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Ha

rdware Guide

Welcome

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Documentation pack

Your documentation pack contains printed information and user guides to read on your computer. The user 
guides are compiled in the 

VAIO Info Centre

 on the 

VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc

 or on a 

separate disc.

Printed documentation

The printed part of your documentation pack includes the following:

Getting Started

 brochure, where you will find a brief description of the items in your box, and how 

to set up your computer;

Specifications

 sheet, containing a table of specifications, a list of bundled software and, on the 

reverse side, a guide to setting up your VAIO;

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;

Safety Regulations

 leaflet;

Modem Regulations

 leaflet.

Non-printed documentation

The documentation available in the 

VAIO Info Centre

 on disc, or on a separate disc, includes the following 

guides:

The 

Hardware Guide

 (this guide).

The 

Software Guide

, which contains short descriptions of the software features available with VAIO 

systems.

Summary of Contents for VAIO PCV-W Series

Page 1: ...N Hardware Guide P C V W s e r i e s ...

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: ...ely reduce 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 fo...

Page 4: ...e in the vicinity of the leak Avoid using the modem during a severe electrical storm The power socket outlet you are using must be installed near the equipment and must be easily accessible 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: ... comply with essential standards Manufacturers are required to affix the CE mark on the products they sell and to draw up a Declaration of Conformity DoC Primarily the Declarations of Conformity 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 ...

Page 6: ... non hazardous batteries in household or business waste may be prohibited Please use the public waste collection system Disposing of the AA batteries The bundled remote control is powered by AA batteries For installing the batteries please refer to the printed Getting Started booklet Do not handle damaged or leaking batteries Dispose of promptly and properly at end of life May explode or leak if r...

Page 7: ...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 The next generation in digital storage allows you to easily transfer images sounds data and text between cameras computers and more VAIO keyboard Featuring power on capabilities and shortcut keys to launch your favourite applications within seconds Wi...

Page 8: ...ng 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 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 lea...

Page 9: ...how to watch and record TV and video on your PC Further sources Consult the Online Help files of the software you are using for detailed information on features and troubleshooting Go to http www club vaio com to find online tutorials about your favourite VAIO software ...

Page 10: ...Hardware Guide Welcome 9 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 11: ...tigue 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 3 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 slouching forward or leaning too far backwards Lighting Choose a l...

Page 12: ...rt using your computer safely and confidently Read on to get the most out of using your VAIO computer Shutting down your computer safely page 12 Your VAIO as a multimedia system page 13 Using the keyboard page 19 Using the TV function page 21 Using the mouse page 22 Using the disc drive page 24 Using the modem page 28 Using power modes page 30 Using the Memory Stick page 33 ...

Page 13: ...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 down you...

Page 14: ... transforms smoothly from one home entertainment unit into the next Much more than a computer you can use this unit in your living room as a TV sound system and digital photo album in one SonicStage and Giga Pocket should be installed on your VAIO If not simply install them from the VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc ...

Page 15: ...ing your VAIO 14 n N Computer mode If you want to work on your VAIO as a desktop computer fold down the keyboard fully as shown Position yourself in front of the computer as described in Ergonomic considerations page 9 ...

Page 16: ... on your VAIO and are not using the keyboard or the display fold the keyboard up to cover the screen as shown The front panel buttons are now available for you to adjust the volume manually or you can use the remote control You can use the SonicStage software for listening to music ...

Page 17: ...een The front panel gives you additional TV channel and volume control buttons and is equipped with built in stereo speakers and indicator lights To set up the VAIO as a TV push and hold the buttons in on each side of the keyboard and lift then fold it back so it is resting at the bottom of the screen as shown Use the Giga Pocket software you can find the manual on disc and the remote control to w...

Page 18: ...ardware Guide Using your VAIO 17 n N Use VAIO Media together with the remote control to view your photos in slideshow format Use PowerDVD for VAIO and the remote control to enjoy DVD movies on your VAIO ...

Page 19: ...O 18 n N Keyboard Closure Setup With the Keyboard Closure Setup software installed on your computer you can set your computer to launch an appropriate software application when you shift the keyboard from one position to the other ...

Page 20: ...tions Shortcut keys S Keys You can use these buttons numbered 1 to 6 to launch straight into assigned applications Fn key The Fn key is used in combination with 5 other keys to execute certain commands These keys are used in combination with the Fn key to execute the commands depicted within the box on the key Fn PgUp Moves the view to the next page up Fn PgDn Moves the view to the next page down ...

Page 21: ...6 PictureGear Studio SonicStage and Giga Pocket should be installed on your VAIO If not simply install them from the VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc Indicators 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 letters appear in uppercase as you type The S...

Page 22: ...nd audio inputs 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 hi...

Page 23: ...and Other Hardware then select Mouse Function Action point Move the entire mouse across a flat surface to place the pointer on an item or object click Press the left button 1 once double click Press the left button twice right click Press the right button 2 once Inmany applications this action displays a context sensitive shortcut menu drag and drop Hold the left button down while sliding the mous...

Page 24: ...ed 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 25: ...Your computer is equipped with a DVD RW drive which reads data from a compatible CD or DVD and writes data to a DVD RW 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 slides out ...

Page 26: ...25 n N 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 if you have problems using discs ...

Page 27: ...ter while writing data to a disc For optimum 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 and d...

Page 28: ...n utility applications to speed up the access of discs because they may cause the system to become 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 o...

Page 29: ... phone line is working You can check the line by plugging in an ordinary phone and listening for a dial tone Check that the phone number the program is dialling is correct The modem dialling mode may be incompatible with your telephone line The modem may not work properly if you are with a Private Automatic Branch eXchange PABX In the Phone and Modem Options dialog box Control Panel Phone and Mode...

Page 30: ... factors influence modem connection speed including telephone line noise or compatibility with telephone equipment such as fax machines or other modems If you think your modem is not connecting properly to other PC based modems fax machines or your Internet Service Provider check the following Have your phone company check that your phone line is free from any line noise If your problem is fax rel...

Page 31: ... sheet for the exact location of the indicators To 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 Options Power indicator Mode Green Computer is in Normal mode Amber Computer is in Standby mode No light Computer is turned off or in Hibernate mod...

Page 32: ...ur work close all applications and close your Internet connection if applicable 2 From the Start menu on the Windows taskbar select Turn Off Computer Alternatively press Alt F4 to get to the same dialog box 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 wh...

Page 33: ...ve your work 2 From the Start menu on the Windows taskbar select Turn Off Computer Alternatively press Alt F4 until the Turn Off Computer screen is displayed 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 ...

Page 34: ...aphs The Memory Stick family ranges in capacity and compatibility To find out more about the Memory Stick features go to the VAIO Info Centre click on Welcome Cool Sony Links and then Memory Stick This will take you to the dedicated website 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 Me...

Page 35: ...ctors pointing towards the back and push it in until it clicks The Memory Stick is automatically detected by your system and appears in the My Computer window with its own drive Always hold the Memory Stick with the arrow pointing in the correct direction when you insert it into the slot To avoid damaging the computer or the Memory Stick do not force the Memory Stick into the slot if it does not i...

Page 36: ...l 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 Memory Stick into the slot again and press Enter Wait until the active application finishes then remove the Memory Stick If the message confirms the ejection of the Memory Stick click...

Page 37: ...ce page 39 Connecting an S PDIF device page 42 Connecting a microphone page 42 Connecting to a network page 43 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 ...

Page 38: ... For more information check the manual provided with the USB device Connecting a USB printer USB printer drivers should be automatically installed although some printers do not function properly without updated drivers You can check the printer manufacturer s website for the latest drivers for Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 1 before installing your printer Once you plug the printer s USB cab...

Page 39: ...nnecting peripheral devices 38 n N Troubleshooting printing If you have problems printing check the printed Troubleshooting Guide the documentation delivered with your printer and the VAIO Link website www vaio link com ...

Page 40: ... or edit files 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 Not all products with an i LINK connection may communicate with each other Please refer to the doc...

Page 41: ...K are i LINK compatible 2 Launch the DVgate application see the Help files within the software itself for more information The Sony digital video camera recorder is an example your digital video camera recorder may need to be connected differently If your digital video camera recorder includes a Memory Stick slot you can use it to copy images from the camera to your computer To do so simply copy i...

Page 42: ...rkgroup and that the Sharing option is enabled When I record images to a digital video device using DVgate I see an error message Close all open applications and restart your computer Frequently recording images to a digital video device while using DVgate sometimes causes this error I cannot use digital devices Check that the DV device is turned on and that the cables are properly connected If yo...

Page 43: ...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 44: ...n 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 2 Go to Start right click My Computer and select Properties 3 Click the Hardware tab and select Device Manager The Device Manager screen appears with the list of devices 4 Under Network Adapters right click the name of the adapter 5 Click ...

Page 45: ...e heat or even fire in the port If using this computer in Germany please make sure you do not use an ISDN cable It is physically very similar but its higher voltage of 12V may destroy the motherboard inside the computer For more information about connecting your VAIO desktop to the network please consult the hardware troubleshooting section of the VAIO Link website www vaio link com For help on co...

Page 46: ...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 47: ...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 48: ...ly recommend that you contact your dealer To add or change a memory module proceed as follows 1 Shut down the computer unplug it remove any peripheral devices and wait for the computer to cool down The inside of the main unit becomes very hot during operation 2 Locate and press the release button on the side of the system unit cover behind the display ...

Page 49: ...Upgrading your VAIO computer 48 n N 3 With the release button pressed slide the cover to the right and lift away from the system unit 4 To remove an existing memory module locate the memory module s you want to remove ...

Page 50: ...t on the latches located on both sides of the module to gently eject it from the slot 6 Hold the module by the sides and store it in a static free bag 7 To insert a new memory module remove the memory module from its anti static package handling it by the edges ...

Page 51: ...re Guide Upgrading your VAIO computer 50 n N 8 Locate the notch on the bottom edge of the module and align the module to the open memory module slot 9 Firmly insert the bottom edge of the module into the slot ...

Page 52: ...emory module Make sure the rivet of the module is lined up with the connector 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 Viewing the amount of memory To view the amount of memory ...

Page 53: ... 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 solve the problem...

Page 54: ...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 55: ... 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 56: ... help 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 compact discs page 60 On handling Memory Sticks page 61 ...

Page 57: ...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 58: ...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 59: ...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 60: ...careful when using the computer 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 leng...

Page 61: ...ty 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 with water wring it out well and use it to wipe the surface of the disc from the centre out Wipe of...

Page 62: ...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 63: ...d 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 2003 is a trademark of Symantec Corporation EverQuest is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entert...

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