Sony V505CP User Manual

Hardware Guide

PCG-V505 series

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Hardware Guide

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Notice

This manual and the software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, translated, or reduced to any machine-readable form without prior written approval.

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

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

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

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

As an ENERGY STAR Partner, Sony has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency. The International E 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.

NERGY STAR is a U.S. registered mark.

NERGY STAR Office Equipment Program is an international program that promotes energy saving through the use of

Owner's record

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

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Safety information

General

Hardware Guide

❑ 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 computer 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. ❑ To change the backup battery, please contact your nearest Sony Service Centre. ❑ Before you connect peripherals, turn off the computer and all peripherals. ❑ Connect the power cord only after connecting all cables. ❑ Turn on the computer only after turning off all peripherals. ❑ 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 and magnetic bracelets.

Audio/video

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

equipment emitting electromagnetic radiation.

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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. ❑ Take care when installing or modifying telephone lines. ❑ Use your computer only with the supplied AC adapter. To disconnect your computer completely from

mains voltage, unplug the AC adapter.

❑ Make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible. ❑ Never touch uninsulated telephone wire or terminals unless the telephone line has been disconnected

at the network interface.

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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 Declarations of Conformity are intended for the market surveillance authorities as proof that products satisfy the required standards. Additionally, Sony provides these EU DoC's on the website http://www.compliance.sony.de

You can search for all Declarations of Conformity available for a specific product by typing in the model name in the search box above. 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 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.

The optical disc drive is classified as a CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT and complies 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.

as a service to our customers.

CLASS 1

LASER PRODUCT

TO EN 60825-1

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Please read the Wireless LAN Regulations leaflet before activating the Wireless LAN functionality. Depending on the country, usage of the Wireless LAN functionality may be restricted. For country-specific details, please refer to the Wireless LAN Regulations leaflet. The Wireless LAN PC functionality which is incorporated into this unit has passed Wi-Fi certification, and complies with the interoperability specifications established by WECA (Wi-Fi Alliance).

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Disposing of lithium ion batteries

❑ Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium ion batteries. Dispose of promptly and properly at end-of-life. ❑ Danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type

recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

❑ The battery pack used in this device may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if mistreated. Do not

disassemble, heat above 60°C (140°F) or incinerate.

❑ Dispose of used batteries promptly and properly. ❑ Keep away from children. ❑ In some areas the disposal of lithium ion batteries in household or business waste may be prohibited. ❑ Use the public collection system.

Disposing of internal memory backup battery

❑ Your computer is equipped with an internal memory backup battery that should not have to be replaced

during the lifetime of the product. For changing this battery, please contact VAIO-Link.

❑ Danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced. ❑ Dispose of properly at end-of-life. ❑ In some areas the disposal of lithium ion and other non-hazardous batteries in household or business

waste may be prohibited.Please use the public collection system.

Welcome

Hardware Guide

Welcome

Congratulations on purchasing a Sony VAIO computer. 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 can enjoy:

❑ Exceptional performance. ❑ Portability - The rechargeable battery pack provides hours of use without AC power. ❑ Sony audio and video quality - A high-resolution LCD screen enables you to take advantage of today’s

advanced multimedia applications, games, and entertainment software.

❑ Multimedia features – Enjoy audio and video CDs. ❑ Interconnectivity – Your computer has Ethernet, USB 2.0 (High-speed/Full-speed/Low-speed) and i.LINK

functionalities. i.LINK is a bidirectional digital interface for exchanging data. With the Memory Stick you can easily exchange and share digital data with compatible products.

❑ Wireless technology – Thanks to the Wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11b) technology, you can communicate

freely, without cables or wires.

❑ Windows - Your system includes Microsoft’s Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 1 operating

system.

❑ Communications - Access popular online services, send and receive e-mails, browse the Internet. ❑ 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, your printed Guide to Troubleshooting and Using the VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc or the manuals and help files for the peripherals or software.

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Hardware Guide

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

❑ 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 an overview

of all connectors.

❑ A Guide to Troubleshooting, where you will find solutions to common problems, an explanation of

the purpose and use of the VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc delivered with your computer, and VAIO-Link information.

❑ A Dual Language Operating System leaflet*; ❑ A Triple Language Operating System leaflet*; ❑ Your Sony Guarantee conditions; ❑ A Safety Regulations leaflet; ❑ A Wireless Lan Regulations leaflet; ❑ A Modem Regulations leaflet.

* Depending on your country. Dual Language Operating Systems are available in Belgium and the Netherlands. Depending on your country. Triple Language Operating Systems are available in Switzerland.

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Hardware Guide

Non-printed documentation

The documentation available in the VAIO Info Centre includes the following guides:

❑ The Hardware Guide (this guide); ❑ The Software Guide, which contains short descriptions of the software features available with VAIO

systems.

Further sources

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

troubleshooting.

2 Go to http://www.club-vaio.com

to find online tutorials about your favourite VAIO software.

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Hardware Guide

Ergonomic considerations

You will be using your computer as a portable device in a variety of environments. Whenever possible, you should attempt to take account of the following ergonomic considerations to both stationary and portable environments:

❑ Position of your computer – Place the computer directly in front of you (1). Keep your forearms

horizontal (2), with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable position (3) while using the keyboard, touchpad, or external mouse. Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides. Have breaks during sessions with your computer. Excessive use of the computer may strain muscles or tendons.

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

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

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Hardware Guide

❑ Viewing angle of the computer’s display – Use the display’s tilting feature to find the best position.

You can reduce eye strain and muscle fatigue by adjusting the tilt of the display to the proper position. Adjust the brightness setting of the display as well.

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

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

❑ Positioning an external display – When using an external display, set the display at a comfortable

viewing distance. Make sure the display screen is at eye level or slightly lower when you are sitting in front of the monitor.

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Once you have read and followed the information in the printed Getting Started guide and Specifications sheet, you can start using your computer safely and confidently.

Hardware Guide

Read on to get the most out of using your VAIO computer.

❑ Connecting a power source (page 14) ❑ Setting up your computer with Sony Notebook Setup (page 18) ❑ Shutting down your notebook safely (page 20) ❑ Using the keyboard (page 21) ❑ Using the touchpad (page 24) ❑ Using the disc drive (page 25) ❑ Using PC Cards (page 31) ❑ Using the Memory Stick (page 34) ❑ Using the modem (page 37) ❑ Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 39) ❑ Using power saving modes (page 44) ❑ Managing power with PowerPanel (page 47)

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Connecting a power source

You can use either an AC adapter or a rechargeable battery pack as a power source.

Hardware Guide

Using the AC adapter

To use the AC adapter, proceed as follows:

1 Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter (1) into the DC In connector (2) on the computer. 2 Plug one end of the power cord (3) into the AC adapter. 3 Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet (4).

The LED at the end of the power cord turns green when the AC adapter is connected to the AC outlet.

✍ Use your computer only with the supplied AC adapter.

To disconnect your computer completely from mains voltage, unplug the AC adapter.

Make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible.

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Using the battery pack

You can use a battery pack as a source of power. The battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of purchase.

Hardware Guide

Inserting the battery pack

To insert the battery, proceed as follows:

1 Move the lock lever (1) on the bottom of the

computer to the Unlock position.

2 Align the grooves (2) and tabs on the battery

(3) with the tabs and notches on the back of the computer, and then slide the battery towards the computer until it clicks into place.

3 Slide the lock lever into the Lock position to

secure the battery on the computer.

✍ When the computer is directly connected to AC power and has a

battery pack inserted in the battery bay, it uses power from the AC outlet.

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Charging the battery pack

To charge the battery pack, proceed as follows:

1 Connect the AC adapter to the computer.

Hardware Guide

2 Insert the battery pack.

The computer automatically charges the battery (the battery indicator light flashes in a double blink pattern as the battery charges).

Battery indicator light status Meaning

On The computer is using battery power.

Single blink The battery is running out of power.

Double blink The battery is charging.

Off The computer is using AC power.

✍ When the battery is running out of power, both the battery and power indicators blink.

Keep the battery pack in the computer while it is directly connected to AC power. The battery pack continues to charge while you are using the computer.

If the battery level falls below 10%, you should either attach the AC adapter to recharge the battery or shut down your computer and insert a fully charged battery.

You can extend battery life by changing the power management modes in the PowerPanel utility.

The battery pack supplied with your computer is a lithium ion battery and can be recharged any time. Charging a partially discharged battery does not affect battery life.

The battery indicator light is on while you use the battery pack as a power source. When the battery life is nearly depleted, both the battery and power indicators start flashing.

For some software applications and some peripheral devices, your computer may not enter Hibernate mode even when battery life is low. To avoid loss of data when using battery power, you should save your data frequently and manually activate a power management mode, such as Standby or Hibernate.

When the computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack inserted in the battery bay, it uses power from the AC outlet.

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Removing the battery pack

To remove the battery pack, proceed as follows:

1 Turn off the computer and close the cover.

Hardware Guide

2 Slide the lock lever (1) to the Unlock position. 3 Slide the release lever (2) to the Unlock position and slide the battery away from the computer.

✍ You can remove the battery pack without turning off the computer if it is connected to the mains voltage (AC adapter).

Close the cover before you remove the battery pack.

You may lose data if you remove the battery pack while the computer is on and not connected to the AC adapter or if you remove the battery while the computer is in Standby mode.

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Setting up your computer with Sony Notebook Setup

The Sony Notebook Setup utility allows you to consult system information, specify preferences for system behaviour, and set up password protection for your VAIO computer.

Hardware Guide

To use Sony Notebook Setup, proceed as follows:

1 Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar. 2 In All Programs, select Sony Notebook Setup and then click Sony Notebook Setup.

The Sony Notebook Setup window appears.

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Tab Description

About This Computer Displays system information, including memory capacity, serial number, and BIOS version.

Hardware Guide

Initial Setting Selects the drive and device order you wish to use for loading the operating system. You can

Power On Password Sets the password to secure your computer.

Device Disables ports or devices to release resources to the system. To change the port settings, select a

Bass Boost Turns the Bass Boost function on/off (only with headphones). You can also check the effect of

3 Select the tab for the item you want to change. 4 Once finished, click OK.

The item has been changed.

✍ For more information about each option, click Help on the Sony Notebook Setup screen to display the help file.

If you open Sony Notebook Setup as a limited user, then only the About This Computer tab will be visible.

specify the hard drive as well as other drives inserted into your computer. You can change the volume of the sounds played while the operating system is loading.

If you use this option, remember the password at all times. If you forget the password, you cannot change this setting anymore, and you will not be able to start your computer.

port and click Settings in the Device tab.

the Bass Boost function by selecting a sound file sample and playing it.

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Shutting down your notebook safely

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:

Hardware Guide

1 Turn off any peripherals connected to your computer. 2 Click the Start button. 3 Click Turn Off Computer.

The Tur n off c ompute r window appears.

4 Click Turn O ff. 5 Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents or to consider other users and wait for your

computer to turn off automatically. The power indicator turns off.

✍ See the printed Troubleshooting guide if you have problems shutting down your computer.

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Using the keyboard

Your keyboard is very similar to a desktop computer’s, but has additional keys that perform specific notebook-related tasks.

Hardware Guide

For more information on the standard keys, please go to the Windows Help and Support Center. The VAIO-Link website (www.vaio-link.com keyboard.

Combinations and functions with the <Fn> key

Combinations/ Feature Functions

<Fn> + (ESC): Standby

<Fn> + (F3): speaker switch

<Fn> + (F4): speaker volume

<Fn> + (F5): brightness control

) also contains glossary information to help you use the

Puts the system into Standby mode, a power management state. To return the system to the active state, press any key.

Toggles the built-in speaker on and off.

Adjusts the built-in speaker volume.

To increase volume, press <Fn>+<F4> and then or .

To decrease volume, press <Fn>+<F4> and then or .

Adjusts the brightness of the LCD.

To increase lightness intensity, press <Fn>+<F5> and then or .

<Fn> + (F7)*: switch to the external display

To decrease light intensity, press <Fn>+<F5> and then or .

Toggles between the LCD, external display (connected to the monitor connector) and both LCD and external display. This function can only be used by the first user to log in. It will not work under a second user account.

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Combinations/ Feature Functions

<Fn> + (F12): Hibernate

Hardware Guide

<Fn> + B Activates BassBoost. This means that the bass sound level is enhanced at all levels without

* This function can only be used by the first user to log on. It will not work if you have switched to another user account. If another user wants to display on an external monitor or TV, use the monitor properties to switch to an external monitor or TV.

! Some functions are not available until Windows is launched.

Troubleshooting sound

My speakers are not producing sound

❑ The built-in speakers may be turned off. Press <Fn>+<F3> to turn on the speakers. ❑ The speaker volume may be turned to the minimum. Press <Fn>+<F4> and then or to increase the

volume.

❑ If your computer is powered by battery, check that the battery is inserted properly and that it is charged. ❑ 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.

Provides for the lowest level of power consumption. When you execute this command, the states of the system and of the peripheral devices are written to the hard disk and the system power is turned off. To return the system to its original state, use the power switch to turn on the power.

distorting other frequencies.

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Indicators

Indicator Functions

Hardware Guide

Power

Battery

Wireless LAN Turns on when the Wireless LAN is activated. Turns off when the Wireless LAN is not

MagicGate Memory Stick Turns on when the Memory Stick is in use. Turns off when the Memory Stick is no longer

Light On Off

Hard disk

Num Lock

Caps Lock

Scroll Lock

Power on: lights green. Standby mode: flashes umber.

Indicates the status of the battery.

activated.

in use.

Data is read from or written to the hard drive. The hard drive is not being accessed.

Turns on when the number keys in the numeric keypad are active.

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

Turns on when the screen scrolls differently (Not all applications support this function).

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

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

Turns off when the information moves across the display normally.

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Using the touchpad

The keyboard contains a cursor-pointing device, your touchpad (1). You can point to, select, drag, and scroll objects on the screen using the built-in touchpad.

Hardware Guide

Action Description

Point Slide one finger on the touchpad to place the pointer (2) on an item or object.

Click Press the left button (3) once.

Double-click Press the left button twice.

Right-click Press the right button (4) once. In many applications, this action displays a

shortcut menu.

Drag Slide one finger while pressing the left button.

Scroll Move your finger along the right edge of the touchpad to scroll vertically.

Move your finger along the bottom to scroll horizontally (the scroll function is available only with applications that support a touchpad scroll feature).

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Using the disc drive

Your computer is equipped with a disc drive. See the Specifications sheet for details on your model.

To insert a disc, proceed as follows:

Hardware Guide

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

The tray slides out.

3 Place a disc in the middle of the tray with the label

side facing up until the disc clicks into place.

4 Close the tray by pushing it gently.

✍ See the Troubleshooting Guide if you have problems using discs.

Reading and writing CDs and DVDs*

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

❑ To make the data on a disc readable on an optical drive, you need to close the session when you eject it.

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

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

the disk drive.

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

writing data to a disc.

❑ When using your software application to burn discs, make sure you exit and close all other applications.

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❑ Never touch the surface of the disc. Fingerprints and dust on the surface of a disc may cause writing

errors.

❑ Do not put your VAIO computer into a power saving mode while using the pre-installed software and

while using the CD burning software.

Hardware Guide

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

* Depending on your model. Ultra Speed CD-RW is not supported.

Playing DVDs

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

❑ You can play DVDs using the optical drive and the WinDVD for VAIO software. See the help file on the

WinDVD for VAIO software for details.

❑ Close all open applications before playing a DVD movie. ❑ Do not use resident disc utilities or resident utilities to speed up the access of discs, because they may

cause the system to become unstable.

❑ 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' (Europe belongs to region '2') or 'all' (this means that you can play this DVD everywhere in the world) is labelled on your DVD disc or on the packaging, you cannot play the disc on this player.

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

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

Using your VAIO computer

Troubleshooting optical disc drive

I cannot switch from LCD display to TV and vice versa

Hardware Guide

If a DVD disc is inserted in the optical drive, remove the disc.

My disc drive tray does not open

❑ Make sure the computer is turned on and press the eject button on the drive. ❑ 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. ❑ Make sure that the power profile you are using is not Ultimate Battery Life. Please use AC Power

(when using AC power) or Maximum Battery Life (when running on batteries).

❑ If this does not work, try the following:

When the computer is OFF, open the tray by inserting a sharp, pointed object (for example a paperclip) into the hole next to the eject button.

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. ❑ Make sure your computer is running on AC power supply only and try the disc again. ❑ Make sure that the power profile you are using is not Ultimate Battery Life. Please use AC Power

(when using AC power) or Maximum Battery Life (when running on batteries).

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