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Ha

rdware Guide

Using your VAIO computer

23

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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.

Your disk may be corrupt. Try to insert another floppy disk.

Using the modem

Your VAIO desktop is equipped with an internal modem. As described in the printed 

Getting Started

 

guide, use the single RJ-11 jack to connect the supplied 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 the printed 

Troubleshooting Guide

 and the VAIO-Link 

website (

www.vaio-link.com

).

Summary of Contents for VAIO PCV-1146

Page 1: ...N Hardware Guide P C V R Z s e r i e s P C V 1 1 4 6 P C V R S s e r i e s P C V 2 2 4 6 ...

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

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

Page 4: ...sing must be installed near the equipment and must be easily accessible Risk of explosion if battery is replaced by an incorrect type Dispose of used batteries according to the instructions 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 ca...

Page 5: ...cessible 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 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 LA...

Page 6: ... are intended for the market surveillance authorities as proof that products satisfy the required standards Additionally Sony provides these EU DoC s on the website http www compliance sony de 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 a...

Page 7: ...he 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 Some models are delivered with a remote control The bundled remote control is powered by AA batteries Do not handle damaged or leaking batteries Dispose of promptly and properly at end of life May explode or leak if recharged disposed o...

Page 8: ... 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 Interconnectivity Your computer has Memory Stick USB 2 0 i LINK CompactFlash and SmartMedia functionalities Windows XP Your syst...

Page 9: ...ack includes the following A Getting Started brochure where you will find a brief description of the items in your box and how to set up your computer A Specifications sheet containing a table of specifications a list of bundled software and on the reverse side a guide to setting up your VAIO A Guide to Troubleshooting Using the VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc where you will find solutions to...

Page 10: ... 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 Help files about reading the guides Important information about your computer in the form of notices and announcements Depending on your model you may accessories which have the following guides on a sepa...

Page 11: ...Hardware Guide Welcome 10 n N 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 ...

Page 12: ... proper position Remember to adjust the brightness setting of the display If you are using a CRT monitor make sure that the refresh rate is at an optimal level that is at least 75Hz Furniture and posture Sit in a chair with good back support 4 Adjust the level of the chair so your feet are flat on the floor A footrest may make you more comfortable Sit in a relaxed upright posture and avoid slouchi...

Page 13: ...fely and confidently 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 TV function page 15 Using the mouse page 16 Using the disc drives page 18 Using the floppy disk drive page 22 Using the modem page 23 Using power modes page 24 Using the media slots page 27 PCV RZ models only Using PC Cards page 34 Expansion c...

Page 14: ...lows 1 Turn 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 dow...

Page 15: ...out having to click the shortcut icon on the desktop Use an S Key simply by pressing it If you want to you can use VAIO Action Setup to change the functions of the S Keys All the buttons are reprogrammable Light On Off Num Lock Turns on when the number keys in the numeric keypad are active Turns off when the alphanumeric character keys in the keypad area are active Caps Lock Turns on when the lett...

Page 16: ...nputs Manage your video units capsules preview them and create multiple folders Set up a timer to record channels at a repeated time Suspend viewing TV time shifting Stream your recorded TV contents via Ethernet or WLAN to connected PCs 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...

Page 17: ...You can adjust the mouse pointer speed and other functions under Mouse Properties To display Mouse Properties go to the Control Panel select Printers and Other Hardware then select Mouse Button Function 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 Central wheel...

Page 18: ...handed users proceed as follows 1 Go to Start select Control Panel then click the Printers and Other Hardware option 2 Click the mouse icon The Mouse Properties dialog box appears 3 In the Buttons tab select the option button next to Switch primary and secondary buttons 4 Click OK The new mouse settings are now in place ...

Page 19: ...s data from and writes data onto DVD and CD A DVD ROM drive reads data from DVDs and CDs A CD RW drive reads data from and writes to CDs A CD ROM drive reads data from CDs To insert a disc proceed as follows 1 Turn on the computer 2 Press the appropriate eject button to open the drive The tray slides out 3 Place a disc in the tray with the label side facing upwards Make sure the disc is secure in ...

Page 20: ...omputer 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 a software application to burn discs make sure you exit and close all other applications Never touch the surface of the disc Fingerprints a...

Page 21: ...e unstable Make sure that the screensaver is deactivated Region codes indicators are labelled on the DVDs to indicate in which region and on what type of player you can play the disc Unless a 2 Europe belongs to region 2 or ALL this means that you can play this DVD everywhere in the world is labelled on your DVD disc or on the packaging you cannot play the disc on this player Do not try to change ...

Page 22: ...roceed as follows 1 Connect your TV to the computer as described in Connecting a TV page 40 2 Go to Control Panel 3 Click Appearance and Themes and then Display The Display Properties dialog box appears 4 Click the Settings tab and click Advanced 5 On the Displays tab click next to the TV button 6 Make sure is selected 7 Click OK when you have finished ...

Page 23: ...follows 1 Hold the floppy disk with the label side facing up 2 Gently push the disk into the floppy disk drive until it clicks into place Removing a floppy disk To remove a floppy disk proceed as follows 1 Wait until the LED indicator turns off 2 Press the eject button and pull the disk out gently Do not press the eject button when the LED indicator is turned on Otherwise data may be lost ...

Page 24: ...disk Using the modem Your VAIO desktop is equipped with an internal modem As described in the printed Getting Started guide use the single RJ 11 jack to connect the supplied 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...

Page 25: ... set the timer for your computer to automatically enter Standby or Hibernate mode after a certain amount of time go to Control Panel click Performance and Maintenance and change the settings under Power Schemes PCV RS models PCV RZ models VAIO light Power indicator Power indicator Mode Blue No light Blue Computer is in Normal mode No light Amber Amber Computer is in Standby mode No light No light ...

Page 26: ...ally proceed as follows 1 Save your work close all applications and close your Internet connection if applicable 2 From the Start menu on the Windows taskbar select Turn Off Computer 3 Select Stand By The computer goes into Standby mode indicated by the amber light of the power indicator To return to Normal mode press any key on the keyboard You can leave Windows running when using Standby When th...

Page 27: ...e mode manually proceed as follows 1 Save your work 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 To return to Normal mode quickly press the power button Operation returns to the same state as before You can ...

Page 28: ...n this case you may see a message telling you to format the card Before you use memory cards other than Memory Sticks in devices such as a digital camera or audio device you must format them beforehand on the device which you use to record data 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 ...

Page 29: ...ology to download anything that can be converted 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 informatio...

Page 30: ...r any use other than the writing reading of memory cards Inserting a memory card To insert a Memory Stick or other memory card proceed as follows 1 Locate the appropriate memory card slot on the front panel of your VAIO See the printed Specifications sheet for the exact location of the slots 2 Insert the Memory Stick or other card into the slot with the arrow side pointing upwards 3 Make sure the ...

Page 31: ...sage confirms the ejection of the card click OK Please do not remove the memory stick when memory card access lamp is on Otherwise the card may not be detected the next time it is inserted into the slot If the card is removed by mistake and is subsequently not detected please shut off the power of the computer wait ten seconds and then turn it on again The Sony UMH U HS XX USB Device icon or simil...

Page 32: ...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 When the erasure prevention switch is on data can be read from but not saved on the memory card This image does not apply to the 128 MB Memory Stick which has a vertical lock SmartMedia locks may also diffe...

Page 33: ...nclude a high transfer rate for fast copy download and a high storage capacity This slot cannot be use anything except for writing and reading memory cards or storage device cards Some CompactFlash cards may require you to disable idle devices during use You may not be able to use some of the card s features with this computer Your system may run into serious problems if you remove the card or tur...

Page 34: ... memory cards as it disables all the slots If you accidentally remove any of the cards via this icon please restart your computer To remove a CompactFlash card proceed as follows 1 Make sure the card is not in use and the indicator is not lit 2 Press the release button once so it is extended and ready for use 3 Push the release button again to eject the card 4 Gently grasp the card and pull it out...

Page 35: ...difficulty inserting a PC Card check that you are inserting the PC Card in the correct direction See the manual supplied with your PC Card for more information on use Some PC Cards may require you to disable idle devices when using the PC Card You may not be able to use some PC Cards or some functions of the PC Card with this computer Make sure you use the most recent software driver provided by t...

Page 36: ...ing 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 Open the panel cove...

Page 37: ...rd slot If your model has Giga Pocket functions this is a PCI slot containing the Giga Pocket the ports Otherwise this is an empty slot 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 inte...

Page 38: ...display page 38 Connecting a Universal Serial Bus USB device page 42 Connecting a printer page 43 Connecting an i LINK device page 44 Connecting an S PDIF device page 45 Connecting a microphone page 45 Connecting to a network page 46 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 ab...

Page 39: ... a CRT or LCD screen using the VGA connector Please make note of the following viewing possibilities If you have a VGA and a DVI connected the image is shown on both screens by default If you have a VGA and a TV connected the image is shown on both screens by default If you have a DVI and a TV connected the image is shown on both screens by default If you have a VGA a DVI and a TV connected the im...

Page 40: ...ibed in the printed Getting Started or in the instructions delivered with the display if applicable 2 Go to Control Panel 3 Click Appearance and Themes then Display The Display Properties dialog box appears 4 Click the Settings tab and then Advanced 5 On the Displays tab click next to the TV button 6 Make sure is selected 7 Click OK when you have finished ...

Page 41: ... proceed as follows 1 Plug one end of the TV video out cable into the TV video out port on the back of your computer 2 Take your composite cable not supplied and connect one end to the inserted TV video out cable 3 Connect the other end to the yellow coloured port video in on your TV set The video output is now in place 4 Connect the single end of your audio cable not supplied to the headphones po...

Page 42: ...to the TV video out port on the back of your computer 2 Plug the other end of the S video cable into your TV s S video port To enable TV output proceed as follows 1 Go to Control Panel 2 Click Appearance and Themes 3 Click Display The Display Properties dialog box appears 4 Click the Settings tab and then Advanced 5 On the Displays tab click next to the TV button 6 Make sure is selected 7 Click OK...

Page 43: ... manual supplied with the device states otherwise For some USB devices you need to install the software before you connect the device Not following this procedure might cause the device not to work properly For more information check the manual provided with the 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 Memor...

Page 44: ...rinter s USB cable into one of the USB ports on your computer the Found New Hardware Wizard will guide you through any setup procedure you need to follow If the printer is not automatically installed you can try the following 1 From the Control Panel select Printers and Other Hardware then Printers and Faxes 2 Under Printer Tasks click Add a printer 3 Let the Add Printer Wizard guide you through t...

Page 45: ... Please refer to the documentation that came 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 ...

Page 46: ...ld degrade the signal quality Please read the documentation provided with your optical device for connection information 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 microphon...

Page 47: ... 4 Under Network Adapters right click the name of the adapter and click Properties 5 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 comput...

Page 48: ...tion of 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...

Page 49: ...regulatory 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 s...

Page 50: ...g the amount of memory To view the amount of memory proceed as follows 1 Turn on the computer 2 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 ...

Page 51: ... 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 Position the main unit so the back panel is facing you 4 Unscrew the three cover release screws located on the edges of the back panel and set them aside The cover is released 5 Slide...

Page 52: ... a new memory module remove it from its anti static package handling it only by the edges 8 Locate the notch on the bottom edge of the memory module 9 Align the memory module over the slot making sure the module is facing the correct way 10 Press evenly against the memory module s upper corners The end latches snap into position automatically 11 Reinstall any add on cards or components you removed...

Page 53: ...place the three release screws 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 54: ... Shut down the computer unplug 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 position the main unit on its left side 4 Locate the tabs on the side cover and pull them up until the cover r...

Page 55: ...gently lift out the module as shown may vary from actual configuration 7 To insert a new memory module remove it from its anti static package handling it only by the edges 8 Locate the notch on the bottom edge of the memory module 9 Align the memory module over the slot making sure the module is facing the correct way ...

Page 56: ...the side cover to the rim of the unit 13 Press the side cover firmly against the unit until it snaps 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 Toavoid damaginga memorymodule or thememory moduleslot move the side latches slightly outward to relieve pressure The module is properly in...

Page 57: ... 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 ease VAIO Link help lines Before contacting VAIO Link by telephone try to...

Page 58: ...upport Team Who can use e Support All registered VAIO customers are entitled to unlimited access to the VAIO Link e Support Web 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 ...

Page 59: ... 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 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 ...

Page 60: ...rotect your computer from potential damage Please contact VAIO Link if you need assistance On handling the hard disk page 60 On using the power source page 61 On handling your computer page 62 On handling LCD screens page 63 On handling floppy disks page 64 On handling discs page 64 On handling Memory Sticks page 65 ...

Page 61: ...u should be careful when handling your computer 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 writing data to dis...

Page 62: ...er 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 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 th...

Page 63: ...iators or air ducts Direct sunlight 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 inte...

Page 64: ...uter near a window Do not scratch 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 resi...

Page 65: ...ts edge and central hole as shown Proper care of the disc is essential to its continuous reliability Do not use 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 w...

Page 66: ...y Stick 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 67: ...QuickTime and the QuickTime logo are trademarks used under licence QuickTime is registered in the U S and other countries RealOne Player is a trademark or registered trademark of RealNetworks Inc in the U S and other countries MoodLogic is a trademark of MoodLogic Inc PowerPanel is a trademark of Phoenix Technologies Ltd Norton Internet Security 2004 and Norton Password Manager are trademarks or r...

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