Sony PCV-RZ301, PCV-RZ324, PCV-RZ321, PCV-RZ311, PCV-RZ302 User Manual

Sony VAIO Desktop
User Guide

PCV-RZ series / PCV-1126

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Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

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Notice

© 2003 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved.

This manual and the software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, translated, or reduced to any machine­readable 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 dam ages,
whether based on tort, contract, or otherwise, arising out of or in connection with this manual, the software, or other information
contained herein or the use thereof.

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

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

Please note that the illustrations in this manual may not necessarily apply to your model. Please
see the Specifications sheet for the specific configuration of your VAIO.

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Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

ENERGY STAR

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

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

ENERGY STAR is a U.S. registered mark.

®

Environmental information

Halogenated flame retardant is not used in cabinets.

Cushions formed by corrugated board are used in packaging.

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Safety information

Owner's record

The serial number and model number are located on the back of your Sony desktop. Record the serial number and the model number
and refer to them if you call VAIO-Link. See also the printed Specifications document.

Warnings

General

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

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

instructions.

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

❑ The power socket outlet you are using must be installed near the equipment and must be easily

accessible.

❑ Do not move your computer while the system is in Standby mode.
❑ The magnetic properties of some objects can have serious consequences for your hard disk drive. They

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

❑ TV sets
❑ Speakers
❑ Magnets
❑ Magnetic bracelets.

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Audio/video

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

equipment emitting electromagnetic radiation.

Connectivity

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

Optical disc drives

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

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

CLASS 1

LASER PRODUCT

TO EN 60825-1

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Regulatory information

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

Declaration of Conformity

The European Union is targeting the free movement of goods for the internal market and to prevent technical barriers to trade. This
effort has resulted in several EU Directives asking that manufacturers make their products comply with essential standards.
Manufacturers are required to affix the "CE" mark on the products they sell and to draw up a "Declaration of Conformity" (DoC).

Primarily, the D eclarations o f Conformity are intended for the market su rveillance authorities as proof that products sati sfy the requi red
standards. Additionally, Sony provides these EU DoC's on the website http://www.compliance.sony.de as a service to our customers.

You can search for all Declarations of Conformity available for a specific product by typing in the model name in the search box. A list
of matching documents will be displayed and can be downloaded. Please note that the availability of declarations depends on the scope
of the EU Directives and the individual product specifications.

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

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

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

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Disposing of the internal memory backup battery

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

http://www.vaio-link.com

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

Please use the public waste collection system.

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Welcome

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

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

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

interface.

❑ Dual drives – Enjoy the freedom of two disc drives*.
❑ Sony audio and video quality – The advanced graphics card and high-quality external stereo speakers

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

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

your favourite programs digitally and by remote control.

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

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

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

operating system from Microsoft®.

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

the VAIO-Link website for a possible solution: http://www.vaio-link.com
Before contacting VAIO-Link, please try to solve the problem by reading this guide, especially the section

Troubleshooting (page 76) or the manuals and help files for the peripherals or software.

* See the printed Specifications document for information about the drive.

®

XP Home Edition with Service Pack 1 - Your system includes the latest consumer

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Documentation pack

Your documentation pack contains printed information and user guides to read on your computer. The user
guides are compiled in the VAIO Info Centre on the VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc.

Printed documentation

The printed part of your documentation pack includes the following:

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

to setup your computer;

❑ A Specifications sheet, containing a table of specifications, a list of bundled software and, on the

reverse side, a guide to setting up your VAIO;

❑ A Guide to Troubleshooting / Using the VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc, where you will

find troubleshooting, an explanation of the purpose and use of the VAIO Recovery and Documentation
Disc and VAIO-Link information;

❑ A Dual Language Operating System leaflet*;
❑ Yo u r Sony Guarantee conditions;
❑ A Safety Regulations leaflet;
❑ A Modem Regulations leaflet.

* Depending on your country and model. Dual Language Operating Systems are available in Switzerland (German and French).

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Online documentation

The online documentation includes the following guides:

1 The Ha rdware Guide (this guide):

❑ Using your VAIO Desktop shows you how to use the standard components of your system.
❑ Connecting peripheral devices explains how you can add functionality by connecting various

peripherals.

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

2 Refer to your Software Guide for information on the software and how to use Sony applications.

❑ About the Software is a short description of the features of the software available with VAIO

systems.

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

Capture.

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

WAV format audio files into ATRAC3 format.

❑ Using PictureGear Studio explains how to get the most enjoyment out of your photographs taken

with a digital camera.

❑ Using Click to DVD explains how to capture video images from a digital external device (camera,

VCR, etc.) and write them to a DVD.

❑ Using VAIO Media explains how to enjoy music, video and photos through your home networking

environment.

❑ Customising your computer explains how to configure your modem and set a wallpaper.

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❑ Installing and updating applications explains how to install, run or uninstall a software

application.

❑ Managing drivers explains how to install, update or uninstall a driver.

3 The Giga Pocket manual explains how to watch and record TV and video on your PC.
4 In the VAIO-Link Customer Service Guide you will find all the VAIO-Link information you need,

including specific contact numbers for each country.

Further sources

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

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

troubleshooting.

2 Refer to the Microsoft Quick Start manual for more information on Windows®.
3 Go to http://www.club-vaio.com to find online tutorials about your favourite VAIO software.

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Your Sony VAIO desktop and its accessories

The following hardware items are in the box:

1 Main unit 7 Power cable

2 VAIO keyboard 8 Phone cable

3 Stereo speakers 9 Phone plug adapter (country-specific)

4 VAIO optical wheel mouse 10 TV-Out cable

5 Infrared receiver (for remote control) 11 Documentation pack

6 Remote control 12 VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc*

✍ *See the printed Guide to Troubleshooting and Using the VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc for details.

The phone cable and plug adapter are used to connect the internal modem.

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Ergonomic considerations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

computer may strain muscles or tendons.

Using your VAIO desktop

Using your VAIO desktop

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

❑ Locating connectors (page 15)
❑ Starting your computer (page 15)
❑ Shutting down your computer (page 16)
❑ Using the keyboard (page 17)

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

❑ Setting up the monitor (page 22)
❑ Using the TV function (page 23)
❑ Using the remote control (page 26)
❑ Using the optical mouse (page 31)
❑ Using the disc drives (page 32)
❑ Using the floppy disk drive (page 36)
❑ Using the modem (page 38)
❑ Expansion capabilities (page 39)
❑ Using the Memory Stick™ (page 40)
❑ Using PC Cards (page 51)
❑ Using power saving modes (page 54)

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Using your VAIO desktop

Locating connectors

Please see the printed Specifications sheet to identify connectors on your model.

Starting your computer

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

To start up your computer, proceed as follows:

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Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

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

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

Using your VAIO desktop

Shutting down your computer

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

To shut down your computer, proceed as follows:

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

The Turn off computer screen appears.

3 Click Tu rn Off.

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

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

4 Turn off any peripherals connected to your computer.

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

If you are unable to shut down your computer;

- Close all software in use.

- Disconnect any USB devices.

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

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

If you want to shut down the computer for a short period only, you can save power by using the Standby mode. Go to Start, Turn Off Computer,
and select Stand By (see Using power saving modes (page 54) for details).

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Using your VAIO desktop

Using the keyboard

This section describes the features of the VAIO keyboard.

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Using your VAIO desktop

Swiss keyboard

If you purchased your VAIO in Switzerland, your keyboard will have the following layout:

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€

<

>

\

Alt gr

Using your VAIO desktop

Keys Descriptions

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

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

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

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

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

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

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

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

Application key (8)

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

Windows® key (10)

Volume buttons (11) Press the - button to decrease volume, and the + button to increase.

Mute button (12) Press once to mute the system sound, press again to restore the sound.

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

the numerical keypad.

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

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

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

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

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

Using your VAIO desktop

Keys Descriptions

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

Indicator LEDs (14) A green light indicates whether the Num Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock functions are active.

Combinations and functions with the Windows® key

Combinations Function

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

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

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

+ <D> Displays the desktop.

+ <E> Displays My Computer.

+ <F> Displays the Search Results window to find a file or folder. This is equivalent to selecting Search

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

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power saving mode.

from the Start menu.

+ <L> Locks your computer.

+ <M> Minimises all displayed windows.

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

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

+ <U> Launches the Windows® Utility Manager.

Using your VAIO desktop

Indicators

Light On Off

Num Lock Turns on when the number keys in the numeric keypad

Caps Lock Turns on when the letters appear in uppercase as you

Scroll Lock Turns on when the screen scrolls differently (not all

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

are active.

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

applications support this function).

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Turns off when the alphanumeri c character keys in the
keypad area are active.

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

Turns off when the information moves across the
display normally.

Using your VAIO desktop

Setting up the monitor

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

For more information on how to use your delivered monitor, refer to the user manual that came with it.
You can also refer to the section Connecting an external display (page 59).

Connecting the monitor

To connect your monitor, proceed as follows:

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

1 Plug one end of the monitor cable into the back panel of

your computer.

2 Plug the other end of the monitor cable into the back of

your monitor.
The monitor is now ready for use.

✍ There are two ports: one for DVI screens and one for common VGA and CRT

screens. Make sure you are using the appropriate connector.

This illustration may not correspond entirely to the configuration of your model.
Please check the section Back Panel of your printed Specifications sheet to see
where the ports are exactly.

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Using your VAIO desktop

Using the TV function

For details on using Sony’s Giga Pocket software, please see the dedicated online guide.
Your computer has been equipped with a TV-tuner board. In combination with Sony's Giga Pocket software,

it allows you to:

❑ Watch, record and play back analogue broadcasted cable and terrestrial TV-programs, all by remote

control;

❑ Digitise analogue video and audio using the S-Video or composite and audio inputs;
❑ Manage your video units (capsules), preview them and create multiple folders;

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

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

Copyright protection

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

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Using your VAIO desktop

Starting to use Giga Pocket

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

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1 Right audio-in channel

2 Left audio-in channel

3Video-in

4S-Video-In port

5 Antenna-in port

Using your VAIO desktop

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

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

of the computer.

2 Plug the other end in the TV wall socket.

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

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

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

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

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

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

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

This illustration may not correspond entirely to the configuration of your model. Please check the section Back Panel of your printed Specifications
sheet to see where the ports are exactly.

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Using your VAIO desktop

Using the remote control

Your VAIO comes with a remote control with which you can control Giga Pocket, VAIO Media, SonicStage
and PowerDVD for VAIO. Before you can use the remote control, you must insert two AA alkaline batteries
and connect the infrared receiver.

Inserting the batteries and connecting the infrared receiver

To insert the batteries, proceed as follows:

1 Slide the battery cover in the direction of the arrow.

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

2 Insert two AA alkaline batteries into the battery bay, matching the polarities (+ to +, - to -).
3 Close the battery cover and slide it securely back into place.

To connect the supplied USB infrared receiver, simply plug the end of
its USB cable into one of the computer’s USB ports, as shown:

✍ When using the remote control, always point it directly at the receiver.

This illustration may not correspond entirely to the configuration of your model. Please check the
section Back Panel of your printed Specifications sheet to see where the ports are exactly.

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Using your VAIO desktop

The following illustration and
table describe the remote control’s
features. Please see Giga Pocket’s
online Help files, within the
software itself, for more details.

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Using your VAIO desktop

Button Function

1 MUTE Temporarily mutes the sound. Pressing it again restores the sound.

2 STANDBY Puts your computer into Standby mode. See Using power saving modes (page 54). You cannot put your

3 MODE switch If you are using more than one desktop with the remote control, this switches control between the

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

4 Numbered buttons

1 - 0

5 Application

buttons

6 JUMP Goes back to the previous channel you selected. Press it again to return to the current channel.

7 ENT Selects the channel. Press it after pressing the channel number buttons.

8 FUNCTION Press this button while Giga Pocket is selected through the MENU button to switch from the TV/recording

9 VOLUME and

CHANNEL

10 SIZE Displays Giga Pocket in full-screen size. Pressing the button again displays Giga Pocket in its original size.

11 AUDIO Selects the sound mode. Each time you press this button, the sound mode changes as follows: Mono >

12 ANGLE This is a universal DVD playback function and is not used for Giga Pocket. This button changes the camera

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computer into Standby mode while Giga Pocket or Giga Pocket Server is running; approximately 5 minutes
before timer recording starts; or just after the expiration date of a Video Capsule.

computers. Set the switch from 1 to 3. whichever value is set in the target computer’s Rem ote Commander
Setting software. 1 is the default if you are just using one desktop.

Used to s elect channels . Press the ENT button after you press these number buttons. You can select up to
3-digit numbers. You cannot change channels while recording.

These buttons are used when operating Giga Pocket.
Pressing MENU displays a menu on the computer screen. Press this button again to select software from

the menu.

START launches the software that was selected with the MENU button.
CLOSE exits the software that was selected with the MENU button.

deck to the playback deck.

Used to adjust the volume and select a channel. You cannot change channels while recording.

Stereo > Channel A > Channel B > Mono.

angle while playing back DVDs, as long as this function is supported by the DVD movie.

Using your VAIO desktop

Button Function

13 SUBTITLE This is a universal DVD playback function and is not used for Giga Pocket. Use it to turn on/off the subtitles

14 TV/VIDEO Each time you press this button, the TV/Recording deck images change to the television feed, or to those

15 DISPLAY Displays the TV/Recording deck and playback deck screens when Giga Pocket is in full-screen mode.

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

16 REC Starts recording the TV programs you are watching on the TV/Recording deck.

17 REC MODE Selects the recording mode. Each time you press this button, the recording mode changes from SP

18 REC STOP Stops recording.

19 REW and FF Used to rewind or fastforward the video tape while playing back Video Capsules.

20 PREV and NEXT These are DVD playback functions and are not used for Giga Pocket. Use these buttons to skip to the next

21 PLAY STOP, PLAY

and PA US E

22 TITLE This is a universal DVD playback function and is not used for Giga Pocket. The function of this button can

23 MENU Displays the Select Video Capsules window. Pressing it again hides the window. For details, refer to the

24 Up/Down/Left/

Right and ENTER

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or change the language of the subtitles while playing back DVDs, as long as this function is supported by
the DVD movie.

from a device connected to the external input port such as a digital device or VCR. You cannot change input
sources while recording.

Pressing the button again hides both the TV/Recording deck and playback deck.

(Standard Play) to HQ (High Quality). For details on the recording mode, refer to the Giga Pocket Help files.

or go back to the previous chapter, as long as the DVD supports this function.

Used to stop playback, play, and pause playback of Video Capsules appearing on the playback deck.

vary depending on the DVD you are watching.

Giga Pocket Help files and the online Giga Pocket manual.

Used to select a Cabinet or Video Capsule in the Select Video Capsules window. For details, refer to the
Giga Pocket Help files and the online Giga Pocket manual.

Also used to operate the film roll when playing back Video Capsules on the playback deck. For details, refer
to the Giga Pocket Help files and the online Giga Pocket manual.

Using your VAIO desktop

Button Function

25 CANCEL Closes the error message dialog box. The window returns to its original size when displayed in full-screen

26 RETURN This is a universal DVD playback function and is not used for Giga Pocket. Use it to go back to a specified

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mode.

moment on the DVD, as long as the DVD supports this function.

Using your VAIO desktop

Using the optical mouse

Your computer is delivered with a VAIO PS/2 optical mouse, which uses a light-emitting diode (LED) instead
of a ball. Avoid using the mouse on a piece of glass or other transparent material, as this can interfere with
smooth cursor movement on the screen.

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Function Action

point Move the entire mouse acr oss a flat surface to

place the pointer on an item or object.

click Press the left button (1) once.

double-click Press the left button twice.

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

applications, this action displays a context­sensitive shortcut menu.

drag and drop Hold the left button down while sliding the

mouse. Then release the button to drop the
obj ect.

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

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

You can adjust the mouse pointer speed and other functions under Mouse Properties. To display Mouse
Properties, go to the Control Panel, select Printers and Other Hardware, then select Mouse.

✍ You can set the mouse up for left-hand use. See the Troubleshoo ting (page 76) section for details.

Using your VAIO desktop

Using the disc drives

Your computer is equipped with two separate drives. See the Specifications sheet for details on your
model.

❑ The DVD±RW drive reads data from and writes data onto DVD and CD.
❑ The DVD-RW drive reads data from and writes data onto DVD and CD.
❑ The CD-RW drive reads data from and writes data onto CD.
❑ The DVD-ROM drive reads data from DVDs and CDs.
❑ The CD-ROM drive reads data from CDs.

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

To insert a disc, proceed as follows:

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

The cover flap opens and the tray slides out.

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

the tray.

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

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Using your VAIO desktop

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

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

of your mouse and select Eject.

What (re)writable CD formats can I use (for DVD and CD writers)?

Recordable and rewritable CD formats include CD-R, CD-RW (high-speed supported). CD-R (recordable)
allows one-time recording on a disc whereas CD-RWs can be rewritten as many as 1,000 times.

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

Writing CDs and DVDs

To achieve optimum performance when writing data on to disc (also called ’burning’), follow these
recommendations:

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

the disc drive.

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

writing data to a disc.

❑ When using a 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.

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

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Using your VAIO desktop

Playing DVDs

To achieve optimum performance when playing DVD-ROMs, you should follow these recommendations:

❑ Close all open applications before playing a DVD-ROM movie.
❑ You can play DVDs in both drives with the software PowerDVD for VAIO.
❑ If you want to play a DVD and use Giga Pocket at the same time, please launch Giga Pocket before

PowerDVD for VAIO.

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

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

may cause the system to become unstable.

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

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

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

region code settings of the DVD drive are out of warranty.

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Using your VAIO desktop

Using two screens while watching a DVD film

By connecting a TV to your computer, you can watch a DVD film while still working on your desktop as
normal.

To use the two screens and change the DVD playback settings, proceed as follows:

1 Connect the TV to your computer as described in Connecting a TV (page 62).
2 Go to Control Panel.
3 Click Appearance and Themes and then Display.

The Display Properties dialog box appears.

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

4 Click the Settings tab.
5 Click Advanced.

The ...NVIDIA GeForce FX... dialog box appears.

6 Click on the GeForce FX tab.
7 Click nView Display Mode on the left.
8 Select the Clone mode check box.
9 Click Apply.

The image appears on both the computer and the TV display.

! If you start playing a DVD with PowerDVD or Windows

with the playback software. To avoid this, make all your display settings before launching the software. Alternatively, always select Clone under
Display Properties > Settings > Advanced > nView Display Mode.

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®

Media Player and then try to change your display settings, you will experience major problems

Using your VAIO desktop

Using the floppy disk drive

Your VAIO desktop is equipped with a floppy disk drive.

Inserting a floppy disk

To insert a floppy disk, proceed as follows:

1 Open the cover showing the Memory Stick™ icon on the front.
2 Hold the floppy disk with the label side facing up.

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

3 Gently push the disk into the floppy disk drive until it clicks into place.

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4 Close the cover flap.

Using your VAIO desktop

Removing a floppy disk

To remove a floppy disk, proceed as follows:

1 Wait until the LED indicator turns off.
2 Press the eject button and pull the disk out gently.

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

3 Close the cover flap.

✍ Do not press the eject button when the LED indicator is turned on. Otherwise, data may be lost.

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Using your VAIO desktop

Using the modem

Your VAIO desktop is equipped with an internal modem. You need to connect a phone line to take
advantage of online services and the Internet, to register your computer and software online, and to contact
VAIO-Link.

To connect a phone line, proceed as follows:

1 Plug one end of the supplied phone

cable into the LINE port on the back of
the computer.

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

2 Plug the other end into the wall jack.

✍ A country-specific phone plug is supplied with your VAIO

desktop, allowing you to plug the phone line into the
wall jack. We recommend you to use the supplied plug,
because the u sage of any other phone plug can decre ase
the connection quality.

Your compu ter cannot be connected to a coin-operated
teleph one, and may not work with multiple phone lines
or a private branch exchange (PBX). If you connect the
modem to a paral lel co nnected phone line, the modem or
the other connected device may not function p roperly.
Some of these connections may result in excess electrical
current and could cause a malfunction in the internal
modem.

Only DTMF (Dual Tone Multi Frequency) signalling (tone
dialling) is supported.

This illustration may not correspond entirely to the configuration of your model. Please check the section Back Panel of your printed Specifications
sheet to see where the ports are exactly.

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Using your VAIO desktop

Expansion capabilities

There are four expansion slots at the rear of your VAIO computer, as follows:

1 (bottom slot) CNR/PCI slot containing the modem card and PCI PCMCIA card.
2 PCI slot containing the Giga Pocket ports.
3 Empty PCI slot.
4 (top slot) AGP slot containing the graphics card.

The empty PCI slot allows you the choice of adding to the expansion capabilities of your computer. See

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

Upgrading your VAIO computer (page 95) for more details.

You are strongly advised not to add hardware yourself. Please contact your local Sony dealer for advice on
changing the internal hardware components.

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Using your VAIO desktop

Using the Memory Stick™

Your VAIO computer is designed to support the Memory Stick™. The Memory Stick™ is a compact, portable,
and versatile device especially designed for exchanging and sharing digital data with compatible products.
Because it is removable, it can be used for external data storage.
Use the flash memory technology to download anything that can be converted into digital data, such as
pictures, music, words, sounds, movies and photographs.
Foreseen as the universal data storage device of the future, the Memory Stick™ can already be used with an
ever-increasing range of compatible products, including:

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

❑ Audio systems
❑ Visual devices
❑ VAIO products
❑ CLIÉ handhelds
❑ Mobile phones.

There are currently three different types of Memory Stick™:

❑ The generic Memory Stick™, coloured blue.
❑ The MagicGate Memory Stick™, coloured white.
❑ The Memory Stick PRO™.

✍ You can purchase Memory Sticks™ from the Sony Style website (http://www.sonystyle-europe.com), or from your local Sony dealer.

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Using your VAIO desktop

Why Memory Stick™?

Sony's vision is to expand the world of communication, promoting the portability of digital data. The
Memory Stick™ is the resulting medium, through which digital devices can be instantly connected. With it,
you can download data from any compatible device, then transfer it to another in a single and instant
transfer.

The main advantages of the Memory Stick™ are its:

❑ Compactness: with dimensions of just 21.5 mm (W) x 2.8 mm (H) x 50 mm (D), compatible products can

also be small, lightweight and attractive in their design.

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

❑ Capacity: its data capacity far exceeds that of a floppy disk.
❑ Security: its lock option means you can protect your data from accidental erasure.
❑ Versatility: memory capacity ranges from 4 MB up to 128 MB (the equivalent capacity of 88 floppy disks)

and up to 1GB for Memory Stick PRO™.

❑ Reliability: by way of protecting the hardware and its contents, the number of terminals is reduced to

only 10 pins. This, and the overall robust structure of the stick, gives it a longer lifespan than other
storage devices.

❑ Durability: the same Memory Stick™ can be used tens of thousands of times.
❑ Forward compatibility: the Memory Stick's™ current format is designed to be compatible with future

products and higher capacity Memory Sticks™.

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Using your VAIO desktop

Generic Memory Stick™

The original Memory Stick™, blue in colour, can be used to record image data taken with digital still
cameras, etc. or data from the PC. With it, you can record, play back and transfer various kinds of data at
any given time.

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Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

Because it is easy to remove and transport safely, you can use Memory Stick™ anywhere by inserting it into
any compatible device to transfer and share the information you have saved.

For you, this means you can expand the capabilities of your VAIO computer in the following scenarios:

❑ With your still digital camera, share your holiday pictures instantly by e-mail.
❑ From your handycam to your VAIO, make the most of your captured moments with the VAIO's movie

editing tools.

❑ Carry pictures on you by copying image files from the Internet to your VAIO to your CLIE handheld.
❑ With your voice recorder, add your voice to e-mails so your tone is never misunderstood.

The blue Memory Stick™ is currently available with a 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 or a 128 MB memory (the equivalent
capacity of 88 floppy disks).

✍ Generic Memory Sticks™ cannot be used with the Memory Stick™ Walkman, or with data that is protected by copyright.

Using your VAIO desktop

MagicGate Memory Stick™

The MagicGate Memory Stick™, white in colour, records PC and image data just like its blue counterpart;
the difference is it uses the MagicGate copyright protection technology.

With this type of Memory Stick™, also called the MG Memory Stick™, you can enjoy the following features:

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

❑ 32, 64 and 128 MB capacity versions.
❑ Storage of up to 120 minutes of audio data.
❑ Download and save:

❑ digital music
❑ pictures

❑ movies, a nd more.
❑ Combine data files to add music to your home movies, for example.
❑ Transfer and share data between several digital products.
❑ MagicGate Copyright Protection Technology.
❑ SDMI (Secure Digital Music Initiative) Compliance.
❑ SonicStage software.

So that you further distinguish a MagicGate Memory Stick™ from a generic one, look for:

❑ the logo printed on it
❑ a protruding dot located on the back.

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Using your VAIO desktop

✍ MagicGate is a copyright protection technology that complies with the standards set by SDMI (Secure Digital Music Initiative, an organization working

to draw up industry standard specifications in order to protect copyrights of digital music).

The logo indicates the copyright protection system devised by Sony. It is not meant to guarantee compatibility with other media.

MagicGate

MagicGate refers to the copyright protection technology used by the MagicGate Memory Stick™ and other
MagicGate Memory Stick™ compatible devices.
The Memory Stick™ Walkman and MagicGate Memory Stick™ work together to check the data and ensure
it complies with copyright protection.

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

If no problems are detected, the data is exchanged in encrypted form; if authentication is not passed, data
cannot be exchanged or played back.

SonicStage

SonicStage uses copyright protection technology designed to manage the digital music content downloaded
to the PC from CDs, the Internet and/or other sources.
Software installed on the PC records music content in encrypted form onto the hard disk. As well as allowing
you to enjoy music on the PC, this technology protects against unauthorized distribution on the Internet.
Since it is compatible with MagicGate, you can use SonicStage to transfer music that you have downloaded
onto your PC to your white MG Memory Stick™, and playback on other Magic Gate-equipped devices and
media.

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Copyright protection

People who create artistic works such as music are entitled to a "copyright", meaning that they have
exclusive rights to dictate how their work is used. When they are created, artistic works are automatically
protected by a copyright without having to submit notification or registration, and may not be used without
the permission of the person who created the work.
In the music world, however, illegal acts of distributing music without the permission of the artist,

Using your VAIO desktop

particularly on the Internet, have recently been on the increase. That is why the Recording Industry
Association of America (RIAA) took the initiative to organize a forum called Secure Music Digital Initiative
(SDMI) to study technology for protecting copyrights during the electronic distribution of music.
Sony offers the MagicGate Memory Stick™ and Memory Stick™ Walkman with a copyright protection
function that complies with SDMI standards, thereby providing an environment where individuals can
record and enjoy third-party music data without worrying about copyright infringement.

✍ Literary works that are recorded by individuals are permitted for private usage only.

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Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

There are nearly 80 Memory Stick™-enabled products on the market or announced for introduction world­wide, ranging from camcorders and portable music players to voice recorders and many other electronic
devices.

You can currently use Memory Sticks™ with the following Sony products:

Visual:

❑ Cybershot digital camera
❑ Mavica digital camera
❑ PC, TRV and VX series digital video cameras
❑ LC data projector

Audio:

❑ MS Walkman
❑ MS Hi-fi system
❑ Network Walkmans
❑ Voice recorders

Other:

❑ VAIO notebooks
❑ VAIO desktops

Using your VAIO desktop

❑ CLIE Handheld Entertainment Organiser
❑ Sony mobile phones
❑ Digital printers
❑ AIBO the Sony Entertainment Robot

To find out more about the products available in your country, go to:

http://www.sonystyle-europe.com

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Using your VAIO desktop

Memory Stick PRO™

The Memory Stick PRO™ records PC and image data just like its blue and white counterpart. However, the
Memory Stick PRO™ provides you with a capacity of up to 1 GB. It also exists in 256MB and 512 MB.

A 1 GB Memory Stick PRO™ card enables users to enjoy a staggering 6 hours of MPEG4 (384 Kbps) moving
images or 24 minutes of DVD quality MPEG2 video. This equates to around sixteen audio CDs, assuming 64
MB per CD, or 360 JPEG images in 5.0 Megapixel quality, more than ten rolls of 24/36 film.

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

Compatible devices

You can currently use the Memory Stick PRO™ with the following Sony products:

Visual:

❑ Cyber-shot DSC-F717, -F77 and FX77 digital camera
❑ DPP-EX5 and -EX7 digital photo printers

❑ Digital camcorders DCR-TRV355, -TRV22, -TRV33, -TRV60 and -TRV80

Other:

❑ MSAC-US20 USB Memory Stick adapter
❑ MSAC-US70 USB optical mouse and Memory Stick adapter
❑ MSAC-PC3 PC Card Memory Stick adapter
❑ MSAC-US7 USB optical mouse and Memory Stick adapter
❑ MSAC-US2 USB Memory Stick adapter

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Using your VAIO desktop

LOCK

LOCK LOCK

Devices that can be upgraded to accept the Memory Stick PRO™ media via a software patch are:

❑ Sony CLIÉ PEG-NX70V handheld. Detailed information will be available on www.clie-link.com.
❑ Some VAIO models.Detailed information will be available on www.vaio-link.com.

Write-protecting a Memory Stick™

Memory Sticks™ are designed with an erasure prevention switch to protect valuable data from accidental
erasure or overwriting.
Move the tab to the right or left* to set or release write-protection. When the erasure prevention switch is

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

off, data can be saved on the Memory Stick™. When the erasure prevention switch is on, data can be read
from but not saved on the Memory Stick™.

* The 128 MB Memory Stick™ has a vertical lock.

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Inserting a Memory Stick™

To insert a Memory Stick™, proceed as follows:

1 Open the cover showing the Memory Stick™ icon on the front.
2 Insert the Memory Stick™ into the Memory Stick™ slot with the connectors pointing to the right.

The Memory Stick™ is automatically detected by your system and appears in the My Computer window

with its own drive.

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3 Close the cover flap.

✍ Always hold the Memory Stick™ with the arrow pointing in the correct direction when you insert it into the slot. To avoid damaging the computer or

the Memory Stick™, do not force the Memory Stick™ into the slot if it does not insert smoothly.

Using your VAIO desktop

Removing a Memory Stick™

To remove a Memory Stick™, proceed as follows:

1 Make sure the indicator light is not on.
2 Push the Memory Stick™ in to release it, and then pull it out.

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3 Close the cover flap.

✍ Always remove the Memory Stick™ g ently, or it may pop out unexpectedly.

You are recommended to remove the Memory Stick™ before shutting down the computer.

Using your VAIO desktop

Using PC Cards

Your VAIO desktop has a PC Card slot on the front panel that supports Type I or Type II PC Cards. PC Cards
allow you to interconnect with portable external devices.

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Using your VAIO desktop

Inserting a PC Card

To insert a PC Card proceed as follows:

1 Open the bottom panel on the front of

your VAIO.

2 Insert th e PC Card gently into the PC Card

slot with the label facing upwards.

The PC Card is automatically detected by

your system and the Safely Remove

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Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

Hardware icon appears in the taskbar.

3 Close the cover flap (unless the

PC Card peripheral prevents it).

✍ You do not need to shut down your computer when inserting

a PC Card.

Some P C Cards may require you to disable idle devices when using the PC Card.

You may not be able to use some PC Cards or some functions of the PC Card with this computer.

Make sure you u se the most recent software driver provided by the PC Card manufacturer.

If the PC Card is operating abnormally, go to Contr ol Panel , Performance and Maintenance, System, click the Hardware tab, and then Device

Manager. If an “!” mark appears next to the PC Card device, remove the software driver and then reinstall it from the installation CD that

accompanies the PC Card.

Do not force a PC Card into the slot. It may damage the connector pins. If you have difficulty inserting a PC Card, check that you are inserting the PC

Card in the correct direction. See the manual supplied with your PC Card for more information on use.

For some PC Cards, if you alternate between Normal power operation and Standby or Hibernate power management modes while the card is

inserted, you may find that a device connected to your system is not recognised. Reboot your system to correct the problem.

Using your VAIO desktop

Removing a PC Card

Follow the steps below to remove the PC Card while your computer is on. If it is not removed properly, your
system may crash and unsaved data may be lost. If you want to remove a PC Card when your computer is off,
skip steps 1 to 7.

To remove a PC Card, proceed as follows:

1 Close any applications that are using the PC Card.
2 Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the taskbar.

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

The Safely Remove Hardware dialog box appears.

3 Select the hardware you want to unplug.
4 Click Stop.
5 In the Stop a Hardware Device dialog box, select the device and confirm that it can be safely removed

from the system.

6 Click OK.

You get the message that it is safe to remove the device.

7 Click Close.
8 Open the panel cover and press the

PC Card release button once so it is

extended and ready for use.

9 Push the PC Card release button to

eject the card.

10 Gently grasp the card and pull it

out.

If the PC Card release button is still

out, push it back in so you can close

the front panel cover.

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Using power saving modes

The colour of the power indicator light on the main unit tells you which mode the computer is in.

Colour Mode

Blue Computer is in Normal mode

Umber Computer is in Standby mode

No colour Computer is turned off or in Hibernate mode

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Using Standby mode

If you plan to stop using your computer for a short period of time (not overnight), you can put it into
Standby mode instead of turning it off completely. Putting the computer into Standby mode saves energy
and allows a quick return to normal computer use.

To set the timer for your computer to automatically enter Standby mode after a certain amount of time,
go to Control Panel, click Performance and Maintenance and open Power Options.

To activate Standby mode manually, use one of these two methods:

Use the Standby button:

1 Save your work, close all applications and close your Internet connection, if applicable.
2 Press the Standby button at the top of the keyboard.

The computer goes into Standby mode, indicated by the umber light behind the System icon.

Use the Windows® taskbar:

1 Save your work, close all applications and close your Internet connection, if applicable.
2 From the Start menu on the Windows® taskbar, select Turn Off Computer.

Alternatively, press <Alt>+<F4> to get to the same dialog box.

Using your VAIO desktop

3 Select Stand By.

The computer goes into Standby mode, indicated by the umber light behind the System icon.

To return to Normal mode, choose from the following:

❑ Press any key on the keyboard.
❑ Press the Standby button again.
❑ Quickly press the power button on your computer.

✍ You can leave Windows

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

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

When the computer is in Standby mode, you cannot insert a disc.

The computer comes out of Standby mode quicker than out of Hibernate mode..

Standby uses more power than Hibernate.

Using Hibernate mode

If you are interrupted and need to leave your computer suddenly, you can put it into Hibernate mode. This
power saving mode saves you the time of shutting down in the normal way.

When you put your computer into Hibernate mode:

❑ Everything in the memory is saved to the hard disk.
❑ The monitor and hard disk are turned off.
❑ The computer is turned off.
❑ The power indicator light turns off.

To set the timer for your computer to automatically enter Hibernate mode after a certain amount of time,
go to Control Panel click Performance and Maintenance and open Power Options.

®

running when using Standby.

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To activate Hibernate mode manually, use one of these two methods:

Use the Windows® taskbar:

1 Save your work.
2 From the Start menu on the Windows® taskbar, select Turn Off Computer.

Alternatively, press <Alt>+<F4> until the Turn Off Computer screen is displayed.

3 In the Turn Off Computer screen, hold down the <Shift> key to reveal the Hibernate button.
4 Click Hibernate.

The computer goes into Hibernate mode, the computer turns off.

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

Use the power button:

❑ Quickly press the power button on the front of the main unit.

The computer goes into Hibernate mode, the computer turns off.
To return to Normal mode, quickly press the power button on your computer.

Operation returns to the same state as before.

✍ You can leave Windows

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

When the computer is in Hibernate mode, you cannot insert a disc.

Hibernate uses less power than Standby.

Hibernate requires more time than Standby.

®

running when using Hibernate.

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Connecting peripheral devices

Connecting peripheral devices

You can add functionality to your computer by connecting any of the following peripherals, and more.
Before you connect a peripheral, turn off both the computer and the peripheral.
Connect the power cord only after connecting all cables.
Turn on the computer only after turning on all peripherals.

❑ Notes on connecting Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices (page 58)
❑ Connecting an external display (page 59)

❑ Connecting a projector (page 61)

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

❑ Connecting a TV (page 62)
❑ Connecting an external microphone (page 65)
❑ Connecting a printer (page 66)

❑ Connecting a USB printer (page 67)
❑ Connecting an i.LINK™ device (page 68)

❑ Connecting a digital video camera recorder (page 69)

❑ Connecting two VAIO computers (page 70)
❑ Connecting to a network (page 71)

✍ Hot plug and play devices (such as USB devices) should be plugged in when the computer is switched on.

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Connecting peripheral devices

Notes on connecting Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices

You can connect a USB device, for example, a scanner or a printer, to your VAIO desktop. Your computer
features the latest USB technology, having been upgraded to USB Specification version 2.0. USB Specification
version 2.0 increases device data throughput up to 480 Mbps, 40 times faster than USB 1.1 devices.

With the increased speed, you have the benefit of an additional range of high performance peripherals.
Even with multiple high-speed peripherals connected to a USB 2 bus, you do not have to worry about hitting
the bandwidth bottleneck. The new specification also inherits the current USB’s Plug and Play and hot­swapping capability as well as providing backward compatibility for USB 1.1 hardware.

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

There are USB ports on the front and back of your VAIO desktop. To connect a USB device, simply plug in
the USB cable of the device into one of the ports on your computer.

✍ USB d evic es are hot p lug and p lay devices. You do not nee d to shut down your computer prior to connecti ng these devic es un less the manual supplied

with the device states otherwise.

For some USB devices you need to install the software before you connect the device. Not following this procedure might cause the device not to work

properly. For more information, check the manual provided with the USB device.

You do not need to shut down the computer before connecting or disconnecting a USB peripheral.

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Connecting peripheral devices

Connecting an external display

You can connect multiple displays to your desktop, each using a different port on the back of your computer:

❑ an LCD screen using the DVI connector,
❑ a CRT or LCD screen using the VGA connector,
❑ a TV using the TV-Out connector.

See also Setting up the monitor (page 22) and Using two screens while watching a DVD film

(page 35).

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Please make note of the following viewing possibilities:

❑ If you have a VGA and a DVI display connected at the same time, you can switch from one display to the

other (the default is VGA), but you cannot display the image on both at the same time.

❑ If you have a VGA and a TV connected, the image is shown on both screens by default.
❑ If you have a DVI and a TV connected, the image is shown on both screens by default.
❑ If you have a VGA, a DVI and a TV connected, the image will be shown either on both the VGA and the

TV, or both the DVI and the TV.

To change your display from VGA to DVI or vice versa, proceed as follows:

1 Connect the display(s), as described in Setting up the monitor (page 22) or in the instructions

delivered with the display, if applicable.

2 Go to Control Panel.
3 Click Appearance and Themes then Display.

The Display Properties dialog box appears.

4 Click the Settings tab.
5 Click Advanced.

The ...NVIDIA GeForce FX... dialog box appears.

Connecting peripheral devices

6 Click on the GeForce FX tab.
7 Click nView Display Mode on the left.
8 Select the Device Settings button.
9 Click Select Output Device... and select the required display.
10 Click OK.

If you reboot after changing the settings as above, the default setting returns and the image is shown on
the VGA screen again. If you want the image to be shown on both the DVI and the TV after rebooting, please
disconnect the VGA.

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

Similarly, if you have all three displays connected and want the computer to select DVI and TV when you
start your computer, simply make your settings again.

! If you start playing a DVD with PowerDVD or Windows

with the playback software. To avoid this, make all your display settings before launching the software. Alternatively, always select Clone under

Display Properties > Settings > Advanced > nView Display Mode.

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Media Player and then try to change your display settings, you will experience major problems

Connecting peripheral devices

Connecting a projector

You can connect a projector (such as the Sony LCD projector) directly to your computer.

To connect a projector to your VAIO desktop, proceed as follows:

1 Plug one end of the VGA cable (not supplied) into the VGA connector on the back of your computer, and

the other end into the projector you want to use (1).

2 Plug the audio cable (not supplied) into the headphones connector identified by the symbol (2).
3 Connect the power cord of the projector into an AC outlet (3).

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✍ This illustration may not correspond entirely to the configuration of your model. Please check the section Back Panel of your printed Specifications

sheet to see where the ports are exactly.

Connecting peripheral devices

Connecting a TV

You can connect a TV directly to your computer. See also Using the TV function (page 23) and Using two
screens while watching a DVD film (page 35).

In order to be able to use a TV screen, you also have to enable the TV-Out function.
Your VAIO desktop is delivered with a TV-Out cable (or ’converter cable’), which is for use with TV sets

without an S-Video port.

Connecting a TV that has no S-Video port

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Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

To connect a TV to your VAIO desktop with the supplied TV-Out cable, proceed as follows:

1 Plug one end of the TV-Out cable into the

TV-Out port on the back of your computer.

2 Take your composite cable (not supplied) and

connect one end to the inserted TV-Out cable.

3 Connect the other end to the yellow-coloured

port (Video-In) on your TV set.

The video output is now in place.

4 Connect the single end of your audio cable

(not supplied) to the headphones port, either

on the back of your computer or on the

connected speaker.

Connect the double end of the audio cable to

the red and white ports respectively on your

TV set.

The audio output is now in place and your TV

is ready for use with your computer.

Connecting peripheral devices

✍ This illustration may not correspond entirely to the configuration of your model. Please check the section Back Panel of your printed Specifications

sheet to see where the ports are exactly.

! If you start playing a DVD with PowerDVD or Windows

with the playback software. To avoid this, make all your display settings before launching the software. Alternatively, always select Clone under

Display Properties > Settings > Advanced > nView Display Mode.

Connecting a TV that has a S-Video port

To connect a TV to your VAIO desktop with an S-Video cable (not supplied), proceed as follows:

1 Plug one end of the S-Video cable into the TV Out port on the back of your computer.

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

2 Plug the other end of the S-Video cable into your TV’s S-Video port.

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Media Player and then try to change your display settings, you will experience major problems

Connecting peripheral devices

To enable TV-Out, proceed as follows:

1 Go to Control Panel.
2 Click Appearance and Themes.
3 Click Display.

The Display Properties dialog box appears.

4 Click the Settings tab.
5 Click Advanced.

The ...NVIDIA GeForce FX... dialog box appears.

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

6 Click on the GeForce FX tab.
7 Click nView Display Mode on the left.
8 Select Clone and click Apply.

✍ This illustration may not correspond entirely to the configuration of your model. Please check the section Back Panel of your printed Specifications

sheet to see where the ports are exactly.

! If you start playing a DVD with PowerDVD or Windows

with the playback software. To avoid this, make all your display settings before launching the software. Alternatively, always select Clone under

Display Properties > Settings > Advanced > nView Display Mode.

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Media Player and then try to change your display settings, you will experience major problems

Connecting peripheral devices

Connecting an external microphone

Your VAIO desktop does not contain an internal microphone. If you need to use a sound input device, for
example to chat on the Internet, you need to plug in an external microphone.

To connect an external microphone, plug the microphone cable (1) into the microphone port (2) identified
by the symbol .

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✍ Make sure your microphone is designed for computer use.

This illustration may not correspond entirely to the configuration of your model. Please check the section Back Panel of your printed Specifications

sheet to see where the ports are exactly.

Connecting peripheral devices

Connecting a printer

To connect a printer, proceed as follows:

1 Plug the printer cable into the printer connector on your computer.
2 Plug the printer power cord into an AC outlet.

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✍ This illustration may not correspond entirely to the configuration of your model. Please check the section Back Panel of your printed Specifications

sheet to see where the ports are exactly.

Connecting peripheral devices

Connecting a USB printer

To connect a USB printer, simply plug the printer's USB cable into one of the USB ports on your VAIO
desktop. There are USB ports at the front and at the back of your computer.

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✍ Do not turn on the computer or the printer until all the connections are made.

These procedures do not apply to all printers. If you do not have a printer compatible to these procedures, please refer to the manufacturer’s

instru ctions on connecting and installing it.

This illustration may not correspond entirely to the configuration of your model. Please check the section Back Panel of your printed Specifications

sheet to see where the ports are exactly.

Connecting peripheral devices

Connecting an i.LINK™ device

Your VAIO computer includes a 4-pin i.LINK™ port on the front of the system and a 6-pin i.LINK™ port on
the back of the system. Use these ports to connect an i.LINK™ device such as a digital video camera recorder
or to link up two VAIO computers so you can copy, delete or edit files.

❑ The 6-pin i.LINK™ port can supply power from the computer to the connected device.
❑ The 4-pin i.LINK™ port cannot supply power to a connected device.

The i.LINK™ ports supports transfer rates up to 400 Mbps; however, the actual transfer rate depends on the
transfer rate of the external device.

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

The i.LINK™ features available may vary depending on the software applications you use. Refer to the
documentation that came with your software for more information.
The i.LINK™ cables that are compatible with your VAIO desktop include cables with the following part
numbers: VMC-IL4415, VMC-IL4435, VMC-IL4615, VMC-IL4635, VMC-IL6615, and VMC-IL6635. Sony computer
supplies, accessories and peripherals can be purchased from your local retailer or from the Sony website:

http://www.sonystyle-europe.com

❑ Connecting a digital video camera recorder (page 69)
❑ Connecting two VAIO computers (page 70)

✍ An i.LINK™ connection with other compatible devices is not fully guaranteed.

You are strongly advised to use only Sony i.LINK™ cables, as using other brands may cause problems with the i.LINK™ devices.

The i.LINK™ connection varies depending on the software applications, operating system and i.LINK™ compatible devices you use. Refer to the

documentation that came with your software for more information.

Check the working conditions and OS compatibility of i.LINK™-compatible PC peripherals (HDD, CD-RW drive etc.) before you connect them to your

VAI O d es kto p.

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Connecting peripheral devices

Connecting a digital video camera recorder

To connect a digital video camera recorder, proceed as follows:

1 Plug one end of the i.LINK™ cable (not supplied) into the i.LINK™ port of the computer and the other

end into the DV-Out port on your digital video camera recorder.

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2 Launch the DVgate application (see your Software Guide for more information).

✍ On Sony digital video cameras, ports labelled DV Out, DV In/Out or i.LINK are i.LINK™-compatible.

The Sony digital video camera recorder is an example; your digital video camera recorder may need to be connected differently.

If your digital video camera recorder includes a Memory Stick™ slot, you canuse it to copy images from the camera to your computer. To do so, simply

copy images on the Memory Stick™, and then insert it into the Memory Stick™ slot of your computer; just like using a floppy disk, for example.

Connecting peripheral devices

Connecting two VAIO computers

If you have adminstrator rights on your computer, you can connect your VAIO desktop to another VAIO
computer using an i.LINK™ cable (not supplied). With the software delivered with your VAIO desktop, you
can copy, edit or delete files on another VAIO computer that also has Windows® XP installed.

You can also print a document on a printer connected to another VAIO computer.

To connect your VAIO desktop to another VAIO computer, proceed as follows:

1 Insert one end of the i.LINK™ cable into one of the i.LINK™ ports on the main unit of the VAIO desktop.

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

2 Connect the other end to the other VAIO computer.

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✍This illustration may not correspond entirely to the configuration of

your model. Pleas e check the section Back Panel of your printed
Specifications sheet to see where the ports are exactly.

Connecting peripheral devices

Connecting to a network

Your computer comes with a built-in Ethernet interface.

To connect to a network, proceed as follows:

1 Connect your 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Ethernet cable (not supplied) to the Ethernet port on the back of

the computer.

If there is a sticker covering the Ethernet port, this is to remind customers in Germany not to insert an

ISDN cable (see caution below).

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2 Go to Start, right-click My Computer and select Properties.
3 Click the Hardware tab and select Device Manager.

The Device Manager screen appears with the list of devices.

4 Under Network Adapters, right-click the name of the adapter.

Connecting peripheral devices

5 Click Properties.
6 Under Device Usage, select Use this device (enable).
7 Click OK to close the Properties window.

The Ethernet connection is now enabled.

! Connect only 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX cables to the Ethernet port. Using other cables or a telephone cable may cause a malfunction, excessive heat

or even fire in the port. If using this com puter in Germany, pleas e make sure you do not use an ISDN cable. It is physically very similar, but its higher

voltage of 12V may destroy the motherboard inside the computer.

✍ For more information about connecting your VAIO desktop to the network, please consult the Hardware troubleshooting section of the VAIO-Link

website (http://www.vaio-link.com

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

How to troubleshoot network problems.

For help on connecting to a network, see your network administrator.

This illustration may not correspond entirely to the configuration of your model. Please check the section Back Panel of your printed Specifications

sheet to see where the ports are exactly.

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Getting help

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Getting help

This section describes how to get help and support from Sony, as well as troubleshooting tips for your
computer.

Sony's support options

Sony offers you several support options for your computer.

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

Sony documentation

Please see the section Documentation pack (page 8) for details on the printed and online documentation
delivered with your computer, as well as further sources of reference.

Other sources of information

❑ Online Help files: Before contacting VAIO-Link, try to solve the problem by reading the user guides and

help files supplied with the peripherals or software.

❑ VAIO-Link website, which you can access if you have any problems with your computer:

http://www.vaio-link.com

✍ You will need to set up and configure your VAIO's internal modem before you can visit the VAIO-Link website.

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e-Support

What is e-Support?

You have searched our user guides and website (www.vaio-link.com) but have not found an answer to your
question/issue? e-Support is the ideal solution for you!

Our e-Support Web Portal is an interactive website on which you can submit any technical query you may
have regarding your VAIO and receive answers from our dedicated support team.

Every submitted query will result in a unique 'case number' to ensure smooth communication between
yourself and the e-Support Team.

Who can use e-Support?

All registered VAIO customers are entitled to unlimited access to the VAIO-Link e-Support Web Portal.

How can I access the e-Support portal?

When you register your VAIO computer online at Club-VAIO (www.club-vaio.com), you will automatically
receive an email with the link to the e-Support Web Portal, your Customer ID and some basic explanation a
few hours later.

All you need to do is activate your account by clicking on the provided link in the email.
You are now ready to create your first case!
You can access the e-Support Web Portal from any computer with an active Internet connection.
A complete help file is available on the e-Support Web Portal to help you use our e-Support Service.

Can I submit questions in my native language?

Since you are interacting with our e-Support Team through a portal, which connects you directly to our
central database, e-Support will only accept and deal with queries submitted in English.

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Can I submit my questions at any time?

Yes, you can submit your questions 24/7, but please keep in mind that our e-Support Team can only treat
your queries from Monday till Friday between 8am and 6pm.

Is there a cost involved for using e-Support?

No, this is a complete free of charge service offered to all registered VAIO customers!

How do I know when the e-Support Team has handled my query/case?

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

As soon as your case has been dealt with by our e-Support Team, you will receive an email, notifying you
that your case has been updated.

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Troubleshooting

This section describes how to solve common problems you might encounter when using your VAIO desktop.
Many problems have simple solutions. Please try these suggestions before contacting VAIO-Link or your local
Sony dealer.

You are recommended to print out this section and keep it for future reference.

❑ About the computer and software (page 77)
❑ About Giga Pocket (page 81)
❑ About the display (page 82)
❑ About discs and floppy disks (page 83)
❑ About sound (page 87)
❑ About the modem (page 89)
❑ About peripherals (page 90)
❑ About digital video captures and DVgate (page 94)
❑ About i.LINK™ devices (page 94)

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About the computer and software

My computer does not start

❑ Check that the computer is plugged directly into a power source (without an extension cord) and that it

is turned on.

❑ Check that the monitor is properly connected to the main unit, plugged into a power source and turned

on. Check that the brightness and contrast controls are adjusted correctly.

❑ Check the power socket is working by testing it with another device (e.g. a lamp or radio).
❑ Check that the power indicator on the front panel of the computer indicates that the power is on.
❑ If you cannot start Windows
❑ Confirm that the power cord and all cables are connected firmly.
❑ If you have plugged the computer into a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), make sure the UPS is

turned on and works.

❑ Unplug all external devices and cables, including the Internet connection.
❑ Remove any extra memory modules you may have inserted since purchase.

❑ If the message Press <F1> to resume, <F2> to set up appears at the bottom of the display, you need

to initialise the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System).

❑ Moisture condensation may have occurred. Do not use the computer for at least one hour and then turn

it on.

®

, make sure there is no disk in the floppy disk drive.

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The message 'Press <F1> to continue, <F2> to enter setup' appears at startup

This message is telling you to initialise the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System).

To do so, proceed as follows:

1 Turn off the computer.
2 Remove any peripheral devices connected to the computer.
3 Turn on the computer and press <F2> when the Sony logo appears.

The BIOS setup menu screen appears.

4 Use the keyboard’s arrow keys to select the Exit menu.
5 Press <F5> or use the arrow keys to select Load Setup Defaults and then press <Enter>.

The message Load Setup Defaults? appears.

6 Make sure that Ye s is selected and then press <Enter>.
7 Press <F10> to exit, or use the arrow keys to select Save Changes and then press <Enter>.

The message Save configuration changes and exit now? appears.

8 Make sure that Ye s is selected and then press <Enter>.

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My computer does not shut down

It is recommended that you shut down your computer using the Turn Off Computer command on the
Windows® Start menu. Using other methods, including those listed here, may result in loss of unsaved data.

If the Turn Off Computer command does not work properly, proceed as follows:

1 Shut down the computer by pressing <Alt>+<F4>. The Turn off computer box appears. Select Turn Off.
2 If this does not work, press <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Delete>. The Task Manager dialog box appears. Click Shut

Down, then Turn Of f .

3 If this does not work, press the power button and hold it for at least six seconds.

This turns off the power.

4 If you really have tried everything, unplug the computer from the mains.

My system is running slowly

❑ The system response time varies, depending on the number of applications that are open and running.

Close any application that you are not currently using.

❑ Increasing the system memory may also help. The computer has two memory slots. For memory

upgrades, use only PC2700 (DDR333) DDR-SDRAM DIMM modules. For information on installing memory,

please see the section Upgrading memory (page 99).

❑ Another option is to defragment the hard drive. See the Windows

®

Help files for details or contact your

system administrator if you have one.

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My computer or software program is not responding

If you suspect one application is locking your system, you can try to stop it, as follows:

1 Press <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Delete> simultaneously.

The Windows Task Manager screen appears.

2 Scroll down until you see an application with the status Not responding.
3 Select this application from the list and click End Task.

Windows® tries to close the application.

If it fails to do so, a second dialog box appears.

4 Select End Task again.

If the above method does not work or you do not know which application is locking your system, shut down
the computer, as follows:

1 Click the Start button.
2 Select Turn Off Computer, and then Tur n off in the dialog box that appears.

❑ If the above method does not work, press the power button and hold it for at least six seconds. This turns

off the power, risking the loss of unsaved data.

❑ If your computer locks up while playing a disc, stop the disc by pressing the eject button on the disc drive,

then restart your computer.

❑ If the message Application not responding appears, click End Now. Please be warned that you will

lose unsaved data.

❑ If this happens regularly:

❑ Contact the software publisher or designated provider for technical support.

❑ Make sure the software is compatible with your equipment and operating system.

❑ Try reinstalling the software.

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Windows® locks up during shutdown

There are many reasons why the Windows® operating system may not shut down properly, including
incompatible or conflicting drivers, damaged files, or non-responsive hardware.

To search Windows® Help for troubleshooting information, proceed as follows:

1 From the Start menu, select Help and Support.
2 Click Fixing a problem.
3 Use the browse and search functions to find a solution.

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

About Giga Pocket

The "Hardware Overlay Error" message appears

❑ If another application is using the hardware overlay, this means it is temporarily overriding your desktop

settings and preventing Giga Pocket from launching. Close the relevant application and relaunch Giga

Pocket.

❑ If you want to use Giga Pocket at the same time as another application, make sure you launch Giga

Pocket first, as it needs prioritised access to the hardware overlay.

❑ In Giga Pocket Explorer, before clicking Make DVD or Send to > Click to DVD, close the main Giga

Pocket window. You can then proceed as normal.

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About the display

My monitor does not display anything

❑ Check that the computer is plugged into a power source and that it is turned on.
❑ Check that the monitor is plugged into the computer and to a power source, and turned on.
❑ Check that the power indicators on the main unit and on the screen are on.
❑ Adjust the brightness of the monitor.
❑ The computer display may be in Standby mode. Press any key to activate the display.
❑ If you want to use a digital display (DVI), you cannot use it at the same time as a VGA. Either disconnect

the VGA display and reboot your computer, or change the settings as described under Connecting an

external display (page 59).

The window I have just closed is still on the screen

❑ Press <F5> to refresh the screen, or
❑ Press the Windows

I cannot find the Windows® taskbar

❑ Check that the taskbar is not hidden or minimised.
❑ Move the cursor to each edge of the screen to retrieve the taskbar.

®

key + <D> twice to clean up the screen.

To change the default view of the taskbar and the Start menu, proceed as follows:

1 Click Start, and select Control Panel.
2 Click Appearance and Themes, then Taskbar and Start Menu.

The Taskbar and Start Menu Properties dialog box appears, where you can make the required

settings.

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I want to change the resolution of my display

To change the resolution of your display, proceed as follows:

1 From the Start menu, select Control Panel.
2 Click Appearance and Themes, then Display.

The Display Properties dialog box appears.

3 Select the Settings tab.
4 Move the Screen resolution slider to change the resolution.
5 Click OK.

About discs and floppy disks

My disc drive tray does not open

❑ Make sure the computer is turned on and press the eject button on the drive.
❑ If the eject button is not working, click Start, and select My Computer. Right-click the optical disc drive

and select Eject.

❑ Make sure the computer is not in Standby or Hibernate mode.
❑ If the disc tray still does not eject, the CD/DVD-writing application software may be stopping it. Make

sure the application is closed before you proceed.

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I cannot play a disc

❑ After inserting the disc, wait for a few seconds for the system to detect it before you try to access it.
❑ Make sure the label of the disc is facing up.
❑ If the disc requires software, make sure the software is installed according to the instructions of the

program.

❑ Check the volume of your speakers.
❑ Clean the disc with an appropriate cleaner.
❑ There may be condensation in the drive. Remove the disc and leave the drive open for approximately

one hour.

❑ If a region code warning appears when you are using the DVD player, it could be that the DVD you are

trying to play is incompatible with the DVD drive on your VAIO desktop. The region code is listed on the

packaging of the disc.

❑ If you hear sound but cannot see a picture, your computer's video resolution may be set too high. For

best results, change the resolution in the Control Panel - Display to a lower resolution.

❑ If you see the video but cannot hear sound, check all of the following:

❑ Make sure the mute setting is off in your DVD player software.

❑ Check the volume settings under Control Panel - Sounds, Speech and Audio Devices. If you have

connected external speakers, check the volume settings for your computer speakers and check the
connections between your speakers and the computer.

❑ In the Device Manager, check that the correct drivers are installed properly. To display the Device

Manager, Go to the Control Panel. Click Performance and Maintenance, and then the System
icon. In the System Properties dialog box, click the Hardware tab.

❑ A dirty or damaged disc may cause the computer to 'hang' while it tries to read the disc. If necessary,

reboot the computer, remove the disc and then check that it is not dirty or damaged.

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Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

✍ On your computer, the default DVD region code is 2, which is the region code for European DVDs. Do not change this s etting using the Region Code

Change function in Windows

beyond the scope of your warranty and will result in service charges for repair.

®

, or any other software application. System malfunctions originating from the user changing the DVD region code are

I cannot record to DVD (for models with a DVD writer)

You can find general troubleshooting points below, but the VAIO-Link website has more detailed advice,
including links to help files and DVD software manuals. Always check the website if you are having
difficulties:

www.vaio-link.com

If you are having problems with general recording, perform the following checks:

❑ Are you using the correct DVD recordable media?

Please check which DVD recordable format is compatible with your VAIO built-in DVD recorder: DVD-R /

DVD-RW / DVD+R / DVD+RW. Please note the possibility that some brands of DVD recordable media do

not work.

❑ Is there any third-party DVD-recording software installed on the VAIO? If so, remove all third-party DVD-

recording software from the computer.

❑ Are you able to read regular data/music DVDs? Check if you are able to read pre-recorded DVD media.

Please note that combined drives (i.e. DVD recordable drive and CD reader/writer in one) tend to be more

sensitive than regular DVD drives (for example, a scratched DVD will work fine in a DVD drive but cannot

be read in a combined drive).

❑ Is the DVD recorder properly detected and functioning according to the Device Manager? Go to Start,

right-click My Computer and select Properties. Click the Ha rdware tab and select Device Manager.

Open DVD/CD-ROM drives in the tree list. Please note that the name of the drive can differ for each

model.

If an exclamation mark is shown next to the drive or if DVDRW is not mentioned for the drive, uninstall

the DVD recorder from Device Manager and restart the computer. Please note that the drivers used are

generic Windows® drivers and are not available on the VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc or the

VAIO-Link website.

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❑ Check www.vaio-link.com for the following:

❑ If your VAIO is updated to the latest BIOS (Basic Input/Output System).

❑ If a firmware update is available for your DVD recordable drive.
❑ Perform a system recovery on the VAIO. Make sure you aware of the consequences of this action

beforehand. See the section Recovering the system of the guide Troubleshooting / Using the VAIO

Recovery and Documentation Disc.

❑ If you are still unable to record to DVD, contact VAIO-Link directly.

My floppy disk drive cannot write to a disk

❑ The floppy disk may be write-protected. Disable the write-protect feature or use a disk that is not write-

protected.

❑ Check that the disk is properly inserted into the floppy disk drive.

When I double-click an application icon, a message such as 'You must insert the application CD into your
drive' appears and the software does not start

❑ Some titles require specific files that are located on the application disc. Insert the disc and try starting

the program again.

❑ Make sure you place the disc in the tray with the label side facing upwards.

The recording and reading speed of CDs / DVDs is slow

Generally, the speed of a CD/DVD-RW is slower than that of a CD/DVD-ROM, or CD/DVD-R. The speed can
also vary depending on the type of format.

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About sound

The sound is distorted after recording with the Giga Pocket software

If you have problems with the sound while playing back a clip recorded with Giga Pocket, proceed as follows:

1 In the Control Panel, choose Sounds, Speech and Audio Devices.
2 Select Advanced Volume Controls on the left-hand side.

The Volume Control box appears.

3 Click the Options menu and select Properties.
4 Under Recording, select the Aux check box and click OK.

The Aux column is now visible in the Volume Control box.

5 Under the Aux column, make sure the Select check box is selected.
6 Reboot your computer.

The unwanted noise after recording with Giga Pocket should now be cleared.

✍ You must reboot your computer after s electi ng the check box un der Aux, otherwise the s ettings will not be applied for the next Giga Pocket recording.

My speakers are not producing any sound

❑ If you are using an application that has its own volume control, check that the volume is turned up.
❑ Check the volume controls in Windows
❑ Check that the speakers are connected correctly and turned on, and that the power cable is plugged into

the mains (see the printed Getting Started brochure or the back of the Specifications sheet for

connection details).

®

and in Windows® Media Player.

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My microphone is too sensitive to background noise

If you find there is too much background noise when you record sound, you can adjust the microphone gain.

To adjust the microphone settings, proceed as follows:

1 In the Control Panel, choose Sounds, Speech and Audio Devices.
2 Click Sounds and Audio Devices.

The Sounds and Audio Devices Properties box appears.

3 Click the Voice tab.
4 Under Voice recording, click Volu m e.

The Recording Control dialog box appears.

5 In the Options menu, select Properties.

The Properties dialog box appears.

6 Change the setting in the Adjust volume for dialog box from Playback to Recording, and then click

OK.

7 Reduce the microphone level by moving the slider control.
8 In the Options menu, select Advanced Controls, and then click the Advanced button under

Microphone - Balance.

The Advanced Controls for Microphone dialog box appears.

9 Deselect the Microphone Boost check box, and then click Close.
10 Close the Recording Control dialog box.

The unwanted noise should now be cleared.

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About the modem

My internal modem does not work or cannot establish a connection

❑ Check that the phone line is plugged into your computer.
❑ Make sure that the modem is the only device connected to your phone line.
❑ Check that the phone line is working. You can check the line by plugging in an ordinary phone and

listening for a dial tone.

❑ Check that the phone number the program is dialling is correct. The modem dialling mode may be

incompatible with your telephone line.

❑ The modem may not work properly if you are with a Private Automatic Branch eXchange (PABX).
❑ In the Phone and Modem Options dialog box (Control Panel / Phone and Modem Options), check

that your modem is listed in the Modems tab, and that the location information is correct on the

Dialing Rules tab.

✍ If you do not see the Phone and Modem Options icon, click Switch to Classic View on the left side.

My modem connection is slow

Many factors influence modem connection speed, including telephone line noise or compatibility with
telephone equipment (such as fax machines or other modems). If you think your modem is not connecting
properly to other PC-based modems, fax machines, or your Internet Service Provider, check the following:

❑ Have your phone company check that your phone line is free from any line noise.
❑ If your problem is fax-related, check that there are no problems with the fax machine you are calling and

that it is compatible with fax modems.

❑ If you are having a problem connecting with your Internet Service Provider, check that the ISP is not

experiencing technical problems.

❑ If you have a second phone line available, try connecting the modem to that line.

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About peripherals

My mouse does not work

❑ If you are using the supplied PS/2 mouse, you must connect it before you turn on your computer.
❑ If you are using an optional Sony USB mouse, check that the appropriate driver and software are

properly installed.

❑ Check that the mouse is plugged into the mouse connector.
❑ Note that the scrolling features work only with programs that use scroll bars. Some programs do not

support features usually available with the central wheel.

❑ Do not use the mouse on a reflective surface (such as a mirror) or transparent surface (such as glass).
❑ Some surfaces do not allow the sensor to function properly because the irregularities are too small to be

detected. The best surfaces reflect but scatter light; an example is a blank sheet of white drawing paper.

Otherwise, use a standard mouse pad.

My mouse needs to be set up for left-hand use

To set your mouse up for left-handed users, proceed as follows:

1 Go to Start, select Control Panel, then click the Printers and Other Hardware option.
2 Click the Mouse icon.

The Mouse Properties dialog box appears.

3 In the Buttons tab, select the option button next to Switch primary and secondary buttons.
4 Click OK.

The new mouse settings are now in place.

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My keyboard does not work properly

❑ If using the keyboard delivered with your computer, check that it is plugged into the PS/2 keyboard port

on the back of the unit.

❑ PS/2 connections are not ’plug and play’, which means that if you connect the PS/2 keyboard after starting

your computer, it does not work. Shut down the computer and connect the keyboard before restarting

the system.

I cannot use digital (DV) devices. The message 'DV equipment seems to be disconnected or turned off'
appears.

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

❑ Check that the DV device is turned on and that the cables are properly connected.
❑ If you are using multiple i.LINK™ devices, the combination of the connected devices may cause unstable

operation. If this is the case, turn off all connected devices and disconnect unused devices. Check the

connection and then turn on the power again.

❑ You are strongly advised to use only Sony i.LINK™ cables, as using other brands may cause problems with

the i.LINK™ devices.

How do I install a printer?

Always check the printer manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers for Windows® XP Home Edition Service
Pack 1 before proceeding. Some printers do not function properly without updated drivers.
If the printer has a USB connection, the printer should be automatically installed.

To install a local printer, proceed as follows:

1 From the Control Panel, select Printers and Other Hardware, then Printers and Faxes.
2 Under Printer Tasks, click Add a printer.
3 Let the Add Printer Wi zard guide you through the installation process.
4 Click Finish.

The printer is no w installed.

✍ This procedure applies for most, but not for all printers.

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I cannot print

❑ Check that all the cables of the printer are properly connected.
❑ Check the cable to see if the pins/connectors are not bent or missing completely.
❑ Check the manual supplied with your printer for troubleshooting solutions.
❑ Try a printer self test (if available) to see if the printer itself is still working properly. For more

information, please consult the manual supplied with your printer.

❑ Try reinstalling the printer. Some printers have a specific installation procedure. Please check the manual

supplied with your printer.

❑ Check that your printer is correctly configured and that you have up-to-date drivers. If necessary, contact

your dealer.

The default setting for the printer port mode is correct for most printers. If you cannot print, try changing
the printer port mode, as follows:

1 Restart your computer.
2 When you see the Sony logo, press <F2>.

The BIOS setup menu screen appears.

3 Use the keyboard’s arrow keys to select the Advanced menu.
4 The documentation delivered with your printer should give you the relevant port option.
5 Select I/O Device Configuration or On board device Configuration, then press the <Enter> key.
6 Select Parallel Port Mode, then press the <Enter> key.
7 Select a printer port option using the arrow keys, then press <Enter>.
8 Press <F10> and save the new configuration.

Your computer restarts.

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If you still cannot print, try resetting the printer connection, as follows:

1 Click the icon of the printer installed on your computer.
2 In the Printer Tasks menu, which has now expanded, click Set printer properties.
3 Have a look through the different tabs and check for abnormalities that you may be aware of. If you are

unsure, check with the printer manufacturer's support service about the correct installation for the

printer.

4 Restart your computer.

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

When I remove a Memory Stick™, an error message appears

Insert the Memory Stick™ into the slot again and press <Enter>. Wait until the active application finishes,
then remove the Memory Stick™. If the message confirms the ejection of the Memory Stick™, click OK.

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About digital video captures and DVgate

When I record images to a digital video device using DVgate, my system displays the message 'Recording to
DV device failed. Check the power and cable connections to the devices and try again'

Close all open applications and restart your computer. Frequently recording images to a digital video device
while using DVgate sometimes causes this error.

About i.LINK™ devices

My i.LINK™ device does not appear on the desktop

To see the i.LINK™ device icon on the desktop, proceed as follows:

1 Turn off and disconnect your i.LINK™ device.
2 Reconnect your device.
3 Turn on the power on the device again.

The icon should now appear on the desktop.

The connected i.LINK™ device is not recognised

Disconnect the i.LINK™ device, then connect it again.
You are strongly advised to use only Sony i.LINK™ cables, as using other brands may cause problems with

the i.LINK™ devices.

I cannot establish an i.LINK™ connection between two VAIO computers

❑ You must have administrator rights on your computer to be able to link the two.
❑ Disconnect then reconnect the i.LINK™ cable.
❑ If you still have no connection after waiting for a while, restart both computers.
❑ If either computer has just returned from a power saving mode, the connection may be affected. In this

case, make sure you perform a full restart before connecting them.

❑ Check that both units are in the same workgroup, and that the Sharing option is enabled.

Upgrading your VAIO computer

Upgrading your VAIO computer

The following procedures assume familiarity with the general terminology associated with PCs and with the
regulatory compliance required for modifying electronic equipment.

Observe proper safety precautions at all times.
Your VAIO desktop and memory modules use high precision components and electronic connector

technology. To avoid the invalidation of your guarantee by mishandling, it is recommended that:
You contact your local Sony dealer to install any new internal hardware components.

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

You do not install memory modules yourself, if you are not familiar with upgrading memory on a computer.
Please contact VAIO-Link if you need assistance.

! Always switch the power off before you open the system. Otherwise, damage may occur to the integrated circuits in your computer.
! Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage disk drives, add- on cards, and other components. Follow the procedures here only at an ESD workstation.

Otherwise, do not work on a carpeted area and do not handle materials that produce or hold static electricity, such as cellophane wrappers. Ground

yourself by keeping constant contact with an unpainted metal part of the unit while carrying out any of these procedures.

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Upgrading your VAIO computer

Opening the side cover

To remove the side panel from the main unit, proceed as follows:

1 Shut down your computer and disconnect all peripheral devices.
2 Unplug the computer from the mains.
3 Wait until the computer cools down.

The inside of the main unit becomes very hot during operation. Wait for about one hour for the

computer to cool down before opening the unit.

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

4 With the main unit’s back panel facing you, position the main unit on its left side.
5 Locate the tabs on the side cover, and pull them up until the cover releases.

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6 Slide the cover away from the unit and set it aside.

Upgrading your VAIO computer

Inserting a PCI add-on board

Your computer has an open PCI expansion slot. This slot enables you to install an add-on board to expand
the functionality of your system.

Add-on board configuration can vary.

To insert an add-on board, proceed as follows:

1 Shut down your computer and turn off all peripheral devices,

such as your printer.

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

2 Unplug your computer and any peripheral devices.
3 Remove the side cover as described in Opening the side

cover (page 96).

4 Locate the available expansion slot.
5 Remove the screw, and then remove the slot cover, as shown:

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Upgrading your VAIO computer

6 Install the add-on board by plugging it into the expansion slot and secure it with the screw from the

expansion slot, as shown:

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7 Attach any internal cables that the board requires (see the manual that came with the add-on board).
8 Replace the side cover as described in Closing the side cover (page 103).
9 Reconnect all peripheral devices and the power cord, and then turn on the computer.

✍ Make sure you observe the proper safety precautions when you add boards to your VAIO comp uter.

Upgrading your VAIO computer

Upgrading memory

In the future, you may want to upgrade the memory installed on your VAIO by replacing / adding memory
modules. However, we recommend that you do not install them yourself unless you are familiar with
upgrading memory on a computer.

For memory upgrades, use only PC2700 (DDR333) DDR-SDRAM DIMM modules.
Be careful when adding memory yourself. Mistakes on installation or removal of the memory module may

cause a malfunction.
Electrostatic discharge can damage electronic components. Before touching a memory expansion board,

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide

remember the following:

❑ Handle the memory module gently.
❑ The procedures described in this document assume familiarity with the general terminology associated

with personal computers and with the safety practices and regulatory compliance required for using and

modifying electronic equipment.

❑ Disconnect the system from its power source and from any telecommunication links, networks, or

modems before you open the system. Failure to do so may result in personal injury or equipment

damage.

❑ Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) can damage memory modules and other components. Install the memory

module only at an ESD workstation. If such a station is not available, do not work in a carpeted area, and

do not handle materials that produce or hold static electricity (cellophane wrappers, for example).

Ground yourself by maintaining contact with an unpainted metal portion of the chassis while

performing the procedure.

❑ Do not open the memory module package until you are ready to install the module. The package

protects the module from ESD.

❑ Use the special bag delivered with the memory module, or wrap the module in aluminium foil to protect

it from electrostatic discharge.

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