
VAIO Care™ 8
Keep Your New VAIO® Computer at Peak Performance
Sony has created the VAIO Care program to help you
improve your PC's performance. This program is designed to:
- Automatically monitor your computer's performance on a regular schedule.
- Provide summary reports of your computer's health.
- Locate troubleshooting advice, information, and instructions.
- Troubleshoot performance issues.
- Provide access to easy-to-use diagnostic tools.
- Cross-reference to helpful information located in VAIO Help and Support or online.
- Access the Internet to keep the VAIO Care program updated.
- Connect to valuable services that support a problem-free computing experience.
VAIO Care Features
The VAIO Care program features, along with its tools and reports, are intended to supplement regular care and maintenance of your computer. When used with regularly scheduled care and maintenance, the VAIO Care service features support:
- New user interface for easier transaction completion.
- Premium tools powered by iolo technologies to maximize your PC performance.
- Properly configured antivirus, antispyware, firewall, and related security programs.
- Routine backups of your data to secure locations.
- Use of support services to consult a Sony-qualified technician about major issues.

Improved User Interface
Easy to find the information and help you are looking for with the new VAIO Care design.
- Quickly identify with the security, performance and system settings on your PC.
- Access messages for important information and notices.
- Easily find help and troubleshooting for common issues.
- Learn about VAIO software.
- Access Advanced tools for diagnostics, maintenance and repair.
- Contact Sony Technical support.
- Register your new VAIO Computer.
- Find help to common usage and maintenance questions with our Hot Topics.

Premium Tools Powered by iolo® Technologies
Sony has partnered with iolo technologies to provide even more services to improve your computers speed and reliability. Take advantage of the VAIO Care Premium Tools discount exclusively available for VAIO Care users.
- Program Accelerator™ - The program accelerator re-aligns files on your hard drive to speed up the performance of your Windows operating system and programs running on your VAIO PC.
- Memory Mechanic™ - Defragment your RAM to release resources held by closed programs and speed up your computers response time.
- Net Booster® - Optimize Internet connection settings for increased speed and stability.

Recovery and Restore
The VAIO Care program's Recovery & Restore feature provides assistance in the event your computer experiences major issues.
The options described in Recovery & Restore are:
The options described in Recovery & Restore are:
- Restore Windows - You can reset your computer to a previous, working state without affecting saved files.
- Install Applications and Drivers - You can reinstall the original, factory-installed software programs and drivers.
- Create Recovery Disc - You can create recovery media that can restore your system and settings, in the event of a hard disk drive failure or other system malfunction.
- Recover Computer - You can restore your hard disk drive back to its original, factory-installed configuration. This option erases all personal files, customized system settings, and software installed after the purchase of the computer.

VAIO Software Help and Training
Sony provides unique software on your VAIO computer. You can explore software options and customize your VAIO software.
- Learn what VAIO programs are installed on your PC and what you can do with them.
- Find out what programs are available to be installed and uninstall programs you don't want to use.
- Keep your computer secure and running smoothly with VAIO Updates.
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting provides options to locate and resolve issues. You can view possible solutions using the VAIO Advisor feature, which analyzes items that are not working properly. You can run software or hardware diagnostics if you need help locating the cause of an issue.

VAIO Assist Button
Certain VAIO® computers are equipped with an Assist button. This button enables immediate access to VAIO Care's troubleshooting features.
When your computer is not performing well or an issue occurs:
- Press the physical Assist button on your computer when the computer is powered on.
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Notes:
- The Assist button is usually located above the keyboard with the word Assist on it. For more information see the VAIO User Guide.
- If you press the Assist button when the computer is powered off, the computer will boot to the VAIO Recovery Environment and display recovery options instead of opening VAIO Care.
- The VAIO Care program starts and the Troubleshooting section is displayed.
- Use the VAIO Advisor or Diagnostic features to resolve your issue.

Contact Support
The
Contact Sony feature delivers technical support excellence by providing:
- Your system's information, such as model name or serial number, required for all technical support or services.
- Access to contact Sony's online technical support by telephone, chat, or e-mail.
FAQs