Sony MX manual

Welcome Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony VAIO ® MX computer! Your new, high-performance, multimedia computer combines state-of-the-art computer functionality with the latest audio, video and information technology features. Note: Click here to find the latest updates and supplemental information about your computer. Page 1[...]

About Your VAIO MX Computer MiniDisc drive Your MiniDisc drive can perform several audio functions. Use the MiniDisc drive to:  Play music from your favorite MiniDisc.  Record to a MiniDisc media.  Integrate seamlessly with the other installed audio devices, using MiniDisc media and SonicStage Premium software. Additionally, your MiniDisc [...]

VAIO ® keyboard The innovative palm rest converts to a keyboard cover for a sleek look when your keyboard is not in use. There are four programmable keys on the keyboard that enable you to launch your favorite applications with the push of a button. Sony audio and video quality Take advantage of today's advanced multimedia applications, games[...]

Unpacking Your Computer Computer and basic accessories Page 4[...]

Unpacking Your Computer Computer and basic accessories Page 5[...]

Giga Pocket Personal Video R ecorder accessories Page 6[...]

Manuals  VAIO ® MX Com puter QuickStart — Contains information on unpacking and setting up your computer, supplementary updates, and software information.  VAIO ® MX Com puter User Guide — Contains features and specifications of your computer. It also includes information on the applications included with your system, how to contact sof[...]

R ecovery CDs  System Recovery CD(s) — Enables you to restore the software that shipped with your computer if they become corrupted or are erased. System Recovery CDs can only be used to restore the hard disk of the Sony computer you purchased.  Application Recovery CD(s) — Enables you to reinstall individual applications if they become c[...]

Software library The Software Library contains the Microsoft software license agreement and Sony end-user license agreement. Other Packet containing special product offers. Page 9[...]

To Choose an Ergonomic Location for Your Computer Before you get started, find the best location for your new computer. Planning your work space  Stable work surface — Use a stable work surface large enough to support the computer and other peripheral equipment.  Ventilation — Leave at least eight inches of space on the left and back side[...]

Locating Controls And Connectors Front Panel Overview The front panel of your VAIO ® MX computer enables access to the optical drive, MiniDisc drive, Memory Stick ® , and PC Card slots. The front panel also provides access to the Universal Serial Bus (USB) and i.LINK ® ports to connect your compatible peripheral devices. Note: i.LINK is a tradem[...]

Plays the current DVD, CD, or MiniDisc media contents. 5 Stop button Stops the current playback of DVD, CD, or MiniDisc media. 6 Infrared Receiver Enables the computer to receive signals from the remote control. (For proper remote control operation, do not block the infrared receiver.) 7 Muting button Mutes the current sound output. 8 Power button [...]

16 Next/Fast Forward button Skips to the next track on the current playback of a DVD, CD or MiniDisc media. 17 Function button Selects the operation mode of the computer. 18 Display button Selects the display mode on the LCD display screen. 19 Volume control buttons Increases or decreases the volume. 20 MagicGate Memory Stick ® media slot Reads an[...]

Locating Controls And Connectors Front Panel Overview The front panel of your VAIO ® MX computer enables access to the optical drive, MiniDisc drive, Memory Stick ® , and PC Card slots. The front panel also provides access to the Universal Serial Bus (USB) and i.LINK ® ports to connect your compatible peripheral devices. Note: i.LINK is a tradem[...]

Plays the current DVD, CD, or MiniDisc media contents. 5 Stop button Stops the current playback of DVD, CD, or MiniDisc media. 6 Infrared Receiver Enables the computer to receive signals from the remote control. (For proper remote control operation, do not block the infrared receiver.) 7 Muting button Mutes the current sound output. 8 Power button [...]

16 Next/Fast Forward button Skips to the next track on the current playback of a DVD, CD or MiniDisc media. 17 Function button Selects the operation mode of the computer. 18 Display button Selects the display mode on the LCD display screen. 19 Volume control buttons Increases or decreases the volume. 20 MagicGate Memory Stick ® media slot Reads an[...]

Back Panel Overview The back panel of your computer contains the ports for supplied and optional accessories. The back panel also provides access to Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder ports and jacks. The icons on the back panel locate and identify the ports and jacks on your computer. Back panel 1 Mouse port Connection for a PS/2 ® mouse. 2 Keyb[...]

Connection for a parallel device, such as a printer or scanner. 6 i.LINK 6-pin port (IEEE1394) Connection for a compatible digital device. 7 Serial port Connection for a compatible serial device. 8 Monitor port Connection for a standard display. 9 DVI (LCD) Monitor port Connection for an LCD display. 10 Audio Out jack Connection for an audio cable [...]

Connection for a TV coaxial cable (supplied). 16 Line IN jacks (R/L) Connection for an audio device. 17 Line OUT jacks (R/L) Connection for an audio device. 18 Stereo speaker terminals (R/L) Connection for the supplied stereo speakers to the computer. 19 Telephone cable jack Connection for a phone cable to the computer. 20 Modem line jack Connectio[...]

Remote Control Overview The functions of the VAIO ® MX Computer can be controlled using the remote control (supplied). The remote control can control the functions for the computer, FM Tuner, MiniDisc player, Memory Stick ® media slot, Giga Pocket functions, and DVD/CD-ROM player. Remote Control 1 Power button Press to turn the computer on or off[...]

Press to select specific channels. Press the ENTER button to activate channel selection. Jump button Press to return to the previous channel. Press again to return to the current channel. Enter button Press to activate channel selection. See channel number buttons. 5 TV button Press to control the onscreen TV image. FM button Press to control the F[...]

Press to pause playback. Menu button Press to display the menu options. Prev/Rew button Press to rewind to the previous selection. Direction (center) button Press in the arrow directions to locate desired content, such as a song or Video Capsule. Press down to select desired content. Next/FF button Press to fast forward to the next selection. Stop [...]

Monitor button Press to set the display to Stand by mode. Press again to enable the monitor to resume. This feature is not available while Giga Pocket features are in use. Sleep button Press to program the computer to automatically enter Stand by mode. Video Rec button Press to start recording with Giga Video Recorder. Video Rec Stop button Press t[...]

Return button See the Media Bar DVD Player software online Help file for more information. Page 24[...]

Additional System Capabilities To use the Memory Stick media slot Your VAIO ® MX computer is designed to support the Sony MagicGate Memory Stick ® media. A Memory Stick media is a compact, portable, and versatile data storage media designed for exchanging and sharing digital data with similarly equipped products. Inserting a Memory Stick media 1.[...]

Sony Memory Stick media do not support AVI file playback. First copy the AVI file to your hard disk drive and then playback the file. Protecting data on Memory Stick media from accidental changes Memory Stick media contain a write-protect tab. The write-protect tab prevents accidental changes to information recorded on your Memory Stick media. When[...]

Additional System Capabilities To use the Memory Stick media slot Your VAIO ® MX computer is designed to support the Sony MagicGate Memory Stick ® media. A Memory Stick media is a compact, portable, and versatile data storage media designed for exchanging and sharing digital data with similarly equipped products. Inserting a Memory Stick media 1.[...]

Sony Memory Stick media do not support AVI file playback. First copy the AVI file to your hard disk drive and then playback the file. Protecting data on Memory Stick media from accidental changes Memory Stick media contain a write-protect tab. The write-protect tab prevents accidental changes to information recorded on your Memory Stick media. When[...]

To use PC card slot Your computer has a card bus PC card slot that supports Type I or Type II PC (PCMCIA) cards. You do not need to shut down your computer when inserting a PC card. For more information, see the instructions supplied with your PC card. Inserting a PC card 1. Insert the PC card into the PC card slot until it clicks into position. In[...]

Setting Up Your VAIO Computer Your computer has many new and exciting features. This section contains information on setting up your computer and peripheral devices. Note: Install your equipment so that you can easily reach the power outlet in the event of an emergency. Page 30[...]

To Set Up Your Computer Your computer may not be equipped with the same hardware features shown in this section. See the Specifications sheet for your system's configuration. Page 31[...]

Connecting a display (monitor) 1. Plug the display cable into the Monitor port. 2. If necessary, plug the display cable into the rear of the display. Connecting a display Page 32[...]

Connecting a DVI (LCD) display 1. Plug the display cable into the DVI monitor port. 2. If necessary, plug the display cable into the rear of the display. Connecting a DVI display Note: Do not attempt to connect a CRT and an LCD display to your computer at the same time. Your VAIO ® MX computer does not support the simultaneous use of two different[...]

Connecting the stereo speakers Your computer system is supplied with speaker wires (2) to connect the stereo speakers to the terminals on the system unit. At the ends of each speaker wire are two wire leads, one with black-line color-coding to identify the proper compatibility with the speaker terminals on the system unit. To connect the speaker wi[...]

3. Repeat the above steps to connect the second speaker wire to the other speaker. Page 35[...]

Connecting the keyboard and mouse 1. Plug the keyboard cable into the Keyboard port on the back of the computer. 2. Plug the mouse cable into the Mouse port. Connecting the keyboard and mouse Page 36[...]

Connecting the phone and modem cables 1. Unplug your phone's cable from the wall jack, and plug it into the Telephone jack on the computer. 2. Plug the modem cable (supplied) into the Line jack on the computer, and then plug the other end of the cable into the wall jack. Connecting the phone and modem cables Caution: Your computer has a protec[...]

Connecting the power cords 1. Plug the power cord into the back of the computer. 2. Plug both the display and power cords into a grounded AC wall outlet or a power strip. Connecting the power cords Note: When you plug the AC power cord into the wall outlet, the power indicators on the computer may light up momentarily, and the fan may turn on brief[...]

To Turn On Your Computer 1. Press the power switch on the display to turn on the power. 2. Press the power switch on the computer to turn on the power. Note: When you start your system for the first time, your computer may detect new equipment and display a dialog box that asks you to restart your computer. Please respond to this request immediatel[...]

To Register Your Computer Take advantage of the Sony commitment to quality customer support and receive these benefits by registering your computer:  Sony Customer Support — Communicate with a Support Representative to troubleshoot problems you may be having with your computer.  Limited warranty — Protect your investment. See the Warranty[...]

To Set Up Your Dial-up Connection The first time you turn your computer on, follow these steps to set up your dial-up connection: 1. Click Start from the Windows taskbar and select All Programs. 2. Point to Accessories, point to Communications, and then click New Connection Wizard. The Location Information window appears. Location Information windo[...]

4. Click to select your dialing location and then click OK. The New Connection Wizard appears. New Connection Wizard window 5. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish setting up your dial-up connection. Page 42[...]

To Use the Stand By Mode When you plan to stop using your computer for a short period of time, you can put it in Stand By mode instead of turning it off completely. Putting the computer in Stand By mode saves energy and allows a quick return to normal computer use. Before you set your computer in Stand By mode:  Save your work.  Close all ope[...]

Initiating Stand By mode To set the computer to enter Stand By mode using the Stand By key Press the (Stand By) key on the upper right corner of the keyboard. The computer goes into Stand By mode. To set the computer to enter Stand By mode using the Windows taskbar 1. Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then select Turn Off Computer. 2. Click Stand[...]

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To Use the System Hibernate Mode System hibernate mode enables your computer to store everything in its memory to the hard disk drive before shutting down. When you bring the system out of hibernation mode, it returns to the previous state. Page 46[...]

Initiating Hibernate mode You can set your computer to automatically enter hibernate mode after a certain time period. To set the computer to enter Hibernate mode 1. Click Start in the Windows taskbar, click Control Panel, then select the category, Performance and Maintenance. The Performance and Maintenance dialog box appears. 2. Click the Power O[...]

To Shut Down Your Computer When you are ready to turn off your computer for an extended period of time, use this procedure. Caution: To avoid loss of data, do not use the Power switch to turn off the computer. Turning off your computer 1. Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then select Turn Off Computer. The Turn Off Computer dialog box appears. 2.[...]

VAIO Action Setup VAIO Action Setup manages the settings for your VAIO ® keyboard's Shortcut keys (S keys) and your computer's internal timer. Page 49[...]

To Use the Shortcut Keys The programmable S Keys are set to perform the following functions:  S1 — Outlook ® Express  S2 — Internet Explorer  S3 — SonicStage Premium  S4 — Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder Changing the settings of the S keys You can reprogram the S keys to launch other applications, by following these steps: [...]

To Set the Internal Timer The VAIO Action Setup utility enables you to set your computer's internal timer to launch certain applications or documents automatically. Note: Some software applications take longer than others to launch. It is advisable to confirm in advance the amount of time your selected application requires to start. Page 51[...]

To select the timer's launch application 1. Click Start in the Windows taskbar, and select All Programs. 2. Select VAIO Action Setup, then click VAIO Action Setup. Note: You can also double-click the VAIO Action Setup icon, located in the Windows taskbar, to launch VAIO Action Setup. 3. Select the Timer tab on the left side of the VAIO Action [...]

To set up the timer start 1. Double-click . The VAIO Action Setup window appears. 2. Select the Timer tab on the left side of the VAIO Action Setup window. 3. From the Time Setting tab, click Set. 4. Follow the Timer Setup wizard instructions. 5. Click Finish to activate your settings. Page 53[...]

To Change the Sony Software Window Design You can select from different window designs for your Sony software and create your own personal computing environment. Page 54[...]

Changing the window design 1. Click Start in the Windows taskbar and select the Control Panel. 2. Click Other Control Panel Options. 3. Click UI Design Selector. 4. Click << or >> and select the desired design. 5. Click Apply. 6. The "UI Design Selector" window design changes. The window design for your Sony software will matc[...]

Configuring Your VAIO Computer Hard Disk Drive Partition To maintain optimum system performance, you should defragment your computer's D partition regularly. To improve the performance of Sony audio and video software applications, the hard disk drive on your computer has been formatted with two partitions, C and D. Some Sony software applicat[...]

Configuring Your VAIO Computer Hard Disk Drive Partition To maintain optimum system performance, you should defragment your computer's D partition regularly. To improve the performance of Sony audio and video software applications, the hard disk drive on your computer has been formatted with two partitions, C and D. Some Sony software applicat[...]

Defragmenting your hard disk drive If you encounter frame dropping while recording digital video onto your hard disk drive, defragmentation may be necessary. 1. Deactivate your screen saver and close other open applications, if applicable. 2. Click Start in the Windows Taskbar and select All Programs. 3. Point to Accessories, point to System Tools,[...]

i.LINK (IEEE1394) Compatibility Your VAIO computer may include either 4-pin or 6-pin, or both types, of i.LINK ports. Note: i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE1394 connection. The i.LINK connection may vary, depending on the software applications, operating system and compatible i.LINK devices. All p[...]

Connecting an i.LINK (IEEE1394) device 1. Use the symbol to locate the i.LINK port on your compatible i.LINK device and on your computer. Plug the i.LINK cable connector into this port. 2. Plug the other end of the cable into the corresponding 4- or 6-pin i.LINK port on your computer. Note: See the instructions that came with your i.LINK device for[...]

About The Software On Your Computer Your VAIO ® computer is ready to help you work, play, learn, and communicate as soon as you turn it on. This section provides an overview of the software titles preinstalled on your computer. Page 61[...]

Overview of Software Applications Note: Your computer may not be supplied with all of the software applications listed, depending on the system configuration you purchased. Adobe ® Acrobat Reader ® Adobe Systems Inc. Acrobat Reader software allows you to view, navigate, and print electronic documents in Adobe's Portable Document Format (PDF)[...]

Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder is a unique set of hardware and software components that provide you with excellent TV viewing, recording and playback experiences. You can watch and record your favorite TV programs from your computer, create custom playlists, and play your Video Capsules on other computers. Giga Pocket enables your computer, TV[...]

Quicken ® 2002 Intuit Inc. Quicken is the fastest, easiest way to organize your finances. Quicken works just like your checkbook, so it's easy to learn and use. You can even pay your bills online. Quicken manages all of your finances, bank accounts, credit cards, investments, and loans. RealJukebox ® RealNetworks Inc. RealJukebox is a popula[...]

ease. Features such as RealTime Preview enable you to preview formatting before applying it to your documents, and Reveal Codes increases the control you have over your document structure. Page 65[...]

For Answers to Your Software Questions This section provides support information for your computer's preinstalled software applications. Check this support listing to locate information from the Internet, by e-mail, or by telephone. Note: Your computer may not be supplied with all of the software applications listed, depending on the system co[...]

Support for preinstalled software Adobe ® Acrobat Reader ® , Photoshop ® Elements, Premiere ® LE (On selected models) (Adobe Systems Inc.) Web site http://www.adobe.com phone 206-675-6126 (fee-based support) fax 206-628-5737 e-mail techdocs@adobe.com hours M - F, 6 AM - 5 PM PST America Online ® (America Online, Inc.) Web site http://www.aol.c[...]

e-mail support@earthlink.net hours 7 days a week, 24 hours a day Microsoft ® Windows ® XP operating system, Internet Explorer, Office XP Professional (On selected models), Office XP Small Business Edition (On selected models), Outlook ® Express, Word (On selected models) (Microsoft Corporation) Web site http://www.sony.com/pcsupport phone 888-4-[...]

* Support from 8 8 8 -4 -SO NY -P C is free of c harge for 9 0 days after the original date of purc has e. WordPerfect ® (Corel Corporation) Web site http://www.corel.com/support/product_specific/wp9.htm phone 613-274-0500 * hours M - F, 8:30 AM - 7:30 PM EST * Support from 6 1 3 -274- 0500 is fee-bas ed. T he online s upport is free of c harge. P[...]

Sony Service Center For the Sony Service Center nearest you, call 1-888-4-SONY-PC (1-888-476-6972). This service is free of charge for 90 days after the original date of purchase. Page 70[...]

System, Application And Driver Recovery CDs System Recovery CD(s) Sony Electronics Inc. The System Recovery CD utility enables you to restore the operating system and software that shipped with your computer if they become corrupted or are erased. It can be used only to restore the hard disk of the Sony computer you purchased. Application Recovery [...]

To Use the System Recovery CD(s) The System Recovery utility formats your hard disk drive and restores all the original software applications. Your computer is returned to the original factory settings. Caution: The System Recovery process removes all software that you may have installed since you started using your computer. Reinstall any applicat[...]

System R ecovery options System Drive R ecovery All data on Drive C is deleted. The factory default settings and software applications are restored on this drive only. Change Partition Size All partitions, custom installations, and changes are removed from the hard disk drive. You can set the partition sizes for both the Drive C and Drive D. The or[...]

Using the System R ecovery CD(s) Your system may take a few minutes to load necessary files. A blue screen appears during the downloading process. 1. Insert the System Recovery CD in your computer's optical drive. The System Recovery utility starts from the optical drive. The first CD must be in the drive when you turn on your computer. 2. Tur[...]

To Use the Application Recovery CD(s) The Application Recovery CD utility enables you to reinstall individual software applications if they become corrupted or are erased. Reinstalling an individual software application may correct a problem that you are experiencing with your computer or specific application. You may not need to reinstall the enti[...]

Using the Application R ecovery CD(s) 1. Turn on your computer. If your computer is already on, save and close all open applications. 2. When the Windows desktop appears, insert the Application Recovery CD into your computer's optical drive. The Application Recovery utility loads automatically. 3. When the Application Recovery menu appears, fo[...]

To Use the Driver Recovery CD The Driver Recovery CD utility enables you to reinstall individual drivers and repair software applications if they become corrupted or are erased. You can reinstall an individual driver to correct a problem that you are experiencing with your computer, peripheral hardware, or software application. Note: If you need to[...]

R einstalling device drivers with the Driver R ecovery CD 1. Turn on your computer. If your computer is already on, close all applications. 2. When the Windows desktop appears, insert the Driver Recovery CD into the optical disc drive. 3. Click Start in the Windows taskbar and click Control Panel. The Control Panel window appears. 4. Click Performa[...]

Troubleshooting This section describes how to solve common problems you may encounter when using your computer. Many problems have simple solutions, so try these suggestions before you call Sony Customer Support. Page 79[...]

Topics My com puter does not start.  Check that the computer is plugged into a power source and that it is turned on. Check that the power light is lit on the front panel of the computer.  Confirm that a disk is not in the floppy disk drive (unless you are using a bootable floppy disk).  Confirm that the power cord and all cables are conne[...]

1. Click Start in the Windows taskbar, and select Turn Off Computer. Select Restart. 2. When the Sony screen displays, press the F2 key on your keyboard. 3. Select the Advanced tab from the Setup Utility screen. 4. Select "I/O Device Configuration" and press Enter. 5. Use the arrow keys to highlight Parallel Port Mode and press Enter. Not[...]

 Check the volume settings on your computer speakers.  Check the connections between your speakers and the computer.  Verify that drivers are installed properly, by following these steps: 1. Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then select Control Panel. 2. Click Performance and Maintenance and then click Systems. The System Properties dial[...]

Verify that the Mute option is not selected.  Check that the Mute check box is not selected in the Windows volume control. Note: You may need to reinstall the sound drivers. See To Use the Driver Recovery CD for more information. My m odem connection is slow. Many factors influence modem connection speed:  Telephone line noise  Incompatibi[...]

3. From the Dialing Rules tab, click Edit. The Edit Location dialog box appears. 4. Select the Tone or Pulse option. Click OK. My m icrophone is too sensitiv e to background noise. If you find there is too much background noise when you record sound, you should adjust the microphone gain by following these steps: 1. Click Start in the Windows taskb[...]

I cannot find the Windows ® taskbar. The Windows taskbar may be hidden or minimized.  Use the mouse to locate a hidden taskbar by pointing to the left, right, top, and bottom edges of the screen. The taskbar appears when the cursor is placed over its location. 1. Right-click on the taskbar and select Properties from the shortcut menu. 2. Clear [...]

To contact Sony for technical support For further technical assistance, call 1-888-4-SONY-PC (1-888-476-6972) or access the Web site at: http://www.sony.com/pcsupport . Page 86[...]

Notes on Use The power source  Your computer operates on 100-120 V AC 50/60 Hz only.  Plug all the power cords for your computer and its peripheral equipment into the same AC supply line. AC derived from different supply lines may result in voltage differences that can cause unstable operation or unwanted weak currents at the time of connecti[...]

Notes on Use The power source  Your computer operates on 100-120 V AC 50/60 Hz only.  Plug all the power cords for your computer and its peripheral equipment into the same AC supply line. AC derived from different supply lines may result in voltage differences that can cause unstable operation or unwanted weak currents at the time of connecti[...]

Disposal of the lithium battery Dispose of the lithium battery properly. In some areas, the disposal of lithium batteries in household or business trash may be prohibited. You can return your unwanted lithium batteries to your nearest Sony Service Center or Factory Service Center. For the Sony Service Center nearest you, call 1-888-4-SONY-PC (1-888[...]

Handling the computer system  Do not place your Sony computer in a location subject to:  Heat sources, such as radiators or air ducts  Direct sunlight  Excessive dust  Mechanical vibration or shock  Strong magnets or speakers that are not magnetically shielded  Ambient temperature of more than 95ºF (35ºC) or less than 50ºF ([...]

Moisture condensation If your computer is brought directly from a cold location to a warm one, moisture may condense inside your computer. In this case, allow at least an hour before turning on your computer. If any problem occurs, unplug your computer, and contact your Sony Service Center. Page 91[...]

Upgrading the computer system  The upgrading procedures described in the online manual, assume familiarity with the general terminology associated with personal computers and with the safety practices and regulatory compliance required for using and modifying electronic equipment.  Disconnect the system from its power source and from telecomm[...]

Handling a CR T display  Do not change the CRT display refresh rate to 85 Hz, as DVD playback and the DVgate software may not function correctly. Sony recommends that you keep your CRT display at the preset, optimal refresh rate (75 Hz).  Do not place the display near a strong magnetic force.  Do not block the ventilation slots on the disp[...]

Handling an LCD display  Do not leave the display directly facing the sun for a long period of time as it can damage the LCD screen.  Do not scratch the LCD screen or exert pressure on it. This may cause damage to the screen or cause a malfunction.  Using the computer in low temperature conditions may produce a residual image on the screen[...]

Using the hard disk drive  Do not place the computer in a location that is subject to vibration or shock.  Do not move the computer during operation.  Do not subject the computer to sudden changes in temperature.  Do not turn off the power while the computer is accessing the hard disk drive. Page 95[...]

Handling floppy disks  Do not open the shutter manually and touch the surface of the floppy disk.  Keep floppy disks away from magnets.  Keep floppy disks away from direct sunlight and other heat sources. Page 96[...]

Handling CD or DVD media  Do not touch the surface of the CD or DVD media.  Do not drop or bend the CD or DVD media.  Do not use adhesive labels to identify the CD or DVD media. The label may come off while the disc is in use in the optical drive and damage the drive.  Always keep media in a safe storage or carrying case.  Do not pla[...]

Handling MiniDisc media  Attach the labels supplied with MiniDisc media, in the designated location.  Do not break open the shutter on the case.  Do not place the media where it will be subject to extreme temperatures, moistures, and dust.  Always keep media in a safe storage or carrying case. Page 98[...]

Cleaning CD or DVD media  Fingerprints and dust on the surface of a CD or DVD media may cause read errors. Proper care of the disc is essential to maintain its reliability. Do not use solvents such as benzine, as they may cause damage to the disc. Use commercially available cleaners or anti-static spray.  For normal cleaning of a CD or DVD me[...]

Cleaning MiniDisc media Clean the MiniDisc case, using a soft, dry cloth. Do not use solvents such as benzine, as they may cause damage to the disc. Page 100[...]

Protecting MiniDisc media contents Slide open the tab located on the side of the MiniDisc. This protects the media contents from being over-written. Slide the tab closed to resume recording. Page 101[...]

Support Resources Check these sources for answers to your questions about your computer or the preinstalled software: Page 102[...]

R esource listing VAIO ® QuickStart The QuickStart contains information on how to set up your computer quickly and easily. VAIO ® Computer User Guide The User Guide contains information on how to get the most from your computer, find help, and solve common problems. (Note: The User Guide is not available in hard copy for all models.) VAIO ® MX G[...]

Upgrading And Maintaining Your VAIO MX Computer In the future you may want to increase the functionality of your VAIO ® MX computer. This section describes how to upgrade your computer and perform basic maintenance. For more information on upgrading your Sony computer, see the computer System Reference Manual . You can download the System Referenc[...]

Overview The procedures in this section assume that you are familiar with the general terminology associated with personal computers and with the safety practices and regulatory compliance required for using and modifying electronic equipment. Before you upgrade your computer Disconnect the computer from its power source and from telecommunications[...]

To Remove the Side Panel 1. Shut down your computer and turn off all peripheral devices, such as your printer. 2. Unplug your computer and any peripheral devices. 3. Gently place the system unit on its side, as shown in the illustration. 4. Locate the release tabs on the edge of the side panel. Press and hold the tabs while sliding the panel toward[...]

To Install a PCI Add-on Card Your computer may have one or more open PCI expansion slots, depending on the model configuration. A PCI expansion slot enables you to install add-on cards to expand the functionality of your system. For detailed information on installing add-on cards, see the System Reference Manual . You can download the System Refere[...]

To Install Memory The preinstalled memory configuration may vary, depending on the computer you purchased. All memory slots in your system may have memory modules already installed. See the Specifications sheet for information about the amount of memory installed in your computer. For memory upgrades, use only 2.5V 64-bit, PC2100 DDR-SDRAM, Dual In[...]

 Slide the power supply unit up until it clears the chassis.  Rotate the power supply to an upside down position and rest it on top of the chassis. 5. Handle the DIMM only by the edges, and remove it from its anti-static package. 6. Locate the notches on the bottom edge of the DIMM. 7. Align the module over the open memory slot. 8. Firmly ins[...]

To Replace the Lithium Battery The lithium battery starts to weaken after several years and the system settings, such as the date and time stored in CMOS RAM, may become inaccurate. Replace the lithium battery when this occurs. For detailed information on replacing the lithium battery, see the System Reference Manual . You can download the System R[...]

To Install an Additional Hard Disk Drive Your computer comes with an available internal bay to hold a second standard 3½-inch hard disk drive. Some models, such as Configure-to-order (CTO) systems, may already have a second hard disk drive installed. Your system can support ATA-33, ATA-66, or ATA-100 hard disk drives. Sony recommends using an ATA-[...]

9. Secure the drive to the drive holder with screws, using the two holes on each side of the drive holder. Note: Your new hard disk drive is supplied with the necessary screws. Do not overtighten the screws when securing the drive to the drive holder. 10. Align the drive holder with the slots on the inside of the chassis. Slide the drive holder in [...]

7. Select New Partition. The New Partition wizard appears. 8. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process. The Windows ® XP operating system recognizes the new hard disk drive and applies the NTFS file system format. Page 113[...]

To Replace the Side Panel 1. Carefully align the tabs on the side panel to the chassis frame. The side panel should lie flat against the chassis, with approximately 3/8 inch of clearance between the front edge of the side panel and the front of the chassis. 2. Press the side panel firmly against the unit and slide it forward until the panel snaps i[...]