust on the surface of a dis
11nNBefore UseErgonomic ConsiderationsWhenever possible, you should attempt to take account of the following ergonomic considerations:❑ Stable work su
110nNPrecautions❑ An 8cm disc adapter exclusively designed for your model is provided for use of 8cm discs on your computer.❑ Be sure to attach the ad
111nNPrecautionsOn Using HeadphonesPreventing hearing damage – Avoid using headphones at high volume. Hearing experts advise against continuous, loud
112nNPrecautionsOn Handling the Hard DiskThe hard disk has a high storage density and reads or writes data in a short time. However, it can be easily
113nNTroubleshootingTroubleshootingThis section describes how to solve common problems you might encounter when using your VAIO computer. Many problem
114nNTroubleshootingComputerWhat should I do if my computer does not start?❑ Make sure your computer is securely plugged into a power source and turne
115nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if a BIOS error appears when I turn on my computer?If the message "Press <F1> to resume, <F2> to
116nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if the power indicator (Green) lights but my computer screen stays blank?❑ If the orange MONITOR OFF indicator is
117nNTroubleshootingWhy doesn't my computer enter Sleep mode?Your computer may become unstable if the operating mode is changed before the comput
118nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if my game software does not work or it keeps crashing?❑ Check the Web site of the game if there are any patches
119nNTroubleshootingHow can I change the volume of the startup sound?To change the startup sound volume1 Turn on the computer.2 Press the F2 key when
12nNBefore Use❑ 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 foo
120nNTroubleshootingSystem SecurityThis section provides information about keeping your computer operating smoothly and protecting against potential t
121nNTroubleshootingBuilt-in MOTION EYE CameraWhy does the viewer window show no images or poor-quality images?❑ The built-in MOTION EYE camera cannot
122nNTroubleshootingWhy do the images captured by the built-in MOTION EYE camera flicker?This problem occurs when you use the camera under fluorescent
123nNTroubleshootingWhy can't I use the built-in MOTION EYE camera?❑ The built-in MOTION EYE camera cannot be shared by more than one software ap
124nNTroubleshootingInternetWhat should I do if my modem does not work?❑ Make sure the telephone cable is securely plugged into the modem port on your
125nNTroubleshootingWhy is my modem connection slow?Your computer is equipped with a V.92/ V.90 compatible modem. Many factors may influence modem con
126nNTroubleshootingNetworkingWhat should I do if my computer cannot connect to a wireless LAN access point?❑ Connection availability is affected by d
127nNTroubleshootingWhy is the data transfer speed slow?❑ The wireless LAN data transfer speed is affected by distance and obstructions between device
128nNTroubleshootingWhat are channels?❑ Wireless LAN communication occurs on divided frequency bands known as channels. Third-party wireless LAN acces
129nNTroubleshootingOptical DiscsWhy does my computer freeze when I try to read a disc?The disc that your computer is trying to read may be dirty or d
13nNGetting StartedGetting StartedThis section describes how to get started with using your VAIO computer.❑ Locating Controls and Ports (page 14)❑ Abo
130nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if I cannot play a CD or DVD properly on my computer?❑ Make sure the disc is inserted into the optical disc drive
131nNTroubleshooting6 Double-click the desired drive.You can confirm the driver software by selecting the Driver tab, and clicking Driver Details.7 Cl
132nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if I cannot write data to CD media?❑ Make sure you neither launch any software application nor allow any to launc
133nNTroubleshootingDisplayWhy did my computer screen go blank?❑ Your computer screen may go blank if the computer has entered Sleep mode. If the comp
134nNTroubleshootingPrintingWhat should I do if I cannot print a document?❑ Make sure your printer is on, and the printer cable is securely connected
135nNTroubleshootingMicrophoneWhat should I do if my microphone does not work?❑ If you are using an external microphone, make sure the microphone is t
136nNTroubleshootingMouseWhat should I do if my computer does not recognize my mouse?❑ Make sure the power switch on the bottom of the wireless mouse
137nNTroubleshootingSpeakersWhat should I do if I cannot hear sound from my speakers?❑ If you are using a program that has its own volume control, mak
138nNTroubleshootingKeyboardWhat should I do if the keyboard configuration is wrong?The language layout of the wireless keyboard is labeled on the pac
139nNTroubleshootingFloppy DisksWhy doesn't the Safely Remove Hardware icon appear on the taskbar when the drive is connected?Your computer does
14nNGetting StartedLocating Controls and PortsTake a moment to identify the controls and ports shown on the following pages.FrontA Built-in speakers (
140nNTroubleshootingPC CardsWhat should I do if my PC Card does not work?❑ Make sure the PC Card is inserted properly. See Inserting a PC Card (page 5
141nNTroubleshootingWhy doesn't my computer recognize attached devices?For some PC Cards, if you alternate between Normal mode and Sleep mode whi
142nNTroubleshootingAudio/VideoWhat should I do if I cannot use my DV camcorder?If the message appears to indicate DV equipment seems to be disconnect
143nNTroubleshootingMemory Stick MediaWhat should I do if I cannot use Memory Stick media, which were formatted on a VAIO computer, on other devices?Y
144nNTroubleshootingPeripheralsWhat should I do if I cannot connect a USB device?❑ If applicable, check the USB device is turned on and using its own
145nNSupport OptionsSupport OptionsThe section contains information on where to go for answers to questions about your VAIO computer.Sony Support Info
146nNSupport Optionse-SupportWhat is e-Support?You have searched our user guides and Web site (http://www.vaio-link.com) but have not found an answer
147nNSupport OptionsCan 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
148nNSupport OptionsTrademarksSony, Battery Checker, Click to DVD, DVgate Plus, SonicStage CP, SonicStage Mastering Studio, VAIO Control Center, VAIO
149nNSupport OptionsMultiMediaCard™ is a trademark of MultiMediaCard Association.All other names of systems, products and services are trademarks of t
15nNGetting StartedBackA Back panel coverRemove the back panel cover to access the ports and jacks behind it (page 20).!Before removing the cover, be
© 2007 Sony Corporationn
16nNGetting StartedACapture angle adjuster (page 38)B AUDIO INPUT (L/R) jacksConnect an external device such as a VCR.C VIDEO INPUT (S VIDEO/VIDEO) po
17nNGetting StartedRightA Optical disc drive (page 39)B Optical disc drive indicator (page 19)C Drive eject button (page 41)
18nNGetting StartedLeft A PC Card slot (page 56)B PC Card release button (page 58)C SD memory card slot (page 70)D Headphones jackConnect external hea
19nNGetting StartedAbout the Indicator LightsYour computer is equipped with the following indicator lights.✍You can change the brightness of the indic
2nNContentsBefore Use ...
20nNGetting StartedConnecting a Power SourceYou need an AC adapter as a power source for your computer.Before Accessing the DC IN PortYou need to remo
21nNGetting StartedUsing the AC Adapter✍Use your computer only with the supplied AC adapter.To use the AC adapter1 Plug one end of the power cord (1)
22nNGetting Started✍You can bundle the AC adapter cable along with other cables to keep them tidy. Snap open the cable bundler, route the cables throu
23nNGetting StartedShutting Down Your Computer SafelyTo avoid losing unsaved data, be sure to shut down your computer properly, as described below.To
24nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Your VAIO ComputerThis section describes how to get the most out of using your VAIO computer.❑ Using the Keyboard (p
25nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the KeyboardA wireless keyboard is supplied with your computer.The wireless keyboard uses a standard key arrangement
26nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Wireless Keyboard✍Illustrated above is the English keyboard as an example.A Function keysPerform certain tasks.
27nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerEStandby buttonProvides for the lower level of power consumption.For details on power management, see Using the Power Savi
28nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerA Keyboard feetFlip open to adjust the keyboard angle.B CONNECT buttonPress to enable the wireless keyboard to communicate
29nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerBefore you use the keyboardFour AA alkaline batteries are supplied with your computer for use in the wireless keyboard. Be
3nNUsing Peripheral Devices...
30nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo connect the wireless keyboard!To connect your wireless keyboard, it must be located within a range of 30 cm to 1 m from
31nNUsing Your VAIO Computer✍You can check the battery indicator ( or ) in the indicator window on the wireless keyboard for its battery power level
32nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the MouseA wireless mouse is supplied with your computer.Using the Wireless MouseThe wireless optical mouse has no c
33nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerBefore you use the mouseTwo AA alkaline batteries are supplied with your computer for use in the wireless mouse. Before at
34nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo connect the wireless mouse!To connect the wireless mouse, it must be located within a range of 30 cm to 1 m from the co
35nNUsing Your VAIO Computer4 Turn over the mouse, slide the power switch to the ON position, and press the CONNECT button.Communication between the m
36nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerAdjusting the Mouse Functions1 Click Start and Control Panel.2 Click Mouse under Hardware and Sound.The Mouse Properties w
37nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Built-in MOTION EYE CameraYour computer is equipped with a built-in MOTION EYE camera.The built-in MOTION EYE ca
38nNUsing Your VAIO Computer✍The built-in MOTION EYE camera cannot be shared by more than one software application. If another software application is
39nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Optical Disc DriveYour computer is equipped with an optical disc drive.To insert a disc!Be sure to attach the 8c
4nNTroubleshooting ...
40nNUsing Your VAIO Computer✍In Sleep mode, inserting a disc will automatically launch Windows and may display a window for selecting your preferred s
41nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo remove a disc!The drive eject button is disabled when your computer is turned off.Do not remove the optical disc when y
42nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerReading and Writing Optical DiscsYour computer plays and records CDs and DVDs, depending on the model you purchased. Check
43nNUsing Your VAIO Computer!This product is designed to playback discs that conform to the Compact Disc Digital Audio standard specifications (CD Sta
44nNUsing Your VAIO Computer✍8cm disc writing is not supported.Except the Blu-ray Disc drive, all other optical disc drives are capable of reading 8cm
45nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerNotes on writing data to a disc❑ Use only Sony Value-added software when writing to CD/DVD media. (e.g. Click to DVD) Othe
46nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerNotes on playing discsTo achieve optimum performance when playing DVDs, you should follow these recommendations.❑ Close al
47nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerPlaying CDsTo play an audio CD1 Insert a disc into the optical disc drive. 2 If nothing appears on the desktop, then click
48nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerPlaying DVDsTo play a DVD1 Close all running software applications.2 Insert a DVD into the optical disc drive.3 If nothing
49nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the TV FunctionYour computer may have a hybrid TV tuner board installed along with the Microsoft Windows Vista Home
5nNBefore UseBefore UseCongratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer, and welcome to the on-screen User Guide. Sony has combined leadin
50nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Remote CommanderA remote commander is supplied with your computer for using Media Center features, including TV
51nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerAPause X buttonPress to pause media playback. Press again to resume playback.Stop x buttonPress to stop media playback or
52nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerEGuide buttonPress to view the TV program guide for your area.F Alphanumeric buttonsPress to select specific channels or e
53nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerBefore you use the remote commanderBefore using the remote commander, you need to insert the supplied AA manganese batteri
54nNUsing Your VAIO Computer3 Insert the supplied two AA batteries into the remote commander.4 Put the battery cover back on the remote commander and
55nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerSetting up Windows Media CenterThe first time you launch Windows Media Center, the setup wizard will pop-up. To configure
56nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing PC CardsPC Cards allow you to connect portable external devices to your computer.Inserting a PC Card!Some PC Cards o
57nNUsing Your VAIO Computer✍Some devices may not function properly if you continually switch to Normal mode from Sleep mode. For some PC Cards, if yo
58nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerRemoving a PC CardFollow the steps below to remove the PC Card while your computer is on. If it is not removed properly, y
59nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the ExpressCard ModuleYour computer is equipped with either a Universal ExpressCard slot* or an ExpressCard™/34 slot
6nNBefore UseNotice© 2007 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved.This manual and the software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be reprodu
60nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerInserting an ExpressCard Module!Your computer is delivered with a slot protector in the ExpressCard slot. Remove the slot
61nNUsing Your VAIO Computer!Insert the ExpressCard slot protector to protect against debris entering the slot when not using an ExpressCard module. B
62nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerRemoving an ExpressCard ModuleFollow the steps below to remove the ExpressCard module while your computer is on. If it is
63nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Memory Stick MediaYour computer supports the Memory Stick media. Memory Stick media is a compact, portable, and
64nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerInserting a Memory Stick MediaTo insert a Memory Stick media1 Locate the Memory Stick PRO/Duo media slot (page 18).2 Hold
65nNUsing Your VAIO Computer!Be sure to hold the Memory Stick media with the arrow pointing in the correct direction as you insert it into the slot. T
66nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo format a Memory Stick mediaThe Memory Stick media has been formatted in the factory default setting and is ready for us
67nNUsing Your VAIO Computer6 At the confirmation prompt, click OK.The formatting process starts.!It may take time to format the Memory Stick media de
68nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerRemoving a Memory Stick MediaTo remove a Memory Stick media1 Check that the Media Access indicator light is off.2 Push the
69nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Other Memory CardsIn addition to the Memory Stick PRO/Duo media slot, your computer is equipped with an SD memory ca
7nNBefore UseDocumentationYour documentation includes printed information and user guides to read on your VAIO computer.Guides are provided in PDF for
70nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerInserting a Memory CardTo insert a memory card1 Locate the SD memory card slot (page 18).2 Hold the memory card with the a
71nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerRemoving a Memory Card!Do not remove a memory card while the Media Access indicator light is on. The card or its data may
72nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the InternetSetting Up a Dial-up Internet ConnectionBefore you can connect to the Internet, you need to connect your
73nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Wireless LAN (WLAN)Using the Sony Wireless LAN (WLAN), all your digital devices with built-in WLAN functionality com
74nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerThe 2.4 GHz bandwidth used by wireless LAN compatible devices is also used by other various devices. Although technologies
75nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerCommunicating without an Access Point (Ad-hoc)An ad-hoc network is a network in which a local network is created only by t
76nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo communicate without an access point (ad-hoc)1 Turn on the WLAN switch.The Wireless LAN indicator lights up.2 Click Star
77nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerCommunicating with an Access Point (Infrastructure)An infrastructure network is a network that extends an existing wired l
78nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo connect to a wireless network1 Make sure an access point is set up.See the manual that came with your access point for
79nNUsing Peripheral DevicesUsing Peripheral DevicesYou can add functionality to your VAIO computer by using the various ports on the computer.❑ Conne
8nNBefore UsePrinted Documentation❑ A Setting Up Poster — Describes the process from unpacking to starting up your VAIO.❑ Troubleshooting Guide — Cont
80nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) DeviceTo prevent your computer and/or USB devices from damage, avoid any shock or
81nNUsing Peripheral DevicesDisconnecting a USB floppy disk driveYou can disconnect a USB floppy disk drive when your computer is on or off. Disconnec
82nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a PrinterYou can connect a Windows-compatible printer to your computer to print documents.Connecting a Printer
83nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting an i.LINK DeviceNotes on connecting i.LINK devices❑ Your computer is equipped with an i.LINK port, which you ca
84nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a Digital Video CamcorderTo connect a digital video camcorder1 Plug one end of an i.LINK cable (1) (not supplie
85nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting to a Network (LAN)You can connect your computer to 100BASE-TX/10BASE-T-type networks with an Ethernet network c
86nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerThis section briefly describes how to change the main settings of your VAIO computer.
87nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerSetting the PasswordUse one of the BIOS functions to set the password.Once you have set the password, you will have
88nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerTo add the power-on password1 Turn on the computer.2 Press the F2 key when the VAIO logo appears.The BIOS setup scre
89nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerChanging/Removing the Power-on PasswordTo change or remove the power-on password1 Turn on the computer.2 Press the F
9nNBefore UseMy Club VAIOIn My Club VAIO you can find:Documentation, which gives you:❑ Access to the User Guide. This manual explains the features of
90nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerSetting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control CenterThe VAIO Control Center utility allows you to consult system inform
91nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Power Saving ModesIn addition to the normal operating mode, which allows you to turn off specific devices,
92nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Sleep ModeSleep mode turns off the LCD screen and places the hard disk and the CPU into a low power consumptio
93nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerIf the computer is not used for more than 25 minutes, it will enter Sleep mode. To avoid this, you can change the Sl
94nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerConfiguring Your ModemBefore you can start using your internal modem (not all modem are built-in), or each time you
95nNCustomizing Your VAIO Computer9 Check that your modem is listed on the Modems tab.If your modem is not listed, click Add and follow the wizard.10
96nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerYour VAIO computer and memory modules use high precision components and electronic connect
97nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerAdding and Removing MemoryIf you want to expand the functionality of your computer, you can increase the memory by ins
98nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer❑ Use the special bag delivered with the memory module or wrap the module in aluminum foil to protect it from electros
99nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerRemoving and Installing a Memory ModuleTo change or add a memory module1 Shut down the computer and turn off all perip
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