Sony VAIO MicroTower User Manual

VAIO MicroTower User Guide

Notice to Users

© 1998 Sony Electronics Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. All rights reserved. This manual and the software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, translated, or reduced to any machine-readable form without prior written approval.

SONY ELECTRONICS INC. PROVIDES NO WARRANTY WITH REGARD TO THIS MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE, OR OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH REGARD TO THIS MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE, OR SUCH OTHER INFORMATION. IN NO EVENT SHALL SONY ELECTRONICS INC. 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.

Sony Electronics Inc. reserves the right to make any modification to this manual or the information contained herein at any time without notice. The software described herein may also be governed by the terms of a separate user license agreement.

Sony, VAIO, VAIO Smart, i.LINK, S-Link, and the VAIO logo are trademarks of Sony. Windows and the Windows logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Intel and Pentium are trademarks of Intel Corporation. K56flex is a trademark of Lucent Technologies Inc. and Rockwell International. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.

Safety Information

Owners Record

The model number and serial number are located on the back of your Sony computer. Record the model and serial numbers in the space provided here. Refer to the model and serial number when you call your Sony Service Center.

Model Number:________________________ Serial Number:________________________

WARNING

❑

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose your Sony computer to rain or moisture.

❑

Never install modem or telephone wiring during a lightning storm.

❑

Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is specifically designed for wet locations

❑

Never touch uninsulated telephone wire or terminals unless the telephone line has been disconnected at the network interface.

❑

Use caution when installing or modifying telephone lines.

❑

Avoid using the modem during an electrical storm.

❑

Do not use the modem or a telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak.

The use of optical instruments

with this product will increase eye

hazard.

Sony VAIO User’s Guide

Regulatory Information

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

❑

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

❑

Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.

❑

Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

❑

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.

Only peripherals (computer input/output devices, terminals, printers, etc.) that comply with FCC Class B limits may be attached to this computer product. Operation with non-compliant peripherals is likely to result in interference to radio and television reception.

All cables used to connect peripherals must be shielded and grounded. Operation with cables, connected to peripherals, that are not shielded and grounded, may result in interference to radio and television reception.

FCC Part 68

This equipment complies with Part 68 of the FCC rules. The ringer equivalence number (REN) and the FCC registration number are printed on the modem board. If requested, this information must be supplied to the telephone company.

The REN is used to determine the quantity of devices which may be connected to the phone line. Excessive REN's on the telephone line may result in the devices not ringing in response to an incoming call. In most, but not all areas, the su m of the REN's should not exceed five (5.0). To be certain of the number of devices that may be connected to the line, as determined by the total REN's, contact the telephone company to determine the maximum REN for the calling area.

This modem uses the USOC RJ-11 telephone jack.

If this equipment causes harm to the telephone network, the telephone company will, when practical, notify you in advance that temporary discontinuance of service may be required. If advance noti ce isn't practical, the telephone company will notify you as soon as possible. Also, you will be advised of your right to file a complaint with the FCC if you believe it is necessary.

The telephone company may make changes in its facilities, equipment, operations or procedures that could affect the operations of the equipment. If this happens, the telephone company will notify you in advance, in order for you to make the necessary modifications in order to maintain uninterrupted service.

If trouble is experienced with this modem, for repair or warranty information, pl ease contact 1-888-4SONY-PC, or write to the Sony Customer Information Center, One Sony Drive, Park Ridge, NJ 07656.

This equipment cannot be used on telephone-company-provided coin service. Connection to Party Line Service is subject to state tariffs.

Repair of the modem should be made only by a Sony Service Center or Sony authorized agent. For the Sony Service Center nearest you, call 1-888-4SONY-PC (1-888-476-6972).

Telephone Consumer

Protection Act of 1991

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 makes it unlawful for any person to use a computer or other electronic device to send any message via a telephone facsimile machine unless such message clearly contains, in a margin at the top or bottom of each transmitted page or on the first page of the transmission, the date and time it is sent and an identification of the business, other entity, or individual sending the message, and the telephone number of the sending machine or such business, other entity, or individual.

In order to program this information into your facsimile, see your fax software documentation.

You are cautioned that any changes or

✍

modifications not expressly approved in

this manual could void your authority to

operate this equipment.

Welcome...............................................................................1

About the User Guide.....................................................................1

Setting Up Your VAIO MicroTower ....................................3

Choosing a Location for Your Computer.....................................3

Connecting the Sony Multimedia Computer Display................ 5

Connecting a Display, Speakers, and a Microphone.................. 6

Connecting the Optional Palmrest................................................7

Connecting the Keyboard and Mouse..........................................8

Connecting the Phone Line and Phone ........................................ 9

Connecting the Power Cords.......................................................10

Connecting Peripherals.................................................................11

Connecting a Television (Audio/Video Out) Connecting a Printer Connecting a Joystick or MIDI Instrument Connecting an i.LINK™ (IEEE-1394) Equipped Device Connecting an S/PDIF Equipped Digital Audio Device Connecting an S-Link™ (Control A1) Equipped Device Connecting a Universal Serial Bus Device Connecting a Digital Still Camera or Other Serial Peripheral

............................................................................. 15

Starting Your Computer ...............................................................22

Registering Windows® 98............................................................ 23

Registering Your Computer.........................................................2 4

Using the Standby Function......................................................... 25

Standby Mode Indicators

.................................................................... 25

Shutting Down Your Computer..................................................26

................................. 12

...................................... 16

............... 17

.............. 18

.............. 19

....................................... 20

..... 21

VAIO MicroTower User Guide

Getting Started With

VAIO Space......................................................................... 27

Starting VAIO Space......................................................................27

VAIO Space Centers.......................................................................28

Navigating through VAIO Space.................................................29

VAIO Space Controls

............................................................................30

Using the Software Center............................................................31

Using the Audio-Video Center.....................................................32

Using the Online Center................................................................33

Using the Tool Center....................................................................34

Using Tool Center Tools

......................................................................34

Using the Help Center...................................................................35

Exiting VAIO Space .......................................................................35

Getting Help ...................................................................... 37

Calling SOS......................................................................................39

Troubleshooting .............................................................................41

Using the System Recovery CD(s)...............................................47

Using the Application Recovery CD(s).......................................49

Upgrading and Maintaining Your VAIO MicroTower ..... 51

Inserting an Add-in Board............................................................52

Adding Memory.............................................................................54

Replacing the Lithium Battery......................................................56

Installing an Internal Hard Disk Drive .......................................58

Removing the Left-Side Panel......................................................63

Removing the Bottom Panel.........................................................64

Removing the Front Panel.............................................................65

Detaching the Diskette Drive........................................................66

Replacing the Diskette Drive........................................................67

Replacing the Bottom Panel..........................................................68

Replacing the Front Panel.............................................................69

Replacing the Left-Side Panel.......................................................70

Contents

vii

Computer Basics .................................................................71

Using the Keyboard.......................................................................71

Changing the Function of the Programmable Buttons

................. 73

Using the Mouse............................................................................74

Setting Up the Mouse for Left-Hand Use

........................................ 75

Using the DVD-ROM Drive.........................................................76

Using the Diskette Drive...............................................................77

Other Information .............................................................79

Notes on Use................................................................................... 79

On the Power Source On Disposal of the Lithium Battery On Handling On Installation On Moisture Condensation On Upgrading the System On Using the Hard Disk Drive On Handling Diskettes On Handling CD-ROM and DVD-ROM Discs On Cleaning CD-ROM and DVD-ROM Discs

........................................................................................... 81

............................................................................ 79

.................................................. 80

....................................................................................... 81

................................................................. 82

................................................................... 82

........................................................... 83

......................................................................... 83

............................... 83

................................ 83

Limited Warranty Statement............................................. 85

Index ...................................................................................87

viii

Welcome

Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony VAIO® MicroTower Computer. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing, and communications to provide you with state-of-the-art personal computing.

About the User Guide

The User Guide offers a quick introduction and reference to your Sony computer.

❑

Setting Up Your VAIO MicroTower

standard components of your system—generally in under 15 minutes. This section also explains how to connect additional components, such as a printer, MIDI instrument, joystick, digital camera, and more.

❑

Getting Started With VAIO Space

and the audio and video applications on your VAIO MicroTower.

❑

Getting Help

you how to use the Sony Online Support service, and offers basic troubleshooting tips.

❑

Upgrading and Maintaining Your VAIO MicroTower

to install an add-in card, add memory, install an internal hard disk drive, and replace the lithium battery.

❑

Computer Basics

keyboard, DVD-ROM, and diskette drive.

❑

Other Information

computer.

❑

Limited Warranty Statement

statement and explains how to extend your warranty for an additional nine months.

explains the support options available to you, shows

shows new computer users how to use a mouse,

provides facts and advice about using your

provides your product warranty

shows you how to connect the

describes how to use VAIO Space

illustrates how

Sony VAIO User’s Guide

Setting Up Your

VAIO MicroTower

Your VAIO MicroTower comes with the software titles preinstalled on your hard disk drive. Just follow these simple steps to connect the cables and turn on the computer, and your VAIO MicroTower is ready to use.

Choosing a Location for Your Computer

Before you get started, find the best location for your new computer . Here are some things to consider when planning your workspace:

❑

Stable work surface—Use a stable work surface large enough to support the computer, the display, and other equipment.

❑

Ventilation—Leave at least eight inches of space on the left and back sides of your computer to enable proper ventilation.

❑

Placement of the keyboard, mouse, and other input devices—Place your keyboard, mouse, and other input devices so that your arms and hands are in a relaxed, comfortable position. The keyboard should be directly in front of you. Adjust the level of the keyboard so that your lower arms are parallel to the floor. Keep your wrists in a relaxed position when you’re using the keyboard—not angled up or down. Use the palmrest only briefly, for resting. While typing, never use the palmrest or rest your hands on the table. Position the mouse at the same level as the keyboard. Hold the mouse with a relaxed hand , and use your whole arm to move it. Take breaks during sessions with your computer. Excessive use of the mouse or a joystick may strain muscles or tendons.

Sony VAIO User’s Guide

VAIO MicroTower User Guide

❑

Furniture and posture—Sit in a chair with good back support and armrests. 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—avoid slouching forward or leaning far backward.

❑

Viewing angle of the display—Position the display 18 to 26 inches directly in front of you, with the top of the screen at or a little below eye level. Use the display’s tilting feature to find the best position. You can reduce eye strain and muscle fatigue by placing the display in the proper position.

❑

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.

Setting Up Your VAIO MicroTower

Connecting the Sony

Multimedia Computer Display

The Sony Multimedia Computer Display (sold separately) is an integrated audio/video unit with built-in speakers and a microphone. Follow these steps to connect it to your computer.

✍

If youre connecting the computer to a TV or other video component, see Connecting a

Television (Audio/Video Out) on page 12.

Use the blue symbol to locate the Plug the blue display cable into this connector, and then tighten the two screws to secure the cable.

Use the green symbol to locate the green speaker cable into this connector.

Use the red sy mbol to locate the the red microphone cable into this connector.

MONITOR

HEADPHONES

MIC

(display) connector.

connector. Plug the

(microphone) connector. Plug

✍

See the manual that came with your Sony Multimedia Computer Display for more information

on setting up and using the display.

VAIO MicroTower User Guide

Connecting a Display, Speakers,

and a Microphone

If you did not purchase the Sony Multimedia Computer Display, you need speakers and a microphone to use the computer’s audio features.

✍

If youre connecting the computer to a TV or other video component, see Connecting a

Television (Audio/Video Out) on page 12.

✍

Make sure your speakers are designed for computer use. See the manuals that came with your

display, speakers, and microphone for more information on setting them up and using them.

Use the blue symbol to locate the Plug the display cable into this connector, and then tighten the two screws to secure the cable.

Use the green symbol to locate the speaker cable into this connector.

Use the red to locate the microphone cable into this connector.

MIC

MONITOR

HEADPHONES

(microphone) connector. Plug the

(display) connector.

connector. Plug the

Setting Up Your VAIO MicroTower

Connecting the Optional Palmrest

The keyboard that comes with your computer is equipped with an optional palmrest that you can attach to your keyboard. Follow these steps to connect the palmrest.

Place the keyboard and palmrest upside down on a flat surface.

Insert the latching posts on the palmrest into the openings on the keyboard.

Move the palmrest to the right until you feel it snap into place.

✍

Do not keep your wrists on the palmrest while typing; use the palmrest briefly only

when resting.

To remove the palmrest

Turn the keyboard and palmrest upside down.

Push down on the palmrest, and then move it to the left.

Lift the palmrest away from the keyboard.

VAIO MicroTower User Guide

Connecting the Keyboard and Mouse

Follow these steps to connect the keyboard and mouse.

Use the dark grey symbol to locate the purple keyboard cable into this connector.

USB

connector. Plug the

Use the blue-green symbol to locate the insert the blue-green mouse cable into this connector.

✍

See Computer Basics on page 71 for more information on setting up and using the

keyboard and mouse.

MOUSE

connector and

Setting Up Your VAIO MicroTower

Connecting the Phone Line and Phone

You need to connect a phone line to take advantage of online services, the Internet, and faxing. To use Sony Online Support (SOS), you must also connect a phone.

✍

In order to register your Sony VAIO MicroTower, register your software online, and use Sony

Online Support, you must connect your computer to a phone line. Also, you must register your

computer to receive the extended warranty.

There are two phone jacks on the back panel. Follow these steps to connect your phone line and phone.

✍

The location of the Line and Telephone jacks on your computer may vary from those shown in

the illustration .

Unplug your phone from the wall jack and plug it into the jack on the computer.

Plug one end of the phone cable that came with your system into the

LINE

jack and the other end into the wall jack.

TELEPHONE

✍

Your computer does not work with party lines, cannot be connected to a coin-operated

telephone, and may not work with multiple phone lines or a private branch exchange (PBX).

VAIO MicroTower User Guide

Connecting the Power Cords

Follow these steps to connect the power cords.

Plug the power cord into the connector on the computer.

If necessary, plug the display power cord into the display.

Plug both the display and power cords into a grounded AC wall outlet, power strip, or Uninterruptible Power Supply.

Setting Up Your VAIO MicroTower

Connecting Peripherals

You can add functionality to your computer by connecting any of the following peripherals.

Connecting Enables You To For Details

Television Send audio and video from the

computer to the TV. Allows you to play games and watch movies on a large screen. Also useful for business

presentations. Printer Print documents from the computer. See page15 Joystick Connect a joystick, which enhances

game playing. MIDI device Connect MIDI instruments. See page16 i.LINK

(IEEE-1394) equipped device*

S/PDIF equipped device*

S-Link (Control A1) equipped device*

Universal Serial Bus (USB) device

Serial device Connect serial devices, such as a digital

Connect a digital video camera

without shutting down your computer.

Enhance still pictures or edit your

videos with easy-to-use, preloaded

software applications.

Record digital audio directly from your

computer to audio recording devices

such as a digital receiver or minidisc

player/recorder.

Connect a minidisc player or CD

changer and create libraries of your

favorite music on your computer.

Connect USB devices. See page20

camera.

See page12

See page16

See page17

See page18

See page19

See page21

* Some models of the VAIO MicroTower may not include this feature.

Turn off the computer before connecting peripherals. In normal use, you should turn on the

✍

peripherals before turning on the computer. You can connect USB devices while the computer

is on.

VAIO MicroTower User Guide

Connecting a Television (Audio/Video Out)

Connecting a television to your computer enables you to send audio and video from the computer to the television. (You will be able to watch video and hear audio on both the computer and the television.)

✍

You can also connect the computer to a camcorder, VCR, or other video component that has a

VIDEO IN or S VIDEO IN connector.

If your system includes the Sony Multimedia Computer Display:

Use the yellow symbol to locate the composite

VIDEO OUT

on the computer. Plug either end of the yellow video cable into this connector. Then plug the other end of the cable into the TV’s connector.

✍

If your TV has an S VIDEO IN connector, use the S VIDEO cable to connect the

computers S VIDEO OUT jack to the TVs S VIDEO IN jack. S VIDEO provides a better

picture than a conventional video connection.

Use the green symbol to locate the computer. Plug the black end of the audio splitter cable into this

HEADPHONES

connector on the

connector. Then plug the red and white ends of the audio splitter

cable into the TV’s

AUDIO IN

connectors. (This enables you to hear

audio on the multimedia monitor as well as on your TV.)

connector

VIDEO IN

Setting Up Your VAIO MicroTower

Plug the green audio plug from the display cable into the connector on the audio splitter cable . Then use the red symbol to locate

MIC

the

connector on the computer. Plug the red microphone cable

from the display cable into this connector.

Cable

from Display

Back of TV

If your system does not include the Sony Multimedia Computer Display:

Use the yellow symbol to locate the composite

Audio splitter not included

VIDEO OUT

connector on the computer. Plug either end of the yellow video cable into this connector. Then plug the other end of the cable into the TV’s

VIDEO IN

connector.

✍

If your TV has an S VIDEO in connector, use the S VIDEO cable to connect the computers

S VIDEO OUT jack to the TVs S VIDEO IN jack. S VIDEO provides a better picture than a

conventional video connection.

Use the green symbol to locate the computer. Plug the black end of the audio splitter cable into this

PHONES

connector on the

connector. Then plug the red and white ends of the audio splitter

cable into the TV’s

AUDIO IN

connectors.

VAIO MicroTower User Guide

Plug the speaker cable into the connector on the audio splitter cable

Cable

from Display

Back of TV

Audio splitter not included

Setting Up Your VAIO MicroTower

Connecting a Printer

You can connect a printer to your computer to print documents from your computer .

Use the dark grey symbol to locate the printer cable into this connector.

If necessary, plug one end of the printer power cord into the printer, and the other end into a grounded AC wall outlet, power strip, or Uninterrupted Power Supply.

PRINTER

connector . Plug the

✍

See the manual that came with your printer for more information on setting it up

and using it.

VAIO MicroTower User Guide

Connecting a Joystick or MIDI Instrument

You can connect a joystick or MIDI instrument to your computer. You can also purchase an adapter to connect additional devices.

❑

Use the dark grey symbol to locate the the joystick or MIDI cable into this connector.

GAME

connector. Plug

Your MIDI instrument may have a different type of cable which requires an adapter. See the

✍

manual that came with your joystick or MIDI instrument for more information on setting it up

and using it.

Setting Up Your VAIO MicroTower

Connecting an i.LINK

Some models of the VAIO MicroTower include i.LINK (IEEE-1394) connectors. See Read Me First for information on your specific model. i.LINK connectors may be located on the front, back, or both the front and back of your system.

To connect an i.LINK (IEEE-1394) device

❑

Use the symbol to locate the the i.LINK device into this connector.

(IEEE-1394) Equipped Device

connector. Plug

LINK

See the manual that came with your i.LINK (IEEE-1394) equipped device for more information

✍

on setting it up and using it.

VAIO MicroTower User Guide

Connecting an S

Some models of the VAIO MicroTower include an S/PDIF (Sony/Phillips Digital Interface) Optical Digital Audio Output connector. See Read Me First for information on your specific model.

To connect an S/PDIF device

❑

Locate the S/PDIF (Optical Digital Audio Output) connector. Plug the S

PDIF device into this connector.

PDIF Equipped Digital Audio Device

See the manual that came with your digital audio device for more information on setting it up

✍

and using it.

Your VAIO computer incorporates Serial Copy Management System, which will not prevent

you from making a direct digital-to-digital copy from a digital source, but from such copies

will prevent a second digital-to-digital copy from being made.

Setting Up Your VAIO MicroTower

Connecting an S-Link (Control A1) Equipped Device

Some models of the VAIO MicroTower include an S-Link (Control A1) connector. Control A1 connections provide a path for the transmission of control signals, thus enabling automatic operation and control features that are usually associated with integrated audio systems. See Read Me First for information on your specific model.

To connect an S-Link (Control A1) device

❑

Locate the S-Link (Control A1) connector. Plug the S-Link (Control A1) device into this connector.

See the manual that came with your S-Link equipped device for more information on setting it

✍

up and using it.

VAIO MicroTower User Guide

Connecting a Universal Serial Bus Device

You can connect Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices to your computer. There is one USB connection on the front of your computer and another one on the back.

❑

Use the dark grey symbol to locate the the USB cable into this connector.

USB

connector. Plug

See the manuals that came with your USB devices for more information on setting up and

✍

using them.

Setting Up Your VAIO MicroTower

Connecting a Digital Still Camera or Other Serial Peripheral

You can connect other computer peripherals, such as Sony’s digital still camera, to the computer ’s serial port.

❑

Plug the serial cable from the digital camera into the serial port.

See the manual that came with your digital camera for more information on setting it up and

✍

using it.

VAIO MicroTower User Guide

Starting Your Computer

After you connect all the cables and accessories to your computer , you are ready to turn on the computer.

Press the power switch on the display to turn on the power.

Press the power switch on the front panel of the computer to turn on the power.

✍

See Using the Standby Mode on page 25 and Shutting Down Your Computer on page 26

for instructions on turning off your computer.

After shutting down your computer, wait 10 seconds before turning the computer on again.

+ 70 hidden pages