Sony P C V - E 5 1 M manual

N User Guide Personal Computer VGC-VA1 (PCV-E51M)[...]

2 nN Before Use Before Use Congratulatio ns on your pu rchase of t his Sony VAIO ® computer, and welcome t o the on-screen User Gu ide. Sony has combined leading -edge technology in a udio, video, computing, and communications to provide sta te-of-the-art personal computing. Notice © 2005 Sony Corporation. All ri ghts reserved. This manual and th[...]

3 nN Before Use Documentation Your documentat ion includes printed info rmation and user guid es to read on your VAIO comput er. Guides are provided in PDF fo rmat, which yo u can easily browse through and print out. The My Club VAIO portal is a perfect starting point t o use your comp ute r — a comprehensive coll ection of everything yo u need t[...]

4 nN Before Use Printed Documentation ❑ A Setting Up Poster — Describes the process from unp acking to start ing up your VAIO. ❑ T roubleshooting Guid e — Contains solutions t o common problems. ❑ Recovery Guide — Contains an explanation of how to recover your comput er's system if you need to. ❑ Booklets containing the f ollowin[...]

5 nN Before Use My Club VAIO In My Club VAIO you can find: Documentat ion , which gives you: ❑ Access to the User Guide . T his manual exp lains the features of your comp uter in det ail, how to us e these f eatures confidently an d safely, connect peripheral devices a nd more. ❑ Access to Help and Training . This is the por tal of VAIO Help an[...]

6 nN Before Use Help and Support Center Help and Support Cent er is a comprehensive resource for practical advice, tutorials, and demonstrat ions to help you learn to use Microsoft Windows XP and your computer. Use the Search feat ure, Index, or table of contents to view all Windows Help reso urces, includin g those tha t are on th e Internet. To a[...]

7 nN Before Use Ergonomic Considerations Whenever po ssible, you sh ould attempt to take a ccount of the following ergonomic considerations: ❑ Position of your computer – Place the display directly in fron t of you (1). Keep your forearms h orizontal (2), with you r wrists in a neutral, com fortable position ( 3) while using the keyboard, po in[...]

8 nN Before Use ❑ Viewing angle of the display – Use the display's tilting feature to find the best position. You ca n reduce eye strain and muscle fati gue by adjust ing the tilt o f the display t o the prop er position. Ad just the br ightness set ting of the dis play as wel l. ❑ Lighting – Choose a location wher e windows and lights[...]

9 nN Getting Started Getting Started This section describes ho w to get started with using your VAI O computer. ❑ Locating Controls and Ports (page 10 ) ❑ About the Indicator Lights ( page 13) ❑ Connecting the Power Co rd (page 14) ❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely ( page 15)[...]

10 nN Getting Started Locating Controls and Ports Take a moment to identify t he controls and ports shown on the following pages. Front A Power indicator (page 13) B Drive indicator (page 13) C MONITOR OFF indicator (page 13) D MONITOR OFF button for t urning off the display output and the speaker volume. E Brightness buttons for increasing (+) or [...]

11 nN Getting Started Right A Power button B Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0 ) port * (page 69) C i.LINK ® (I EEE1394) S400 port (page 72) D AC Inpu t port (page 14) * Supports high-/full- /low- speeds.[...]

12 nN Getting Started Left A Composite Audio In connectors (page 37) B Composite Video In connec tor for connecting a cable or satellite set-top box (STB) wi thout the S Video Out connector. C S Video In connector (page 37) D VHF/UHF port (page 33) E PC Card slot (page 47) F WIRELESS L AN indicator (page 59) G WIRELESS L AN switch (page 59) H CONNE[...]

13 nN Getting Started About the Indicator Lights Your computer is equipped with th e following indicator lights. Indicator Functions Power 1 Illuminates in green when the power of th e computer is on, illuminates in orange when the comp uter is in Standby mode, and turns off when the computer is in Hibernate mod e or off. Media Access Illuminates w[...]

14 nN Getting Started Connecting the Power Cord Your computer's p ower cord must be plugg ed into an AC power source, such as an AC wall outlet, surge protector, or Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), before you can establish communication with your wireless keyboa rd and wireless mouse. ! Use only the power cord supplied with th e computer . [...]

15 nN Getting Started Shutting Down Your Computer Safely To avoid losing unsaved data, be sur e to shut down your compu ter properly, as described be low. To shut down your computer 1 Turn off any periphera ls connected to the computer . 2 Click Start and then Turn Off Comput er . The Turn off computer win dow appears. 3 Click Turn O ff . 4 Respond[...]

16 nN Using Your VAIO Computer Using Your VAIO Computer This section describes ho w to get the most out of using your computer . ❑ Using the Key board (page 17) ❑ Using the Mouse ( page 22) ❑ Using the Optical Disc Drive (page 27) ❑ Using the T V Function (page 33) ❑ Using PC Cards (page 47 ) ❑ Using a Memory St ick (page 49) ❑ Using [...]

17 nN Using Your VAIO Computer Using the Keyboard Your computer is supp lied with a wireless keyboard. The wirele ss keyboard uses a standard key arr angement with addit ional keys that perform specific functions. ✍ The above illustration may appear differen t from your model. A Function keys Perform certain tasks. The task as sociated with each [...]

18 nN Using Your VAIO Computer A Keyboard feet Extend to adj ust the keyboa rd height. B CONNECT butto n Press to enable the keyboard to communicate with the mai n unit. C Battery compa rtment Storage compartment f or the AA batt eries. D Pointing device swit ch Slide the switch to tu rn the pointing device on and off. POINTING D POINTING D E VICE [...]

19 nN Using Your VAIO Computer Before You Use the Keyboard Four AA alkaline batteries are supplied with your computer for use in the wireless keyboard. Before at tempting to use the wireless keyboard, you must in stall the batteri es and establish communicat ion between the computer and the keyboard. To connect your wireless keyboard, it must be lo[...]

20 nN Using Your VAIO Computer To connect the wireless keyboard 1 Insert the su pplied four AA batterie s (1) into the battery compartm ent on the bottom of the wireless keyboard . 2 Turn on the computer. 3 Slide the POWER switch (2) at the top of the keybo ard to turn on the keyb oard. 4 Press the CONNEC T button (3) on the left o f the comp uter.[...]

21 nN Using Your VAIO Computer ✍ Y ou can check the battery indicator ( or ) in the LC D window on the keyboard for its battery power level. If the wireless keyboard does not operate pr operly , the batteries may need to be replaced. If th e wi reless keyboa rd is not bein g used for an extended period of time, remove the batteries to av oid poss[...]

22 nN Using Your VAIO Computer Using the Mouse Your computer is supp lied with a wireless optical mouse, wh ich ha s no cab les to plug in and uses a lig ht-emitting diode (LED) instead of a b all. A Left button Click or double-cl ick the left but ton to select items. To drag and drop items, hold the left but ton down while sliding the mouse, then [...]

23 nN Using Your VAIO Computer Before You Use the Mouse Two AA alkaline ba tteries are su pplied with you r computer for u se in the wireless mo use. Before us ing the wireless mo use, you must install the batt eries and establish communicat ion between your compute r and the mouse. To co nnect the wireless mouse, it must be loca ted within a range[...]

24 nN Using Your VAIO Computer To connect the wireless mouse 1 Insert the two AA batteries (supplied with your co mputer) into the wireless mouse as shown be low. 2 Turn on the computer. 3 Press the CONNEC T button (1) on the left o f the comp uter.[...]

25 nN Using Your VAIO Computer 4 Turn over the wireless mou se, slide the power switch to the ON position , and press the CONNECT b utton. Communication between t he wireless mouse and the computer sh ould now be established . ! Steps 3 and 4 must be completed wi thin 10 seconds of each other . ✍ If the wireless mouse does not operate properly , [...]

26 nN Using Your VAIO Computer Adjusting the Mouse Functions 1 Click Start and then Control Panel . 2 Click Printers and Other Hardware . 3 Click Mouse . The Mouse Propert ies window appears. 4 Change the setti ngs.[...]

27 nN Using Your VAIO Computer Using the Optical Disc Drive Your computer is equipped wit h an optical disc dr ive. To insert a disc 1 Turn on the computer. 2 Press the drive eject b utton (1) to open t he drive. The tray slides out. 3 Place a disc in the middle of the tray with the label side f a cing up and gently pu sh until the disc clicks into[...]

28 nN Using Your VAIO Computer Reading and Writ ing CDs and DVDs Your computer p lays and record s CDs and DVDs, depe nding on the mod el you purchased. Check your spe cifications for the type of optical disc drive installed on your model. Use the tabl e below to see which types of media your opti cal disc drive supports. ! This product is designed[...]

29 nN Using Your VAIO Computer ✍ Supports writing to DVD-RW discs co mpliant with DVD-RW version 1.1/1.2. Supports writing to DVD-R discs complian t with DVD-R for General version 2.0/2.1. Supports 8cm disc re ading, b ut does not s upport 8cm disc writing. Writing to DVD+R DL (Double Layer) discs is available only on discs supporti ng DVD+R DL ([...]

30 nN Using Your VAIO Computer Notes on playing DVDs To achieve optimum pe rformance when playing DVDs, yo u should follow these re commendations. ❑ Close all open applications befo re playing a DVD movie. ❑ Do not use memory-resident utility software to speed up disc access when playin g a DVD. This may cause the computer to malfunction . ❑ [...]

31 nN Using Your VAIO Computer Copying Files to CDs To determin e which typ e of CD your computer supports, s ee Reading and Writing CDs and DVDs (pag e 28) . To copy files to a CD-RW or CD-R ! Do not strike or shake the comput er while writing data onto a d isc. 1 Insert a blank CD-R or CD-RW disc into the optical disc drive. If the CD Drive windo[...]

32 nN Using Your VAIO Computer Playing DVDs To play a DVD 1 Close all open progr ams. 2 Insert the DVD int o the optical disc dr ive. 3 Click Start and point to All Programs . 4 Select a DVD software pr ogram to play the DVD. For instructions o n how to use a program, see the help guide included with the DVD software program. Copying Files to DVDs [...]

33 nN Using Your VAIO Computer Using the TV Function Your computer has a TV tuner boa rd installed along with th e Microsoft Wind ows XP Media Cen ter Edition ope rating system to enhance your computing experience. Media Center provid es you with a wide range of TV, DVD, and video viewing, as well as music r ecording and playback. This section desc[...]

34 nN Using Your VAIO Computer Setting Up TV Connections ! The following connections may not be available depending on th e countr y of your residency . The best method of con necting your computer system, TV moni tor or display, and cable servic e ac cess, depends on the type of cable connection availab le in your home. TV signal reception strengt[...]

35 nN Using Your VAIO Computer Connecting to standard cable access (CATV) To connect in CATV mode 1 Connect one end of the TV coaxial cable (1) (not supplied ) to your cable service access (wall out let) (2). 2 Connect the othe r end of the coaxial cable to the VHF/UHF port (3) on th e computer.[...]

36 nN Using Your VAIO Computer Connecting to a standard antenna You can connect your computer to an in door/outdoor antenna system. ✍ If you are connecting to an indoor/outdoor antenna, you may need to reorient the antenna for best reception. Move the antenna c able away from oth er power sources or connectors to reduce reception interference. To[...]

37 nN Using Your VAIO Computer Connecting with a cable or satellite set-top box (STB) You can connect your computer to cable service access that uses a set-top bo x (cable or satellite). When using the set-top box (STB) setup, you can only change ch annels through th e STB, using its controls or supplied remote control. When using th e STB setup: ?[...]

38 nN Using Your VAIO Computer[...]

39 nN Using Your VAIO Computer To connect in STB mode (Option 2) 1 Connect one end of the TV coaxial cable (1) (supplied) to your cable service access (wa ll outlet) (2). Connect the other end to the VHF/UHF IN connec tor on the back panel of your se t-top box (STB) (3). 2 Connect a second TV coaxial ca ble (4) (not supplied) to the VHF/UHF O UT co[...]

40 nN Using Your VAIO Computer[...]

41 nN Using Your VAIO Computer Using the Remote Control Your computer is supplied with a remote control for using Media Ce nter features, including TV channel selection. A MY MUSIC button Press to view and listen to your music pla ylists. B MY TV button Press to view the M y TV me nu. C STOP butto n Press to stop media playback or a TV recording se[...]

42 nN Using Your VAIO Computer D BACK button Press to return to the previous window. E VOL button Press to increase (+) or decrease (-) the volume. F RECORDED TV butt on Press to view prev iously recorded TV programs (In My TV window). G GUIDE button Press to view the TV program guide for you r area. H Channel number butt ons (0-9) Press to select [...]

43 nN Using Your VAIO Computer Before you use the remote control Before using the remot e control, you need to inser t the supplied AA batteries and co nnect the remote sensor to enable communication betwee n the computer a nd the remote comman der. To insert batteries 1 Turn the remote com mander over. 2 Press in the tab (1) an d lift the battery [...]

44 nN Using Your VAIO Computer To connect the remote sensor 1 Choose the USB port (1) you pref er to use . 2 Plug the remote sens or cable (2) into the USB por t. 3 Position t he remote se nsor (3) to enable unobstructe d communi cation with the remote control. ✍ If you are using a cable or satellite set-top box, you can attach the remote sensor [...]

45 nN Using Your VAIO Computer To connect the remote sensor control 1 Plug the remote sensor con t rol cable (1) into eithe r connector (1 or 2) on the back of the remot e sensor (2). 2 Remove the adhesive tape cover from the bo ttom of the remote sensor control. 3 Attach the remote sensor control (3) ont o the set-top box (4) near the infrar ed po[...]

47 nN Using Your VAIO Computer Using PC Cards PC Cards allow you to connect portable external devices to your co mputer. Inserting a PC Card ! Some PC Cards or their functions may not be compatible with the computer . Y ou do not need to shut d own the computer before inserting or removing a PC Card. To insert a PC Card 1 Hold the PC Card with the [...]

48 nN Using Your VAIO Computer ✍ Some devices may not funct i on properly if you continually switch to Normal m ode from Standby mode or Hibernate mode. For some P C Cards, if you alternate between Normal mode and Standby or Hibernate mode while the card is inserted, you ma y find that a device connected to your system is not recognized. Restart [...]

49 nN Using Your VAIO Computer 5 Click OK . A window ap pears, exp laining that it is safe to r emove the de vice. 6 Click OK . 7 Click Close . 8 Push the PC Card release button so that th e release button pop s out. 9 Push the PC Card relea se button a second tim e so that the PC Card pop s out. 10 Gently take hold of the Card and pu ll it out of [...]

50 nN Using Your VAIO Computer * Some Memory Stick versions do not have an era sure prevention switch.[...]

51 nN Using Your VAIO Computer Inserting a Memory Stick There are two ways you can insert a Memory Stick into your computer: ❑ Using the Memory Stick slot ; ❑ Using a PC Card slot. To do this, you need an opt ional PC Card adapt er. The Memory Stick slot is locate d behind a protective cover on th e front of the comput er. You need to open th e[...]

52 nN Using Your VAIO Computer ! Be sure to hold the Memo ry Stick with the arrow pointing in the correct direction as y ou insert it into the slot. T o avoid dama ging the computer or the Memory Stick, do not for ce the Memory Stick into the slot if it does not insert smoothly . Do not insert more than one Memor y Stick i nto the Memor y St ick sl[...]

53 nN Using Your VAIO Computer To view the contents of the Memory Stick 1 Click Start and then My Computer to open the My Computer window. 2 Double-click the Memory Stick icon to view the list of data files sa ved on the Memory Stick. To format a Memory Stick Use the Memory Stick Formatter software. See the help file on t he Memory Stick Formatter [...]

54 nN Using Your VAIO Computer Removing a Memory Stick To remove a Memory Stick using the Memory Stick slot 1 Check that the Media Access indicator is off. 2 Push the Memory Sti c k in toward the compu ter. The Memory Stick ejects. 3 Pull the Memory Stick out of th e slot. ! Always remove the Memory Stick ge ntly , or it may pop out unexpectedly . [...]

55 nN Using Your VAIO Computer Using Other Memory Cards In addition to the Me mory Stick slot, your comput er is equi pped with three other memory card slots to accommodate many popular type s of memory card s. You can use th ese slots to tr ansfer data between digit al cameras, camcorders, mu sic players, and other audio/vide o devices. The memory[...]

56 nN Using Your VAIO Computer Inserting a Memory Card To insert a memory card 1 Flip the front panel down, using your f ingertip. Do not use force to op en the cover. 2 Locate the appr opriate slot for the memo ry card you wan t to use. 3 Hold the m emory card with the arrow facing up and to ward the m emory card slo t. 4 Carefully slide the memor[...]

57 nN Using Your VAIO Computer Removing a Memory Card The correct way to remove a memory card from a memor y card slot varies, de pending on the media or slot. Use care when removing a memor y card to avoid damage t o the slot or card. ! Do not remove a memory card while the Media Access indicator ligh t is on. The card or its data may b ecome dama[...]

58 nN Using Your VAIO Computer Using the Internet Setting Up a Dial-up Internet Connection Before you can connect to the Internet, you n eed to connect your computer to a telephone line via a telep hone cable (not supplied). O nce you set u p your tele phone cab le, you're re ady to conn ect to the I nternet. To connect a telephone cable 1 Plu[...]

59 nN Using Your VAIO Computer Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) Using the Sony Wireless LAN (WLAN ), all your digital devices with built-in WLAN functionality communicate freely with ea ch other through a po werful network. A WLAN is a network in which a user can connect to a local area network (LAN) thr ough a wireless (radio) connection. So ther e is no[...]

60 nN Using Your VAIO Computer Communicating without an Access Point (Ad-hoc) An ad-hoc ne twork is a ne twork in which a local networ k is created only by the wireless device s themselve s, with no ot her central controller or Access Poin t. Each device communicates directly with ot her devices in the network. You can set up an ad-hoc network ea s[...]

61 nN Using Your VAIO Computer To communicate without an Access Point (ad -hoc) 1 Turn on the WIRELESS or WIRELESS LAN switc h. The WIRELESS LAN indicato r lights up. 2 Click Start and then Control Panel . 3 Click Network and Int ernet Connecti ons . 4 Click Network Connections . The Network Conne ctions window appea rs. 5 Right-click Wireless Netw[...]

62 nN Using Your VAIO Computer 14 Select the check box This is a computer- t o-computer (ad hoc) network; wireless acces s points are not used at the bottom of the scr een. 15 Click OK . Your Network n ame appears in the Preferred networks . 16 Click Advanced . The Advanced window appear s. 17 Select the Computer-to-compu ter (ad hoc) ne tworks onl[...]

63 nN Using Your VAIO Computer To disconnect from a computer -to-computer (ad-hoc) network 1 Click Start and then Control Panel . 2 Click Network and Int ernet Connecti ons . 3 Click Network Connections . The Network Connections win dow appears. 4 In the right pan el under LAN or High-Speed Internet , double-click Wire less Network Co nnection . Th[...]

64 nN Using Your VAIO Computer Communicating with an Access Point (Infrastructure) An infrastructure net work is a network that extends an ex isting wired local net work to wireles s devices by providing an Access Point, for example the Sony Access Point. The Access Point bridges t he wireless and wired LAN and acts as a central controller for the [...]

65 nN Using Your VAIO Computer To connect to a wireless network 1 Make sure an access point is set up. See the instructio ns that accompanied the access poin t for more information . 2 Turn on the WIRELESS LAN switch. The WIRELESS LAN indicato r lights up. 3 Click Start and then Control Panel . 4 Click Network and Int ernet Connecti ons . 5 Click N[...]

66 nN Using Your VAIO Computer To connect to a wireless network (Models with the VAIO Wireless Utility software only) Use the VAIO Wirele ss Utility software to guide you throug h the set up process and provide yo u with more detailed information about wireless connections. 1 Make sure an access point is set up. See the instructio ns that accompani[...]

67 nN Using Peripheral Devices Using Peripheral Devices You can add functionality to your computer by using the vario us ports on the compute r. ❑ Connecting an External Microp hone (page 68) ❑ Connecting a Univer sal Serial Bus (USB) Device (page 69) ❑ Connecting a Printer (page 71) ❑ Connecting an i. LINK Device (page 72 ) ❑ Connecting [...]

68 nN Using Peripheral Devices Connecting an External Microphone If you need to use a sound inpu t device (for example, to ch at on the Internet) you need to plug in an external micr ophone. To connect an external microphone Plug the microphone cable (1) into the microphone conne ctor (2) m . ✍ Make sure your microphone is designed for computer u[...]

69 nN Using Peripheral Devices Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device Connecting a USB Fl oppy Disk Drive You can purchase a USB floppy disk drive and co nnect it to your computer. To connect a USB floppy disk drive 1 Choose the USB port you prefer to use. 2 Plug the USB floppy disk drive cable into the USB port. Your USB floppy disk driv e[...]

70 nN Using Peripheral Devices Disconnecting a USB floppy disk drive You can disconnect a USB fl oppy disk drive when the comput er is on or off. Disconnecting the dr ive when the computer is in a power saving mode (Standby or Hibe rnate) may cause the compu ter to malfunction. If the computer is off , you can unplug the USB cable directly from the[...]

71 nN Using Peripheral Devices Connecting a Printer You can connect a Windo ws-compatible pr inter to your computer to print documents. Connecting a Printer using the USB Port You can connect a USB p rinter compat ible with your version of Wi ndows to the compu t er. ✍ Y ou need to slide the back panel cover up to access the USB ports on the bott[...]

72 nN Using Peripheral Devices Connecting an i.LINK Device Notes on connecting i.LINK devices ❑ The computer includes an i.LINK (I EEE1394) port, which you c an use to connect to an i.L I NK device such as a digital video camera recorder or to connect two VAIO compute rs in order to copy, delete or edit files. ❑ The i.LINK port of the comp uter[...]

73 nN Using Peripheral Devices Connecting a Digital Video Camera Recorder To connect a digital vi deo camera recorder 1 Plug one en d of the i .LINK cable (1) into the i.LINK port (2) on the computer a nd the other end into the DV In/Out port s (3) on the digital video camer a recorder. 2 Launch the DVgate Plus softw are. ✍ On Sony digital video [...]

74 nN Using Peripheral Devices Connecting to a Network (LAN) You can connect your computer to 100BASE-TX/10BASE-T-type networks via an Ethernet netw ork cable. Connect one end of an optional n etwork cable to t he Network (Ethe rnet) port on th e left of the compu ter and the othe r end to your network. For detailed setting s and devices needed to [...]

75 nN Using Peripheral Devices ! T elephone lines cannot be connected to the Network (LAN) connector on your computer . If the Network (LAN) connector is connected to the telephone lines mentioned below , hi gh electric current to the connector may cause damage, overheating or fire. - Home (intercom speakerphone) or business-use tele phone lines (m[...]

76 nN Customizing Your VAIO Comp uter Customizing Your VAIO Computer This section briefly describes how to change the main settings of your computer. ❑ Setting the Pa ssword (page 77) ❑ Setting Up Your Compute r with VAIO Control Center (page 80) ❑ Using the Power Saving Modes (page 81)[...]

77 nN Customizing Your VAIO Comp uter Setting the Password Use one of the BIOS fun ctions to s et the pass word. Once you have set the password, you will have to enter the password after the VAIO logo appears to start your computer. The power-on password will allow you to protec t your computer from unauthorized ac cess.[...]

78 nN Customizing Your VAIO Comp uter Adding the Power-on Password ! Once you have set the power-on password, you cannot start the computer without entering the password. Make sure not to forget the password. Write down your password and keep it sa fe and private fr om other people. If you forget the power -on password and need assist ance to reset[...]

79 nN Customizing Your VAIO Comp uter Changing/Removing t he Power-on Password To change or remove the power-on password 1 Turn on the computer. 2 Press the F2 key when the VAIO logo appears. 3 Enter the current pa ssword for Enter Current Password : The BIOS setup screen ap pears. 4 Use the < or , key to select Security on the Boot menu to disp[...]

80 nN Customizing Your VAIO Comp uter Setting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control Center The VAIO Control Center utility allows you to consult system informatio n and specify preferences for system behavior. To use VAIO Control Center 1 Click Start , point to All Program s , and click VAIO Cont rol Center . The VAIO Control Center window appears. 2 [...]

81 nN Customizing Your VAIO Comp uter Using the Power Saving Modes In addition to t he normal opera ting mode, which allows you to tu rn off specific devices, your com puter has t wo distinct po wer saving modes: Sta ndby and Hibernate. The color of the power indicat or light behind the power button tells you which mode the comp uter is in. To set [...]

82 nN Customizing Your VAIO Comp uter Using Standby Mode Standby mode turns off t he LCD screen and sets the h a rd disk and the CPU to a low powe r consumption mode. The umber power light flashes in this mode. To activate Standby mode 1 Click Start and then Turn Off Comput er . 2 Click Stand By . ✍ Alternatively , you can press the St andby butt[...]

83 nN Customizing Your VAIO Comp uter Using Hibernate Mode In Hibernate mode, the state of the system is saved on the hard disk and power is turn ed off. The power indicator light is off in this mode. To activate Hibernate mode 1 Click Start and then Turn Off Comput er . 2 Click Hibernate . To return to Normal mode Turn on the comput er by pressing[...]

84 nN Upgrading Your VAIO Computer Upgrading Your VAIO Computer Your computer and memory m odules use high precision comp onents and electr onic connecto rs tech nology. To avoid the invalidation of your guar antee due to mishandling, we recommend that: ❑ You contact your deale r to install a new memory module . ❑ You do not install it yourself[...]

85 nN Upgrading Your VAIO Computer Before Upgrading Your Computer The upgrading procedures described in this section assume that you are familiar with the general terminology associated with personal computer s, safety pr actices, requir ed regulatory compliances, and the modification of electr onic equipment. Disconnect the comput er from its powe[...]

86 nN Upgrading Your VAIO Computer Adding and Removing Memory If you want t o expand the function ality of your computer, you can increase t he memory by inst alling optional memo ry modules. Before you u pgrade your co mputer's memo ry, read the notes an d pr ocedures in the f ollowing pages. The number of available slots depends on the co nf[...]

87 nN Upgrading Your VAIO Computer ❑ Use the special bag delivere d with the memory module or wrap the module in a luminum foil to protect it fr om electrostat ic discharge. ❑ Introducing any liquids or any foreign substances or ob jects into the memory slots, or ot her internal componen ts of the computer, will result in damage to the computer[...]

88 nN Upgrading Your VAIO Computer Removing and Installing a Memory Module ! If you remove the top pa nel immediately after you shut down the computer , the internal co mponents may be too hot to touch. Wait about one hour to let the components cool down before you attempt to remove the panel. To change or add a memory module 1 Shut down the comput[...]

89 nN Upgrading Your VAIO Computer 3 Press and hold the release bu tton (1), slide the to p panel (2) toward th e back of the compute r, lift the panel, an d set it aside.[...]

90 nN Upgrading Your VAIO Computer 4 Unscrew the two screws on the me mory cover (1), lift the cover, and set it aside. 5 Touch a meta l object (such as the chass is frame) to discha rge static electricit y.[...]

91 nN Upgrading Your VAIO Computer 6 Locate the memory modu le(s) you wish to remo ve. 7 Push down on the latches (1 ), located on both sides of the module, to ge ntly eject it from the slot. 8 Grasp the memory mo dule by the sides and remove from the computer. St ore the module in a static-f ree bag.[...]

92 nN Upgrading Your VAIO Computer 9 Locate the ce nter notch ( 1) on the bo ttom edge of t he memory module and align it to the center bump in the open module slot. 10 Firmly insert the lower edge of the module (2) into the slot by pressing down evenly against the module's upp er corners. The side latches (3) snap into position, holding the m[...]

93 nN Upgrading Your VAIO Computer 11 Replace the memory co ver (1) and tight en the two screws. 12 Gently slide the top panel onto the computer until it snaps into place.[...]

94 nN Upgrading Your VAIO Computer Viewing the Amount of Memory To view the amount of memory 1 Turn on the computer. 2 Click Start , point to All Program s , and click VAIO Cont rol Center . 3 Click the System Infor m ation tab in the VAIO Control Center window. 4 Double-click the System Information folder. 5 Double-click the System Information ico[...]

95 nN Upgrading Your VAIO Computer Installing the Hard Disk Drive Your computer may be equipped wit h open internal bays to ho ld additional 3.5-i nch hard disk drives. See the online Specifications for details about the installed hard disk drive. Review the manufacturer's informat ion provided with your new hard disk drive before attempting t[...]

96 nN Upgrading Your VAIO Computer About hard disk drive recovery When you replace the original h ard disk drive, the preinst alled VAIO Recover y utility cannot restore the drive partitions, operating system, or or iginal software programs. Before replacing the hard disk drive, create a VAI O Recovery Media Kit. ✍ Y our computer is not supplied [...]

97 nN Upgrading Your VAIO Computer Drive letter assignment When a new ha rd disk drive is installed, an identifying dr ive letter is as signed. The d rive letter as signment beco mes effective after you r egister for the first t ime or afte r recoveri ng your co mputer wi th the VAIO Recovery utility. The Click to DVD software creates a new folder [...]

98 nN Upgrading Your VAIO Computer Installing an Additio nal Hard Disk Drive You can install up to two SATA hard disk drives to the int ernal hard disk drive bay. ! If you remove the back panel immediately af ter you shut down the computer , the internal components may be t oo hot to touch. W ai t about one hour to let the components cool down befo[...]

99 nN Upgrading Your VAIO Computer 4 Unscrew the four screw s on the bottom of the back pa nel (1). 5 Slide the back panel t oward the bottom of the computer, lift the pa nel, and set it aside.[...]

100 nN Upgrading Your VAIO Computer 6 Unscrew the two scre ws on the h ard disk cove r (1), lift th e cover, an d set it aside . 7 Unscrew the four screw s on the dr ive holder ( 1).[...]

101 nN Upgrading Your VAIO Computer 8 Pull the drive hold er slightly out and detach the power and in terface cables from the origi nal hard disk drive that is preinstalled in the co mputer.[...]

102 nN Upgrading Your VAIO Computer 9 Slide the drive holder completely out. 10 Slide a new drive into the drive holder and a lign the holes on each side of the drive bay. 11 Secure the drive to the drive holder with screws, throu gh the holes on each side of the dr ive holder. ✍ The new hard disk drive is supplied with th e necessary screws. Do [...]

103 nN Upgrading Your VAIO Computer 12 Align the drive holder with the tracks on the inside of the chassis. Connect the power and inte rnal SATA cables to the original an d new hard disks and slide the drive holder in completely. 13 Replace th e hard disk cover an d the back panel, an d then place the com puter upri ght.[...]

104 nN Upgrading Your VAIO Computer Identifying the Additional Hard Disk Space When you initialize the new hard disk, it must be configured as an extend ed partition in Windows NT file system (NTFS) format. To identify the additi onal hard disk space 1 Log on to Windows as a user with administrat or rights. 2 Click Start and right-click My Computer[...]

105 nN Precautions Precautions This section describes safet y guidelines and precautions to he lp you protect your computer from pot ential damage. ❑ On Handling the LCD Screen (pag e 106) ❑ On Using the Power Source (p age 107) ❑ On Handling Your Computer (page 108) ❑ On Handling Discs (page 110) ❑ On Using Headphones (page 1 10) ❑ On [...]

106 nN Precautions On Handling the LCD Screen ❑ Do not leave the LCD facing the sun . This could damage the LCD. Be careful when using the comput er near a window. ❑ Do not scratch the LCD or exert pressure on it . This could cause a malfu nction. ❑ Using the computer in low t emperature cond itions may produce a residual imag e on the screen[...]

107 nN Precautions On Using the Power Source ❑ See the online Specifications to check the power ope ration of your model. ❑ Do not share th e AC outlet with other power-co nsuming equipment, such as a photo copier or shredder . ❑ You can purchase a power strip with a sur ge protector. This device prevent s damage to the comput er caused by su[...]

108 nN Precautions On Handling Your Computer ❑ Clean the cabin et with a soft cloth, which is dry or lightly moistened with a mild detergent solut ion. Do not use any typ e of abrasive pad, scouring powder, or solvent such as alco hol or benzine, a s these may damage the finish of the computer. ❑ If you drop a solid object or any liquid onto th[...]

109 nN Precautions ❑ Do not use cut or dam aged connection cabl es. ❑ If the comput er is brought direct ly from a cold location to a warm one, moisture may condense inside the comput er. In this case, allo w at least on e hour before t urning on th e computer. If any problems o ccur, unplug the computer and contact an authorize d Sony Service [...]

110 nN Precautions On Handling Discs ❑ Do not t ouch the su rface of th e disc. ❑ Do not dr op or bend the disc. ❑ Fingerprints and dust on the surface of a disc may cause re a d errors. Always hold the disc by its edges a nd central hole, as shown below: ❑ Proper care of the disc is essential to its continuous reliability. Do not use solv [...]

111 nN Precautions On Handling a Memory Stick ❑ Do not use the Memory St ick in locations that ar e subject to static elect ricity or electrical noise. ❑ Do not touch the Memory Stick connecto r with your finger or metallic objects. ❑ Use only the label supplied with the Memory Stick as a label. ❑ Do not bend, drop, or apply strong shock t [...]

112 nN Precautions On Handling the Hard Disk The hard disk has a high storag e density and reads or writes data in a short time. However, it can be easily damag ed by mechanical vibration, shock or dust. Although the h ard disk has the int ernal safety d evice to prevent losing data due to mechanical vibration, sho ck or dust, you should be careful[...]

113 nN Troubleshooting Troubleshooting This section descr ibes how to solve common proble m s you mi ght e ncounter when using you r computer. Many problems have simple solutions. Try these suggesti ons before vi siting the Sony o nline support Web site at h ttp://www.vai o-link.com . ❑ Compute r (page 114) ❑ System Securit y (page 121) ❑ Int[...]

114 nN Troubleshooting Computer What should I do if my computer won't start? ❑ Make sure the comput er is securely plugg ed into a power source and tur ned on. Make sure the po wer indicator sho ws the power is on. ❑ Make sure the optical disc drive (if applicable) is empty. ❑ If the computer is plug ged into a powe r strip or uninterr u[...]

115 nN Troubleshooting What should I do if a BIOS error appears when my computer starts? If the message "Press F2 to setup" appears at the bott om of the screen 1 Press the F2 key when the VAIO logo appears. The BIOS setup screen ap pears. 2 Press the , key to select the Exit menu. 3 Press the m key to select Load Setup Defaults . 4 Press[...]

116 nN Troubleshooting What should I do if the power indicator (Gre en) lights but my screen does not display anything when I turn on my computer? If nothing still appears on your screen after a while 1 Press the powe r button for mo re than four sec onds to check tha t the power indicato r goes out. The n turn on the com puter again. 2 If nothing [...]

117 nN Troubleshooting What should I do if the message "Operati ng system not foun d" appears when my computer starts, and why won't Windows start? ❑ Make sure the comput er does not have a "non-bo otable " CD or DVD in the optical disc drive (if applicable). ❑ If a non-boota ble media is in the drive: 1 Remove the medi[...]

118 nN Troubleshooting What should I do if my computer or software stops responding? ❑ It is best to tu rn off the comput er using the Turn Off Compu t er option on the Microsoft Windows Start menu, locate d on the taskbar. Usin g other methods, inclu ding those listed below, ma y result in loss of unsave d data. ❑ Click Start , point to Turn O[...]

119 nN Troubleshooting Why won't my computer enter Standby or Hibernate mode? The computer ma y become unstable if the op erating mode is changed before the co mputer completely ent ers Standby or Hibernate. To restore the computer to normal operating stability 1 Close all open progr ams. 2 Restart the com puter. Follow these steps: 1 Press th[...]

120 nN Troubleshooting What should I do if I start my computer and the message "System Disabled" appears and Windows does not start? If you enter a wrong power-on passwor d three times consecutively, the System Disabled message appears and Windows does not start. Press th e power button for mo re than four seconds t o check that the power[...]

121 nN Troubleshooting System Security This section provides info rmation about keeping you r computer operating smoothly and protecting against potential threats to the computer's security. How can I protect my computer against security threats, such as viruses? The Microsoft Windo ws operating system is prei nstalled on t he comput er. The b[...]

122 nN Troubleshooting To visit the Windows Updates web site 1 Connect to the Interne t. 2 Type http:/ /windowsupdate. m icrosoft.co m/ in the address bar of your br owser. The Microsoft Windows Updat e and Security Warning windows appear. 3 In the Security Warning window, start inst allation and run Windows Update . 4 In the Microsoft Windows Upda[...]

123 nN Troubleshooting Internet Why doesn't my modem work? ❑ Make sure the telephone cable is securely plugged into the Mod em port on the computer and the wall jack. ❑ Make sure the telephone cable is working. Plug the c able into an ordinary telepho ne and listen for a dial to ne. ❑ Make sure the telephon e number the progra m is diali[...]

124 nN Troubleshooting Why is my modem connection slow? The computer is equippe d with a V.92/ V.90 compatible mode m. Many factors may influence mod e m connection speed, including telephone line noise or compatibility with telep hone equipment, such as fax machines or othe r modems. If you think your modem is not connectin g properly to other PC-[...]

125 nN Troubleshooting Networking Why can't my computer connect to a wire less LAN access point? ❑ Connection availability is affe cted by distance and obstructions. You may need to move the computer away from obstructions or closer to any access point you ma y be using. ❑ Make sure the WIRELESS or WIRELESS LAN switch is on and the WIRELES[...]

126 nN Troubleshooting Why is the data transfer speed slow? ❑ The wireless LAN data tran sfer speed is affe cted by distanc e and obstr uctions be tween device s and access points. Oth er factors include device configurations, radi o conditions, and soft ware compatibility. To maximi ze the data transfer speed, move the computer away from ob stru[...]

127 nN Troubleshooting What are channels? ❑ Wireless LAN communicati on occurs on divided frequency ba nds known as channels. Third-party wireless LAN access point channels may b e preset to di ffer ent channels from Sony devices. ❑ If you are using a wireless LAN access point, see conn ectivity inform ation contained in your access point instr[...]

128 nN Troubleshooting CDs and DVDs Why does my computer freeze when I try to read a disc? The disc the computer is trying to read may be dirty or damag ed. Follow these steps: 1 Restart the com puter by clicking Start , Turn Off Computer , and Restart . 2 Eject the disc from the optical disc drive. 3 Examine the disc for dirt or dam age. If the di[...]

129 nN Troubleshooting What should I do if the optical disc driv e isn't playing my CD or DVD properly? ❑ Make sure the disc was inserted into the optica l disc drive with the label facing up. ❑ Make sure the necessary pro gram(s) is installed accord ing to the manufactur er's instructions. ❑ If the CD or DVD is dirty or damaged, th[...]

130 nN Troubleshooting 5 Double-click t he optical disc d rive device t o open the s ubmenu. 6 Double-click the listed dr ive, and select the Prope rties tab. 7 Click to select the Enable digital CD audio for this CD-ROM device check box, if it is not selected. You can confirm the driver so ftware by selecting the Driver tab, and clicking D river D[...]

131 nN Troubleshooting What should I do if I cannot write to CD? ❑ Do not lau nch any sof tware applicatio n or allow a ny to launch automatically, not even a screen s aver. ❑ Do not use the keyboard . ❑ Do not use a CD-R/RW disc th at has a label affixe d to it. This could cause a write erro r or other damage . What should I do if I cannot w[...]

132 nN Troubleshooting Display Why did the computer screen (LCD) go blank? ❑ The computer screen may go bla nk if the computer has lost powe r or has entered a powe r saving mode (Standby o r Hibernate). If the computer is in Standby mo de, press any key to activate the computer screen. See Using the Power Saving Modes ( page 81) for more inf orm[...]

133 nN Troubleshooting Printing Why can't I print a document? ❑ Make sure the printer is on, an d the printer cable is securely connected t o the ports on the printer and computer. ❑ Make sure the printer is compatible wit h the Windows operati ng system installed on the compute r. ❑ You may need to install th e printer driver software b[...]

134 nN Troubleshooting Microphone Why doesn't my microphone work? If you are using an exte rnal microphone, ma ke sure the microp hone is turned on and is properly plugged into the Microphone jack on the computer.[...]

135 nN Troubleshooting Mouse What should I do if the computer doesn't recognize the mouse? ❑ Confirm that the supplied AA batteries are prope rly installed. ❑ Press the CONNEC T button on th e mouse and the compu t er to re-e stablish the connectio n between the two devices. What should I do if the pointer do esn't move when I use the[...]

136 nN Troubleshooting Speakers Why won't my speakers work? ❑ The speaker volume may have been turned off. Press the MONITOR OFF butto n on the front of the computer or press the Mute button on the keyboa rd. ❑ The keyboard also has a volume contr o l, make sure the volume is turned up loud enough to hear sound. Why can't I hear sound[...]

137 nN Troubleshooting Keyboard What should I do if the keyb oard configuration is wrong? ❑ The language layo ut of the comp uter's keyboard is specified on t he sticker on the b ox. If you choose a differen t regional keyboard when you complete the Windows se tup, the key configur ation will be mismatched. ❑ To change the keyboard configu[...]

138 nN Troubleshooting Floppy Disks Why doesn't the Safely Remove Hardware icon appear on the taskbar when the drive is connected? The computer does n ot recognize the flop py disk drive. First, ma ke sure the USB cable is pr operly connecte d to the USB port. If you need to secure the con nection, wait a few moments for t he computer to recog[...]

139 nN Troubleshooting PC Cards Why doesn't my PC Card wo rk? ❑ Make sure the PC Card is inserted properly. See Inserting a PC Card (page 47) for more in formation. ❑ Make sure the PC Card is compatib le with the Microsoft Wind ows operating system inst alled on the computer. ❑ See the instruction s that accompanied you r PC Card. You ma[...]

140 nN Troubleshooting Audio/Video Why can't I use the DV camera recorder? You may not be able to use the DV camera reco rder, and the message DV equipment seems to be discon nected or turned off may appear because th e i.LINK cable is not securely plug ged into the po rts on the co mputer or camer a. Unplug the connectors, and plug them in ag[...]

141 nN Troubleshooting Memory Stick Why can't I open my image files? You may ne ed to reform at your Mem ory Stick. Formatting a Memory Stick era ses all data, including music data , previously saved to it. Before you reformat the Memor y Stick, back up important dat a and confirm that the media d oes not contain files you want to ke ep. 1 Cop[...]

142 nN Troubleshooting Peripherals What should I do if I cannot connect a USB device? ❑ If applicable, check the USB device is switched on and using its own power supply. For ex ample, if you are usin g a digital camera, check t he battery is charged. If you are using a prin ter, check the power cable is connected properly to the AC outlet. ❑ T[...]

143 nN Trademarks Sony, Click to DVD, DVgate Plus , Keyboard Utility, Memory Stick Form atter, Prepare yo ur VAIO, SonicS ta ge, SonicStage Mastering Studio, VAIO Control Center, VAIO Edit Components, VAI O Media, Image Conver ter, My Club VAIO, VAIO Update, Memor y Stick, the Memory Stick logo, VAIO and the VAIO logo are tra demarks of Sony Corpor[...]