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Using your VAIO computer

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Using the media slots

As well as the Sony Memory Stick, your VAIO computer also supports other high capacity memory card 
formats, such as CompactFlash and SmartMedia. You can exchange digital data with a number of compatible 
products, such as digital cameras, mobile phones or handheld devices.

Please refer the manual of the individual devices and memory cards.

Some devices may not support the formats that this PC uses as standard. In this case, you may see a message telling you to format the card. 

Before you use memory cards other than Memory Sticks in devices such as a digital camera or audio device, you must format them beforehand on the 
device which you use to record data. Please be aware that formatting the card will delete all the data on it.

The 

Sony UMH-U HS-XX USB Device

 icon (or similar) is shown in the taskbar when a USB device is in use. However, it also runs Memory Sticks, 

CompactFlash cards and SmartMedia. It is important that you do not use this icon to disable these memory cards, as it disables all the slots. If you 
accidentally remove any of the cards via this icon, please restart your computer.

Summary of Contents for VAIO PCV-2236

Page 1: ...N Hardware Guide P C V R S s e r i e s P C V 2 2 3 6 ...

Page 2: ...or in connection with this manual the software or other information contained herein or the use thereof Macrovision This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by U S patents and other intellectual property rights Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorised by Macrovision and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwis...

Page 3: ...duce energy consumption It is an open system in which business proprietors can participate voluntarily The targeted products are office equipment such as computers displays printers facsimiles and copiers Their standards and logos are uniform among participating nations ENERGY STAR is a U S registered mark Environmental information Halogenated flame retardant not used in cabinets Cushions formed b...

Page 4: ...a severe electrical storm The power socket outlet you are using must be installed near the equipment and must be easily accessible Do not move your computer while the system is in Standby mode The magnetic properties of some objects can have serious consequences for your hard disk drive They can erase the data on the hard disk drive and cause the computer to malfunction Do not place your computer ...

Page 5: ...cessible Optical disc drive The use of optical instruments can cause eye hazard As the laser beam used in this product is harmful to the eyes do not attempt any disassembling process For servicing refer to qualified personnel only There is visible and invisible radiation when the optical disc drive is open avoid direct exposure to the laser beam The optical disc drives are classified as CLASS 1 LA...

Page 6: ... are intended for the market surveillance authorities as proof that products satisfy the required standards Additionally Sony provides these EU DoC s on the website http www compliance sony de as a service to our customers You can search for all Declarations of Conformity available for a specific product by typing in the model name in the search box A list of matching documents will be displayed a...

Page 7: ...ehold or business waste may be prohibited Please use the public waste collection system Disposing of the AA batteries Some models are delivered with a remote control The bundled remote control is powered by AA batteries For installing the batteries please refer to the Giga Pocket manual in the VAIO Info Centre Do not handle damaged or leaking batteries Dispose of promptly and properly at end of li...

Page 8: ...Giga Pocket technology allowing you to watch TV and record your favourite programs digitally and by remote control Sony Memory Stick slot This compact digital storage medium allows you to easily transfer images sounds data and text between cameras computers and more Interconnectivity Your computer has Memory Stick USB 2 0 i LINK CompactFlash and SmartMedia functionalities Windows XP Your system in...

Page 9: ...cription of the items in your box and how to set up your computer A Specifications sheet containing a table of specifications a list of bundled software and on the reverse side a guide to setting up your VAIO A Guide to Troubleshooting Using the VAIO Recovery and Documentation Disc where you will find solutions to common problems an explanation of the purpose and use of the VAIO disc delivered wit...

Page 10: ...AIO systems Depending on your model you may have the following guides The Giga Pocket manual which explains how to watch and record TV and video on your PC The Network Media Receiver manual explaining how to display audio video and photos files stored on a different computer Further sources Consult the Online Help files of the software you are using for detailed information on features and trouble...

Page 11: ...Hardware Guide Welcome 10 n N Ergonomic considerations Whenever possible try and take into account the following ergonomic considerations when using your new computer whether at home or in the office ...

Page 12: ... proper position Remember to adjust the brightness setting of the display If you are using a CRT monitor make sure that the refresh rate is at an optimal level that is at least 75Hz Furniture and posture Sit in a chair with good back support 4 Adjust the level of the chair so your feet are flat on the floor A footrest may make you more comfortable Sit in a relaxed upright posture and avoid slouchi...

Page 13: ...sing your computer safely and confidently Read on to get the most out of using your VAIO computer Shutting down your computer safely page 13 Using the keyboard page 14 Using the TV function page 15 Using the mouse page 16 Using the disc drives page 18 Using the floppy disk drive page 22 Using the modem page 23 Using power modes page 25 Using the media slots page 28 Expansion capabilities page 35 ...

Page 14: ...lows 1 Turn off any peripherals connected to your computer 2 Click the Start button 3 Click Turn Off Computer The Turn off computer window appears 4 Click Turn Off 5 Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents or to consider other users and wait for your computer to turn off automatically The power indicator turns off See the printed Troubleshooting Guide if you have problems shutting dow...

Page 15: ...having to click the shortcut icon on the desktop Use an S Key simply by pressing it If you want to you can use VAIO Action Setup to change the functions of the S Keys All the buttons are reprogrammable Light On Off Num Lock Turns on when the number keys in the numeric keypad are active Turns off when the alphanumeric character keys in the keypad area are active Caps Lock Turns on when the letters ...

Page 16: ...ge your video units capsules preview them and create multiple folders Set up a timer to record channels at a repeated time Suspend viewing TV time shifting Stream your recorded TV contents via Ethernet or WLAN to connected PCs Export your video capsules to MPEG2 MPEG1 and DVI AVI files Sony cannot guarantee the streaming of recorded content if it is beyond a certain level of high quality For detai...

Page 17: ... Function Action point Move the entire mouse across a flat surface to place the pointer on an item or object click Press the left button 1 once double click Press the left button twice right click Press the right button 2 once In many applications this action displays a context sensitive shortcut menu drag and drop Hold the left button down while sliding the mouse Then release the button to drop t...

Page 18: ...handed users proceed as follows 1 Go to Start select Control Panel then click the Printers and Other Hardware option 2 Click the mouse icon The Mouse Properties dialog box appears 3 In the Buttons tab select the option button next to Switch primary and secondary buttons 4 Click OK The new mouse settings are now in place ...

Page 19: ...s data from DVDs and CDs A CD RW drive reads data from and writes to CDs A CD ROM drive reads data from CDs To insert a disc proceed as follows 1 Turn on the computer 2 Press the appropriate eject button to open the drive The cover flap opens and the tray slides out 3 Place a disc in the tray with the label side facing upwards Make sure the disc is secure in the centre of the tray 4 Close the tray...

Page 20: ...omputer while writing data to a disc For optimal writing speed deactivate the screensaver before writing data to a disc Memory resident disc utilities may cause unstable operation or data loss Deactivate these utilities before writing data to a disc When using a software application to burn discs make sure you exit and close all other applications Never touch the surface of the disc Fingerprints a...

Page 21: ...access of discs because they may cause the system to become unstable Make sure that the screensaver is deactivated Region codes indicators are labelled on the DVDs to indicate in which region and on what type of player you can play the disc Unless a 2 Europe belongs to region 2 or ALL this means that you can play this DVD everywhere in the world is labelled on your DVD disc or on the packaging you...

Page 22: ...el 3 Click Appearance and Themes and then Display The Display Properties dialog box appears 4 Click the Settings tab 5 Click Advanced If the NVIDIA GeForce FX dialog box appears proceed as follows 1 Click nView Display Mode on the left 2 Select the Clone check box 3 Click Overlay Controls on the left 4 Make your required settings here and click OK when you have finished If the ATI RADEON dialog bo...

Page 23: ... remove a floppy disk proceed as follows 1 Wait until the LED indicator turns off 2 Press the eject button and pull the disk out gently Do not press the eject button when the LED indicator is turned on Otherwise data may be lost Troubleshooting floppy disks My floppy disk drive cannot write to a floppy disk The floppy disk is write protected Disable the write protect feature or use a floppy disk t...

Page 24: ...the phone line is working You can check the line by plugging in an ordinary phone and listening for a dial tone Check that the phone number the program is dialling is correct The modem dialling mode may be incompatible with your telephone line The modem may not work properly if you are using a Private Automatic Branch eXchange PABX In the Phone and Modem Options dialog box Control Panel Phone and ...

Page 25: ...ur present location is explained in Configuring your modem in the Software Guide My modem connection is slow Many factors influence modem connection speed including telephone line noise or compatibility with telephone equipment such as fax machines or other modems If you think your modem is not connecting properly to other PC based modems fax machines or your Internet Service Provider check the fo...

Page 26: ...he timer for your computer to automatically enter Standby or Hibernate mode after a certain amount of time go to Control Panel click Performance and Maintenance and change the settings under Power Options VAIO light Power indicator Mode Blue No light Computer is in Normal mode No light Amber Computer is in Standby mode No light No light Computer is turned off or in Hibernate mode ...

Page 27: ...ve your work close all applications and close your Internet connection if applicable 2 From the Start menu on the Windows taskbar select Turn Off Computer Alternatively press Alt F4 to get to the same dialog box 3 Select Stand By The computer goes into Standby mode indicated by the amber light of the power indicator To return to Normal mode press any key on the keyboard You can leave Windows runni...

Page 28: ...1 Save your work 2 From the Start menu on the Windows taskbar select Turn Off Computer Alternatively press Alt F4 until the Turn Off Computer screen is displayed 3 In the Turn Off Computer screen hold down the Shift key to reveal the Hibernate button 4 Click Hibernate The computer goes into Hibernate mode the computer turns off To return to Normal mode quickly press the power button Operation retu...

Page 29: ...n this case you may see a message telling you to format the card Before you use memory cards other than Memory Sticks in devices such as a digital camera or audio device you must format them beforehand on the device which you use to record data Please be aware that formatting the card will delete all the data on it The Sony UMH U HS XX USB Device icon or similar is shown in the taskbar when a USB ...

Page 30: ...ographs The Memory Stick family ranges in capacity and compatibility To find out more about the Memory Stick features go to the VAIO Info Centre click on Welcome Cool Sony Links and then Memory Stick This will take you to the dedicated website Please see your printed Specifications sheet to see which Memory Stick types are compatible with your VAIO and if there are any limitations You can purchase...

Page 31: ...g devices such as digital cameras personal digital assistants PDAs and other handheld devices SmartMedia is similar in size to the CompactFlash card although significantly thinner with storage capacities ranging up to 128 MB This computer supports only SmartMedia with a capacity of 4 MB to 128 MB under a voltage power of 3 3 V The SmartMedia slot is not for any use other than the writing reading o...

Page 32: ...e indicator light is not on 2 Push the Memory Stick or card in to release it and then pull it out You are recommended to remove the memory card before shutting down the computer If an error message appears when you remove it insert the memory card into the slot again and press Enter Wait until the active application finishes then remove the memory card If the message confirms the ejection of the c...

Page 33: ...the tab to the right or left to set or release write protection On the 128 MB Memory Stick move the tab up or down When the erasure prevention switch is off data can be saved on the memory card When the erasure prevention switch is on data can be read from but not saved on the memory card This image does not apply to the 128 MB Memory Stick which has a vertical lock SmartMedia locks may also diffe...

Page 34: ...nclude a high transfer rate for fast copy download and a high storage capacity This slot cannot be use anything except for writing and reading memory cards or storage device cards Some CompactFlash cards may require you to disable idle devices during use You may not be able to use some of the card s features with this computer Your system may run into serious problems if you remove the card or tur...

Page 35: ... memory cards as it disables all the slots If you accidentally remove any of the cards via this icon please restart your computer To remove a CompactFlash card proceed as follows 1 Make sure the card is not in use and the indicator is not lit 2 Press the release button once so it is extended and ready for use 3 Push the release button again to eject the card 4 Gently grasp the card and pull it out...

Page 36: ...rd slot If your model has Giga Pocket functions this is a PCI slot containing the Giga Pocket the ports Otherwise this is an empty slot Bottom slot CNR slot containing the modem card Empty PCI slots allow you the choice of adding to the expansion capabilities of your computer You are strongly advised not to add hardware yourself Please contact your local Sony dealer for advice on changing the inte...

Page 37: ...display page 37 Connecting a Universal Serial Bus USB device page 41 Connecting a printer page 42 Connecting an i LINK device page 43 Connecting an S PDIF device page 45 Connecting a microphone page 45 Connecting to a network page 46 Sony computer supplies accessories and peripherals can be purchased from your local retailer or from the Sony website www sonystyle europe com For more information ab...

Page 38: ... of the following viewing possibilities If you have a VGA and a DVI display connected at the same time you can switch from one display to the other the default is VGA but you cannot display the image on both at the same time If you have a VGA and a TV connected the image is shown on both screens by default If you have a DVI and a TV connected the image is shown on both screens by default If you ha...

Page 39: ...s 1 Click nView Display Mode on the left 2 Select the Device Settings button 3 Click Select Output Device and select the required display 4 Click OK If the ATI RADEON dialog box appears proceed as follows 1 Click the Displays tab 2 Select the device button you want to use 3 Click OK If you reboot after changing the settings as above the default setting returns and the image is shown on the VGA scr...

Page 40: ... proceed as follows 1 Plug one end of the TV video out cable into the TV video out port on the back of your computer 2 Take your composite cable not supplied and connect one end to the inserted TV video out cable 3 Connect the other end to the yellow coloured port video in on your TV set The video output is now in place 4 Connect the single end of your audio cable not supplied to the headphones po...

Page 41: ...er end of the S video cable into your TV s S video port To enable TV output proceed as follows 1 Go to Control Panel 2 Click Appearance and Themes 3 Click Display The Display Properties dialog box appears 4 Click the Settings tab 5 Click Advanced If the NVIDIA GeForce FX dialog box appears proceed as follows 1 Click nView Display Mode on the left 2 Select Clone and click Apply If the ATI RADEON di...

Page 42: ...nnecting these devices unless the manual supplied with the device states otherwise For some USB devices you need to install the software before you connect the device Not following this procedure might cause the device not to work properly For more information check the manual provided with the USB device The Sony UMH U HS XX USB Device icon or similar is shown in the taskbar when a USB device is ...

Page 43: ...rinter s USB cable into one of the USB ports on your computer the Found New Hardware Wizard will guide you through any setup procedure you need to follow If the printer is not automatically installed you can try the following 1 From the Control Panel select Printers and Other Hardware then Printers and Faxes 2 Under Printer Tasks click Add a printer 3 Let the Add Printer Wizard guide you through t...

Page 44: ...th an i LINK connection may communicate with each other Please refer to the documentation that came with your compatible i LINK device and software for information on operating conditions and proper connection Connecting a digital video camera recorder To connect a digital video camera recorder proceed as follows 1 Plug one end of the i LINK cable not supplied into the i LINK port of the computer ...

Page 45: ...I record images to a digital video device using DVgate I see an error message Close all open applications and restart your computer Frequently recording images to a digital video device while using DVgate sometimes causes this error Your DV device will need to have DV In Out in order to be able to transfer your files to the DV device I cannot use digital devices Check that the DV device is turned ...

Page 46: ...ld degrade the signal quality Please read the documentation provided with your optical device for connection information Connecting a microphone Your VAIO desktop does not contain an internal microphone If you need to use a sound input device for example to chat on the Internet you need to plug in an external microphone To connect an external microphone plug the microphone cable into the microphon...

Page 47: ...s 4 Under Network Adapters right click the name of the adapter 5 Click Properties 6 Under Device Usage select Use this device enable 7 Click OK to close the Properties window The Ethernet connection is now enabled Connect only 10BASE T 100BASE TX cables to the Ethernet port Using other cables or a telephone cable may cause a malfunction excessive heat or even fire in the port If using this compute...

Page 48: ...tion of your system may vary from the illustrations depending on the computer purchased To view the hardware configuration for your computer see the printed Specifications sheet Your VAIO desktop and memory modules use high precision components and electronic connector technology To avoid the invalidation of your guarantee by mishandling it is recommended that You contact your local Sony dealer to...

Page 49: ... very hot during operation Wait for about one hour for the computer to cool down before opening the unit 4 Position the main unit so the back panel is facing you 5 Unscrew the three cover release screws located on the edges of the back panel and set them aside The cover is released 6 Slide the cover towards the back of the unit to remove it This illustration may not correspond to the configuration...

Page 50: ...gulatory compliance required for using and modifying electronic equipment Disconnect the system from its power source and from any telecommunication links networks or modems before you open the system Failure to do so may result in personal injury or equipment damage Do not open the memory module package until you are ready to install the module The package protects the module from ESD Use the spe...

Page 51: ...r To add or change a memory module proceed as follows 1 Shut down the computer unplug it and remove any peripheral devices 2 Wait for the computer to cool down then open the unit as described in Opening the unit page 48 3 Gently place the unit on its side 4 To remove an existing memory module release the end latches and gently lift out the module as shown may vary from actual configuration ...

Page 52: ...escribed in Closing the unit page 52 There is only one correct way to insert the memory module Make sure the rivet of the module is lined up with the connector Use only the memory modules specified on the printed Specifications sheet To avoid damaging a memory module or the memory module slot move the side latches slightly outward to relieve pressure The module is properly inserted when the side l...

Page 53: ...ter 52 n N Closing the unit To replace the cover proceed as follows 1 Align the cover to the frame of the unit 2 Slide the side cover firmly over the unit sliding it forward until the cover snaps into place 3 Replace the three release screws ...

Page 54: ... your computer you can access the VAIO Link website for troubleshooting Go to www vaio link com e Support This interactive part of our website www vaio link com allows you to get in contact with our dedicated support team over the internet Using a personalised account you can log your technical queries with ease VAIO Link help lines Before contacting VAIO Link by telephone try to solve the problem...

Page 55: ...upport Team Who can use e Support All registered VAIO customers are entitled to unlimited access to the VAIO Link e Support Web Portal How can I access the e Support portal When you register your VAIO computer online at Club VAIO www club vaio com you will automatically receive an email with the link to the e Support Web Portal your Customer ID and some basic explanation a few hours later All you ...

Page 56: ... any time Yes you can submit your questions 24 7 but please keep in mind that our e Support Team can only treat your queries from Monday till Friday between 8am and 6pm Is there a cost involved for using e Support No this is a complete free of charge service offered to all registered VAIO customers How do I know when the e Support Team has handled my query case As soon as your case has been dealt ...

Page 57: ...rotect your computer from potential damage Please contact VAIO Link if you need assistance On handling the hard disk page 57 On using the power source page 58 On handling your computer page 59 On handling LCD screens page 60 On handling floppy disks page 61 On handling discs page 61 On handling Memory Sticks page 62 ...

Page 58: ...u should be careful when handling your computer To avoid damaging your hard disk Do not subject your computer to sudden movements Keep the computer away from magnets Do not place your computer in a location subject to mechanical vibration or in an unstable position Do not move your computer while the power is on Do not turn off the power or restart the computer while reading or writing data to dis...

Page 59: ...er You can purchase a power strip with a surge protector This device prevents damage to your computer caused by sudden power surges in an electrical storm for example Do not place heavy objects on the power cord To disconnect the cord pull it out by the plug Never pull the cord itself Unplug your computer from the wall outlet if you are planning to not use the computer for a long time Make sure th...

Page 60: ...iators or air ducts Direct sunlight Excessive dust Moisture or rain Mechanical vibration or shock Strong magnets or speakers that are not magnetically shielded An ambient temperature of more than 35ºC or less than 5ºC High humidity Do not place electronic equipment near your computer The electromagnetic field of your computer may cause a malfunction Provide adequate air circulation to prevent inte...

Page 61: ...uter near a window Do not scratch the LCD or exert pressure on it This could cause malfunction Using the computer in low temperature conditions may produce a residual image on the screen This is not a malfunction When the computer returns to normal temperature the screen returns to normal A residual image may appear on the screen if the same image is displayed for a lengthy period of time The resi...

Page 62: ...ts edge and central hole as shown Proper care of the disc is essential to its continuous reliability Do not use solvents such as benzene thinning agents commercially available cleaners or anti static spray as they may cause damage to the disc For normal cleaning hold the disc by its edge and use a soft cloth to wipe the surface from the centre out If the disc is badly soiled moisten a soft cloth w...

Page 63: ...y Stick as a label Do not bend drop or apply heavy shock to the Memory Stick Do not disassemble or modify Memory Sticks Do not let Memory Sticks get wet Do not use or store Memory Sticks in a location subject to Extremely high temperatures such as in a car parked in the sun Direct sunlight High humidity or Corrosive substances Use the storage case supplied with the Memory Stick ...

Page 64: ... are trademarks used under licence QuickTime is registered in the U S and other countries RealOne Player is a trademark or registered trademark of RealNetworks Inc in the U S and other countries MoodLogic is a trademark of MoodLogic Inc PowerPanel is a trademark of Phoenix Technologies Ltd Norton Internet Security 2003 is a trademark of Symantec Corporation EverQuest is a registered trademark of S...

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