Sony VGC-RC210G User's Guide

NUser GuidePersonal ComputerVGC-RC210 Series

10nNBefore Use❑ 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

100nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerViewing the Amount of MemoryTo view the amount of memory1 Turn on the computer.2 Click Start, point to All Programs,

101nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerInstalling an Add-on CardYour computer may have one or more open expansion slots depending on the model configuration

102nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer2 Locate an available expansion slot. Remove the slot cover's screw, and then remove the slot cover.!When removi

103nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer3 Insert the add-on card into the expansion slot and secure it with the screw from the expansion slot cover.4 Replace

104nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerReplacing the Lithium BatteryThe lithium battery starts to weaken after several years and the system settings, such a

105nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer4 Remove the old battery and install the new battery with the plus (+) side facing up.5 Replace the side panel.See Cl

106nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerResetting the Computer's Date and TimeTo reset the computer's date and time1 Double-click the time readout

107nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerInstalling the Hard Disk DriveYour computer may be equipped with open internal bays to hold additional 3.5-inch hard

108nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerAbout hard disk drive recoveryWhen you replace the original hard disk drive, the preinstalled VAIO Recovery utility c

109nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerDrive letter assignmentWhen a new hard disk drive is installed, an identifying drive letter is assigned. The drive le

11nNGetting StartedGetting StartedThis section describes how to get started with using your VAIO computer.!Before the first computer startup, do not c

110nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerInstalling an Additional Hard Disk DriveYou can install up to four SATA hard disk drives to the internal hard disk dr

111nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer4 Detach the power and interface cables from the original hard disk drive that is preinstalled in the computer.5 Pull

112nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer7 Slide a new drive into the drive holder and align the holes on each side of the drive bay.8 Secure the drive to the

113nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer9 Align the drive holder with the tracks on the inside of the chassis. Slide the drive holder in completely.10 Push t

114nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer11 Connect the power connectors to the original and new hard disks.12 Connect the internal SATA cables to the hard di

115nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerIdentifying the Additional Hard Disk SpaceWhen you initialize the new hard disk, it must be configured as an extended

116nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerInstalling the IDE DeviceYour computer may be equipped with open IDE device bays to hold 5-inch IDE devices. See the

117nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerTo install the IDE device!If you remove the covers and panels immediately after you shut down the computer, the inter

118nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer4 Unscrew the two screws on the back of the computer.5 Slide the right side panel toward the back of the computer, re

119nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer6 Remove the front cover and set it aside.

12nNGetting StartedLocating Controls and PortsTake a moment to identify the controls and ports shown on the following pages.!Your computer may not be

120nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer7 Disengage the three tabs on the back of the front panel, remove the panel, and set it aside.

121nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer8 Slide an IDE drive into the IDE device bay and align the holes on each side of the device bay.9 Secure the device t

122nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer11 Replace the front panel.

123nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer12 Replace the front cover.

124nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer13 Slide the right side panel toward the front of the computer.14 Tighten the two screws on the back of the computer

125nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer15 Replace the hard disk cover.

126nNPrecautionsPrecautionsThis section describes safety guidelines and precautions to help you protect your computer from potential damage.❑ On Handl

127nNPrecautionsOn Handling the LCD Screen❑ Do not leave the LCD facing the sun. This could damage the LCD. Be careful when using the computer near a

128nNPrecautionsOn Using the Power Source❑ See the online Specifications to check the power operation of your model.❑ Do not share the AC outlet with

129nNPrecautionsOn Handling Your Computer❑ Clean the cabinet with a soft cloth, which is dry or lightly moistened with a mild detergent solution. Do n

13nNGetting StartedFrontA Optical disc drive 1 (page 40)See the online Specifications for your computer's hardware configuration.B Drive 1 eject

130nNPrecautions❑ Do not use cut or damaged connection cables.❑ If the computer is brought directly from a cold location to a warm one, moisture may c

131nNPrecautionsOn Handling Floppy Disks❑ Do not open the shutter manually or touch the surface of the floppy disk.❑ Keep floppy disks away from magne

132nNPrecautionsOn Handling Discs❑ Do not touch the surface of the disc.❑ Do not drop or bend the disc.❑ Fingerprints and dust on the surface of a dis

133nNPrecautionsOn Handling Memory Stick Media❑ Do not use the media in locations that are subject to static electricity or electrical noise.❑ Do not

134nNPrecautionsOn Handling the Hard DiskThe hard disk has a high storage density and reads or writes data in a short time. However, it can be easily

135nNTroubleshootingTroubleshootingThis section describes how to solve common problems you might encounter when using your computer. Many problems hav

136nNTroubleshootingComputerWhat should I do if my computer won't start?❑ Make sure the computer is securely plugged into a power source and turn

137nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if a BIOS error appears when my computer starts? If the message "Press F2 to setup" appears at the bott

138nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if VAIO power indicator lights but my screen does not display anything when I turn on my computer?If nothing stil

139nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if the message "Operating system not found" appears when my computer starts, and why won't Windows

14nNGetting StartedBackA Modem port (page 24)B AC Input port (page 27)C S/PDIF Optical Out portConnect digital equipment such as an AV amplifier.D Net

140nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if my computer or software stops responding?❑ It is best to turn off the computer using the Turn Off Computer opt

141nNTroubleshootingWhy won't my computer enter Standby or Hibernate mode?The computer may become unstable if the operating mode is changed befor

142nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if I cannot remember the BIOS password?If you have forgotten the BIOS password, contact an authorized Sony Servic

143nNTroubleshootingSystem SecurityThis section provides information about keeping your computer operating smoothly and protecting against potential t

144nNTroubleshootingTo visit the Windows Updates web site 1 Connect to the Internet. 2 Type http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ in the address bar of

145nNTroubleshootingInternet Why doesn't my modem work?❑ Make sure the telephone cable is securely plugged into the Modem port on the computer an

146nNTroubleshootingWhy is my modem connection slow? The computer is equipped with a V.92/ V.90 compatible modem. Many factors may influence modem con

147nNTroubleshootingCDs and DVDsWhy does my computer freeze when I try to read a disc?The disc the computer is trying to read may be dirty or damaged.

148nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if the optical disc drive isn't playing my CD or DVD properly? ❑ Make sure the disc was inserted into the op

149nNTroubleshooting5 Double-click the optical disc drive device to open the submenu.6 Double-click the listed drive, and select the Properties tab.7

15nNGetting StartedAbout the Indicator LightsYour computer is equipped with the following indicator lights. Indicator FunctionsVAIO power Illuminates

150nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if I cannot write to CD?❑ Do not launch any software application or allow any to launch automatically, not even a

151nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if I cannot write to DVD-RAM using Windows functions?This Q & A entry applies to selected models only. See th

152nNTroubleshootingDisplayWhy did the computer screen (LCD) go blank? ❑ The computer screen may go blank if the computer has lost power or has entere

153nNTroubleshootingPrintingWhy can't I print a document? ❑ Make sure the printer is on, and the printer cable is securely connected to the ports

154nNTroubleshootingMicrophoneWhy doesn't my microphone work? If you are using an external microphone, make sure the microphone is turned on and

155nNTroubleshootingMouseWhat should I do if the computer doesn't recognize the mouse? ❑ Confirm that the supplied AA batteries are properly inst

156nNTroubleshooting❑ If you are using a wireless optical mouse:❑ Confirm that the supplied AA batteries are properly installed.❑ Press the CONNECT bu

157nNTroubleshootingSpeakersWhy won't my speakers work? ❑ Make sure the speakers are properly connected and the volume is turned up loud enough t

158nNTroubleshootingWhy can't I hear sound from my speakers? ❑ If you are using a program that has its own volume control, make sure the volume c

159nNTroubleshootingKeyboardWhat should I do if the keyboard configuration is wrong?❑ The language layout of the computer's keyboard is specified

16nNGetting StartedSetting Up Your ComputerYour computer may not be equipped with all of the hardware features described in this section. The location

160nNTroubleshootingFloppy DisksWhy doesn't the Safely Remove Hardware icon appear on the taskbar when the drive is connected? The computer does

161nNTroubleshootingAudio/VideoWhy can't I use the DV camcorder? You may not be able to use the DV camcorder, and the message DV equipment seems

162nNTroubleshootingMemory Stick MediaWhy can't I open my image files? You may need to reformat your Memory Stick media.Formatting Memory Stick m

163nNTroubleshootingPeripheralsWhat should I do if I cannot connect a USB device?❑ If applicable, check the USB device is switched on and using its ow

164nNSupport OptionsSupport OptionsThe section contains information on where to go for answers to questions about your computer and the preinstalled s

165nNSupport OptionsProgram Support InformationDepending on the computer model and particular configuration you purchased, your computer may not inclu

166nNSupport OptionsAmerica Online® (Dial-Up)America Online, Inc.❑ For users in USA and CanadaWeb Site http://www.aol.com AOL® ExplorerAmerica Online,

167nNSupport OptionsClick to DVD™ softwareSony Electronics Inc.At the touch of a button, Click to DVD software allows you to automatically burn DVDs f

168nNSupport OptionsGoogle Toolbar™Google, Inc.❑ For users in USA and CanadaWeb Site http://toolbar.google.com/help.html Intel® PROSetIntel Corporatio

169nNSupport Options60-Day Trial Version of Microsoft® Office 2003!The Microsoft Office 2003 60-Day Trial software included with this computer system

17nNGetting StartedConnecting a Display (Monitor)Your computer may be supplied with a display. For details on the bundled accessories, see the online

170nNSupport OptionsNorton Internet Security™Symantec Corporation❑ For users in USA and CanadaWeb Site http://www.symantec.com/techsupp Quicken® New U

171nNSupport OptionsSonicStage® Mastering Studio softwareSony Electronics Inc.Use SonicStage® Mastering Studio software to record songs from analog re

172nNSupport OptionsVAIO® CentralSony Electronics Inc.VAIO Central provides a central location that gathers resources to configure your VAIO computer

173nNSupport OptionsVAIO® UpdateSony Electronics Inc.The VAIO Update utility helps you keep your VAIO® computer up to date by regularly checking the S

174nNSupport OptionsWinDVD® software for VAIO® computersInterVideo, Inc. ❑ For users in USA and CanadaWeb site http://www.intervideo.com/jsp/Support.j

© 2006 Sony Corporationn

18nNGetting Started!A video adapter device is required to connect a VGA monitor using the DVI-D port.Models with the NVIDIA video controller are compl

19nNGetting StartedConnecting Speaker SystemsYour computer is supplied with a speaker system, or you may wish to use your own speaker system. Note tha

2nNContentsBefore Use ...

20nNGetting StartedTo connect the supplied 2-channel speakers1 Plug the speaker cable (1) from the back of the right speaker to the FRONT jack (2) on

21nNGetting StartedTo select the speaker system1 Click Start and then Control Panel.2 Click Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices.3 Click Sounds and Audio

22nNGetting StartedConnecting the Radio Frequency Receiver for the Wireless Keyboard and MouseAlong with a wireless keyboard and mouse, your computer

23nNGetting StartedTo connect the radio frequency receiver1 Plug the radio frequency receiver cable (1) into one of the USB ports (2) on the back of t

24nNGetting StartedConnecting the Telephone and ModemYour computer is equipped with a single modem port to connect the internal modem with a telephone

25nNGetting StartedTo connect the telephone and modem1 Unplug the phone cable to your telephone from the wall jack.2 Plug it into one of the ports on

26nNGetting Started!Your computer has a protective sticker covering the Network (Ethernet) port located on the back of the computer. Connect 10BASE-

27nNGetting StartedConnecting the Power CordYour computer's power cord must be plugged into an AC power source, such as an AC wall outlet, surge

28nNGetting StartedTo connect the power cord1 Insert the power cord into the AC In port (1) on the back of the computer.2 Insert the power cord plugs

29nNGetting Started✍To disconnect the computer completely from AC power, unplug the power cord.Make sure that the AC outlet is easily accessible.If yo

3nNUsing Peripheral Devices...

30nNGetting StartedShutting Down Your Computer SafelyTo avoid losing unsaved data, be sure to shut down your computer properly, as described below.To

31nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Your VAIO ComputerThis section describes how to get the most out of using your VAIO computer.❑ Using the Keyboard (p

32nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the KeyboardA wireless keyboard is supplied with your computer.The wireless keyboard uses a standard key arrangement

33nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerBefore You Use the KeyboardTwo AA alkaline batteries are supplied with your computer for use in the wireless keyboard. Bef

34nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo connect the wireless keyboard1 Insert the supplied two AA batteries (1) into the battery compartment (2) on the bottom

35nNUsing Your VAIO Computer✍You can check the keyboard's battery power level by clicking (wireless keyboard icon) on the taskbar. A warning me

36nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the MouseA wireless mouse is supplied with your computer.Using the Wireless MouseYour computer is supplied with a wi

37nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerBefore You Use the MouseTwo AA alkaline batteries are supplied with your computer for use in the wireless mouse. Before us

38nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo connect the wireless mouse1 Insert the supplied two AA batteries into the wireless mouse as shown below.2 Turn on the c

39nNUsing Your VAIO Computer✍You can check the battery power level for the mouse by clicking (wireless mouse icon) on the taskbar.If the wireless mo

4nNPrecautions ...

40nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Optical Disc DriveYour computer may be equipped with one or two optical disc drives. See the online Specificatio

41nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerReading and Writing CDs and DVDsYour computer plays and records CDs and DVDs, depending on the model you purchased. Check

42nNUsing Your VAIO Computer✍Supports writing to DVD-RW discs compliant with DVD-RW version 1.1/1.2.Supports writing to DVD-R discs compliant with DVD

43nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerNotes on playing DVDsTo achieve optimum performance when playing DVDs, you should follow these recommendations.❑ Close all

44nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerCopying Files to CDsSee the online Specifications to find the type of your optical disc drive, and then Reading and Writin

45nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerPlaying DVDsTo play a DVD1 Close all open programs.2 Insert the DVD into the optical disc drive.3 Click Start and point to

46nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the TV FunctionYour computer has a TV tuner board installed along with the Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition

47nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerSetting Up TV Connections!The following connections may not be available depending on the country or area of your residenc

48nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerConnecting to standard cable access (CATV)To connect in CATV mode (Option 1)1 Connect one end of a TV coaxial cable (1) (n

49nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo connect in CATV mode (Option 2)1 Connect one end of a TV coaxial cable (1) (not supplied) to your cable service access

5nNSupport Options ...

50nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerConnecting to a standard antennaYou can connect your computer to an indoor/outdoor antenna system, using Option 1 or Optio

51nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo connect in terrestrial mode (Option 2)1 Connect one end of the antenna's 300-ohm twin lead cable (1) to the screw-

52nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerConnecting with a cable or satellite set-top box (STB)You can connect your computer to cable service access that uses a se

53nNUsing Your VAIO Computer

54nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo connect in STB mode (Option 2)1 Connect one end of a TV coaxial cable (1) (not supplied) to your cable service access (

55nNUsing Your VAIO Computer

56nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Remote CommanderYour computer is supplied with a remote commander for using Media Center features, including TV

57nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerDBACK buttonPress to return to the previous window.E VOL buttonPress to increase (+) or decrease (-) the volume.F RECORDED

58nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerBefore you use the remote commanderBefore using the remote commander, you need to insert the supplied AA manganese batteri

59nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo connect the remote sensor1 Choose the USB port (1) you prefer to use.2 Plug the remote sensor cable (2) into the USB

6nNBefore UseBefore UseCongratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer, and welcome to the on-screen User Guide. Sony has combined leadin

60nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerIf you are using a cable or satellite set-top box, you can attach the remote sensor control to the remote sensor, which en

61nNUsing Your VAIO Computer3 Attach the remote sensor control (3) onto the set-top box (4) near the infrared port (5).!Do not cover the infrared port

62nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Memory Stick MediaYour computer supports the Memory Stick media. Memory Stick media is a compact, portable, and

63nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerInserting a Memory Stick MediaThe Memory Stick slot is located behind a protective cover on the front of the computer. You

64nNUsing Your VAIO Computer!Be sure to hold the Memory Stick media with the arrow pointing in the correct direction as you insert it into the slot. T

65nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerRemoving a Memory Stick MediaTo remove a Memory Stick media1 Flip the upper front panel down, using your fingertip.2 Check

66nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Other Memory CardsIn addition to the Memory Stick media slot, your computer is equipped with three other memory card

67nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerBefore You Use Memory CardsThe memory card slots on your computer support the following memory cards:❑ CF (CompactFlash) m

68nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerInserting a Memory CardTo insert a memory card1 Flip the upper front panel down, using your fingertip.Do not use force to

69nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerRemoving a Memory CardThe correct way to remove a memory card from a memory card slot varies, depending on the media or sl

7nNBefore UseNon-printed Documentation❑ User Guide (this manual) — Contains features of your computer. It also includes information about the software

70nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the InternetSetting Up a Dial-up Internet ConnectionBefore you can connect to the Internet, you need to connect your

71nNUsing Peripheral DevicesUsing Peripheral DevicesYou can add functionality to your computer by using the various ports on the computer.❑ Connecting

72nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting an External MicrophoneIf you need to use a sound input device (for example, to chat on the Internet) you need t

73nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a VCR or CamcorderYour computer has both audio and video connection capability. You can locate the appropriate

74nNUsing Peripheral DevicesTo connect a VCR or camcorder with a stereo A/V dubbing cable1 Connect a stereo A/V dubbing cable with triple RCA plugs at

75nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) DeviceConnecting a USB Floppy Disk DriveYou can purchase a USB floppy disk drive a

76nNUsing Peripheral DevicesDisconnecting a USB floppy disk driveYou can disconnect a USB floppy disk drive when the computer is on or off. Disconnect

77nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a PrinterYou can connect a Windows-compatible printer to your computer to print documents.Connecting a Printer

78nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a Printer Using the Printer PortTo connect a printer using the printer port1 Plug the printer power cord (1) in

79nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting an i.LINK DeviceNotes on connecting i.LINK devices❑ The computer includes an i.LINK (IEEE1394) port, which you

8nNBefore Use❑ MCE guide — Provides information about using the Windows XP Media Center Edition operating system.To access this online guide:1 Click S

80nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a Digital Video CamcorderTo connect a digital video camcorder1 Plug one end of the i.LINK cable (1) into the i.

81nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting to a Network (LAN)You can connect your computer to 1000BASE-T/100BASE-TX/10BASE-T-type networks via an Ethernet

82nNUsing Peripheral Devices!Telephone lines cannot be connected to the Network (LAN) connector on your computer.If the Network (LAN) connector is con

83nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerThis section briefly describes how to change the main settings of your computer. Among

84nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerSetting the PasswordUse one of the BIOS functions to set the password.Once you have set the password, you will have

85nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerChanging/Removing the Power-on PasswordTo remove the power-on password1 Turn on the computer.2 Press the F2 key when

86nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerSetting Up Your Computer with VAIO CentralThe VAIO Central utility allows you to consult system information and spec

87nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Power Saving ModesIn addition to the normal operating mode, which allows you to turn off specific devices,

88nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Standby ModeStandby mode turns off the LCD screen and sets the hard disk and the CPU to a low power consumptio

89nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Hibernate ModeIn Hibernate mode, the state of the system is saved on the hard disk and power is turned off. Th

9nNBefore UseErgonomic ConsiderationsWhenever possible, you should attempt to take account of the following ergonomic considerations:❑ Stable work sur

90nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerYour computer and memory modules use high precision components and electronic connectors t

91nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerBefore Upgrading Your ComputerThe upgrading procedures described in this section assume that you are familiar with the

92nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerOpening and Closing the ComputerWhen you access memory modules, add-on cards, and the lithium battery inside your comp

93nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer

94nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerClosing the ComputerTo replace the side panel1 Insert the tabs on the bottom of the side panel diagonally into the tra

95nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerAdding and Removing MemoryIf you want to expand the functionality of your computer, you can increase the memory by ins

96nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer❑ Use the special bag delivered with the memory module or wrap the module in aluminum foil to protect it from electros

97nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerRemoving and Installing a Memory ModuleTo change or add a memory module1 Remove the side panel.See Opening the Compute

98nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer5 Push down on the latches (1), located on both sides of the module, to gently eject it from the slot.6 Grasp the memo

99nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer7 Remove the memory module from its anti-static package, handling it by the edges.8 Locate the center notch (1) on the