Sony PCG-TR1AP User Manual

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

* T he P owerP anel window may appear slightly different on your computer, depending on the number of batteries your c omputer s upports. Power Profi

Connecting a multimedia device You can connect a multimedia device, such as a multimedia computer monitor or projector, to your computer. Connecting a

Selecting a display When you connect an external display (projector or computer monitor) to your computer, you can switch the displaybetween the compu

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

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 speakers to your computer to enhance the sound quality of your computer. Do not place floppy disks on the spea

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

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.

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 1 A protruding dot located ne

To display the Power icon on the taskbar 1.Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and click Control Panel. 2.Click Performance and Maintenance, and clic

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

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

2.Push the module down until it snaps into place. 3.When the module is correctly seated, close the memory bay. 4.Replace the fastening screw(s) on the

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

Using the Application Recovery and System Recovery CDs You can restore your system, individual programs, or drivers, using the Application Recovery an

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. Page 119

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

Using the Application Recovery CDs The Application Recovery CDs enable you to reinstall individual programs and device drivers, and to repair programs

6.Right-click the unknown device1 or the device that requires the driver installation, and click Update Driver fromthe shortcut menu. The Hardware Upd

Using the System Recovery CDs The System Recovery CDs enable you to format your hard disk drive and restore the operating system and all original,prei

1.Press the power button and hold it for more than four seconds to turn off the computer. 2.Turn on the computer. When the Sony logo is displayed, pre

Troubleshooting Computer What do I do if my computer won't start? Make sure the computer is securely plugged into a power source and turned on.

Troubleshooting Computer What do I do if my computer won't start? Make sure the computer is securely plugged into a power source and turned on.

Troubleshooting Computer What do I do if my computer won't start? Make sure the computer is securely plugged into a power source and turned on.

What do I do if a BIOS error appears when my computer starts? If the message "Press <F1> to resume, <F2> to setup" appears at th

What do I do if the message "Operating system not found" appears when my computer starts, and whywon't Windows start? Make sure the co

Why does my computer stop responding? Why can't I turn off my computer? It is best to turn off your computer using the Turn Off Computer option o

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

Why won't my computer enter Standby or Hibernate mode? Your computer may become unstable if the operating mode is changed before the computer com

Why is the sound of my computer's fan so loud? The computer's fan may be running at a high speed to cool the CPU. By lowering the CPU speed,

Why does the System Properties dialog box display a slower CPU speed than the maximum? This is normal. Because your computer's CPU utilizes a typ

Why don't my changes appear on the computer screen (LCD)? You may need to refresh the computer screen. Press and hold the Windows key , and pres

Battery How do I know when the battery is charged? To determine the remaining battery charge, see Locating battery information. Page 134

Battery How do I know when the battery is charged? To determine the remaining battery charge, see Locating battery information. Page 135

When is the computer using AC power? When the computer is directly connected to the AC adapter, it uses AC power, even if a battery is installed. Page

When should I recharge the battery? When the battery level falls below 10 percent. When both the battery and power indicators blink. When you have

When should I replace the battery? If the battery power is still low after charging it, the battery may be reaching the end of its life and should be

Should I be concerned that the installed battery is warm? No, it is normal for the battery to be warm when it is powering the computer. Page 139

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

Can my computer enter Hibernate mode while using battery power? Your computer can enter Hibernate mode while using battery power, but some software pr

Why doesn't my computer enter Hibernate mode? You may first need to enable Hibernate mode. Follow these steps: 1.Click Start on the Windows® task

Internet Why doesn't my modem work? Make sure the telephone cable is securely plugged into the Modem jack on the computer and the wall jack. Ma

Internet Why doesn't my modem work? Make sure the telephone cable is securely plugged into the Modem jack on the computer and the wall jack. Ma

Why is my modem connection slow? Your computer is equipped with a V.90 compatible modem. Many factors may influence modem connection speed, includingt

Networking Why can't my computer connect to a wireless LAN access point? Connection availability is affected by distance and obstructions. You m

Networking Why can't my computer connect to a wireless LAN access point? Connection availability is affected by distance and obstructions. You m

Why can't I access the Internet? Check the access point settings. Refer to the instructions supplied with the access point. Make sure your comp

Why is the data transfer speed slow? The wireless LAN data transfer speed is affected by distance and obstructions between devices and access points.

Why is the communication speed interrupted or slowed down when MPEG2 data is transferred? The typical effective data transfer speed via an access poin

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

How do I avoid data transfer interruptions? When your computer is connected to an access point, data transfer interruptions may occur when using larg

Can I connect to an IEEE 802.11a device? Computers with built-in wireless LAN support the IEEE 802.11b standard only. Devices connecting to a wireless

What are channels? Wireless LAN communication occurs on divided frequency bands known as channels. Third-party wireless LAN access pointchannels may b

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

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

Why does my computer freeze when I try to read a disc? The disc your computer is trying to read may be dirty or damaged. Follow these steps: 1.Restar

What do I do if the drive tray won't open? Make sure the computer is on. Press the Eject button on the optical drive. If the Eject button does

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.

Why did the computer screen (LCD) go blank? Your computer screen may go blank if the computer has lost power or has entered a power saving mode (Stan

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

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

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

Microphone Why doesn't my microphone work? If you are using an external microphone, make sure the microphone is turned on and is properly plugged

Microphone Why doesn't my microphone work? If you are using an external microphone, make sure the microphone is turned on and is properly plugged

Mouse What do I do if the computer doesn't recognize the mouse? Make sure the mouse is securely plugged into the port. Restart the computer wit

Mouse What do I do if the computer doesn't recognize the mouse? Make sure the mouse is securely plugged into the port. Restart the computer wit

What do I do if the pointer doesn't move when I use the mouse? Make sure another mouse is not installed. If you are playing a disc, press the C

Speakers Why won't my speakers work? Make sure the speakers are properly connected and the volume is turned up loud enough to hear sound. Your

Speakers Why won't my speakers work? Make sure the speakers are properly connected and the volume is turned up loud enough to hear sound. Your

Why can't I hear sound from my speakers? If the computer is using battery power, make sure the battery is properly inserted and is charged. If

Why don't the Fn+F3 or the Fn+F4 key combinations work? The Fn+F3 keys toggle the built-in speakers on and off. The Fn+F4 keys adjust the built-i

1 Do not choose the A utomatic P rofile Selection when connected to A C power. To select a profile 1.Right-click the CPU icon or Profile icon , dep

Why do I hear noise distortion while listening to music with speakers or headphones? You may experience noise distortion while listening to music with

Touchpad What do I do if the touch pad does not work? Try restarting your computer. Follow these steps: 1.Press the Windows key . 2.Press U. The Tur

Touchpad What do I do if the touch pad does not work? Try restarting your computer. Follow these steps: 1.Press the Windows key . 2.Press U. The Tur

i.LINK Why isn't my i.LINK drive playing a CD or DVD properly? The i.LINK optical drive will not play a CD or DVD if the disc was inserted with

i.LINK Why isn't my i.LINK drive playing a CD or DVD properly? The i.LINK optical drive will not play a CD or DVD if the disc was inserted with

Why won't my i.LINK drive play my computer programs? If multiple i.LINK®1 devices are connected to the computer, the software supplied with your

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

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

Why can't I save music files onto my Memory Stick media? Only MagicGate Memory Stick media can be used with copyright protected data, such as mu

Can I copy images from a digital video camera using Memory Stick media? Yes, and you can view video clips that you have recorded with Memory Stick med

HDD Standby Timer Controls the time it takes the system to turn off power to the hard disk drive when the system isidle. This setting only turns off

How do I prevent damage to the Memory Stick media? Do not use the media in locations that are subject to static electricity or electrical noise. Do

How do I extend the life of the Memory Stick media? Use the supplied storage case. See the instructions that came with your media for more informatio

Floppy Disks Why doesn't the Safely Remove Hardware icon appear on the taskbar when the drive is connected? The computer does not recognize the

Floppy Disks Why doesn't the Safely Remove Hardware icon appear on the taskbar when the drive is connected? The computer does not recognize the

Why is the drive unable to write data to a floppy disk? Make sure the floppy disk is properly inserted in the drive. See Inserting and removing floppy

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

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

Why doesn't my computer recognize attached devices? For some PC Cards, if you alternate between normal power operation and the Standby or Hiberna

Why can't I insert my PC Card? Make sure you are inserting the card correctly. See Inserting PC Cards for more information. You may not be able

Why does an exclamation mark (!) appear on the Device Manager tab in the System Properties dialog box? The exclamation mark indicates there is a prob

Internet and Network Connections Internet Connections This section describes the basic steps for setting up your dial-up or Ethernet connection to the

Audio/Video 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 disconnected or

Audio/Video 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 disconnected or

Programs What do I do if my program stops responding or crashes? Try restarting your computer. 1.Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and click Turn

Programs What do I do if my program stops responding or crashes? Try restarting your computer. 1.Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and click Turn

Why does the message, "You must insert the Application CD into your optical drive" appear, and theprogram does not start? Some programs may

Which program do I use for CD-R/CD-RW functions? To write data files to a CD-R or CD-RW disc, use the Microsoft® Windows® operating system software o

Why can't I use the DVgate Plus program? If your computer is using the Ultimate Battery Life profile as a power saving mode, you cannot use the D

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

Internet and Network Connections Internet Connections This section describes the basic steps for setting up your dial-up or Ethernet connection to the

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

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

the left panel. To connect to a remote network using a telephone or Ethernet cable 1.Connect an Ethernet or telephone cable to your computer. See To c

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

4.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. (Thename should be no more than 32 ASCII characte

Using AC Power The supplied battery is not charged when you receive your computer. To charge the battery and begin using the computerimmediately, inse

3.Click Advanced. The Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box appears. Wireless Network Connection Properties 4.Click Add. The Wireless ne

5.Type the name of the network you want to connect to in the Network name (SSID) box. (The name should beno more than 32 ASCII characters.) 6.Make sur

2.Click Properties. The Wireless Network Connection Properties dialog box appears. 3.On the Wireless Networks tab, click Advanced. The Advanced dialog

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

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

If the Eject button does not work, turn off the computer and insert a thin, straight object (such as a paper clip)into the manual eject hole next

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

If the Eject button does not work, turn off the computer and insert a thin, straight object (such as a paper clip)into the manual eject hole next

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

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

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

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Copying files to CDs Before you copy files to a CD-RW or CD-R disc, read the following notes to avoid a computer malfunction and ensure thebest result

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

Playing DVDs You can play DVDs in your computer's optical drive and view the video on a multimedia display. Connecting a Multimedia Display

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

MOTION EYE Camera Using the MOTION EYE Camera Your computer comes with a built-in MOTION EYE® camera. You can use the camera to capture still images a

MOTION EYE Camera Using the MOTION EYE Camera Your computer comes with a built-in MOTION EYE® camera. You can use the camera to capture still images a

Describing the MOTION EYE Camera Locating the MOTION EYE Camera 1 Speakers 4 CAPTURE button 2 MOTION EYE® Camera lens 5 Volume buttons 3 MOTI

Capturing an image 1.Press the CAPTURE button to start the Network Smart Capture program. Using the CAPTURE Button 2.Click one of the Capture Mode b

Toggling between multiple cameras You can connect an external i.LINK digital video camera recorder or an external USB-compatible camera1 to your compu

Turning on the computer To open and turn on the computer 1.Lift the cover while holding the bottom of the computer firmly. Opening the Computer 2.Pr

Locating the help files To locate the Network Smart Capture Help file, click Start on the Windows® taskbar, point to All Programs andNetwork Smart Ca

Notes on using the MOTION EYE camera Do not touch the camera lens, as dirt may accumulate and degrade picture quality. Do not point the camera towar

Printer Connections Your computer is compatible with many popular printers. However, to ensure the best performance, printers must becompatible with t

Connecting a USB Printer You can connect a universal serial bus (USB) printer to your computer. The new hardware wizard enables you to easilyinstall t

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

Computer Features 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 sc

Computer Features 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 sc

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

Using Memory Stick Media Your VAIO® computer is equipped with a Memory Stick® slot that supports certain types of Memory Stick® media. Page 59

Using the Battery Your computer, depending on the model you purchased, may come equipped with one battery bay and one multipurposebay that supports a

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

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, use

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

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 Although your computer's keyboard is very similar to a typewriter's keyboard, you can use the addition

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.

Mice and Keyboards Using the Keyboard Although your computer's keyboard is very similar to a typewriter's keyboard, you can use the addition

Keyboard descriptions Key Description The numeric keypad contains the keys found on a typical calculator. Use the numeric keypad totype numbers or pe

Windows key combinations Key combination Function +F1 Displays the VAIO Help and Support Center window. +Tab Switches the selected button on the ta

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

Fn key combinations Key combination Function Fn+F3 Toggles the built-in speakers off and on. Fn+F4 Adjusts the built-in speaker volume. An on-scree

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 If you connect the mouse or keyboard when the computer is on, you may need to restart the computer for it to recognizet

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

Floppy Disks and PC Cards Using a Floppy Disk Drive You can connect a floppy disk drive to your computer. The floppy disk drive enables you to read or

Floppy Disks and PC Cards Using a Floppy Disk Drive You can connect a floppy disk drive to your computer. The floppy disk drive enables you to read or

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

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 disk drive when the computer is on or off. Disconnecting the drive when the computer

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

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

2.Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon on the taskbar. The Safely Remove Hardware windowappears. 3.Select the PC Card drive in the Hardware d

Locating battery information You can view the remaining battery charge and miscellaneous battery information on the Battery Information toolbar, thePo

i.LINK Optical Drives The i.LINK®1 drive enables you to read data stored on a DVD or CD. Once the i.LINK drive is connected, you can use thepreinstall

Connecting an i.LINK Optical Drive The i.LINK® optical drive draws power from the computer through a cable. You must connect the cable to both the i.L

5.Make sure the i.LINK drive is selected, and click OK. A message appears stating it is now safe to remove thehardware device. 6.Unplug the i.LINK opt

Audio and Video Connections Using i.LINK Digital Video Recorders You can connect a digital video (DV) recorder, such as an i.LINK®1 digital video came

Audio and Video Connections Using i.LINK Digital Video Recorders You can connect a digital video (DV) recorder, such as an i.LINK®1 digital video came

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

Using Computer Monitors and Projectors You can connect an external display (such as a computer monitor or a projector) to your computer. Page 98

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