Sony PCV-RX550 Quick Start

VAIO Digital Studio Computer QuickStart

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Contents

Welcome.................................................................5 Features......................................................................................... 5 Unpacking Your Computer ............................................................ 8 To Choose an Ergonomic Location for your Computer................ 10

Setting Up Your VAIO Digital Studio Computer............................11

To Set Up Your Computer ........................................................... 11 To Turn On Your Computer ......................................................... 16 To Register your Computer ......................................................... 17 To Set up your dial-up connection............................................... 17 To Use the Stand by Mode .......................................................... 19 To Use the System Hibernate Mode ............................................ 20 To Shut Down Your Computer .................................................... 21

About the Software on Your Computer .............23

Troubleshooting ..................................................29 Topics........................................................................................... 29 Notes on Use ............................................................................... 40 For Answers to Your Software Questions .................................... 45 Resources ................................................................................... 48

Index .....................................................................49

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Welcome

Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony VAIO Digital Studio computer! Your new, high-performance, multimedia computer combines state-of-the-art computer functionality with the latest audio/video and information technology features.

Features

VAIO AV Applications

This suite of Sony original applications includes PictureGear, Smart Capture, DVgate, DigitalPrint, SonicStage, MovieShaker, VisualFlow, and Media Bar DVD Player. These software applications make it easy to use advanced multimedia techniques to develop your personal audio and video creations. Using the i.LINK ports, you can capture, view, and share both still and video images, then catalog everything for fast, easy storage and retrieval.

DVD-RW drive (Not available on all models)

This new optical storage technology provides increased storage capacity and a dynamic multimedia computing experience. Your state-of-the-art DVD-RW drive writes to DVD-R/DVD-RW and CD-R/CD-RW media, and plays your favorite DVDs and CDs. This drive also functions as the ideal solution for making backups and archiving data, with the ability to store up to 4.7 GB of data on a single DVD-R/DVD-RW media (You can store up to 650 MB of data on a single CD-R/CD-RW media). Save movies, videos and still images to share with family and friends.

DVD-ROM drive (Not available on all models)

This optical storage technology provides increased storage capacity and a rich multimedia computing experience. Your DVD-ROM drive plays both DVDs and CDs.

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CD-RW drive (Not available on all models)

This drive is the ideal solution for making backups and archiving data, with the ability to store up to 650 MB of removable, rewritable storage on a single rewritable CD. Save your movies to CD-R or CD-RW media and share videos and images with family and friends.

CD-ROM drive (Not available on all models)

You can play your favorite audio and video CDs using this high-quality CD- ROM drive.

i.LINK (IEEE1394) interface

Two built-in i.LINK ports, located on the front and rear panels, provide you with digital connection capability. The i.LINK name and logo identify a high-speed communication interface, which allows you to easily connect compatible digital camcorders.

VAIO Smart keyboard

This PS/2keyboard has programmable shortcut buttons for launching your favorite programs or accessing the Internet.

Sony audio and video quality

Take advantage of todays advanced multimedia applications, games, and entertainment software with the Sony high-fidelity audio system, high-powered 3-D graphics, and Sony-Tuned MPEG digital video playback.

i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE1394 connection. The i.LINK connection may vary, depending on the software applications, operating system and compatible i.LINK devices. All products with an i.LINK connection may not communicate with each other.

Please refer to the documentation that came with your compatible i.LINK device for information on operating conditions and proper connection. Before connecting compatible i.LINK PC peripherals to your system, such as an optical or hard disk drive, confirm their operating system compatibility and required operating conditions.

Features

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Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition operating system

Your system includes this latest consumer operating system from Microsoft.

Preinstalled software

All the software on your computer is preinstalled, configured, and ready for you to use right out of the box.

Communications

You have the choice of a variety of popular online services to browse the Internet, access e-mail, send faxes, and much more.

Exceptional performance

Your computer includes an Intel processor, a 10Base-T/100Base-TX Fast Ethernet interface, and a V.90 data/fax modem.*

* Actual upload and download speeds may vary due to line conditions, ISP support, and gov- ernment regulations.

Your computer may not be equipped with all of the hardware features listed in this section. To view the specific hardware configuration for your system, see the Specifications sheet.

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Unpacking Your Computer

Computer and Supplied Accessories

Manuals

VAIO Digital Studio Computer QuickStart Contains information on unpacking and setting up your computer, supplementary updates, support information, and software information.

The VAIO Digital Studio Computer User Guide is available electronically on your computers hard drive. To access the online manual:

1 Click Start in the Windows Taskbar, then click VAIO Help and Support.

2 From the VAIO Help and Support menu, click VAIO User Guide.

Safety Information Provides safety and legal information about your VAIO computer.

Computer and accessories

Display (Sold separately)

Power Cord

Mouse

Modem Cable

Keyboard

Speakers

System Unit

AC Adapter (Speaker)

Unpacking Your Computer

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Specifications Describes the hardware and physical configurations of your VAIO computer.

Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Quick Start Guide Explains how to use the basic features of the Windows operating system.

Recovery CDs

System Recovery CD(s) Enables you to restore the software that shipped with your computer if it becomes corrupted or is erased. System Recovery CDs can only be used to restore the hard disk of the Sony computer you purchased.

Application Recovery CD(s) Enables you to reinstall individual applications if they become corrupted or are erased.

Driver Recovery CD Enables you to restore device drivers if they become corrupted or are erased.

Software Library

The Software Library contains the Microsoft software license agreement and the Sony end-user license agreement.

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To Choose an Ergonomic Location for your Computer

Before you get started, find the best location for your new computer.

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, mouse, and other input devices Place your keyboard, mouse, and other input devices so that your arms and hands are in a relaxed, comfortable position. The keyboard should be directly in front of you. Adjust the level of the keyboard so that your lower arms are parallel to the floor. Keep your wrists in a relaxed position when you are using the keyboardnot angled up or down. Use the palmrest only briefly, for resting. While typing, never use the palmrest or rest your hands on the table. Position the mouse at the same level as the keyboard. Hold the mouse with a relaxed hand, and use your whole arm to move it. Take breaks during sessions with your computer. Excessive use of the mouse or a joystick may strain muscles or tendons.

Furniture and posture Sit in a chair with good back support and armrests. Adjust the level of the chair so your feet are flat on the floor. A footrest may make you more comfortable. Sit with relaxed, upright postureavoid slouching forward or leaning far backward.

Viewing angle of the display Position the display 18 to 26 inches directly in front of you, with the top of the screen at or a little below eye level. Use the displays tilting feature to find the best position. You can reduce eye strain and muscle fatigue by placing the display in the proper position.

Lighting Choose a location where windows and lights do not create glare and reflection on the display. Use indirect lighting to avoid bright spots on the display. You can also purchase accessories for your display that help reduce glare. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work effectiveness.

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Setting Up Your VAIO Digital Studio Computer

Your computer has many new and exciting features. This section contains information on setting up your computer and peripheral devices.

To Set Up Your Computer

This section illustrates how to set up your computer and install peripheral devices.

Connecting a CRT 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 CRT display

Install your equipment so that you can easily reach the power outlet in the event of an emergency.

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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 plug the other end into a grounded AC wall outlet or power strip.

Connecting the speakers

HEADPHONES SERIAL

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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

PRINTER

i.LINK S400

KEYBOARD MOUSE

USB NETWORK ACT

LINK

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Connecting the modem cable and power cords

1 Unplug your phones cable from the wall jack, and plug it into the Telephone jack on the computer.

2 Plug the modem cable (supplied) into the Line jack on the computer, and then plug the other end of the cable into the wall jack.

Connecting the phone and modem cables

Your computer has a protective sticker covering the Ethernet port located on the rear panel. Connect only 10Base-T and 100Base-TX cables to the Ethernet port. Using other cables or a telephone cable may result in an electric current overload and can cause a malfunction, excessive heat or fire in the port. For help on connecting to a network, see your network administrator.

4

3

2

1 LINE TELEPHONE

MONITOR

To Set Up Your Computer

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3 Plug the power cord into the back of the computer.

4 Plug both the display and power cords into a grounded AC wall outlet or a power strip.

Connecting the power cords

KEYBOARD MOUSE

PRINTER

HEADPHONES

LINE IN

USB NETWORK ACT

LINK

i.LINK S400

SERIAL

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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.

When you start your system for the first time, your computer may detect new equipment and display a dialog box that asks you to restart your computer. Please respond to this request immediately.

To turn on your computer

To Register Your Computer

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To Register Your Computer

Take advantage of Sonys commitment to quality customer support and receive these benefits by registering your computer:

Sony Customer Support Communicate with a Support Representative to troubleshoot problems you may be having with your computer.

Limited warranty Protect your investment. See the Warranty Card for more details.

To Set 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 Information window appears.

You are prompted to register your computer the first time you turn on the unit. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the registration process. If you are not able to register your computer during the first session, you are provided with additional registration opportunities later.

Location Information window

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3 Enter in your information as requested. Click OK. The Phone and Modem Options window appears.

4 Click to select your dialing location and then click OK. The New Connection Wizard appears.

5 Follow the onscreen instructions to finish setting up your Internet connection.

Phone and Modem Options window

New Connection Wizard window

To Use the Stand by Mode

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To Use the Stand by Mode

When you plan to stop using your computer for a short period of time, you can put it in Stand by mode instead of turning it off completely. Putting the computer in Stand by mode saves energy and allows a quick return to normal computer use. You can use any of the following four methods for activating the Stand by mode.

Setting the computer to enter Stand by mode using the Stand by key

Press the (Stand by) key on the top of the keyboard. The computer goes into Stand by mode.

Setting the computer to enter Stand by mode using the Windows taskbar

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then select Turn Off Computer.

2 Select Stand by.

3 Click OK. The computer goes into Stand by mode.

Setting the computer to enter Stand by mode using the Power button

Briefly press the Power button on the front panel to place your computer into Stand by mode.

Setting the computer enter Stand by mode automatically

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, click Control Panel, then select the category, Performance and Maintenance. The Performance and Maintenance dialog box appears.

2 Click the Control Panel icon for Power Options. The Power Options Properties dialog box appears.

3 Select the Power Schemes tab. Choose an option from the Power schemes drop-down list.

Save your work, close all applications, and close your Internet connection, if applicable. Leave the Windows operating system running.

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4 Click Apply and then click OK.

The computer will go into Stand by mode according to your settings.

Resuming from Stand by mode

There are two ways to bring your computer back from Stand by mode:

Press the space bar on your keyboard.

Briefly press the power button on your computer.

Stand by mode indicators

You can identify which mode the computer is in by the color of the power indicator light.

To Use the System Hibernate Mode

System hibernate mode enables your computer to store everything in its memory to the hard disk drive before shutting down. When you bring the system out of hibernation mode, it returns to the previous state.

Setting the computer to enter Hibernate mode

You can set your computer to automatically enter hibernate mode after a certain time period, by following these steps:

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, click Control Panel, then select the category, Performance and Maintenance. The Performance and Maintenance dialog box appears.

2 Click the Control Panel icon for Power Options. The Power Options Properties dialog box appears.

To save the settings under a name that is not offered in the Power schemes drop- down menu, choose your settings and then click Save As.

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.

To Shut Down Your Computer

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3 In the section, Settings for Home/Office Desk (default Power scheme), select the Power Schemes tab. Click the System hibernate drop-down list and select the period of inactivity before your computer goes into hibernate mode.

4 Select the Hibernate tab and verify that Hibernate is enabled with a check mark in the Enable hibernation check box.

5 Click Apply and then click OK.

Your computer is set to go into hibernation mode automatically, according to your settings.

To Shut Down Your Computer

When you are ready to turn off your computer for an extended period of time, use this procedure.

Turning off your computer

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then select Turn Off Computer. The Turn Off Computer dialog box appears.

2 Select the Turn Off option and click OK.

3 Wait for your computer to turn off automaticallythe power indicator light turns off.

4 Turn off any peripheral devices connected to your computer.

About the Power switch

If your system stops responding, press and hold the Power switch for more than four seconds to force your system to shut down. You may need to repeat this procedure if your system does not shut down on the first attempt.

To avoid loss of data, do not use the Power switch to turn off the computer.

Respond to any prompts about saving your documents.

If you plan to turn off your computer for a short period of time, you may want to use Stand by mode instead.

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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.

Adobe Acrobat Reader Adobe Systems Inc. Acrobat Reader software allows you to view, navigate, and print electronic documents in Adobes Portable Document Format (PDF), an open file format that is intended to preserve the fidelity of documents created on all major computer platforms.

Adobe Photoshop Elements (On selected models) Adobe Systems Inc. Using state-of-the-art image editing tools, you can unleash your artistic ability and create digital images for print, e-mail and posting to the Web. The versatile image capturing options allow you to start working with digital and traditional photos immediately. Explore endless creative possibilities for your personal images with Adobe Photoshop Elements.

Adobe Premiere LE (On selected models) Adobe Systems Inc. Adobe Premiere LE offers interface and editing tools for producing movies for video, multimedia, or the Web. View source clips and edited footage simultaneously on-screen. You can create your own personal video clips that are up to three hours in length, with complete audio-video synchronization.

America Online America Online, Inc. America Online is a popular Internet online service. Stay in touch with family and friends with easy-to-use e-mail. Manage your personal finances, get the latest news and sports scores, and chat with thousands of others who share your interests.

Your computer may not be supplied with all of the software applications listed, depending on the system configuration you purchased.

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Arcsoft PhotoPrinter 2000 Pro ArcSoft Inc. PhotoPrinter Pro is an easy-to-use, yet advanced printing program that lets you quickly lay out multiple images in multiple sizes on a single sheet of paper. PhotoPrinter Pro offers a wide selection of templates including landscape, portrait, free-style, mixed sizes, custom templates and more. The application includes enhancement tools and special effects for improving photos while giving you the ability to add text to any image. With PhotoPrinter 2000 Pro you can create business cards, handouts, calendars, mailing labels, and much more.

DigitalPrint Sony Electronics Inc. This image management software makes it fun and easy to edit, import, and organize your digital pictures in a photo album for rich digital printing to any standard color laser or inkjet printer. Digital Print can also be used to make custom CD labels for your audio CDs.

DVgate Sony Electronics Inc. Connect a digital video camera recorder to the i.LINK port and capture your own video clips and still images. You can edit clips from your video, add new clips, and combine clips into new movie segments. You can also save your images in a variety of popular file formats.

EarthLink Network Total Access EarthLink Network Inc. An Internet Service Provider that supplies access, information, and assistance to its customers, introducing them to the Internet. Member benefits include e-mail, newsgroups, a Personal Start Page, a free 6 MB Web site, a member magazine, and 24-hour technical support.

Media Bar DVD Player Sony Electronics Inc. Media Bar DVD Player is created especially for high-quality DVD playback. You can enjoy the superior digital video quality and the effects features. You can rewind or fast- forward scenes from the DVD Player monitor as you would with any ordinary DVD player, to easily find the scene you want to view. Typical DVD playback features are available, such as multiple angles, audio language tracks, and subtitles. Media Bar DVD Player seamlessly integrates a premium audio/visual experience with an easy-to-use software interface.

About the Software on Your Computer

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Microsoft Internet Explorer Microsoft Corp. Internet Explorer delivers the World Wide Web the way you want it. It's secure, easy to use, and you can personalize how you access the Internet. Outlook Express and other features of Internet Explorer deliver a great Internet experience.

Microsoft Office XP Professional (On selected models) Microsoft Corp. Microsoft Office XP redefines the relationship between people and software by providing a smarter, simpler way of working. New Office XP features include context-sensitive smart tags, enhanced formatting options, and more, that enable you to continually integrate additional services into Office and access information anytime.

Microsoft Office XP Small Business Edition (On selected models) Microsoft Corp. With Microsoft Office XP youll find a powerful new technology that will help you get work done more quickly by providing real-time, context-sensitive options for important actions, from formatting to error correction. Task panes consolidate important tasks into a single integrated view, enabling you to conduct searches, launch and format documents, and view the contents of your Clipboard from one location.

Microsoft Outlook Express Microsoft Corp. This messaging tool that takes your e-mail and newsgroup communications to new heights. Outlook Express is easy to set up and use, and provides you with secure, personalized, and comprehensive features that protect and enhance your online communication experience.

Microsoft Word (On selected models) Microsoft Corp. Microsoft Word makes it easy to create common Web, e-mail, and print documents for use around the world. It embraces HTML as a first-class file format and extends Word's ease- of-use to the Web and e-mail. Word also extends that ease-of-use to international users, making it easy to create multilingual documents.

MovieShaker Sony Electronics Inc. Sonys original MovieShaker software creates personal movies that have transitions, background music, and text. Just import your video clips and shake with a click of the mouse. Your personal movies are easy to create and fun to share with family and friends.

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PC-Cillin 2000 Trend Micro, Inc. PC-Cillin provides portable, easy-to-use, real-time antivirus security at your computers entry point (beaming, synchronization, Internet access) to defend against potential threats hidden inside files, e-mail, or on the Web.

PictureGear Sony Electronics Inc. This image management software displays images from your hard drive, a Sony digital still camera, or a Sony Mavica camera. The images appear in a convenient light-table format, so that you can easily view the contents of an entire folder.

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 learn and use. You can even pay your bills online. Quicken manages all of your finances, bank accounts, credit cards, investments, and loans.

RealJukebox RealNetworks Inc. RealJukebox is a popular digital music system that gives you the ability to easily acquire, play and manage digital music files. You can locate and download your favorite music from the Internet and organize your own personal music collection.

RealPlayer RealNetworks Inc. RealPlayer is a high-quality streaming media player that supports many digital media formats. The user-friendly interface has enhanced navigation capabilities, allowing you to access and enjoy audio and video programming over the Internet. RealPlayer is your gateway to a superb Internet multimedia experience.

Smart Capture Sony Electronics Inc. Smart Capture is a fun new way to send multimedia messages via e-mail. Smart Capture manages the i.LINK connection between your notebook and a Sony Digital Handycam Camcorder that supports the i.LINK interface. It allows you to capture compressed video or still images and save them to your hard disk drive or share via e-mail. A smart solution for computer, digital audio/video and network convergence.

About the Software on Your Computer

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SonicStage Sony Electronics Inc. This new jukebox application adds a host of new features to its predecessor, OpenMG Jukebox. Continuing to take advantage of Sonys copyright-protected ATRAC3 format for high-quality digital audio storage, SonicStage sports a new Music Visualizer, a sleek new player skin design, audio CD burning capability, and a parametric equalizer for fine- tuning audio playback.

SonyStyle Connect Sony Electronics Inc. SonyStyle Connect provides excellent dial-up, as well as DSL, Internet connection services. To find out which plan is best for you, visit http://www.sonystyleconnect.com and find out what is available in your area.

Sony on Yahoo! Yahoo! Inc. Personalize your own web portal with Sony on Yahoo! Get a free webmail account, customized news and local weather reports, comics, and more.

VAIO Action Setup Sony Electronics Inc. VAIO Action Setup manages the settings for your computer's Shortcut keys.

VisualFlow Sony Electronics Inc. VisualFlow software is a state-of-the-art Sony multimedia browser designed specifically for Memory Stick media. It displays any still picture, movie or sound file stored in a Memory Stick media in a visually pleasing, artistic manner. VisualFlow software not only plays a selected movie or sound file, but also enables playback of files by other applications like PictureGear, Memory Stick Slideshow and Windows Explorer.

WordPerfect (On selected models) Corel Corp. Create professional-looking documents, such as newsletters, reports and brochures with this outstanding word processor, adding graphics, charts and tables with ease. RealTime Preview lets you preview formatting before applying it to your documents and Reveal Codes increases the control you have over document structure.

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Troubleshooting

This section describes how to solve common problems you may encounter when using your computer. Many problems have simple solutions, so try these suggestions before you call Sony Customer Support.

Topics

Topic: My computer 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 on the 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 that the power cord and all cables are connected firmly.

If you plugged the computer into a power strip or Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), make sure the power strip or UPS is turned on and working.

Check that the monitor is plugged into a power source and turned on. Check that the brightness and contrast controls are adjusted correctly. See the manual that came with your display for details.

Check that the computer is not in Stand by mode.

Topic: My files are corrupted or deleted. I want to recover applications that came with my computer.

See To Use the Application Recovery CD(s) for more information.

Topic: My drivers are corrupted or deleted. I want to recover drivers that came with my computer.

See To Use the Driver Recovery CD for more information.

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Topic: My computer or software application stopped responding.

You can try to locate and close the software application that has stopped responding.

1 Press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys. The Windows Task Manager window appears.

2 From the Applications tab, locate the application that has the status message, Not responding.

3 Click to select the application and then click End Task. Windows attempts to close the application.

If your computer does not respond or the application does not close, try the following steps:

1 Save any open files, if possible.

2 Press the Alt+F4 keys. The Turn Off Computer window appears.

3 Click the Restart button.

If your computer still does not respond and you cannot restart, shut down your computer by pressing and holding the power switch for more than six seconds.

If the software application continues to be unresponsive or causes your computer to stop responding, contact the software publisher or designated technical support provider.

Topic: Why does my computer take longer to start up after installing America Online (AOL) software?

Installing AOL on some computers may increase the time required to start up by as much as 60 seconds. You can decrease your computers start up time by disabling the AOL wide area network (WAN) driver. Follow these steps:

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, and select Control Panel.

2 Click Network and Internet Connections, and select Network Connections.

Pressing and holding the power switch for more than six seconds may result in the loss of data from files that are currently open.

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31

3 Right-click on the Local Area Connection with the device name, WAN Network Driver, select Disable.

Open your AOL connection and verify that the application functions properly with the WAN Network Driver disabled. If you need to restore this Network setting, repeat these steps (1 - 3) and select Enable.

Topic: Why does the Windows operating system stop responding during shutdown?

The Windows operating system may not shut down properly for many reasons, including incompatible or conflicting drivers, damaged files, or non-responsive hardware. For troubleshooting information, you can search Windows Help.

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar and select VAIO Help and Support. The VAIO Help and Support dialog box appears.

2 Select Fixing a Problem and then select Startup and Shut Down problems. A list of specific problem topics appears on the right side of the dialog box.

3 Select Startup and Shutdown Troubleshooter. Follow the on-screen instructions according to your specific situation.

Topic: How do I change the parallel port type to ECP, EPP, or bi-directional?

You can change the parallel port type using the System Setup utility (CMOS Setup Utility). To access System Setup:

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, and select Turn Off Computer. Select Restart.

2 When the Sony screen displays, press the F2 key on your keyboard.

3 Select the Advanced tab from the Setup Utility screen.

4 Select I/O Device Configuration and press Enter.

5 Use the arrow keys to highlight Parallel Port Mode and press Enter.

6 Select the desired setting displays, and press Enter.

7 Press the F10 key to Save and Exit.

You can toggle between the Normal (bi-directional), EPP, ECP, and ECP+EPP options using the directional arrow keys.

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Topic: My optical drive tray does not open.

Use the Eject button

1 Make sure the computer is turned on.

2 Press the Eject button on the drive.

Use the My Computer icon

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then select My Computer.

2 Right-click the appropriate optical drive icon.

3 Select Eject from the shortcut menu.

Topic: I cannot play a DVD or CD.

After inserting your optical disc, wait a few seconds for it to be detected before trying to access it.

Verify that the disc is in the tray with the label side facing up.

Install your CD or DVD software according to the manufacturers instructions.

If your drive reads some DVDs or CDs, but not others, check the shiny side of the disc for dirt or scratches. You may also need to clean the disc drive lens with an appropriate cleaner.

Topic: I cannot play a DVD.

If a region code warning appears when you are using the DVD player application, it may be that the region code of the DVD you are trying to play is incompatible with the region code setting of your optical drive. A region code is listed on the disc packaging. Region code indicators such as 1 or ALL are labeled on some DVDs to indicate the type of player that can play the disc. Unless a 1 or ALL appears on the DVD or on its packaging, you cannot play the disc on this system.

Avoid using adhesive labels to identify your CD media. Adhesive labels may come off while the CD media is in use in your optical drive(s) and may cause damage to the unit.

To recover the CD or DVD software applications that are preinstalled on your computer, see To Use the Application Recovery CD(s) for more information.

Topics

33

If you hear audio but cannot see video, your computers video resolution may be set too high. To improve video resolution, verify that your screen area is set to 1024 x 768, using 32-bit color (preset factory default). To check your video resolution, see the Troubleshooting topic, How do I change the video resolution of my display?

If you see video but cannot hear audio, check all of the following:

Verify that your DVD players mute feature is turned off.

Check the master volume setting in the Audio Mixer.

Check the volume settings on your computer speakers.

Check the connections between your speakers and the computer.

Verify that drivers are installed properly, by following these steps:

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then select Control Panel.

2 Click Performance and Maintenance and then click Systems. The System Properties dialog box appears.

3 Select the Hardware tab and then select the Device Manager button to view installed drivers.

A dirty or damaged disc may also cause the computer to stop responding while it tries to read the disc. If necessary, remove the disc and check that it is not dirty or damaged.

Topic: When I click an application icon, a message such as You must insert the application CD into your drive appears and the software does not start.

Some software applications require specific files that are located on the applications CD-ROM. Insert the disc and try starting the program again.

Check to make sure you inserted the CD-ROM with the label side facing up.

If your computers video memory (RAM) is 11 MB shared system memory, you may improve video resolution by changing your screen area to 800 x 600, using 16-bit color. See your Specifications sheet for details about your computers video RAM.

To recover the CD or DVD software applications that are preinstalled on your computer, see To Use the Application Recovery CD(s) for more information.

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Topic: Why doesn't my optical drive (DVD-RW or CD-RW) record at the highest speed?

If you are having difficulty formatting DVD-RW or CD-RW media for recording purposes, try changing the write speed to a lower setting.

See the online Help or documentation that came with your CD or DVD recording software application for details on adjusting write speed settings.

Topic: How do I change the video resolution of my display?

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, and then select Control Panel.

2 Select Appearances and Themes, then select Change the screen resolution.

3 Click the Settings tab.

4 Change the Screen resolution and Color quality to the desired levels.

5 Click Apply and then click OK.

Topic: Why is there no sound in any application?

Check that the speakers are plugged into the Headphones jack.

If your speakers have a mute button, verify that it is turned off.

If your speakers are powered by batteries, verify that the batteries are inserted properly and that they are charged.

If your speakers use an external power source, verify that the power cord is plugged into a grounded wall outlet or power strip.

If your speakers have volume control, check the volume level.

You cannot hear sound from your speakers if headphones are connected to your computer.

If the software application you are using has its own volume control, check that the volume is turned up.

Check the volume controls in the Windows operating system using these steps:

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then select Control Panel.

2 Select Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices, then click Adjust the system volume.

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3 From the Volume tab, adjust the Device volume by moving the slider bar to the desired sound level. Verify that the Mute option is not selected.

Topic: My modem connection is slow.

Many factors influence modem connection speed:

Telephone line noise.

Incompatibility with other telephone equipment such as fax machines or other modems.

Internet Service Providers (ISP) connection capability may vary.

If you think your modem is not connecting properly to other PC-based modems, fax machines, or your ISP, check the following:

Contact your phone company and ask them to verify that your phone line is free from line noise.

If your problem is fax-related, check that there are no problems with the fax machine you are calling and that it is compatible with fax modems.

For optimum performance, verify that your ISP point of presence (POP) phone number is compliant with V.90 standards.

If you are having a problem connecting with your ISP, check that they are not experiencing technical problems.

Try connecting your modem through another phone line, if available.

Topic: My modem does not work.

Your modem may be experiencing equipment or software conflicts. If your modem is not functioning properly, check the following:

Check that the phone line is plugged into the Line jack.

Check that the phone line is working. You can check the line by plugging in a standard telephone and listening for a dial tone.

Check that the access phone number (POP) is correct.

All software applications that are preinstalled by Sony are compatible with your computer modem. If you have installed other software, contact the software publisher for information on how to configure the software to recognize the modem.

You may need to reinstall the sound drivers. See To Use the Driver Recovery CD for more information.

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If it appears that your modem is not functioning properly, check the device status.

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then click Control Panel.

2 Click Printers and Other Hardware and then select Phone and Modem Options.

3 From the Modems tab, click to select your modem.

4 Click Properties. The Modem Properties window appears.

5 Review the information in the Device status se