How it Works
Sony
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PCG-GRX670K
User Guide
325 pgs6.9 Mb0
User Manual
264 pgs8.26 Mb0
Table of contents
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Sony PCG-GRX670K, PCG-GRX690K User Guide

Welcome.....................................................11
Powering Your Computer.........................13
Using AC Power........................................................14
Connecting the AC adapter................................................14
Turning on the computer....................................................15
Using the Battery.......................................................17
Inserting a battery ..............................................................18
Using a second battery .......................................................20
Displaying battery information ..........................................21
Charging a battery..............................................................23
Notes on batteries...............................................................25
Frequently asked questions................................................26
Conserving Battery Power ........................................27
Using power saving modes ................................................27
Using PowerPanel utility ...................................................28
Frequently asked questions................................................32
Internet and Network Connections..........33
Internet Connections .................................................34
Setting up a dial-up Internet connection ............................34
Setting up an Ethernet Internet connection ........................36
Customizing your Internet connection...............................38
Frequently asked questions................................................39
Network Connections................................................41
Using Ethernet and dial-up connections ............................41
Using wireless LAN connections ......................................43
Checking your network connection status .........................50
Frequently asked questions................................................50
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VAIO Computer Quick Start
Connecting Another VAIO Computer......................53
Frequently asked questions ............................................... 54
CDs, DVDs, and Optical Drives................57
Inserting and Ejecting CDs or DVDs ....................... 58
Copying and Playing CDs......................................... 60
Playing CDs ...................................................................... 60
Copying files to a CD-RW or CD-R................................. 61
Frequently asked questions ............................................... 62
Copying and Playing DVDs ..................................... 65
Playing DVDs ................................................................... 65
Disconnecting the TV from the computer......................... 68
Copying files to a DVD-R or DVD-RW........................... 68
Frequently asked questions ............................................... 69
Printer Connections..................................73
Printing With Your Computer ..................................74
Connecting a printer.......................................................... 74
Disconnecting a printer ..................................................... 76
Frequently asked questions ............................................... 76
Computer Features ...................................79
Using the Keyboard ..................................................80
Combinations and functions with the Windows key ........ 82
Indicators........................................................................... 83
Combinations and functions with the Fn key.................... 84
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Using the Touch Pad .................................................87
Describing the touch pad ...................................................87
Customizing the touch pad ................................................88
Frequently asked questions................................................89
Using Jog Dial Control..............................................92
Using VAIO Action Setup .................................................92
Locating the Jog Dial Control............................................93
Using launcher mode .........................................................93
Using the Jog Dial control with Sony programs................95
Using the Jog Dial control with other programs................95
Using Memory Stick Media.....................................96
Selecting Memory Stick media..........................................96
Inserting Memory Stick media ..........................................97
Viewing the contents .........................................................98
Formatting Memory Stick media .......................................99
Removing Memory Stick media........................................99
Frequently asked questions..............................................100
Changing the Window Design of Sony Programs ..102
Connecting Mice and Keyboards...........103
Using External Mice and Keyboards ......................104
Connecting a mouse or keyboard.....................................104
Connecting a PS/2 mouse or keyboard............................105
Disconnecting a mouse or keyboard................................106
Frequently asked questions..............................................107
Connecting a Port Replicator.................109
Locating Ports and Connectors ...............................110
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VAIO Computer Quick Start
Using the Port Replicator........................................111
Connecting the port replicator......................................... 111
Removing the port replicator .......................................... 112
Floppy Disk Drives and PC Cards .........115
Using Floppy Disk Drives ......................................116
Connecting a floppy disk drive ....................................... 116
Inserting and removing floppy disks............................... 117
Notes on handling floppy disks....................................... 118
Disconnecting a floppy disk drive .................................. 119
Carrying the floppy disk drive ........................................ 119
Frequently asked questions ............................................. 120
Using PC Cards.......................................................121
Inserting PC Cards .......................................................... 121
Removing PC Cards........................................................ 122
Connecting and disconnecting PC Card drives............... 123
Frequently asked questions ............................................. 125
Audio and Video Connections...............127
Using i.LINK Digital-Video Recorders..................128
Connecting an i.LINK digital video recorder ................. 128
Disconnecting the i.LINK digital video recorder............ 129
Using a digital video camera recorder ............................ 130
Notes on connecting an i.LINK device ........................... 130
Frequently asked questions ............................................. 131
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Using Computer Monitors and Projectors...............132
Connecting a computer monitor ......................................132
Connecting a multimedia computer monitor ...................133
Connecting a TV ..............................................................134
Connecting a projector.....................................................138
Selecting a display mode .................................................139
Disconnecting a computer monitor or projector ..............142
Using Speakers, CD Players, or Amplifiers............143
Connecting standard speakers..........................................143
Disconnecting standard speakers .....................................144
Disconnecting active speakers or amplifiers ...................146
Connecting CD, MiniDisc, or audio cassette players ......146
Disconnecting CD, MiniDisc, or audio cassette players .147
Enabling the audio feature ...............................................148
Frequently asked questions..............................................149
Using Microphones .................................................151
Connecting a microphone ................................................151
Disconnecting a microphone ...........................................151
Using a microphone or other device to record.................152
Frequently asked questions..............................................153
Preinstalled Programs ............................155
Software Programs On Your Computer..................156
Program overview ............................................................156
Frequently asked questions..............................................162
DVgate Program Notes ...........................................163
Recording images to a digital video device .....................163
Adjusting image resolution ..............................................163
Saving to your hard disk drive.........................................163
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VAIO Computer Quick Start
Program Support Information................................. 165
Sony Service Center........................................................ 167
Working with Digital Video.....................169
Editing Video with MovieShaker Software............ 171
Editing Video with DVgate Software ..................... 174
Working with Still Images.......................179
Importing Still Images ............................................180
Editing Still Images ................................................ 182
Printing Still Images ............................................... 184
Working with Digital Music ....................185
Sharing Video, Images, and Music on a
Network....................................................189
How VAIO Media Works.......................................190
Setting up a VAIO Media server computer .................... 191
Setting up a VAIO Media client computer ..................... 192
Creating DVDs .........................................197
About Disc Formats, Media, and Compatibility.....199
Using the Right Recording Media .................................. 199
Using the Right Disc Format with the Right Playback
Equipment ....................................................................... 200
Creating DVDs with Click to DVD™ Software..... 203
Using Click to DVD software......................................... 203
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Creating DVDs with RecordNow DX.....................213
Using RecordNow DX Software .....................................213
Topics...............................................................................214
Creating DVDs with Drag’n Drop CD/DVD ..........217
Using Drag’n Drop CD/DVD Software...........................217
VAIO AV Applications.............................219
Overview of Preinstalled Software .........................220
DVgate Software.....................................................223
MovieShaker Software............................................225
Creating movies with MovieShaker software..................226
Using the ImageStation online service with MovieShaker
software............................................................................230
Network Smart Capture...........................................233
The Network Smart Capture main window .....................233
Capturing movie clips ......................................................237
Capturing Web camera images ........................................239
Applying effects to your images and movies...................241
Managing your images and movies .................................241
Getting more help ............................................................243
PictureGear Studio™ Software...............................245
Using the Import Photo feature........................................245
Using the PhotoCollection feature ...................................249
Using the Binder feature..................................................251
Using the PhotoAlbum feature ........................................252
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VAIO Computer Quick Start
SonicStage Software...............................................261
Electronic Music Distribution (EMD) Services .............. 261
Starting SonicStage Software.......................................... 261
Recording from a CD ...................................................... 263
Transferring songs (Check-In/Check-Out) ..................... 265
Additional features .......................................................... 267
Additional Software Information............................269
Legal Information....................................271
Memory Upgrades...................................273
Upgrading Your Computer’s Memory ...................274
Precautions and procedures............................................. 274
Typical expansion memory configuration ...................... 275
Removing and installing memory modules .................... 275
Using the Recovery CDs ........................279
Application and System Recovery CDs.................. 280
Using Your Recovery CDs ..................................... 280
Using the Application Recovery CD(s) .......................... 280
Using the System Recovery CD(s) ................................. 282
Troubleshooting and Support................285
Troubleshooting Your Computer............................ 286
Troubleshooting Batteries....................................... 291
Troubleshooting the Printer .................................... 292
Troubleshooting the Mouse and Touch Pad ...........293
Troubleshooting the Modem................................... 296
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Troubleshooting Networks ......................................297
Troubleshooting DVDs and CDs ............................300
Troubleshooting Floppy Disk Drives......................304
Troubleshooting PC Cards ......................................305
Troubleshooting Audio-Video Connections ...........306
Troubleshooting the Computer Screen (LCD) ........309
Troubleshooting Memory Stick Media ...................311
Troubleshooting Programs ......................................313
Computer Support Information ...............................314
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VAIO Computer Quick Start
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Welcome

Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer, and welcome to the online VAIO® Computer User Guide. This user guide provides detailed information on all aspects of using your new VAIO computer, from keyboard functions to preinstalled software programs. In the left navigation window, click the topics you want to learn more about, and that information will be displayed in this main window.
✍ View the Electronic Flyer, which provides updates and supplemental information about
your computer.
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VAIO® Computer User Guide
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Powering Your Computer

Your VAIO® computer comes with a battery and an AC adapter. This chapter explains how to install and use these supplied accessories to power your computer. It also describes ways you can efficiently utilize the battery as a power source.
❑ Using AC Power
❑ Using the Battery
❑ Conserving Battery Power
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VAIO Computer Quick Start

Using AC Power

The supplied battery is not charged when you receive your computer. To use your computer immediately, use the supplied AC adapter as the power source. While the computer uses AC power it automatically charges the battery if it is inserted. See “Using the Battery” for more information on installing and using your battery.
❑ Connecting the AC adapter
❑ Turningonthecomputer

Connecting the AC adapter

To connect the AC adapter
1 Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC IN port on your
computer.
Connecting the AC Adapter to the Computer
AC adapter (supplied)
DC IN port
Power cord (supplied)
2 Plug one end of the power cord into the AC adapter, and plug the other end
into an AC outlet.
✍ Use only the AC adapter supplied with your computer.
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Using AC Power

Turning on the computer

To turn on the computer
1 Slide the OPEN switch to the right, and lift the cover while holding the
bottom of the computer firmly.
Opening the Computer
OPEN switch
2 Press the power button until the power indicator turns on.
Turning on the Computer
Power button
Power indicator
✍ If you hold the power button down, the computer turns off.
3 If necessary, adjust the brightness controls for the computer screen (LCD) as
follows:
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VAIO Computer Quick Start
❑ To increase light intensity, press the Fn+F5 keys. Press the Up Arrow
key or the Right Arrow key .
❑ To decrease light intensity, press the Fn+F5 keys. Press the Down
Arrow key or the Left Arrow key .
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Using the Battery

Using the Battery
A battery is an auxiliary power source you can use when your computer is not plugged into an AC outlet. Your computer may come equipped with one or two battery bays, depending on the model you purchased. If your computer comes with two battery bays, you can purchase a second rechargeable battery to extend your computing time. Regardless how many batteries you use, you can always extend the life of the battery by conserving power. See “Conserving Battery Power” for more information.
❑ Inserting a battery
❑ Removing a battery
❑ Using a second battery
❑ Displaying battery information
❑ Charging a battery
❑ Notes on batteries
❑ Frequently asked questions
✍ The battery that comes with your computer is not fully charged at the time of
purchase.
✍ The brightness of your computer screen automatically dims when you switch from AC
power to battery power. To increase the brightness of your screen, press the Fn + F5 keys. Press the Up Arrow or Right Arrow .
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VAIO Computer Quick Start

Inserting a battery

To insert a battery
1 Push the battery bay cover down to open it. The battery bay cover swings out
but does not detach from the computer.
Opening the Battery Bay
2 Slide the battery into the battery bay. If the computer is on, it automatically
detects the battery.
Inserting a Battery
Battery (supplied)
VAIO logo facing up
3 Push the battery bay cover up until it clicks into place.
✍ If the port replicator is attached to your computer, do not insert or remove the battery.
Lifting and turning the computer with the port replicator attached could cause a temporary loss of power.
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Using the Battery
Some software programs and peripheral devices prevent the system from entering Hibernate mode. If you are using a program that prevents the system from entering Hibernate mode, save your data frequently to avoid data loss. See “Using power saving modes” for information on how you can manually activate a power saving mode.

Removing a battery

If you are not using the computer for an extended period of time, remove the battery from the computer to avoid damaging the battery. You can remove the battery when the computer is on or off.
If the computer is on, connect the AC adapter and exit a power saving mode before you remove the battery.
To remove a battery
1 Pushthebatterybaycoverdowntoopenit.
2 Pull the battery out of the battery bay.
Removing a Battery
3 Push in and lift up the battery bay cover until it clicks into place.
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VAIO Computer Quick Start

Using a second battery

To insert a second battery
1 If another device is in the multipurpose bay, remove that device.
2 Insert the battery into the multipurpose bay. When the computer uses the
second battery, the Battery 2 indicator turns on.
Inserting the Second Battery
Multipurpose bay
Battery
3 Slide the weight saver in the direction of the arrow until it clicks into place.
The weight saver stabilizes the battery.
Inserting the Weight Saver
Battery
Weight saver
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Using the Battery
To remove the second battery
1 Make sure the Battery 2 indicator is off and the Battery 1 indicator is on or
the computer is connected to AC power. If the Battery 2 indicator is on, right-click the battery icon on the taskbar, and click Switch discharge
battery.
2 Turn the computer over, and unlock the multipurpose bay RELEASE switch.
Unlocking the RELEASE Switch
Multipurpose bay RELEASE switch
3 Pull the weight saver and battery gently from the multipurpose bay.
4 Insert the weight saver into the multipurpose bay to protect the bay. See
“Using the Weight Saver” for more information.

Displaying battery information

You can display the remaining battery charge on the Battery Information toolbar and/or the Battery Information window.
To display the Battery Information toolbar
1 Right-click the center of the Windows® taskbar.
2 Select Toolbars from the shortcut menu, and click Battery Information.
The Battery Information toolbar appears on the taskbar.
✍ If the Battery Information toolbar is hidden behind the taskbar icons, click and drag
the edge of the Battery Information toolbar to the left until it is in clear view.
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VAIO Computer Quick Start
The total charge remaining in the battery is listed in percent and real-time values. The following toolbar indicates there is 87 percent or approximately 2 hours and 4 minutes of battery charge left.
Battery Information Toolbar
❑ Percentage indicator — Displays the percentage of the remaining charge.
❑ Time indicator — Displays estimated time (hours : minutes) remaining
before the battery fully discharges, also known as the time-to-empty.
To close the Battery Information toolbar
1 Right-click the Battery Information toolbar.
2 Select Toolbars from the shortcut menu, and click to cancel Battery
Information.TheBattery Information toolbar disappears from the toolbar.
To display the Battery Information window
The battery icons that appear on the Battery Information toolbar and the Battery Information window indicate the current status of the installed battery.
Battery icon Battery status
Charging
Fully charged
Discharging
No battery
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Using the Battery
1 Double-click the Battery icon on the Windows taskbar. The Battery
Information window appears.
Battery Information Window
❑ Battery tab — Displays the total charge remaining in the battery. You can
click Advanced for specific information on the battery.
❑ Alarms tab — Displays the alarm settings, which notify you when the
battery is fully charged or too low. You can change your computer’s alarm settings on this window.
✍ Click Help in the lower right corner of the window for more information.

Charging a battery

You will need to charge the battery if battery power drops below 10 percent or you have not used the battery for a long time. The lithium-ion battery supplied with your computer may be recharged at any time, whether you wait until the battery is completely or partially discharged. Charging a partially discharged
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VAIO Computer Quick Start
battery does not affect battery life. If you charge the battery and find that battery power is still low, the battery may be reaching the end of its life, and you may need to replace it.
✍ The battery supplied with your computer is not charged at the time of purchase.
To charge a battery
You can charge the battery when the computer is on or off. However, the battery will charge faster when the computer is off. Charging the battery takes several hours. See your printed VAIO® Computer Specifications for the approximate time needed to charge your battery.
✍ Charge the battery at temperatures between 50°F and 80°F (10°C to 30°C). Lower
temperatures require more time to charge.
1 Insert the battery into the battery bay. If you want to charge more than one
battery, insert the second battery into the computer. See “To insert a second battery” for more information.
2 Connect the AC adapter to the computer. The computer automatically
charges the battery as long as the computer is using AC power.
The battery indicator blinks while the battery charges. The battery indicator stops blinking when the battery is fully charged.
✍ When using two batteries, the battery you insert first charges first. The second battery
you insert begins charging when the first battery is 85 percent charged.
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Battery Indicators
Battery indicators
Battery indicator status Description
On The computer is using battery power.
Single blink The battery is running out of power.
Using the Battery
Double blink The battery is charging.
Off The computer is using AC power.

Notes on batteries

❑ Never leave the battery in temperatures above 140°F (60°C), such as under
direct sunlight or in a car parked in the sun.
❑ While the battery is in use or being discharged, the battery heats up. This is
normal and is not cause for concern.
❑ Keep the battery away from all sources of heat.
❑ Keep the battery dry.
❑ Do not open or disassemble the battery.
❑ Do not expose the battery to any mechanical shock.
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VAIO Computer Quick Start
❑ Battery life is shorter in a cold environment because of decreased battery
efficiency at low temperatures.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know when the battery is charged?
To determine the remaining battery charge, see “Displaying battery information”.
When is the computer using AC power?
When the computer is directly connected to the AC adapter, it uses AC power, even if a battery is installed.
When should I recharge the battery?
❑ When the battery level falls below 10 percent.
❑ When both the battery and power indicators blink.
❑ When you have not used the battery for a long time.
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Conserving Battery Power

Conserving Battery Power
You may use the power saving modes and PowerPanel™ utility to conserve battery power. Conserving battery power may significantly extend your computing time, depending on how you use your computer.
❑ Using power saving modes
❑ Using PowerPanel utility
❑ Frequently asked questions

Using power saving modes

In addition to the normal operating mode, which allows you to turn off specific devices, your computer has two distinct power saving modes: Standby and Hibernate. Use the Standby and Hibernate power saving modes to override a profile setting or initiate an immediate action.
❑ Standby — Saves the state of the system and peripheral devices in memory
(RAM). Power consumption is reduced to a minimum. The system remains on, and the computer screen (LCD) is off.
❑ Hibernate — Saves the state of the system and peripheral devices to the
hard disk. Power consumption is reduced to the lowest possible setting without being completely off. Hibernate mode consumes the lowest level of power. Your computer enters Hibernate mode when the remaining battery charge drops below 5 percent, regardless of the setting you select.
✍ Some software programs and peripheral devices prevent the system from entering
Hibernate mode. If you are using a program that prevents the system from entering Hibernate mode, save your data frequently to avoid data loss.
To activate Standby mode
1 Press the key combination Fn+Esc. The power indicator blinks in this mode.
2 PressanykeytoreturntoNormalmode.
To activate Hibernate mode
1 Press the key combination Fn+F12 or the power button and release it
immediately. Do not move the computer until the power indicator turns off.
2 Press the power button to return to normal mode.
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VAIO Computer Quick Start
✍ If the computer does not activate Hibernate mode, see “Frequently asked questions”
for more information.

Using PowerPanel utility

The PowerPanel utility enables you to select and customize a predefined power management profile to conserve battery life. The following table describes all the predefined power management profiles in PowerPanel. Your computer is set to Automatic Profile Selection by default. You can customize the settings for all the following profiles, except the Disable Power Management profile.
Profile Icon Description
Maximum Performance
Provides the best system performance but conserves minimal power.
Maximum Battery Life
Provides power saving features to give you maximum battery life and good performance. It slows the computer and puts it into Standby mode after a specified time.
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Ultimate Battery Life
Extends the Maximum Battery Life by disabling the i.LINK port.
Power Management Off
Disables all power management settings, such as Standby and Hibernate modes. You cannot change the settings of this profile.
AC Power
Indicates when AC power is in use. Similar to the Power Management Off setting. Power Management automatically loads the AC profile unless you disable this feature.
Games
Disables the display and the Hard Disk Standby timer.
*
Profile Icon Description
Presentation
Keeps the display on at all times while it conserves power. This option is ideal for slide show presentations. You can establish settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and Standby mode to optimize power management for your system.
Camera
Optimizes performance and power requirements for camera usage.
DVD
Optimizes performance and power requirements for DVD usage.
Word Processing
Optimizes power management with longer time-outs on the hard disk and display screen. You can also establish settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and Standby mode to optimize power management for your system.
Conserving Battery Power
Spreadsheet
Optimizes performance and power requirements for spreadsheet programs.
Communications
Extends battery life by initiating a quick display time-out. The Internal modem remains powered on. You can also establish settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and Standby mode to optimize power management for your system.
Automatic Profile Selection
Switches automatically to a profile suitable for active software programs.
* For models w ith an i.LINK port.
✍ Do not choose the Automatic Profile Selection when connected to AC power.
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VAIO Computer Quick Start
To select a profile
1 Right-click the Battery icon on the Windows taskbar. See “To display the
Battery Information window” for Battery icon descriptions.
2 Select Profiles, and click the profile on the shortcut menu. The profile
settings are implemented instantly. See “Using PowerPanel utility” for descriptions of available profiles.
When you use the battery to power your computer, your system automatically selects the Maximum Battery Life power management profile by default. If you select a different power management profile while using battery power, that profile is selected automatically the next time you use the battery to power your computer.
✍ See PowerPanel Help for information on customizing the power management profiles.
To customize your profile settings
You can customize your profile settings to sustain enough power for a particular computing function.
1 Right-click the Battery icon on the Windows® taskbar. See “To display the
Battery Information window” for Battery icon descriptions.
2 Select Edit/Create Profiles from the shortcut menu.
3 In the left panel, click the profile you want to change.
4 Right-click the setting under System, LCD(Video), Hard Disk,orOther
Devices that you want to change. See the following table for a description of
each power profile.
5 Make your changes from the drop-down menu.
6 Click File, and click Save.
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