Sony Vaio VGC-RA104 Installation instructions

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Hardware Guide
VGC-RA series (PCV-1156)

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Notice
© 2004 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.
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 otherwise authorised by Macrovision.
Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.
In the manual, the ™ or ® marks are not specified.
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.
Please note that the illustrations in this manual may not necessarily apply to your model. Please see the Specifications sheet for the
specific configuration of your VAIO.

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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.
Environmental information
Halogenated flame retardant not used in cabinets.
Cushions formed by corrugated board used in packaging.
Owner's record
The serial number, model number and product key are located on the back of your Sony desktop. Record the numbers and refer to
them if you call VAIO-Link. See also the printed Specifications document.

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Safety information
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.
❑Risk of explosion if battery is replaced by an incorrect type. Dispose of used batteries according to the instructions.
❑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 near or on any objects, which emit
magnetic fields, mainly:
❑TV sets
❑Speakers
❑Magnets and magnetic bracelets.
Audio/video
Audio and picture distortion may occur if this equipment is positioned in close proximity to any equipment emitting electromagnetic
radiation.

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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.
❑Take care 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.

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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).
Declaration of Conformity
The European Union is targeting the free movement of goods for the internal market and to prevent technical barriers to trade. This effort has resulted in several EU
Directives asking that manufacturers make their products comply with essential standards. Manufacturers are required to affix the "CE" mark on the products they
sell and to draw up a "Declaration of Conformity" (DoC).
Primarily, the Declarations of Conformity 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 and can be downloaded. Please note that the availability of declarations depends on the scope of the EU Directives and the individual product
specifications.
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.
The optical disc drive is classified as a CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT and complies 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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Disposing of the internal memory backup battery
❑Your Sony VAIO desktop is equipped with an internal back-up memory battery (motherboard 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: 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.
Disposing of the AA batteries
Some models are delivered with a remote control.
❑The bundled remote control is powered by AA batteries.
❑Do not handle damaged or leaking batteries.
❑Dispose of promptly and properly at end-of-life.
❑May explode or leak if recharged, disposed of in fire, mixed with other types of battery or improperly installed.
❑Keep away from children.
❑In some areas, the disposal of batteries in household or business waste may be prohibited. Please use the public collection
system.

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Welcome
Hardware Guide
Welcome
Congratulations on purchasing a Sony VAIO computer. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing
and communications to provide you with state-of-the-art personal computing.
As well as exceptional performance, here are the main features you can enjoy:
❑Dual drives – Enjoy the freedom of two optical disc drives.
❑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. You can link up your PC to your
Home Cinema equipment and enjoy surround sound.
❑Multimedia features – Enjoy audio and video CDs and DVDs, even record them yourself.
❑Dual layer video storage - This new DVD media format allows writing in 2 layers for increased video storage capacity (8.5GB
as compared to 4.7GB standard DVD).
❑Giga Pocket – Take advantage of the Giga Pocket technology, allowing you to watch TV and record your favourite programs
digitally and by remote control.
❑Sony Memory Stick PRO/Duo 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, xD-Picture and Secure Digital/MMC
functionalities.
❑Serial ATA - This port on your hard drive allows you to expand your computer with up to 4 additional hard drives.
❑Windows XP – Your system includes the latest 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: www.vaio-link.com. Before contacting VAIO-Link, please try to solve the problem by reading this guide,
your printed Guide to Troubleshooting, or the manuals and help files for the peripherals or software.

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Documentation pack
Your documentation pack contains printed information and user guides to read on your computer.
The user guides can be found on your desktop through My Info Centre and the My Documentation icon.
You may have a separate disc for the documentation of bundled accessories.
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 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 and Recovering your VAIO System, where you will find solutions to common problems, an
explanation of how to recover your computer’s system if you need to, and VAIO-Link information;
❑Your Sony Guarantee conditions;
❑A Safety Regulations leaflet;
❑A Modem Regulations leaflet.
❑Certain models only: Wireless LAN Accessories Regulations Guide for the Wireless LAN accessories PCWA-A320 and
PCWA-DE30.

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Non-printed documentation
Click on the desktop icon , then My Documentation to view the VAIO user guides.
❑The Hardware Guide (this guide) explains the features of your VAIO in detail, how to use these features confidently and safely,
connect peripheral devices, upgrade your computer, and more.
❑The Software Guide describes how to register your VAIO, the software features available with VAIO systems, how to change
settings, how to manage drivers and more.
❑The Giga Pocket manual explains how to watch and record TV and video on your PC.
My Documentation also gives you:
❑A direct link to the VAIO-Link website, Sony’s service centre. This will give you troubleshooting hints, downloads, contact details,
and everything else you need for the smooth operation of your VAIO.
❑Help files about reading the guides.
❑Important information about your computer, in the form of notices and announcements.
Depending on your model you may have accessories with the following guides on a separate disc:
❑The Network Media Receiver manual, explaining how to display audio, video and photos files stored on a different computer.
❑Guides for the Wireless LAN accessories PCWA-A320 and PCWA-DE30.

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My Info Centre also gives you:
My Software
Feeling creative? Click on this icon for an overview of your software and check out our upgrade options.
My VAIO essentials
Want to expand the capabilities of your VAIO? Click on this icon and have a look at your compatible accessories.
My Websites
Click on this icon and check out our most popular websites.
My ISP
Click on this icon to find out about the preferred offerings from our partners and access the world of the internet.
Further sources
❑Consult the Online Help files of the software you are using for detailed information on features and troubleshooting.
❑Go to www.club-vaio.com to find online tutorials about your favourite VAIO software.
❑Go to www.vaio-link.com to find extra guides for wireless connection setup (depending on your model).

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Hardware Guide
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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Welcome
Hardware Guide
❑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 computer
Hardware Guide
Using your VAIO computer
Once you have read and followed the information in the printed Getting Started guide and Specifications sheet, you can start using
your computer safely and confidently. Read on to get the most out of using your VAIO computer.
❑Shutting down your computer safely (page 14)
❑Using the keyboard (page 15)
❑Using the TV function (page 17)
❑Using the mouse (page 18)
❑Using the disc drives (page 20)
❑Using the floppy disk drive (page 23)
❑Using the modem (page 24)
❑Using power modes (page 25)
❑Using the media slots (page 28)
❑About PC Cards (page 37)
❑Expansion capabilities (page 39)

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Using your VAIO computer
Hardware Guide
Shutting down your computer safely
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:
1Turn off any peripherals connected to your computer.
2Click the Start button.
3Click Turn Off Computer.
The Turn off computer window appears.
4Click Turn Off.
5Respond 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 down your computer.

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Hardware Guide
Using the keyboard
Your computer is delivered with a VAIO keyboard. The features are much the same a standard keyboard, plus some additional
functions.
For information on the standard keys and shortcuts, please go to the Windows Help and Support Center. The VAIO-Link website
(www.vaio-link.com) also contains glossary information to help you use the keyboard.
Indicators
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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Hardware Guide
Using the shortcut keys
Along the top of your keyboard are several shortcut keys, indicated by pictures. You can use shortcut keys to start your favourite
software without having to click the shortcut icon on the desktop. Use a shortcut key simply by pressing it.
The shortcut keys come with the following functions:
Eject - upper button : Opens or closes the top disc tray.
Eject - lower button : Opens or closes the bottom disc tray.
Video : Launches Giga Pocket. If Giga Pocket is not installed, it launches DVgate Plus.
Music : Launches SonicStage.
Picture : Launches PictureGear Studio.
Help : Launches the Help and Support Center.
With the keyboard you can also eject discs from both optical drives, set the sound with the Mute and Volume control buttons or
put your PC in sleep (standby or hibernate) mode.
✍You cannot change the functions of all keys. You can only reprogram the Sleep (Standby/hibernate) button on the Power Options Advanced tab.

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Using the TV function
Your computer is equipped with a TV-tuner board. In combination with Sony's Giga Pocket software, it allows you to:
❑Watch, record and play back analogue broadcasted cable and terrestrial TV programmes, all by remote control;
❑Digitise analogue video and audio using the S-Video or composite and audio inputs;
❑Manage 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.
When you watch TV with Giga Pocket, the audio output is analogue only. You cannot use the optical-out port for digital viewing with Giga Pocket.
For details on using Giga Pocket and the remote control, please see the dedicated online guide under My Documentation.

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Using the mouse
The VAIO wheel mouse allows you to control the cursor in a number of ways. You can point to, select, drag and scroll objects on
the screen using the buttons and the wheel. Your computer is delivered with a VAIO PS/2 optical mouse, which uses a light-emitting
diode (LED) instead of a ball. Avoid using the mouse on a piece of glass or other transparent material, as this can interfere with
smooth cursor movement on the screen.
The mouse has the following functions:
You can adjust the mouse pointer speed and other functions under Mouse Properties. To display Mouse Properties, go to the
Control Panel, select Printers and Other Hardware, then select Mouse.
Button Function
1 Left button Click or double-click the left button to select
items. To drag and drop items, hold the left button
down while sliding the mouse, then release the
button to drop the item.
2 Right button Press the right button once to display a context-
sensitive shortcut menu (not always an active
function).
3 Central wheel Turn the central wheel to scroll up or down a page.
Press the wheel once to lock the scroll action and
control the movement by moving the entire mouse
(the scroll function is available only with
applications that support it).

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