Notice: VAIO Personal Computer AC Adapter VGP-AC19V17/ VGP-AC19V18 - Request to Refrain from Use and Notice of Free Exchange

Dear Valued VAIO customer,

Thank you for your continued interest in Sony products.

Sony has recently identified the possibility that the inner insulation of AC adapters with model number VGP-AC19V17/VGP-AC19V18 may fail during use, possibly resulting in an electrical short.  The affected AC adapters were included as an accessory with certain Sony all-in-one type VAIO Personal Computers, introduced between October 2007 and April 2009 (VGC-LT series, LN Series, LM Series, JS Series), as well as with the VAIO Personal Computer Docking Station, introduced between October 2005 and April 2006 (VGP-PRFE1 model).

In the event of an electrical short, there is a possibility that the circuit breaker may be activated due to an electrical leak, and an electrical shock may occur (in the event a user comes into contact with any of the metallic portions of the AC adapter, the Personal Computer’s main body, docking station or the peripheral equipment attached to the Personal Computer).  In addition, there is also the possibility that the circuit within the AC adapter, Personal Computer itself, docking station and/ or the peripheral equipment connected to the Personal Computer may also burn out.

We urge customers of the affected Personal Computers or docking station to immediately stop using the AC adapter in accordance with the procedures described below “Procedure to Stop Using Affected Personal Computer” and check if the AC adapter is affected as mentioned in this notice. Sony will exchange the affected AC adapter for an improved AC adapter free of charge.  If you have an affected AC adapter, please contact your nearest Sony Service Centre.
* Sony will arrange the AC adapter exchange on a first-come-first-served basis.  However, please note that in the event of a high number of requests, we may request users to wait for at least one week before an exchange can be made.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Your understanding and co-operation are greatly appreciated. Sony will continue to strive to improve the quality of our products to the best of our abilities.

[Procedure to Stop Using Affected Personal Computer]
- Please do not touch any of the metallic portions of the AC adapter, the Personal Computer’s main body, or the peripheral equipment attached to the Personal Computer. (You can check the location of the metallic portions where you have a high possibility of touching here.)
- Please check your AC adapter model number.
- If your AC adapter's model number is found on the list given below, please switch off the Personal Computer and disconnect it from the AC outlet (or power strip).

[Affected AC Adapter Model Numbers]
VGP-AC19V17
VGP-AC19V18

[How to identify Model Number of the AC adapter]





If your AC adapter is not marked with “AA” (see picture below), please contact the local Sony Service Center to arrange for an exchange.
If the letters “AA” are indicated (as shown in the picture below), please be assured that your adapter is not affected by the issue mentioned in this announcement.

(Privacy policy)
Personal information, such as your name, mailing address and/or telephone number, provided to the Sony service centre shall be kept and used by Sony only for responding to your inquiries related to this announcement, the free repair service mentioned in this announcement and other related services. In certain cases, your personal information may be given to third-party companies to whom Sony has consigned certain elements of such service. In this event, Sony will ensure that such third-party companies abide by the same strict guidelines with regard to the use, storage and disposal of your personal information.
*Please contact your local Sony service centre if you wish to inquire, modify, erase or suspend use of your personal information provided in connection with this announcement.  (Please be advised that in the case of erasing or suspending use of your personal information, Sony might not be able to provide appropriate services in accordance with the purpose of usage mentioned above.)