Sony PCG-GRX690K 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

Displaying battery information You can display the remaining battery charge on the Battery Information toolbar and/or the Battery Information window.

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 Floppy disks are portable devices that store data. To protect your floppy disks, keep them away from magnets and d

Notes on handling floppy disks Do not open the shutter manually and touch the surface of the floppy disk. Keep floppy disks away from magnets. Keep

Disconnecting a floppy disk drive You can disconnect a floppy disk drive when the computer is on or off. Disconnecting the drive when the computer is

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

Frequently asked questions Why doesn't the Unplug or Eject Hardware icon appear on the taskbar when the drive is connected? The computer does no

Using PC Cards Your computer includes one or more PC Card slots. A PC Card enables you to connect portable external devices, such asanother hard disk

Inserting PC Cards Your computer may contain PC Card slot protectors. Remove these protectors before you insert a PC Card into the slot.See To remove

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

Battery tab — Displays the total charge remaining in the battery. You can click Advanced for specific information onthe battery. Alarms tab — Displa

4.Click Stop. The Stop a Hardware device window appears. 5.Make sure the PC Card drive is selected, and click OK. A message appears stating it is now

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.

Audio and Video Connections Using i.LINK Digital-Video Recorders Using Computer Monitors and Projectors Using Speakers, CD Players, or Amplifiers 

Using i.LINK Digital-Video Recorders You can connect an i.LINK®1 digital-video (DV) recorder, such as an i.LINK digital video camera recorder, to the

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

Disconnecting the i.LINK digital video recorder You can disconnect the i.LINK digital video recorder when the computer is powered on or off. Disconnec

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

Notes on connecting an i.LINK device Do not connect more than one digital video camera recorder at a time. The software supplied with your computerwi

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 or port replic

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

Connecting a computer monitor You can display the images on the computer screen (LCD) onto an external computer monitor. The external monitor displays

Connecting a multimedia computer monitor A multimedia computer monitor has built-in speakers and/or a microphone device. Before you can connect your c

Connecting a TV You can connect a multimedia display, such as a TV or a VCR, to the computer or the port replicator (not supplied). To connect a TV to

Connecting a TV to the Port Replicator 3.Switch the TV input channel to external input. See the guide that came with your peripheral device for

Connecting a projector You can use a projector to display the actions and images on your computer's LCD screen. To connect a projector 1.Plug the

Selecting a display mode This computer uses the ATI video controller. When you connect your computer to an external display (projector, computermonito

If you cannot see your movie or DVD on the external display, change the monitor or TV setting by clicking the Primaryicon on the display panel of

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

Using Speakers, CD Players, or Amplifiers Your computer comes with built-in stereo speakers. If you wish to enhance the sound quality of your computer

Connecting standard speakers Do not place floppy disks on the speakers. The speakers' magnetic field may damage the data stored on thefloppy

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

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

Connecting active speakers or amplifiers You can connect amplifiers or active speakers, which are equipped with amplifiers, to the port replicator or

Disconnecting active speakers or amplifiers You can disconnect active speakers or amplifiers when the computer is on or off. Simply unplug the audio c

Connecting CD, MiniDisc, or audio cassette players You can connect CD, MiniDisc, or audio cassette players to the port replicator. To connect CD, Mini

Disconnecting CD, MiniDisc, or audio cassette players You can disconnect CD, MiniDisc, or audio cassette player when the computer is on or off. Simply

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

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.

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 enhance the sound input to your computer. Make sure yourmicrophone is des

Connecting a microphone Plug the microphone cable into the Microphone jack1 on the computer. Connecting a Microphone Jack See the manual that c

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

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 or other device to record You can record messages, memos, or other recordings in analog by connecting a microphone or other audio d

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

Preinstalled Programs Software Programs On Your Computer DVgate Program Notes Program Support Information Page 143

Software Programs On Your Computer Your computer may not be supplied with all of the programs listed in Program overview, depending on the configurati

Program overview Adobe® Acrobat® Reader® Adobe Systems Inc. Acrobat Reader software enables you to view, navigate, and print electronic documents in A

Jog Dial Utility software enables you to easily scroll, launch applications, access settings, and perform other useful functionsby manipulating the Jo

The versatile QuickTime software plays many, many different kinds of media files, including video, audio, and virtual reality(VR) movies. You can play

Frequently asked questions What do I do when my program stops responding or crashes? Try restarting your computer. 1.Click Start on the Windows® task

DVgate Program Notes Recording images to a digital video device Adjusting image resolution Saving to your hard disk drive Page 149

Conserving Battery Power You may use the power saving modes and PowerPanel utility to conserve battery power. Conserving battery power maysignifican

Recording images to a digital video device If your system displays the message, "Failed to record to DV deck, please check deck's power stat

Adjusting image resolution If the images on the computer screen (LCD) do not display smoothly, the resolution may not be set correctly. To check the r

Saving to your hard disk drive In order to improve the performance of your computer's DVgate motion software, the hard disk on your computer ha

Program Support Information Sony Service Center Adobe® Acrobat® Reader®, Photoshop® Elements, Premiere® LE (Adobe Systems Inc.) Web site http://www.

Web site http://www.intuit.com/support telephone 900-555-4932; 800-644-31931 hours M-F, 5 A.M.-5 P.M. (Pacific time) 1 Support from 900-555-4932 is

Sony Service Center For the Sony Service Center nearest you, call 1-888-4-SONY-PC (1-888-476-6972) or find Sony Customer Service on theWeb at http://w

Working with Digital Video The multimedia software preinstalled on your VAIO® computer makes it easy to import and edit videos from a compatibledigita

Editing Video with MovieShaker Software MovieShaker software can be used to create fun and innovative movies without any previous knowledge of film

4.To preview the entire movie, click the Story Board panel above the first clip so that a white triangle appearsabove the clip, and click the Play but

Editing Video with DVgate Software DVgate software offers professional-level control over all aspects of capturing, trimming, and combining digital

Using power saving modes In addition to the normal operating mode, which allows you to turn off specific devices, your computer has two distinctpower

You can select multiple clips by holding down the Ctrl key and clicking several files. Your selected clips appear in the Assemble list in the DVgate A

The ADD dialog box appears. 6.In the ADD dialog box, select the movie file you want to export, and click Open. The ADD dialog box closes, and your sel

Working with Still Images The Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system and the multimedia software preinstalled on your VAIO® computer make iteasy to i

Importing Still Images There are a variety of ways to bring still images into your computer. Which approach is right for you depends upon whetheryou h

Editing Still Images After you have gotten your images into your computer, you can use image-editing software to enhance them. You canperform traditio

Printing Still Images Many of today's inexpensive computer printers can print images as sharp and bright as professionally developed filmphotos.

Working with Digital Music The SonicStage software included with your computer is a powerful digital music management system that enablesyou work w

1.Start SonicStage. 2.On the Help menu, click SonicStage Help. To make a backup copy of an audio CD On computer models equipped with a CD recording de

Sharing Video, Images, and Music on a Network VAIO Media software is available on select VAIO® computer models. The VAIO Media software prein

How VAIO Media Works This guide provides only an overview of the VAIO Media system. For detailed instructions about setting up and usingVAIO Media

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

Setting up a VAIO Media server computer Any networked VAIO® computer that came from the factory with VAIO Media installed can be used as a VAIO Media

Setting up a VAIO Media client computer Any networked VAIO® computer that came from the factory with the Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system insta

Using VAIO Media For detailed instructions about using the VAIO Media client software, refer to the online Help for VAIO Media. Starting the VAIO

Playlists screen When you click a playlist on the Playlist screen, a list of the music files on the playlist is displayed, andthe first music file on

Creating DVDs The information in this Creating DVDs guide applies only to VAIO computer models that come from the factory with aDVD-RW drive prein

About Disc Formats, Media, and Compatibility Use the information in this section as a guide to which type of blank recording media and which kind of p

Using the Right Recording Media All DVDs and CDs look similar, but different types have different capabilities. Using the correct recording media is n

Using the Right Disc Format with the Right Playback Equipment The table below gives a general idea of the compatibility of disc formats with different

Creating DVDs with Click to DVD Software With Click to DVD software, you can create full-featured video DVDs with multi-level menus and attractive,

Using Click to DVD software This guide provides an overview of creating a DVD from a digital video (DV) device using the Click to DVD program. For

Do not choose the Automatic Profile Selection when connected to AC power. To select a profile 1.Right-click the Battery icon on the Windows taskb

You may have to scroll down to display this option. Click to DVD software starts and displays the Start window. Start window 3.Type a title for your

9.Make sure the Automatic Capture option and the Rewind tape check box are selected. With these settings, the Click to DVD program will rewind the t

In the Edit Video screen, your video clips appear in the order they will be played on your DVD. You can: Delete unwanted clips by dragging them to th

13.To view the title and chapter menu screens of your DVD, click the Title Menu and Video Menu buttons at the leftof the window. When viewing the chap

17.After previewing your DVD, click Close to close the Preview window. 18.If, after previewing, you want to make changes to your menu screens, click C

Creating DVDs with RecordNow DX RecordNow DX software enables you to create data CDs and DVDs and music CDs using an interface that is both easy touse

Using RecordNow DX Software To start RecordNow DX 1.Click Start in the Windows® taskbar, and click All Programs. 2.Point to VERITAS Software, point to

Topics What type of data can I record to DVD-R for General, DVD-RW, CD-R, and CD-RW media using RecordNow DXsoftware? You can only record files that o

Creating DVDs with Drag'n Drop CD/DVD Drag'n Drop CD/DVD brings a unique drag-and-drop approach to the creation of data CDs and DVDs and mus

Using Drag'n Drop CD/DVD Software To start Drag'n Drop CD/DVD 1.Click Start in the Windows® taskbar, and click All Programs. 2.Point to Drag

HDD Standby Timer Controls the time it takes the system to switch the hard disk drive to Standby mode when thesystem is idle. This setting only turns

VAIO AV Applications Your VAIO® computer is preconfigured with a collection of audio and video (AV) applications that make it easy to useadvanced mult

Overview of Preinstalled Software DVgate Sony Electronics Inc. Connect a compatible digital video camera to your computer's i.LINK® port and cap

DVgate Software For detailed information about using DVgate software, refer to the online Help within the DVgate software. Connecting a digital

MovieShaker Software MovieShaker software can be used to create fun and innovative movies without any previous knowledge of film editing. Ina few si

Creating movies with MovieShaker software Using your imported clips, you can create a short movie using the Shake feature. The Shake feature selects c

1.Double-click or drag the desired clip or scene to move it to the Story Board tray. 2.Click the Effect button on the Effect tray. Effect tray windo

5.Click the Play button on the Edit tray to preview the text effect. The clip displays the text effect in the Effect traywindow. A preview of the

Using the ImageStation online service with MovieShaker software ImageStationSM is an online service that allows you to store your pictures and movies

Network Smart Capture Network Smart Capture manages the i.LINK®1 connection between your computer and an i.LINK interface compatible digitalcamera or

The Network Smart Capture main window Network Smart Capture opens with a blue screen in the Finder Window, indicating there is no data input from a di

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

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

11 Capture button Records the image in the Finder Window 12 Web Camera button Captures still images according to specified settings 13 Movie Mode bu

Capturing still images The following information tells you how to set preferences and capture a still image. To set Still mode preferences 1.Open Netw

2.Click the thumbnail images or arrows to the right of the Finder Window to view your captured images. As eachimage is captured, it appears in the Fin

Capturing movie clips The following information tells you how to set preferences and capture movie clips. To set Movie mode preferences 1.Open Network

2.Click Stop when you have finished recording your movie. The first frame of your movie appears in the Data list tothe right of the Finder Window. Net

Capturing Web camera images The following information tells you how to set preferences and capture an image. To set Web camera mode preferences 1.Open

Applying effects to your images and movies You can add effects to real-time images or movies displayed in the Finder Window. You can also use a differ

Managing your images and movies The task buttons to the right of the Network Smart Capture window enable you to perform various functions with yourima

Using the ImageStation online service ImageStationSM is an online service that allows you to store your images and movies on the Internet to share wit

Getting more help For more information about Network Smart Capture, see the program's online Help. To view the online help (Microsoft® Windows®

Internet and Network Connections Internet Connections Network Connections Connecting Another VAIO Computer Page 21

PictureGear Studio Software PictureGear Studio software is designed to creatively manage your digital pictures. With its easy-to-use features, you c

Using the Import Photo feature Capture and import the pictures from your digital camera or camcorder to your computer. You can select your favoritepic

3.Select a folder option. If you are importing to a new folder, type in the folder name before clicking StartImporting. An Adjust window appears. Ad

Using the PhotoCollection feature You can organize and manage your imported pictures on your computer's hard drive or from your ImageStationSM ac

Using the Binder feature You can add comments to your favorite photos, add custom backgrounds, clip art, and stamps, or showcase your owndrawing talen

Using the PhotoAlbum feature Organize your memorable photos in an electronic photo album. You can share your custom photo albums with friends andfamil

5.Click to select a design layout for your album. Use the scroll bar to view all available album designs. A SelectLayout window appears. Select Layo

7.Click Edit Album to make changes to your album. Customize your album by adding more pictures, pages,decorations, or comments, or by deleting pages.

3.Click to select an export format. A Select Folder window appears. Select Folder window 4.Click Browse and navigate to the destination folder. Ente

Using the PrintStudio feature Use PrintStudio to design original postcards, calendars, art, and labels using your favorite pictures. 1.Click PrintStud

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

SonicStage Software SonicStage software is a new jukebox application that enables you to play and record from audio CDs and importdigital audio fil

Electronic Music Distribution (EMD) Services EMD enables you to download music files via the Internet. To use Internet services that are compatible wi

Starting SonicStage Software 1.Click Start in the Windows taskbar, and click All Programs. 2.Point to SonicStage, and click SonicStage. 3.When you hav

Controls playback functions, such as play, pause, stop, fast forward, and reverse. You can increase or decrease volume andswitch view modes. 6 Inter

Recording from a CD You can record songs from audio CDs and add them to playlists in SonicStage software. When you record from an audio CD from yo

Transferring songs (Check-In/Check-Out) You can transfer songs between the playlists in the SonicStage software and external devices or media. For mor

To cancel Check In, click (Stop), or click Cancel in the Processing dialog box that is displayed during the Check Inprocess. For more information

Additional features SonicStage Tutorial — SonicStage features are described in the Tutorial. The user-friendly interface instructs you onhow to use a

Additional Software Information VAIO Edit Components Software VAIO Edit Components is a software plug-in for Adobe® Premiere® software that provides m

Legal Information SONY ELECTRONICS INC. PROVIDES NO WARRANTY WITH REGARD TO THIS MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE, OR OTHERINFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AND HEREBY

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

Memory Upgrades Upgrading Your Computer's Memory Page 230

Upgrading Your Computer's Memory Before you begin upgrading your computer's memory, make sure you read Precautions and procedures. Expansion

Precautions and procedures The procedures described below assume familiarity with the general terminology associated with personal computers andwith t

Typical expansion memory configuration Total System Memory (MB) On board (MB) Slot (MB) 256 256 384 256 128 512 256 256 1024 512 512 Page 233

Removing and installing memory modules Make sure you read Precautions and procedures before you remove or install a memory module. When installing a m

3.Snap the connectors into place when the board is correctly seated, and close the computer cover. 4.Replace the fastening screws on the bottom of the

Confirming added memory capacity After you've installed a new memory module, make sure the operating system's memory corresponds with the me

Using the Recovery CDs Application and System Recovery CDs Using Your Recovery CDs Page 237

Application and System Recovery CDs Your computer comes with the following Application Recovery and System Recovery CDs. You will need an optical driv

Using Your Recovery CDs The following sections describe how to use the Application Recovery and System Recovery utilities. Using the Application Reco

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

Using the Application Recovery CD(s) The Application Recovery CD(s) utility enables you to reinstall individual software programs, device drivers, and

17.Wait 30 seconds, and turn on your computer. If you have any questions about using the Application Recovery CD(s), visit http://www.sony.com/pcsuppo

Using the System Recovery CD(s) The System Recovery CD(s) enables you to format your hard disk and restores all original software programs. Yourcomput

Your system may include one or more System Recovery CDs. If you have more than one System Recovery CDs,insert the first CD to run the System Reco

Troubleshooting and Support This section describes how to solve common problems you may encounter when using your computer. Many problems havesimple s

Troubleshooting Your Computer Why doesn't my computer start? Make sure the computer is securely plugged into a power source and is turned on. Ma

If Windows still does not start, follow these steps to initialize the BIOS: 1.Remove any floppy disk from the floppy disk drive. 2.Turn off the compu

2.Press U. The Turn off computer window opens. 3.Press R to select restart. 4.Press Enter. 3.If the computer does not restart, 1.Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete

Troubleshooting Batteries How do I know when the battery is charged? To determine the remaining battery charge, see Displaying battery information. Wh

Troubleshooting the Printer Why can't I print a document? Make sure the printer is on, and the printer cable is securely connected to the ports

4.Click to select the Automatically detect settings check box. 5.Click to select the Use automatic configuration script, and type an address in the Ad

Troubleshooting the Mouse and Touch Pad Why doesn't the computer recognize the USB mouse? If you are using a Sony USB mouse, make sure the mouse

2.Click the Tools menu, and select Folder Options. The Folder Options dialog box appears with theGeneral tab open. 3.In the Click items as follows box

Troubleshooting the Modem Why doesn't my modem work? Make sure the telephone cable is securely plugged into the Modem jack and the wall jack. Se

Troubleshooting Networks Why can't my computer connect to a wireless LAN access point? Connection availability is affected by distance and obstr

Why can't I establish a connection between two VAIO computers? Your computer may not recognize an i.LINK1 connection if the i.LINK cable is not

Troubleshooting DVDs and CDs How do I maintain DVDs? Avoid touching the surface of the disc with your fingers. Fingerprints and dust on the surface o

Make sure the digital CD audio is enabled for your optical drive. Follow these steps: Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and point to Settings, Co

Troubleshooting Floppy Disk Drives Why doesn't the Unplug or Eject Hardware icon appear on the taskbar when the drive is connected? The computer

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

Troubleshooting Audio-Video Connections Why can't I use the DV recorder? You may not be able to use the DV recorder and the message, DV equipment

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

4.Click the File menu, and click Save. 5.Close the Profile Editor window. Why doesn't my microphone work? If you are using an external microphone

Troubleshooting the Computer Screen (LCD) Why did the computer (LCD) screen go blank? Your computer screen may go blank if the computer has lost powe

Troubleshooting Memory Stick Media Why can't I open my image files? You may need to reformat your Memory Stick media. Formatting Memory Stick

Troubleshooting Programs What do I do when a program stops responding or crashes? Try restarting your computer. 1.Click Start on the Windows® taskbar

Computer Support Information If you have questions about your computer or the preinstalled programs, refer to the following sources for answers in the

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

Network Connections With a Sony computer, you can easily set up or connect to a variety of networks. The Network Connection Wizard makes iteasy to gai

Using Ethernet and dial-up connections Local area networks (LANs) comprise a group of computers and associated devices within a small geographic area,

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

Using wireless LAN connections A wireless local area network (LAN) is a network in which you can connect to a LAN through a wireless (radio) connectio

4.Click Next. If the network was not set up with an encryption key, then click Next. Add/Edit Configuration Profile Window 9.Select a power manageme

1.Click to select the Enable Data Security check box. 2.Select either Use Alphanumeric Characters or Use Hexadecimal. 3.Type a five-character encrypti

7.Click Next. 8.Set up an encryption key, so only the individuals to whom you give the encryption key can gain access to thenetwork: 1.Click to select

Checking your network connection status To check the status of your network connection Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and point to Programs, OR

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 You can use a compatible i.LINK®1 cable (not supplied) to connect two compatible mobile VAIO computers, and then use

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

CDs, DVDs, and Optical Drives Inserting and Ejecting CDs or DVDs Copying and Playing CDs Copying and Playing DVDs Page 38

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

Connecting the AC adapter To connect the AC adapter 1.Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC IN port on your computer. Connecting the

4.Lift the disc from the drive. 5.Push the drive tray gently to close it. Page 40

Copying and Playing CDs Your optical drive can read CDs and DVDs. The type of optical drive installed in or connected to your computer may vary,depend

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, and poi

Copying files to a CD-RW or CD-R1 Before you write data to a CD-RW or CD-R, read the following notes to avoid a computer malfunction and ensure the be

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

Double-click the listed optical drive. The Properties window appears. Click the Properties tab, and click to select the Enable digital CD audio for

Copying and Playing DVDs The type of optical drive installed in your computer may vary, depending on the model you purchased. Computers equippedwith a

Playing DVDs You can play a DVD on your computer or TV. If you watch DVDs on your computer, use either the AC adapter or the suppliedbattery for power

2.Switch the TV input channel to external input. See the guide that came with your peripheral device for more information on its installation and

Disconnecting the TV from the computer Simply unplug the audio-video (AV) cable from the A/V OUT jack on the computer. Page 49

Turning on the computer To turn on the computer 1.Slide the OPEN switch to the right, and lift the cover while holding the bottom of the computer firm

Copying files to a DVD-R or DVD-RW You can copy files to a DVD-R or DVD-RW if your computer is equipped with a DVD-RW drive. Use the DVD-RW drive and

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

Make sure the digital CD audio is enabled for your optical drive. Follow these steps: Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and point to Settings, Co

Printer Connections Printing With Your Computer Page 53

Printing With Your Computer You can connect a universal serial bus (USB) printer or a parallel port printer to your computer. To print properly, the p

Connecting a printer Your computer is compatible with many popular printers. The New Hardware Wizard guides you through the softwareinstallation proce

See the manual that came with the parallel port printer for more information on its installation and use. Page 56

Disconnecting a printer You can disconnect a USB or parallel printer when the computer is on or off. Disconnecting a printer when the computer is ina

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 Keyboard Using the Touch Pad Using Jog Dial Control Using Memory Stick Media Changing the Window Design of Sony Progr

Using the Battery A battery is an auxiliary power source you can use when your computer is not plugged into an AC outlet. Your computermay come equipp

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

Key locations and descriptions Keyboard Key Description Numeric keypad Contains the keys found on a typical calculator. Use the numeric keypad are

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

Indicators Indicator Function Power Lights up when the power to the computer is on, blinks in Standby mode, and turns off when the computer isin Hibe

Combinations and functions with the Fn key If you switch user identities during a computing session, the Fn+F7 key functionality (if available on

Fn + BBass Boost Toggles the bass-boost function off and on. This feature is available only while using headphones. You can also carry out these

Using the Touch Pad The keyboard contains a pointing device called a touch pad. You can point to, select, drag, and scroll objects on the screenusing

Describing the touch pad Locating and Describing the Touch Pad Action Description Point Slide one finger on the touch pad to place the pointer on

Customizing the touch pad Sony Notebook Setup lets you customize your touch pad, such as enable or disable the touch pad. You can also open theMouse P

Frequently asked questions Why doesn't the touch pad work properly? You may have disabled the touch pad without connecting a mouse to the comput

Inserting a battery To insert a battery 1.Push the battery bay cover down to open it. The battery bay cover swings out but does not detach from thecom

If you still cannot restart your computer, press and hold the power button for more than four seconds to turn off thecomputer. If the pointer does n

Using Jog Dial Control Your computer is equipped with a Jog Dial Control, which enables you to open a program, folder, or document from apredefined

Using VAIO Action Setup VAIO Action Setup manages the settings for your computer's Jog Dial Control interface and enables you to set a timer to

Locating the Jog Dial Control Jog Dial Control Page 73

Using launcher mode The Jog Dial Control window is either in the launcher mode or in the guide mode. The Jog Dial Control window is in launchermode un

Using guide mode The Jog Dial Control window is either in the launcher mode or in the guide mode. Launcher mode changes to guide modewhen a program is

Using the Jog Dial control with Sony programs If Sony programs that support the Jog Dial Control are active, you can use the Jog Dial's functio

Using the Jog Dial control with other programs If the program you are using does not support the Jog Dial control, you can still select menu items to

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

Selecting Memory Stick media The following two types of Memory Stick media can be used with your computer: MagicGate Memory Stick media (hereafter

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

Inserting Memory Stick media Before using Memory Stick media, back up important data. The media slot accommodates only one Memory Stick media at atime

Viewing the contents Depending on the model you purchased, the Sony Memory Stick window appears automatically when you insert a MemoryStick media. Fro

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, use

Removing Memory Stick media If the media is removed prematurely, a blue screen with an error message appears prompting you to continue or exit.Reinser

Frequently asked questions Why can't I open my image files? You may need to reformat your Memory Stick media. Formatting Memory Stick media e

Changing the Window Design of Sony Programs This feature is available with UI Design Selector-compatible programs only. To change the window design 1.

Connecting Mice and Keyboards Using External Mice and Keyboards Page 87

Using External Mice and Keyboards You can connect a universal serial bus (USB) mouse or keyboard to your computer. To function properly, the device yo

Connecting a mouse or keyboard Your computer is compatible with many popular mice and keyboards. The New Hardware Wizard guides you through thesoftwar

Using a second battery To insert a second battery 1.If another device is in the multipurpose bay, remove that device. 2.Insert the battery into the mu

Connecting a PS/2 mouse or keyboard You can connect either an external PS/2® mouse or PS/2 keyboard to the port replicator using a PS/2 plug or adapte

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

Frequently asked questions Why doesn't the computer recognize the USB mouse? If you are using a Sony USB mouse, make sure the mouse is securely

Connecting a Port Replicator Locating Ports and Connectors Using the Port Replicator Page 93

Locating Ports and Connectors You can purchase a port replicator to use with the computer you purchased. The port replicator contains several ports an

Using the Port Replicator Connecting the port replicator You must use the AC adapter to power the computer when it is connected to the port replicator

Using the Port Replicator Connecting the port replicator You must use the AC adapter to power the computer when it is connected to the port replicator

Removing the port replicator To remove the port replicator 1.Close any active programs to prevent data loss. 2.Double-click the Unplug or Eject Hardwa

Floppy Disk Drives and PC Cards Using Floppy Disk Drives Using PC Cards Page 98

Using Floppy Disk Drives You can connect a floppy disk drive to your computer or port replicator. The floppy disk drive enables you to read datastored