Sony PCV-RX450 manual

Welcome Thank you for purchasing a Sony VAIO ® computer! Your new computer is a superb blend of high technology and easy-to-use functionality. The information provided here is designed to help you to become familiar with the hardware and software programs included with your system.  View the Electronic Flyer , which provides updates and supplem[...]

Getting Started Congratulations on your purchase of a Sony VAIO ® computer! Your new, high-performance, multimedia computer combines state-of-the-art computer functionality with the latest audio, video and information technology features.  Unpacking your Computer  Planning an Ergonomic Work Space Page 2[...]

Unpacking your Computer Your computer may not be supplied with all of the accessories shown, depending on the system configuration you purchased. For details on the accessories supplied with your computer, see the online Specifications sheet. Your VAIO ® computer is not supplied with System or Application Recovery CDs. Use the VAIO Recovery Wizard[...]

2. From the VAIO Help And Support Center , click VAIO Recovery Options . Other A Software Library, containing the Microsoft ® software and Sony end-user license agreements. Page 4[...]

Planning an Ergonomic Work Space Before you set up your new computer, find the best location for your new computer and plan your work space. There are several ergonomic factors to consider when you arrange your work space:  Stable work surface — Use a stable work surface large enough to support the computer and other peripheral equipment.  [...]

Locating Controls And Ports This section is intended to familiarize you with the controls, ports and jacks on your computer. Your computer may not be equipped with all of these hardware features, and the location of the controls, ports, and jacks may vary from the illustrations shown in this section. To view the specific connection capabilities for[...]

About the Front Panel The front panel of your VAIO ® Computer enables access to drives, media slots, ports and jacks that enable you to connect compatible peripheral devices. System configuration may vary, depending on the model purchased. See the online specifications sheet for details. Front panel 1 Optical drive 1 See the online Specifications [...]

6 Power switch Turns the computer on and off. 7 Stand by indicator Light is red when the computer is placed in Stand by mode. 8 Optical drive access indicator Light is amber while reading and writing data from and to the optical drives. 9 Hard disk drive access indicator Light is amber while reading and writing data from and to the hard disk. 10 Me[...]

18 Universal Serial Bus (USB 2.0) ports (3) Connections for compatible high/full/low-speed USB devices. 1 O n models equipped with this hardware c onfiguration, the media ac c es s indic ator light is amber when reading or writing data to the SmartM edia , or C ompac tFlas h ® /M ic rodrive s lots i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designa[...]

About the Back Panel 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 on your computer. Back panel 1 AC Input port Connection for the supplied power cord. 2 Mouse port Connection for a PS/2 ® mouse. 3 Keyboard port Connection for a PS/2 keyboard. 4 P[...]

6 Universal Serial Bus (USB 2.0) ports (4) Connections for compatible high/full/low-speed USB devices. 7 Monitor port Connection for a standard display. 8 Telephone jack Connection for a telephone cable (optional) to the computer. 9 Speaker DC Out jack Connection for the supplied speaker power cable. 10 Ethernet port Connection for a 10BASE-T/100BA[...]

Connection for an audio device. Digital/Analog Out jack 1 Connection for external digital devices or digital speaker systems. 14 Modem line jack Connection for the modem (supplied) cable to the wall jack. 1 T his feature is available on s elec ted models . See the s pec ific ations s heet for information on your c omputer's hardware c onfigura[...]

About the Sub-Woofer Certain VAIO ® computers are supplied with a sub-woofer unit to enhance your system's sound capability. Sub- woofer unit 1 Port The port extends the low frequency response to extend the volume output of the sub-woofer unit. 2 Power knob/volume control Rotate the knob clockwise to turn on the sub-woofer unit. Control the v[...]

About the Keyboard Your VAIO ® keyboard uses a standard key arrangement with additional keys that perform specific functions. VAIO Keyboard KEY DESCRIPTION Function The 12 function keys along the top of the keyboard are used to perform certain tasks. The task associated with each function key may vary from one application to the next. Volume Contr[...]

arrow and correction keys on the numeric keypad area are active. Caps Lock The Caps Lock indicator lights up to advise you that the keyboard is set to type letters in uppercase. When the indicator is off, the letters appear in lower case as you type. Scroll Lock The Scroll Lock indicator lights up to advise you that your screen's scrolling pat[...]

Setting Up Your Computer Your computer may not be equipped with all of the hardware features described in the section. The location of the controls, ports, and jacks may vary from the illustrations shown. See the online Specifications sheet for your system's specific hardware configuration.  Connecting a Display (Monitor)  Connecting the[...]

Connecting a Display (Monitor) 1. Plug the display's cable into the monitor port. 2. If necessary, plug the display's cable into the rear of the display. To connect a display To connect a DVI display Install your equipment so that you can easily reach the power outlet in the event of an emergency. Page 17[...]

Connecting the Speakers and Sub-woofer Unit 1. Plug the cable attached to the back of the left speaker into the L Out jack on the back of the right speaker. 2. Insert the yellow plug of the speaker power cable into the DC In jack (yellow) on the back of the right speaker. 3. Insert the black plug of the speaker power cable into the DC Out jack loca[...]

5. Insert the RCA plug of the sub-woofer unit's cable into the Line Out jack, located on the back panel of your computer. 6. Plug the sub-woofer unit's power cord into a grounded AC wall outlet or power strip. To connect the sub- woofer to the com puter Page 19[...]

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 on the back of the computer. To connect the keyboard and m ouse To use an optical mouse An optical mouse requires an ideal surface texture in order to provide precision pointing and tracking. ?[...]

Connecting the Telephone and Modem cables 1. Unplug your telephone from the wall jack and plug it into the telephone jack, located on the back panel of your computer. 2. Plug the modem cable (supplied) into the Modem line jack, located on the back panel of your computer. 3. Plug the other end of the modem cable into the wall jack. To connect the te[...]

Connecting the Power Cords 1. Plug the power cord into the back of the computer. 2. Plug both the display and computer power cords into a grounded AC wall outlet or a power strip. To connect the power cords Page 22[...]

Turning On your Computer When you start your system for the first time, your computer may detect new equipment and display a dialog box that prompts you to restart your computer. Respond to this prompt immediately. 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[...]

Registering 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 Limit[...]

Configuring Your VAIO Computer This section provides basic information about managing your computer's hard disk drive performance, using i.LINK devices, CompactFlash ® cards, SmartMedia cards, Memory Stick media, PC Cards, and changing default settings. Your computer may not be equipped with all of the hardware features described in this sect[...]

About the Memory Stick Media Slot Your VAIO ® computer is equipped with a Memory Stick ® slot that supports certain types of Memory Stick ® media. Page 26[...]

About Memory Stick media Memory Stick ® media are a compact, portable, and versatile data storage media designed for exchanging and sharing digital data with compatible devices. The following types of Memory Stick media are available, but compatibility with your computer can vary.  MagicGate Memory Stick ® media — Provides copyright protecti[...]

Protecting data on Memory Stick media Memory Stick media contain a write-protect tab. The write-protect tab prevents accidental changes to information recorded on your Memory Stick media. When you slide the write-protect tab to the LOCK position, your Memory Stick media is write-protected. You cannot delete, copy, or save information on the media w[...]

About the SmartMedia Card Slot Your VAIO ® computer is equipped with a SmartMedia card slot that supports SmartMedia cards. Inserting a SmartMedia card 1. Insert a SmartMedia card into the SmartMedia card slot. Always insert a SmartMedia card into the SmartMedia card slot for proper operation. Do not insert any other type of card into the SmartMed[...]

Additional information about SmartMedia Cards If you plan to share your media card between your VAIO ® computer and devices such as a digital camera or music player, the media must be formatted properly.  Format the media card by using it in the device first. See the information supplied with the device for details on formatting media.  If y[...]

About the CompactFlash/Microdrive Media Slot Your VAIO ® computer may be equipped with a CompactFlash ® /Microdrive media slot that supports CompactFlash and Microdrive media. For details on the specific hardware configuration for your system, see the online Specifications sheet. Inserting a CompactFlash or Microdrive media card 1. Insert a Compa[...]

Additional information about CompactFlash and Microdrive media Cards If you plan to share your media card between your VAIO ® computer and devices such as a digital camera or music player, the media must be formatted properly.  Format the media card by using it in the device first. See the information supplied with the device for details on for[...]

About i.LINK Compatibility Your VAIO ® computer may be equipped with a 4-pin and/or a 6-pin i.LINK ® port, depending on the system configuration purchased. A 4-pin i.LINK port cannot supply power to a connected i.LINK device. A 6-pin i.LINK port can supply power (10V to 12V) to a connected i.LINK device, if the device is equipped with a 6-pin con[...]

Upgrading and Maintaining your VAIO Computer In the future you may want to increase the functionality of your VAIO computer. This section describes how to perform basic upgrades and maintenance on your system. For more information on upgrading your computer, see your model's System Reference Manual . You can download the System Reference Manua[...]

Overview The upgrading procedures described in this section assume that you are familiar with the general terminology associated with personal computers, safety practices, required regulatory compliances, and the modification of electronic equipment. Before upgrading your computer Disconnect the computer from its power source and from telecommunica[...]

About Opening the System Unit Removing the side panel 1. Shut down your computer and turn off all peripheral devices, such as your printer. 2. Unplug your computer and disconnect any peripheral devices. 3. Place the system unit on its side. 4. Locate the two tabs on the back edge of the right side panel. 5. Press up on these tabs and slide the side[...]

About Add-on Card Installation Your computer may have one or more open expansion slots, depending on the model configuration. An expansion 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. Add-on card configuration varies by model. Some models, such as C[...]

6. Attach any internal cables that the card requires. See the instructions supplied with the add-on card. 7. Replace the side panel. See Replacing the side panel . 8. Reconnect the power cord and all peripheral devices. 9. Turn on the computer. Page 38[...]

Installing Memory The amount of preinstalled memory may vary, depending on the system configuration you purchased. Your computer may ship with all available memory slots filled. For memory replacement or upgrades, use the correct memory module for your computer's configuration. See the online Specifications sheet for details about the amount o[...]

2. Unplug your computer and any peripheral devices. 3. Remove the side panel. See Removing the side panel . 4. Gently place the unit on its side. If necessary, remove any cables, add-on cards, or other components to access the memory module slots. 5. Remove the memory module from its anti-static package, handling it by the the edges. 6. Locate the [...]

About 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. There is danger of the battery exploding if it is replaced incorrectly. Replace the battery only with a CR2032-type lithium bat[...]

About Hard Disk Drive Installation 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-100 ha[...]

5. Detach the power and drive cables from the original hard disk drive that is preinstalled in your computer. 6. Unlock the drive holder from the chassis by pulling the drive holder tab up at a slight angle. 7. Slide the drive holder out. Rem ov ing the driv e holder 8. Slide the new drive into the drive holder and align the holes on each side of t[...]

14. Replace the side panel. See Replacing the side panel . 15. Reconnect the power cord to your computer. Identifying the additional hard disk space When you initialize the new hard disk, it must be configured as an extended partition in Windows NT file system (NTFS) format. 1. Log on to Windows ® as Administrator. 2. Click Start in the Windows ta[...]

Troubleshooting This section describes how to troubleshoot common problems. You can also find helpful information on how to use your computer's hardware features and preinstalled software. Your computer may not be equipped with all of the features or software discussed in this section, depending on the system configuration purchased.  About[...]

About VAIO Computer Functions My computer does not start.  Verify that the computer is plugged into a power source and that it is turned on. Check that the power indicator is lit on the front panel of the computer.  Confirm that a disk is not in the floppy disk drive 1 (unless you are using a bootable floppy disk).  Confirm that a CD is no[...]

About VAIO Computer Functions My computer does not start.  Verify that the computer is plugged into a power source and that it is turned on. Check that the power indicator is lit on the front panel of the computer.  Confirm that a disk is not in the floppy disk drive 1 (unless you are using a bootable floppy disk).  Confirm that a CD is no[...]

Why did my computer or software stop responding? You can try to locate and close the software application that has stopped responding. 1. Press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys. The Windows Task Manager window appears. 2. From the Applications tab, locate the application that has the status message, " Not responding ." 3. Select the application t[...]

Why does the Windows operating system stop responding during shutdown? The Windows operating system may not shut down properly for many reasons, including incompatible or conflicting drivers, damaged files, or non-responsive hardware. For troubleshooting information, you can search Windows Help. 1. Click Start in the Windows taskbar and select Help[...]

Why is my system running slowly?  The system responsiveness varies depending with the number of applications that are open and running. Close any applications that you are not currently using.  Increasing the system memory may also help. For information on installing memory, please see the online VAIO User Guide. To access the online User Gui[...]

How do I change the video resolution of my display? 1. Click Start in the Windows taskbar, and then select Control Panel . 2. Select Appearance and Themes , and then select Change the screen resolution . 3. Click the Settings tab. 4. Change the Screen resolution and Color quality to the desired levels. 5. Click Apply and then click OK . Page 51[...]

About Using the Optical Disc Drive(s) Your computer may not be equipped with all of the hardware features listed in this section. To view the specific hardware configuration for your system, see the online Specifications sheet. Page 52[...]

Why doesn't my optical drive tray open? To use the Eject button 1. Make sure the computer is turned on. 2. Press the Eject button on the drive. To use the My Computer icon 1. Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then select My Computer . 2. Right-click the appropriate optical drive icon. 3. Select Eject from the shortcut menu. Avoid using adhes[...]

Why can't I play a DVD or CD media?  After inserting your CD or DVD, wait a few seconds for the system to detect it before trying to access it.  Confirm that the disc is in the tray with the label side facing up.  Install your CD or DVD software according to the manufacturer's instructions.  If your drive reads some DVDs or CD[...]

Why isn't my DVD playing properly?  If a region code warning appears when you are using the DVD player application, it may be that the region code of the DVD you are trying to play is incompatible with the region code setting of your optical drive. A region code is listed on the disc packaging. Region code indicators such as "1" o[...]

About the Mouse and Keyboard Why doesn't my mouse work properly?  Confirm that the mouse is plugged securely into the mouse port. If you are using a USB mouse, verify that the mouse is plugged securely into the appropriate USB port.  Save and close all open applications. Turn off your computer, wait approximately 10 seconds, and then res[...]

About the Mouse and Keyboard Why doesn't my mouse work properly?  Confirm that the mouse is plugged securely into the mouse port. If you are using a USB mouse, verify that the mouse is plugged securely into the appropriate USB port.  Save and close all open applications. Turn off your computer, wait approximately 10 seconds, and then res[...]

How do I set up my mouse for left-hand use? 1. Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then click Control Panel . 2. Click Printers and Other Hardware , then click Mouse . The Mouse Properties dialog box appears. 3. From the Buttons tab, select Switch primary and secondary buttons under the Button Configuration options. 4. Click Apply , then click OK .[...]

Why doesn't my keyboard work properly?  Check that the keyboard 1 is securely plugged into the keyboard port.  Save and close all open applications. Turn off your computer, wait approximately 10 seconds, and then restart your computer.  If you are using a wireless keyboard: 1. Confirm that the supplied AA batteries are properly instal[...]

About the Modem Why is my modem connection slow? Many factors can influence modem connection speed, such as:  Telephone line noise.  Incompatibility with other telephone equipment such as fax machines or other modems.  Internet Service Providers (ISP) connection capability may vary. If you think your modem is not connecting properly to oth[...]

About the Modem Why is my modem connection slow? Many factors can influence modem connection speed, such as:  Telephone line noise.  Incompatibility with other telephone equipment such as fax machines or other modems.  Internet Service Providers (ISP) connection capability may vary. If you think your modem is not connecting properly to oth[...]

Why doesn't my modem work properly? Your modem may be experiencing equipment or software conflicts. If your modem is not functioning properly, check the following:  Check that the telephone line is plugged into the modem line jack.  Check that the telephone line is working properly. You can verify the line by plugging in an external devi[...]

How do I change my modem to rotary or Touch-tone dialing? 1. Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then click Control Panel . 2. Click Printers and Other Hardware , then click Phone and Modem options . 3. From the Dialing Rules tab, click Edit . The Edit Location dialog box appears. 4. Select the Tone or Pulse option. Click OK . Page 63[...]

About the Speakers Why is there no sound in any application?  Check that the speakers are plugged into the Headphones jack.  If your speakers have a mute button, verify that it is turned off.  If your speakers are powered by batteries, verify that the batteries are inserted properly and that they are charged.  If your speakers use an ex[...]

About the Speakers Why is there no sound in any application?  Check that the speakers are plugged into the Headphones jack.  If your speakers have a mute button, verify that it is turned off.  If your speakers are powered by batteries, verify that the batteries are inserted properly and that they are charged.  If your speakers use an ex[...]

Why can't I hear sound when using the SP/DIF option for digital output? If your computer has a preinstalled Sound Blaster Audigy ES sound card 1 , the Play Control settings must be changed to support digital sound. Follow these steps to change the settings: 1. From the Windows taskbar notification area, double-click on . The Play Control dialo[...]

About Using a Microphone Why doesn't my microphone work properly? Check that the microphone is plugged into the Microphone jack. Page 67[...]

About Using a Microphone Why doesn't my microphone work properly? Check that the microphone is plugged into the Microphone jack. Page 68[...]

Why is my microphone so sensitive to background noise? If you find there is too much background noise when you record sound, you should adjust the microphone by following these steps: 1. Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then click Control Panel . 2. Click Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices , then click Sounds and Audio Devices . 3. From the Audio[...]

About Using Peripheral Equipment How do I install a printer?  Connect your USB or IEEE 1394 printer to the appropriate port on your computer's front, back or side panels 1 . If your printer has a USB, IEEE 1394, or infrared connection, contact the printer manufacturer for information or updates that may be required for proper installation. [...]

About Using Peripheral Equipment How do I install a printer?  Connect your USB or IEEE 1394 printer to the appropriate port on your computer's front, back or side panels 1 . If your printer has a USB, IEEE 1394, or infrared connection, contact the printer manufacturer for information or updates that may be required for proper installation. [...]

The connected printer does not function properly when the computer resumes from a power saving mode.  Clear the printer memory by turning the printer off for approximately 10 seconds, and then turning it back on.  If your printer does not resume normal operations, try restarting your computer. Page 72[...]

Notes On Use The information in this section provides basic procedures for handling your system and common peripheral devices, and using storage media.  About the Power Source  About Disposing of the Lithium Battery  About Handling the Computer System  About Handling a Monitor (Display)  About Recording and Data Storage Media Page 73[...]

About the Power Source Before opening your computer, turn the system off and let it cool down for 10 minutes. This protects you against internal components that may be too hot to handle.  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.[...]

About Disposing 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, visit the Sony Onlin[...]

About Handling the Computer System Your computer uses high-frequency radio signals and may cause interference to radio or TV reception. If this occurs, relocate the computer a suitable distance away from the TV or radio equipment.  Do not place your Sony computer in a location subject to:  Heat sources, such as radiators or air ducts  Dire[...]

About Handling a Monitor (Display)  DVD playback and certain video-related software may not function correctly when your monitor is set to a high refresh rate. If your monitor does not play back video content properly, try setting the display to a lower refresh rate.  Do not place the display near a strong magnetic force.  Do not block the[...]

About Recording and Data Storage Media 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. Cleaning CD or DVD media  Fingerprints and dust on the surface [...]

Support Options Sony provides several options to help solve common problems or to locate support for your VAIO ® computer. This section describes all available resources and offers suggestions on how to access this information for maximum results.  Immediate Help and Support  Software Help and Support  Resources for Additional Help and Su[...]

Immediate Help and Support You can locate helpful information immediately by consulting your hard copy guides and supplements, or by accessing the online Computer User Guide and the individual software Help files. Your computer is supplied with these support options:  VAIO ® Computer Quick Start — The Quick Start contains information on how t[...]

Software Help and Support The contact and support information for the preinstalled software on your system is located in this section. Sony software support is free of charge for 90 days after the original date of purchase. Your computer may not be supplied with all of the software discussed in this section, depending on the computer purchased. To [...]

AT&T WorldNet Service offers fast, reliable Internet access. Customer benefits include Web-based e-mail, video e-mail, multiple e-mail accounts, free Web pages, online and live agent technical support, instant messaging, and parental controls. Help and support information for AT&T Worldnet ® software programs: web site http://help.att.net [...]

web site http://www.corel.com telephone 613-274-0500 CyberLink PowerDVD ® CyberLink Corp. CyberLink PowerDVD ® software offers high-quality playback of DVD movies on your computer. PowerDVD software includes all the controls you expect from a home DVD player, plus a range of additional features. For example, you can bookmark scenes to come back t[...]

This introductory edition of the EverQuest game, a constantly evolving fantasy world, takes users to new heights of online role-playing gaming. Enter an enormous virtual environment — an entire world with its own diverse species, economic systems, alliances, and politics. Make yourself a noble human knight, a vicious dark elf thief, a greedy dwar[...]

Microsoft Corp. Internet Explorer offers dramatic performance, reliability, and usability improvements making it the fastest, easiest and most cost-effective Web browser for people to use, manage and support. Whether you use the Web to read e-mail, news or sports reports, shop online, listen to music or play videos, or share your images and photos [...]

different kinds of media. Other great features include, instant-on playback, Mini-player mode, Intelligent Streaming technology, 5.1-channel surround sound audio codec, and built-in Smart Jukebox features. For support information, see Microsoft ® Works (Microsoft Corp.) Microsoft ® Works Microsoft Corp. Works lets you quickly and easily create hi[...]

e-mail pc-cillin@support.trendmicro.com hours M - F, 5 AM - 5 PM (PST) PictureGear Studio Sony Electronics Inc. PictureGear Studio still image management software displays still images from your hard drive or a Sony digital still camera. The still images appear in a convenient light-table format so that you can easily view the contents of an entire[...]

RecordNow is the ideal CD and DVD disc-mastering software. The RecordNow wizard makes it easy for the novice user to start recording right away. Help and support information for RecordNow software programs: web site http://www.easy.co.jp/jrn45/sony SonicStage Sony Electronics Inc. The SonicStage jukebox application gives you all the tools you need [...]

By registering with Sony, you enable Sony to notify you of software and hardware issues that may affect your user experience. Microsoft directs the data to Sony Electronics Inc. Sony uses the registration data for warranty and product support purposes and the analysis of customer feedback on Sony computer features. For support information, see Clic[...]

Sony Electronics Inc. Download music from the web, create your own albums, or have CDs sent straight to your house with VAIO Music Services. The ultimate place on the Web for music lovers to find out information about their favorite artist and get all of the latest music news. For support information, see Click to DVD (Sony Electronics Inc.). VAIO [...]

Resources for Additional Help and Support If the information provided with your VAIO ® computer does not offer an immediate solution, or you would like to get direct support, try these additional help and support resources. Sony Online Support Web site Online help and support are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, when you visit the Sony[...]