This page will help you resolve common problems with your Sony Vaio laptop.
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Takes a long time to load programs or start-up.
Start by closing any applications or large files that are not in use and restart the computer, save any work before doing so.
If this does not fix the problem, consider checking the RAM sticks manually by taking one stick out at a time and testing the laptop’s performance. If this process resolves the slow performance, you may want to replace the faulty RAM stick.
Caution: completely shut down the laptop before removing any RAM sticks so that you do not damage the device.
Run a “Disc Cleanup Utility” program by going to Start>Windows Administrative Tools>Disc Cleanup. There are also generic programs available online.
If the disc cleanup does not resolve the problem, go through manually to delete unneeded data. To remove programs, go to Start>Control Panel>Add/Remove Programs and click “uninstall.” For files, go to “Documents” or “Downloads” and select “delete.”
If both of the above options do not improve the computer’s performance, install a new hard drive.
Be sure to save any important files. Download a generic malware program from the Internet to scan for and delete any viruses. Consider purchasing an antivirus program to protect your laptop in the future.
Running multiple programs can overuse the computer’s CPU. Close unneeded programs or web pages and check that vents are not blocked.
Audio is not working or sound coming from speakers is distorted.
Ensure that the audio program and laptop settings are not muted or on low volume by clicking the speaker icon and moving the sliding tab to the right.
Check to see if audio program or laptop is connected to another device by going to Start>Settings>Devices>Bluetooth and Other Devices. Disconnect any devices such as Bluetooth speakers or cell phones that are not in use.
If you are experiencing the problem while using headphones, check the audio using the external speakers. To do this, remove the cable from the headphone port and if the sound works normally, replace the damaged headphone jack.
Sound may not work or may be distorted if the audio driver is outdated. Check for an update by going to Start>Control Panel>Device Manager>Sound, Video Games, and Controllers. Right click and select “Update Driver” to download the update and restart the computer.
If none of the above solutions work, replace the speakers on your laptop.
Laptop is warm or hot to touch and will shut down when overheated.
Close programs or web pages that are not in use. If this is ineffective, save all work in progress and restart the computer to clear unneeded data from memory.
Make sure the vents, on the left side and bottom of the computer, are not blocked. Place the computer on a hard, flat surface that allows for airflow and remove any objects placed against or close to the device.
Clean the vents using low pressure air, which can be found in most electronic stores. Blow air through vent holes in the computer’s body until no more dust can be seen coming out of the vents.
Caution: avoid using high pressure air because this could damage the laptop.
If the laptop is overheating and you cannot hear the fan running during use, then the fan has failed and needs to be replaced.
Receiving error message “Cannot Connect to Network.”
Ensure that WiFi is enabled on your laptop. Go to Start>Settings>WiFi and check to make sure that this feature is set to “on.”
If WiFi is enabled, check to make sure your router is working properly. Restart the router by unplugging the device and waiting 30 seconds before turning it back on. Once you have restarted the router, try connecting the laptop to WiFi.
Connecting to WiFi will not work if the network driver or laptop operating system is outdated. Check the operating system by going to Start>About. If there is an update required, download it and restart the computer.
If this does not solve the problem, go to Start>Settings>Device Manager>Network Adapters. If an update is required, download it and restart the computer.
Files, programs, and software updates will not download from the Internet.
Ensure that downloading abilities are enabled on the laptop. To check this, go to Start>Settings>Windows Defender>App and Browser Control and select “enable” or “warn” for all options.
If your Internet browser is not functioning properly, this can cause an issue in downloading files or data. Go to Start>Control Panel>Apps and Features and select “uninstall” for the browser in use (i.e. Google Chrome). Then, reinstall the program and restart the computer.
In order to check for a virus, download a generic malware program from the Internet to scan for and delete any viruses. Consider purchasing an antivirus program to protect your data in the future.
If the above options do not fix the problem, install a new hard drive.
