VAIO User Guide

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Troubleshooting
How to Use

Welcome

Congratulations on the purchase of this VAIO computer.
This User Guide - Introduction Version provides you with limited information about your VAIO computer. To update this file to the complete version of the User Guide, see Updating the User Guide to the Latest Version [Details] for more information.
Your VAIO computer may not support touch screen operations depending on the model you purchased. In such a case, use a touch pad or a mouse for computer operations.
Content in this guide is subject to change without notice.

Read this first

Updating the User Guide to the Latest Version

Connecting to the Internet

Updating Your VAIO Computer

Solving Problems on Your VAIO Computer Using VAIO Care

Finding Support Information



Windows 8 : How to Start

About the Start Screen and Menu

Opening the Charms

Searching/Starting Apps, Files, or Settings

Checking Currently Running Apps

Switching Apps

Opening the App Menus

Closing Apps

Downloading Apps from Windows Store

Opening Windows Help and Support

Activating Sleep Mode or Shutting Down/Restarting Your VAIO Computer




Read This First



Updating the User Guide to the Latest Version

By updating this User Guide - Introduction Version through the Internet, you can get the complete version of the User Guide with detailed information on your VAIO computer.
Once the User Guide is updated to the complete version, you can access it anytime even if you are offline.
With the complete version of the User Guide, you can view information about:

  • Parts description

  • Feature and operating instructions

  • Precautions

  • Troubleshooting information

  • Windows 8 basic operations

Below is an example of a screenshot in English.
* Design and content of the screen are subject to change.

To get the complete version of the User Guide

  1. Connect your VAIO computer to the Internet. [Details]

  1. Exit this User Guide - Introduction Version.

  1. Open the charms [Details] and select (Search).

  1. Select Apps.

  1. Enter “VAIO Manual” in the Search box.

  1. Select VAIO Manual from the list.

  1. After a window prompting you to update the manual appears, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the updates.

This file will automatically update to the complete version of the User Guide.
If the window prompting you to update the User Guide does not appear, make sure your VAIO computer is connected to the Internet and repeat the above steps.
If the update window still does not appear, start VAIO Update [Details] so you can find and download the User Guide manually.
Hint

  • It may take some time to complete the update.

To view help files for Windows OS and app operations

When you have trouble operating your VAIO computer, try referring to Windows Help and Support or help files included with your apps.
To access Windows Help and Support, open the charms and enter “Help and Support” in the Search box. [Details]
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Connecting to the Internet

You will need to connect your VAIO computer to the Internet before updating to the complete version of the User Guide.

Before connecting to the Internet

Before using the Internet, you will need to sign up with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and set up devices required for connecting your VAIO computer to the Internet.
The following types of Internet connection services may be available from your ISP:

  • Fiber to the Home (FTTH)

  • Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)

  • Cable modem

  • Satellite

  • Dial-up

For more information on devices required for Internet access and how to connect your VAIO computer to the Internet, ask your ISP.
The following is one of the Internet connection methods as an example.

  1. Internet

  1. Modem

  1. Router/access point

  1. LAN cable (not supplied)

  1. Wi-Fi(R) (Wireless LAN)

To use the network (LAN)

You can connect your VAIO computer to networks with a LAN cable. Connect one end of a LAN cable to the LAN port on the computer and the other end to your network. For detailed settings and devices required for LAN access, ask your network administrator.
Note

  • The connection, setting method, or required devices may vary depending on your network environment.

To use the Wi-Fi network

  1. Open the charms [Details] and select (Settings).

  1. Select (the network icon).

  1. Select your desired network (SSID) from the list and Connect.

Note

  • For detailed information on network settings and devices, refer to the information from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or the manuals that came with your network devices.

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Updating Your VAIO Computer

Be sure to update your VAIO computer to enhance the computer’s efficiency, security, and functionality.
Note

  • Your VAIO computer must be connected to the Internet to download the updates.

To use Windows Update

Windows Update enables you to make your VAIO computer more stable.

  1. Open the charms [Details] and select (Search).

  1. Select Settings.

  1. Enter “Windows Update” in the Search box.

  1. Select Windows Update from the list.

  1. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the updates.

To use VAIO Update

VAIO Update automatically notifies you of new updates available on the Internet then downloads and installs them on your VAIO computer.

  1. Open the charms [Details] and select (Search).

  1. Select Apps.

  1. Enter “VAIO Update” in the Search box.

  1. Select VAIO Update from the list.

  1. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the updates.

To update the antivirus app

The antivirus app helps protect your VAIO computer against security threats by keeping the app current with the latest updates. You can download and install the updates from the website of the manufacturer.

  1. Open the charms [Details] and select (Search).

  1. Select Apps.

  1. Enter the antivirus app name in the Search box.

  1. Select the antivirus app from the list.

  1. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the updates.

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Solving Problems on Your VAIO Computer Using VAIO Care

With VAIO Care, you can regularly conduct performance checks and system tune-ups on your VAIO computer to keep it running at optimum level. Start VAIO Care whenever a problem arises. VAIO Care will provide appropriate measures and support information to solve the problem.

To start VAIO Care

Press the ASSIST button while your VAIO computer is on.
Below is an example of a screenshot in English.
* Design and content of the screen are subject to change.
Hint

  • Alternatively, search for VAIO Care on the Search charm to start VAIO Care. [Details]

  • Refer to the help file included with VAIO Care for more information.

  • Pressing the ASSIST button while your VAIO computer is off displays the VAIO Care Rescue Mode screen. You can recover the computer by selecting Recover or maintain your system in case of emergency, for example, when Windows does not start.

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Finding Support Information

The Sony online support website provides instant access to information on commonly encountered problems. You can find support information such as the support website URL in Contact & Support on VAIO Care or the supplied Quick Start Guide. [Details]
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Windows 8 : How to Start



About the Start Screen and Menu

You can place the shortcuts to apps, the desktop, and websites that you use the most.

Overview

  1. Tiles

Select tiles to start apps, etc.
You can add and arrange tiles to suit your preference.

  1. Charms [Details]

Search apps, files, and various computer settings including devices and wireless related items.

To show the Start screen

Touch operation

Open the charms [Details] and tap (Start).

Mouse operation

Open the charms [Details] and click (Start).

Keyboard operation

Press the (Windows) key.
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Opening the Charms

Touch operation

Swipe in from the right edge.

Mouse operation

Place the pointer at the upper-right corner, then move the pointer down when the charms appear.

Keyboard operation

Press the C key while holding down the (Windows) key.
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Searching/Starting Apps, Files, or Settings

  1. Open the charms [Details] and select (Search).

  1. Select Apps, Files, or Settings.

  1. Enter a keyword in the Search box.

  1. Select your desired app or file.

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Checking Currently Running Apps

Touch operation

Swipe in from the left edge until a small app icon appears, then drag the icon back towards the left edge.

Mouse operation

Place the pointer at the upper-left corner to show an app icon(s), then move the pointer down.

Keyboard operation

Press the Tab key while holding down the (Windows) key.
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Switching Apps

You can switch between apps that are currently running.

Touch operation

Display currently running apps [Details], touch your desired app icon, and swipe in from the left edge.

Mouse operation

Display currently running apps [Details] and drag your desired app icon from the left edge to the center.
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Opening the App Menus

Many apps have app menus that you can use to control your app. Follow the instructions below to open the app menu.
Hint

  • Open the app menu when an app is displayed on the computer screen.

  • App commands vary depending on the app that is currently displayed on the computer screen.

Touch operation

Swipe up from the bottom edge.

Mouse operation

Right-click on the computer screen.

Keyboard operation

Press the Z key while holding down the (Windows) key.
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Closing Apps

You can close currently running apps by following the instruction below.
Hint

  • The app window becomes smaller in the bottom of the screen.
    Drag the window to the bottom-center edge.

Touch operation

Display your desired app on the computer screen and swipe your finger from the top-center edge to the bottom edge.

Mouse operation

Display your desired app on the computer screen, place the pointer at the top-center edge to change the pointer into the hand pointer, and drag the app to the bottom-center edge.

Keyboard operation

Press the F4 key while holding down the Alt key.
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Downloading Apps from Windows Store

You can add apps from Windows Store.
Internet connection is necessary to access Windows Store. You also need to sign in with a Microsoft account.
On how to create and what you can do with the Microsoft account, refer to Windows Help and Support. [Details]

  1. Show the Start screen [Details] and select the Store tile.

  1. Select your desired app.

  1. Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the app.

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Opening Windows Help and Support

You can open Windows Help and Support by following these steps.

  1. Open the charms [Details] and select (Search).

  1. Select Apps.

  1. Enter “Help and Support” in the Search box.

  1. Select Help and Support.

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Activating Sleep Mode or Shutting Down/Restarting Your VAIO Computer

  1. Open the charms [Details] and select (Settings).

  1. Select (Power) and Sleep, Shut down, or Restart.

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Trademarks

  • SONY and the SONY logo are registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.

  • VAIO, the VAIO logo, and other Sony product or service names are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Corporation or any of its affiliates.

  • Microsoft, Windows, the Windows logo are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

  • Wi-Fi is a trademark or registered trademark of Wi-Fi Alliance.

  • All other names of system, products, and services are trademarks of their respective owners.

  • In the manual, the TM or (R) marks are not specified.

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Copyright 2012 Sony Corporation

© 2012 Sony Corporation