Sony VAIO Digital Studio computer manual

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

Features VAIO AV applications This suite of Sony original applications includes PictureGear , Smart Capture, DVgate , DigitalPrint, SonicStage , MovieShaker , VisualFlow , and Media Bar DVD Player. These software applications make it easy to use advanced multimedia techniques to develop your personal audio and video creations. Using the i.LINK port[...]

Communications You have the choice of a variety of popular online services to browse the Internet, access e-mail, send faxes, and much more. Exceptional performance Your computer includes an Intel ® processor, a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet interface, and a V.90 data/fax modem. 1 Note: Your computer may not be equipped with all of the hardwar[...]

Unpacking Your Computer Page 4[...]

Computer and supplied accessories Computer and accessories Manuals  VAIO Digital Studio Com puter QuickStart — Contains information on unpacking and setting up your computer, supplementary updates, support information, and software information.  The VAIO Digital Studio Com puter User Guide — Contains information on the hardware and preins[...]

To Choose an Ergonomic Location for Your Computer Before you get started, find the best location for your new computer. Page 6[...]

Planning your workspace  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 sides of your computer to enable proper ventilation.  Placement of the keyboard, mouse, and other input devices — Place [...]

Locating Controls And Connectors Page 8[...]

Front Panel Overview The front panel of your VAIO Computer allows access to the optical and floppy disk drives. It also includes Universal Serial Bus (USB) and i.LINK ® ports to connect compatible peripheral devices. Note: i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE1394 connection. The i.LINK connection may[...]

3 Floppy disk drive Reads and writes data from and to a 3.5-inch floppy disk. 4 Floppy disk drive access indicator light Lights in green while reading and writing data from and to a floppy disk. 5 Optical drive access indicator light Lights in amber while reading and writing data from and to the optical drives. 6 Hard disk drive access indicator li[...]

Back Panel Overview The back panel of your computer contains the ports for supplied and optional accessories. The icons on the back panel locate and identify the ports and jacks on your computer. Note: Your computer may not be supplied with all of the features listed, depending on the system configuration you purchased. Back panel 1 Mouse port Conn[...]

5 Printer port 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 Headphones jack Connection for the supplied speakers or optional headphones. 9 Line In jack Connection for an audio device. 10 Microphone[...]

Setting Up Your VAIO Digital Studio Computer Your computer has many new and exciting features. This section contains information on setting up your computer and peripheral devices. Page 13[...]

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 14[...]

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 Note: Install your equipment so that you can easily reach the power outlet in the event of an emergency. Page 15[...]

Connecting the speakers 1. Plug the cable attached to the left speaker into the L Out jack on the back of the right speaker. 2. Plug the cable attached to the right speaker into the Headphones jack. 3. Plug the jack end of the AC adapter cord into the DC In jack on the back of the right speaker and plug the other end into a grounded AC wall outlet [...]

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 17[...]

Connecting the modem cable 1. Unplug your telephone from the wall jack. 2. Plug the modem cable (supplied) into the Modem line jack on the computer, and then plug the other end of the cable into the wall jack. Connecting the modem cable Caution: Your computer has a protective sticker covering the Ethernet port located on the rear panel. Connect onl[...]

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 Page 19[...]

To Turn on Your Computer Turning on your computer 1. Press the power switch on the computer to turn on the power. 2. Press the power switch on the display to turn on the power. 3. Press the power switch on the right speaker to turn on the power. Turning on your computer Note: When you start your system for the first time, your computer may detect n[...]

To Register Your Computer Take advantage of Sony's 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 Warra[...]

Setting 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 wind[...]

New Connection Wizard window 5. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish setting up your dial-up connection. Page 23[...]

To Set Up Power Management Modes When you plan to stop using your computer for a short period of time, you can set your system to automatically enter a power management mode. Your computer may have difficulty resuming from a power-saving mode, if the power scheme is not set up correctly. Page 24[...]

Setting up your system's power management Sony recommends following these steps for optimum power management: 1. Click Start in the Windows ® taskbar and select Control Panel. 2. Select Performance and Maintenance. The Performance and Maintenance window appears. 3. Click Power Options. The Power Options Properties window appears. 4. Click the[...]

Stand by mode indicators You can identify power management mode the computer is in by the color of the power indicator light. Color Mode Amber Computer is in Stand by mode. Blue Computer is in Normal mode, ready to use. No color Computer is turned off or in Hibernate mode. Page 26[...]

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 computer's Shortcut keys (S Keys). Page 28[...]

Shortcut Keys The programmable S Keys are linked with the following applications as their default settings:  S1 — Outlook ® Express  S2 — Internet Explorer  S3 — SonicStage  S4 — PictureGear  S5 — MovieShaker  S6 — Help/Demo You can reprogram the S keys to launch other applications. Note: i.LINK is a trademark of Sony[...]

Changing the settings of the S keys 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. Click the S Key you want to change. 4. From the Select Application d[...]

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 31[...]

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 matches t[...]

Configuring Your VAIO Computer This section provides information about maintaining your computer's hard disk drive performance, connecting a compatible i.LINK ® device, and enabling an Ethernet connection. Page 33[...]

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 applications save files to the D partit[...]

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[...]

System, Application And Driver Recovery CD(s) 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 Recover[...]

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 Recovery 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 ori[...]

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. Note: [...]

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. Note: If your system is equipped with two optical[...]

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. Note: If your system is equipped with two optical drives, insert the Driver Recovery CD into the upper optical dri[...]

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 46[...]

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. Note[...]

 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 dialog box appears. 3. Select the Hardware tab and then selec[...]

2. Select Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices, then click "Adjust the system volume." 3. From the Volume tab, adjust the Device volume by moving the slider bar to the desired sound level. 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 reinst[...]

My m icrophone does not work. Check that the microphone is plugged into the Microphone jack. 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 taskbar, then click Control Panel. 2. C[...]

 Use the mouse to locate a minimized taskbar by pointing to the left, right, top and bottom edges of the display screen. The taskbar has been located when the cursor changes to a double arrow cursor. Left-click and drag away from the edge of the display screen. The minimized taskbar resizes and becomes visible. Why is m y system running slowly? [...]

To contact Sony for technical support For further technical assistance, call 1-888-4-SONY-PC (1-888-476-6972) or access the Sony Computing Support Web site at: http://www.sony.com/pcsupport . Page 53[...]

Notes on Use The information in this section provides basic procedures to follow when handling your computer, components, and accessories. Page 54[...]

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 connection.  Do no[...]

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 58[...]

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 display  Do not change the display refresh rate to 85 Hz, as DVD playback and the DVgate software may not function correctly. Sony recommends that you keep your 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 display.  Usin[...]

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 61[...]

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 62[...]

Handling CD or DVD media  Do not touch the surface of the disc.  Do not drop or bend the disc.  Do not use adhesive labels to identify the disc. The label may come off while the disc is in use in the optical drive and damage the drive. Page 63[...]

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

Resources Sony provides several support options for your Sony computer. When you have questions about your computer and the preinstalled software, check these sources for answers, in the following sequence: VAIO QuickStart The QuickStart contains information on how to set up your computer quickly and easily. VAIO Computer User Guide The User Guide [...]

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 66[...]

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[...]

software not only plays a selected movie or sound file, but also enables playback of files by other applications like PictureGear , Memory Stick Slideshow and Windows ® Explorer. WordPerfect ® Corel Corp. WordPerfect is the word processor component of the WordPerfect Office suite. Create professional-looking documents, such as newsletters, report[...]

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 75[...]

Upgrading And Maintaining Your VAIO Digital Studio Computer In the future you may want to increase the functionality of your VAIO Digital Studio computer. This section describes how to open your computer and insert add-on cards, add memory, replace the lithium battery, and install an additional hard disk drive. For more information on upgrading you[...]

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. Page 77[...]

Before you upgrade your computer Disconnect the computer from its power source and from telecommunications links, networks, or modems before you open the unit or follow any of the procedures described in this section. Failure to do so may result in personal injury or equipment damage. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage disk drives, add-on car[...]

To Remove the Side Cover Caution: If you remove the side cover immediately after you shut down your computer, the components may be too hot to touch. Wait until the internal parts of the system unit cool down before you attempt to remove the side cover. Removing the side cover 1. Shut down your computer and turn off all peripheral devices, such as [...]

To Insert a PCI Add-on Card Your computer has one or more open PCI expansion slots, depending on the model configuration. A PCI slot enables you to install add-on cards to expand the functionality of your system. The length of the add-on card should not exceed 9.05 inches. Note: Add-on card configuration varies by model. Some models, such as Config[...]

Inserting an add-on card 1. Shut down your computer and turn off all peripheral devices, such as your printer. 2. Unplug your computer and any peripheral devices. 3. Remove the side cover. See Removing the side cover . 4. Locate an available expansion slot. Remove the screw, and then remove the slot cover. Caution: When removing a slot cover, be ca[...]

To Add Memory The preinstalled memory configuration may vary, depending on the computer you purchased. Your computer may ship with all available memory slots filled. See the Specifications sheet for details about the amount of memory installed in your computer. For memory replacement or upgrades, use only 2.5V 64-bit PC2100 DDR-SDRAM Dual Inline Me[...]

 Pull the tab that releases the power supply from the chassis.  Slide the power supply unit up until the 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 [...]

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. Caution: There is danger of the battery exploding if it is replaced incorrectly. Replace the battery only with a CR2032-ty[...]

To Install an Additional Hard Disk Drive Your computer comes with an available internal bay to hold a second standard 3.5-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. Note: The hard disk drive acc[...]

8. 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. 9. Align the drive holder with the slots on the inside of the chassis and slide the drive holder i[...]

The Windows ® XP operating system recognizes the new hard disk drive and applies the NTFS file system. Page 87[...]

To Replace the Side Cover Replacing the side cover 1. Align the tabs on the side cover to the chassis rim. 2. Press the side cover firmly against the unit until it snaps into place. Replacing the side cover Page 88[...]