Sony PCG-VX88 User's Guide

1Welcome...9Using Your VAIO Computer ...11Using the Keyboard...

VAIO® Computer User Guide10

Change text in this variable definition to document title.100QuickTime® Apple Computer, Inc.The versatile QuickTime software plays many, many differen

About the Software on Your Computer101Sony ScreenBlast™ Sound Forge (On selected models)Sony Pictures Digital EntertainmentSony ScreenBlast Sound Forg

Change text in this variable definition to document title.102DVgate application notesDigital video capturesIf your system displays the message, “Faile

DVgate application notes103Select the drive you want to defragment from the list, and click the Defragment button. See Windows® Help for more informat

Change text in this variable definition to document title.104Software Support InformationAdobe Acrobat® Reader™, Photoshop® Elements (Adobe Systems, I

Software Support Information105Quicken® (Intuit Inc.)RealPlayer (Real Networks, Inc.)Sony Applications (Sony Electronics Inc.)Windows® Operating Syste

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111Using the Recovery CDsThis section provides you with details on your Sony Application Recovery and System Recovery CDs.❑ Application and System Rec

VAIO® Computer User Guide112Application and System Recovery CDsYour computer comes with the following Application Recovery and System Recovery CDs.

Using Your Recovery CDs113Using Your Recovery CDsThe following sections describe how to use the Application Recovery and System Recovery utilities. Us

11Using Your VAIO ComputerThis section describes the following aspects of your new computer:❑ Using the Keyboard❑ VAIO Action Setup❑ Using the Jog Dia

VAIO® Computer User Guide114To reinstall device drivers using the Application Recovery CD(s)1 Turn on your computer. If your computer is already on,

Using Your Recovery CDs115Using the System Recovery CD(s)The System Recovery CD(s) enables you to format your hard disk drive and restores all origina

VAIO® Computer User Guide116To use the System Recovery CD(s)Your system may take a few minutes to load necessary files. A blue screen appears during

Using Your Recovery CDs117After recovering your system using the System Recovery CD(s), you may be prompted to insert your Application Recovery CD(s)

VAIO® Computer User Guide118

115TroubleshootingThis section describes how to solve common problems you may encounter when using your computer. Many problems have simple solutions,

Change text in this variable definition to document title.116Troubleshooting Your ComputerMy computer does not start.❑ Make sure the computer is plugg

Troubleshooting Your Computer1174 Press the Right Arrow key to select the Exit tab, and then press the Down Arrow key to select Get Default Values

Change text in this variable definition to document title.1188 Press Enter. The Setup Confirmation window appears.9 Make sure Yes is selected, and pre

Troubleshooting Your Computer119The power management does not respond.Your computer’s operating system may become unstable if a lower power state, suc

Change text in this variable definition to document title.12Using the KeyboardYour keyboard is very similar to a typewriter’s, but your computer keybo

Change text in this variable definition to document title.120Troubleshooting the Docking StationI cannot operate the optical drive in the docking stat

Troubleshooting the Docking Station121The disc tray does not eject even after I press the Eject button.Open the tray by inserting a thin, straight obj

Change text in this variable definition to document title.122Troubleshooting the LCD ScreenMy LCD screen is blank.❑ Verify the computer is plugged int

Troubleshooting the Mouse and Touchpad123Troubleshooting the Mouse and TouchpadMy mouse does not work.❑ Make sure the mouse is securely plugged into t

Change text in this variable definition to document title.124❑ If you are still experiencing problems, check that another mouse was not installed.❑ Yo

Troubleshooting Drives, PC Cards, and Peripheral Devices125Troubleshooting Drives, PC Cards, and Peripheral DevicesMy floppy disk drive icon doesn’t a

Change text in this variable definition to document title.126❑ If a region code warning appears when you try to use your optical drive, it may be that

Troubleshooting Drives, PC Cards, and Peripheral Devices1272 Disconnect the devices that are not in use. 3 Ensure that all other devises are properly

Change text in this variable definition to document title.128Troubleshooting the SoftwareMy software program stops responding or crashes.Contact the s

Troubleshooting the Software129I cannot use the DVgate software.If your computer is using the Ultimate Battery Life profile for its power saving mode,

Using the Keyboard13Functions of the keyboard keysKey DescriptionNumeric keypad area Contains the keys found on a typical calculator. Use the numeric

Change text in this variable definition to document title.130Troubleshooting i.LINK DevicesI cannot establish a connection between two VAIO computers

Troubleshooting the Modem131Troubleshooting the ModemMy modem does not work.❑ Make sure the telephone cable is plugged into the cable jack. See “To co

Change text in this variable definition to document title.132Troubleshooting AudioMy speakers have no sound.❑ If the built-in speakers are turned off,

Troubleshooting Audio1337 If the “Enable digital CD audio for this CD-ROM device,” check box is not selected, click it to turn it on.❑ If your compute

Change text in this variable definition to document title.134My microphone does not work.If you are using an external microphone, make sure the microp

Troubleshooting Memory Stick Media135Troubleshooting Memory Stick MediaI cannot open image files.❑ If the Sony MemoryStick dialog box does not appear

Change text in this variable definition to document title.136Troubleshooting Wireless LAN functionsThe computer cannot connect to a Wireless LAN Acces

Troubleshooting Wireless LAN functions137the data transfer speed, move your computer away from obstructions or closer to any access point you may be u

Change text in this variable definition to document title.138Troubleshooting the PrinterI cannot print.❑ Make sure the printer is on, and the printer

139Getting HelpSony provides you with several support resources to answer questions about your VAIO® computer or the preinstalled software. Refer to t

Change text in this variable definition to document title.14Combinations and functions with the Windows keyOperator keys (Shift, Ctrl, Alt keys)Severa

VAIO® Computer User Guide1404 VAIO Support AgentYou can find VAIO Support Agent by clicking Start and selecting Help and Support. Using advanced dia

141AAbout This Computer tab 77AC Profile power setting 79Access Point, Wireless LAN 74addinghardware 47memory 91peripherals 47printer 62adjustingbrigh

Change text in this variable definition to document title.142CD or DVD discscleaning 58handling 58inserting 56CD-ROM driveclosing lid 57connecting 29,

143cursor-movement keys 13Ddigital video camera 64displaymode 86options 68selecting 68docking stationtroubleshooting 120drives 55CD-ROM 55floppy disk

Change text in this variable definition to document title.144Fn key 14combination commands 16function keys 13, 14Ggetting help 139Guide Mode 22Hhandli

145Kkeyboard 16connecting 59using 12–15LLANconnecting 35Launcher Mode 20LCDselecting display 68troubleshooting 122MMagicGate 24Maximum Battery Life po

Change text in this variable definition to document title.146switching among 17mouseconnecting 59troubleshooting 123multiple phone lines 34Nnavigation

147jack 34portsprinter 62USB 61power managementsettings 78Power Management Off power setting 79Power OnPassword tab 77power saving modesHibernate 18,

Change text in this variable definition to document title.148Power On Password tab 77setup tabs 77Shift key 14softwaredescriptions 97DVgate 102support

149mouse 61port 61usingJog Dial control 20Memory Stick 24PC Cards 29Using the Jog Dial Control 22VVAIO Action Setup 19video camera 64volumeadjusting 1

Using the Keyboard15Indicators + F Displays the Search window to find a file or folder. This is the equivalent of selecting Search from the Start men

Change text in this variable definition to document title.16Combinations and functions with the Fn keyWireless LANLights up when the Wireless LAN func

Using the Keyboard17Combinations/Feature FunctionsFn+ (ESC)StandbyPuts the system into Standby mode, a power management state. To return the system to

Change text in this variable definition to document title.18Fn+ (F12)HibernateProvides for the lowest level of power consumption. When you execute th

VAIO Action Setup19VAIO Action SetupVAIO Action Setup manages the settings for your computer’s center Jog Dial™ Control, Memory Stick® media, and i.LI

Change text in this variable definition to document title.2Connecting a Phone Cable... 34To connect a telephone c

Change text in this variable definition to document title.20Using the Jog Dial ControlYour computer is equipped with a center Jog Dial™ Control, which

Using the Jog Dial Control21Using Launcher modeTo use the center Jog Dial Control, click the Jog Dial Control window or the Jog Dial Utility icon in t

Change text in this variable definition to document title.222 Rotate or press the center Jog Dial Control to use the desired function.3 To select anot

Using the Jog Dial Control23Jog Dial Guide Dialog Box

Change text in this variable definition to document title.24Using Memory Stick MediaThis new compact, portable, and versatile recording medium has a d

Using Memory Stick Media25To view the contents of Memory Stick media1 Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and then My Computer.2 Click the Sony Memor

Change text in this variable definition to document title.263 When the media ejects, pull it out. The Memory Stick media may eject completely from the

Using Memory Stick Media27Write-protecting Memory Stick mediaMemory Stick® media is designed with a write-protect tab to protect valuable data from ac

Change text in this variable definition to document title.284 In the Format Options box, click Quick Format to select it, and then click Start. A warn

Using PC Cards29Using PC CardsYour computer includes a PC Card slot, which enables you to connect portable external devices, such as an optical disc d

3Connecting a USB Mouse or Keyboard...59To connect a USB mouse or keyboard ...59Connecting a USB Device...

Change text in this variable definition to document title.30To remove a PC Card while your computer is onFailure to follow this procedure may result i

Using PC Cards31❑ Some PC Cards may require that you disable idle devices when using the PC Card. You can use Sony Notebook Setup to disable devices.

Change text in this variable definition to document title.32Using Power Saving ModesWhen you use a battery as the power source for your computer, you

Using Power Saving Modes33To activate Hibernate mode1 Press the key combination Fn+F12, or press the power button and release it immediately. The “Pre

Change text in this variable definition to document title.34Connecting a Phone CableYou need to connect a telephone cable (not supplied) to register y

Connecting to a Local Area Network35Connecting to a Local Area NetworkYou can connect your computer to 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX-type Local Area Network

Change text in this variable definition to document title.36To set up a network1 From the Start menu, point to All Programs, Accessories, Communicatio

Connecting to a Wireless Local Area Network37Connecting to a Wireless Local Area NetworkYour computer is equipped with a built-in mini PCI card that a

Change text in this variable definition to document title.38The Wireless LAN Access PointThe Wireless LAN Access Point, also called the access point,

Connecting to a Wireless Local Area Network39Communicating with an Access Point (infrastructure) NetworkAn infrastructure network is one that extends

Change text in this variable definition to document title.4Controlling Power Management... 78Viewing the Power Management

Change text in this variable definition to document title.405 Click Connect.To set up an access point network1 Locate the Wireless LAN switch that is

Connecting to a Wireless Local Area Network414 Make sure the Wireless Networks tab is selected, and click Add. The Wireless Network Properties window

Change text in this variable definition to document title.42To turn off the Wireless LAN functionality1 Close all files that you are accessing through

Connecting to a Wireless Local Area Network434 Make sure the Wireless Networks tab is selected, and click Add. The Wireless Network Properties window

Change text in this variable definition to document title.44lights up. See “Turning On Wireless LAN functionality” for more information.2 Click Start

Connecting to a Wireless Local Area Network45To turn off the Wireless LAN functionality1 Close all files that you are accessing through the network co

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47Connecting Peripheral DevicesYou can add functionality to your notebook by connecting a variety of peripherals, as discussed in the following sectio

Change text in this variable definition to document title.48Connecting a Floppy Disk DriveYou can connect a floppy disk drive (not supplied) to a USB

Connecting a Floppy Disk Drive49To insert a floppy disk into the floppy disk drive1 Hold the floppy disk with the label facing up.2 Gently push the fl

5DVgate application notes ...102Digital video captures ...102A

Change text in this variable definition to document title.50To remove a floppy disk from the floppy disk drive1 Close all applications that were opene

Connecting a Floppy Disk Drive513 In the Hardware devices box, select Y-E Data USB Floppy, and click Stop. The Stop a Hardware device window appears.4

Change text in this variable definition to document title.52Connecting an i.LINK Optical Disc DriveYou can connect an i.LINK®* optical disc drive to y

Connecting an i.LINK Optical Disc Drive533 Insert the straight-shaped, two-prong connector of the peripheral cable into both the computer’s i.LINK por

Change text in this variable definition to document title.54To disconnect an i.LINK optical disc drive1 Before disconnecting this drive, close any act

Connecting a PC Card Drive55Connecting a PC Card DriveYou can use an optional optical drive with your computer. If you use an optional drive when your

Change text in this variable definition to document title.56To insert a disc1 Press the Eject button. The disc tray slides out.2 Place the disc in the

Connecting a PC Card Drive573 Push the disc onto the hub until the disc clicks into place.4 Close the tray by pushing it in gently. The Busy indicator

Change text in this variable definition to document title.58Notes on CD and DVD discsHandling CD or DVD discs❑ Do not touch the surface of the disc.❑

Connecting a USB Mouse or Keyboard59Connecting a USB Mouse or KeyboardYou can connect a universal serial bus (USB) mouse or keyboard to your computer,

Change text in this variable definition to document title.6station, even after following the correct procedure... 120I cannot remove the disc. .

Change text in this variable definition to document title.60You can use an optional Sony USB mouse such as the PCGA-UMS1 series (optional) with this n

Connecting a USB Device61Connecting a USB DeviceYou can connect a universal serial bus (USB) device, such as speakers or microphones, to your computer

Change text in this variable definition to document title.62Connecting a USB PrinterYou can connect a universal serial bus (USB) printer to your compu

Connecting a USB Printer63✍ See the manual that came with your printer for more information on its installation and use.

Change text in this variable definition to document title.64Connecting an i.LINK Audio-Video DeviceYou can connect an i.LINK®* enabled digital video c

Connecting an i.LINK Audio-Video Device65Notes on connecting an i.LINK device❑ Only the Sony digital video camera port labeled DV IN/OUT or i.LINK are

Change text in this variable definition to document title.66Connecting an External DisplayYou can connect any of the following external displays to yo

Connecting an External Display67To connect a projector 1 Turn off the computer before you connect the projector.2 Locate the VGA (Monitor) port and

Change text in this variable definition to document title.68Changing the display when connecting an external computer display or projectorWhen you con

Connecting with another VAIO computer69Connecting with another VAIO computerUse an i.LINK®* cable (not supplied) to connect your VAIO computer to anot

7sert the Application CD into your optical drive” appears, and the software does not start. ...128The appli

Change text in this variable definition to document title.70Connecting External SpeakersYou can enhance the sound quality of your computer by connecti

Connecting a Microphone71Connecting a MicrophoneYou can enhance the quality of sound input by using a microphone (not supplied).To connect a microphon

Change text in this variable definition to document title.721 Double-click the Volume icon on the taskbar. The Volume Control window appears. 2 From

Connecting a Microphone73CD Audio Adjust the volume of the CD in the optional optical drive.Microphone Adjust the internal or external microphone volu

Change text in this variable definition to document title.74Expanding Your Computer CapabilitiesYou can connect the following peripheral devices to yo

75Customizing Your VAIO ComputerYou can customize the settings of your computer. The following sections briefly describe how to change your computer’s

Change text in this variable definition to document title.76Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup ScreenTo display the Sony Notebook Setup screen1 From t

Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen77Sony Notebook Setup tabsTab DescriptionAbout This Computer Display system information, including memory cap

Change text in this variable definition to document title.78Controlling Power ManagementThe PowerPanel™ utility allows you to control the power manage

Controlling Power Management793 In the left panel, click a profile in which you want to change the settings.4 In the right panel, double-click an item

Change text in this variable definition to document title.8Getting Help...139Support Options ...

Change text in this variable definition to document title.80GamesDisables the display and the Hard Disk Standby timer.PresentationKeeps the display on

Controlling Power Management81Power Management commandsPowerPanel™ also provides power management commands that you can use to activate specific power

Change text in this variable definition to document title.82Displaying Battery InformationYou can display information for each of the batteries in you

Displaying Battery Information83Battery icon descriptionsDisplaying detailed battery informationDouble-click the battery icon on the taskbar to displa

Change text in this variable definition to document title.84Customizing the Battery Information toolbar and alarm systemYou can customize the Battery

Displaying Battery Information855 Click Apply. The “UI Design Selector” window design changes. The window design for your Sony software will match the

Change text in this variable definition to document title.86Selecting the Display ModeThis computer uses the Intel® video controller, which enables yo

Selecting the Display Mode874 Click the Graphics Properties button. 5 Click the Device tab.6 Select the type of display. Intel® 82815 Graphics Control

Change text in this variable definition to document title.88Using the Multilingual User Interface Language Option (Windows® XP Pro only) After you hav

Using the Multilingual User Interface Language Option89To Change Numbers, Currency, Time, and Date FormatsYou can change the system’s number, currency

9WelcomeCongratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer, and welcome tocomputer the online VAIO® Computer User Guide. This user guide pro

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91Adding MemoryIn the future you may want to install memory modules to expand the functionality of your computer. See the Specifications sheet supplie

Change text in this variable definition to document title.92Precautions and ProceduresThe procedures described below assume familiarity with the gener

Removing and Installing a Memory Module93Removing and Installing a Memory Module1 Turn off the computer and all peripheral devices. 2 Disconnect the p

Change text in this variable definition to document title.949 Touch a metal object (such as the connector panel on the back of your computer) to disch

Removing and Installing a Memory Module9514 Snap the connectors into place when the board is correctly seated.15 Close the computer cover and replace

Change text in this variable definition to document title.96Confirming Added Memory Capacity1 Turn on the computer.2 Click Start on the Windows® taskb

97About the Software on Your ComputerYour VAIO® computer is ready to help you work, play, learn, and communicate as soon as you turn it on. This secti

Change text in this variable definition to document title.98America Online®America Online, Inc.America Online is a popular Internet online service. St

About the Software on Your Computer99Microsoft® WordMicrosoft Corp.Microsoft Word software makes it easy to create common Web, e-mail, and print docum