Sony PCV-E51M User Manual

User Guide

Personal Computer

VGC-VA1 (PCV-E51M)

Before Use

Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer, and welcome to the on-screen User Guide. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing, and communications to provide state-of-the-art personal computing.

Notice

This manual and the software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, translated, or reduced to any machine-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 expressly disclaims any implied warranties or merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose with regard to this manual, the software or such other information. In no event shall Sony Corporation be liable for any incidental, consequential, or special damages, 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.

In the manual, the ™ or ® marks are not specified.

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 license agreement.

Before Use

Documentation

Your documentation includes printed information and user guides to read on your VAIO computer.

Guides are provided in PDF format, which you can easily browse through and print out.

The My Club VAIO portal is a perfect starting point to use your computer — a comprehensive collection of everything you need to get the most from your computer.

The user guides are collected under Documentation, which can be shown as follows:

1 Click Start and then the My Club VAIO icon .

2 Click Documentation.

3 Select the guide you want to read.

✍

You can manually browse to the user guides by going to My Computer > VAIO (C:) (your C drive) > Documentation > Documentation and opening the folder for your language.

Before Use

Printed Documentation

❑ A Setting Up Poster — Describes the process from unpacking to starting up your VAIO.

❑ Troubleshooting Guide — Contains solutions to common problems.

❑ Recovery Guide — Contains an explanation of how to recover your computer's system if you need to.

❑ Booklets containing the following information: Sony Guarantee conditions, Safety Regulations, Modem Regulations

and Wireless LAN Regulations.

Non-printed Documentation

❑ User Guide (this manual) — Contains features of your computer. It also includes information about the software

programs included with your computer, as well as information on solving common problems.

❑ Specifications — The online Specifications describe the hardware and software configuration of your VAIO computer.

To view the online Specifications:

1 Connect to the Internet.

2 Go to the Sony VAIO-Link online support Web site at http://www.vaio-link.com

Before Use

My Club VAIO

In My Club VAIO you can find:

Documentation, which gives you:

❑ Access to the User Guide. This manual explains the features of your computer in detail, how to use these features

confidently and safely, connect peripheral devices and more.

❑ Access to Help and Training. This is the portal of VAIO Help and Support Center.

❑ Important information about your computer, in the form of notices and announcements.

In My Club VAIO you can also find:

❑ Accessories

Want to expand the capabilities of your computer? Click on this icon and have a look at your compatible accessories.

❑ Software

Feeling creative? Click this icon for an overview of your software and check out our upgrade options.

❑ Wallpapers

Click this icon and check out our most popular Sony and Club VAIO wallpapers.

❑ Links

Click this icon and check out our most popular Sony and Club VAIO web sites.

Before Use

Help and Support Center

Help and Support Center is a comprehensive resource for practical advice, tutorials, and demonstrations to help you learn to use Microsoft Windows XP and your computer.

Use the Search feature, Index, or table of contents to view all Windows Help resources, including those that are on the Internet.

To access Help and Support Center, click Start and then Help and Support. Or go to the Help and Support Center by

pressing the Microsoft Windows key and the F1 key.

Further Sources

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

Go to www.club-vaio.com

to find online tutorials about your favorite VAIO software.

Ergonomic Considerations

Whenever possible, you should attempt to take account of the following ergonomic considerations:

Before Use

❑ Position of your computer – Place the display directly in front of you (1). Keep your forearms horizontal (2), with your

wrists in a neutral, comfortable position (3) while using the keyboard, pointing device, or external mouse. Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides. Have breaks during sessions with your computer. Excessive use of the computer may strain muscles or tendons.

❑ Furniture and posture – Sit in a chair with good back support. 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 far backwards.

Before Use

❑ Viewing angle of the display – Use the display's tilting feature to find the best position. You can reduce eye strain and

muscle fatigue by adjusting the tilt of the display to the proper position. Adjust the brightness setting of the display as well.

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

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

❑ Ventilation – Make sure you leave at least 25 cm of space behind and on each side of the main unit.

When you lift the computer, grasp the computer on both sides, holding the bottom edges firmly.

Getting Started

This section describes how to get started with using your VAIO computer.

❑ Locating Controls and Ports (page 10)

❑ About the Indicator Lights (page 13)

❑ Connecting the Power Cord (page 14)

❑ Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 15)

Getting Started

Locating Controls and Ports

Take a moment to identify the controls and ports shown on the following pages.

Front

A Power indicator (page 13) B Drive indicator (page 13) C MONITOR OFF indicator (page 13) D MONITOR OFF button for turning off the display output and the

speaker volume.

E Brightness buttons for increasing (+) or decreasing (-) the

screen brightness.

F LAMP ON/OFF switch for turning on and off all the indicator

lights on the computer.

G SM/xD-Picture Card slot (page 55) H CF (CompactFlash

I Stereo speakers J Manual eject hole (page 128) K Optical disc drive (page 27) L Drive eject button (page 27) M SD memory card slot (page 55)

N Memory Stick slot O Media Access indicator (page 13)

* Your computer supports Memory Stick Duo and Memory Stick Pro high

speed and high capacity capabilities.

) memory card slot (page 55)

(page 49)

Getting Started

Right

A Power button B Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port C i.LINK

(IEEE1394) S400 port (page 72)

D AC Input port (page 14)

* Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.

(page 69)

Getting Started

Left

Getting Started

A Composite Audio In connectors (page 37) B Composite Video In connector for connecting a cable or

satellite set-top box (STB) without the S Video Out connector.

C S Video In connector (page 37) D VHF/UHF port (page 33) E PC Card slot (page 47) F WIRELESS LAN indicator (page 59) G WIRELESS LAN switch (page 59) H CONNECT button (page 17), (page 22) I Network (Ethernet) port (page 74) J Modem port (page 58) K S/PDIF Optical Out port for connecting digital equipment such

as an AV amplifier.

L Line In connector for connecting audio equipment. M Microphone connector (page 68) N Headphones connector

O Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) ports

* Support high-/full-/low- speeds.

(page 69)

About the Indicator Lights

Your computer is equipped with the following indicator lights.

Indicator Functions

Power 1 Illuminates in green when the power of the computer is on, illuminates in orange when the computer is in

Standby mode, and turns off when the computer is in Hibernate mode or off.

Media Access Illuminates when data is read from or written to a memory card. (Do not enter Standby mode or turn

off the computer when this indicator is on.) When the indicator is off, the memory card is not being used.

MONITOR OFF Illuminates in orange when the display output and the speaker volume are turned off.

Drive

WIRELESS LAN Illuminates when the wireless LAN function is running.

Illuminates when data is read from or written to the hard disk or optical disc drive. Do not enter Standby mode or turn off the computer when this indicator is on.

Getting Started

Connecting the Power Cord

Your computer's power cord must be plugged into an AC power source, such as an AC wall outlet, surge protector, or Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), before you can establish communication with your wireless keyboard and wireless mouse.

Use only the power cord supplied with the computer.

To connect the power cord

1 Insert the power cord into the AC In port (1) on the right of the computer.

2 Insert the power cord plug into a grounded AC wall outlet, surge protector, or Universal Power Supply (UPS) (2).

✍

To disconnect the computer completely from AC power, unplug the power cord.

Make sure that the AC outlet is easily accessible.

If you are interrupted and need to leave your computer suddenly, place the computer into Hibernate mode. See Using Hibernate Mode (page 83). This

power saving mode saves the time of shutting down or resuming.

Getting Started

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely

To avoid losing unsaved data, be sure to shut down your computer properly, as described below.

To shut down your computer

1 Turn off any peripherals connected to the computer.

2 Click Start and then Turn Off Computer.

The Turn off computer window appears.

3 Click Turn Off.

4 Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents or to consider other users and wait for the computer to turn off

automatically.

The power indicator light turns off.

Using Your VAIO Computer

This section describes how to get the most out of using your computer.

❑ Using the Keyboard (page 17)

❑ Using the Mouse (page 22)

❑ Using the Optical Disc Drive (page 27)

❑ Using the TV Function (page 33)

❑ Using PC Cards (page 47)

❑ Using a Memory Stick (page 49)

❑ Using Other Memory Cards (page 55)

❑ Using the Internet (page 58)

❑ Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 59)

Using Your VAIO Computer

Using the Keyboard

Your computer is supplied with a wireless keyboard. The wireless keyboard uses a standard key arrangement with additional keys that perform specific functions.

E Standby button

Provides for the lowest level of power consumption. For details on power management, see Using the Power

HEADPHONES

✍

The above illustration may appear different from your model.

Function keys

Perform certain tasks. The task associated with each function key varies among software applications.

B Mute button

Turns the volume on and off.

C Volume control buttons

Increases (+) or decreases (-) the volume.

D Shortcut buttons

Launch the pre-assigned software.

Saving Modes (page 81).

F POWER switch

Slide the POWER switch to turn on and off the wireless keyboard.

G Indicators

(Battery): appears while the AA batteries for the

keyboard are sufficient and switches to when the batteries wear out.

(Num lock): Appears while in the Num Lock state.

(Caps lock): Appears while in the Caps Lock state.

(Scroll lock): Appears while in the Scroll Lock state.

(Connect): Appears while connection between the computer and the keyboard is in place to indicate that the keyboard is ready for use (page 20).

H Windows key

Displays the Start menu.

I Applications key

Displays a shortcut menu in certain software applications.

J Direction arrows

Move the pointer on the computer screen.

K Pointing device

POINTING D

POINTING DE

VICE

Using Your VAIO Computer

Keyboard feet

Extend to adjust the keyboard height.

B CONNECT button

Press to enable the keyboard to communicate with the main

VICE

unit.

C Battery compartment

Storage compartment for the AA batteries.

D Pointing device switch

Slide the switch to turn the pointing device on and off.

Using Your VAIO Computer

Before You Use the Keyboard

Four AA alkaline batteries are supplied with your computer for use in the wireless keyboard. Before attempting to use the wireless keyboard, you must install the batteries and establish communication between the computer and the keyboard. To connect your wireless keyboard, it must be located within a range of approximately 30 cm from the computer.

To maintain good communication, operate the wireless keyboard within the distance limitation of keyboard: approximately 10 m from the computer.

Confirm that the supplied AA batteries are properly installed.

Press the CONNECT button located on the left of the computer first, and then press the CONNECT button on the bottom of the keyboard.

Avoid using radio-controlled toys or equipment, CB radios, and other wireless devices in the area near the wireless keyboard. These devices may cause interference, causing the keyboard to stop working properly.

Do not place metal furniture near the computer or wireless keyboard, as this may create interference, causing the keyboard to stop working properly.

Do not mix old (used) and new batteries when replacing batteries in the wireless keyboard. Always use the same type and manufacture of battery.

Do not mix alkaline with manganese batteries. Using incompatible batteries or mixing used, new or different types of batteries can damage the keyboard.

Using Your VAIO Computer

To connect the wireless keyboard

1 Insert the supplied four AA batteries (1) into the battery compartment on the bottom of the wireless keyboard.

2 Turn on the computer.

3 Slide the POWER switch (2) at the top of the keyboard to turn on the keyboard.

4 Press the CONNECT button (3) on the left of the computer.

5 Press the CONNECT button (4) on the bottom of the keyboard.

The connect indicator appears in the LCD window on the keyboard when connection is established between the computer and the keyboard. If not, repeat the procedure.

Steps 4 and 5 must be completed within 10 seconds of each other.

If the wireless keyboard is left unused for 20 minutes or more, the connect indicator will turn off. This could indicate that the connection between the computer and the keyboard is lost. Press the Fn key to check that the connect indicator turns on before using the keyboard.

Using Your VAIO Computer

✍

You can check the battery indicator ( or ) in the LCD window on the keyboard for its battery power level.

If the wireless keyboard does not operate properly, the batteries may need to be replaced. If the wireless keyboard is not being used for an extended period of time, remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from battery leakage.

If you want to put the keyboard in a more 'ergonomical' position, open the keyboard feet.

Using Your VAIO Computer

Using the Mouse

Your computer is supplied with a wireless optical mouse, which has no cables to plug in and uses a light-emitting diode (LED) instead of a ball.

A Left button

Click or double-click the left button to select items. To drag and drop items, hold the left button down while sliding the mouse, then release the button to drop the item.

B Central wheel

Rotate the central wheel to scroll up or down a page. Press the wheel once to lock the scroll action and control the movement by moving the entire mouse (the scroll function is available only with applications that support it).

C Right button

Press the right button once to display a context-sensitive shortcut menu (not always an active function).

D Power switch

Slide the switch to turn the mouse on and off. This will help you save battery power.

E CONNECT button

Press to enable communication between the computer and the wireless mouse.

F Battery indicator

Blinks when the mouse batteries are running out of power.

Using Your VAIO Computer

Before You Use the Mouse

Two AA alkaline batteries are supplied with your computer for use in the wireless mouse. Before using the wireless mouse, you must install the batteries and establish communication between your computer and the mouse. To connect the wireless mouse, it must be located within a range of approximately 30 cm from the computer.

To maintain good communication, operate the wireless mouse within the distance limitations of the mouse: approximately 10 m from the computer.

Confirm that the supplied AA batteries are properly installed.

Press the CONNECT button located on the left of the computer first, and then press the CONNECT button on the bottom of the mouse.

Avoid using radio-controlled toys or equipment, CB radios, and other wireless devices in the area near the wireless mouse. These devices may cause interference, causing the mouse to stop working properly.

Use surfaces such as plain paper, card stock, or fabric that have minimal repetitive patterns.

Avoid surfaces such as mirrors, smooth glass, or magazines that have half- tone printing.

Do not place metal furniture near the computer or wireless mouse, as this may create interference, causing the mouse to stop working properly.

Do not mix old (used) and new batteries when replacing batteries in the wireless mouse. Always use the same type and manufacture of battery.

Do not mix alkaline with manganese batteries. Using incompatible batteries or mixing used, new or different types of batteries can damage the mouse.

Using Your VAIO Computer

To connect the wireless mouse

1 Insert the two AA batteries (supplied with your computer) into the wireless mouse as shown below.

2 Turn on the computer.

3 Press the CONNECT button (1) on the left of the computer.

Using Your VAIO Computer

4 Turn over the wireless mouse, slide the power switch to the ON position, and press the CONNECT button.

Communication between the wireless mouse and the computer should now be established.

Steps 3 and 4 must be completed within 10 seconds of each other.

✍

If the wireless mouse does not operate properly, the batteries may need to be replaced. If the wireless mouse is not being used for an extended period of time, remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from battery leakage.

Adjusting the Mouse Functions

1 Click Start and then Control Panel.

2 Click Printers and Other Hardware.

3 Click Mouse.

The Mouse Properties window appears.

4 Change the settings.

Using Your VAIO Computer

Using the Optical Disc Drive

Your computer is equipped with an optical disc drive.

To insert a disc

1 Turn on the computer.

2 Press the drive eject button (1) to open the drive.

The tray slides out.

3 Place a disc in the middle of the tray with the label side facing up and gently push until the disc clicks into place.

4 Close the tray by pushing it in gently.

Do not remove the optical disc when the computer is in a power saving mode (Standby or Hibernate). Doing so may cause the computer to malfunction.

Using Your VAIO Computer

Reading and Writing CDs and DVDs

Your computer plays and records CDs and DVDs, depending on the model you purchased. Check your specifications for the type of optical disc drive installed on your model. Use the table below to see which types of media your optical disc drive supports.

Optical disc drive Plays Records to

CD-ROM CD, CD-R, and CD-RW —

DVD-ROM

CD-RW/DVD-ROM CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, most DVD-R, DVD-RW,

DVD±RW CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, most DVD-R, DVD-RW,

This product is designed to playback discs that conform to the Compact Disc Digital Audio standard specifications (CD Standard). A DualDisc is a two sided disc product which mates DVD recorded material on one side with digital audio material on the other side. Please be aware that the audio side (non-DVD side) of a DualDisc may not play on this product because it does not conform to the CD Standard.

Due to the multiple formats of discs now available, when buying pre-recorded or blank discs for use with a VAIO computer, be sure to read the notices on the disc packaging carefully to check both playback and recording compatibility with your computer's optical disc drives. Sony does NOT guarantee the compatibility of VAIO CD drives with discs that not compliant with the official "CD" format standard (or "DVD" standard in relation to DVD drives). USING NON-COMPLIANT DISCS CAN CAUSE FATAL DAMAGE TO YOUR VAIO PC OR CREATE SOFTWARE CONFLICTS AND CAUSE SYSTEM HANGING. For inquiries about disc formats, contact the individual publisher of the pre-recorded disc or the manufacturer of the recordable disc.

CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD and most DVD-R, DVD-RW,

DVD+R, DVD+RW and DVD+R DL (Double Layer)

DVD+R, DVD+R DL (Double Layer) and DVD+RW

—

CD-R and CD-RW

CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+R DL (Double Layer) and DVD+RW

Using Your VAIO Computer

✍

Supports writing to DVD-RW discs compliant with DVD-RW version 1.1/1.2.

Supports writing to DVD-R discs compliant with DVD-R for General version 2.0/2.1.

Supports 8cm disc reading, but does not support 8cm disc writing.

Writing to DVD+R DL (Double Layer) discs is available only on discs supporting DVD+R DL (Double Layer) recording.

Notes on writing data onto a disc

❑ To make the data on a disc readable on an optical disc 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 in any other shape (star, heart, card, etc.), as this may damage the optical disc

drive.

❑ Do not strike or shake the computer while writing data onto a disc.

❑ Deactivate the screen saver and exit anti-virus software before writing data onto a disc.

❑ Do not use memory-resident utility software while writing data to a disc. This may cause the computer to malfunction.

❑ When using your software application to burn discs, 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.

❑ Do not switch power modes while using the pre-installed software and while using the CD burning software.

❑ Never put stickers on discs. This will affect the use of the disc irreparably.

Using Your VAIO Computer

Notes on playing DVDs

To achieve optimum performance when playing DVDs, you should follow these recommendations.

❑ Close all open applications before playing a DVD movie.

❑ Do not use memory-resident utility software to speed up disc access when playing a DVD. This may cause the computer

to malfunction.

❑ Deactivate the screen saver and exit anti-virus software before playing a disc.

❑ Some discs recorded at 20 or 24 bits may produce noise while playing. If you have audio devices connected, this may

damage your hearing and the speakers. Reduce the volume before playing a DVD.

❑ Do not switch power saving modes while the computer is playing a DVD.

❑ Region code indicators are labeled on the DVDs to indicate in which region and on what type of player you can play the

disc. If the DVD is labeled "all," this means that you can play this DVD in most regions of the world. If the region code of your residence area is different from the label on the DVD disc or on the packaging, you cannot play the disc on this player.

Playing CDs

To play an audio CD

1 Insert the disc into the optical disc drive.

2 If nothing appears on the desktop once you insert an audio CD disc, then click Start, point to All Programs, and click to

open a CD program, such as the SonicStage software.

If the Audio CD window appears, click to select an option.

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