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.
Cushions formed by corrugated board used in packaging. Owner's record The serial number and model number are located on the back of your Sony desktop. Record the numbers and refer to them if you call VAIO-Link. See also the printed Specifications document.
Read this first Safety information General ❑ 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. ❑...
There is visible and invisible radiation when the optical disc drive is open: avoid direct exposure to the laser beam. The optical disc drives are classified as CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCTS and comply with the Laser Product Safety Standard EN 60825-1. Repair and maintenance only by authorised Sony technicians. Improper repairs and use can create safety hazards. CLASS 1...
Read this first 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.
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Disposing of the internal memory backup battery ❑ Your Sony VAIO desktop is equipped with an internal back-up memory battery (motherboard battery) that should not have to be replaced during the lifetime of the product. If you want to replace the battery, please contact VAIO-Link: ❑...
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Giga Pocket* – Take advantage of the new Giga Pocket technology, allowing you to watch TV and record your favourite programs digitally and by remote control. ❑ Sony Memory Stick slot – This compact digital storage medium allows you to easily transfer images, sounds, data and text between cameras, computers, and more. ❑...
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A Guide to Troubleshooting / Using the VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc, where you will find solutions to common problems, an explanation of the purpose and use of the VAIO disc delivered with your computer, and VAIO-Link information; ❑ Your Sony Guarantee conditions; ❑ A Safety Regulations leaflet; ❑...
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PC. My Documentation also gives you: ❑ A direct link to the VAIO-Link website, Sony’s service centre. This will give you troubleshooting hints, downloads, contact details, and everything else you need for the smooth operation of your VAIO. ❑...
Welcome Ergonomic considerations Whenever possible, try and take into account the following ergonomic considerations when using your new computer, whether at home or in the office:...
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Welcome ❑ Position of the keyboard and mouse – Place the keyboard directly in front of you (1). Keep your forearms horizontal, with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable position (2) while using the keyboard or mouse – not at an angle. Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides. Use the palm rest only briefly, to relax your wrists when you are not typing.
Using your VAIO computer Using your VAIO computer 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. Read on to get the most out of using your VAIO computer.
Using your VAIO computer Shutting down your computer 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: Turn off any peripherals connected to your computer. Click the Start button.
Using your VAIO computer Using the keyboard Your computer is delivered with a VAIO keyboard. The features are much the same a standard keyboard, plus some additional functions. For information on the standard keys and shortcuts, please go to the Windows Help and Support Center. The VAIO-Link website (www.vaio-link.com) also contains glossary information to help you use the keyboard.
Export your video capsules to MPEG2, MPEG1 and (DVI) AVI-files; ✍ Sony cannot guarantee the streaming of recorded content if it is beyond a certain level of high quality. For details on using Giga Pocket and the remote control, please see the dedicated online guide under My Documentation * See the printed Specifications sheet for details.
Using your VAIO computer Using the mouse The VAIO wheel mouse allows you to control the cursor in a number of ways. You can point to, select, drag and scroll objects on the screen using the buttons and the wheel. PCV-RZ models only: Your computer is delivered with a VAIO PS/2 optical mouse, which uses a light-emitting diode (LED) instead of a ball.
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Using your VAIO computer Setting up the mouse for left-handed users To set your mouse up for left-handed users, proceed as follows: Go to Start, select Control Panel, then click the Printers and Other Hardware option. Click the mouse icon. The Mouse Properties dialog box appears.
Using your VAIO computer Using the disc drives Your computer is equipped with two separate optical drives. Please see the printed Specifications sheet to see which drives your model has. For installing software and using the VAIO Recovery Disc it is recommended that you use the upper drive. ❑...
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Using your VAIO computer Reading and writing CDs and DVDs To achieve optimum performance when writing data on to disc (also called ’burning’), follow these recommendations: ❑ Only use circular discs. Do not use discs with any other shape (star, heart, card, etc.), as this may damage the disc drive.
Using your VAIO computer Playing DVDs To achieve optimum performance when playing DVDs, you should follow these recommendations: ❑ Close all open applications before playing a DVD movie. ❑ You can play DVDs with the software WinDVD for VAIO. ❑ Do not switch power saving modes while playing a DVD.
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Using your VAIO computer Using two screens while watching a DVD film To use the two screens and change the DVD playback settings, proceed as follows: Connect your TV to the computer as described in Connecting a TV Go to Control Panel. Click Appearance and Themes and then Display.
Using your VAIO computer Using the floppy disk drive Your VAIO desktop is equipped with a floppy disk drive. Inserting a floppy disk To insert a floppy disk, proceed as follows: Hold the floppy disk with the label side facing up. Gently push the disk into the floppy disk drive until it clicks into place.
Using your VAIO computer Troubleshooting floppy disks My floppy disk drive cannot write to a floppy disk ❑ The floppy disk is write-protected. Disable the write-protect feature or use a floppy disk that is not write-protected. ❑ Check that the disk is properly inserted into the floppy disk drive. ❑...
Using your VAIO computer Using power modes The colour of the power indicator light(s) on the main unit tells you which mode the computer is in. PCV-RS models ’VAIO’ light Power indicator Blue No light No light Amber No light No light ✍...
Using your VAIO computer Using Standby mode If you plan to stop using your computer for a short period of time (not overnight), you can put it into Standby mode instead of turning it off completely. Putting the computer into Standby mode saves energy and allows a quick return to normal computer use.
Using your VAIO computer Using Hibernate mode If you are interrupted and need to leave your computer suddenly, you can put it into Hibernate mode. This power saving mode saves you the time of shutting down in the normal way. When you put your computer into Hibernate mode: ❑...
Please be aware that formatting the card will delete all the data on it. The Sony UMH-U HS-XX USB Device icon (or similar) is shown in the taskbar when a USB device is in use. However, it also runs Memory Sticks, CompactFlash cards and SmartMedia.
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Please see your printed Specifications sheet to see which Memory Stick types are compatible with your VAIO and if there are any limitations. ❑ You can purchase Memory Sticks from the Sony Style website (www.sonystyle-europe.com), or from your local Sony dealer. ❑...
Using your VAIO computer About SmartMedia A SmartMedia card (originally called a solid-state floppy disk card) is a memory card that uses flash memory to store data and to make it portable among devices, such as digital cameras, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other handheld devices.
The Sony UMH-U HS-XX USB Device icon (or similar) is shown in the taskbar when a USB device is in use. However, it also runs Memory Sticks, CompactFlash cards and SmartMedia. It is important that you do not use this icon to disable these memory cards, as it disables all the slots. If you...
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Using your VAIO computer Write-protecting cards Memory Sticks and SmartMedia are designed with an erasure prevention switch to protect valuable data from accidental erasure or overwriting. Move the tab to the right or left to set or release write-protection. (On the 128 MB Memory Stick, move the tab up or down.) When the erasure prevention switch is off, data can be saved on the memory card.
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Using your VAIO computer Using CompactFlash cards Your VAIO desktop has a CompactFlash slot that supports Type I or Type II cards. CompactFlash is a removable mass storage device. And is used to interconnect digital cameras, digital music players, desktop computers, handheld PCs, personal communicators, Palm PCs, digital voice recorders and photo printers.
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Removing a CompactFlash card The Sony UMH-U HS-XX USB Device icon (or similar) is shown in the taskbar when a USB device is in use. However, it also runs Memory Sticks, CompactFlash cards and SmartMedia. It is important that you do not use this icon to disable these memory cards, as it disables all the slots.
Using your VAIO computer PCV-RZ models only: Using PC Cards Your VAIO desktop has a PC Card slot on the front panel that supports Type I or Type II PC Cards. PC Cards allow you to interconnect with portable external devices. Inserting a PC Card To insert a PC Card proceed as follows: Open the bottom panel on the front of your VAIO.
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Using your VAIO computer Removing a PC Card Follow the steps below to remove the PC Card while your computer is on. If it is not removed properly, your system may crash and unsaved data may be lost. If you want to remove a PC Card when your computer is off, skip steps 1 to 5.
Bottom slot: CNR slot containing the modem card. Empty PCI slots allow you the choice of adding to the expansion capabilities of your computer. You are strongly advised not to add hardware yourself. Please contact your local Sony dealer for advice on changing the internal hardware components.
Connecting a microphone ❑ Connecting to a network ❑ Sony computer supplies, accessories and peripherals can be purchased from your local retailer or from the Sony website: ❑ For more information about connection compatibility, go to the VAIO-Link website: (page 38)
Connecting peripheral devices Connecting a display You can connect multiple displays to your desktop, each using a different port on the back of your computer: ❑ an LCD screen using the DVI connector ❑ a TV using the TV/video out connector ❑...
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Connecting peripheral devices To change your display from VGA to DVI or vice versa, proceed as follows: Connect the display(s), as described in the printed Getting Started or in the instructions delivered with the display, if applicable. Go to Control Panel. Click Appearance and Themes then Display.
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Connecting peripheral devices Connecting a TV You can connect a TV directly to your computer. In order to be able to use a TV screen, you also have to enable the TV output function. Your VAIO desktop is delivered with a TV/video out cable (or ’converter cable’), which is for use with TV sets without an S-video port.
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Connecting peripheral devices Connecting a TV that has an S-video port To connect a TV to your VAIO desktop with an S-video cable (not supplied), proceed as follows: Plug one end of the S-video cable into the TV/video out port on the back of your computer. Plug the other end of the S-video cable into your TV’s S-video port.
USB device. ❑ The Sony UMH-U HS-XX USB Device icon (or similar) is shown in the taskbar when a USB device is in use. However, it also runs Memory Sticks, CompactFlash cards and SmartMedia. It is important that you do not use this icon to disable these memory cards, as it disables all the slots.
Connecting peripheral devices Connecting a printer To connect a printer, you can use either the printer port or a USB port, depending on the cable you use for your printer. Please see your printer’s documentation for details on connection and installation. Always check the printer manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers for your operating system.
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❑ The i.LINK device will need its own power supply. ❑ You are strongly advised to use only Sony i.LINK cables, as using other brands may cause problems with the i.LINK devices. ❑ The i.LINK connection may vary, depending on the software applications, operating system, and compatible i.LINK devices.
Connecting an S/PDIF device The S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) port on your computer allows you to transfer audio files to optical devices. The advantage is that is does not use the conversion to and from an analog format, which could degrade the signal quality.
Connecting peripheral devices Connecting to a network Your computer comes with a built-in Ethernet interface. To connect to a network, proceed as follows: Connect your 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Ethernet cable (not supplied) to the Ethernet port, identified by the symbol , on the back of the computer. If there is a sticker covering the Ethernet port, this is to remind customers in Germany not to insert an ISDN cable (see caution below).
Upgrading your VAIO computer Upgrading your VAIO computer Sony recommends contacting your local dealer for upgrade or maintenance of your new computer. Your local dealer has knowledge of this specialised personal computer and familiar with the safety practices and regulatory compliance required for using and modifying electronic equipment.
Upgrading your VAIO computer Upgrading memory In the future, you may want to upgrade the memory installed on your VAIO by replacing / adding memory modules. However, we recommend that you do not install them yourself unless you are familiar with upgrading memory on a computer.
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Upgrading your VAIO computer Viewing the amount of memory To view the amount of memory, proceed as follows: Turn on the computer. Click the Start button, point to All Programs, then VAIO System Information, and click VAIO System Information again. You can view the amount of installed memory here.
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Upgrading your VAIO computer PCV-RS models: Adding / replacing a memory module If you are not familiar with upgrading memory on a computer, we highly recommend that you contact your dealer. To add or change a memory module, proceed as follows: Shut down the computer, unplug it, and remove any peripheral devices.
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Upgrading your VAIO computer To remove an existing memory module, release the end latches and gently lift out the module, as shown (may vary from actual configuration). To insert a new memory module, remove it from its anti-static package, handling it only by the edges. Locate the notch on the bottom edge of the memory module.
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Upgrading your VAIO computer Replace the cover sliding the cover firmly over the unit, sliding it forward until the cover snaps into place. Replace the three release screws. ✍ The illustrations here may vary from the actual configuration of your VAIO.
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Upgrading your VAIO computer PCV-RZ models: If you are not familiar with upgrading memory on a computer, we highly recommend that you contact your dealer. To add or change a memory module, proceed as follows: Shut down the computer, unplug it, and remove any peripheral devices. Wait for the computer to cool down.
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Upgrading your VAIO computer To remove an existing memory module, release the end latches and gently lift out the module, as shown (may vary from actual configuration): To insert a new memory module, remove it from its anti-static package, handling it only by the edges. Locate the notch on the bottom edge of the memory module.
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Upgrading your VAIO computer Press evenly against the memory module's upper corners. The end latches snap into position automatically, as shown. Reinstall any add-on cards or components you removed. Align the tabs on the side cover to the rim of the unit. Press the side cover firmly against the unit until it snaps into place.
Getting help Getting help This section describes how to get help and support if something goes wrong with your computer. Sony offers you many support options for your computer. Sony documentation Please see the section Documentation pack delivered with your computer, as well as further sources of reference.
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Getting help e-Support What is e-Support? You have searched our user guides and website (www.vaio-link.com) but have not found an answer to your question/issue? e-Support is the ideal solution for you! Our e-Support Web Portal is an interactive website on which you can submit any technical query you may have regarding your VAIO and receive answers from our dedicated support team.
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Getting help Can I submit questions in my native language? Since you are interacting with our e-Support Team through a portal, which connects you directly to our central database, e-Support will only accept and deal with queries submitted in English. Can I submit my questions at any time? Yes, you can submit your questions 24/7, but please keep in mind that our e-Support Team can only treat your queries from Monday till Friday between 8am and 6pm.
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Precautions Precautions This section describes safety guidelines and precautions to help you protect your computer from potential damage. Please contact VAIO-Link if you need assistance. ❑ On handling the hard disk ❑ On using the power source ❑ On handling your computer ❑...
Precautions On handling the hard disk The hard disk has a high storage density and reads or writes data in a short time. However, it can be easily damaged by mechanical vibration, shock or dust. Although the hard disk has the internal safety device to prevent losing data due to mechanical vibration, shock or dust, you should be careful when handling your computer.
Precautions On using the power source ❑ See the printed Specifications sheet to check the power operation of your VAIO. ❑ Do not share the AC outlet with other high power-consuming equipment, such as a photocopier or shredder. ❑ You can purchase a power strip with a surge protector. This device prevents damage to your computer caused by sudden power surges, in an electrical storm, for example.
Precautions On handling your computer ❑ Clean the unit with a soft cloth, which is either dry or lightly moistened with a mild detergent solution. Do not use any type of abrasive pad, scouring powder, or solvent such as alcohol or benzene, as these may damage the finish of your computer.
Precautions ❑ Do not use cut or damaged connection cables. ❑ If the computer is brought directly from a cold location to a warm one, moisture may condense inside your computer. In this case, allow at least one hour before turning on your computer. If any problems occur, unplug your computer and contact VAIO-Link.
Precautions On handling floppy disks ❑ Do not open the shutter manually or touch the surface of the floppy disk. ❑ Keep floppy disks away from magnets. ❑ Keep floppy disks away from direct sunlight and other sources of heat. On handling discs ❑...
Precautions On handling Memory Sticks ❑ Do not touch the Memory Stick connector with your finger or metallic objects. ❑ Use only the label supplied with the Memory Stick as a label. ❑ Do not bend, drop, or apply heavy shock to the Memory Stick. ❑...
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Microsoft Works and the Windows logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE1394 connection. Adobe, Adobe Acrobat Elements, Adobe Photoshop Album, Adobe Reader, Adobe Premiere and Adobe Photoshop Elements are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.