Sony PCV-R549DS User Manual

Notice to Users

© 2000 Sony Electronics Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. All rights reserved. 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.

NOTICE

Updates and additions to software may require an additional charge. Subscriptions to online service providers may require a fee and credit card information. Financial services may require prior arrangements with participating financial institutions.

Sony, VAIO, the VAIO logo, VAIO Smart, VAIO Digital Studio, Media Park, DVgate, Media Bar, Handycam, Mavica, PictureGear and i.LINK are trademarks of Sony. Intel, Pentium, and Celeron are trademarks of Intel Corporation. Microsoft, Windows, and the Windows 98 logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Regulatory Information

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name: SONY Model No.: PCV-R545DS/ PCV-R547DS/PCV-R549DS/ Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 1 Sony Drive Park Ridge, NJ 07656 Telephone: 201-930-6972 This phone number is for FCC-related matters only.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Owner's Record

The model number and serial number are located on the bottom of your Sony VAIO Digital Studio computer. Refer to the model and serial numbers when you call your Sony Service Center.

Model Number: PCV-R545DS/PCV-R547DS/ PCV-R549DS

Page 1

Read Me First

PCV-R547DS/PCV-R549DS

The Sony VAIO MicroTower User Guide is included with your computer as an electronic document. In addition to the contents of Getting Started, the User Guide includes information on using the Sony software products that are installed on your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I recover applications or drivers that came with my computer if the files are corrupted or deleted?

A: The Application Recovery CDs allow you to reinstall individual applications and device drivers if they are corrupted or accidentally erased. Reinstalling an individual device driver or software title may correct a problem you are experiencing with your computer, and you may not need to recover the entire contents of your hard drive. If you do need to reinstall all the software titles that shipped with your computer, use the System Recovery CD(s).

You must be in the Windows® operating system to run the Application Recovery CD(s). The application will not run from DOS. If you have any questions on using the Application Recovery CD(s), contact Sony Customer Support at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.

To use the Application Recovery CD(s)

Turn on your computer. If your computer is already on, close all applications.



When the Windows® desktop appears, insert the Sony Application Recovery CD in the DVD-ROM



drive. The Application Recovery utility loads automatically.

When the Application Recovery menu appears, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the



recovery process.

Your system may include one or two Application Recovery CDs. If you have two Application Recovery CDs, insert the first CD to run the Application Recovery program. You may be prompted to insert the second CD, depending on the application you wish to restore.

Q: How do I change the parallel port type to ECP, EPP, or bi-directional?

A: You can change the parallel port type using the System Setup utility (CMOS Setup Utility). To access System Setup, click the Start button, select Shut Down, and then select Restart. When the Sony screen displays and you hear the Sony jingle, press the F2 key on your keyboard. Select "Chipset Features Setup" from the CMOS Setup Utility screen. Use the arrow keys to highlight Parallel Port Mode. You can toggle between the Normal (bi-directional), ECP + EPP, ECP, and EPP options using the Page Up (PU) or Page Down (PD) buttons. When the desired setting displays, press the Escape key to return to the CMOS Setup Utility screen. Select the F10 key to Save and Exit. Select Yes (Y) to save the CMOS settings and exit. Press the Enter key. The system automatically starts with the new settings.

Q: Why isn't the DVD-ROM drive reading a CD?

A: After inserting a CD, you must wait a few seconds for the CD to be detected before trying to access it. If your drive reads some CDs but not others, check the shiny side of the disc for dirt or scratches. You may also need to clean the DVD-ROM drive lens with a CD-ROM cleaner.

Q: How do I set up faxing capability in Windows® 98 Second Edition?

A: Windows® 98 Second Edition does not provide a built-in fax utility. Sony has included the Symantec® WinFax Basic Edition software for your faxing needs. To set up WinFax Basic Edition, click the Start menu button. Point to Programs, Symantec Winfax Basic Edition, and select Configure WinFax Basic Edition software. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure the fax utility.

Q: How do I change the video resolution of my display?

Page 2

A: From the Start menu, select Settings and click Control Panel. Click the Display icon and select

Settings. Move the Screen area slider to change the resolution.

Q: Why does Windows lock up during shut down?

A: 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. From the Start menu, select Help, click the Contents tab, click Troubleshooting, and then click Windows 98 Troubleshooters. Click the subject for which you want information, and then answer the questions that are appropriate for your problem.

Q: Why is my system running slowly?

A: The system responsiveness varies depending on 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. The computer has two memory slots. For memory upgrades, use only 3.3V 64-bit PC-100 SDRAM DIMM modules. Sony computer supplies, accessories, and peripherals can be purchased from your dealer or by contacting Sony at www.sony.com/accessories. For information on installing memory, see the online document Upgrading and Maintaining Your VAIO® Computer .

Q: Why is there no sound in any application?

A: There are independent controls for your system volume.

There is volume control in the Windows® task tray. Click the icon and slide the level bar up to



increase the volume.

In addition to adjusting the volume, check that the Mute check box is not selected in the Windows



volume control .

Q: Why doesn't my 8x CD-RW drive seem any faster than a 2x CD-RW drive?

A: You must use 8x media in order to achieve 8x performance.

If you must use other media, the following steps may be helpful:

If you are having difficulty formatting non-8x writable media, change the write speed from 8x to 2x or 1x. To change the write speed from the 8x default to another speed, click the My Computer icon on your desktop. Right-click the CD-RW drive icon, select Properties, and then select the Settings tab. Change the "Current Write Speed" field to 1x or 2x, and then click OK. Your CD-RW drive is assigned drive H as its default.

Q: How do I change my modem to rotary or Touch-Tone dialing?

A: Click the My Computer icon on your desktop. Click Control Panel, and then click Modems. Click Dialing Properties. Next to "Dial using," select the Tone dial or Pulse dial radio button. Click OK.

Q: Why is there unusual activity on my floppy disk drive?

A: If you notice that your system is slow to respond due to unusual floppy disk drive activity, it could be because of Find Fast. To determine if Find Fast is present, click Start, point to Programs, and then point to Startup. Removing this item may remedy the problem.

Supplementary Information

About Your Computer's Microprocessor (PCV-R547DS only)

Your computer comes equipped with the Intel® Pentium® III 600E MHz microprocessor, a CPU with a 256K cache on die, level two. All references in the supplied printed and online manuals to your computer's 600 MHz microprocessor are to the 600E MHz microprocessor.

Recovering Microsoft® Word 2000

If you recover your operating system using the System Recovery CD, Word 2000 will not be recovered. Use the Word 2000 CD-ROM to recover this application.

Page 3

Standby Mode

Resuming from Standby Mode

There are three ways to bring your computer back from the standby mode: press the space bar on your keyboard, press the left mouse button, or momentarily depress the power button on your computer.

Resetting Your Computer For Printer Use After Resuming From A Power Saving Mode

Your connected printer may not function after the computer resumes from a power saving mode. When this occurs, follow the procedures below to reset the printer connection:

Right-click the My Computer icon on the desktop, and then select Properties.



Click the Device Manager tab.



Select Refresh, and then click OK.



The printer should now function properly.

Connecting Computers by i.LINK Interface

When connecting more than two computers by i.LINK interface, do not allow any of the connected computers to enter Suspend, Hibernation, or Standby mode during a file transfer, as this could result in a loss of data. If one of the connected computers does enter a power saving mode, resume power, then disconnect and reconnect the i.LINK cable. Note that if you connect a notebook computer docking station using an i.LINK cable, you cannot use Smart Connect when the computer is not in the docking station.

Upgrading Your Computer

If you have a Configure-to-Order system, your ability to upgrade your computer may be limited, as the expansion slots may already be in use. For more information on upgrading your computer, see the online document Upgrading and Maintaining Your VAIO® Computer .

Hard Drive Partition

In order to improve the performance of your computer's DVgate software, the hard disk drive on your computer has been formatted with two partitions, C and D. DVgate saves files to the D partition. This prevents large video captures from consuming the available space on your C partition. To maintain optimum performance of DVgate, you should defragment your D partition regularly. For more information on how to defragment your hard drive, see the VAIO Digital Studio

Computer User Guide.

Switching Between NTSC and PAL Standards

Your computer is designed to allow you to switch between NTSC and PAL standards. For details on switching from one standard to another, go to the Knowledge Database at

http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.

VAIO Smart Keyboard Default Settings

The VAIO Smart Keyboard programmable buttons come with the following applications as their default settings:

S1 - Easy Internet Access Browser (Internet)

S2 - Microsoft® Outlook® Express (Mail)

S3- Wild Metal Country

S4 - Microsoft® Word 2000

S5 - Quicken® Basic 2000 (Finance)

Page 4

S6 - Help

All six buttons are reprogrammable. For more information on reprogramming these buttons, see VAIO Action Setup Help. To access the help files, double-click on the Windows taskbar.

Memory Upgrade Specifications

When upgrading memory, use only 3.3V 64-bit PC-100 168 PIN SDRAM DIMM modules. Sony computer supplies, accessories, and peripherals can be purchased from your dealer or by contacting Sony at http://www.sony.com/accessories.

Restoring Outlook Express

If Outlook Express is corrupted or accidentally deleted, restore this application by following these steps:

From the Windows Start menu, point to Settings and select Control Panel.



Click Add/Remove Programs.



Click the Window Setup tab.



If Outlook is checked, uncheck the box and click Apply.



Restore the application by repeating steps 1 through 3. Then, check the box next to Outlook and click Apply.

Self-launching CDs

For self-launching CDs, place the CD in the DVD-ROM drive, which is the upper drive on your system unit. If you are prompted to insert the CD when starting the application, insert the CD into the DVD-ROM drive.

Enabling Smart Connect

For information on enabling Smart Connect, please see your VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide.

If You Get an Error Message When Your Modem Tries to Dial

If you get a message informing you that your modem is unable to complete a dialup connection, the message may be appearing because you are dialing from an area where an overlay area code has been implemented. In such areas, even local calls require dialing the area code, or 1 + the area code, before the 7-digit telephone number. If you are dialing from such an area, you need to configure your dialup software to dial the area code, or 1 + the area code, before the 7-digit number.

1

For instructions on how to do this, consult your dialup software's manual or online help. The same instructions will also tell you how to configure your dialup software to dial a 9 or other number to access an outside line (you may need to do this if, for instance, you are dialing from an office building).

For Answers to Your Software Questions

Adobe Systems Incorporated206-628-2746 (M-F, 6 AM-5 PM PT) America Online 800-827-3338 (7 days a week, 6 AM - 2 PM ET) AT&T 800-400-1447 (7 days a week, 24 hours a day) CompuServe Interactive Services 800-848-8990 (M-F, 8 AM - 1 AM ET,

S-S 10 AM - 10 PM ET)

EarthLink Network, Inc. 800-395-8410 (7 days a week, 24 hours a day) GTE Intelligent Network Services, Inc. 800-927-3000 Infogrames North America 408-296-8400 (M-F, 9AM - 5PM PT) Intuit Inc. 900-555-4688 (7 days a week, 24 hours a day) MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. 800-719-4660 Network Associates, Inc. 408-988-3832 (M-F, 9 AM - 5 PM CT) Sonic Foundry 608-256-5555 (M-F, 8 AM - 7 PM CT)

Page 5

Symantec Corporation 800-798-0850

VAIO, the VAIO logo, VAIO Smart, VAIO Digital Studio, DVgate, and i.LINK are trademarks of Sony. Winfax is a trademark of Symantec Corporation. All other trademarks are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

1

An overlay area code is a second area code added to the same geographical area as an existing area

code.

Page 6

Read Me First

PCV-R547DS/PCV-R549DS

The Sony VAIO MicroTower User Guide is included with your computer as an electronic document. In addition to the contents of Getting Started, the User Guide includes information on using the Sony software products that are installed on your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I recover applications or drivers that came with my computer if the files are corrupted or deleted?

A: The Application Recovery CDs allow you to reinstall individual applications and device drivers if they are corrupted or accidentally erased. Reinstalling an individual device driver or software title may correct a problem you are experiencing with your computer, and you may not need to recover the entire contents of your hard drive. If you do need to reinstall all the software titles that shipped with your computer, use the System Recovery CD(s).

You must be in the Windows® operating system to run the Application Recovery CD(s). The application will not run from DOS. If you have any questions on using the Application Recovery CD(s), contact Sony Customer Support at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.

To use the Application Recovery CD(s)

Turn on your computer. If your computer is already on, close all applications.



When the Windows® desktop appears, insert the Sony Application Recovery CD in the DVD-ROM



drive. The Application Recovery utility loads automatically.

When the Application Recovery menu appears, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the



recovery process.

Your system may include one or two Application Recovery CDs. If you have two Application Recovery CDs, insert the first CD to run the Application Recovery program. You may be prompted to insert the second CD, depending on the application you wish to restore.

Q: How do I change the parallel port type to ECP, EPP, or bi-directional?

A: You can change the parallel port type using the System Setup utility (CMOS Setup Utility). To access System Setup, click the Start button, select Shut Down, and then select Restart. When the Sony screen displays and you hear the Sony jingle, press the F2 key on your keyboard. Select "Chipset Features Setup" from the CMOS Setup Utility screen. Use the arrow keys to highlight Parallel Port Mode. You can toggle between the Normal (bi-directional), ECP + EPP, ECP, and EPP options using the Page Up (PU) or Page Down (PD) buttons. When the desired setting displays, press the Escape key to return to the CMOS Setup Utility screen. Select the F10 key to Save and Exit. Select Yes (Y) to save the CMOS settings and exit. Press the Enter key. The system automatically starts with the new settings.

Q: Why isn't the DVD-ROM drive reading a CD?

A: After inserting a CD, you must wait a few seconds for the CD to be detected before trying to access it. If your drive reads some CDs but not others, check the shiny side of the disc for dirt or scratches. You may also need to clean the DVD-ROM drive lens with a CD-ROM cleaner.

Q: How do I set up faxing capability in Windows® 98 Second Edition?

A: Windows® 98 Second Edition does not provide a built-in fax utility. Sony has included the Symantec® WinFax Basic Edition software for your faxing needs. To set up WinFax Basic Edition, click the Start menu button. Point to Programs, Symantec Winfax Basic Edition, and select Configure WinFax Basic Edition software. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure the fax utility.

Q: How do I change the video resolution of my display?

Page 7

A: From the Start menu, select Settings and click Control Panel. Click the Display icon and select

Settings. Move the Screen area slider to change the resolution.

Q: Why does Windows lock up during shut down?

A: 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. From the Start menu, select Help, click the Contents tab, click Troubleshooting, and then click Windows 98 Troubleshooters. Click the subject for which you want information, and then answer the questions that are appropriate for your problem.

Q: Why is my system running slowly?

A: The system responsiveness varies depending on 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. The computer has two memory slots. For memory upgrades, use only 3.3V 64-bit PC-100 SDRAM DIMM modules. Sony computer supplies, accessories, and peripherals can be purchased from your dealer or by contacting Sony at www.sony.com/accessories. For information on installing memory, see the online document Upgrading and Maintaining Your VAIO® Computer .

Q: Why is there no sound in any application?

A: There are independent controls for your system volume.

There is volume control in the Windows® task tray. Click the icon and slide the level bar up to



increase the volume.

In addition to adjusting the volume, check that the Mute check box is not selected in the Windows



volume control .

Q: Why doesn't my 8x CD-RW drive seem any faster than a 2x CD-RW drive?

A: You must use 8x media in order to achieve 8x performance.

If you must use other media, the following steps may be helpful:

If you are having difficulty formatting non-8x writable media, change the write speed from 8x to 2x or 1x. To change the write speed from the 8x default to another speed, click the My Computer icon on your desktop. Right-click the CD-RW drive icon, select Properties, and then select the Settings tab. Change the "Current Write Speed" field to 1x or 2x, and then click OK. Your CD-RW drive is assigned drive H as its default.

Q: How do I change my modem to rotary or Touch-Tone dialing?

A: Click the My Computer icon on your desktop. Click Control Panel, and then click Modems. Click Dialing Properties. Next to "Dial using," select the Tone dial or Pulse dial radio button. Click OK.

Q: Why is there unusual activity on my floppy disk drive?

A: If you notice that your system is slow to respond due to unusual floppy disk drive activity, it could be because of Find Fast. To determine if Find Fast is present, click Start, point to Programs, and then point to Startup. Removing this item may remedy the problem.

Supplementary Information

About Your Computer's Microprocessor (PCV-R547DS only)

Your computer comes equipped with the Intel® Pentium® III 600E MHz microprocessor, a CPU with a 256K cache on die, level two. All references in the supplied printed and online manuals to your computer's 600 MHz microprocessor are to the 600E MHz microprocessor.

Recovering Microsoft® Word 2000

If you recover your operating system using the System Recovery CD, Word 2000 will not be recovered. Use the Word 2000 CD-ROM to recover this application.

Page 8

Standby Mode

Resuming from Standby Mode

There are three ways to bring your computer back from the standby mode: press the space bar on your keyboard, press the left mouse button, or momentarily depress the power button on your computer.

Resetting Your Computer For Printer Use After Resuming From A Power Saving Mode

Your connected printer may not function after the computer resumes from a power saving mode. When this occurs, follow the procedures below to reset the printer connection:

Right-click the My Computer icon on the desktop, and then select Properties.



Click the Device Manager tab.



Select Refresh, and then click OK.



The printer should now function properly.

Connecting Computers by i.LINK Interface

When connecting more than two computers by i.LINK interface, do not allow any of the connected computers to enter Suspend, Hibernation, or Standby mode during a file transfer, as this could result in a loss of data. If one of the connected computers does enter a power saving mode, resume power, then disconnect and reconnect the i.LINK cable. Note that if you connect a notebook computer docking station using an i.LINK cable, you cannot use Smart Connect when the computer is not in the docking station.

Upgrading Your Computer

If you have a Configure-to-Order system, your ability to upgrade your computer may be limited, as the expansion slots may already be in use. For more information on upgrading your computer, see the online document Upgrading and Maintaining Your VAIO® Computer .

Hard Drive Partition

In order to improve the performance of your computer's DVgate software, the hard disk drive on your computer has been formatted with two partitions, C and D. DVgate saves files to the D partition. This prevents large video captures from consuming the available space on your C partition. To maintain optimum performance of DVgate, you should defragment your D partition regularly. For more information on how to defragment your hard drive, see the VAIO Digital Studio

Computer User Guide.

Switching Between NTSC and PAL Standards

Your computer is designed to allow you to switch between NTSC and PAL standards. For details on switching from one standard to another, go to the Knowledge Database at

http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.

VAIO Smart Keyboard Default Settings

The VAIO Smart Keyboard programmable buttons come with the following applications as their default settings:

S1 - Easy Internet Access Browser (Internet)

S2 - Microsoft® Outlook® Express (Mail)

S3- Wild Metal Country

S4 - Microsoft® Word 2000

S5 - Quicken® Basic 2000 (Finance)

Page 9

S6 - Help

All six buttons are reprogrammable. For more information on reprogramming these buttons, see VAIO Action Setup Help. To access the help files, double-click on the Windows taskbar.

Memory Upgrade Specifications

When upgrading memory, use only 3.3V 64-bit PC-100 168 PIN SDRAM DIMM modules. Sony computer supplies, accessories, and peripherals can be purchased from your dealer or by contacting Sony at http://www.sony.com/accessories.

Restoring Outlook Express

If Outlook Express is corrupted or accidentally deleted, restore this application by following these steps:

From the Windows Start menu, point to Settings and select Control Panel.



Click Add/Remove Programs.



Click the Window Setup tab.



If Outlook is checked, uncheck the box and click Apply.



Restore the application by repeating steps 1 through 3. Then, check the box next to Outlook and click Apply.

Self-launching CDs

For self-launching CDs, place the CD in the DVD-ROM drive, which is the upper drive on your system unit. If you are prompted to insert the CD when starting the application, insert the CD into the DVD-ROM drive.

Enabling Smart Connect

For information on enabling Smart Connect, please see your VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide.

If You Get an Error Message When Your Modem Tries to Dial

If you get a message informing you that your modem is unable to complete a dialup connection, the message may be appearing because you are dialing from an area where an overlay area code has been implemented. In such areas, even local calls require dialing the area code, or 1 + the area code, before the 7-digit telephone number. If you are dialing from such an area, you need to configure your dialup software to dial the area code, or 1 + the area code, before the 7-digit number.

1

For instructions on how to do this, consult your dialup software's manual or online help. The same instructions will also tell you how to configure your dialup software to dial a 9 or other number to access an outside line (you may need to do this if, for instance, you are dialing from an office building).

For Answers to Your Software Questions

Adobe Systems Incorporated206-628-2746 (M-F, 6 AM-5 PM PT) America Online 800-827-3338 (7 days a week, 6 AM - 2 PM ET) AT&T 800-400-1447 (7 days a week, 24 hours a day) CompuServe Interactive Services 800-848-8990 (M-F, 8 AM - 1 AM ET,

S-S 10 AM - 10 PM ET)

EarthLink Network, Inc. 800-395-8410 (7 days a week, 24 hours a day) GTE Intelligent Network Services, Inc. 800-927-3000 Infogrames North America 408-296-8400 (M-F, 9AM - 5PM PT) Intuit Inc. 900-555-4688 (7 days a week, 24 hours a day) MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. 800-719-4660 Network Associates, Inc. 408-988-3832 (M-F, 9 AM - 5 PM CT) Sonic Foundry 608-256-5555 (M-F, 8 AM - 7 PM CT)

Page 10

Symantec Corporation 800-798-0850

VAIO, the VAIO logo, VAIO Smart, VAIO Digital Studio, DVgate, and i.LINK are trademarks of Sony. Winfax is a trademark of Symantec Corporation. All other trademarks are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

1

An overlay area code is a second area code added to the same geographical area as an existing area

code.

Page 11

Read Me First

PCV-R547DS/PCV-R549DS

The Sony VAIO MicroTower User Guide is included with your computer as an electronic document. In addition to the contents of Getting Started, the User Guide includes information on using the Sony software products that are installed on your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I recover applications or drivers that came with my computer if the files are corrupted or deleted?

A: The Application Recovery CDs allow you to reinstall individual applications and device drivers if they are corrupted or accidentally erased. Reinstalling an individual device driver or software title may correct a problem you are experiencing with your computer, and you may not need to recover the entire contents of your hard drive. If you do need to reinstall all the software titles that shipped with your computer, use the System Recovery CD(s).

You must be in the Windows® operating system to run the Application Recovery CD(s). The application will not run from DOS. If you have any questions on using the Application Recovery CD(s), contact Sony Customer Support at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.

To use the Application Recovery CD(s)

Turn on your computer. If your computer is already on, close all applications.



When the Windows® desktop appears, insert the Sony Application Recovery CD in the DVD-ROM



drive. The Application Recovery utility loads automatically.

When the Application Recovery menu appears, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the



recovery process.

Your system may include one or two Application Recovery CDs. If you have two Application Recovery CDs, insert the first CD to run the Application Recovery program. You may be prompted to insert the second CD, depending on the application you wish to restore.

Q: How do I change the parallel port type to ECP, EPP, or bi-directional?

A: You can change the parallel port type using the System Setup utility (CMOS Setup Utility). To access System Setup, click the Start button, select Shut Down, and then select Restart. When the Sony screen displays and you hear the Sony jingle, press the F2 key on your keyboard. Select "Chipset Features Setup" from the CMOS Setup Utility screen. Use the arrow keys to highlight Parallel Port Mode. You can toggle between the Normal (bi-directional), ECP + EPP, ECP, and EPP options using the Page Up (PU) or Page Down (PD) buttons. When the desired setting displays, press the Escape key to return to the CMOS Setup Utility screen. Select the F10 key to Save and Exit. Select Yes (Y) to save the CMOS settings and exit. Press the Enter key. The system automatically starts with the new settings.

Q: Why isn't the DVD-ROM drive reading a CD?

A: After inserting a CD, you must wait a few seconds for the CD to be detected before trying to access it. If your drive reads some CDs but not others, check the shiny side of the disc for dirt or scratches. You may also need to clean the DVD-ROM drive lens with a CD-ROM cleaner.

Q: How do I set up faxing capability in Windows® 98 Second Edition?

A: Windows® 98 Second Edition does not provide a built-in fax utility. Sony has included the Symantec® WinFax Basic Edition software for your faxing needs. To set up WinFax Basic Edition, click the Start menu button. Point to Programs, Symantec Winfax Basic Edition, and select Configure WinFax Basic Edition software. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure the fax utility.

Q: How do I change the video resolution of my display?

Page 12

A: From the Start menu, select Settings and click Control Panel. Click the Display icon and select

Settings. Move the Screen area slider to change the resolution.

Q: Why does Windows lock up during shut down?

A: 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. From the Start menu, select Help, click the Contents tab, click Troubleshooting, and then click Windows 98 Troubleshooters. Click the subject for which you want information, and then answer the questions that are appropriate for your problem.

Q: Why is my system running slowly?

A: The system responsiveness varies depending on 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. The computer has two memory slots. For memory upgrades, use only 3.3V 64-bit PC-100 SDRAM DIMM modules. Sony computer supplies, accessories, and peripherals can be purchased from your dealer or by contacting Sony at www.sony.com/accessories. For information on installing memory, see the online document Upgrading and Maintaining Your VAIO® Computer .

Q: Why is there no sound in any application?

A: There are independent controls for your system volume.

There is volume control in the Windows® task tray. Click the icon and slide the level bar up to



increase the volume.

In addition to adjusting the volume, check that the Mute check box is not selected in the Windows



volume control .

Q: Why doesn't my 8x CD-RW drive seem any faster than a 2x CD-RW drive?

A: You must use 8x media in order to achieve 8x performance.

If you must use other media, the following steps may be helpful:

If you are having difficulty formatting non-8x writable media, change the write speed from 8x to 2x or 1x. To change the write speed from the 8x default to another speed, click the My Computer icon on your desktop. Right-click the CD-RW drive icon, select Properties, and then select the Settings tab. Change the "Current Write Speed" field to 1x or 2x, and then click OK. Your CD-RW drive is assigned drive H as its default.

Q: How do I change my modem to rotary or Touch-Tone dialing?

A: Click the My Computer icon on your desktop. Click Control Panel, and then click Modems. Click Dialing Properties. Next to "Dial using," select the Tone dial or Pulse dial radio button. Click OK.

Q: Why is there unusual activity on my floppy disk drive?

A: If you notice that your system is slow to respond due to unusual floppy disk drive activity, it could be because of Find Fast. To determine if Find Fast is present, click Start, point to Programs, and then point to Startup. Removing this item may remedy the problem.

Supplementary Information

About Your Computer's Microprocessor (PCV-R547DS only)

Your computer comes equipped with the Intel® Pentium® III 600E MHz microprocessor, a CPU with a 256K cache on die, level two. All references in the supplied printed and online manuals to your computer's 600 MHz microprocessor are to the 600E MHz microprocessor.

Recovering Microsoft® Word 2000

If you recover your operating system using the System Recovery CD, Word 2000 will not be recovered. Use the Word 2000 CD-ROM to recover this application.

Page 13

Standby Mode

Resuming from Standby Mode

There are three ways to bring your computer back from the standby mode: press the space bar on your keyboard, press the left mouse button, or momentarily depress the power button on your computer.

Resetting Your Computer For Printer Use After Resuming From A Power Saving Mode

Your connected printer may not function after the computer resumes from a power saving mode. When this occurs, follow the procedures below to reset the printer connection:

Right-click the My Computer icon on the desktop, and then select Properties.



Click the Device Manager tab.



Select Refresh, and then click OK.



The printer should now function properly.

Connecting Computers by i.LINK Interface

When connecting more than two computers by i.LINK interface, do not allow any of the connected computers to enter Suspend, Hibernation, or Standby mode during a file transfer, as this could result in a loss of data. If one of the connected computers does enter a power saving mode, resume power, then disconnect and reconnect the i.LINK cable. Note that if you connect a notebook computer docking station using an i.LINK cable, you cannot use Smart Connect when the computer is not in the docking station.

Upgrading Your Computer

If you have a Configure-to-Order system, your ability to upgrade your computer may be limited, as the expansion slots may already be in use. For more information on upgrading your computer, see the online document Upgrading and Maintaining Your VAIO® Computer .

Hard Drive Partition

In order to improve the performance of your computer's DVgate software, the hard disk drive on your computer has been formatted with two partitions, C and D. DVgate saves files to the D partition. This prevents large video captures from consuming the available space on your C partition. To maintain optimum performance of DVgate, you should defragment your D partition regularly. For more information on how to defragment your hard drive, see the VAIO Digital Studio

Computer User Guide.

Switching Between NTSC and PAL Standards

Your computer is designed to allow you to switch between NTSC and PAL standards. For details on switching from one standard to another, go to the Knowledge Database at

http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.

VAIO Smart Keyboard Default Settings

The VAIO Smart Keyboard programmable buttons come with the following applications as their default settings:

S1 - Easy Internet Access Browser (Internet)

S2 - Microsoft® Outlook® Express (Mail)

S3- Wild Metal Country

S4 - Microsoft® Word 2000

S5 - Quicken® Basic 2000 (Finance)

Page 14

S6 - Help

All six buttons are reprogrammable. For more information on reprogramming these buttons, see VAIO Action Setup Help. To access the help files, double-click on the Windows taskbar.

Memory Upgrade Specifications

When upgrading memory, use only 3.3V 64-bit PC-100 168 PIN SDRAM DIMM modules. Sony computer supplies, accessories, and peripherals can be purchased from your dealer or by contacting Sony at http://www.sony.com/accessories.

Restoring Outlook Express

If Outlook Express is corrupted or accidentally deleted, restore this application by following these steps:

From the Windows Start menu, point to Settings and select Control Panel.



Click Add/Remove Programs.



Click the Window Setup tab.



If Outlook is checked, uncheck the box and click Apply.



Restore the application by repeating steps 1 through 3. Then, check the box next to Outlook and click Apply.

Self-launching CDs

For self-launching CDs, place the CD in the DVD-ROM drive, which is the upper drive on your system unit. If you are prompted to insert the CD when starting the application, insert the CD into the DVD-ROM drive.

Enabling Smart Connect

For information on enabling Smart Connect, please see your VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide.

If You Get an Error Message When Your Modem Tries to Dial

If you get a message informing you that your modem is unable to complete a dialup connection, the message may be appearing because you are dialing from an area where an overlay area code has been implemented. In such areas, even local calls require dialing the area code, or 1 + the area code, before the 7-digit telephone number. If you are dialing from such an area, you need to configure your dialup software to dial the area code, or 1 + the area code, before the 7-digit number.

1

For instructions on how to do this, consult your dialup software's manual or online help. The same instructions will also tell you how to configure your dialup software to dial a 9 or other number to access an outside line (you may need to do this if, for instance, you are dialing from an office building).

For Answers to Your Software Questions

Adobe Systems Incorporated206-628-2746 (M-F, 6 AM-5 PM PT) America Online 800-827-3338 (7 days a week, 6 AM - 2 PM ET) AT&T 800-400-1447 (7 days a week, 24 hours a day) CompuServe Interactive Services 800-848-8990 (M-F, 8 AM - 1 AM ET,

S-S 10 AM - 10 PM ET)

EarthLink Network, Inc. 800-395-8410 (7 days a week, 24 hours a day) GTE Intelligent Network Services, Inc. 800-927-3000 Infogrames North America 408-296-8400 (M-F, 9AM - 5PM PT) Intuit Inc. 900-555-4688 (7 days a week, 24 hours a day) MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. 800-719-4660 Network Associates, Inc. 408-988-3832 (M-F, 9 AM - 5 PM CT) Sonic Foundry 608-256-5555 (M-F, 8 AM - 7 PM CT)

Page 15

Symantec Corporation 800-798-0850

VAIO, the VAIO logo, VAIO Smart, VAIO Digital Studio, DVgate, and i.LINK are trademarks of Sony. Winfax is a trademark of Symantec Corporation. All other trademarks are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

1

An overlay area code is a second area code added to the same geographical area as an existing area

code.

Page 16

Read Me First

PCV-R547DS/PCV-R549DS

The Sony VAIO MicroTower User Guide is included with your computer as an electronic document. In addition to the contents of Getting Started, the User Guide includes information on using the Sony software products that are installed on your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I recover applications or drivers that came with my computer if the files are corrupted or deleted?

A: The Application Recovery CDs allow you to reinstall individual applications and device drivers if they are corrupted or accidentally erased. Reinstalling an individual device driver or software title may correct a problem you are experiencing with your computer, and you may not need to recover the entire contents of your hard drive. If you do need to reinstall all the software titles that shipped with your computer, use the System Recovery CD(s).

You must be in the Windows® operating system to run the Application Recovery CD(s). The application will not run from DOS. If you have any questions on using the Application Recovery CD(s), contact Sony Customer Support at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.

To use the Application Recovery CD(s)

Turn on your computer. If your computer is already on, close all applications.



When the Windows® desktop appears, insert the Sony Application Recovery CD in the DVD-ROM



drive. The Application Recovery utility loads automatically.

When the Application Recovery menu appears, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the



recovery process.

Your system may include one or two Application Recovery CDs. If you have two Application Recovery CDs, insert the first CD to run the Application Recovery program. You may be prompted to insert the second CD, depending on the application you wish to restore.

Q: How do I change the parallel port type to ECP, EPP, or bi-directional?

A: You can change the parallel port type using the System Setup utility (CMOS Setup Utility). To access System Setup, click the Start button, select Shut Down, and then select Restart. When the Sony screen displays and you hear the Sony jingle, press the F2 key on your keyboard. Select "Chipset Features Setup" from the CMOS Setup Utility screen. Use the arrow keys to highlight Parallel Port Mode. You can toggle between the Normal (bi-directional), ECP + EPP, ECP, and EPP options using the Page Up (PU) or Page Down (PD) buttons. When the desired setting displays, press the Escape key to return to the CMOS Setup Utility screen. Select the F10 key to Save and Exit. Select Yes (Y) to save the CMOS settings and exit. Press the Enter key. The system automatically starts with the new settings.

Q: Why isn't the DVD-ROM drive reading a CD?

A: After inserting a CD, you must wait a few seconds for the CD to be detected before trying to access it. If your drive reads some CDs but not others, check the shiny side of the disc for dirt or scratches. You may also need to clean the DVD-ROM drive lens with a CD-ROM cleaner.

Q: How do I set up faxing capability in Windows® 98 Second Edition?

A: Windows® 98 Second Edition does not provide a built-in fax utility. Sony has included the Symantec® WinFax Basic Edition software for your faxing needs. To set up WinFax Basic Edition, click the Start menu button. Point to Programs, Symantec Winfax Basic Edition, and select Configure WinFax Basic Edition software. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure the fax utility.

Q: How do I change the video resolution of my display?

Page 17

A: From the Start menu, select Settings and click Control Panel. Click the Display icon and select

Settings. Move the Screen area slider to change the resolution.

Q: Why does Windows lock up during shut down?

A: 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. From the Start menu, select Help, click the Contents tab, click Troubleshooting, and then click Windows 98 Troubleshooters. Click the subject for which you want information, and then answer the questions that are appropriate for your problem.

Q: Why is my system running slowly?

A: The system responsiveness varies depending on 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. The computer has two memory slots. For memory upgrades, use only 3.3V 64-bit PC-100 SDRAM DIMM modules. Sony computer supplies, accessories, and peripherals can be purchased from your dealer or by contacting Sony at www.sony.com/accessories. For information on installing memory, see the online document Upgrading and Maintaining Your VAIO® Computer .

Q: Why is there no sound in any application?

A: There are independent controls for your system volume.

There is volume control in the Windows® task tray. Click the icon and slide the level bar up to



increase the volume.

In addition to adjusting the volume, check that the Mute check box is not selected in the Windows



volume control .

Q: Why doesn't my 8x CD-RW drive seem any faster than a 2x CD-RW drive?

A: You must use 8x media in order to achieve 8x performance.

If you must use other media, the following steps may be helpful:

If you are having difficulty formatting non-8x writable media, change the write speed from 8x to 2x or 1x. To change the write speed from the 8x default to another speed, click the My Computer icon on your desktop. Right-click the CD-RW drive icon, select Properties, and then select the Settings tab. Change the "Current Write Speed" field to 1x or 2x, and then click OK. Your CD-RW drive is assigned drive H as its default.

Q: How do I change my modem to rotary or Touch-Tone dialing?

A: Click the My Computer icon on your desktop. Click Control Panel, and then click Modems. Click Dialing Properties. Next to "Dial using," select the Tone dial or Pulse dial radio button. Click OK.

Q: Why is there unusual activity on my floppy disk drive?

A: If you notice that your system is slow to respond due to unusual floppy disk drive activity, it could be because of Find Fast. To determine if Find Fast is present, click Start, point to Programs, and then point to Startup. Removing this item may remedy the problem.

Supplementary Information

About Your Computer's Microprocessor (PCV-R547DS only)

Your computer comes equipped with the Intel® Pentium® III 600E MHz microprocessor, a CPU with a 256K cache on die, level two. All references in the supplied printed and online manuals to your computer's 600 MHz microprocessor are to the 600E MHz microprocessor.

Recovering Microsoft® Word 2000

If you recover your operating system using the System Recovery CD, Word 2000 will not be recovered. Use the Word 2000 CD-ROM to recover this application.

Page 18

Standby Mode

Resuming from Standby Mode

There are three ways to bring your computer back from the standby mode: press the space bar on your keyboard, press the left mouse button, or momentarily depress the power button on your computer.

Resetting Your Computer For Printer Use After Resuming From A Power Saving Mode

Your connected printer may not function after the computer resumes from a power saving mode. When this occurs, follow the procedures below to reset the printer connection:

Right-click the My Computer icon on the desktop, and then select Properties.



Click the Device Manager tab.



Select Refresh, and then click OK.



The printer should now function properly.

Connecting Computers by i.LINK Interface

When connecting more than two computers by i.LINK interface, do not allow any of the connected computers to enter Suspend, Hibernation, or Standby mode during a file transfer, as this could result in a loss of data. If one of the connected computers does enter a power saving mode, resume power, then disconnect and reconnect the i.LINK cable. Note that if you connect a notebook computer docking station using an i.LINK cable, you cannot use Smart Connect when the computer is not in the docking station.

Upgrading Your Computer

If you have a Configure-to-Order system, your ability to upgrade your computer may be limited, as the expansion slots may already be in use. For more information on upgrading your computer, see the online document Upgrading and Maintaining Your VAIO® Computer .

Hard Drive Partition

In order to improve the performance of your computer's DVgate software, the hard disk drive on your computer has been formatted with two partitions, C and D. DVgate saves files to the D partition. This prevents large video captures from consuming the available space on your C partition. To maintain optimum performance of DVgate, you should defragment your D partition regularly. For more information on how to defragment your hard drive, see the VAIO Digital Studio

Computer User Guide.

Switching Between NTSC and PAL Standards

Your computer is designed to allow you to switch between NTSC and PAL standards. For details on switching from one standard to another, go to the Knowledge Database at

http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.

VAIO Smart Keyboard Default Settings

The VAIO Smart Keyboard programmable buttons come with the following applications as their default settings:

S1 - Easy Internet Access Browser (Internet)

S2 - Microsoft® Outlook® Express (Mail)

S3- Wild Metal Country

S4 - Microsoft® Word 2000

S5 - Quicken® Basic 2000 (Finance)

Page 19

S6 - Help

All six buttons are reprogrammable. For more information on reprogramming these buttons, see VAIO Action Setup Help. To access the help files, double-click on the Windows taskbar.

Memory Upgrade Specifications

When upgrading memory, use only 3.3V 64-bit PC-100 168 PIN SDRAM DIMM modules. Sony computer supplies, accessories, and peripherals can be purchased from your dealer or by contacting Sony at http://www.sony.com/accessories.

Restoring Outlook Express

If Outlook Express is corrupted or accidentally deleted, restore this application by following these steps:

From the Windows Start menu, point to Settings and select Control Panel.



Click Add/Remove Programs.



Click the Window Setup tab.



If Outlook is checked, uncheck the box and click Apply.



Restore the application by repeating steps 1 through 3. Then, check the box next to Outlook and click Apply.

Self-launching CDs

For self-launching CDs, place the CD in the DVD-ROM drive, which is the upper drive on your system unit. If you are prompted to insert the CD when starting the application, insert the CD into the DVD-ROM drive.

Enabling Smart Connect

For information on enabling Smart Connect, please see your VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide.

If You Get an Error Message When Your Modem Tries to Dial

If you get a message informing you that your modem is unable to complete a dialup connection, the message may be appearing because you are dialing from an area where an overlay area code has been implemented. In such areas, even local calls require dialing the area code, or 1 + the area code, before the 7-digit telephone number. If you are dialing from such an area, you need to configure your dialup software to dial the area code, or 1 + the area code, before the 7-digit number.

1

For instructions on how to do this, consult your dialup software's manual or online help. The same instructions will also tell you how to configure your dialup software to dial a 9 or other number to access an outside line (you may need to do this if, for instance, you are dialing from an office building).

For Answers to Your Software Questions

Adobe Systems Incorporated206-628-2746 (M-F, 6 AM-5 PM PT) America Online 800-827-3338 (7 days a week, 6 AM - 2 PM ET) AT&T 800-400-1447 (7 days a week, 24 hours a day) CompuServe Interactive Services 800-848-8990 (M-F, 8 AM - 1 AM ET,

S-S 10 AM - 10 PM ET)

EarthLink Network, Inc. 800-395-8410 (7 days a week, 24 hours a day) GTE Intelligent Network Services, Inc. 800-927-3000 Infogrames North America 408-296-8400 (M-F, 9AM - 5PM PT) Intuit Inc. 900-555-4688 (7 days a week, 24 hours a day) MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. 800-719-4660 Network Associates, Inc. 408-988-3832 (M-F, 9 AM - 5 PM CT) Sonic Foundry 608-256-5555 (M-F, 8 AM - 7 PM CT)

Page 20

Symantec Corporation 800-798-0850

VAIO, the VAIO logo, VAIO Smart, VAIO Digital Studio, DVgate, and i.LINK are trademarks of Sony. Winfax is a trademark of Symantec Corporation. All other trademarks are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

1

An overlay area code is a second area code added to the same geographical area as an existing area

code.

Page 21

Read Me First

PCV-R547DS/PCV-R549DS

The Sony VAIO MicroTower User Guide is included with your computer as an electronic document. In addition to the contents of Getting Started, the User Guide includes information on using the Sony software products that are installed on your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I recover applications or drivers that came with my computer if the files are corrupted or deleted?

A: The Application Recovery CDs allow you to reinstall individual applications and device drivers if they are corrupted or accidentally erased. Reinstalling an individual device driver or software title may correct a problem you are experiencing with your computer, and you may not need to recover the entire contents of your hard drive. If you do need to reinstall all the software titles that shipped with your computer, use the System Recovery CD(s).

You must be in the Windows® operating system to run the Application Recovery CD(s). The application will not run from DOS. If you have any questions on using the Application Recovery CD(s), contact Sony Customer Support at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.

To use the Application Recovery CD(s)

Turn on your computer. If your computer is already on, close all applications.



When the Windows® desktop appears, insert the Sony Application Recovery CD in the DVD-ROM



drive. The Application Recovery utility loads automatically.

When the Application Recovery menu appears, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the



recovery process.

Your system may include one or two Application Recovery CDs. If you have two Application Recovery CDs, insert the first CD to run the Application Recovery program. You may be prompted to insert the second CD, depending on the application you wish to restore.

Q: How do I change the parallel port type to ECP, EPP, or bi-directional?

A: You can change the parallel port type using the System Setup utility (CMOS Setup Utility). To access System Setup, click the Start button, select Shut Down, and then select Restart. When the Sony screen displays and you hear the Sony jingle, press the F2 key on your keyboard. Select "Chipset Features Setup" from the CMOS Setup Utility screen. Use the arrow keys to highlight Parallel Port Mode. You can toggle between the Normal (bi-directional), ECP + EPP, ECP, and EPP options using the Page Up (PU) or Page Down (PD) buttons. When the desired setting displays, press the Escape key to return to the CMOS Setup Utility screen. Select the F10 key to Save and Exit. Select Yes (Y) to save the CMOS settings and exit. Press the Enter key. The system automatically starts with the new settings.

Q: Why isn't the DVD-ROM drive reading a CD?

A: After inserting a CD, you must wait a few seconds for the CD to be detected before trying to access it. If your drive reads some CDs but not others, check the shiny side of the disc for dirt or scratches. You may also need to clean the DVD-ROM drive lens with a CD-ROM cleaner.

Q: How do I set up faxing capability in Windows® 98 Second Edition?

A: Windows® 98 Second Edition does not provide a built-in fax utility. Sony has included the Symantec® WinFax Basic Edition software for your faxing needs. To set up WinFax Basic Edition, click the Start menu button. Point to Programs, Symantec Winfax Basic Edition, and select Configure WinFax Basic Edition software. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure the fax utility.

Q: How do I change the video resolution of my display?

Page 22

A: From the Start menu, select Settings and click Control Panel. Click the Display icon and select

Settings. Move the Screen area slider to change the resolution.

Q: Why does Windows lock up during shut down?

A: 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. From the Start menu, select Help, click the Contents tab, click Troubleshooting, and then click Windows 98 Troubleshooters. Click the subject for which you want information, and then answer the questions that are appropriate for your problem.

Q: Why is my system running slowly?

A: The system responsiveness varies depending on 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. The computer has two memory slots. For memory upgrades, use only 3.3V 64-bit PC-100 SDRAM DIMM modules. Sony computer supplies, accessories, and peripherals can be purchased from your dealer or by contacting Sony at www.sony.com/accessories. For information on installing memory, see the online document Upgrading and Maintaining Your VAIO® Computer .

Q: Why is there no sound in any application?

A: There are independent controls for your system volume.

There is volume control in the Windows® task tray. Click the icon and slide the level bar up to



increase the volume.

In addition to adjusting the volume, check that the Mute check box is not selected in the Windows



volume control .

Q: Why doesn't my 8x CD-RW drive seem any faster than a 2x CD-RW drive?

A: You must use 8x media in order to achieve 8x performance.

If you must use other media, the following steps may be helpful:

If you are having difficulty formatting non-8x writable media, change the write speed from 8x to 2x or 1x. To change the write speed from the 8x default to another speed, click the My Computer icon on your desktop. Right-click the CD-RW drive icon, select Properties, and then select the Settings tab. Change the "Current Write Speed" field to 1x or 2x, and then click OK. Your CD-RW drive is assigned drive H as its default.

Q: How do I change my modem to rotary or Touch-Tone dialing?

A: Click the My Computer icon on your desktop. Click Control Panel, and then click Modems. Click Dialing Properties. Next to "Dial using," select the Tone dial or Pulse dial radio button. Click OK.

Q: Why is there unusual activity on my floppy disk drive?

A: If you notice that your system is slow to respond due to unusual floppy disk drive activity, it could be because of Find Fast. To determine if Find Fast is present, click Start, point to Programs, and then point to Startup. Removing this item may remedy the problem.

Supplementary Information

About Your Computer's Microprocessor (PCV-R547DS only)

Your computer comes equipped with the Intel® Pentium® III 600E MHz microprocessor, a CPU with a 256K cache on die, level two. All references in the supplied printed and online manuals to your computer's 600 MHz microprocessor are to the 600E MHz microprocessor.

Recovering Microsoft® Word 2000

If you recover your operating system using the System Recovery CD, Word 2000 will not be recovered. Use the Word 2000 CD-ROM to recover this application.

Page 23

Standby Mode

Resuming from Standby Mode

There are three ways to bring your computer back from the standby mode: press the space bar on your keyboard, press the left mouse button, or momentarily depress the power button on your computer.

Resetting Your Computer For Printer Use After Resuming From A Power Saving Mode

Your connected printer may not function after the computer resumes from a power saving mode. When this occurs, follow the procedures below to reset the printer connection:

Right-click the My Computer icon on the desktop, and then select Properties.



Click the Device Manager tab.



Select Refresh, and then click OK.



The printer should now function properly.

Connecting Computers by i.LINK Interface

When connecting more than two computers by i.LINK interface, do not allow any of the connected computers to enter Suspend, Hibernation, or Standby mode during a file transfer, as this could result in a loss of data. If one of the connected computers does enter a power saving mode, resume power, then disconnect and reconnect the i.LINK cable. Note that if you connect a notebook computer docking station using an i.LINK cable, you cannot use Smart Connect when the computer is not in the docking station.

Upgrading Your Computer

If you have a Configure-to-Order system, your ability to upgrade your computer may be limited, as the expansion slots may already be in use. For more information on upgrading your computer, see the online document Upgrading and Maintaining Your VAIO® Computer .

Hard Drive Partition

In order to improve the performance of your computer's DVgate software, the hard disk drive on your computer has been formatted with two partitions, C and D. DVgate saves files to the D partition. This prevents large video captures from consuming the available space on your C partition. To maintain optimum performance of DVgate, you should defragment your D partition regularly. For more information on how to defragment your hard drive, see the VAIO Digital Studio

Computer User Guide.

Switching Between NTSC and PAL Standards

Your computer is designed to allow you to switch between NTSC and PAL standards. For details on switching from one standard to another, go to the Knowledge Database at

http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.

VAIO Smart Keyboard Default Settings

The VAIO Smart Keyboard programmable buttons come with the following applications as their default settings:

S1 - Easy Internet Access Browser (Internet)

S2 - Microsoft® Outlook® Express (Mail)

S3- Wild Metal Country

S4 - Microsoft® Word 2000

S5 - Quicken® Basic 2000 (Finance)

Page 24

S6 - Help

All six buttons are reprogrammable. For more information on reprogramming these buttons, see VAIO Action Setup Help. To access the help files, double-click on the Windows taskbar.

Memory Upgrade Specifications

When upgrading memory, use only 3.3V 64-bit PC-100 168 PIN SDRAM DIMM modules. Sony computer supplies, accessories, and peripherals can be purchased from your dealer or by contacting Sony at http://www.sony.com/accessories.

Restoring Outlook Express

If Outlook Express is corrupted or accidentally deleted, restore this application by following these steps:

From the Windows Start menu, point to Settings and select Control Panel.



Click Add/Remove Programs.



Click the Window Setup tab.



If Outlook is checked, uncheck the box and click Apply.



Restore the application by repeating steps 1 through 3. Then, check the box next to Outlook and click Apply.

Self-launching CDs

For self-launching CDs, place the CD in the DVD-ROM drive, which is the upper drive on your system unit. If you are prompted to insert the CD when starting the application, insert the CD into the DVD-ROM drive.

Enabling Smart Connect

For information on enabling Smart Connect, please see your VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide.

If You Get an Error Message When Your Modem Tries to Dial

If you get a message informing you that your modem is unable to complete a dialup connection, the message may be appearing because you are dialing from an area where an overlay area code has been implemented. In such areas, even local calls require dialing the area code, or 1 + the area code, before the 7-digit telephone number. If you are dialing from such an area, you need to configure your dialup software to dial the area code, or 1 + the area code, before the 7-digit number.

1

For instructions on how to do this, consult your dialup software's manual or online help. The same instructions will also tell you how to configure your dialup software to dial a 9 or other number to access an outside line (you may need to do this if, for instance, you are dialing from an office building).

For Answers to Your Software Questions

Adobe Systems Incorporated206-628-2746 (M-F, 6 AM-5 PM PT) America Online 800-827-3338 (7 days a week, 6 AM - 2 PM ET) AT&T 800-400-1447 (7 days a week, 24 hours a day) CompuServe Interactive Services 800-848-8990 (M-F, 8 AM - 1 AM ET,

S-S 10 AM - 10 PM ET)

EarthLink Network, Inc. 800-395-8410 (7 days a week, 24 hours a day) GTE Intelligent Network Services, Inc. 800-927-3000 Infogrames North America 408-296-8400 (M-F, 9AM - 5PM PT) Intuit Inc. 900-555-4688 (7 days a week, 24 hours a day) MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. 800-719-4660 Network Associates, Inc. 408-988-3832 (M-F, 9 AM - 5 PM CT) Sonic Foundry 608-256-5555 (M-F, 8 AM - 7 PM CT)

Page 25

Symantec Corporation 800-798-0850

VAIO, the VAIO logo, VAIO Smart, VAIO Digital Studio, DVgate, and i.LINK are trademarks of Sony. Winfax is a trademark of Symantec Corporation. All other trademarks are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

1

An overlay area code is a second area code added to the same geographical area as an existing area

code.

Page 26

Read Me First

PCV-R547DS/PCV-R549DS

The Sony VAIO MicroTower User Guide is included with your computer as an electronic document. In addition to the contents of Getting Started, the User Guide includes information on using the Sony software products that are installed on your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I recover applications or drivers that came with my computer if the files are corrupted or deleted?

A: The Application Recovery CDs allow you to reinstall individual applications and device drivers if they are corrupted or accidentally erased. Reinstalling an individual device driver or software title may correct a problem you are experiencing with your computer, and you may not need to recover the entire contents of your hard drive. If you do need to reinstall all the software titles that shipped with your computer, use the System Recovery CD(s).

You must be in the Windows® operating system to run the Application Recovery CD(s). The application will not run from DOS. If you have any questions on using the Application Recovery CD(s), contact Sony Customer Support at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.

To use the Application Recovery CD(s)

Turn on your computer. If your computer is already on, close all applications.



When the Windows® desktop appears, insert the Sony Application Recovery CD in the DVD-ROM



drive. The Application Recovery utility loads automatically.

When the Application Recovery menu appears, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the



recovery process.

Your system may include one or two Application Recovery CDs. If you have two Application Recovery CDs, insert the first CD to run the Application Recovery program. You may be prompted to insert the second CD, depending on the application you wish to restore.

Q: How do I change the parallel port type to ECP, EPP, or bi-directional?

A: You can change the parallel port type using the System Setup utility (CMOS Setup Utility). To access System Setup, click the Start button, select Shut Down, and then select Restart. When the Sony screen displays and you hear the Sony jingle, press the F2 key on your keyboard. Select "Chipset Features Setup" from the CMOS Setup Utility screen. Use the arrow keys to highlight Parallel Port Mode. You can toggle between the Normal (bi-directional), ECP + EPP, ECP, and EPP options using the Page Up (PU) or Page Down (PD) buttons. When the desired setting displays, press the Escape key to return to the CMOS Setup Utility screen. Select the F10 key to Save and Exit. Select Yes (Y) to save the CMOS settings and exit. Press the Enter key. The system automatically starts with the new settings.

Q: Why isn't the DVD-ROM drive reading a CD?

A: After inserting a CD, you must wait a few seconds for the CD to be detected before trying to access it. If your drive reads some CDs but not others, check the shiny side of the disc for dirt or scratches. You may also need to clean the DVD-ROM drive lens with a CD-ROM cleaner.

Q: How do I set up faxing capability in Windows® 98 Second Edition?

A: Windows® 98 Second Edition does not provide a built-in fax utility. Sony has included the Symantec® WinFax Basic Edition software for your faxing needs. To set up WinFax Basic Edition, click the Start menu button. Point to Programs, Symantec Winfax Basic Edition, and select Configure WinFax Basic Edition software. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure the fax utility.

Q: How do I change the video resolution of my display?

Page 27

A: From the Start menu, select Settings and click Control Panel. Click the Display icon and select

Settings. Move the Screen area slider to change the resolution.

Q: Why does Windows lock up during shut down?

A: 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. From the Start menu, select Help, click the Contents tab, click Troubleshooting, and then click Windows 98 Troubleshooters. Click the subject for which you want information, and then answer the questions that are appropriate for your problem.

Q: Why is my system running slowly?

A: The system responsiveness varies depending on 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. The computer has two memory slots. For memory upgrades, use only 3.3V 64-bit PC-100 SDRAM DIMM modules. Sony computer supplies, accessories, and peripherals can be purchased from your dealer or by contacting Sony at www.sony.com/accessories. For information on installing memory, see the online document Upgrading and Maintaining Your VAIO® Computer .

Q: Why is there no sound in any application?

A: There are independent controls for your system volume.

There is volume control in the Windows® task tray. Click the icon and slide the level bar up to



increase the volume.

In addition to adjusting the volume, check that the Mute check box is not selected in the Windows



volume control .

Q: Why doesn't my 8x CD-RW drive seem any faster than a 2x CD-RW drive?

A: You must use 8x media in order to achieve 8x performance.

If you must use other media, the following steps may be helpful:

If you are having difficulty formatting non-8x writable media, change the write speed from 8x to 2x or 1x. To change the write speed from the 8x default to another speed, click the My Computer icon on your desktop. Right-click the CD-RW drive icon, select Properties, and then select the Settings tab. Change the "Current Write Speed" field to 1x or 2x, and then click OK. Your CD-RW drive is assigned drive H as its default.

Q: How do I change my modem to rotary or Touch-Tone dialing?

A: Click the My Computer icon on your desktop. Click Control Panel, and then click Modems. Click Dialing Properties. Next to "Dial using," select the Tone dial or Pulse dial radio button. Click OK.

Q: Why is there unusual activity on my floppy disk drive?

A: If you notice that your system is slow to respond due to unusual floppy disk drive activity, it could be because of Find Fast. To determine if Find Fast is present, click Start, point to Programs, and then point to Startup. Removing this item may remedy the problem.

Supplementary Information

About Your Computer's Microprocessor (PCV-R547DS only)

Your computer comes equipped with the Intel® Pentium® III 600E MHz microprocessor, a CPU with a 256K cache on die, level two. All references in the supplied printed and online manuals to your computer's 600 MHz microprocessor are to the 600E MHz microprocessor.

Recovering Microsoft® Word 2000

If you recover your operating system using the System Recovery CD, Word 2000 will not be recovered. Use the Word 2000 CD-ROM to recover this application.

Page 28

Standby Mode

Resuming from Standby Mode

There are three ways to bring your computer back from the standby mode: press the space bar on your keyboard, press the left mouse button, or momentarily depress the power button on your computer.

Resetting Your Computer For Printer Use After Resuming From A Power Saving Mode

Your connected printer may not function after the computer resumes from a power saving mode. When this occurs, follow the procedures below to reset the printer connection:

Right-click the My Computer icon on the desktop, and then select Properties.



Click the Device Manager tab.



Select Refresh, and then click OK.



The printer should now function properly.

Connecting Computers by i.LINK Interface

When connecting more than two computers by i.LINK interface, do not allow any of the connected computers to enter Suspend, Hibernation, or Standby mode during a file transfer, as this could result in a loss of data. If one of the connected computers does enter a power saving mode, resume power, then disconnect and reconnect the i.LINK cable. Note that if you connect a notebook computer docking station using an i.LINK cable, you cannot use Smart Connect when the computer is not in the docking station.

Upgrading Your Computer

If you have a Configure-to-Order system, your ability to upgrade your computer may be limited, as the expansion slots may already be in use. For more information on upgrading your computer, see the online document Upgrading and Maintaining Your VAIO® Computer .

Hard Drive Partition

In order to improve the performance of your computer's DVgate software, the hard disk drive on your computer has been formatted with two partitions, C and D. DVgate saves files to the D partition. This prevents large video captures from consuming the available space on your C partition. To maintain optimum performance of DVgate, you should defragment your D partition regularly. For more information on how to defragment your hard drive, see the VAIO Digital Studio

Computer User Guide.

Switching Between NTSC and PAL Standards

Your computer is designed to allow you to switch between NTSC and PAL standards. For details on switching from one standard to another, go to the Knowledge Database at

http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.

VAIO Smart Keyboard Default Settings

The VAIO Smart Keyboard programmable buttons come with the following applications as their default settings:

S1 - Easy Internet Access Browser (Internet)

S2 - Microsoft® Outlook® Express (Mail)

S3- Wild Metal Country

S4 - Microsoft® Word 2000

S5 - Quicken® Basic 2000 (Finance)

Page 29

S6 - Help

All six buttons are reprogrammable. For more information on reprogramming these buttons, see VAIO Action Setup Help. To access the help files, double-click on the Windows taskbar.

Memory Upgrade Specifications

When upgrading memory, use only 3.3V 64-bit PC-100 168 PIN SDRAM DIMM modules. Sony computer supplies, accessories, and peripherals can be purchased from your dealer or by contacting Sony at http://www.sony.com/accessories.

Restoring Outlook Express

If Outlook Express is corrupted or accidentally deleted, restore this application by following these steps:

From the Windows Start menu, point to Settings and select Control Panel.



Click Add/Remove Programs.



Click the Window Setup tab.



If Outlook is checked, uncheck the box and click Apply.



Restore the application by repeating steps 1 through 3. Then, check the box next to Outlook and click Apply.

Self-launching CDs

For self-launching CDs, place the CD in the DVD-ROM drive, which is the upper drive on your system unit. If you are prompted to insert the CD when starting the application, insert the CD into the DVD-ROM drive.

Enabling Smart Connect

For information on enabling Smart Connect, please see your VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide.

If You Get an Error Message When Your Modem Tries to Dial

If you get a message informing you that your modem is unable to complete a dialup connection, the message may be appearing because you are dialing from an area where an overlay area code has been implemented. In such areas, even local calls require dialing the area code, or 1 + the area code, before the 7-digit telephone number. If you are dialing from such an area, you need to configure your dialup software to dial the area code, or 1 + the area code, before the 7-digit number.

1

For instructions on how to do this, consult your dialup software's manual or online help. The same instructions will also tell you how to configure your dialup software to dial a 9 or other number to access an outside line (you may need to do this if, for instance, you are dialing from an office building).

For Answers to Your Software Questions

Adobe Systems Incorporated206-628-2746 (M-F, 6 AM-5 PM PT) America Online 800-827-3338 (7 days a week, 6 AM - 2 PM ET) AT&T 800-400-1447 (7 days a week, 24 hours a day) CompuServe Interactive Services 800-848-8990 (M-F, 8 AM - 1 AM ET,

S-S 10 AM - 10 PM ET)

EarthLink Network, Inc. 800-395-8410 (7 days a week, 24 hours a day) GTE Intelligent Network Services, Inc. 800-927-3000 Infogrames North America 408-296-8400 (M-F, 9AM - 5PM PT) Intuit Inc. 900-555-4688 (7 days a week, 24 hours a day) MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. 800-719-4660 Network Associates, Inc. 408-988-3832 (M-F, 9 AM - 5 PM CT) Sonic Foundry 608-256-5555 (M-F, 8 AM - 7 PM CT)

Page 30