Disassembling Sony Vaio VGN-S260 Hard Drive

Tools used in this guide

Phillips #00 Screwdriver (1)
How to take out the hard drive of the Sony Vaio VGN-S260 laptop

2011 iFixit CC BY-NC-SA

www.iFixit.com

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Step 1 - Battery
Flip the laptop over so the Vaio logo is facing down Locate the battery at the top and Find the release and unlock slides on the battery Slide the unlock tab to the unlock position Slide the release tab in the direction of the arrow, i.e. towards the unlock tab

Step 2

With the tabs still in the unlock position, slide the battery away from the main case.

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Step 3 - Keyboard
Flip the computer over so the Vaio logo is facedown Unscrew the 2 screws next to the battery

Step 4

Flip the computer over again so the Vaio logo is face up Open the lid

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Step 5
Press down on the outer gray shell around the keyboard Use the spudger to gently lift keyboard Do not pull up the keyboard too far as it is attached to a ribbon underneath

Step 6

Lift up lever underneath the ribbon to detach the keyboard.

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Step 7 - UpperCasing
Flip so the Vaio Logo is face down Locate and remove a total of 6 screws on the bottom.

Step 8

Flip the laptop over so the Vaio logo is face up Use the spudger to pop up the upper casing Do not lift too much as the Uppercasing is attached to wires underneath
Remove the wires that are attaching the uppercasing to the motherboard

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Step 9

Remove the uppercasing

Step 10 - Hard Drive
Locate the screws holding the hard drive casing in place. Remove the screws

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Step 11
Find orange ribbon that is connected to the hard drive. Find the holder of the ribbon and pop the ribbon off from it

Step 12

Remove the casing and the orange ribbon
To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
This document was last generated on Feb 12, 2011.

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If you plan to use an external optical disc drive, connect the drive before you launch any preinstalled CD/DVD program.

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Reading and Writing CDs and DVDs
Your computer plays and records CDs and DVDs, depending on the model you purchased. Check your specifications for the type of optical disc drive installed on your model. Use the table below to see which types of media your optical disc drive supports.

Optical disc drive

DVD-ROM CD-RW/DVD-ROM DVDRW DVDRW/RAM
DVD and most DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW and DVD+R DL (Double Layer) CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, most DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+R DL (Double Layer) and DVD+RW CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, most DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+R DL (Double Layer) and DVD+RW CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, most DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+R DL (Double Layer), DVD+RW and DVD-RAM*

Records to

CD-R and CD-RW CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+R DL (Double Layer) and DVD+RW CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+R DL (Double Layer), DVD+RW and DVD-RAM*

On selected models only.

! This product is designed to playback discs that conform to the Compact Disc Digital Audio standard specifications (CD Standard). A DualDisc is a two sided disc product which mates DVD recorded material on one side with digital audio material on the other side. Please be aware that the audio side (non-DVD side) of a DualDisc may not play on this product because it does not conform to the CD Standard. ! Due to the multiple formats of discs now available, when buying pre-recorded or blank discs for use with a VAIO computer, be sure to read the notices on the disc packaging carefully to check both playback and recording compatibility with your computer's optical disc drives. Sony does NOT guarantee the compatibility of VAIO CD drives with discs that not compliant with the official "CD" format standard (or "DVD" standard in relation to DVD drives). USING NON-COMPLIANT DISCS CAN CAUSE FATAL DAMAGE TO YOUR VAIO PC OR CREATE SOFTWARE CONFLICTS AND CAUSE SYSTEM HANGING. For inquiries about disc formats, contact the individual publisher of the pre-recorded disc or the manufacturer of the recordable disc.

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Supports writing to DVD-RW discs compliant with DVD-RW version 1.1/1.2. Supports writing to DVD-R discs compliant with DVD-R for General version 2.0/2.1. Supports 8cm disc reading, but does not support 8cm disc writing. Writing to DVD+R DL (Double Layer) discs is available only on discs supporting DVD+R DL (Double Layer) recording. The DVDRW/RAM disc drive on your computer does not support the DVD-RAM cartridge. Use non-cartridge discs or discs with removable cartridge. Writing to single-sided DVD-RAM discs (2.6 GB) compliant with DVD-RAM version 1.0 is not supported.
Notes on writing data onto a disc
To make the data on a disc readable on an optical disc drive, you need to close the session when you eject it. To complete this process, follow the instructions included with your software. Only use circular discs. Do not use discs in any other shape (star, heart, card, etc.), as this may damage the optical disc drive. Do not strike or shake the computer while writing data onto a disc. Deactivate the screen saver and exit anti-virus software before writing data onto a disc. Do not use memory-resident utility software while writing data to a disc. This may cause the computer to malfunction. When using your software application to burn discs, make sure you exit and close all other applications. Never touch the surface of the disc. Fingerprints and dust on the surface of a disc may cause writing errors. Do not switch power modes while using the pre-installed software and while using the CD burning software. Never put stickers on discs. This will affect the use of the disc irreparably. Connect and use the AC adapter to power the computer or make sure your battery is at least 50 percent charged. Some DVD players and computer's DVD drives may not be able to play DVDs created on applicable models using the VAIO Zone software.

Insert a blank disc into the optical disc drive. If the CD Drive window appears, click Take no action and then click OK. Right-click Start and then click Explorer. In the Folders panel on the left, locate the file(s) or folder(s) you want to copy, right-click the file(s) or folder(s), point to Send To, and then click the optical disc drive* name. Close the window. Click Start and then My Computer. Click the optical disc drive icon under Devices with Removable Storage. A new window appears with the file(s) or folder(s) you want to copy listed under Files Ready to Be Written to the CD. In the CD Writing Tasks box, click Write these files to CD. Follow the instructions in the CD Writing Wizard.
The read/write drive letter designation may vary, depending on your system's hardware configuration.

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Playing DVDs

To play a DVD

3 Close all open programs. Insert a DVD into the optical disc drive. If nothing appears on the desktop, then click Start, point to All Programs, and click to open a DVD program to play the DVD.
For instructions on how to use a program, see the help file included with the DVD program.

Copying Files to DVDs

The DVD writing function is available on selected models only. See the online Specifications to find the type of your optical disc drive, and then Reading and Writing CDs and DVDs (page 30) to find about the supported disc media.
3 Connect the AC adapter to the computer. Insert a disc into the optical disc drive. If nothing appears on the desktop, then click Start, point to All Programs, and click to open a DVD program you want to use.

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Using PC Cards
PC Cards allow you to connect portable external devices to your computer.

Inserting a PC Card

! Some PC Cards or their functions may not be compatible with the computer.
You do not need to shut down the computer before inserting or removing a PC Card.

To insert a PC Card

Insert the PC Card into the PC Card slot with the front label facing up. Gently push the PC Card into the slot. The PC Card is automatically detected by your system. The Safely Remove Hardware icon appears on the taskbar.

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Some devices may not function properly if you continually switch to Normal mode from Standby mode or Hibernate mode. For some PC Cards, if you alternate between Normal mode and Standby or Hibernate mode while the card is inserted, you may find that a device connected to your system is not recognized. Restart your system to correct the problem. Restarting will restore the original state of the computer. While the card is inserted, the computer may not enter Hibernate power management mode. It may enter Standby mode. We recommend that you remove the card before the computer enters Hibernate mode. Make sure you use the most recent software driver provided by the PC Card manufacturer. If an "!" mark appears on the Device Manager tab in the System Properties window, remove the software driver and then reinstall it. Do not force a PC Card into the slot. It may damage the connector pins. If you have difficulty inserting a PC Card, check that you are inserting the PC Card in the correct direction. See the manual supplied with your PC Card for more information on use.

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Removing a PC Card
Follow the steps below to remove the PC Card while your computer is on. If it is not removed properly, your system may not work properly.

To remove a PC Card

To remove a PC Card when the computer is off, skip steps 1 to 6.
Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon on the taskbar. The Safely Remove Hardware window appears. Select the hardware you want to unplug. Click Stop. The Stop a Hardware Device window appears. Confirm that the device can be safely removed from the system. Click OK. A window appears, explaining that it is safe to remove the device. Click Close. Push the PC Card release button so that the release button pops out. Push the PC Card release button a second time so that the PC Card pops out. Gently take hold of the Card and pull it out of the slot.
10 If the PC Card release button is still out, push it back in.

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Using the Memory Stick Media
Your computer supports the Memory Stick media. Memory Stick media is a compact, portable, and versatile device especially designed for exchanging and sharing digital data with compatible products, such as digital cameras, mobile phones and other devices. Because it is removable, it can be used for external data storage. For the latest information on Memory Stick media, visit the Sony online support Web site at http://esupport.sony.com/EN/VAIO/ for customers in USA, at http://www.sony.ca/support for customers in Canada, or at http://esupport.sony.com/ES/ for customers in Latin American countries or areas.
! Your computer has been tested and found compatible with the Sony branded Memory Stick media with capacity of up to 4 GB. Sony assumes no liability for compatibility with any other Memory Stick media.
Write-protecting a Memory Stick Media
Some versions of Memory Stick media are designed with an erasure prevention switch to protect valuable data from accidental erasure or overwriting. Move the tab horizontally or vertically* to set or release write-protection. When the erasure prevention switch is off, data can be saved on the Memory Stick media. When the erasure prevention switch is on, data can be read from but not saved on the Memory Stick media.
Some versions of Memory Stick media do not have an erasure prevention switch.

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Inserting a Memory Stick Media
To insert a Memory Stick media
3 Hold the Memory Stick media with the arrow facing up and toward the Memory Stick media slot. Lift the Memory Stick media slot cover. Carefully slide the Memory Stick media into the slot until it clicks in place. The Memory Stick media is automatically detected by your system and appears in your My Computer window as a local drive, under the appropriate letter (depending on the configuration of the computer).

Connecting a USB Mouse

To connect a USB mouse
Choose the USB port (1) you prefer to use. Plug the USB mouse cable (2) into the USB port. You can now use your USB mouse (3).
The VAIO USB mouse software driver is preinstalled on the computer. As a result, you only need to plug the USB mouse into the USB port and you can start working.

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Connecting a USB Floppy Disk Drive
You can purchase a USB floppy disk drive and connect it to your computer.
To connect a USB floppy disk drive
Choose the USB port you prefer to use. Plug the USB floppy disk drive cable into the USB port. Your USB floppy disk drive is now ready for use.
! When using a USB floppy disk drive, do not apply force on the USB port. This may cause a malfunction.

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Disconnecting a USB floppy disk drive
You can disconnect a USB floppy disk drive when the computer is on or off. Disconnecting the drive when the computer is in a power saving mode (Standby or Hibernate) may cause the computer to malfunction. If the computer is off, you can unplug the USB cable directly from the computer.
To disconnect a USB floppy disk drive
7 Close all programs accessing the floppy disk drive. Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon on the taskbar. The Safely Remove Hardware window appears. Select the floppy disk drive you want to unplug. Click Stop. The Stop a Hardware device window appears. Make sure the floppy disk drive is selected, and click OK. A message appears stating it is now safe to remove the hardware device. Click Close to close the Safely Remove Hardware window. Remove the floppy disk drive from the computer.

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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 printer power cord into an AC outlet (1). Choose the USB port (3) you prefer to use.

Plug one end of a USB printer cable (2) 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
The computer includes an i.LINK (IEEE1394) port, which you can use to connect to an i.LINK device such as a digital video camcorder or to connect two VAIO computers in order to copy, delete or edit files. The i.LINK port of the 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. i.LINK cables compatible with the computer include cables with the following part numbers: VMC-IL4415 (a 1.5 meter cable with a 4-pin connector at each end), VMC-IL4408 Series (a 0.8 meter cable with a 4-pin connector at each end). The optional i.LINK cables may not be available, depending on the country or area of your residency. 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. Refer to the manual that came with your software for more information. Check the working conditions and OS compatibility of i.LINK-compatible PC peripherals (for example, an HDD or CD-RW drive) before you connect them to the computer.

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Connecting a Digital Video Camcorder
To connect a digital video camcorder
Plug one end of the i.LINK cable (1) into the i.LINK port (2) on the computer and the other end into the DV In/Out ports (3) on the digital video camcorder. Launch the DVgate Plus software.
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 100BASE-TX/10BASE-T-type networks via an Ethernet network cable. Connect one end of an optional network cable 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, see your network administrator.
The 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.

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Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Central
The VAIO Central utility allows you to consult system information and specify preferences for system behavior.

To use VAIO Central

3 Click Start, point to All Programs, and click VAIO Central. The VAIO Central window appears. Select the desired control item and change the settings. Once finished, click OK. The setting of the desired item has been changed.
Some of the control items will not be visible if you open VAIO Central as a limited user.

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Using the Power Saving Modes
When you use a battery as the power source for your computer, you can take advantage of power management settings to conserve battery life. In addition to the normal operating mode, which allows you to turn off specific devices, your computer has two distinct power saving modes: Standby and Hibernate. When using battery power, you should be aware that the computer automatically enters Hibernate mode when the remaining battery charge becomes short, regardless of the power management setting you select.
! If the battery level falls below 10 percent, you should either attach the AC adapter to recharge the battery or shut down the computer and install a fully charged battery.

Using Normal Mode

This is the normal state of the computer when it is in use. The green power indicator light is on in this mode. To save power while not working, you can turn off a specific device such as the LCD or the hard disk.

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Using Standby Mode
Standby mode turns off the LCD screen and sets the hard disk and the CPU to a low power consumption mode. The umber power light flashes in this mode.

To activate Standby mode

Click Start and then Turn Off Computer. Click Stand By.

To return to Normal mode

Press any key.
! If you press the power button for more than four seconds, the computer will switch off automatically. You will lose any unsaved data.
When the computer is in Standby mode, you cannot insert a disc. The computer comes out of Standby mode quicker than out of Hibernate mode. Standby mode uses more power than Hibernate mode.
! If the battery runs down when the computer enters Standby mode, you will lose any unsaved data. Going back to the previous work state is impossible. To avoid loss of data, you should save your data frequently.
If the computer is not used for 25 minutes, it will enter Standby mode. To avoid this, you can change the Standby mode settings.

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To change the Standby mode settings
5 Click Start and then Control Panel. Click Performance and Maintenance. Click Power Options. The Power Options Properties window appears. Select the Power Schemes tab. Change the System Standby settings.

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Using Hibernate Mode
In Hibernate mode, the state of the system is saved on the hard disk and power is turned off. Even when the battery runs down, no data will be lost. The power indicator light is off in this mode.

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On Using Headphones
Road safety Do not use headphones while driving, cycling, or operating any motorized vehicle. It may create a traffic hazard and is illegal in some areas. It can also be potentially dangerous to play loud music while walking, especially at pedestrian crossings. Preventing hearing damage Avoid using headphones at high volume. Hearing experts advise against continuous, loud and extended play. If you experience a ringing in your ears, reduce the volume or discontinue use.
On Handling Memory Stick Media
Do not use the media in locations that are subject to static electricity or electrical noise. Do not touch the Memory Stick media connector with your finger or metallic objects. Use only the label supplied with the Memory Stick media as a label. Do not bend, drop, or apply strong shock to the Memory Stick media. Do not disassemble or modify Memory Stick media. Do not let Memory Stick media get wet. Do not use or store Memory Stick media in a location subject to: Extremely high temperatures, such as in a car parked in the sun Direct sunlight High humidity Corrosive substances Use the storage case supplied with the Memory Stick media.

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On Handling the Hard Disk
The hard disk has a high storage density and reads or writes data in a short time. However, it can be easily damaged by mechanical vibration, shock or dust. Although the hard disk has the internal safety device to prevent losing data due to mechanical vibration, shock or dust, you should be careful when handling the computer.
To avoid damaging your hard disk
Do not subject the computer to sudden movements. Keep the computer away from magnets. Do not place the computer in a location subject to mechanical vibration or in an unstable position. Do not move the computer while the power is on. Do not turn off the power or restart the computer while reading or writing data to disk. Do not use the computer in a place subject to extreme changes in temperature.
If the hard disk is damaged, the data cannot be restored.

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Troubleshooting
This section describes how to solve common problems you might encounter when using your computer. Many problems have simple solutions. Try these suggestions before visiting the Sony online support Web site at http://esupport.sony.com/EN/VAIO/ for customers in USA, at http://www.sony.ca/support for customers in Canada, or at http://esupport.sony.com/ES/ for customers in Latin American countries or areas. Computer (page 100) System Security (page 108) Battery (page 110) Internet (page 112) Networking (page 114) CDs and DVDs (page 117) Display (page 122) Printing (page 124) Microphone (page 125) Mouse (page 126) Speakers (page 127) Touch Pad (page 128) Keyboard (page 129) Floppy Disks (page 130) PC Cards (page 131) Audio/Video (page 132) Memory Stick Media (page 133) Peripherals (page 134)

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Computer
What should I do if my computer won't start?
Make sure the computer is securely plugged into a power source and turned on. Make sure the power indicator shows the power is on. Make sure the battery is installed properly and charged. Make sure the floppy disk drive (if applicable) is empty. If the computer is plugged into a power strip or uninterruptible power supply (UPS), make sure the power strip or UPS is plugged into a power source and turned on. If you are using an external display, make sure it is plugged into a power source and turned on. Make sure the brightness and contrast controls are adjusted correctly. See the manual that came with your display for details. Disconnect the AC adapter and remove the battery. Wait three to five minutes. Reattach the AC adapter and reinstall the battery, and press the power button to turn on the computer. Condensation may cause the computer to malfunction. If this occurs, do not use the computer for at least one hour. Remove any extra memory modules you may have inserted since purchase. Check that you are using the supplied Sony AC adapter. For your safety, use only genuine Sony rechargeable battery packs and AC adapters, which are supplied by Sony for your VAIO computer.

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What should I do if a BIOS error appears when my computer starts?
If the message "Press <F1> to resume, <F2> to setup" appears at the bottom of the screen
7 Press the F2 key. The BIOS setup screen appears. Set the date (month/day/year). Press Enter. Press the m key to select System Time, and then set the time (hour: minute: second). Press the Enter key. Press the , key to select the Exit tab, and then press the F9 key. The message Load default configuration now? appears. Select Yes, and press the Enter key. Select Exit (Save Changes), and press the Enter key. The message Save configuration changes and exit now? appears. Select Yes, and press the Enter key. The computer restarts.
If this occurs on a regular basis, contact an authorized Sony Service Center. To find the nearest center or agent, visit the Sony online support Web site.

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What should I do if the power indicator (Green) lights but my screen does not display anything when I turn on my computer?
If nothing still appears on your screen after a while
Press the power button for more than four seconds to check that the power indicator goes out. Then turn on the computer again. If nothing still appears on your screen, unplug the AC adapter, remove the battery, and leave the computer for about a minute. Then plug in the AC adapter, install the battery, and turn on the computer again.

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What should I do if my computer or software stops responding?
It is best to turn off the computer using the Turn Off Computer option on the Microsoft Windows Start menu, located on the taskbar. Using other methods, including those listed below, may result in loss of unsaved data. Click Start, point to Turn Off Computer, and then click Turn Off. If the computer does not turn off, press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys simultaneously. When the Windows Task Manager window appears, click Turn Off from the Shut Down menu. When the Windows Security window appears, click Shut Down. If the computer still does not turn off, press and hold the power button or slide and hold the power switch until the computer turns off. If the computer stops responding while playing a CD or DVD, press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys simultaneously. You can turn off the computer from the Windows Task Manager. Pressing the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys simultaneously or turning off the computer with the power button or switch may cause loss of data. Remove the AC adapter and battery. Try reinstalling the software. Contact the software publisher or designated provider for technical support.

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Why won't my computer enter Standby or Hibernate mode?
The computer may become unstable if the operating mode is changed before the computer completely enters Standby or Hibernate.
To restore the computer to normal operating stability
Close all open programs. Click Start, Turn Off Computer, and then Restart. If the computer does not restart, press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys simultaneously. In the Windows Task Manager window, select Restart from the Shut Down menu to restart the computer. If this procedure does not work, press and hold the power button or slide and hold the power switch until the computer turns off.
What should I do if the battery indicator is flashing and my computer won't start?
This symptom could be due to the battery pack not being installed properly. To resolve this symptom, switch off the computer and remove the battery pack. Then install the battery pack to the computer again. For details, see Installing the Battery Pack (page 18). If the symptom 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, visit the Sony online support Web site.

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Why does a window appear to notify of incompatibility of the battery pack or improper connection to the computer and an operating mode shift to Hibernate?
Why is the sound of my computer's fan so loud?
The computer's fan may be running at a high speed to cool the CPU. By lowering the CPU speed, you also lower the speed and noise level of the computer's fan. You can use the power schemes to lower the CPU speed.
To lower the CPU speed using the power schemes*
Click Start and then Control Panel. Click Performance and Maintenance, and click Power Options. The Power Options Properties window appears. Select Portable/Laptop in the Power schemes box. Click Apply. Click OK.
Available on selected models only.

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Why does the System Properties window display a slower CPU speed than the maximum?
This is normal. Because the computer's CPU utilizes a type of CPU speed controlling technology for power conservation purposes, System Properties may display the CPU's current speed instead of the maximum speed.

Why doesn't my computer enter Hibernate mode?
You may first need to enable Hibernate mode. Follow these steps: 5 Click Start and then Control Panel. Click Performance and Maintenance. Click Power Options. The Power Options Properties window appears. Select the Hibernate tab. Click to check the box next to Enable hibernation.

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Internet
Why doesn't my modem work?
Make sure the telephone cable is securely plugged into the Modem port on the computer and the wall jack. Make sure the telephone cable is working. Plug the cable into an ordinary telephone and listen for a dial tone. Make sure the telephone number the program is dialing is correct. Make sure the software you are using is compatible with the computer's modem. (All preinstalled Sony programs are compatible.) Make sure that the modem is the only device connected to your phone line. Check the following setting: 5 Click Start and then Control Panel. Click Printers and Other Hardware. Click Phone and Modem Options. On the Modems tab, check that your modem is listed. On the Dialing Rules tab, check the location information is correct.

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Why is my modem connection slow?
The computer is equipped with a V.92/ V.90 compatible modem. Many factors may influence modem connection speed, including telephone line noise or compatibility with telephone equipment, such as fax machines or other modems. If you think your modem is not connecting properly to other PC-based modems, fax machines, or your Internet Service Provider (ISP), follow these steps: Ask your telephone company to verify your telephone line is free of any line noise. If your problem is fax-related, make sure there are no problems with the fax machine you are calling and that it is compatible with fax modems. If you are having a problem connecting with your ISP, make sure the ISP is not experiencing technical problems. If you have a second telephone line, try connecting the modem to that line.

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Networking
Why can't my computer connect to a wireless LAN access point?
Connection availability is affected by distance and obstructions. You may need to move the computer away from obstructions or closer to any access point you may be using. Make sure the WIRELESS or WIRELESS LAN switch is on and the WIRELESS LAN indicator is lit on the computer. Make sure power to the access point is on. Check the following setting: 7 Click Start and then Control Panel. Click Network and Internet Connections. Click Network Connections. Right-click Wireless Network Connection. Click Properties. Click the Wireless Networks tab. Click View Wireless Networks to see that your access point is selected.

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What should I do if the optical disc drive isn't playing my CD or DVD properly?
Make sure the disc was inserted into the optical disc drive with the label facing up. Make sure the necessary program(s) is installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. If the CD or DVD is dirty or damaged, the computer will stop responding. Follow these steps: 3 Restart the computer by pressing the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys, and selecting Restart from the Shut Down menu of the Windows Task Manager window. Remove the CD or DVD from the optical disc drive. Check the disc for dirt or damage. If you need to clean the disc, see On Handling Discs (page 95) for instructions.
If you are playing a CD or DVD and cannot hear sound, follow these steps: Double-click the Volume icon on the taskbar, and click to cancel the Master Volume Mute All and Wave Mute check boxes. 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 the computer. Make sure the CD audio feature is enabled and the correct driver software is installed. Follow these steps: Click Start and then Control Panel. Click Performance and Maintenance. Click System. The System Properties window appears. Select the Hardware tab, and click Device Manager in the Device Manager box. A window with a listing of the computer's hardware devices appears. If an "X" or an exclamation point appears on the listed device, you may need to enable the device or reinstall the drivers.

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Double-click the optical disc drive device to open the submenu. Double-click the listed drive, and select the Properties tab. Click to select the Enable digital CD audio for this CD-ROM device check box, if it is not selected. You can confirm the driver software by selecting the Driver tab, and clicking Driver Details. Click OK to close the window.
Make sure an adhesive label was not attached to the CD or DVD. Adhesive labels can come off while the disc is in the optical disc drive and damage the drive or cause it to malfunction. If a region code warning appears, the disc may be incompatible with the optical disc drive. Check the DVD package to make sure the region code is compatible with the optical disc drive. If you notice condensation on the computer, do not use the computer for at least one hour. Condensation can cause the computer to malfunction. Make sure the computer is running on AC power supply and try the disc again.

This change to the settings disables the bidirectional communication functions of the printer, such as data transfer, status monitoring, and remote panel.

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Microphone
Why doesn't my microphone work?
If you are using an external microphone, make sure the microphone is turned on and is properly plugged into the Microphone jack on the computer.

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What should I do if the computer doesn't recognize the mouse?
Make sure the mouse is securely plugged into the port. Restart the computer with the mouse connected to the computer.
What should I do if the pointer doesn't move when I use the mouse?
Make sure another mouse is not installed. If you are playing a disc, press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys simultaneously to stop playback and restart the computer. If you still cannot use the pointer, restart the computer. Press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys simultaneously. In the Windows Task Manager window, select Restart from the Shut Down menu to restart the computer. Press and hold the power button. When the computer turns off, wait 10 to 15 seconds then press the power button again to restart the computer. Avoid using radio-controlled toys or equipment, CB radios, and other wireless devices in the area near your wireless mouse. These devices may cause interference, causing your mouse to stop working properly. Do not place metal furniture near the computer or wireless mouse, as this may create interference, causing your mouse to stop working properly.

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Speakers
Why won't my speakers work?
Make sure the speakers are properly connected and the volume is turned up loud enough to hear sound. Your speakers may not be designed for computer use. If the speakers have a muting button, set the button to off. If the speakers have a volume control, make sure the volume is turned up loud enough to hear sound. If you have connected an audio cable to the Headphones jack, disconnect the cable and use the speaker cable that was supplied with the speakers. If you are using battery power, make sure the battery is installed properly and is charged. If the speakers require external power, make sure the speakers are connected to a power source. See the manual that came with the speakers for more information.
Why can't I hear sound from my speakers?
If the computer is using battery power, make sure the battery is properly installed and is charged. If you are using a program that has its own volume control, make sure the volume control is properly set. See that program's help file for more information. The speaker volume may be turned off, the volume setting may be too low, or the audio option may be disabled. Check the volume controls in Windows.

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For users in Latin American countries or areas Customer Information Center
If you do not find the information you are looking for at our site, you may call Sony directly. In order to receive the fastest and most efficient services, please have the following information readily available: 1 Your VAIO computer model You can find it at the lower right corner of the display on the laptops, and in the same place on the front panel of the CPU on the desktops. 2 Your computer's serial number You can find it on the back or bottom of the laptop or on the back of the desktop; the serial number is the last 7 digits of the number below the barcode. 5 The operating system on your computer The hardware component or the software program that is causing you the problem A brief description of the problem

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In order to contact a Sony technical support representative, please call the following numbers: In Argentina: (011) 6770-SONY (7669) In Mexico: In Mexico City: 5002-9819 In the Mexican Republic: 01-800-759-7669 In Colombia: 01-800-550-7000 In Peru: 0-801-1-7000 or 595-0200 In Chile: Sony answers: 800-261-800 From cellular phones: 02-754-6333 In Venezuela: 0-800-1-SONY-00 (0-800-1-7669-00) In Panama: 800-2050

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Program Support Information
Depending on the computer model and particular configuration you purchased, your computer may not include all of the software programs listed below. Contacts for Sony software products are listed below: For users in USA Web Site http://esupport.sony.com/EN/VAIO/ Telephone 888-4-SONY-PC (888-476-6972) For users in Canada Web Site http://www.sony.ca/support Telephone 888-4-SONY-PC (888-476-6972) For users in Latin American countries or areas Web Site http://esupport.sony.com/ES/ For contacts about third-party software products, see the following. Adobe Photoshop Elements, Photoshop Album, Premiere, Reader Adobe Systems Inc. For users in USA and Canada Web Site http://www.adobe.com/support Telephone 800-685-3652

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America Online (Dial-Up) America Online, Inc. For users in USA and Canada Web Site http://www.aol.com AOL Explorer America Online, Inc. For users in USA and Canada Web Site http://www.aol.com AOL Instant Messenger America Online, Inc. For users in USA and Canada Web Site http://www.aim.com