Sony PCV-7766, PCV-RX4 User Manual

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

PCV-RX4 series / PCV-7766

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Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

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Notice

readable form without prior written approval. Sony Corporation provides no warranty with regard to this manual, the software, or other information contained herein and hereby

expressl y disclaims any implied warranties or merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose w ith regard to this manual, the software or such other information. In no event shall Sony Corporation be liable for any incidental, consequential, or special dam ages, whether based on tort, contract, or otherwise, arising out of or in connection with this manual, the software, or other information contained herein or the use thereof.

Macrovision: This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation and other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorised by Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorised by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.

Sony Corporation reserves the right to make any modification to this manual or the information contained herein at any time without notice. The software described herein is governed by the terms of a separate user licence agreement.

Trademarks

Sony, DigitalPrint, DVgate, Giga Pocket, i.LINK and the i.LINK logo, Sony Style Imaging, MovieShaker, PicoPlayer, Smart Capture, UI Design Selector, VAIO Action Setup, VAIO Edit Components, VAIO System Information, SonicStage, Memory Stick and the Memory Stick logo, VAIO and the VAIO logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation.

i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE1394 connection.

Microsoft, Microsoft Works, Windows and the Windows logo, Windows Media and Outlook are trademarks or registered trademarks of U.S. Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.

Adobe, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Adobe Premiere and Adobe Photoshop Elements are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.

QuickTime and the QuickTime logo are trademarks used under licence. QuickTime is registered in the U.S. and other countries.

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RealPlayer is a trademark or registered trademark of RealNetworks, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries.

Symantec Norton Antivirus is a trademark of Symantec.

Click to DVD is a trademark of Sony Electronics.

The USB 2.0 Hi-Speed logo is a registered trademark of Universal Serial Bus Implementers Forum.

EverQuest is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

PowerDVD is a trademark or registered trademark of CyberLink Corporation.

RecordNow DX is a trademark or registered trademark of VERITAS.

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

All other names of systems, products and services are trademarks of their respective owners. In the manual, the ™ or ® marks are not specified.

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

ENERGY STAR

As an ENER GY STAR® Partner, Sony has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR® guidelines for energy efficiency. The International Energy Star® Office Equipment Program is an international program that promotes energy saving through the use of

computers and their office equipment. The program backs the development and dissemination of products with functions that effectively reduce energy consumption. It is an open system in which business proprietors can participate voluntarily. The targeted products are office equipment such as computers, displays, printers, facsimiles and copiers. Their standards and logos are uniform among participating nations.

ENERGY STAR is a U.S. registered mark.

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Environmental information

Halogenated flame retardant is not used in cabinets.

Cushions formed by corrugated board are used in packaging.

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

Safety information

Warnings

General

❑ Opening the unit, for whatever reason, could lead to damages that are not covered by the guarantee. ❑ To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only. ❑ To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose your VAIO desktop to rain or moisture. ❑ If reporting a gas leak, do not use the modem or a telephone in the vicinity of the leak. ❑ Avoid using the modem during a severe electrical storm. ❑ The power socket outlet you are using must be installed near the equipment and must be easily

accessible.

❑ The magnetic properties of some objects can have serious consequences for your hard disk drive. They

can erase the data on the hard disk drive and cause the computer to malfunction. Do not place your computer near or on any objects, which emit magnetic fields, mainly:

❑ TV sets ❑ Speakers

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❑ Magnets ❑ Magnetic bracelets.

Audio/video

❑ Audio and picture distortion may occur if this equipment is positioned in close proximity to any

equipment emitting electromagnetic radiation.

Connectivity

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

❑ Never install modem or telephone wiring during a severe lightning storm. ❑ Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is specifically designed for wet locations. ❑ Be cautious when installing or modifying telephone lines. ❑ To disconnect your VAIO desktop completely from the mains voltage, unplug the power cable. ❑ Make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible.

Optical disc drive

The use of optical instruments can cause eye hazard. As the laser beam used in this product is harmful to the eyes, do not attempt any disassembling process. For servicing, refer to qualified personnel only.

There is visible and invisible radiation when the optical disc drive is open: avoid direct exposure to the laser beam. The DVD-RW and CD-ROM disc drives are classified as CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCTS and comply with the Laser Product Safety Standard EN 60825-1. Repair and maintenance only by authorised Sony technicians. Improper repairs and use can create safety hazards.

CLASS 1

LASER PRODUCT

TO EN 60825-1

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Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

Regulatory information

Sony hereby declares that this product is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of European Directive 1999/5/EC (radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment Directive).

This product complies with EN 55022 Class B and EN 55024 for use in the following areas: residential, commercial, and light industrial.

This product has been tested and found compliant with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for using connection cables not longer than 3 metres (9.8 feet).

Before activating the built-in modem, please read the Modem Regulations leaflet.

Disposing of the internal memory backup battery

Your Sony VAIO desktop is equipped with an internal back-up memory battery that should not have to be replaced during the lifetime of the product. If you want to replace the battery, please contact VAIO-Link:

http://www.vaio-link.com

❑ Keep away from children. ❑ Dispose of the battery properly at its end-of-life. ❑ In some areas the disposal of non-hazardous batteries in household or business waste may be prohibited.

Please use the public waste collection system.

❑ Risk of explosion if battery is replaced by an incorrect type. Dispose of used batteries according to the

instructions.

Welcome

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

Welcome

Congratulations on purchasing a Sony VAIO desktop. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing and communications to provide you with state-of-the-art personal computing.

Here are the main features you will be able to enjoy:

❑ Exceptional performance - Your PC includes a fast processor, an internal modem, and a fast Ethernet

interface.

❑ Dual drives – Enjoy the freedom of two drives; your desktop model has both a DVD-RW and a CD-ROM

drive.

❑ Sony audio and video quality – The advanced graphics card and high-quality external stereo speakers

enable you to take advantage of today’s advanced multimedia applications, games, and entertainment software.

❑ Multimedia features – Enjoy audio and video CDs and DVDs. ❑ Giga Pocket - Take advantage of the new Giga Pocket technology, allowing you to watch TV and record

your favourite programs digitally.

❑ Sony Memory Stick™ slot – The next generation in digital storage allows you to easily transfer images,

sounds, data and text between cameras, computers, and more.

❑ VAIO keyboard - Featuring power-on capabilities and shortcut keys to launch your favourite

applications within seconds.

❑ Interconnectivity – Your computer has Memory Stick™, USB 2.0 and i.LINK™ functionalities. i.LINK™

is a bi-directional digital interface for exchanging data with compatible devices, such as camcorders.

❑ Windows

Microsoft.

XP Home Edition - Your system includes the latest consumer operating system from

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Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

❑ Excellent customer support - If you are experiencing any problems with your computer, please check

the VAIO-Link website for a possible solution:

http://www.vaio-link.com

Before contacting VAIO-Link, please try to solve the problem by reading this guide, especially the section

Troubleshooting (page 61) or the manuals and help files for the peripherals or software.

Documentation pack

Your documentation pack contains printed user guides, as well as online user guides preinstalled on your hard drive.

Printed documentation

The printed part of your documentation pack includes the following:

❑ A Getting Started brochure, where you will find a brief description of the items in your box and how

to set up your computer;

❑ A Specifications poster, containing a table of specifications on one side, and illustrations showing the

connectors on your computer, on the other.

❑ A Troubleshooting Guide, where you will find all the basic information to start using your VAIO

desktop, as well as troubleshooting and VAIO-Link information;

❑ Yo u r Sony Guarantee conditions; ❑ A Safety Regulations Guide for your information; ❑ A Modem Regulations leaflet applying to the modem. ❑ A Giga Pocket user guide explaining how to watch and record TV cable and video on your PC.

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Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

Online documentation

The online documentation includes the following guides:

1 The Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide:

❑ Using your VAIO desktop shows you how to use the standard components of your system. In this

part of the manual you can also find out what you can do with a Memory Stick™.

❑ Connecting peripheral devices explains how you can add functionality by connecting various

peripherals.

❑ Getting help explains the support options available to you, and offers basic troubleshooting tips. ❑ Precautions provides facts and advice about using your VAIO desktop. ❑ Glossary refers to terms used in this manual.

2 The Software Guide:

❑ About the Software is a short description of the features of the software delivered with your

system.

❑ Using Video software explains how to use Sony video software: DVgate, MovieShaker and Smart

Capture.

❑ Managing audio files with SonicStage describes how to convert your existing MP3, WMA and

WAV format audio files into ATRAC3 format.

❑ Using DigitalPrint explains how to get the most enjoyment out of your photographs taken with a

digital camera.

❑ Customising your VAIO computer explains how to set up your system's display and so on. ❑ Installing and updating applications details how to install, run or uninstall a software

application.

❑ Managing drivers describes how to install, update or uninstall a driver. ❑ Using the Product Recovery CD-ROMs explains how to perform a system and application recovery.

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Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

3 In the Customer Service Guide, you will find all the information you need relating to VAIO-Link,

including contact numbers for each country.

4 Consult the Online Help files of the software you are using for detailed information on features and

troubleshooting.

5 Refer to the Microsoft® Quick Start manual for more information on Windows®.

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Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

Your Sony VAIO desktop and its accessories

The following hardware items are in the box*:

1 main unit 7 stereo speakers

2 VAIO keyboard with palmrest 8 AC adapter for speakers

3 power cable 9 documentation and software packs

4 phone cable 10 product recovery CD-ROMs

5 phone plug adapter 11 TV-out cable

6 VAIO wheel mouse

* Please read the printed Specifications document for more details.

✍ The phone cable is used to connect the internal modem.

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Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

Ergonomic considerations

Whenever possible, try and take into account the following ergonomic considerations when using your new computer, whether at home or in the office:

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Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

❑ Position of the keyboard and mouse – Place the keyboard directly in front of you (1). Keep your

forearms horizontal, with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable position (2) while using the keyboard or mouse – not at an angle. Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides. Use the palm rest only briefly, to relax your wrists when you are not typing. Place the mouse at the same level as the keyboard and use your whole arm to move it.

❑ Position and viewing angle of the monitor – Set the display at a comfortable viewing distance (3).

Make sure the display screen is at eye level or slightly lower. Use the display’s tilting feature, if available, to find the best position. You can reduce eye-strain and muscle-fatigue by adjusting the tilt of the display to the proper position. Remember to adjust the brightness setting of the display. If you are using a CRT monitor, make sure that the refresh rate is at an optimal level, that is, at least 75Hz.

❑ Furniture and posture – Sit in a chair with good back support (4). Adjust the level of the chair so your

feet are flat on the floor. A footrest may make you more comfortable. Sit in a relaxed, upright posture and avoid slouching forward or leaning too far backwards.

❑ Lighting – Choose a location where windows and lights do not create glare or reflection on the display.

Use indirect lighting to avoid bright spots reflecting on the display. You can also purchase accessories for your display that help reduce glare. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work effectiveness.

❑ Ven t ilation – Make sure you leave at least 25 cm of space behind and on the left of the main unit (5). ❑ And finally – Remember to have breaks during sessions with your computer. Excessive use of the

computer may strain muscles or tendons.

Using your VAIO desktop

This section describes how to start using your computer and how to use your computer’s internal and external devices.

❑ Locating connectors (page 13) ❑ Starting your computer (page 14) ❑ Shutting down your computer (page 15) ❑ Using the keyboard (page 16)

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

❑ Using the shortcut keys (page 20) ❑ Setting up the monitor (page 21) ❑ Using the TV function (page 22) ❑ Using the mouse (page 25) ❑ Using the CD and DVD drives (page 26) ❑ Using the floppy disk drive (page 30) ❑ Using the modem (page 31) ❑ Expansion capabilities (page 32) ❑ Using the Memory Stick™ (page 33) ❑ Using PC Cards (page 41) ❑ Using power saving modes (page 43)

Locating connectors

Please see the reverse side of the printed Specifications poster to identify connectors on your model.

Using your VAIO desktop

Starting your computer

Once you have all the components set up as described in the Getting Started guide, you can begin to use your computer.

To start up your computer, proceed as follows:

1 Press the power button on your monitor to turn the display on (1). 2 Press the power button on the system unit until the blue power indicator light turns on (2). 3 Push the power button on the speakers to turn the sound on (3).

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

Once you have started using your computer, you can use the shortcut keys on the keyboard to start your system and launch your favourite application automatically.

✍ If you press the power button for more than four seconds, the computer will switch itself off.

Using your VAIO desktop

Shutting down your computer

It is important that you shut down your computer properly so you do not lose unsaved data.

To shut down your computer, proceed as follows:

1 Click the Start button. 2 Click Turn Off Computer.

The Turn off computer screen appears.

3 Click Tu rn O ff .

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

Wait for your computer to turn off automatically. The power indicator turns off.

4 Turn off any peripherals connected to your computer.

✍ Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents or to consider other users.

If you are unable to shut down your computer;

- Close all software in use.

- Disconnect any USB devices.

- Press <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Delete> at the same time. If you have not changed the default setting, you will enter the Tas k M anage r. Select Tur n Off from the Shut Down menu to turn the computer off.

Alternatively, press <Alt>+<F4> and select Tur n Of f from the screen that appears. If this does not work, you can press the power button for more than four seconds. This will shut down the computer. This operation may result in loss of data.

If you want to shut down the computer for a short period only, you can save power by using the Standby mode. Go to Start, Turn Off Computer, and select Stand By (see Using power saving modes (page 43) for details).

Using your VAIO desktop

Using the keyboard

This section describes the features of the VAIO keyboard.

★ Tip: Your keyboard has an ergonomic design. You can put it in an upward position on its backside to save space on your desk.

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

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Using your VAIO desktop

Keys Descriptions

Escape key (1) The <Esc> (Escape) key is used to cancel commands.

Function keys (2) The twelve function keys along the top of the keyboard are used to perform designated tasks.

Cor recti on keys (3) The <Insert>, <Back Space> and <Delete> keys enable you to make corrections when typing.

Lock keys (4) Press <Caps Lock> once to activate the uppercase characters. Use the <Num Lock> key to

Print Screen key (5) The <Prt Sc> key takes an electronic snapshot of the screen and moves it to the Windows®

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

Numeric keypad area (6) This contains the keys found on a typical calculator. Use the numeric keypad area to type

Navigation keys (7) These keys enable you to move the cursor on the screen.

Application key (8)

Operator keys (9) Several keys are used in combination with at least one other key: <Ctrl>, <Alt> and <Shift>.

Windows® key (10)

Shortcut keys (S Keys) (11) You can use these buttons, numbered 1 to 6, to launch straight into assigned applications.

Indicator LEDs (12) A green light indicates whether the Caps Lock, Num Lock, and Scroll Lock functions are

Standby button (13) Press this button either to start up your computer, or to enter Standby mode, or to resume from

For example, in many applications, <F1> is the Help key. The task associated with each function key may vary from one application to another.

activate the numerical keypad.

Clipboard. You can then paste the screenshot into a document and print it.

numbers or to perform mathematical calculations such as addition and subtraction. Note that you must press the <Num Lock> key to activate the keypad.

The <Application> key displays a shortcut menu; pressing this key is equivalent to clicking the right mouse button.

When held down at the same time as another key, the <Ctrl> (Control) and <Alt> (Alternate) keys offer another way to execute commands. For example, in many applications, instead of choosi ng the Save command from a menu, you can hold down <Ctrl> and press <S> (referred to as <Ctrl>+<S>). The <Shift> key is used to type capital letters or special symbols such as @ and $.

The key with the Windows® logo displa ys the Windows® Start menu; it is equivalent to clicking the Start button on the taskbar.

active.

a power saving mode.

Using your VAIO desktop

Keys Descriptions

<Fn> combination keys (14) These keys are used in combination with the <Fn> key to execute the commands depicted

<Fn> key (15) The <Fn> key is used in combination with 5 other keys to execute certain commands.

Combinations and functions with the Windows® key

Combinations Function

+< F1> Displays Windows® Help and Support Centre.

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

+ <Tab> Switches the selected button on the taskbar.

+ <E> Displays My Computer.

+ <F> Displays the Search Results window to f ind a file or folder. This is equivalent to select ing

+ <Ctrl> + <F> Displays the Search Results - Computers window where you can locate other computers.

+ <M> Minimises all displayed windows.

<Shift> + + <M> Returns all minimised windows to their previous size.

+ <R> Displays the Run window. This is equivalent to selecting Run from the Start menu.

within the box on the key.

Search from the Start menu.

+ <U> Launches the Windows® Utility Manager.

+ <L> Locks your computer.

Using your VAIO desktop

Combinations and functions with the <Fn> key

Combinations/ Feature Functions

<Fn> +

Home

ScrLk

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

<Fn> +

Indicators

Light On Off

Num Lock Turns on when the number keys in the

Caps Lock Turns on when the let ters appear in

Scroll Lock Turns on when the screen scrolls

PgUp

PgDn

End

Moves the view to the next page up.

Moves the view to the next page down.

Moves the cursor to the beginning of the line.

Moves the cursor to the end of the line.

Changes the way in which you can scroll the screen, depending on the application.

Turns off when the alphanumeric

numeric keypad are active.

uppercase as you type. The <Shift> key lowers the case of typed letters when Caps Lock is on.

differently (not all applications support this function).

character keys in the keypad area are active.

Turns off when the letters appear in lowercase as you type (unless you hold down the <Shift> key).

Turns off when the information moves across the display normally.

Using your VAIO desktop

Using the shortcut keys

Press a shortcut key (<S> Key) to start your favourite software without having to click the shortcut icon on the desktop.

Use an <S> Key simply by pressing it. If you want to, you can use VAIO Action Setup to change the functions of the <S> Keys. All six buttons are

reprogrammable. The programmable <S> Keys come with the following applications as their default settings (this can vary): S1 — Outlook Express

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

S2 — Internet Explorer S3 — Sonic Stage S4 — Digital Print S5 — DVgate Motion S6 — Help and Support

Using your VAIO desktop

Setting up the monitor

If your VAIO desktop is delivered with a monitor, it may be delivered with a digital 15" or 17'' LCD (XGA TFT) monitor or with a common analogue CRT monitor, depending on your model.

For more information on how to use your delivered monitor, refer to the user manual that came with it. You can also refer to the section Connecting an external display (page 47).

Connecting the monitor

To connect your monitor, proceed as follows:

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

1 Plug one end of the monitor cable into the back panel of your computer. 2 Plug the other end of the monitor cable into the back of your monitor.

The monitor is now ready for use.

✍ There are two ports: one for DVI screens and one for common VGA and CRT screens. Make sure you are using the appropriate connector.

Using your VAIO desktop

Using the TV function

Your computer has been equipped with a TV-tuner board. In combination with Sony's Giga Pocket software, it allows you to:

❑ Watch, record and play back analogue broadcasted cable and terrestrial TV-programs ❑ Digitise analogue video and audio using the S-Video or composite and audio inputs ❑ Manage your video units (capsules), preview them and create multiple folders ❑ Set up a timer to record channels at a repeated time

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

❑ Suspend viewing TV (time-shifting) ❑ Stream your recorded TV contents via Ethernet (or WLAN) to connected PCs ❑ Export your video capsules to MPEG2, MPEG1 and DVI-files ❑ View recorded clips on client PCs located in other rooms using PicoPlayer.

Copyright protection

People who create artistic works such as music are entitled to a "copyright", meaning that they have exclusive rights to dictate how their work is used. When they are created, artistic works are automatically protected by a copyright without having to submit notification or registration, and may not be used without the permission of the person who created the work. This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected under Macrovision Corporation and other rights owners, meaning you cannot record materials protected by copyright. Music and films etc. that you record at home are for personal use only.

Using your VAIO desktop

Starting to use Giga Pocket

The following connectors are located on the back of your desktop:

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

1 Left audio channel

2 Right audio channel

3 Video Out

4 S-Video connector

5 Antenna port

Using your VAIO desktop

To connect terrestrial or cable TV to your computer, proceed as follows:

1 Plug one end of the antenna cable / cable-TV cable (not supplied) into the Antenna port (5) on the back

of the computer.

2 Plug the other end in the TV wall socket.

To connect an external video/audio source (such as a video camera, VCR or DVD player), proceed as follows:

1 Connect your video/audio device’s video cable to the S-Video (4) or Video Out connector (3), depending

on the type of cable supplied. If the video source has both a composite and an S-Video output, you are recommended to use the

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

S-Video output as this will result in higher quality video.

2 Connect the left and right audio cables into the left (1) and right (2) audio channel connectors.

✍ Please note relevant directions with regards to TV licensing regulations in your own country.

Using your VAIO desktop

Using the mouse

The VAIO wheel mouse allows you to control the cursor in a number of ways. You can point to, select, drag, and scroll objects on the screen using the buttons and the wheel.

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

Function Action

point Move the entire mouse across a flat surf ace to

place the pointer on an item or object.

click Press the left button (1) once.

double-click Press the left button twice.

right-click Press the right button (2) once. In many

applications, this action displays a contextsensitive shortcut menu.

drag and drop Hol d the left button down while slid ing the

mouse. Then release the button to drop the object.

scroll Turn the central wheel (3) to scroll up or down a

page. Or press the wheel once to lock the scroll action and contro l the movement by moving the entire mouse. (The scroll function is available only with applications that support a scroll feature.)

 You can set the m ouse up for le ft-hand use. See the Troubleshooting (page 61)

section for details.

Using your VAIO desktop

Using the CD and DVD drives

Your computer is equipped with both a DVD-RW and a CD-ROM drive.

❑ The DVD-RW drive (top) reads data from a DVD and writes to a DVD-R or DVD-RW disc. ❑ The CD-ROM drive (bottom) reads data from a music CD or other CD-ROM.

To insert a disc, proceed as follows:

1 Turn on the computer. 2 Press the appropriate eject button to open the drive.

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

The tray slides out.

3 Place a disc in the tray with the label side facing upwards. Make sure the disc is secure in the centre of

the tray.

4 Close the tray by pushing it gently or by pressing the eject button.

✍ When the computer is in Standby or Hibernate mode, you cannot insert or remove a disc.

Be sure to seat the disc firmly in the tray. If you do not seat the disc firmly, you could damage your disc drive and you may not be able to open the tray. When you have finished using a disc, wait until the LED indicator turns off before pressing the eject button to remove the disc. If the disc does not come out when you press the eject button, go to Windows Explorer or My Computer. Select the drive, click the right button

of your mouse and select Eject.

Writing CDs and DVDs

Your computer is equipped with a DVD-RW drive, on which you can play audio CDs/DVD videos and CD/DVD-ROMs, as well as create your own CD/DVD-RWs and CD/DVD-Rs.

To burn CD/DVDs, you can use CD/DVD-RW and CD/DVD-R discs:

❑ The CD/DVD-RW (ReWritable) disc is a data memory medium that can be used to write, erase and rewrite

a program or other data.

❑ The CD/DVD-R (Recordable) disc is a data memory medium that can be used to write a program or other

data, but then no more than once.

Using your VAIO desktop

To achieve optimum performance when writing data on a DVD-RW disc, follow these recommendations:

❑ To make a DVD-R’s data readable on another DVD-ROM drive, you need to close the session when you

eject it. To complete this process, follow the instructions included with your software.

❑ Only use circular discs. Do not use discs with any other shape (star, heart, card, etc.), as this may damage

the disc drive.

❑ Do not strike or shake the computer while writing data to a disc. ❑ For optimal writing speed, deactivate the screensaver before writing data to a disc. ❑ Memory-resident disc utilities may cause unstable operation or data loss. Deactivate these utilities before

writing data to a disc.

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

❑ When using a software application to burn DVDs, make sure you exit and close all other applications. ❑ Never touch the surface of the disc. Fingerprints and dust on the surface of a disc may cause writing

errors.

Using your VAIO desktop

Playing DVDs

Your VAIO desktop includes a DVD drive, on which you can play audio CDs, CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. To achieve optimum performance when playing DVD-ROMs, you should follow these recommendations:

❑ You can play DVDs in the DVD-RW drive, with the software PowerDVD. ❑ Close all open applications before playing a DVD-ROM movie.

❑ Do not switch power saving modes while playing a DVD-ROM. ❑ Do not use resident disc utilities or resident utilities to speed up the access of discs, because they may

cause the system to become unstable.

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

❑ Make sure that the screensaver is deactivated. ❑ Region codes indicators are labelled on the DVDs to indicate in which region and on what type of player

you can play the disc. Unless a 2 or ALL is labelled on your DVD or on the packaging, you cannot play the disc on this player.

Do not try to change the region code settings of the DVD drive. Any difficulties caused by changing the region code settings of the DVD drive are out of warranty.

Using two screens while watching a DVD film

By connecting a TV to your computer, you can watch a DVD film while still working on your desktop as normal. To ensure the smooth operation of this function, see the section Downloading Drivers in the

Software Guide and download the display driver from the VAIO-Link website. To connect the TV, see Connecting an external display (page 47).

To change the DVD playback settings, proceed as follows:

1 Go to Control Panel. 2 Click on the Appearance and Themes icon and click on the Display icon.

The Display Properties dialog box appears.

3 Click the Settings tab.

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