Sony PCV-RX401 User manual

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Sony VAIO Desktop
User Guide
PCV-RX4 series / PCV-7766

Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide
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Notice
© 2002 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved.
This manual and the software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, translated, or reduced to any machine-
readable form without prior written approval.
Sony Corporation provides no warranty with regard to this manual, the software, or other information contained herein and hereby
expressly disclaims any implied warranties or merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose with regard to this manual, the
software or such other information. In no event shall Sony Corporation be liable for any incidental, consequential, or special damages,
whether based on tort, contract, or otherwise, arising out of or in connection with this manual, the software, or other information
contained herein or the use thereof.
Sony Corporation reserves the right to make any modification to this manual or the information contained herein at any time without
notice. The software described herein is governed by the terms of a separate user licence agreement.
Trademarks
Sony, DigitalPrint, DVgate, i.LINK and the i.LINK logo, Net MD, Sony Style Imaging, MovieShaker, Smart Capture, UI Design Selector,
VAIO Action Setup, VAIO Edit Components, VAIO System Information, SonicStage, Memory Stick and the Memory Stick logo, VAIO and
the VAIO logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation.
i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE1394 connection.
Microsoft, Microsoft Works, Windows and the Windows logo, Windows Media and Outlook are trademarks or registered trademarks
of U.S. Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.
Adobe, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Adobe Premiere and Adobe Photoshop Elements are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
QuickTime and the QuickTime logo are trademarks used under licence. QuickTime is registered in the U.S. and other countries.
RealPlayer is a trademark or registered trademark of RealNetworks, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries.
Symantec Norton Antivirus is a trademark of Symantec.
Click to DVD is a trademark of Sony Electronics.

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The USB 2.0 Hi-Speed logo is a registered trademark of Universal Serial Bus Implementers Forum.
EverQuest is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
PowerDVD is a trademark or registered trademark of CyberLink Corporation.
RecordNow DX is a trademark or registered trademark of VERITAS.
All other names of systems, products and services are trademarks of their respective owners. In the manual, the ™ or ®marks are not
specified.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
ENERGY STAR®
As an ENERGY STAR®Partner, Sony has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR®guidelines for energy efficiency. The
International Energy Star®Office Equipment Program is an international program that promotes energy saving through the use of
computers and their office equipment. The program backs the development and dissemination of products with functions that
effectively reduce 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.

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Environmental information
Halogenated flame retardant is not used in cabinets.
Cushions formed by corrugated board are used in packaging.
Safety information
Warnings
General
❑Opening the unit, for whatever reason, could lead to damages that are not covered by the guarantee.
❑To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.
❑To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose your VAIO desktop to rain or moisture.
❑If reporting a gas leak, do not use the modem or a telephone in the vicinity of the leak.
❑Avoid using the modem during a severe electrical storm.
❑The power socket outlet you are using must be installed near the equipment and must be easily
accessible.
❑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 near or on any objects, which emit magnetic fields, mainly:
❑TV sets
❑Speakers

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❑Magnets
❑Magnetic bracelets.
Audio/video
❑Audio and picture distortion may occur if this equipment is positioned in close proximity to any
equipment emitting electromagnetic radiation.
Connectivity
❑Never install modem or telephone wiring during a severe lightning storm.
❑Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is specifically designed for wet locations.
❑Be cautious when installing or modifying telephone lines.
❑To disconnect your VAIO desktop completely from the mains voltage, unplug the power cable.
❑Make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible.
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 disc drives are
classified as CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCTS and comply with the Laser Product Safety Standard EN 60825-1. Repair and maintenance only
by authorised Sony technicians. Improper repairs and use can create safety hazards.
CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT
TO EN 60825-1

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Regulatory information
Sony hereby declares that this product is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of European
Directive 1999/5/EC (radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment Directive).
This product complies with EN 55022 Class B and EN 55024 for use in the following areas: residential, commercial, and light industrial.
This product has been tested and found compliant with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for using connection cables not longer
than 3 metres (9.8 feet).
Before activating the built-in modem, please read the Modem Regulations leaflet.
Disposing of batteries
Your Sony VAIO desktop is equipped with an internal back-up memory battery that should not have to be
replaced during the lifetime of the product. If you want to replace the battery, please contact VAIO-Link:
http://www.vaio-link.com
❑Keep away from children.
❑Dispose of the battery properly at its end-of-life.
❑In some areas the disposal of non-hazardous batteries in household or business waste may be prohibited.
Please use the public waste collection system.
❑Risk of explosion if battery is replaced by an incorrect type. Dispose of used batteries according to the
instructions.

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Welcome
Congratulations on purchasing a Sony VAIO desktop. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio,
video, computing and communications to provide you with state-of-the-art personal computing.
Here are the main features you will be able to enjoy:
❑Exceptional performance - Your PC includes an Intel®processor, an internal modem, and a fast
Ethernet interface.
❑Dual drives – Enjoy the freedom of two drives; depending on your model you have one of the following
combinations*:
A DVD-RW and a CD-ROM drive,
A DVD-ROM and a CD-RW drive,
A DVD-RW and a DVD-ROM drive, or
A DVD-ROM/CD-RW combined drive and a Net MD MiniDisc player.
❑Sony audio and video quality – The advanced graphics card and high-quality external stereo speakers
enable you to take advantage of today’s advanced multimedia applications, games, and entertainment
software.
❑Multimedia features – Enjoy audio and video CDs. Depending on your model, you can also enjoy
MiniDiscs on the Net MD player, Sony’s latest MiniDisc player. Net MD allows high speed transfer of sound
between PC and MiniDisc.
❑Sony Memory Stick™ media slot – The next generation in digital storage allows you to easily transfer
images, sounds, data and text between cameras, computers, and more.
❑VAIO keyboard - Featuring power-on capabilities and shortcut keys to launch your favourite
applications within seconds.
❑Interconnectivity – Your computer has Memory Stick™, USB 2.0 and i.LINK™ functionalities. i.LINK™
is a bi-directional digital interface for exchanging data with compatible devices, such as camcorders.

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❑Windows®XP Home Edition - Your system includes the latest consumer operating system from
Microsoft.
❑Excellent customer support - If you are experiencing any problems with your computer, please check
the VAIO-Link website for a possible solution:
http://www.vaio-link.com
Before contacting VAIO-Link either by e-mail or by telephone, please try to solve the problem by reading
the User Guide or the manuals and help files for the peripherals or software.
* Please read the printed Specifications leaflet for details.
Documentation pack
Your documentation pack contains printed user guides, as well as online user guides presented on a
documentation CD-ROM.
Printed documentation
The printed part of your documentation pack includes the following:
❑A Getting Started brochure, where you will find a brief description of the items in your box, and how
to set up your computer;
❑A Specifications leaflet, with your detailed specifications on one side, and illustrations showing the
connectors on your computer, on the other.
❑A Troubleshooting Guide, where you will find all the basic information to start using your VAIO
desktop, as well as troubleshooting and VAIO-Link information;
❑You r Sony Guarantee conditions;
❑A Safety Regulations Guide for your information;
❑A Modem Regulations leaflet applying to the modem.

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Online documentation
The online documentation includes the following guides:
1The Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide:
❑Using your VAIO desktop shows you how to use the standard components of your system. In this
part of the manual you will also find out what you can do with a Memory Stick™.
❑Connecting peripheral devices explains how you can add functionality by connecting various
peripherals.
❑Getting help explains the support options available to you, and offers basic troubleshooting tips.
❑Precautions provides facts and advice about using your VAIO desktop.
❑Glossary refers to terms used in this manual.
2The Software Guide:
❑About the Software is a short description of the features of the software pre-installed on your
system.
❑Using Video software explains how to use Sony video software: DVgate, MovieShaker and Smart
Capture.
❑Managing audio files with SonicStage describes how to convert your existing MP3, WMA and
WAV format audio files into ATRAC3 format.
❑Using DigitalPrint explains how to get the most enjoyment out of your photographs taken with a
digital camera.
❑Customizing your VAIO computer explains how to set up your system's display and so on.
❑Installing and updating applications details how to install, run or uninstall a software
application.
❑Managing drivers describes how to install, update or uninstall a driver.
❑Using the Product Recovery CD-ROMs explains how to perform a system and application recovery.

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❑Using partitioned drives tells you what you can do with partitioned drives.
3In the VAIO-Link Customer Service Guide you will find all the VAIO-Link information you need,
including specific contact numbers and addresses for each country.
4Consult the Online Help files of the software you are using for detailed information on features and
troubleshooting.
5Refer to the Microsoft Quick Start manual for more information on Windows®.

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Your Sony VAIO desktop and its accessories
The following hardware items are in the box:
* Depending on your model. Please also read the printed Specifications leaflet.
✍Pictures may vary from actual product.
The phone cable is used to connect the internal modem.
1 main unit 6 AC adapter and power cable for speakers*
2 VAIO keyboard with palmrest 7 VAIO wheel mouse
3 power cable 8 speakers (including DC cable*)
4 phone cable 9 documentation pack with CD-ROM
5 phone plug adapter 10 product recovery CD-ROMs

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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:

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❑Position of the keyboard and mouse – Place the keyboard directly in front of you (1). Keep your
forearms horizontal, with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable position (2) while using the keyboard or
mouse – not at an angle. Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides. Use the palm rest only briefly,
to relax your wrists when you are not typing. Place the mouse at the same level as the keyboard and use
your whole arm to move it.
❑Position and viewing angle of the monitor – Set the display at a comfortable viewing distance (3).
Make sure the display screen is at eye level or slightly lower. Use the display’s tilting feature, if available,
to find the best position. You can reduce eye-strain and muscle-fatigue by adjusting the tilt of the display
to the 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 slouching forward or leaning too far backwards.
❑Lighting – Choose a location where windows and lights do not create glare or reflection on the display.
Use indirect lighting to avoid bright spots reflecting on the display. You can also purchase accessories for
your display that help reduce glare. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work effectiveness.
❑Ventilation – Make sure you leave at least 25 cm of space behind and on the left of the main unit (5).
❑And finally – Remember to have breaks during sessions with your computer. Excessive use of the
computer may strain muscles or tendons.

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Using your VAIO desktop
This section describes how to start using your computer and how to use your computer’s internal and
external devices.
❑Locating connectors (page 13)
❑Starting your computer (page 14)
❑Shutting down your computer (page 15)
❑Using the keyboard (page 16)
❑Using the shortcut keys (page 20)
❑Setting up the monitor (page 21)
❑Using the mouse (page 22)
❑Using the CD and DVD drives (page 23)
❑Using the floppy disk drive (page 26)
❑Using the modem (page 27)
❑Expansion capabilities (page 28)
❑Using the Memory Stick™ (page 28)
❑Using the Net MD drive (depending on your model*) (page 37)
❑Using power saving modes (page 38)
Locating connectors
Please see the reverse side of the printed Specifications leaflet to identify connectors on your model.

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Starting your computer
Once you have all the components set up as described in the Getting Started guide, you can begin to use
your computer.
To start up your computer, proceed as follows:
1Press the power button on the system unit until the blue power indicator light turns on (1).
2Press the power button on your monitor to turn the display on (2).
3Push the power button / turn the volume knob on the speakers to turn the sound on (3).
Once you have started using your computer, you can use the shortcut keys on the keyboard to start your
system and launch your favourite application automatically.
✍Picture may vary from actual product.
If you press the power button for more than four seconds, the computer will switch itself off.

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Shutting down your computer
It is important that you shut down your computer properly so you do not lose unsaved data.
To shut down your computer, proceed as follows:
1Click the Start button.
2Click Turn Off Computer.
The Turn off computer screen appears.
3Click Tu r n O ff .
Wait for your computer to turn off automatically.
The power indicator turns off.
4Turn off any peripherals connected to your computer.
✍Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents or to consider other users.
If you are unable to shut down your computer;
- Close all software in use.
- Disconnect any USB devices.
- Press <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Delete> at the same time. If you have not changed the default setting, you will enter the Ta s k M anag er. Select Tur n
Off from the Shut Down menu to turn the computer off.
Alternatively, press <Alt>+<F4> and select Tur n Of f from the screen that appears.
If this does not work, you can press the power button for more than four seconds. This will shut down the computer. This operation may result in loss
of data.
If you want to shut down the computer for a short period only, you can save power by using the Standby mode. Go to Start, Turn Off Computer,
and select Stand By (see Using power saving modes (page 38) for details).

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Using the keyboard
This section describes the features of the VAIO keyboard.
★Tip: Your keyboard has an ergonomic design. You can put it in an upward position on its backside to save space on your desk.
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Keys Descriptions
Escape key (1) The <Esc> (Escape) key is used to cancel commands.
Function keys (2) The twelve function keys along the top of the keyboard are used to perform designated tasks.
For example, in many applications, <F1> is the Help key. The task associated with each function
key may vary from one application to another.
Correction keys (3) The <Insert>, <Back Space> and <Delete> keys enable you to make corrections when typing.
Lock keys (4) Press <Caps Lock> once to activate the uppercase characters. Use the <Num Lock> key to
activate the numerical keypad.
Print Screen key (5) The <Prt Sc> key takes an electronic snapshot of the screen and moves it to the Windows®
Clipboard. You can then paste the screenshot into a document and print it.
Numeric keypad area (6) This contains the keys found on a typical calculator. Use the numeric keypad area to type
numbers or to perform mathematical calculations such as addition and subtraction. Note that
you must press the <Num Lock> key to activate the keypad.
Navigation keys (7) These keys enable you to move the cursor on the screen.
Application key (8)
The <Application> key displays a shortcut menu; pressing this key is equivalent to clicking the
right mouse button.
Operator keys (9) Several keys are used in combination with at least one other key: <Ctrl>, <Alt> and <Shift>.
When held down at the same time as another key, the <Ctrl> (Control) and <Alt> (Alternate)
keys offer another way to execute commands. For example, in many applications, instead of
choosing the Save command from a menu, you can hold down <Ctrl> and press <S> (referred
to as <Ctrl>+<S>). The <Shift> key is used to type capital letters or special symbols such as @
and $.
Windows® key (10)
The key with the Windows®logo displays the Windows®Start menu; it is equivalent to
clicking the Start button on the taskbar.
Shortcut keys (S Keys) (11) You can use these buttons, numbered 1 to 6, to launch straight into assigned applications.
Indicator LEDs (12) A green light indicates whether the Caps Lock, Num Lock, and Scroll Lock functions are
active.
Standby button (13) Press this button either to start up your computer, or to enter Standby mode, or to resume from
a power saving mode.

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Combinations and functions with the Windows®key
<Fn> combination keys
(14)
These keys are used in combination with the <Fn> key to execute the commands depicted
within the box on the key.
<Fn> key (15) The <Fn> key is used in combination with 5 other keys to execute certain commands.
Combinations Function
+< F1> Displays Windows®Help and Support Centre.
+ <Tab> Switches the selected button on the taskbar.
+ <E> Displays My Computer.
+ <F> Displays the Search Results window to find a file or folder. This is equivalent to selecting
Search from the Start menu.
+ <Ctrl> + <F> Displays the Search Results - Computers window where you can locate other computers.
+ <M> Minimises all displayed windows.
<Shift> + + <M>
Returns all minimised windows to their previous size.
+ <R> Displays the Run window. This is equivalent to selecting Run from the Start menu.
+ <U> Launches the Windows®Utility Manager.
+ <L> Locks your computer.
Keys Descriptions

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Combinations and functions with the <Fn> key
Indicators
Combinations/ Feature Functions
<Fn> +
Moves the view to the next page up.
<Fn> +
Moves the view to the next page down.
<Fn> +
Moves the cursor to the beginning of the line.
<Fn> +
Moves the cursor to the end of the line.
<Fn> +
Changes the way in which you can scroll the screen, depending on the
application.
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 appear in
uppercase as you type. The <Shift>
key lowers the case of typed letters
when Caps Lock is on.
Turns off when the letters appear in
lowercase as you type (unless you hold
down the <Shift> key).
Scroll Lock Turns on when the screen scrolls
differently (not all applications
support this function).
Turns off when the information moves
across the display normally.
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