Sony VAIO Digital Studio computer - Manual

Computer and supplied accessories Computer and accessories Manuals  VAIO Digital Studio Com puter QuickStart — Contains information on unpacking and setting up your computer, supplementary updates, support information, and software information.  The VAIO Digital Studio Com puter User Guide — Conta...

To Choose an Ergonomic Location for Your Computer Before you get started, find the best location for your new computer. P a g e 6

Planning your workspace  Stable work surface — Use a stable work surface large enough to support the computer and other peripheral equipment.  Ventilation — Leave at least eight inches of space on the left and back sides of your computer to enable proper ventilation.  Placement of the keyboard, m...

Front Panel Overview The front panel of your VAIO Computer allows access to the optical and floppy disk drives. It also includes Universal SerialBus (USB) and i.LINK ® ports to connect compatible peripheral devices. Note: i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains a...

Back Panel Overview The back panel of your computer contains the ports for supplied and optional accessories. The icons on the back panellocate and identify the ports and jacks on your computer. Note: Your computer may not be supplied with all of the features listed, depending on the system configur...

Setting Up Your VAIO Digital Studio Computer Your computer has many new and exciting features. This section contains information on setting up your computer andperipheral devices. P a g e 1 3

To Set Up Your Computer Your computer may not be equipped with the same hardware features shown in this section. See the Specifications sheetfor your system's configuration. P a g e 1 4

Connecting a display (monitor) 1. Plug the display cable into the Monitor port. 2. If necessary, plug the display cable into the rear of the display. Connecting a display Note: Install your equipment so that you can easily reach the power outlet in the event of an emergency. P a g e 1 5

Connecting the speakers 1. Plug the cable attached to the left speaker into the L Out jack on the back of the right speaker. 2. Plug the cable attached to the right speaker into the Headphones jack. 3. Plug the jack end of the AC adapter cord into the DC In jack on the back of the right speaker and ...

Connecting the keyboard and mouse 1. Plug the keyboard cable into the Keyboard port on the back of the computer. 2. Plug the mouse cable into the Mouse port. Connecting the keyboard and mouse P a g e 1 7

Connecting the modem cable 1. Unplug your telephone from the wall jack. 2. Plug the modem cable (supplied) into the Modem line jack on the computer, and then plug the other end of thecable into the wall jack. Connecting the modem cable Caution: Your computer has a protective sticker covering the Eth...

Connecting the power cords 1. Plug the power cord into the back of the computer. 2. Plug both the display and power cords into a grounded AC wall outlet or a power strip. Connecting the power cords P a g e 1 9

To Turn on Your Computer Turning on your computer 1. Press the power switch on the computer to turn on the power. 2. Press the power switch on the display to turn on the power. 3. Press the power switch on the right speaker to turn on the power. Turning on your computer Note: When you start your sys...

To Register Your Computer Take advantage of Sony's commitment to quality customer support and receive these benefits by registering yourcomputer:  Sony Customer Support — Communicate with a Support Representative to troubleshoot problems you may be having with your computer.  Limited warranty — Pr...

Setting up your dial-up connection The first time you turn your computer on, follow these steps to set up your dial-up connection: 1. Click Start from the Windows taskbar and select All Programs. 2. Point to Accessories, point to Communications, and then click New Connection Wizard. The Location Inf...

New Connection Wizard window 5. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish setting up your dial-up connection. P a g e 2 3

To Set Up Power Management Modes When you plan to stop using your computer for a short period of time, you can set your system to automatically enter apower management mode. Your computer may have difficulty resuming from a power-saving mode, if the power scheme isnot set up correctly. P a g e 2 4

Setting up your system's power management Sony recommends following these steps for optimum power management: 1. Click Start in the Windows ® taskbar and select Control Panel. 2. Select Performance and Maintenance. The Performance and Maintenance window appears. 3. Click Power Options. The Power Opt...

Stand by mode indicators You can identify power management mode the computer is in by the color of the power indicator light. Color Mode Amber Computer is in Stand by mode. Blue Computer is in Normal mode, ready to use. No color Computer is turned off or in Hibernate mode. P a g e 2 6

To Shut Down Your Computer When you are ready to turn off your computer for an extended period of time, use this procedure. Caution: To avoid loss of data, do not use the Power switch to turn off the computer. Turning off your computer 1. Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then select Turn Off Comp...

VAIO Action Setup VAIO Action Setup manages the settings for your computer's Shortcut keys (S Keys). P a g e 2 8

Shortcut Keys The programmable S Keys are linked with the following applications as their default settings:  S1 — Outlook ® Express  S2 — Internet Explorer  S3 — SonicStage  S4 — PictureGear  S5 — MovieShaker  S6 — Help/Demo You can reprogram the S keys to launch other applications. Note: i.LI...

Changing the settings of the S keys 1. Click Start in the Windows taskbar and select All Programs. 2. Select VAIO Action Setup, then click VAIO Action Setup. Note: You can also double-click the VAIO Action Setup icon, located in the Windows taskbar, to launch VAIO Action Setup. 3. Click the S Key yo...

To Change the Sony Software Window Design You can select from different window designs for your Sony software and create your own personal computingenvironment. P a g e 3 1

Changing the window design 1. Click Start in the Windows taskbar and select the Control Panel. 2. Click Other Control Panel Options. 3. Click UI Design Selector. 4. Click << or >> and select the desired design. 5. Click Apply. 6. The "UI Design Selector" window design changes. Th...

Configuring Your VAIO Computer This section provides information about maintaining your computer's hard disk drive performance, connecting a compatiblei.LINK ® device, and enabling an Ethernet connection. P a g e 3 3

Hard Disk Drive Partition To maintain optimum system performance, you should defragment your computer's D partition regularly. To improve the performance of Sony audio and video software applications, the hard disk drive on your computer has beenformatted with two partitions, C and D. Some Sony soft...

Defragmenting your hard disk drive If you encounter frame dropping while recording digital video onto your hard disk drive, defragmentation may benecessary. 1. Deactivate your screen saver and close other open applications, if applicable. 2. Click Start in the Windows taskbar and select All Programs...

i.LINK (IEEE1394) Compatibility Your VAIO computer may include either 4-pin or 6-pin, or both types, of i.LINK ports. Note: i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE1394 connection. The i.LINK connectionmay vary, depending on the software applications, oper...

System, Application And Driver Recovery CD(s) System Recovery CD(s) Sony Electronics Inc. The System Recovery CD utility enables you to restore the operating system and software that shipped with your computerif they become corrupted or are erased. It can be used only to restore the hard disk of the...

System Recovery Options System Drive Recovery All data on Drive C is deleted. The factory default settings and software applications are restored on this drive only. Change Partition Size All partitions, custom installations, and changes are removed from the hard disk drive. You can set the partitio...

To Use the Driver Recovery CD The Driver Recovery CD utility enables you to reinstall individual drivers and repair software applications if they becomecorrupted or are erased. You can reinstall an individual driver to correct a problem that you are experiencing with yourcomputer, peripheral hardwar...

Reinstalling device drivers with the Driver Recovery CD 1. Turn on your computer. If your computer is already on, close all applications. 2. When the Windows desktop appears, insert the Driver Recovery CD into the optical disc drive. Note: If your system is equipped with two optical drives, insert t...

Troubleshooting This section describes how to solve common problems you may encounter when using your computer. Many problems havesimple solutions, so try these suggestions before you call Sony Customer Support. P a g e 4 6

Topics My com puter does not start.  Check that the computer is plugged into a power source and that it is turned on. Check that the power light is lit onthe front panel of the computer.  Confirm that a disk is not in the floppy disk drive (unless you are using a bootable floppy disk).  Confirm t...

To contact Sony for technical support For further technical assistance, call 1-888-4-SONY-PC (1-888-476-6972) or access the Sony Computing Support Web siteat: http://www.sony.com/pcsupport . P a g e 5 3

Notes on Use The information in this section provides basic procedures to follow when handling your computer, components, andaccessories. P a g e 5 4

The power source  Your computer operates on 100-120 V AC 50/60 Hz only.  Plug all the power cords for your computer and its peripheral equipment into the same AC supply line. AC derivedfrom different supply lines may result in voltage differences that can cause unstable operation or unwanted weakc...

Disposal of the lithium battery Dispose of the lithium battery properly. In some areas, the disposal of lithium batteries in household or business trash maybe prohibited. You can return your unwanted lithium batteries to your nearest Sony Service Center or Factory ServiceCenter. For the Sony Service...

Handling the computer system  Do not place your Sony computer in a location subject to:  Heat sources, such as radiators or air ducts  Direct sunlight  Excessive dust  Mechanical vibration or shock  Strong magnets or speakers that are not magnetically shielded  Ambient temperature of more tha...

Moisture condensation If your computer is brought directly from a cold location to a warm one, moisture may condense inside your computer. Inthis case, allow at least an hour before turning on your computer. If any problem occurs, unplug your computer, and contactyour Sony Service Center. P a g e 5 ...

Upgrading the computer system  The upgrading procedures described in the online manual, assume familiarity with the general terminologyassociated with personal computers and with the safety practices and regulatory compliance required for using andmodifying electronic equipment.  Disconnect the sy...

Handling a display  Do not change the display refresh rate to 85 Hz, as DVD playback and the DVgate software may not functioncorrectly. Sony recommends that you keep your display at the preset, optimal refresh rate (75 Hz).  Do not place the display near a strong magnetic force.  Do not block the...

Using the hard disk drive  Do not place the computer in a location that is subject to vibration or shock.  Do not move the computer during operation.  Do not subject the computer to sudden changes in temperature.  Do not turn off the power while the computer is accessing the hard disk drive. P a...

Handling floppy disks  Do not open the shutter manually and touch the surface of the floppy disk.  Keep floppy disks away from magnets.  Keep floppy disks away from direct sunlight and other heat sources. P a g e 6 2

Handling CD or DVD media  Do not touch the surface of the disc.  Do not drop or bend the disc.  Do not use adhesive labels to identify the disc. The label may come off while the disc is in use in the optical driveand damage the drive. P a g e 6 3

Cleaning CD or DVD media  Fingerprints and dust on the surface of a disc may cause read errors. Proper care of the disc is essential to maintainits reliability. Do not use solvents such as benzine, thinner, commercially available cleaners or anti-static spray, asthey may cause damage to the disc. ...

Resources Sony provides several support options for your Sony computer. When you have questions about your computer and thepreinstalled software, check these sources for answers, in the following sequence: VAIO QuickStart The QuickStart contains information on how to set up your computer quickly and...

About The Software On Your Computer Your VAIO ® computer is ready to help you work, play, learn, and communicate as soon as you turn it on. This section provides an overview of the software titles preinstalled on your computer. P a g e 6 6

Overview of Software Applications Note: Your computer may not be supplied with all of the software applications listed, depending on the system configuration youpurchased. Adobe ® Acrobat Reader ® Adobe Systems Inc. Acrobat Reader software allows you to view, navigate, and print electronic documents...

Quicken ® 2002 Intuit Inc. Quicken is the fastest, easiest way to organize your finances. Quicken works just like your checkbook, so it's easy to learnand use. You can even pay your bills online. Quicken manages all of your finances, bank accounts, credit cards, investments,and loans. RealJukebox ® ...

software not only plays a selected movie or sound file, but also enables playback of files by other applications likePictureGear , Memory Stick Slideshow and Windows ® Explorer. WordPerfect ® Corel Corp. WordPerfect is the word processor component of the WordPerfect Office suite. Create professional...

For Answers to Your Software Questions This section provides support information for your computer's preinstalled software applications. Check this support listingto locate information from the Internet, by e-mail, or by telephone. Note: Your computer may not be supplied with all of the software app...

Support for preinstalled software Adobe ® Acrobat Reader ® , Photoshop ® Elements, Premiere ® LE (On selected models) (Adobe Systems Inc.) Web site http://www.adobe.com phone 206-675-6126 (fee-based support) fax 206-628-5737 e-mail [email protected] hours M - F, 6 AM - 5 PM PST America Online ® (Am...

* Support from 8 8 8 - 4 - S O N Y - P C is free of c harge for 9 0 days after the original date of purc has e. WordPerfect ® (Corel Corporation) Web site http://www.corel.com/support/product_specific/wp9.htm phone 613-274-0500 * hours M - F, 8:30 AM - 7:30 PM EST * Support from 6 1 3 - 2 7 4 - 0 5 ...

Sony Service Center For the Sony Service Center nearest you, call 1-888-4-SONY-PC (1-888-476-6972). This service is free of charge for 90 daysafter the original date of purchase. P a g e 7 5

Upgrading And Maintaining Your VAIO Digital Studio Computer In the future you may want to increase the functionality of your VAIO Digital Studio computer. This section describes howto open your computer and insert add-on cards, add memory, replace the lithium battery, and install an additional hard ...

Overview The procedures in this section assume that you are familiar with the general terminology associated with personalcomputers and with the safety practices and regulatory compliance required for using and modifying electronic equipment. P a g e 7 7

Before you upgrade your computer Disconnect the computer from its power source and from telecommunications links, networks, or modems before you openthe unit or follow any of the procedures described in this section. Failure to do so may result in personal injury or equipmentdamage. Electrostatic di...

To Remove the Side Cover Caution: If you remove the side cover immediately after you shut down your computer, the components may be too hot totouch. Wait until the internal parts of the system unit cool down before you attempt to remove the side cover. Removing the side cover 1. Shut down your compu...

To Insert a PCI Add-on Card Your computer has one or more open PCI expansion slots, depending on the model configuration. A PCI slot enables you toinstall add-on cards to expand the functionality of your system. The length of the add-on card should not exceed 9.05inches. Note: Add-on card configurat...

Inserting an add-on card 1. Shut down your computer and turn off all peripheral devices, such as your printer. 2. Unplug your computer and any peripheral devices. 3. Remove the side cover. See Removing the side cover . 4. Locate an available expansion slot. Remove the screw, and then remove the slot...

To Add Memory The preinstalled memory configuration may vary, depending on the computer you purchased. Your computer may ship withall available memory slots filled. See the Specifications sheet for details about the amount of memory installed in yourcomputer. For memory replacement or upgrades, use ...

 Pull the tab that releases the power supply from the chassis.  Slide the power supply unit up until the it clears the chassis.  Rotate the power supply to an upside down position and rest it on top of the chassis. 5. Handle the DIMM only by the edges, and remove it from its anti-static package. ...

To Replace the Lithium Battery The lithium battery starts to weaken after several years and the system settings, such as the date and time stored inCMOS RAM, may become inaccurate. Replace the lithium battery when this occurs. Caution: There is danger of the battery exploding if it is replaced incor...

To Install an Additional Hard Disk Drive Your computer comes with an available internal bay to hold a second standard 3.5-inch hard disk drive. Some models, suchas Configure-to-Order (CTO) systems, may already have a second hard disk drive installed. Your system can supportATA-33, ATA-66, or ATA-100...

8. Secure the drive to the drive holder with screws, using the two holes on each side of the drive holder. Note: Your new hard disk drive is supplied with the necessary screws. Do not overtighten the screws when securingthe drive to the drive holder. 9. Align the drive holder with the slots on the i...

The Windows ® XP operating system recognizes the new hard disk drive and applies the NTFS file system. P a g e 8 7

To Replace the Side Cover Replacing the side cover 1. Align the tabs on the side cover to the chassis rim. 2. Press the side cover firmly against the unit until it snaps into place. Replacing the side cover P a g e 8 8