Sony VGC-V620G User's Guide

NUser GuidePersonal ComputerVGC-V series

10nNGetting StartedLocating Controls and PortsTake a moment to identify the controls and ports shown on the following pages.Front A Infrared receiver

100nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerRemoving and Installing a Memory ModuleTo remove a memory module1 Shut down and unplug your computer, and then discon

101nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer4 Press and hold the back panel cover release tab (indicated by the arrow) and slide the back panel cover further up.

102nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer5 Lift the back panel cover away from the unit to remove.6 Remove the screws on the memory cover (1).

103nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer7 Disengage the memory cover tabs from the slots on the computer by lifting the edge of the memory cover, and then re

104nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer10 Grasp the memory module by the sides and remove from the main unit. Store the module in a static-free bag.

105nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerTo install a memory module1 Remove the memory module from its anti-static package, handling it by the edges.2 Locate

106nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer5 Align the memory cover tabs to the slots on the computer and gently press down on the cover until it snaps into pla

107nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer8 Gently slide the back cover onto the computer until it gently snaps into place.

108nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerViewing the Amount of MemoryTo view the amount of memory1 Turn on the computer.2 Click Start, point to All Programs,

109nNPrecautionsPrecautionsThis section describes safety guidelines and precautions to help you protect your computer from potential damage.❑ On Handl

11nNGetting StartedBack A Back panel cover (removable) (page 100)B Back panel cover release tab (page 101)C Cable guides

110nNPrecautionsOn 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

111nNPrecautionsOn Using the Power Source❑ See the online Specifications sheet to check the power operation of your computer.❑ Do not share the AC out

112nNPrecautionsOn Handling Your Computer❑ Clean the cabinet with a soft cloth, which is dry or lightly moistened with a mild detergent solution. Do n

113nNPrecautions❑ If the computer is brought directly from a cold location to a warm one, moisture may condense inside your computer. In this case, al

114nNPrecautionsOn 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

115nNPrecautionsOn Handling Memory Stick Media❑ Do not use the media in locations that are subject to static electricity or electrical noise.❑ Do not

116nNPrecautionsOn 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

117nNTroubleshootingTroubleshootingThis section describes how to solve common problems you might encounter when using your VAIO computer. Many problem

118nNTroubleshootingComputerWhat should I do if my computer won't start?❑ Make sure the computer is securely plugged into a power source and turn

119nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if a BIOS error appears when my computer starts? If the message "Press F2 to setup" appears at the bott

12nNGetting StartedRight A PC Card slot (page 56)B Power buttonC Memory Stick media slot*1 (page 60)D Optical disc drive (page 39)E Manual eject hole

120nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if the message "Operating system not found" appears when my computer starts, and why won't Windows

121nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if my computer or software stops responding?❑ It is best to turn off your computer using the Turn Off Computer op

122nNTroubleshootingWhy won't my computer enter Standby or Hibernate mode?Your computer may become unstable if the operating mode is changed befo

123nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if I start my computer and the message "System Disabled" appears and Windows does not start?If you ente

124nNTroubleshootingSystem SecurityThis section provides information about keeping your computer operating smoothly and protecting against potential t

125nNTroubleshootingTo visit the Windows Updates web site 1 Connect to the Internet. 2 Type http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ in the address bar of

126nNTroubleshootingInternet Why doesn't my modem work?❑ Make sure the telephone cable is securely plugged into the Modem port on the computer an

127nNTroubleshootingWhy is my modem connection slow? Your computer is equipped with a V.92/ V.90 compatible modem. Many factors may influence modem co

128nNTroubleshootingNetworkingWhy can't my computer connect to a wireless LAN access point? ❑ Connection availability is affected by distance and

129nNTroubleshootingWhy is the data transfer speed slow? ❑ The wireless LAN data transfer speed is affected by distance and obstructions between devic

13nNGetting StartedBottomSlide the back panel cover up to access these ports and jacks. A Audio In jack (page 47)B S Video In jack (page 47)C VHF/UHF

130nNTroubleshootingCDs and DVDsWhy does my computer freeze when I try to read a disc?The disc your computer is trying to read may be dirty or damaged

131nNTroubleshootingWhat 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

132nNTroubleshooting6 Double-click the listed drive, and select the Properties tab.7 Click to select the Enable digital CD audio for this CD-ROM devic

133nNTroubleshootingDisplayWhy did the computer screen (LCD) go blank? ❑ Your computer screen may go blank if the computer has lost power or has enter

134nNTroubleshootingPrintingWhy can't I print a document? ❑ Make sure the printer is on, and the printer cable is securely connected to the ports

135nNTroubleshootingMicrophoneWhy doesn't my microphone work? If you are using an external microphone, make sure the microphone is turned on and

136nNTroubleshootingMouseWhat should I do if the computer doesn't recognize the mouse? ❑ Confirm that the supplied AA batteries are properly inst

137nNTroubleshootingSpeakersWhy won't my speakers work? ❑ Make sure the speakers are properly connected and the volume is turned up loud enough t

138nNTroubleshootingPointing DeviceWhat should I do if the pointing device does not work? ❑ Try restarting your computer. Follow these steps:1 Press t

139nNTroubleshootingHow do I change the left and right button assignments? If your computer is interpreting a single-click as a double-click, you may

14nNGetting StartedAbout the Indicator Lights Indicator FunctionsPower 1 Illuminates in green when the power of the computer is on, illuminates in ora

140nNTroubleshootingKeyboardWhat should I do if the keyboard configuration is wrong?❑ The language layout of your computer's keyboard is specifie

141nNTroubleshootingFloppy DisksWhy doesn't the Safely Remove Hardware icon appear on the taskbar when the drive is connected? The computer does

142nNTroubleshootingPC CardsWhy doesn't my PC Card work? ❑ Make sure the PC Card is inserted properly. See Inserting a PC Card (page 56) for more

143nNTroubleshootingAudio/VideoWhy can't I use the DV camera recorder? You may not be able to use the DV camera recorder, and the message DV equi

144nNTroubleshootingMemory Stick MediaWhy can't I open my image files? You may need to reformat your Memory Stick media.Formatting Memory Stick m

145nNTroubleshootingPeripheralsWhat should I do if I cannot connect a USB device?❑ If applicable, check the USB device is switched on and using its ow

146nNSupport OptionsSupport OptionsThe section contains information on where to go for answers to questions about your VAIO computer and the preinstal

147nNSupport Options5 VAIO UpdateWhen your computer is connected to the Internet, VAIO Update automatically notifies you when critical software and se

148nNSupport OptionsIn order to contact a Sony technical support representative, please call the following numbers:❑ In Argentina:(011) 6770-SONY (766

149nNSupport OptionsProgram Support InformationDepending on the computer model and particular configuration you purchased, your computer may not inclu

15nNGetting StartedConnecting the Power CordThe computer's power cord must be plugged into an AC power source, such as an AC wall outlet, surge p

150nNSupport OptionsClick to DVD™Sony Electronics Inc.At the touch of a button, Click to DVD software allows you to automatically burn DVDs from a dig

151nNSupport OptionsGoogle Toolbar™Google, Inc.❑ For users in USA and CanadaWeb Site http://toolbar.google.com/help.html Microsoft® Office Basic Editi

152nNSupport OptionsNetscape® Internet ServiceAOL Inc.❑ For users in USA and CanadaWeb Site http://isp.netscape.com/help Telephone 866-541-8233Norton

153nNSupport OptionsQuattro Pro®Corel Corporation❑ For users in USA and CanadaWeb Site http://www.corel.com Quicken® New User EditionIntuit Inc.❑ For

154nNSupport OptionsSonicStage®Sony Electronics Inc.The SonicStage jukebox software program gives you all the tools you need to manage music on your c

155nNSupport OptionsSpySubtract®InterMute, Inc.❑ For users in USA and CanadaWeb Site http://www.intermute.com/support.html VAIO Action SetupSony Elect

156nNSupport OptionsVAIO Edit ComponentsSony Electronics Inc.VAIO Edit Components is a software plug-in for Adobe® Premiere® software that provides ma

157nNSupport OptionsVAIO UpdateSony Electronics Inc.The VAIO Update utility helps you keep your VAIO® computer up to date by regularly checking the So

158nNSupport OptionsVAIO ZoneSony Electronics Inc. VAIO Zone software provides an effortless way to browse and enjoy pictures, music, and video files

16nNGetting Started!Use your computer only with the supplied power cord.To disconnect your computer completely from AC power, unplug the power cord.Ma

17nNGetting StartedShutting Down Your Computer SafelyTo avoid losing unsaved data, be sure to shut down your computer properly, as described below.To

18nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Your VAIO ComputerThis section describes how to get the most out of using your VAIO computer.❑ Using the Keyboard (p

19nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the KeyboardYour computer comes with a wireless keyboard. You can place the keyboard anywhere you find comfortable w

2nNContentsBefore Use ...

20nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerVGC-V620G✍The above illustration shows the keyboard delivered with the models that are available in USA and Canada. The ke

21nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerA Keyboard feetExtend to adjust the keyboard height.B CONNECT buttonPress to enable the keyboard to communicate with the m

22nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerVGC-V617G/V600MG✍The above illustration shows the keyboard delivered with the models that are available in USA and Canada.

23nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerA Keyboard feetExtend to adjust the keyboard height.B Battery compartmentStorage compartment for the AA batteries.C CONNEC

24nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerBefore You Use the KeyboardBefore attempting to use the wireless keyboard, you must enable communications between the comp

25nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo connect the wireless keyboardVGC-V620G1 Insert four AA batteries (1) into the wireless keyboard.2 Turn on the computer.

26nNUsing Your VAIO Computer

27nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerVGC-V617G/V600MG1 Insert two AA batteries (1) into the wireless keyboard.2 Turn on the computer.3 Press the CONNECT button

28nNUsing Your VAIO Computer

29nNUsing Your VAIO Computer✍If your wireless keyboard does not operate properly, the batteries may need to be replaced. If your wireless keyboard is

3nNUsing Peripheral Devices...

30nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerCombinations and Functions with the Fn Key (VGC-V620G only)✍Some functions are not available until Windows is launched. C

31nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Pointing Device (on Selected Models Only)The keyboard delivered with VGC-V620G features a pointing device (1), w

32nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerBefore You Use the Pointing DeviceBefore attempting to use the pointing device, you must activate it.To activate the point

33nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the MouseYour computer includes a wireless optical mouse, which has no cables to plug in and uses a light-emitting d

34nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerBefore You Use the MouseBefore using the wireless mouse, you must establish communication between the computer and the mou

35nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo connect the wireless mouse1 Insert the two specific AA batteries into the wireless mouse as shown.2 Turn on the compute

36nNUsing Your VAIO Computer4 Turn over the wireless mouse, slide the power switch to the ON position, and press the CONNECT button.Communication betw

37nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerAdjusting the Mouse Functions1 Click Start and then Control Panel.2 Click Printers and Other Hardware.3 Click the Mouse. T

38nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Special-function ButtonsYour VAIO computer is provided with special buttons to help you use specific functions of th

39nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Optical Disc DriveYour computer is equipped with an optical disc drive.To insert a disc1 Turn on the computer.2

4nNTroubleshooting ...

40nNUsing Your VAIO Computer3 Slide a disc from the right onto the disc tray and place it in the middle of the tray with the label facing toward the f

41nNUsing Your VAIO Computer4 Close the tray by pushing it in gently.!Do not remove the optical disc when the computer is in a power saving mode (Stan

42nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerReading and Writing CDs and DVDsYour computer plays and records CDs and DVDs, depending on the model you purchased. Check

43nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerNotes on writing data onto a disc❑ To make the data on a disc readable on an optical disc drive, you need to close the ses

44nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerNotes on playing DVDsTo achieve optimum performance when playing DVDs, you should follow these recommendations.❑ You can p

45nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerCopying Files to CDsTo determine which type of CD your computer supports, see Reading and Writing CDs and DVDs (page 42).T

46nNUsing 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

47nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the TV FunctionYour computer is equipped with a TV tuner board. In combination with Sony's VAIO Zone software,

48nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerSetting Up TV ConnectionsThe best method of connecting your computer system, TV monitor or display, and cable service acce

49nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerConnecting to standard cable access (CATV)To connect in CATV mode (Option 1)1 Connect one end of the TV coaxial cable (1)

5nNBefore UseBefore UseCongratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer, and welcome to the on-screen User Guide. Sony has combined leadin

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 ComputerTo connect in STB mode (Option 1)1 Connect one end of a TV coaxial cable (1) (optional) to your cable service access (wall

54nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo connect in STB mode (Option 2)1 Connect one end of the TV coaxial cable (1) (supplied) to your cable service access (wa

55nNUsing Your VAIO Computer✍The video cable adapter (supplied) can be used with a video cable (optional) to connect your set-top box to the computer&

56nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing PC CardsPC Cards allow you to connect portable external devices.Inserting a PC CardTo insert a PC Card1 Insert the P

57nNUsing Your VAIO Computer✍Some devices may not function properly if you continually switch to Normal mode from Standby mode or Hibernate mode. For

58nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerRemoving a PC CardFollow the steps below to remove the PC Card while your computer is on. If it is not removed properly, y

59nNUsing Your VAIO Computer✍If you remove the PC Card from the computer when it is still turned on, your system could malfunction and you might lose

6nNBefore Use❑ VAIO Recovery Options Guide — Provides information about restoring individual software programs, software drivers, and drive partition(

60nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Memory Stick MediaYour VAIO computer supports the Memory Stick media. Memory Stick media is a compact, portable,

61nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerInserting a Memory Stick MediaThere are two ways you can insert a Memory Stick media into your computer:❑ Using the Memory

62nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo insert a Memory Stick media using the Memory Stick media slot1 Hold the Memory Stick media with the arrow facing toward

63nNUsing 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

64nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerViewing the ContentsDepending on the model you purchased, the Memory Stick window may appear when you insert a Memory Stic

65nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerFormatting a Memory Stick MediaMemory Stick media is formatted for immediate use when you purchase it. If you need to refo

66nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerRemoving a Memory Stick MediaTo remove a Memory Stick media using the Memory Stick media slot1 Check that the Memory Stick

67nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the InternetSetting Up a Dial-up Internet ConnectionBefore you can connect to the Internet, you need to connect your

68nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Wireless LAN (WLAN)Using the Sony Wireless LAN (WLAN), all your digital devices with built-in WLAN functionality com

69nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerCommunicating without an Access Point (Ad-hoc)An ad-hoc network is a network in which a local network is created only by t

7nNBefore UseErgonomic ConsiderationsWhenever possible, you should attempt to take account of the following ergonomic considerations:❑ Position of you

70nNUsing Your VAIO Computer7 Click the Add… button.The Wireless network properties window appears.8 Enter a Network name (SSID)*1.You can choose a 32

71nNUsing Your VAIO Computer*1If you want to communicate between two or more computers, you need to configure all these computers the exact same way.

72nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerCommunicating with an Access Point (Infrastructure)An infrastructure network is a network that extends an existing wired l

73nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo disconnect from a wireless network❑ Turn off the WIRELESS LAN switch.!Turning off the wireless LAN functionality while

74nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerWireless LAN Channel SelectionIn an 802.11b/g configuration, channel 1 to 11 can be used.(a) With an Access Point ("I

75nNUsing Peripheral DevicesUsing Peripheral DevicesYou can add functionality to your computer by using the various ports on your unit.❑ Connecting Ex

76nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting External SpeakersYou can enhance the sound quality of your computer by connecting external speakers.To connect

77nNUsing Peripheral DevicesUsing the Remote CommanderA remote commander is delivered with your computer for extended use of the VAIO Zone software.Po

78nNUsing Peripheral Devices✍For details on using the software and the remote commander, please see the help file in the VAIO Zone software.I VOLUME b

79nNUsing Peripheral DevicesBefore You Use the Remote CommanderInsert two AA batteries (supplied) into the remote control, as shown below.!Do not mix

8nNBefore Use❑ Viewing angle of the display – Use the display's tilting feature to find the best position. You can reduce eye strain and muscle f

80nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting an External MicrophoneIf you need to use a sound input device (for example, to chat on the Internet) you need t

81nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) DeviceTo prevent your computer and/or USB devices from damage, observe the followi

82nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a USB Floppy Disk DriveYou can purchase a USB floppy disk drive and connect it to your computer.To connect a US

83nNUsing Peripheral DevicesDisconnecting a USB floppy disk driveYou can disconnect a USB floppy disk drive when the computer is on or off. Disconnect

84nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a PrinterYou can connect a Windows-compatible printer to your computer to print documents.Connecting a Printer

85nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting an i.LINK DeviceNotes on connecting i.LINK devices❑ Your computer includes an i.LINK (IEEE1394) port, which you

86nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a Digital Video Camera Recorder✍You need to slide the back panel cover up to access the i.LINK port on the bott

87nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting to a Network (LAN)You can connect your computer to 100BASE-TX/10BASE-T-type networks via an Ethernet network ca

88nNUsing Peripheral Devices!Network and telephone lines cannot be connected to the Network (Ethernet) port on your computer. If the following connect

89nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerThis section briefly describes how to change the main settings of your computer.❑ Sett

9nNGetting StartedGetting StartedThis section describes how to get started with using your VAIO computer.❑ Locating Controls and Ports (page 10)❑ Abou

90nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerSetting the PasswordUse one of the BIOS functions to set the password.Once you have set the password, you will have

91nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerChanging/Removing the PasswordTo change or remove the password1 Turn on your computer.2 Press the F2 key when the VA

92nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerSetting Up Your Computer with VAIO Control CenterThe VAIO Control Center utility allows you to consult system inform

93nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Power Saving ModesIn addition to the normal operating mode, which allows you to turn off specific devices,

94nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Normal ModeThis is the normal state of your computer when it is in use. The green power indicator light is on

95nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Standby ModeStandby mode turns off the LCD screen and sets the hard disk and the CPU to a low power consumptio

96nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Hibernate ModeIn Hibernate mode, the state of the system is saved on the hard disk and power is turned off. Th

97nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerYour computer and memory modules use high precision components and electronic connectors t

98nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerAdding and Removing MemoryIf you want to expand the functionality of your computer, you can increase the memory by ins

99nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer❑ Introducing any liquids or any foreign substances or objects into the memory slots, or other internal components of