VAIO Digital Studio™
Computer User Guide
PCV-RX580/PCV-RX590G
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Locating Controls and
Connectors
Front Panel Overview
The front panel of your VAIO Digital Studio™ Computer enables access to the
optical and floppy disk drives. On certain models, the front panel also provides
access to Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder jacks and ports, Universal Serial
Bus (USB), and i.LINK® ports to connect compatible peripheral devices.
✍ i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an
IEEE1394 connection. The i.LINK connection may vary, depending on the software
applications, operating system, and compatible i.LINK devices. All products with an
i.LINK connection may not communicate with each other.
Please refer to the documentation that came with your compatible i.LINK device for
information on operating conditions and proper connection. Before connecting
compatible i.LINK PC peripherals to your system, such as an optical or hard disk drive,
confirm their operating system compatibility and required operating conditions.
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Front panel (Model equipped with Giga Pocket shown)
1
Optical drive 1
See the Specifications sheet for more information.
Optical drive 2
See the Specifications sheet for more information.
2
3
4
Floppy disk drive
Reads and writes data from and to a 3.5-inch floppy disk.
Floppy disk drive access indicator light
Lights in green while reading and writing data from and to a floppy disk.
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Locating Controls and Connectors
5
6
7
Optical drive access indicator light
Lights in amber while reading and writing data from and to the optical drives.
Hard disk drive access indicator light
Lights in amber while reading and writing data from and to the hard disk.
Power switch and indicator light
Turns the computer on and off. The indicator light is blue while the power is on and
amber when the computer is in Stand by mode.
8
(For models equipped with Giga Pocket)
S-video In port
Connection for an S-video cable (optional).
Video In jack
Connection for a video cable (supplied).
Audio L In jack/Audio R In jack
Connection for an audio cable (supplied).
9
Optical drive 1 eject button
Ejects a disc from Optical drive 1.
10
11
12
13
14
Optical drive 2 eject button
Ejects a disc from Optical drive 2.
Memory Stick drive and eject button
Reads and writes data from and to a Memory Stick media.
Floppy disk eject button
Ejects a floppy disk from the floppy disk drive.
Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports (2)
Connection for a compatible USB device.
i.LINK (4-pin) port (IEEE1394)
Connection for a compatible digital device.
✍ For your convenience, your computer includes Giga Pocket, USB, and i.LINK ports and
jacks on both the front and back panels. (The 4-pin i.LINK port is located on the front
panel and the 6-pin i.LINK port is located on the back.)
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Back Panel Overview
The back panel of your computer contains the ports for supplied and optional
accessories. The icons on the back panel locate and identify the ports on your
computer.
Back panel (Model equipped with Giga Pocket shown)
KEYBOARD MOUSE
USB NETWORK
ACT
LINK
PRINTER
i.LINK
S400
HEADPHONES
SERIAL
LINE IN
MIC
4
MONITOR
3
2
1
VIDEO
VIDEO 1
INPUT
OUTPUT
S
VIDEO
VIDEO
AUDIO
S
VIDEO
/
/
VIDEO VHF
/UHF
AUDIO
LINE TELEPHONE
1
2
PS/2® mouse port
Connection for a PS/2 mouse.
PS/2® keyboard port
Connection for a VAIO Smart™ Keyboard.
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Locating Controls and Connectors
3
Ethernet port
10Base-T/100Base-TX Fast Ethernet interface.
(The port marked with
(Network) is for LAN connections only.)
4
5
6
7
Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports (2)
Connection for compatible USB devices.
Printer port
Connection for a parallel device, such as a printer or scanner.
SP/DIF (TOSlink) optical out port
Connection for a digital audio or optical device.
i.LINK 6-pin port (IEEE1394)
Connection for a compatible digital device such as a Sony Digital Handycam®
camcorder.
8
Serial port
Connection for a compatible serial device, such as a digital still camera.
9
Headphones jack
Connection for the supplied speakers or optional headphones.
10
11
12
13
Line In jack
Connection for an audio device.
Microphone jack
Connection for a microphone (optional).
Monitor port
Connection for a standard CRT display.
(For models equipped with Giga Pocket)
Audio Out jack
Connection for an audio cable (supplied).
Video/S-video Out port
Connection for a video cable adapter (supplied) or an S-video cable (optional).
(For models equipped with Giga Pocket)
Audio In jack
14
Connection for an audio cable (supplied).
Video/S-video In port
Connection for a video cable adapter (supplied) or an S-video cable (optional).
15
16
17
Modem line jack
Connection for the modem (supplied) cable to the wall jack.
AC Input port
Connection for the supplied power cord.
(For models equipped with Giga Pocket)
VHF/UHF port
Connection for a coaxial cable (supplied).
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18
Telephone cable jack
Connection for the phone cable to the computer.
✍ i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an
IEEE1394 connection. The i.LINK connection may vary, depending on the software
applications, operating system, and compatible i.LINK devices. All products with an
i.LINK connection may not communicate with each other.
Please refer to the documentation that came with your compatible i.LINK device for
information on operating conditions and proper connection. Before connecting
compatible i.LINK PC peripherals to your system, such as an optical or hard disk drive,
confirm their operating system compatibility and required operating conditions.
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VAIO Action Setup
VAIO Action Setup
VAIO Action Setup manages the settings for your computer’s Shortcut
keys (S Keys) and i.LINK® interface.
Shortcut Keys
The programmable S Keys are linked with the following applications as their
default settings:
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
S1 — Outlook® Express
S2 — Internet Explorer
S3 — SonicStage
S4 — PictureGear™
S5 — MovieShaker™
❑
S5 — Giga Pocket™ Personal Video Recorder (For models equipped
with Giga Pocket)
❑
S6 — Help/Demo
You can reprogram the S keys to launch other applications.
✍ i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an
IEEE1394 connection. The i.LINK connection may vary, depending on the software
applications, operating system, and compatible i.LINK devices. All products with an
i.LINK connection may not communicate with each other.
Please refer to the documentation that came with your compatible i.LINK device for
information on operating conditions and proper connection. Before connecting
compatible i.LINK PC peripherals to your system, such as an optical or hard disk
drive, confirm their operating system compatibility and required operating conditions.
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Changing the Settings of the S Keys
1
1
Click Start in the Windows taskbar and select All Programs.
Select VAIO Action Setup, then click VAIO Action Setup.
✍ You can also double-click
the VAIO Action Setup icon, located in the Windows
taskbar, to launch VAIO Action Setup.
2
3
Click the S Key you want to change.
From the Select Application dialog box, click the option for the desired type
of function. The corresponding applications appear in the list box on the
right.
✍ You can drag an application to place it into the list box.
4
The Confirmation Application Name window appears. Click Next.
5
You may now type a new name and description, if desired. Then click Finish.
To Change the Sony Software Window Design
You can select from different window designs for your Sony software and create
your own personal computing environment.
Changing the window design
1
2
3
4
5
6
Click Start in the Windows taskbar and select the Control Panel.
Click Other Control Panel Options.
Click UI Design Selector.
Click << or >> and select the desired design.
Click Apply.
The “UI Design Selector” window design changes. The window design for
your Sony software will match the “UI Design Selector” window.
7
To try another selection, click << or >>, then click Apply.
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To Change the Sony Software Window Design
8
When you have made your selection, click OK. The UI Design Selector
closes and the Sony software window design displays.
✍ You may only use this feature with compatible UI Design Selector software.
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Configuring Your VAIO
Computer
Hard Disk Drive Partition
To maintain optimum system performance, you should defragment your
computer’s D partition regularly.
In order to improve the performance of Sony audio/video software applications,
the hard disk drive on your computer has been formatted with two partitions, C
and D. Some Sony software applications save files to the D partition. This
prevents large video captures from consuming the available space on your C
partition.
Defragmenting your hard disk drive
If you encounter frame dropping while recording digital video onto your hard
disk drive, defragmentation may be necessary.
1
2
3
Deactivate your screen saver and close other open applications, if applicable.
Click Start in the Windows Taskbar and select All Programs.
Point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then select Disk
Defragmenter.
The Disk Defragment dialog box appears.
4
Select Action from the menu bar and click Analyze.
✍ It may take more than a couple of hours to complete defragmentation, depending on
the data capacity and utilization of your computer’s hard disk drive(s).
i.LINK (IEEE1394) Compatibility
Your VAIO computer may include either 4-pin or 6-pin, or both types, of i.LINK
ports.
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✍ i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an
IEEE1394 connection. The i.LINK connection may vary, depending on the software
applications, operating system and compatible i.LINK devices. All products with an
i.LINK connection may not communicate with each other.
Please refer to the documentation that came with your compatible i.LINK device for
information on operating conditions and proper connection. Before connecting
compatible i.LINK PC peripherals to your system, such as an optical or hard disk drive,
confirm their operating system compatibility and required operating conditions.
A 6-pin i.LINK port can:
❑
supply power from the computer to the connected device if the device is
equipped with a 6-pin connector, and
❑
supply 10V to 12V.
The total power supplied by the 6-pin i.LINK port cannot exceed 6 watts.
A 4-pin i.LINK port cannot supply power to a connected device.
The following Sony i.LINK 400 Mbps cables are available and recommended for
use with your computer: 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 by
calling 1-888-315-7669 (toll free).
Connecting an i.LINK (IEEE1394) device
1
Use the symbol to locate the i.LINK port on your compatible i.LINK
device and on your computer. Plug the i.LINK cable connector into this port.
2
Plug the other end of the cable into the corresponding 4- or 6-pin i.LINK
port on your computer.
✍ See the instructions that came with your i.LINK device for more information on
installation and use.
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Configuring Your VAIO Computer
To Enable Ethernet Connectivity
Your computer comes with a preinstalled Ethernet interface. To enable faster
start-up time, your computer may ship with this function disabled. You can
enable Ethernet connectivity by following the instructions below.
Enabling the Ethernet connection
1
2
Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then select Control Panel.
From the Pick a Category list, select Performance and Maintenance.
The Performance and Maintenance dialog box appears.
From the Pick a Control Panel icon, select System.
The System Properties dialog box appears.
3
4
Select the Hardware tab, then click the Device Manager button to view the
installed system hardware.
The Device Manager dialog box appears.
5
Click the unfold button in the Network Adapters category to reveal all
installed network devices. Select “Realtek RTL8139 Family PCI Fast
Ethernet NIC.”
6
7
8
9
From menu bar, select Action and then click Properties.
Select “Use this device (enable).”
Click OK.
Close the Device Manager dialog box.
10 Close System Properties dialog box.
11 Close Performance and Maintenance dialog box.
Caution: Your computer has a protective sticker
covering the Ethernet
port located on the rear panel. Connect only 10Base-T and 100Base-TX cables
to the Ethernet port. Using other cables or a telephone cable may result in an
electric current overload and can cause a malfunction, excessive heat or fire
in the port. For help on connecting to a network, see your network
administrator.
17
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System, Application and
Driver Recovery CD(s)
System Recovery CD(s)
Sony Electronics Inc.
The System Recovery CD utility enables you to restore the operating system and software
that shipped with your computer if they become corrupted or are erased. It can be used
only to restore the hard disk of the Sony computer you purchased.
Application Recovery CD(s)
Sony Electronics Inc.
The Application Recovery CD program enables you to reinstall individual applications.
Use it to restore corrupted or erased files.
Driver Recovery CD
Sony Electronics Inc.
The Driver Recovery CD program enables you to reinstall individual device drivers. Use it
to restore corrupted or erased files.
To Use the System Recovery CD(s)
You can reinstall the operating system and software applications that shipped
with your computer if they become corrupted or are erased. If you experience a
problem with your computer, reinstalling an individual application or device
driver may correct the problem.You may not need to recover the entire contents
of your hard drive.
✍ Use the Application Recovery CD(s) to reinstall individual applications.
When you use the System Recovery CD(s), you are prompted to complete the
Windows registration process.
Full restore with format
The System Recovery utility formats your hard disk drive and then restores all
the original software applications.
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You will lose any software you have installed and any other files you have
created since you started to use your computer. You must reinstall any
applications that were not included with the computer when you purchased it.
Using the System Recovery CD(s)
1
Insert the System Recovery CD in your computer’s optical drive.
The System Recovery utility starts from the optical drive. The first CD must
be in the drive when you turn on your computer.
✍ If your system is equipped with two optical drives, inset the Driver Recovery CD into
the upper optical drive.
2
Turn off your computer.
3
4
Wait 30 seconds and turn on your computer.
Type the letter “O” to signify you have read and accepted the Microsoft End-
User License Agreement.
5
When the System Recovery menu appears, follow the on-screen instructions
to complete the recovery process.
✍ Your system may include one or more System Recovery CDs. If you have more than
one System Recovery CD, insert the first CD to run the System Recovery program.
You are prompted to insert the next CD(s) once the information from the first CD has
been installed.
The recovery process takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes to complete.
After recovering your system using the System Recovery CD(s), you may be prompted
to insert your Application Recovery CD(s) after restarting Windows. Use the
Application Recovery CD(s) to complete full restoration of your system.
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System, Application and Driver Recovery CD(s)
To Use the Application Recovery CD(s)
The Application Recovery CD utility enables you to reinstall individual software
applications if they become corrupted or are erased. Reinstalling an individual
software application may correct a problem that you are experiencing with your
computer or specific application. You may not need to reinstall the entire contents
of your hard drive.
✍ If you need to reinstall all of the software that shipped with your computer, use the
System Recovery CD(s).
You must be in Windows to run the Application Recovery CD utility. If you have
any questions about using the Application Recovery CD(s), contact Sony
Customer Support at 1-888-4-SONY-PC.
Using the Application Recovery CD(s)
1
Turn on your computer. If your computer is already on, save and close all
open applications.
2
When the Windows desktop appears, insert the Application Recovery CD
into your computer’s optical drive. The Application Recovery utility loads
automatically.
✍ If your system is equipped with two optical drives, insert the Application Recovery CD
into the upper optical drive.
3
When the Application Recovery menu appears, follow the on-screen
instructions to complete the recovery process.
✍ Your system may include one or more Application Recovery CDs. If you have more
than one Application Recovery CD, insert the first CD to run the Application Recovery
utility. You may be prompted to insert the next CD(s), depending on the software
application you wish to restore.
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To Use the Driver Recovery CD
The Driver Recovery CD utility enables you to reinstall individual drivers and
repair software applications if they become corrupted or are erased. You can
reinstall an individual driver to correct a problem that you are experiencing with
your computer, peripheral hardware, or software application.
✍ If you need to reinstall all of the software applications that shipped with your
computer, use the System Recovery CD(s).
You must be in Windows to run the Driver Recovery CD utility.
Reinstalling several device drivers with the Driver Recovery
CD
1
Turn on your computer. If your computer is already on, close all
applications.
2
When the Windows desktop appears, insert the Driver Recovery CD into the
optical disc drive.
✍ If your system is equipped with two optical drives, insert the Driver Recovery CD into
the upper optical drive.
3
Click Start in the Windows taskbar and click Control Panel. The Control
Panel window appears.
4
Click Performance and Maintenance and click System. The System
Properties dialog box appears.
5
6
From the Hardware tab, click Device Manager.
Click to select the unknown device or the device that requires the driver
installation. The unknown device(s) is identified by a yellow question mark.
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System, Application and Driver Recovery CD(s)
Device Manager window
7
8
9
From the Action menu, click Uninstall. This removes the device driver from
your system. Click OK. Repeat for each device driver as necessary.
Restart your computer. Click Start in the Windows taskbar, select Turn Off
Computer, and then click Restart.
When the desktop appears, Windows automatically reinstalls the device
driver(s) from the Driver Recovery CD.
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Troubleshooting
This section describes how to solve common problems you may
encounter when using your computer. Many problems have simple
solutions, so try these suggestions before you call Sony Customer
Support.
Topics
Topic: My computer does not start.
❑
Check that the computer is plugged into a power source and that it is turned
on. Check that the power light is lit on the front panel of the computer.
❑
Confirm that a disk is not in the floppy disk drive (unless you are using a
bootable floppy disk).
❑
❑
Confirm that the power cord and all cables are connected firmly.
If you plugged the computer into a power strip or Uninterruptible Power
Supply (UPS), make sure the power strip or UPS is turned on and working.
❑
Check that the monitor is plugged into a power source and turned on. Check
that the brightness and contrast controls are adjusted correctly. See the
manual that came with your display for details.
❑
Check that the computer is not in standby mode.
Topic: My files are corrupted or deleted. I want to recover applications that
came with my computer.
See “To Use the Application Recovery CD(s)” for more information.
Topic: My drivers are corrupted or deleted. I want to recover drivers that came
with my computer.
See “To Use the Driver Recovery CD” for more information.
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Topic: My computer or software application stopped responding.
You can try to locate and close the software application that has stopped
responding.
1
2
Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete. The Windows Task Manager window appears.
From the Applications tab, locate the application that has the status message,
“Not responding.”
3
Click to select the application and then click End Task. Windows attempts to
close the application.
If your computer does not respond or the application does not close, try the
following steps:
1
2
3
Save any open files, if possible.
Press Alt+F4. The Turn Off Computer window appears.
Click the Restart button.
If your computer still does not respond and you cannot restart, shut down your
computer by:
❑
❑
Pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete twice consecutively.
Pressing and holding the power switch for more than six seconds.
If the software application continues to stop responding or causes your computer
to stop responding, contact the software publisher or designated technical support
provider.
Pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete twice consecutively, may result in the loss of data
from files that are currently open.
Topic: Why does the Windows® operating system stop responding during
shutdown?
The Windows operating system may not shut down properly for many reasons,
including incompatible or conflicting drivers, damaged files, or non-responsive
hardware. For troubleshooting information, you can search Windows Help.
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Troubleshooting
1
2
3
Click Start in the Windows taskbar and select Help and Support. The
Microsoft Help and Support dialog box appears.
Select Fixing a Problem and then select Startup and Shut Down problems. A
list of specific problem topics appears on the right side of the dialog box.
Select Startup and Shutdown Troubleshooter. Follow the onscreen
instructions according to your specific situation.
Topic: How do I change the parallel port type to ECP, EPP, or bi-directional?
You can change the parallel port type using the System Setup utility (CMOS
Setup Utility). To access System Setup:
1
Click Start in the Windows taskbar, and select Turn Off Computer. Select
Restart.
2
3
4
5
When the Sony screen displays, press the F2 key on your keyboard.
Select the Advanced tab from the Setup Utility screen.
Select “I/O Device Configuration” and press Enter.
Use the arrow keys to highlight Parallel Port Mode and press Enter.
✍ You can toggle between the Normal (bi-directional), EPP, ECP, and ECP+EPP options
using the directional arrow keys.
6
Select the desired setting displays, and press Enter.
Press F10 to Save and Exit.
7
Topic: My optical drive tray does not open.
Use the Eject button
1
2
Make sure the computer is turned on.
Press the Eject button on the drive.
Use the My Computer icon
1
2
Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then select My Computer.
Right-click the appropriate optical drive icon.
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3
Select Eject from the shortcut menu.
✍ Avoid using adhesive labels to identify your CD media. Adhesive labels may come off
while the CD media is in use in your optical drive(s) and may cause damage to the
unit.
Topic: I cannot play a DVD or CD.
❑
After inserting your optical disc, wait a few seconds for it to be detected
before trying to access it.
❑
❑
Verify that the disc is in the tray with the label side facing up.
Install your CD or DVD software according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
❑
If your drive reads some DVDs or CDs, but not others, check the shiny side
of the disc for dirt or scratches. You may also need to clean the disc drive
lens with an appropriate cleaner.
✍ To recover the CD or DVD software applications that are preinstalled on your
computer, see “To Use the Application Recovery CD(s)” for more information.
Topic: I cannot play a DVD.
If a region code warning appears when you are using the DVD player application,
it may be that the DVD you are trying to play is incompatible with the optical
drive in your Computer. A region code is listed on the disc packaging. Region
code indicators such as “1” or “ALL” are labeled on some DVDs to indicate the
type of player that can play the disc. Unless a “1” or “ALL” appears on the DVD
or on its packaging, you cannot play the disc on this system.
If you hear audio but cannot see video, your computer’s video resolution may be
set too high. To improve video resolution, change your screen area to 1024 x 768,
using 32-bit color.
✍ If your computer’s video memory is 16 MB shared system memory, you can improve
video resolution by changing your screen area to 800 x 600, using 16-bit color. See
your Specifications sheet for details about your computer’s video RAM.
To change this setting:
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Troubleshooting
1
2
3
4
5
Click Start in the Windows taskbar, and then select Control Panel.
Select Appearances and Themes, then select “Change the screen resolution.”
Click the Settings tab.
Change the Screen resolution to 800 x 600 and the Color quality to 16-bit.
Click Apply and then click OK.
If you see video but cannot hear audio, check all of the following:
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
Verify that your DVD player’s mute feature is turned off.
Check the master volume setting in the Audio Mixer.
Check the volume settings on your computer speakers.
Check the connections between your speakers and the computer.
Verify that drivers are installed properly, by following these steps:
1
2
3
From the Start menu, select Settings, then click Control Panel.
Click Systems and the System Properties dialog box appears.
Select the Device Manager tab to view installed drivers.
A dirty or damaged disc may also cause the computer to stop responding while it
tries to read the disc. If necessary, remove the disc and check that it is not dirty or
damaged.
✍ To recover the CD or DVD software applications that are preinstalled on your
computer, see “To Use the Application Recovery CD(s)” for more information.
Topic: When I 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 software applications require specific files that are located on the
application’s CD-ROM. Insert the disc and try starting the program again.
Check to make sure you inserted the CD-ROM with the label side facing up.
Topic: Why doesn't my optical drive (DVD-RW or CD-RW) record at the
highest speed?
If you are having difficulty formatting DVD-RW or CD-RW media for recording
purposes, try changing the write speed to a lower setting.
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See the online Help or documentation that came with your CD or DVD recording
software application for details on adjusting write speed settings.
Topic: How do I change the video resolution of my display?
1
2
3
4
5
Click Start in the Windows taskbar, and then select Control Panel.
Select Appearances and Themes, then select “Change the screen resolution.”
Click the Settings tab.
Change the Screen resolution and Color quality to the desired levels.
Click Apply and then click OK.
Topic: Why is there no sound in any application?
❑
❑
❑
Check that the speakers are plugged into the Headphones jack.
If your speakers have a mute button, verify that it is turned off.
If your speakers are powered by batteries, verify that the batteries are
inserted properly and that they are charged.
❑
If your speakers use an external power source, verify that the power cord is
plugged into a grounded wall outlet or power strip.
❑
❑
If your speakers have volume control, check the volume level.
You cannot hear sound from your speakers if headphones are connected to
your computer.
❑
❑
If the software application you are using has its own volume control, check
that the volume is turned up.
Check the volume controls in the Windows® operating system using these
steps:
1
2
Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then select Control Panel.
Select Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices, then click “Adjust the
system volume.”
3
From the Volume tab, adjust the Device volume by moving the slider bar
to the desired sound level. Verify that the Mute option is not selected.
❑
Check that the Mute check box is not selected in the Windows volume
control.
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Troubleshooting
✍ You may need to reinstall the sound drivers. See “To Use the Driver Recovery CD(s)”
for more information.
Topic: My modem connection is slow.
Many factors influence modem connection speed:
❑
❑
Telephone line noise
Incompatibility with other telephone equipment such as fax machines or
other modems.
❑
Internet Service Providers (ISP) connection capability may vary.
If you think your modem is not connecting properly to other PC-based modems,
fax machines, or your Internet Service Provider (ISP), check the following:
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
Contact your phone company and ask them to verify that your phone line is
free from 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.
For optimum performance, verify that your ISP point of presence (POP)
phone number is compliant with V.90 standards.
If you are having a problem connecting with your ISP, check that they are
not experiencing technical problems.
Try connecting your modem through another phone line, if available.
Topic: My modem does not work.
Your modem may be experiencing equipment or software conflicts. If your
modem is not functioning properly, check the following:
❑
❑
Check that the phone line is plugged into the Line jack.
Check that the phone line is working. You can check the line by plugging in
a standard telephone and listening for a dial tone.
❑
❑
Check that the access phone number (POP) is correct.
All software applications that are preinstalled by Sony are compatible with
your computer modem. If you have installed other software, contact the
software publisher for information on how to configure the software to
recognize the modem.
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❑
If it appears that your modem is not functioning properly, check the device
status.
1
2
Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then click Control Panel.
Click Printers and Other Hardware and then select Phone and Modem
Options.
3
4
5
From the Modems tab, click to select your modem.
Click Properties. The Modem Properties window appears.
Review the information in the Device status section. If your modem is
not working properly, click the troubleshoot button. The Help and
Support Center window appears.
6
Follow the onscreen instructions to resolve the problem.
✍ You may need to reinstall the modem drivers. See “To Use the Driver Recovery CD(s)
for more information.
Topic: How do I change my modem to rotary or Touch-Tone dialing?
1
2
3
Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then click Control Panel.
Click Printers and Other Hardware, then click Phone and Modem options
From the Dialing Rules tab, click Edit. The Edit Location dialog box
appears.
4
Select the Tone or Pulse option. Click OK.
Topic: My microphone does not work.
Check that the microphone is plugged into the MIC jack.
Topic: My microphone is too sensitive to background noise.
If you find there is too much background noise when you record sound, you
should adjust the microphone gain by following these steps:
1
2
Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then click Control Panel.
Click Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices, then click Sounds and Audio
Devices.
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Troubleshooting
3
4
From the Audio tab, locate the Sound recording section and click the Volume
button. The Recording Control dialog box appears.
Select the Options menu and click Properties. The Properties dialog box
appears.
5
6
In the section, “Adjust volume for,” select the Recording option. Click OK.
From the Recording Control dialog box, decrease the microphone volume
level by moving the slider bar down.
7
Close the Recording Control dialog box and then close the Sounds and
Audio Devices Properties window.
Topic: My mouse does not work.
❑
❑
Check that the mouse is plugged securely into the Mouse port.
Save and close all open applications. Turn off your computer, wait
approximately 10 seconds, and then restart your computer.
❑
There may be dust or dirt inside the mouse mechanism. To clean the mouse,
follow these steps:
1
2
3
Save and close all applications, and turn off your computer.
Turn the mouse upside down.
Remove the mouse ball cover on the back of the mouse by turning
clockwise the ring that covers the mouse ball.
4
5
Turn the mouse upright, and drop the mouse ball into your hand.
Using a piece of tape, remove any dust or dirt on the mouse ball and
inside the mouse ball socket.
6
Return the mouse ball to the socket, and replace the mouse ball cover.
Secure the cover by turning the ring counter-clockwise.
✍ You may need to reinstall the mouse drivers. See “To Use the Driver Recovery CD” for
more information.
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Topic: My mouse needs to be set up for left-hand use.
1
2
Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then click Control Panel.
Click Printers and Other Hardware, then click Mouse. The Mouse Properties
dialog box appears.
3
4
From the Buttons tab, select “Switch primary and secondary buttons” under
the Button Configuration options.
Click Apply, then click OK.
Topic: My keyboard does not work.
❑
❑
Check that the keyboard is securely plugged into the Keyboard port.
Save and close all open applications. Turn off your computer, wait
approximately 10 seconds, and then restart your computer.
Topic: I cannot find the Windows® taskbar.
The Windows taskbar may be hidden or minimized.
❑
Use the mouse to locate a hidden taskbar by pointing to the left, right, top,
and bottom edges of the screen. The taskbar appears when the cursor is
placed over its location.
1
2
Right-click on the taskbar and select Properties from the shortcut menu.
Clear the check box for Autohide the taskbar, then click OK.
❑
Use the mouse to locate a minimized taskbar by pointing to the left, right,
top and bottom edges of the display screen. The taskbar has been located
when the cursor changes to a double arrow cursor. Left-click and drag away
from the edge of the display screen. The minimized taskbar resizes and
becomes visible.
Topic: Why is my system running slowly?
❑
The system responsiveness varies depending with the number of applications
that are open and running. Close any applications that you are not currently
using.
❑
Increasing the system memory may also help. For information on installing
memory, please see the online VAIO User Manual.
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Troubleshooting
Topic: How do I install a printer?
❑
If your printer has a USB, IEEE1394, or infrared connection, contact the
printer manufacturer for information or updates that may be required for
proper installation.
❑
Check the printer manufacturer’s Web site for the latest drivers for your
operating system before proceeding with installation. Some printers do not
function properly without the updated drivers for specific operating systems.
❑
1
2
3
4
To install your printer, follow these steps:
Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then click Control Panel.
Click Printers and Other Hardware, then click Add a Printer.
From the Add Printer Wizard, click Next.
Select Local Printer, then click Next.
✍ Place a check mark in the box for “Automatically detect and install my Plug and Play
printer”, if you are installing a recently manufactured printer with Plug and Play
capability.
5
Select the appropriate port, usually LPT1, and then click Next.
Select the appropriate printer manufacturer and model
6
7
Follow the onscreen instructions to print a test page and complete printer
installation.
✍ If the printer is not included in the list and the printer manufacturer included a disk
with a Windows XP Printer driver, choose Have Disk, enter the appropriate path for the
disk or CD and click OK.
If the printer is not included on the list and no drivers are included with the printer,
choose an alternate printer driver that your printer may emulate. Refer to the manual
that came with your printer for specific emulation information.
Topic: My connected printer doesn't function after the computer resumes from
a power saving mode.
Clear the printer memory by turning the printer off for approximately 10 seconds,
and then turning it back on.
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To contact Sony for technical support
For further technical assistance, call 1-888-4-SONY-PC (1-888-476-6972) or
Notes on Use
The power source
❑
❑
Your computer operates on 100–120 V AC 50/60 Hz only.
Plug all the power cords for your computer and its peripheral equipment into
the same AC supply line. AC derived from different supply lines may result
in voltage differences that can cause unstable operation or unwanted weak
currents at the time of connection.
❑
❑
Do not share the AC outlet with any other power-consuming equipment,
such as copying machines or shredders.
You can purchase a power strip with a surge protector. This device prevents
damage to your computer caused by sudden power surges such as those that
may occur during an electrical storm.
❑
❑
If you live in an area that experiences frequent power fluctuations, you may
want to purchase an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). This device
contains both a surge protector and a battery backup. The surge protector
prevents damage to your computer caused by power surges. The battery
backup safeguards your data during a brief period of power loss.
The power control button on the front panel does not turn off the system AC
power. To remove power from the system, you must turn off the computer
and then unplug the AC power cord from the wall outlet or power strip.
❑
❑
Do not place heavy objects on the power cord.
Do not operate the system with the cover removed. Always reinstall the
cover before turning on the system.
❑
❑
To disconnect the cord, pull it out by the plug. Never pull the cord itself.
Unplug your computer from the wall outlet if you will not be using the
computer for a long time.
❑
Before touching anything inside the computer, turn the system off and let it
cool for ten minutes. This will ensure that the processor heat sink will not be
hot.
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Troubleshooting
❑
Do not attempt to open the power supply. There are no user-serviceable parts
in the power supply. To avoid personal injury or damage to your equipment,
refer the repair or replacement of the power supply to qualified personnel
only.
Disposal of the lithium battery
Dispose of the lithium battery properly. In some areas, the disposal of lithium
batteries in household or business trash may be prohibited. You can return your
unwanted lithium batteries to your nearest Sony Service Center or Factory
Service Center. For the Sony Service Center nearest you, call 1-888-4-SONY-PC
(1-888-476-6972).
Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium batteries. The lithium battery may
explode if mistreated. Do not disassemble it or dispose of it in fire.
Replace the battery with a Sony CR2032 lithium battery. Using a type of
battery other than a CR2032 may present a risk of fire or explosion.
Handling the computer system
❑
Do not place your Sony computer in a location subject to:
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
Heat sources, such as radiators or air ducts
Direct sunlight
Excessive dust
Mechanical vibration or shock
Strong magnets or speakers that are not magnetically shielded
Ambient temperature of more than 95ºF (35ºC) or less than 50ºF (10ºC)
High humidity, moisture, or rain
❑
❑
Do not place electronic equipment near your computer. The computer’s
electromagnetic field may cause a malfunction.
Provide adequate air circulation to prevent internal heat build-up. Do not
place your computer on loose surfaces (such as rugs or blankets) or near
materials (such as curtains or draperies) that may block its ventilation slots.
Leave a space of at least 8 inches from the back panel of your computer.
❑
Clean the cabinet with a soft, dry cloth or a soft cloth lightly moistened with
a mild detergent solution. Do not use any type of abrasive pad, scouring
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powder, or solvent such as alcohol or benzine, as it may damage the finish of
your Sony computer.
❑
❑
❑
Should any solid object or liquid fall into the cabinet, keyboard, or mouse,
shut down your computer and then unplug it. You may want to have the
computer checked by qualified personnel before operating it any further.
The computer uses high-frequency radio signals and may cause interference
to radio or TV reception. Should this occur, relocate the computer a suitable
distance away from the set.
Use only specified peripheral equipment and interface cables; otherwise,
problems may result.
❑
❑
Do not use cut or damaged connection cables.
Always switch the power off before connecting your computer to peripheral
equipment; otherwise, damage may occur to the integrated circuits in your
computer.
❑
❑
Your computer, keyboard, and mouse consist of high-precision electronic
parts. Do not drop them or bump them against other objects.
Your Sony computer will 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).
❑
If the telephone company makes a service call to your home or office and
determines that your computer is responsible for the problem, the telephone
company may bill you for the service call. If you do not disconnect your
computer when it is adversely affecting the telephone line, the telephone
company has the right to disconnect your service until you correct the
problem.
Moisture condensation
If your computer is brought directly from a cold location to a warm one, moisture
may condense inside your computer. In this case, allow at least an hour before
turning on your computer. If any problem occurs, unplug your computer, and
contact your Sony Service Center.
Upgrading the computer system
❑
The procedures described in the online manual, Upgrading and Maintaining
Your VAIO Digital Studio Computer, assume familiarity with the general
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Troubleshooting
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
telecommunications links, networks, or modems before you open the system
or follow any of the procedures described in the online manual, Upgrading
and Maintaining Your VAIO Digital Studio Computer. Failure to do so may
result in personal injury or equipment damage.
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage disk drives, add-on cards, and
other components. Follow the procedures described in the online manual,
Upgrading and Maintaining Your VAIO Digital Studio Computer, 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 (for
example, cellophane wrappers). Ground yourself by maintaining continuous
contact with an unpainted metal portion of the chassis while performing the
procedure.
❑
When removing a slot cover, be careful not to damage components on the
system board or add-on cards. You may need to temporarily remove add-on
cards that are next to the slot cover you want to remove.
Handling a CRT display
❑
Do not change the CRT display refresh rate to 85 Hz, as DVD playback and
the DVgate software may not function correctly. Sony suggests that you keep
your CRT display at the preset, optimal refresh rate (75 Hz).
❑
❑
❑
Do not place the display near a strong magnetic force.
Do not block the ventilation slots on the display.
Using the computer in low temperature conditions may produce a residual
image on the screen. This is not a malfunction. When the computer returns to
normal temperature, the screen returns to normal.
❑
❑
A residual image may appear on the screen if the same image is displayed
for a lengthy period of time. The image disappears after a period of time.
You can use a screen saver to prevent residual images.
The screen becomes warm during operation. This is normal and does not
indicate a malfunction.
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Using the hard disk drive
❑
❑
❑
❑
Do not place the computer in a location that is subject to vibration or shock.
Do not move the computer during operation.
Do not subject the computer to sudden changes in temperature.
Do not turn off the power while the computer is accessing the hard disk
drive.
Handling floppy disks
❑
❑
❑
Do not open the shutter manually and touch the surface of the floppy disk.
Keep floppy disks away from magnets.
Keep floppy disks away from direct sunlight and other heat sources.
Handling CD or DVD media
❑
❑
❑
Do not touch the surface of the disc.
Do not drop or bend the disc.
Do not use adhesive labels to identify the disc. The label may come off while
the disc is in use in the optical drive and damage the drive.
Cleaning CD or DVD media
❑
Fingerprints and dust on the surface of a disc may cause read errors. Proper
care of the disc is essential to maintain its reliability. Do not use solvents
such as benzine, thinner, commercially available cleaners or anti-static spray,
as they may cause damage to the disc.
❑
❑
For normal cleaning, hold the disc by its edge and use a soft cloth to wipe the
surface from the center out.
If the disc is badly soiled, moisten a soft cloth with water, wring it out well,
and use it to wipe the surface of the disc from the center out. Wipe off any
remaining moisture with a dry soft cloth.
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For Answers to Your Software Questions
For Answers to Your Software Questions
Sony Service Center
For the Sony Service Center nearest you, call 1-888-4-SONY-PC
(1-888-476-6972). This service is free of charge for 90 days after the original
date of purchase.
Adobe Acrobat Reader™, Adobe Acrobat eBook Reader, Adobe
Photoshop® Elements, Adobe Premiere® LE (Adobe Systems Inc.)
Web site
phone
fax
206-675-6126 (fee-based support)
206-628-5737
e-mail
hours
M - F, 6 AM - 5 PM PST
America Online® (America Online, Inc.)
Web site
phone
800-827-6364
hours
7 days a week, 24 hours a day
DVDit! (Sonic Solutions)
Web site
Online Support
phone
877-DVD-1124*
e-mail
M - F, 9 AM - 6 PM PST
hours
* Telephone support is fee-based per incident. Online support is free of charge.
PC-Cillin (Trend Micro)
Web site
phone
949-387-7800
hours
M-F, 8AM - 5PM (PST)
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PhotoPrinter™ 2000 Pro (ArcSoft, Inc.)
Web site(s)
phone
e-mail
hours
510-440-9901
M - F, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM PST
Quicken® 2002 Basic (Intuit, Inc.)
Web site
(Online support)
phone
hours
900-555-4688
7 days a week, 24 hours a day
RecordNow™ DX (VERITAS Software Corp.)
Web site
RealPlayer®, RealJukebox (RealNetworks, Inc.)
Web site
e-mail
Sony Applications (Sony Electronics Inc.)
Web site
(Online Support)
phone
hours
888-4-SONY-PC (888-476-6972)*
7 days a week, 24 hours a day
* Support from 888-4-SONY-PC is free of charge for 90 days after the original date of purchase.
Sound Forge® XP (Sonic Foundry)
Web site
(Online support)
phone
fax
608-256-5555
608-256-7300
e-mail
hours
M - F, 8 AM - 7 PM CT
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For Answers to Your Software Questions
Tomb Raider® Chronicles (Eidos Interactive)
Web site
(Online support)
phone
hours
415-547-1244
M - F, 9 AM - 5 PM PST
Windows® XP Home Edition Operating System, Internet Explorer,
Outlook® Express, Word (Microsoft Corp.)
Web site
phone
888-4-SONY-PC (888-476-6972)*
7 days a week, 24 hours a day
hours
* Support from 888-4-SONY-PC is free of charge for 90 days after the original date of purchase.
WordPerfect® (Corel Corporation)
Web site
phone
716-871-2325*
hours
M - F, 8:30 AM - 7:30 PM CT
* Support from 1-716-871-2325 is fee-based. The on-line support is free of charge.
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Resources
Sony provides several support options for your Sony computer. When you have
questions about your computer and the preinstalled software, check these sources
for answers, in the following sequence:
The QuickStart contains information on how to set up your
computer quickly and easily.
VAIO QuickStart
The User Guide contains information on how to get the most
from your computer, find help, and solve common problems. It
also includes product specifications.
VAIO Computer
User Guide
The User Guide is available electronically on your hard drive.
Two additional guides, Upgrading and Maintaining your VAIO
Computer and the Troubleshooting Help are also available
online.
Online (Electronic)
Documentation
To access online documentation:
1. Click the Start button and point to VAIO Help and Support
Center.
2. Click on the VAIO User Guide.
Most manuals for preinstalled software are located on your
hard disk drive as online help files. You can access online help
files from the Help menu within the specific application. A
printed manual may be available for some applications.
Software application
manuals and online
help files
This database provides instant access to information on
commonly encountered problems. Enter a description of your
problem and the Knowledge Database searches for the
corresponding solutions online. You can access the Sony
Knowledge Database
This service provides you with answers to commonly asked
questions. You can use this automated service to request a list
of available topics. Select the topics that you want to view. To
contact the Sony fax-on-demand service, call 1-888-4-SONY-
PC (1-888-476-6972). (Requires a fax machine or fax
software.)
Sony Fax-on-Demand
You can download the latest software updates and software
patches for your Sony computer by selecting Software Updates
on the Sony PC Support web page at:
Software Updates
This advanced reference manual supplies detailed technical
information about your computer's hardware. This document is
available from Sony's website at:
VAIO Computer
System Reference
Manual
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