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Using your VAIO

Playing DVDs

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

Close all open applications before playing a DVD movie.

Play DVDs with the software 

VAIO Zone

.

Do not switch power saving modes while playing a DVD.

Do not use built-in utility applications to speed up discs, because they may cause the system to become unstable.

Make sure the screensaver is deactivated.

Region codes indicators are labelled on the DVDs to indicate in which region and on what type of player you can play the disc. 
Unless a '2' (Europe belongs to region '2') or 'all' (this means that you can play this DVD everywhere in the world) is labelled on 
your DVD disc or on the packaging, you cannot play the disc on this player.

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

If your computer has Wireless LAN and Wireless LAN is activated, playing DVDs may cause some interruptions in audio and 
video playback.

Troubleshooting discs

If you have problems with your optical disc, check 

Help and Support Center 

and the VAIO-Link website (

www.vaio-link.com

).

Summary of Contents for PCV-E31M

Page 1: ...N User Guide V G C V 3 S e r i e s P C V E 3 1 M P C V F 3 1 M ...

Page 2: ...onnection with this manual the software or other information contained herein or the use thereof Macrovision This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by U S patents and other intellectual property rights Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorised by Macrovision and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise autho...

Page 3: ...nsumption It is an open system in which business proprietors can participate voluntarily The targeted products are office equipment such as computers displays printers facsimiles and copiers Their standards and logos are uniform among participating nations ENERGY STAR is a U S registered mark Environmental information Halogenated flame retardants are not used in cabinets Corrugated cardboard is us...

Page 4: ...odem during a severe electrical storm Do not move your computer while the system is in Standby mode The magnetic properties of some objects can have serious consequences for your hard disk drive They can erase the data on the hard disk drive and cause the computer to malfunction Do not place your computer near or on any objects which emit magnetic fields mainly TV sets Speakers Magnets and magneti...

Page 5: ...s Take care when installing or modifying telephone lines To disconnect your VAIO completely from the mains voltage unplug the power cable Make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible Optical disc drive The use of optical instruments can cause eye hazard As the laser beam used in this product is harmful to the eyes do not attempt any disassembling process For servicing refer to qualified p...

Page 6: ...itionally Sony provides these EU DoC s on the website www compliance sony de as a service to our customers You can search for all Declarations of Conformity available for a specific product by typing in the model name in the search box A list of matching documents will be displayed and can be downloaded Please note that the availability of declarations depends on the scope of the EU Directives and...

Page 7: ...s the disposal of non hazardous batteries in household or business waste may be prohibited Please use the public waste collection system Disposing of the AA batteries AA batteries are delivered with this VAIO keyboard mouse and remote control Do not handle damaged or leaking batteries Dispose of promptly and properly at end of life May explode or leak if recharged disposed of in fire mixed with ot...

Page 8: ... level Never miss your favourite TV programme again by remote recording it via the Internet onto your TV tuner equipped VAIO The tvtv Interactive Programme Guide gives you a comprehensive overview of what s on when and automatically synchronises it with your VAIO wherever you happen to be at the time Multimedia features Make the most out of your audio and video CDs and DVDs even record them yourse...

Page 9: ...prehensive collection of everything you need to get the most from your PC The user guides are collected under Documentation which can be shown as follows 1 Go to Start and click the My Club VAIO icon 2 Click Documentation 3 Select the guide you want to read You can manually browse to the user guides by going to My Computer VAIO C your C drive Documentation Documentation and opening the folder for ...

Page 10: ...lanation about the recovery process of your VAIO Booklets containing the following information Sony Guarantee conditions Safety Regulations Modem Regulations and Wireless LAN Regulations Help and Support Center Help and Support Center is a comprehensive resource for practical advice tutorials and demonstrations to help you learn to use Microsoft Windows XP and your VAIO Use the Search feature Inde...

Page 11: ...ou can also find Accessories Want to expand the capabilities of your VAIO Click on this icon and have a look at your compatible accessories Software Feeling creative Click this icon for an overview of your software and check out our upgrade options Wallpapers Click this icon and check out our most popular Sony and Club VAIO wallpapers Links Click this icon and check out our most popular Sony and C...

Page 12: ...ing feature to find the best position You can reduce eye strain and muscle fatigue by adjusting the tilt of the display to the proper position Remember to adjust the brightness setting of the display Furniture and posture Sit in a chair with good back support Adjust the level of the chair so your feet are flat on the floor A footrest may make you more comfortable Sit in a relaxed upright posture a...

Page 13: ...y Read on to get the most out of using your VAIO computer Shutting down your computer safely page 13 Using the keyboard page 14 Using the pointing device page 18 Using the mouse page 20 Using the TV function page 23 Using the disc drive page 24 Using the modem page 27 Using power modes page 28 Using the Memory Stick page 30 Using PC Cards page 33 Using Wireless LAN WLAN page 35 ...

Page 14: ...off any peripherals connected to your computer 2 Click the Start button 3 Click Turn Off Computer The Turn off computer window appears 4 Click Turn Off 5 Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents or to consider other users and wait for your computer to turn off automatically The power indicator turns off See the printed Troubleshooting Guide if you have problems shutting down your compu...

Page 15: ... main unit The keyboard has a standard key arrangement and additional keys that perform specific functions For more information on the standard keys and shortcuts please go to Help and Support Center Start Help and Support The VAIO Link website www vaio link com also contains glossary information to help you use the keyboard Effective usage distance depending on the environment ...

Page 16: ...eypad Press the Num Lock key again to deactivate the numeric keypad 3 Directional arrows The Up Down Left and Right arrow keys move the pointer on the screen 4 Applications The Applications key displays a shortcut menu in certain software programmes Pressing this key is equivalent to clicking the right mouse button 5 Pointing device See Using the pointing device page 18 for more information 6 Wind...

Page 17: ... task associated with each function key may vary from one application to the next 9 LED screen Num Lock Turns on when the number keys in the numeric keypad are active Caps Lock Turns on when the letters appear in uppercase as you type The Shift key lowers the case of typed characters when Caps Lock is on Scroll Lock Turns on when the screen scrolls differently not all applications support this fun...

Page 18: ...reless keyboard over and press the CONNECT button 4 Communication between the wireless keyboard and the computer is now active Steps 4 and 5 must be carried out within 10 seconds of each other If your wireless keyboard does not operate properly the batteries may need to be replaced Always use the same type and brand of batteries If your wireless keyboard is not being used for extended periods of t...

Page 19: ...n using the built in pointing device Action Description Point Slide one finger on the pointing device to place the pointer 2 on an item or object Click Press the left button 3 once Double click Press the left button twice Right click Press the right button 4 once In many applications this action displays a shortcut menu Drag and select Slide one finger while pressing the left button ...

Page 20: ...vate it To activate the pointing device proceed as follows 1 Fold the keyboard out 2 Turn on the Pointing Device switch 1 3 Close the lower part of the cover as shown 2 You can now use the pointing device together with your keyboard 4 If you only want to use the pointing device close the cover completely as shown 3 ...

Page 21: ...l Panel select Printers and Other Hardware then select Mouse 1 Left button Click or double click the left button to select items To drag and drop items hold the left button down while sliding the mouse then release the button to drop the item 2 Right button Press the right button once to display a context sensitive shortcut menu not always an active function 3 Central wheel Turn the central wheel ...

Page 22: ...on the packaging To connect the wireless mouse proceed as follows 1 Turn the wireless mouse over and slide the power button to the OFF position 1 2 Insert the two AA batteries into the wireless mouse as shown 2 3 Turn on the computer 4 Press the CONNECT button on the right panel of the computer 3 5 Turn the wireless mouse over slide the power button to the ON position 4 and press the CONNECT butto...

Page 23: ...ot place other wireless devices or metal objects near your VAIO or wireless mouse as this may cause interference Do not obstruct the communication between your wireless mouse and your VAIO Setting up the mouse for left handed users To set your mouse up for left handed users proceed as follows 1 Go to Start select Control Panel then click the Printers and Other Hardware option 2 Click the mouse ico...

Page 24: ...ded TV contents via Ethernet or WLAN to connected PCs Sony cannot guarantee the streaming of recorded content if it is beyond a certain level of high quality For details on using VAIO Zone and the remote control please see the dedicated guide Otherwise read the help files within the software itself tvtv takes your VAIO s TV functions to a new level Never miss your favourite TV programme again by r...

Page 25: ...ata to a DVD RW DVD RW DVD R DVD R CD RW or CD R To insert a disc proceed as follows 1 Turn on the computer 2 Press the eject button to open the drive The tray pops out 3 Place a disc in the tray with the label side facing outwards Make sure the disc is secure in the centre of the tray 4 Close the tray by pushing it gently See the printed Troubleshooting Guide ...

Page 26: ... shake the computer while writing data to a disc For optimal writing speed deactivate the screensaver before writing data to a disc Memory resident disc utilities may cause unstable operation or data loss Deactivate these utilities before writing data to a disc When using your software application to burn discs make sure you exit and close all other applications Never touch the surface of the disc...

Page 27: ...hich region and on what type of player you can play the disc Unless a 2 Europe belongs to region 2 or all this means that you can play this DVD everywhere in the world is labelled on your DVD disc or on the packaging you cannot play the disc on this player Do not try to change the region code settings of the DVD drive Any difficulties caused by changing the region code settings of the DVD drive ar...

Page 28: ...ied modem cable to the phone line Once you have connected the phone line and registered with an Internet Service Provider you can take advantage of online services and the Internet to register your computer and software online and to contact VAIO Link Troubleshooting the modem If you have problems with your modem check Help and Support Center and the VAIO Link website www vaio link com ...

Page 29: ...manually proceed as follows 1 Save your work close all applications and close your Internet connection if applicable 2 Press the Standby button on the keyboard Alternatively from the Start menu on the Windows taskbar select Turn Off Computer and select Stand By The computer goes into Standby mode indicated by the amber light of the power indicator 3 To return to Normal mode press the Standby butto...

Page 30: ...ork 2 From the Start menu on the Windows taskbar select Turn Off Computer 3 In the Turn Off Computer screen hold down the Shift key to reveal the Hibernate button 4 Click Hibernate The computer goes into Hibernate mode the computer turns off Alternatively quickly press the power button To return to Normal mode quickly press the power button Operation returns to the same state as before You can lea...

Page 31: ...ed into digital data such as pictures music words sounds movies and photographs 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 Detailed information about which VAIO computers are compatible wi...

Page 32: ...insert smoothly Removing a Memory Stick To remove a Memory Stick proceed as follows 1 Make sure the indicator light is not on 2 Push the Memory Stick in to release it and then pull it out Always remove the Memory Stick gently or it may pop out unexpectedly You are recommended to remove the Memory Stick before shutting down the computer If an error message appears when you remove it insert the Memo...

Page 33: ...ental erasure or overwriting Move the tab horizontally or vertically to set or release write protection When the erasure prevention switch is off data can be saved on the Memory Stick When the erasure prevention switch is on data can be read from but not saved on the Memory Stick Some kinds of Memory Stick do not have a lock switch LOCK LOCK LOCK ...

Page 34: ... you use the most recent software driver provided by the PC Card manufacturer If the PC Card is operating abnormally go to Control Panel Performance and Maintenance System click the Hardware tab and then Device Manager If an mark appears next to the PC Card device remove the software driver and then reinstall it from the installation CD that accompanies the PC Card Do not force a PC Card into the ...

Page 35: ...ons that are using the PC Card 2 Double click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the taskbar The Safely Remove Hardware dialog box appears 3 Select the hardware you want to unplug and click Stop 4 In the Stop a Hardware device dialog box select the device confirm that it can be safely removed from the system and click OK You see the message that it is safe to remove the device 5 Click Close 6 Pres...

Page 36: ...02 11b g standard which specifies the used technology The standard includes the encryption method Wired Equivalent Privacy WEP which is a security protocol and WiFi Protected Access WPA Proposed jointly by the IEEE and Wi Fi Alliance WiFi Protected Access is a specification of standards based interoperable security enhancements that increase the level of data protection and access control for exis...

Page 37: ...ck box and deselect the Enable Bluetooth Device check box then click the OK button The Wireless LAN indicator lights up 2 Right click the network icon in the taskbar displaying Wireless Network Connection 3 Click View Available Wireless Networks The Wireless Network Connection dialog box appears 4 Click the Change advanced settings link The Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box appears...

Page 38: ...ns that you need to enter the same Network name and the same Network key on all computers as on the first computer you configure In France only certain channels are legally allowed when using WLAN outdoors For more information see the Regulations booklet A computer to computer network does not support WPA A Network key can contain ASCII or hexadecimal characters ASCII The basis of character sets u...

Page 39: ...he Wireless Device Switch dialog box appears Select the Enable 2 4 GHz Wireless LAN check box and deselect the Enable Bluetooth Device check box then click the OK button The Wireless LAN indicator lights up 3 Right click the network icon in the taskbar displaying Wireless Network Connection 4 Click View Available Wireless Networks The Wireless Network Connection dialog box appears The Access Point...

Page 40: ...int please refer to the corresponding instruction manual b Without Access Point computer to computer If the Wireless connection is initiated by the VAIO computer channel 11 will be selected If the Wireless connection is initiated by a peer Wireless LAN equipment the Wireless LAN communication will make use of the channel selected by the peer Wireless LAN equipment In France outdoors Wireless LAN c...

Page 41: ...availability is affected by distance and obstructions You may need to move your computer away from obstructions or nearer to any Access Point you may be using The data transfer speed is slow The maximum communication speed can vary depending on the obstacles or the distance between the communication devices and the radio waves Remove the obstacle or make the distance between the Access Point and y...

Page 42: ...e access point if applicable When you turn on the wireless switch and the Access Point communication between the VAIO and the Access Point is not automatic To make sure you perform the steps in full please refer to all the documentation The available documentation depends on your model check the online Help files in the software separate Wireless Connection sheets depending on your model separate ...

Page 43: ... LINK device page 44 Connecting a microphone page 45 Connecting to a network page 46 To identify and locate the ports on your computer please see the printed Specifications sheet Sony computer supplies accessories and peripherals can be purchased from your local retailer or from the Sony website www sonystyle europe com For more information about connection compatibility go to the VAIO Link websit...

Page 44: ...r 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 Some printers do not function properly without updated drivers USB printer drivers should be automatically installed Onc...

Page 45: ...me with your compatible i LINK device and software for information on operating conditions and proper connection Connecting a digital video camera recorder To connect a digital video camera recorder proceed as follows 1 Plug one end of the i LINK cable not supplied into the i LINK port of the computer and the other end into the DV out port on your digital video camera recorder On Sony digital vide...

Page 46: ...Link website www vaio link com Connecting a microphone Your VAIO desktop does not contain an internal microphone If you need to use a sound input device for example to chat on the Internet you need to plug in an external microphone To connect an external microphone plug the microphone cable into the microphone connector identified by the symbol Make sure your microphone is designed for computer us...

Page 47: ...k the name of the adapter and click Properties 5 On the General tab under Device Usage select Use this device enable 6 Click OK to close the Properties window The Ethernet connection is now enabled Connect only 10BASE T 100BASE TX cables to the Ethernet port Using other cables or a telephone cable may cause a malfunction excessive heat or even fire in the port If using this computer in Germany ple...

Page 48: ...your system may vary from the illustrations depending on the computer purchased To view the hardware configuration for your computer see the printed Specifications sheet Your VAIO desktop and memory modules use high precision components and electronic connector technology To avoid the invalidation of your guarantee by mishandling it is recommended that You contact your local Sony dealer to install...

Page 49: ...y compliance required for using and modifying electronic equipment Disconnect the system from its power source and from any telecommunication links networks or modems before you open the system Failure to do so may result in personal injury or equipment damage Do not open the memory module package until you are ready to install the module The package protects the module from ESD Use the special ba...

Page 50: ...lug it and remove any peripheral devices 2 Wait for the computer to cool down The inside of the main unit becomes very hot during operation Wait for about one hour for the computer to cool down before opening the unit 3 With the main unit s back panel facing you slide the back panel up until you cannot go any further As you slide the back panel up a button appears middle of the back of your comput...

Page 51: ...ackage handling it only by the edges 9 Locate the notch on the bottom edge of the memory module 10 Align the memory module over the slot making sure the module is facing the correct way 11 Press evenly against the memory module s upper corners The end latches snap into position automatically as shown ...

Page 52: ...mory cover and the back panel back into place The illustrations here may vary from the actual configuration of your VAIO Use only the memory modules specified on the printed Specifications sheet To avoid damaging a memory module or the memory module slot move the side latches slightly outward to relieve pressure The module is properly inserted when the side latches click into place ...

Page 53: ...e for instructions on using the software VAIO Link website If you have any problems with your computer you can access the VAIO Link website for troubleshooting Go to www vaio link com e Support This interactive part of our website www vaio link com allows you to get in contact with our dedicated support team over the internet Using a personalised account you can log your technical queries with eas...

Page 54: ...eb Portal How can I access the e Support portal When you register your VAIO computer online at Club VAIO www club vaio com you will automatically receive an email with the link to the e Support Web Portal your Customer ID and some basic explanation a few hours later All you need to do is activate your account by clicking on the provided link in the email You are now ready to create your first case...

Page 55: ... from Monday till Friday between 8am and 6pm Is there a cost involved for using e Support No this is a complete free of charge service offered to all registered VAIO customers How do I know when the e Support Team has handled my query case As soon as your case has been dealt with by our e Support Team you will receive an email notifying you that your case has been updated ...

Page 56: ...lp you protect your computer from potential damage Please contact VAIO Link if you need assistance On handling the hard disk page 56 On using the power source page 57 On handling your computer page 58 On handling the LCD screen page 59 On handling discs page 60 On handling Memory Sticks page 61 ...

Page 57: ...ling your computer Always make a backup of your important data To avoid damaging your hard disk Do not subject your computer to sudden movements Keep the computer away from magnets Do not place your computer in a location subject to mechanical vibration or in an unstable position Do not move your computer while the power is on Do not turn off the power or restart the computer while reading or writ...

Page 58: ...an 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 Do not place heavy objects on the power cord To disconnect the cord pull it out by the plug Never pull the cord itself Unplug your computer from the wall outlet if you are planning to not use the computer for a long time Make sure that the s...

Page 59: ...nlight Excessive dust Moisture or rain Mechanical vibration or shock Strong magnets or speakers that are not magnetically shielded An ambient temperature of more than 35ºC or less than 5ºC High humidity Do not place electronic equipment near your computer The electromagnetic field of your computer may cause a malfunction Provide adequate air circulation to prevent internal heat from building up Do...

Page 60: ... the LCD or exert pressure on it This could cause malfunction 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 residual image disappears in a while ...

Page 61: ...se solvents such as benzene thinning agents 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 centre 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 centre out Wipe off any remai...

Page 62: ... as a label Do not bend drop or apply heavy shock to the Memory Stick Do not disassemble or modify Memory Sticks Do not let Memory Sticks get wet Do not use or store Memory Sticks in a location subject to Extremely high temperatures such as in a car parked in the sun Direct sunlight High humidity or Corrosive substances Use the storage case supplied with the Memory Stick ...

Page 63: ...e Standard and Adobe Photoshop Elements are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated MoodLogic is a trademark of MoodLogic Inc Norton Internet Security 2005 and Norton Password Manager 2004 are trademarks or registered trademarks of Symantec Corporation RecordNow is a trademark of Sonic WinDVD for VAIO is a trademark of InterVideo Inc Sun Java VM is a trademark of Sun Microsystems Inc Google Toolb...

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