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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 for 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, touch pad, or external mouse. Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides. Have breaks during sessions with your computer. Excessive use of the computer may strain eyes, muscles, or tendons. 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.

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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 level of the display as well. Lighting Choose a location where windows and lights do not cause glare and reflection on the display. Use indirect lighting to avoid bright spots on the display. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work efficiency. 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 monitor.

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Getting Started
This section describes how to get started using your VAIO computer.
! Before starting your computer for the first time, do not connect any other hardware that did not originally come with your computer. Be sure to start up your computer with only the supplied accessories connected and set up your system. Upon completion, connect one device (for example, a printer, an external hard disk drive, a scanner, and so on) at a time, following the manufacturers' instructions.
Locating Controls and Ports (page 14) About the Indicator Lights (page 20) Connecting a Power Source (page 21) Using the Battery Pack (page 22) Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 29)

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Locating Controls and Ports
Take a moment to identify the controls and ports shown on the following pages.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M
Built-in MOTION EYE camera (page 34) Built-in MOTION EYE camera indicator (page 20) Built-in microphone (monaural) LCD screen (page 117) Built-in speakers (stereo) Keyboard (page 31) Touch pad (page 32) Charge indicator (page 20) Hard disk drive/Optical disc drive indicator (page 20) WIRELESS switch (page 60) WIRELESS indicator (page 20) Media Access indicator (page 20) SD memory card slot (page 56)

N Memory Stick slot* (page 50) O Headphones jack (page 74) P Microphone jack (page 87)
* Your computer supports both standard- and Duo-size Memory Stick media.

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A B C D E F G H I J
Num lock indicator (page 20) Caps lock indicator (page 20) Scroll lock indicator (page 20) S1 button (page 33) VOL-/VOL+ buttons (page 33) Play/Pause button (page 33) Stop button (page 33) Previous track button (page 33) Next track button (page 33) AV MODE button (page 33)

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A Battery connector

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A B C D E F
Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports* (page 88) Optical disc drive (page 37) Optical disc drive indicator (page 20) Drive eject button (page 37) Manual eject hole (page 154) Power button/Power indicator (page 20)
Support high-/full-/low- speeds.

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A B C D E
DC IN port (page 21) Security slot Air vent Network (Ethernet) port (page 94) Modem port (page 59)
F Monitor port* (page 76) G HDMI port* (page 76) H i.LINK 4-pin (S400) port (page 92) I ExpressCard/34 slot (page 47)
* These two ports are mutually exclusive. When one port has an external display connected, the other is disabled.

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Bottom

A Air vents

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About the Indicator Lights
Your computer is equipped with the following indicator lights.

Indicator

Power 1 Charge Built-in MOTION EYE camera Media Access Optical disc drive

Functions

Illuminates in green when the computer is turned on, blinks slowly in orange while the computer is in Sleep mode, and turns off when the computer is placed into Hibernate mode or turned off. Illuminates while the battery pack is charging. See Charging the Battery Pack (page 25) for more information. Illuminates while the built-in MOTION EYE camera is in use. Illuminates while data is being read from or written to a memory card. (Do not place the computer into Sleep mode or turn it off when this indicator is on.) When the indicator is off, the memory card is not in use. Illuminates while data is being read from or written to the optical disc media. When the indicator is off, the optical disc media is not in use. Illuminates while data is being read from or written to the hard disk drive or the optical disc media. Do not place the computer into Sleep mode or turn it off when this indicator is on. Press the Num Lk key to activate the numeric keypad. Press it a second time to deactivate the numeric keypad. The numeric keypad is not active when the indicator is off. Press the Caps Lock key to type letters in uppercase. Letters appear in lowercase if you press the Shift key while the indicator is on. Press the key a second time to turn off the indicator. Normal typing resumes when the Caps lock indicator is off. Press the Scr Lk key to change how you scroll the display. Normal scrolling resumes when the Scroll lock indicator is off. The Scr Lk key functions differently depending on the program you are using and does not work with all programs. Illuminates when the WIRELESS switch is turned on, provided that one or more wireless options are enabled in the VAIO Smart Network window.

AV MODE button *

On models with a Blu-ray Disc drive only. Use the WinDVD BD software for playback.

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Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera
Your computer is equipped with a built-in MOTION EYE camera. The built-in MOTION EYE camera adds video functionality to instant messaging software and video editing software and enables you to capture still images and movies with the preinstalled image capture software. Turning on the computer activates the built-in MOTION EYE camera, so the computer is ready for a video conference using such software. Note that launching or exiting your instant messaging or video editing software does not activate or deactivate the built-in MOTION EYE camera, respectively.
The built-in MOTION EYE camera cannot be shared by more than one software application. If another software application is using the camera, exit the application before using the built-in MOTION EYE camera.
! The viewer window may show some noise, for example horizontal streaks, if you view a rapid-moving object. This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.
You cannot operate the built-in MOTION EYE camera with the Microsoft Windows Movie Maker software.

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Capturing Still Images

To capture a still image

Click Start, All Programs, ArcSoft WebCam Companion 2, and WebCam Companion 2 to launch WebCam Companion 2. Click the Capture icon in the main window. Turn the camera to your subject. Click the Capture button below the displayed image. The current image in the finder view is captured and its thumbnail image is added to the thumbnail view in the left pane of the main window.
When capturing an image in a dark place, click the WebCam Settings icon after step 2 and select the low light or low light compensation option in the properties window. WebCam Companion 2 provides many more features. See the help file on the software for more information.

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Capturing Movies

To capture a movie

5 Click Start, All Programs, ArcSoft WebCam Companion 2, and WebCam Companion 2 to launch WebCam Companion 2. Click the Record icon in the main window. Turn the camera to your subject. Click the Record Video button below the displayed image to start movie recording. When finished, click the Record Video button once again to stop movie recording. The first scene of the captured movie is added to the thumbnail view in the left pane of the main window.
When capturing a movie in a dark place, click the WebCam Settings icon after step 2 and select the low light or low light compensation option in the properties window. WebCam Companion 2 provides many more features. See the help file on the software for more information.

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Notes on playing discs
To achieve optimum performance when playing discs, you should follow these recommendations. Some CD players and computers' optical disc drives may not be able to play audio CDs created with the CD-R or CD-RW media. Some DVD players and computers' optical disc drives may not be able to play DVDs created with the DVD+R DL, DVDR DL, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, or DVD-RAM media. Do not use memory-resident utility software to speed up disc access when playing a disc. This may cause your computer to malfunction. Do not place your computer into either of the power saving modes while your computer is playing a disc. Region code indicators are labeled on the DVDs to indicate in which region and on what type of player you can play the disc. If the DVD is labeled "all," this means that you can play this DVD in most regions of the world. If the region code for your residence area is different from the label on the DVD disc or on the packaging, you cannot play the disc on your computer.

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Playing CDs

To play an audio CD

Insert a disc into the optical disc drive. If nothing appears on the desktop, then click Start, All Programs, and the desired CD software to play the CD. If the Audio CD window appears, click to select an option.

Copying Files to CDs

To copy files to a disc
! Do not strike or shake your computer while writing data to a disc.
Insert a disc into the optical disc drive. If the AutoPlay window appears, click Burn files to disc and follow the on-screen instructions until the empty disc folder appears. Open the folder that contains the file(s) you want to copy and drag them to the empty disc folder. Close the disc folder.

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Playing DVDs

To play a DVD

3 Close all running software applications. Insert a DVD into the optical disc drive. If nothing appears on the desktop, then click Start, All Programs, and the desired DVD software to play the DVD.
For instructions on how to use the software, see the help file on your DVD software.

Copying Files to DVDs

Connect the AC adapter to the computer. Close all running software applications. Insert a disc into the optical disc drive. If nothing appears on the desktop, then click Start, All Programs, and the desired DVD burning software to copy files to the disc.

For instructions on how to use the software, see the help file on your DVD burning software.

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Playing Blu-ray Disc Media
! The Blu-ray Disc playback function is available on selected models only. See the online specifications to find out the type of your optical disc drive, and then Reading and Writing Optical Discs (page 39) to find out about the supported disc media.
To play a Blu-ray Disc media
3 Close all running software applications. Insert a Blu-ray Disc media into the optical disc drive. If nothing appears on the desktop, then click Start, All Programs, and the desired Blu-ray Disc software to play the disc.
For instructions on how to use the software, see the help file on your software.
Copying Files to Blu-ray Disc Media
! The Blu-ray Disc writing function is available on selected models only. See the online specifications to find out the type of your optical disc drive, and then Reading and Writing Optical Discs (page 39) to find out about the supported disc media.
To copy files to a Blu-ray Disc media
Connect the AC adapter to the computer. Close all running software applications. Insert a Blu-ray Disc media into the optical disc drive. If nothing appears on the desktop, then click Start, All Programs, and the desired Blu-ray Disc burning software to copy files to the disc.
For instructions on how to use the software, see the help file on your Blu-ray Disc burning software.

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Using the ExpressCard Module
Your computer is equipped with either a Universal ExpressCard slot* or an ExpressCard/34 slot* for transferring data among digital cameras, camcorders, music players, and other audio/video devices. The former can accommodate either an ExpressCard/34 (34mm wide) or ExpressCard/54 (54mm wide) module* as shown below; and the latter, an ExpressCard/34 module* only. ExpressCard/34 module* ExpressCard/54 module*
Your computer is equipped with an ExpressCard/34 slot*.
* Referred to as the ExpressCard slot and the ExpressCard module in this manual.

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Inserting an ExpressCard Module
! Use care when inserting or removing the ExpressCard module from the slot. Do not force it in or out of the slot.

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Removing a Memory Card
! Do not remove a memory card while the Media Access indicator light is on. If you do, the card or its data may become damaged.

To remove a memory card

3 Check that the Media Access indicator light is off. Push in the memory card toward the computer. The memory card ejects. Pull the memory card out of the slot.

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Using the Internet
Setting Up a Dial-up Internet Connection
Before you can connect to the Internet, you need to connect your computer to a telephone line with a telephone cable (not supplied) and have an account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
To connect a telephone cable
Plug one end of the phone cable (1) into the modem port Plug the other end into the wall jack (2). on the computer.
Your computer does not work with party lines, cannot be connected to a coin-operated telephone, and may not work with multiple telephone lines or a private branch exchange (PBX). Some of these connections may result in excess electrical current and could cause a malfunction in the internal modem. If you connect a telephone cable coming through a splitter, the modem or connected device may not work properly.
To set up a dial-up connection to the Internet
Click Start and Control Panel. Click Connect to the Internet under Network and Internet. The Connect to the Internet window appears. Click Dial-up. Follow the on-screen instructions.

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Using Wireless LAN (WLAN)
Using the Sony Wireless LAN (WLAN), all your digital devices with built-in WLAN functionality communicate freely with each other through a network. A WLAN is a network in which a user can connect to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a wireless (radio) connection. So there is no need anymore to pull cables or wires through walls and ceilings. The Sony WLAN supports all normal Ethernet connectivity, 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. You can communicate without an access point, which means that you can communicate with a limited number of computers (ad-hoc). Or you can communicate through an access point, which allows you to create a full infrastructure network.

In some countries, using WLAN products may be restricted by the local regulations (e.g. limited number of channels). Therefore, before activating the WLAN functionality, read the Safety Information carefully.
WLAN uses the IEEE 802.11a*/b/g standard or the IEEE 802.11n* draft standard, which specifies the used technology. The standard includes the encryption methods: Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), which is a security protocol, Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2), and Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA). Proposed jointly by the IEEE and Wi-Fi Alliance, both WPA2 and WPA are specifications of standards based, interoperable security enhancements that increase the level of data protection and access control for existing Wi-Fi networks. WPA has been designed to be forward compatible with the IEEE 802.11i specification. It utilizes the enhanced data encryption TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) in addition to user authentication using 802.1X and EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol). Data encryption protects the vulnerable wireless link between clients and access points. Besides that, there are other typical LAN security mechanisms to ensure privacy, such as: password protection, end-to-end encryption, virtual private networks, and authentication. WPA2, the second generation of WPA, provides stronger data protection and network access control and is also designed to secure all versions of 802.11 devices, including 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g, and 802.11n draft standard, multi-band and multimode. In addition, based on the ratified IEEE 802.11i standard, WPA2 provides government grade security by implementing the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) FIPS 140-2 compliant AES encryption algorithm and 802.1X-based authentication. WPA2 is backward compatible with WPA. * See the online specifications to see whether your model supports the IEEE 802.11a standard and/or the IEEE 802.11n draft standard.

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The IEEE 802.11b/g standard is a wireless LAN standard, using the 2.4 GHz bandwidth. The IEEE 802.11g standard provides high-speed communications, faster than the IEEE 802.11b standard. The IEEE 802.11a standard is a wireless LAN standard, using the 5 GHz bandwidth, and provides high-speed communications of up to 54 Mbps. The IEEE 802.11n draft standard is a wireless LAN standard, using the 2.4 or 5 GHz bandwidth, and provides high-speed communications of up to 150 Mbps* (transmission) and up to 300 Mbps* (reception). * Actual communication speed varies depending on your access point settings and so on. Your computer may employ the Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N technology* compliant with the IEEE 802.11a/b/g standard and the IEEE 802.11n draft standard. * Employed only on models that support the IEEE 802.11n draft standard. Wireless LAN devices using the 2.4 GHz bandwidth and the ones using the 5 GHz bandwidth cannot communicate with each other because the frequencies are different. The 2.4 GHz bandwidth used by wireless LAN compatible devices is also used by other various devices. Although technologies to minimize interference from other devices that use the same bandwidth are employed on wireless LAN compatible devices, such interference may cause lower communication speed, narrower communication range, or broken wireless connections. The communication speed varies depending on the distance between communication devices, existence of obstacles between such devices, the device configuration, the radio conditions, and the software in use. In addition, communications may be cut off depending on the radio conditions. The communication range varies depending on the actual distance between communication devices, existence of obstacles between such devices, the radio conditions, the ambient environment that includes existence of walls and materials of such walls, and the software in use. Deploying IEEE 802.11b and IEEE 802.11g products on the same wireless network may reduce the communication speed due to radio interference. Taking this into consideration, the IEEE 802.11g products are designed to reduce the communication speed to ensure communications with IEEE 802.11b products. When the communication speed is not as fast as expected, changing the wireless channel on the access point may increase the communication speed.

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The 2.4 GHz band, with which Bluetooth devices or wireless LAN devices work, is used by various devices. Bluetooth devices use the technology to minimize the interference from other devices that use the same wave length. Simultaneous use of the Bluetooth functionality and wireless communication devices, however, may cause radio interference and result in poorer communication speeds and distances than the standard values. The Bluetooth functionality may not work depending on the third party devices or the software version used by third party companies. As general characteristics of Bluetooth technology, connecting multiple Bluetooth devices to your computer may cause bandwidth congestion, resulting in poor performance of the devices.

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Bluetooth Security
The Bluetooth wireless technology has an authentication function, which allows you to determine with whom you choose to communicate. With the authentication function, you can avoid any anonymous Bluetooth device to access your computer. The first time two Bluetooth devices communicate, a common passkey (a password required for authentication) should be determined for both devices to be registered. Once a device is registered, there is no need to re-enter the passkey.
The passkey can be different each time, but must be the same at both ends. For certain devices, such as a mouse, no passkey can be entered.

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Communicating with Another Bluetooth Device
You can connect your computer to a Bluetooth device such as another computer, a mobile phone, a PDA, a headset, a mouse, or a digital camera without the use of any cables.
To communicate with another Bluetooth device
To communicate with another Bluetooth device, you need first to set up the Bluetooth functionality. For setting up and using the Bluetooth functionality, search for Bluetooth information using Windows Help and Support. To open Windows Help and Support, click Start and Help and Support.

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Stopping Bluetooth Communications
To stop Bluetooth communications
Turn off the Bluetooth device that is communicating with your computer. Click the button next to or above the Bluetooth icon in the VAIO Smart Network window.

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Using Peripheral Devices
You can add functionality to your VAIO computer by using the various ports on the computer. Connecting External Speakers (page 74) Connecting an External Display (page 75) Selecting Display Modes (page 82) Using the Multiple Monitors Function (page 84) Connecting an External Microphone (page 87) Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device (page 88) Connecting a Printer (page 91) Connecting an i.LINK Device (page 92) Connecting to a Network (LAN) (page 94)

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Connecting a Printer
You can connect a Windows-compatible printer to your computer to print documents.
Connecting a Printer Using the USB Port
You can connect a USB printer compatible with your version of Windows to the computer.
To connect a printer using the USB port
3 Plug the power cord (1) of your printer into an AC outlet. Choose the USB port (3) you prefer to use.
Plug one end of a USB printer cable (2) (not supplied) into the USB port and the other end to your printer.

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Connecting an i.LINK Device
Notes on connecting i.LINK devices
Your computer is equipped with an i.LINK port, which you can use to connect to an i.LINK device, such as a digital video camcorder. The i.LINK port on your computer does not supply power to external devices generally powered by i.LINK ports. The i.LINK port supports transfer rates up to 400 Mbps; however, the actual transfer rate depends on the transfer rate of the external device. The optional i.LINK cables may not be available in some countries or areas. An i.LINK connection with other compatible devices is not fully guaranteed. The i.LINK connection varies depending on the software applications, operating system, and i.LINK-compatible devices you use. See the manual that came with your software for more information. Check the working conditions and operating system compatibility of i.LINK-compatible PC peripherals (for example, an HDD or a CD-RW drive) before you connect them to your computer.

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Connecting a Digital Video Camcorder
To connect a digital video camcorder
Plug one end of an i.LINK cable (1) (not supplied) into the i.LINK port (2) on the computer and the other end into the DV In/ Out port (3) on the digital video camcorder.
On Sony digital video cameras, ports labeled DV Out, DV In/Out, or i.LINK are i.LINK-compatible.
The Sony digital video camcorder shown here is an example; your digital video camcorder may need to be connected differently. You cannot access the pictures stored on a Memory Stick media when using an i.LINK connection.

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Connecting to a Network (LAN)
You can connect your computer to 1000BASE-T/100BASE-TX/10BASE-T-type networks with an Ethernet network cable. Connect one end of a network cable (not supplied) to the network (Ethernet) port on the computer and the other end to your network. For detailed settings and devices needed to connect to the network, ask your network administrator.

Your computer can be connected to the network with the default settings.
! Telephone lines cannot be connected to the network (LAN) connector on your computer. If the network (LAN) connector is connected to the telephone lines mentioned below, high electric current to the connector may cause damage, overheating, or fire.
- Home (intercom speakerphone) or business-use telephone lines (multi-line business telephone) - Public telephone subscriber line - PBX (private branch exchange) Do not plug a telephone cable into the network (Ethernet) port.

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Customizing Your VAIO Computer
This section briefly describes how to change the main settings of your VAIO computer. Among other things, you will learn how to use and customize the look of your Sony software and utilities, etc. Setting the Password (page 96) Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center (page 101) Using the Power Saving Modes (page 102) Managing Power with VAIO Power Management (page 107)

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Setting the Password
Use one of the BIOS functions to set the password. Once you have set the password, you will be prompted to enter the password after the VAIO logo appears to start your computer. The power-on password allows you to protect your computer from unauthorized access.
Adding the Power-on Password
The power-on password is provided to protect your computer from unauthorized access. There are two types of the power-on password: machine password and user password. The machine password is provided for users with administrator rights on the computer to change all the setup options in the BIOS setup screen, as well as to start the computer. The user password is provided for the standard users to allow for changing some of the BIOS setup options, as well as starting the computer. To set the user password, you must first set the machine password.
! Once you have set the power-on password, you cannot start your computer without entering the password. Make sure not to forget the password. Write down your password and keep it safe and private from other people.
If you forget the power-on password and need assistance to reset it, a password reset fee will be charged, and your computer may need to be sent in for depot service for password reset.

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To add the power-on password (machine password)

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What should I do if the green power indicator light is on but my screen remains blank?
Press the Alt+F4 keys several times to close the application window. An application error may have been occurred. Press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys and click the arrow next to the Shut down button and Restart. Press and hold the power button for more than four seconds to shut down your computer. Unplug the AC adapter and leave the computer for about five minutes. Then plug in the AC adapter and turn on the computer again.
! Turning off your computer with the power button or the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys may cause loss of unsaved data.
What should I do if my computer or software stops responding?
If your computer stops responding while a software application is running, press the Alt+F4 keys to close the application window. If the Alt+F4 keys do not work, click Start, the arrow next to the Lock button, and Shut Down to turn off your computer. If your computer does not turn off, press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys and click the arrow and Shut Down. If the Windows Security window appears, click Shut Down.
! Turning off your computer with the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys or the power button may cause loss of unsaved data.
next to the Shut down button
If your computer still does not turn off, press and hold the power button until the computer turns off. Remove the AC adapter and battery pack. Try reinstalling the software. Contact the software publisher or designated provider for technical support.

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Why doesn't my computer enter Sleep or Hibernate mode?
Your computer may become unstable if the operating mode is changed before the computer completely enters Sleep or Hibernate mode.
To restore your computer to normal operating stability
Close all open programs. Click Start, the arrow next to the Lock button, and Restart. If your computer does not restart, press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys and click the arrow next to the Shut down button and Restart. If this procedure does not work, press and hold the power button until the computer turns off.
! Turning off your computer with the power button may cause loss of unsaved data.
What should I do if the charge indicator is blinking fast and my computer does not start?
This issue could be due to the battery pack not being installed properly. To resolve this issue, turn off your computer and remove the battery pack. Then install the battery pack to the computer again. For details, see Installing the Battery Pack (page 22). If the issue persists after performing the above, it means the installed battery pack is not compatible. Remove the battery pack and contact an authorized Sony Service Center. To find the nearest center or agent, see Sony Support Information (page 178).

Why can't I use the Bluetooth functionality when I log onto my computer as a user with a standard user account?
The Bluetooth functionality may not be available to a user with a standard user account on your computer. Log onto the computer as a user with administrator rights.
Why can't I connect to a Bluetooth device with a PAN?
If the device to which you want to connect does not support Bluetooth communication in Personal Area Network User (PANU) mode, you cannot connect to the device with a PAN.
Why can't I use the Bluetooth devices when I switch a user?
If you switch a user without logging off your system, the Bluetooth devices will not work successfully. Be sure to log off before switching a user. To log off your system, click Start, the arrow next to the Lock button, and Log Off.
Why can't I exchange business card data with a mobile phone?
The business card exchange function is not supported.

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Optical Discs
Why does my computer freeze when I try to read a disc?
The disc that your computer is trying to read may be dirty or damaged. Follow these steps: 3 Press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys and click the arrow next to the Shut down button and Restart to restart the computer. Remove the disc from the optical disc drive. Check the disc for dirt or damage. If you need to clean the disc, see On Handling Discs (page 123) for instructions.
What should I do if the drive tray does not open?
Make sure your computer is on. Press the drive eject button. If the drive eject button does not work, click Start and Computer, right-click the optical disc drive icon, and select Eject. If none of the above options work, insert a thin, straight object (such as a paper clip) in the manual eject hole on the optical disc drive. Try restarting your computer.

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What should I do if I cannot play a disc properly on my computer?
Make sure the disc is inserted into the optical disc drive with the label facing upward. Make sure the necessary program(s) is installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. If a disc is dirty or damaged, your computer will stop responding. Follow these steps: 3 Press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys and click the arrow next to the Shut down button and Restart to restart the computer. Remove the disc from the optical disc drive. Check the disc for dirt or damage. If you need to clean the disc, see On Handling Discs (page 123) for instructions.
If you are playing a disc and cannot hear sound, do any of the following: The volume may have been turned off by the Fn+F2 keys. Press them once again. The volume may have been minimized by the VOL- button. Press the VOL+ button to turn up the volume loud enough to hear sound. Right-click the volume icon on the taskbar and click Open Volume Mixer to check the settings. Check the volume setting in the audio mixer. If you are using external speakers, check the volume settings on the speakers and the connections between the speakers and your computer. Make sure the correct driver software is installed. Follow these steps: 3 Click Start and Control Panel. Click System and Maintenance. Click System.

Can I copy images from a digital camera using Memory Stick media?
Yes, and you can view video clips that you have recorded with Memory Stick media-compatible digital cameras.
Why can't I write data to Memory Stick media?
Some versions of Memory Stick media are equipped with an erasure prevention switch to protect data from accidental erasure or overwriting. Make sure the erasure prevention switch is off.

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Peripherals
What should I do if I cannot connect a USB device?
If applicable, check the USB device is turned on and using its own power supply. For example, if you are using a digital camera, check if the battery is charged. If you are using a printer, check if the power cable is connected properly to the AC outlet. Try using another USB port on your computer. The driver could be installed to the specific port you used the first time you connected the device. See the manual that came with your USB device for more information. You may need to install software before you connect the device. Try connecting a simple, low-powered device such as a mouse to test if the port is working at all. USB hubs may prevent a device from working because of the distribution of power. We recommend you connect the device directly to your computer without a hub.

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Support Options
This section contains information on where to go for answers to questions about your VAIO computer and the preinstalled software. Sony Support Information (page 178) Program Support Information (page 181)

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Sony Support Information
See the following sources for answers in the sequence listed below. 1 VAIO Computer Documentation This on-screen User Guide (this manual) and the printed Welcome mat provide information on how to maximize your computer's capabilities and solve common problems. 2 Program Guides and Help Files The preinstalled programs on your computer may be supplied with individual help guides. These guides are stored on the hard disk drive as on-screen help files. You can find the help files from the help menu under the specific program. 3 Operating System Online Support Your computer comes preinstalled with a Microsoft Windows operating system. For operating system support, you can visit Microsoft customer support at: http://support.microsoft.com/directory/. 4 Sony Computing Support This service provides instant access to information on commonly encountered problems. Type a description of the problem and the Knowledge Database searches for the corresponding solutions online. You can visit the Sony online support Web site at the following URLs: http://esupport.sony.com/EN/VAIO/ for customers in USA http://www.sony.ca/support/ for customers in Canada http://esupport.sony.com/ES/VAIO/ for customers in Spanish speaking Latin American countries or areas http://esupport.sony.com/ES/VAIO/BR/ for customers in Brazil 5 VAIO Update When your computer is connected to the Internet, VAIO Update automatically notifies you when critical software and security information is posted on the support Web site. Click the VAIO Update notice to open the VAIO Support Web site and view the information.