Sony PCG-V505EC User's Guide

Welcome Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer, and welcome to the online VAIO® Computer User Guide. This user guide provides de

Connecting the AC adapter To connect the AC adapter 1.Plug the AC adapter cable into the DC IN port. Connecting the AC Adapter to the Computer 2.Plu

Storing a floppy disk drive Fold the floppy disk drive cable and connector into the side compartment on the floppy disk drive. Storing a Floppy Disk

Frequently asked questions Why doesn't the Safely Remove Hardware icon appear on the taskbar when the drive is connected? The computer does not

Using PC Cards Your computer includes one or more PC Card slots. A PC Card enables you to connect devices such as an optical drive,floppy disk drive,

Inserting PC Cards Some PC Cards may require you to disable idle devices when using the PC Card. You can use Sony Notebook Setup todisable these devic

Removing PC Cards You can remove PC Cards while the computer is on or off. PC Cards draw power from the computer when they are insertedinto the PC Car

Connecting and disconnecting PC Card drives The PC Card drive enables you to read data stored on a DVD or CD. Your computer may come with an external

Frequently asked questions Why doesn't my PC Card work? Make sure the PC Card is inserted properly. See Inserting PC Cards for more information.

Port Replicator Connections Locating Ports and Jacks Connecting a Port Replicator Connecting a Flat-Panel Display Disconnecting a Port Replicator

Locating Ports and Jacks A port replicator is a device that attaches to your notebook and contains additional jacks and ports, such as USB ports. Apor

Connecting a Port Replicator You can connect a port replicator to the computer while the computer is on or off. Connecting a port replicator while the

Turning on the computer To turn on the computer 1.Lift the lid of the computer by sliding the cover release latch to the right and lifting the lid. Yo

charges once you connect the AC adapter. 6.Plug the AC adapter into the DC IN port on the port replicator, and plug the power cord into the AC adapter

Connecting a Flat-Panel Display The port replicator includes a Digital Visual Interface (DVI) port, which enables you to connect your computer to a fl

Disconnecting a Port Replicator Disconnecting a port replicator when the computer is in a power saving mode (Standby or Hibernate) or the battery powe

Audio and Video Connections Using i.LINK Digital Video Recorders Using Computer Monitors and Projectors Using Speakers Using Microphones Page 113

Using i.LINK Digital Video Recorders You can connect a digital video (DV) recorder, such as a Sony digital video recorder, to the i.LINK®1 S400 (IEEE

Connecting an i.LINK digital video recorder You can connect an i.LINK digital video (DV) recorder when the computer is on or off. Connecting the DV re

Disconnecting the i.LINK digital video recorder You can disconnect the digital video recorder while the computer is on or off. Simply unplug the i.LIN

Using a digital video camera recorder Your computer comes with preinstalled driver software that is compatible with most Sony digital video camera rec

Frequently asked questions Why can't I use the DV recorder? You may not be able to use the DV recorder, and the message DV equipment seems to be

Using Computer Monitors and Projectors You can connect an external display (such as a computer monitor or a projector) to your computer. Connecting a

Using the Battery Your computer is equipped with a battery that enables you to work without AC power for some time. For information onhow to extend th

Connecting a computer monitor Your computer can display images to the computer screen (LCD), to an external computer monitor, or to both the LCD andex

Connecting a projector You can use a projector to display the actions and images from the computer screen (LCD). To connect a projector 1.Plug the pro

Selecting a display You can connect external displays to your computer while it is on. When you connect an external display (projector orcomputer moni

5.Click the red button on the upper left corner of the display. 6.Click Apply. 7.Click OK. For more information, click Help. If you cannot see you

Disconnecting a computer monitor or projector You can disconnect the external computer monitor or projector by unplugging the monitor (VGA) cable from

Using Speakers Your computer comes with built-in stereo speakers. If you wish to enhance the sound quality of your computer, you canpurchase and conne

Connecting speakers You can connect external speakers to your computer to enhance the sound quality of your computer. Do not place floppy disks on

Disconnecting speakers You can disconnect external speakers when the computer is on or off. Simply unplug the speaker cable from the Headphonejack on

Adjusting the volume To adjust the volume for playing CDs and DVDs, use the Volume icon on the Windows® taskbar. Adjusting the volumefor playing CDs

Enabling the audio feature If you do not hear sound when playing a CD or DVD, you may need to enable the audio feature. To enable the audio feature 1.

Inserting a battery To insert a battery 1.Turn the computer over, and slide the UNLOCK/LOCK latch on the bottom of the computer to the UNLOCKposition.

Frequently asked questions Why won't my speakers work? Make sure the speakers are properly connected and the volume is turned up loud enough to

Using Microphones You can connect an external microphone to your computer to enable the sound input to your computer. Make sure yourmicrophone is desi

Connecting a microphone Plug the microphone cable into the Microphone jack1 on the computer. Connecting a Microphone See the guide that accompa

Disconnecting a microphone You can disconnect an external microphone when the computer is on or off. Simply unplug the microphone cable from theMicrop

Using a microphone to record sound You can record messages, memos, etc. by connecting a microphone to the Microphone jack1 on your computer. To recor

Frequently asked questions Why doesn't my microphone work? If you are using an external microphone, make sure the microphone is turned on and is

Memory Upgrades Before you upgrade your computer's memory, make sure you read the safety information in Precautions and procedures.For the type o

Precautions and procedures Sony recommends that memory upgrades be performed by an authorized Sony Service Center. To find thenearest center or ag

Removing and installing memory modules Make sure you read the safety information in Precautions and procedures before you remove or install a memory m

7.Touch a metal object (such as the connector panel on the back of your computer) to discharge static electricity. Avoid touching any part of the

Removing a battery If you are not using the computer for an extended period of time, remove the battery from the computer to avoid damagingthe battery

information. Page 140

Confirming added memory capacity After you've installed a new memory module, make sure the operating system recognizes it. To check your system&a

Support Options The section contains information on where to go for answers to questions about your VAIO® computer and the preinstalledsoftware. Page

Sony Support Information Refer to the following sources for answers in the sequence listed below. 1 VAIO® Computer Documentation The on-screen VAIO®

Program Support Information Depending on the configuration you purchased, your computer may not include all of the software programs listed below. Ado

TV viewing, recording, and playback experiences. You can watch and record your favorite TV programs from your computer,create custom playlists, and pl

your own photo albums, and make prints. Web site http://www.sony.com/pcsupport Telephone 888-4-SONY-PC (888-476-6972) Quicken® New User Edition Intu

Sony Screenblast® Sound Forge® software enables you to record, edit, and process mono or stereo audio files for yourmultimedia or Internet projects. W

VAIO Media software brings multimedia to your network, enabling you to share music, video, and still image files betweenyour VAIO® computers. You ca

Locating battery information You can display information for the battery installed in your computer. To view battery information 1.Click Start on the

Charging a battery You will need to charge the battery if battery power drops below 10 percent or you have not used the battery for a longtime. The li

Notes on batteries Never leave the battery in temperatures above 140°F (60°C), such as under direct sunlight or in a car parked in thesun. While the

Frequently asked questions How do I know when the battery is charged? To determine the remaining battery charge, see Locating battery information. Whe

Conserving Battery Power You may use the power saving modes and PowerPanel utility or power schemes to conserve battery power. Conservingbattery pow

Caring for Your Computer This section provides information on how to safely use your Sony computer. Page 2

Using power saving modes In addition to the normal operating mode, which allows you to turn off specific devices to save power, your computer hastwo d

Using PowerPanel utility The PowerPanel utility enables you to select and customize a predefined power management profile to conserve batterylife. The

Do not choose the Automatic Profile Selection when connected to AC power. To select a profile 1.Right-click the CPU icon on the Taskbar Notifica

one being the darkest setting. The darker you set the computer screen the more power you conserve. LCD Standby Timer Controls the time it takes the s

Frequently asked questions Can my computer enter Hibernate mode while using battery power? Your computer can enter Hibernate mode while using battery

Internet and Network Connections Internet Connections Network Connections Connecting Another VAIO Computer Page 25

Internet Connections This section describes the basic steps for setting up your dial-up or Ethernet connection to the Internet. The NewConnection Wiza

Setting up a dial-up Internet connection Before you can connect to the Internet, you need to connect your computer to a telephone line via a telephone

Setting up an Ethernet Internet connection Your computer accommodates both 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX Ethernet connections, with data transfer speeds of

Customizing your Internet connection The Internet Properties dialog box enables you to change the way you view the Internet. You can change your home

Applying Ergonomics Your computer is a portable device and can be used in a variety of environments. Whenever possible, you should apply thefollowing

Frequently asked questions Why doesn't my modem work? Make sure the telephone cable is securely plugged into the Modem jack on the computer and

Network Connections With a Sony computer, you can easily set up or connect to a variety of networks. The New Connection Wizard and NetworkSetup Wizard

Using Ethernet and dial-up connections For setting up local area networks (LANs), Ethernet is a widely installed technology. Your computer accommodate

dial-up Internet connection for more information. 2.From the Start menu, point to All Programs, Accessories, Communications, and click New Connection

Using wireless network connections (selected models only) A wireless local area network (LAN) is a network in which you can connect to a LAN through a

5.From the Available wireless networks list, select the name of the network in which you want to connect. If youdo not see the network name, see If th

3.Type the name of the network (access point) you want to connect to in the Network name (SSID) box. The following steps are for networks that req

3.In the right panel under LAN or High-Speed Internet, click Wireless Network Connection. The WirelessNetwork Connection window appears. Wireless Ne

6.Type the name of the network you want to connect to in the Network name (SSID) box. 7.If available, make sure the Data encryption (WEP enabled) chec

To disconnect from a computer-to-computer (ad-hoc) network 1.Click Start, Control Panel, Network and Internet Connections, and then click Network Conn

Storing Your Computer Do not use or store your computer in a location subject to: Heat sources, such as radiators or air ducts Direct sunlight Exc

Checking your network connection status Whether you have a wireless, Ethernet, or dial-up connection, you can check the status of that connection. To

Frequently asked questions Why can't my computer connect to a wireless LAN access point? Connection availability is affected by distance and obs

Connecting Another VAIO Computer The preinstalled Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system enables you to connect a compatible i.LINK®1 cable (not supp

Connecting VAIO computers When you connect two VAIO computers, you can use one computer to edit, copy, or delete files on the other computer. Youcan a

Disconnecting VAIO computers You can disconnect two VAIO® computers when the computers are on or off. To disconnect VAIO computers when the computers

Frequently asked questions Why can't I establish a connection between two VAIO computers? Your computer may not recognize an i.LINK1 connection

CDs and DVDs Inserting and Ejecting CDs or DVDs Copying and Playing CDs and DVDs Playing DVDs Page 46

Inserting and Ejecting CDs or DVDs Avoid using adhesive labels to identify your CDs or DVDs. Adhesive labels may damage the optical drive if they

into the manual eject hole next to the Eject button. 4.Lift the disc from the drive. 5.Push the drive tray gently to close it. Page 48

Copying and Playing CDs and DVDs Your computer plays and records CDs and DVDs, depending on the model you purchased. Check your specifications for the

Using Cables and Connections Use only specified peripheral equipment and interface cables. Do not use cut or damaged connection cables. If the tele

Playing CDs Before you play an audio CD, you may need to enable your computer's audio feature. To enable the audio feature 1.Click Start on the W

1 O ptical drive types vary, depending on the model you purchased. Page 51

Copying files to a CD-RW or CD-R You can copy files to CD-R or CD-RW discs if your VAIO® computer is equipped with a CD-RW/DVD drive or DVD-RW drive.B

Do not strike or move the computer while writing data to a disc. 1 T he read/write drive letter designation may vary, depending on your system&apo

Playing DVDs You can play DVDs in your computer's optical drive and view the video on the computer screen. Playing DVDs on your computer Writin

Playing DVDs on your computer Your computer is equipped with an optical drive that enables you to watch DVDs and most DVD-R discs on your computer. To

Writing files to DVDs (on selected models only) Use the table shown on Copying and Playing CDs and DVDs to see which type of DVD media your computer s

Frequently asked questions How do I maintain CDs and DVDs? Avoid touching the surface of the disc with your fingers. Fingerprints and dust on the sur

What do I do if the optical drive isn't playing my CD or DVD properly? Make sure the disc was inserted into the drive with the label facing up.

Battery for more information. If the display mode is set to external display, use the Fn+F7 key combination. See Selecting a display for moreinformat

Cleaning Your Computer Clean the computer with a soft, dry cloth or a soft cloth lightly moistened with a mild detergent solution. Do not useany type

Printer Connections Printing With Your Computer Page 60

Printing With Your Computer Your computer is compatible with many popular printers. However, to ensure the best performance, printers must becompatibl

Connecting a printer You can easily connect a printer to your computer or port replicator (if applicable). The New Hardware Wizard enables youto easil

3.Restart your computer by clicking Start, Turn Off Computer, and Restart. If the New Hardware Wizardappears, follow the on-screen instructions. 4.Mak

Disconnecting a printer You can disconnect the printer cable when the computer is on or off. Disconnecting a printer when the computer is in apower sa

Frequently asked questions Why can't I print a document? Make sure the printer is on, and the printer cable is securely connected to the ports o

Computer Features Using the Touch Pad Using Memory Stick Media Using the Multilingual User Interface Language Option Changing the Window Design of

Using the Touch Pad A pointing device called a touch pad is located in front of the keyboard. You can point to, select, drag, and scroll objects onthe

Describing the touch pad Locating the Touch Pad Touch Pad Action Description Sliding one finger Equivalent to using a mouse to place the pointer o

Customizing the touch pad Sony Notebook Setup lets you customize, enable, or disable the touch pad. Open the Mouse Properties dialog box to setyour to

Handling the LCD Screen Direct sunlight can damage the LCD. Be careful when using the computer near a window. Do not scratch the LCD or exert pressu

Frequently asked questions What do I do if the touch pad does not work? Try restarting your computer. Follow these steps: 1.Press the Windows key .

Using Memory Stick Media This compact, portable, and versatile recording medium has a data capacity exceeding that of a floppy disk. Memory Stick®medi

Selecting Memory Stick media Your VAIO® computer is equipped with a Memory Stick® slot that supports certain types of Memory Stick® media. Page 72

About Memory Stick media Memory Stick® media are a compact, portable, and versatile data storage media designed for exchanging and sharing digitaldata

Inserting Memory Stick media The media slot accommodates only one Memory Stick media at a time. To insert Memory Stick media 1.Insert the Memory Stick

Viewing the contents Depending on the model you purchased, the Sony Memory Stick window may appear when you insert a Memory Stick®media. From this win

Write-protecting Memory Stick media Memory Stick® media is designed with a write-protect tab to protect data from accidental erasure or overwriting. M

Formatting Memory Stick media Memory Stick® media is formatted for immediate use when you purchase it. If you need to reformat Memory Stick media,foll

Removing Memory Stick media If the Memory Stick® media is removed prematurely, a blue screen with a message may appear prompting you to continue orexi

Frequently asked questions Why can't I save music files onto my Memory Stick media? Only MagicGate Memory Stick media can be used with copyright

Powering Your Computer Your VAIO® computer comes with a battery and an AC adapter. This chapter explains how to install and use these suppliedaccessor

Using the Multilingual User Interface Language Option (Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional only) After you have initially setup your new VAIO® compute

Changing Numbers, Currency, Time, and Date Formats You can change your operating system's number, currency, time, and date formats to coordinate

Changing the Window Design of Sony Programs This feature changes the appearance, such as color, of certain Sony programs. To change the window design

Mice and Keyboards Using the Keyboard Connecting External Mice and Keyboards Page 83

Using the Keyboard Your keyboard is very similar to a typewriter's, but your computer keyboard has additional keys that perform specificcomputer-

Key descriptions Key Description Numeric keypad Contains the keys found on a typical calculator. Use the numeric keypad area to type numbers or toper

(Ctrl, Alt, Shift keys) Several keys are always used with at least one other key: Ctrl, Alt, and Shift. When held down withanother key, the Ctrl (Cont

Combinations and functions with the Windows key Combination Function +F1 Displays the VAIO Help and Support Center window. +Tab Switches the select

Indicator Lights Indicator Function Power Turns on when the power to the computer is on, blinks in Standby mode, and turns off when the computer is i

Combinations and functions with the Fn key Combinations/ Feature Function Fn+F3 Toggles the built-in speakers off and on. Fn+F4 Adjusts the built-i

Using AC Power The supplied battery is not charged when you receive your computer. To use your computer immediately, use the suppliedAC adapter as the

Connecting External Mice and Keyboards Your computer is compatible with many popular mice and keyboards. To function properly, the device you connect

Connecting a mouse or keyboard Your computer can be on or off when connecting a universal serial bus (USB) mouse or keyboard. If you connect the mouse

Disconnecting a mouse or keyboard You can disconnect a USB mouse or keyboard when the computer is on or off. Disconnecting the mouse or keyboard whent

Frequently asked questions What do I do if the computer doesn't recognize the mouse? Make sure the mouse is securely plugged into the port. See

Floppy Disks and PC Cards Using a Floppy Disk Drive Using PC Cards Page 94

Using a Floppy Disk Drive You can connect a floppy disk drive to your computer. The floppy disk drive enables you to read or write data to a floppydis

Connecting a floppy disk drive You can connect a floppy disk drive when your computer is on or off. Connecting the drive when the computer is in a pow

Inserting and removing floppy disks To write data to a disk, use one that is not write-protected or disable the write-protect feature. The floppy disk

Protecting floppy disks Do not open the shutter manually or touch the surface of the floppy disk. Keep floppy disks away from magnets, direct sunlig

Disconnecting a floppy disk drive You can disconnect a USB floppy drive when the computer is off by disconnecting the USB cable from the computer.Disc