Contents

VAIO Slimtop LCD Computer User Guide
- PCV-L640
NOTICE
Owners Record
Safety Information and Caution
- CDRW Laser diode properties
- Regulatory Information
- FCC Part 68
- Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 (United States)
- Telephone Consumer Guidelines (Canada)
- DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM ION BATTERY
- INDUSTRY CANADA NOTICE
- AVIS DE LINDUSTRIE CANADA
Contents
Welcome
- Choosing an Ergonomic Location
  - Stable work surface
  - Ventilation
  - Placement of the keyboard, mouse, and other input devices
  - Furniture and posture
  - Viewing angle of the display
  - Lighting
- Front Panel Overview
  - Locating Controls and Connectors
    - Slimtop Front Panel
    - Slimtop Front Panel (contt)
  - Back Panel Overview
    - Locating Controls and Connectors
      - Slimtop Rear Panel
- LCD Overview
  - LCD
    - To adjust the height and viewing angle of the display
    - 1 Holding both sides of the display, push the display panel out and up.
      - 2 Set the display height so that it does not touch the keyboard, and adjust the viewing angle app...
- Using a Headphone or Microphone
  - 1 Attach the (supplied) ferrite core at the end of the headphone or microphone cable closest to t...
    - 2 Wrap the cable through the center of the ferrite core.
VAIO Action Setup
- Pre-setting i.LINK devices
  - To pre-set your i.LINK device to launch a desired function:
    - 2 Click i.LINK.
    - 3 Click the Advanced Setting tab.
    - 4 Click the Enable i.LINK launcher function checkbox and click Apply.
    - 5 Connect the device to your computer with your i.LINK cable.
    - 6 Turn on the device.
    - 7 Click OK.
    - 8 To modify the device name, click the current device name in the list box and click Modify devic...
    - 9 Type the desired name and click Apply.
    - 10 To assign an application, click Modify.
    - 11 Select the desired application and click Next.
    - 12 Click Next to confirm the application name.
    - 13 Click Finish to complete this step.
- Changing the Window Design of Sony Software
  - To change the window design of Sony software:
  - 1 Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
    - 2 Click UI Design Selector.
    - 3 Click << or >> and select the desired design.
    - 4 Click Apply.
    - 5 The UI Design Selector window design changes. The window design for your Sony software will m...
    - 6 To try another selection, click << or >>. Then, click OK.
    - 7 The UI Design Selector closes and the Sony software window design displays.
- Programmable Power Keys
- Internal Timer
- AutoAlert E-mail Notification System
  - AutoAlert E-mail Notification System Software Restrictions
    - If you use software that uses a phone line:
    - If you are using the timer to download e-mail automatically:
    - If you are using Microsoft Outlook Express:
      - 8 Start Outlook Express.
      - 9 Click Tools and then select Options.
      - 10 Select the check box Automatically dial when checking for new messages.
      - 11 Click OK.
- Using the Wheel Mouse
  - For information on the Wheel Mouse, see MouseWare Help:
  - 1 From the Start menu, select Programs > MouseWare.
    - 2 Click MouseWare Help.
    - To set up the mouse for left-handed use:
  - 1 Click My Computer on your desktop.
    - 2 Click Control Panel, and then Click Mouse.
    - 3 In the Quick Setup tab, click Device Setup.
    - 4 In the Device Setup Wizard dialog box, click Next.
    - 5 Select the radio button next to Left side of the keyboard.
    - 6 Click Next three times, and then click Finish.
    - 7 Click Apply.
- Using the Memory Stick Media and VisualFlow
  - Inserting the Memory Stick Media
  - To protect data on Memory Stick media from accidental changes:
    - Locking the Memory Stick
  - To change the way the computer responds when a Memory Stick isinserted into the Memory Stick med...
- VisualFlow
  - To use VisualFlow:
  - 1 From the Start menu, select Programs > VisualFlow > VisualFlow.
    - 2 Click on an icon in the View section on the main toolbar to select a display layout.
    - 3 Click on an icon in the Sort section on the main toolbar to select a sorting method.
    - 4 Resting your cursor on the left end of the main toolbar activates the current Memory Stick prop...
    - 5 Resting your cursor on the right end of the main toolbar activates a secondary toolbar with mor...
    - 6 Click an image to show a normal view centered on the screen.
    - 7 Movie files start playback when the view is enlarged. Click again on movie files to restore the...
- Using PC Cards
  - To insert a PC card:
  - 1 Open the front panel.
    - 2 Insert the PC card into the PC card slot until it clicks into position.
    - To eject a PC card:
  - 1 From the Start menu, select Settings > Control Panel.
    - 2 Click the PC Card icon.
    - 3 Click the name of the card that you want to eject, and then click Stop.
    - 4 When the message You may safely remove this device appears, click OK.
    - 5 Push the PC card eject button on the front panel of the system unit. You may need to pull out t...
Sony Digital Media Park Applications
- Media Bar
- DVgate
- PictureGear
- Smart Capture
- Movie Shaker
  - Main Window
  - Importing Images and Sound Clips
    - 1 Click .
      - 2 Find the file you want to add.
      - 3 Select the file.
      - 4 Click Open. The file is added to the Clip tray.
  - Create a Movie using Shaker
    - 1 Click the Shake tab.
      - 2 Select a mood by clicking a face in the Shaker tray.
      - 3 Click . A thirty second scene is automatically generated and saved to the Product tray.
      - 4 To preview, switch the Work Panel to Product tray mode and press play.
  - Editing Clips and Scenes
    - Working Panel
- Adding effects to a scene or a clip:
  - 1 Click the clip or scene to move it to the Working Panel.
    - 2 Select the Effects tab from the Editing tray.
    - 3 Drag and drop the Effect you want to add from the Effects tray to the Effects palette on the Wo...
    - 4 See help for instructions on adjusting effect duration and replaying clips/ scenes.
  - Saving a Movie
    - 1 Verify that the clip(s) you want to save is on the Product tray. See Help for more details on s...
      - 2 Click Export.
      - 3 Select the format in which you want the document to be saved.
      - 4 Click Next.
      - 5 Locate the folder to which you want the file saved.
      - 6 Name the file.
      - 7 Click Save.
- Using Digital Video
  - Connecting a Digital Video Recorder
  - Using DVgate
    - When capturing clips:
    - When recording AVI files to tape:
  - Hard Drive Partition
- Defragmenting your Hard Disk Drive
  - To defragment your hard disk drive:
  - 1 Deactivate your screen saver, if applicable.
    - 2 From the Start menu, select Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter.
    - 3 Run Disk Defragmenter.
  - i.LINK (IEEE1394) Compatibility
    - To connect an i.LINK (IEEE1394) device
- Enabling Smart Connect
  - To enable Smart Connect:
  - 1 From the Start menu, select Settings > Control Panel.
    - 2 Click the System icon.
    - 3 Click the Device Manager tab.
    - 4 Click Sony i.LINK(1394) Adapter.
    - 5 Click the Enable Device button.
    - 6 Click OK.
    - 7 Close all windows and restart your computer in order for the new settings to take effect.
- Enabling Ethernet
  - To enable the Ethernet connection:
  - 1 Right-click My Computer on the desktop and select Properties.
    - 2 Click the Device Manager tab.
    - 3 Select Realtek RTL8139 (A/B/C/8130) PCI Fast Ethernet NIC under the Network Adapters category.
    - 4 Click Properties.
    - 5 Click Enable Device and then click OK.
    - 6 Click Close.
System and Application Recovery CD(s)
- System Recovery CD(s)
  - Sony Electronics
- Application Recovery CD(s)
  - Sony Electronics
- Using the System Recovery CD(s)
  - Full Restore without Format
  - Full Restore with Format
  - Operating System Only
  - To use the System Recovery CD(s):
  - 1 Insert the Sony System Recovery CD in the CD-RW drive.
    - 2 Shut down your computer.
    - 3 Wait 30 seconds and turn on your computer.
    - 4 Click OK to signify you have read and accept the Microsoft End-User License Agreement.
    - 5 When the System Recovery menu appears, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the recove...
- Using the Application Recovery CD(s)
  - To use the Application Recovery CD(s):
  - 1 Turn on your computer. If your computer is already on, close all applications.
    - 2 When the Windows desktop appears, insert the Sony Application Recovery CD in the CD-RW drive. T...
    - 3 When the Application Recovery menu appears, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the r...
Troubleshooting
- Topic: My computer does not start.
- Topic: My files are corrupted or deleted and I want to recover applications or drivers that came ...
- Topic: My computer or software program locks up.
- 1 Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to close the application that is currently locked up.
  - 2 In the Close Program dialog box, scroll down until you locate (Not responding) next to an app...
  - 3 Select this application and click End Task. Windows attempts to close the application. If the a...
  - 4 Select End Task again.
    - 1 Save any unsaved work, if possible.
    - 2 Press Alt+F4.
    - 3 Select Restart.
    - 4 Click OK.
  - Topic: Why does Windows lock up during shutdown?
- 1 From the Start menu, select Help.
  - 2 Click the Contents tab.
  - 3 Click Troubleshooting and then click Windows 98 Troubleshooters.
  - 4 Click the subject for which you want information, and then answer the questions that are approp...
  - Topic: How do I change the parallel port type to ECP, EPP, or bi-directional?
- 1 From the Start menu, select Shut Down, and then select Restart.
  - 2 When the Sony screen displays, press the F2 key on your keyboard.
  - 3 Select the Advanced tab from the CMOS Setup Utility screen.
  - 4 Select I/O Device Configuration and use the arrow keys to highlight Parallel Port Mode.
  - 5 When the desired setting displays, press the Escape key.
  - Topic: My CD drive tray does not open.
    - 1 Make sure the computer is turned on.
    - 2 Press the Eject button on the drive.
    - 1 Click the My Computer icon on the Windows desktop.
    - 2 Right-click the CD-ROM icon.
    - 3 Select the Eject option from the pop-up menu.
  - Topic: I cannot play a CD-ROM.
  - Topic: I want to play a CD with my Microsoft CD Player.
  - Topic: When I click an application icon, a message such as You must insert the application CD in...
  - Topic: Why doesn't my CD-RW drive record at the highest speed?
    - 1 Click the My Computer icon on your desktop.
    - 2 Right-click the CD-RW drive icon.
    - 3 Select Properties.
    - 4 Select the Settings tab.
    - 5 Change the Current Write Speed field to 2x.
    - 6 Click OK.
  - Topic: How do I change the video resolution of my display?
- 1 From the Start menu, select Settings > Control Panel.
  - 2 Click the Display icon and select the Settings tab.
  - 3 Move the Display area slider to change the resolution.
  - 4 Click OK.
  - Topic: Why is there no sound in any application?
  - Topic: My modem connection is slow.
  - Topic: My modem does not work.
    - 1 Click the My Computer icon on your desktop.
    - 2 Click Control Panel.
    - 3 Click Modems.
    - 4 Click the Diagnostics tab.
    - 5 Select COM3.
    - 6 Click More Info.
  - Topic: How do I change my modem to rotary or Touch-Tone dialing?
- 1 Click the My Computer icon on your desktop.
  - 2 Click Control Panel and then click Modems.
  - 3 Click Dialing Properties.
  - 4 Select the Tone dial or Pulse dial radio button next to Dial using.
  - 5 Click OK.
  - Topic: How do I set up faxing capability in Windows 98 Second Edition?
- 1 From the Start menu, select Programs > Symantec WinFax Basic Edition > Configure WinFax Basic E...
  - 2 Follow the on-screen instructions to configure the fax utility.
  - Topic: My microphone does not work.
  - Topic: My microphone is too sensitive to background noise.
- 1 Right-click the speaker icon (Volume) in the lower-right Windows task tray.
  - 2 Click Open Volume Controls.
  - 3 In the Options menu, select Properties.
  - 4 Change the setting for Adjust volume for from Playback to Recording, then click OK.
  - 5 Decrease the microphone level.
  - 6 If available, click the Advanced button under Microphone Balance.
  - 7 Deselect the check box for 1 Mic Gain (+20dB), then click the Close button.
  - 8 Close the Recording Control window.
  - Topic: My mouse does not work.
    - 1 Turn off your computer and turn the mouse upside down.
    - 2 Remove the mouse ball cover on the back of the mouse by turning clockwise the ring that covers ...
    - 3 Turn the mouse upright, and drop the mouse ball into your hand.
    - 4 Using a piece of tape, remove any dust or dirt on the mouse ball and inside the mouse ball socket.
    - 5 Return the mouse ball to the socket, and replace the mouse ball cover. Secure the cover by turn...
  - Topic: My mouse needs to be set up for left-hand use.
- 1 Click the My Computer icon on your desktop.
  - 2 Click Control Panel, and then click Mouse.
  - 3 In the Quick Setup tab, click Device Setup.
  - 4 In the Device Setup Wizard dialog box, click Next.
  - 5 Select the radio button next to Left side of the keyboard.
  - 6 Click Next three times, and then click Finish.
  - 7 Click Apply.
  - Topic: My keyboard does not work.
  - Topic: I cannot find the Windows taskbar.
  - Topic: Why is my system running slowly?
  - Topic: My i.LINK peripheral does not appear on the desktop.
- 1 Turn off and disconnect your peripheral.
  - 2 Reconnect your peripheral.
  - 3 Then turn on the power.
  - Topic: My connected printer doesn't function after the computer resumes from a power saving mode.
- 1 Right-click the My Computer icon on the desktop, and then select Properties.
  - 2 Click the Device Manager tab.
  - 3 Select Refresh, and then click OK.
  - 4 The printer should now function properly.
  - Topic: How do I enable my Ethernet interface?
- 1 Right-click My Computer on the desktop and select Properties.
  - 2 Click the Device Manager tab.
  - 3 Select Realtek RTL8139 (A/B/C/8130) PCI Fast Ethernet NIC under the Network Adapters category.
  - 4 Click Properties.
  - 5 Click Enable Device and then click OK.
  - 6 Click Close.
  - Topic: How do I install a printer?
- 1 From the Start menu, select Settings > Printers.
  - 2 Click Add Printer.
  - 3 Click Next.
  - 4 Select Local Printer and click Next.
  - 5 Select the appropriate manufacturer and model and click Next.
  - 6 Select LPT1 and click Next.
  - 7 Click Yes to have Windows-based programs use this as the default printer.
  - 8 Click Next.
  - 9 Click No and then click Finish.
  - Topic: Why is there unusual activity on my floppy disk drive?
- 1 Right-click on the Windows taskbar and select Properties.
  - 2 Click the Start Menu Programs tab.
  - 3 Click the Remove button.
  - 4 Click on Startup to see its list of shortcuts.
  - 5 Click Microsoft Find Fast.
  - 6 Click the Remove button.
  - 7 Click Close.
  - 8 Click OK.
- To Reach Sony
- Notes on Use
  - On the Power Source
  - On Disposal of the Lithium Battery
  - On Handling
  - On Installation
  - On Moisture Condensation
  - On Upgrading the System
  - On Handling an LCD Display
  - On Handling a CRT Display
  - On Using the Hard Disk Drive
  - On Handling Diskettes
  - On Handling CD Media
  - On Cleaning CD Media
- Resources
  - 1 Quick Start
    - 2 User Guide
    - 3 Electronic Documentation
    - 4 Manuals and online help files that may accompany your preinstalled software
    - 5 Knowledge Database
    - 6 Sony Fax-on- Demand
    - 7 Software Updates
    - 8 VAIO Computer Reference Manual
  - For Answers to Your Software Questions
    - Sony Service Center
      - Acrobat Reader, Adobe PhotoDeluxe, Adobe Premiere LE (Adobe Systems Incorporated)
      - America Online (America Online)
      - AT&T WorldNet Service (AT&T)
      - CompuServe 2000 (CompuServe Interactive Services)
      - DirectCD, Easy CD Creator (Adaptec, Inc.)
      - EarthLink TotalAccess(EarthLink Network, Inc.)
      - McAfees VirusScan (Network Associates, Inc.)
      - PhotoPrinter 2000 Pro (ArcSoft, Inc.)
      - Quicken Basic (Intuit, Inc.)
      - Sony Applications (Sony Electronics, Inc.)
      - Sound Forge (Sonic Foundry)
      - Windows 98 Second Edition Operating System, Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, Word 2000 (Micr...
      - WinFax Basic Edition (Symantec Corporation)
  - Specifications
Index

Sony PCV-L640 User's Guide

Pages 69

Year 2000

Language(s)

of 69

Sony PCV-L640 Specification

The Sony PCV-L640 is a compact desktop computer that combines efficient performance with a sleek design, making it an ideal choice for users seeking a reliable home or office solution. This model is powered by an Intel Celeron processor, providing adequate processing capabilities for everyday computing tasks such as word processing, web browsing, and multimedia playback. The system is equipped with a standard 64 MB of SDRAM, expandable to accommodate more demanding applications, ensuring smooth multitasking and improved performance. Storage is facilitated by a 15 GB Ultra ATA hard drive, offering sufficient space for essential files and software installations.

The PCV-L640 features integrated graphics with shared memory architecture, delivering basic visual performance suitable for standard display tasks. Connectivity options include a range of I/O ports such as USB and serial connections, allowing for the integration of various peripherals. The system also includes built-in audio capabilities, providing satisfactory sound output for multimedia experiences.

Users can benefit from the pre-installed Windows operating system, which ensures a familiar and user-friendly interface. The design of the PCV-L640 is both compact and functional, with a distinctive flat-panel display that enhances its aesthetic appeal while saving desk space. This model is equipped with a CD-ROM drive, allowing for the installation of software from physical media and the playback of audio CDs.

Overall, the Sony PCV-L640 is a well-rounded desktop solution that balances performance and design, catering to users who require a dependable computing experience in a space-efficient form factor.

Sony PCV-L640 F.A.Q.

How can I increase the memory on my Sony PCV-L640?

To increase the memory on your Sony PCV-L640, you will need to open the case, locate the memory slots on the motherboard, and insert compatible RAM modules. Ensure the power is off and you are grounded to avoid static discharge.

What should I do if my Sony PCV-L640 is not booting up?

If your PCV-L640 is not booting, first check all power connections and ensure the power supply is working. Try resetting the BIOS by removing and then reinserting the CMOS battery. If the problem persists, consider checking the RAM and hard drive for faults.

How do I perform a system recovery on the Sony PCV-L640?

To perform a system recovery, restart your PC and press the F10 key to enter the recovery mode. Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your system to factory settings. Ensure you back up all important data beforehand.

What type of hard drive is compatible with the Sony PCV-L640?

The Sony PCV-L640 is compatible with IDE hard drives. Ensure the drive's capacity is supported by the BIOS and the operating system.

How can I clean the fan and cooling system in my PCV-L640?

To clean the fan and cooling system, power down the computer and unplug it. Open the case, locate the fan and heat sink, and use compressed air to remove dust. Avoid using a vacuum cleaner as it can generate static electricity.

Why is my Sony PCV-L640 running slow and how can I fix it?

Your PC may run slow due to insufficient memory, too many background applications, or malware. Consider upgrading the RAM, closing unnecessary applications, and running a virus scan to improve performance.

How do I connect the Sony PCV-L640 to a wireless network?

The Sony PCV-L640 does not have built-in wireless capabilities. You will need to install a compatible wireless network card or use a USB wireless adapter to connect to wireless networks.

What should I do if the display on my Sony PCV-L640 is not working?

Check the connection between the monitor and the computer. Ensure the monitor is powered on and the cables are properly connected. If the issue persists, try using a different monitor or cable to isolate the problem.

How can I update the BIOS on my Sony PCV-L640?

To update the BIOS, visit the Sony support website and download the latest BIOS update for the PCV-L640. Follow the instructions provided to create a bootable disk and perform the update. Ensure the computer is connected to a reliable power source during the update.

Is it possible to upgrade the graphics card on the Sony PCV-L640?

The Sony PCV-L640 has limited upgrade options for the graphics card due to its compact form factor. Check the available slots and power supply capacity before attempting an upgrade. Consider consulting with a professional for compatibility and installation.