Sony Vaio VGC-RA204 Installation instructions

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Hardware Guide
VGC-RA series (PCV-A11M)

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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 retardants are not used in cabinets.
Corrugated cardboard is used for packaging cushions.
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.
You can find detailed safety information in the Regulations Guide.
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.
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.

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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.
Before activating the built-in modem, please read the Regulaions Guide leaflet.
You can find detailed safety information in the Regulations Guide.

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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).
❑VAIO Zone – Take advantage of this new software application, allowing you to enjoy music, video, and photos locally or through
a home networking environment. If your computer has TV tuner functionalities, you can also watch/record TV on your VAIO.
❑TVTV – tvtv takes your VAIO's TV functions to a new level. Never miss your favourite TV programme again, by remote-recording
it via the Internet onto your TV tuner-equipped VAIO. The tvtv Interactive Programme Guide gives you a comprehensive overview
of what's on when and automatically synchronises it with your VAIO, wherever you happen to be at the time.
❑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.

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❑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 and Recovering your VAIO System, the online help files in the Windows Help and
Support Center 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.
Guides are provided in PDF format, which you can easily browse through and print out.
The My Info Centre portal is a perfect starting point to using your VAIO - a comprehensive collection of everything you need to get
the most from your PC.
The user guides are collected under My Documentation, which can be shown as follows:
1Go to Start and click the My Info Centre icon .
2From My Home, select your country and language from the drop-down boxes.
3From the pictures at the top of the window click My Documentation .
4Select the guide you want to read.
✍You can manually browse to the user guides by going to My Computer > VAIO (C:) (your C drive) > My Documentation > Documentation and opening the folder for your
language.
You may have a separate disc for the documentation of bundled accessories.

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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 the purpose and use of the VAIO disc delivered with your computer, and VAIO-Link information;
❑Booklets containing the following information: Sony Guarantee conditions, Safety Regulations, Modem Regulations and
Wireless LAN Regulations;
❑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
My Documentation contains the following 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 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 VAIO Zone guide explains the valuable features of VAIO’s multimedia portal. If your computer has TV tuner functionalities,
this is where you will find information about watching/recording TV on your VAIO.
My Documentation also gives you:
❑Help files about reading the guides.
❑Important information about your computer, in the form of notices and announcements.
In My Info Centre you can also find:
My Software
Feeling creative? Click 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 this icon and check out our most popular websites.
My ISP
Click this icon to find out about the preferred offerings from our partners and access the world of the internet.
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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Further sources
❑Go to Start > Help and Support for VAIO support information as well as tips and tricks.
❑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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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 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 16)
❑Using the keyboard (page 17)
❑Using the pointing device (page 22)
❑Using the TV function (page 24)
❑Using the mouse (page 25)
❑Using the disc drives (page 29)
❑Using the floppy disk drive (page 33)
❑Using the modem (page 34)
❑Using power modes (page 35)
❑Using the media slots (page 38)
❑Using PC Cards (page 47)
❑Expansion capabilities (page 49)

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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 Guide to Troubleshooting and Recovering your VAIO System if you have problems shutting down your computer.

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Hardware Guide
Using the keyboard
Your VAIO is delivered with a wireless keyboard. You can place the keyboard anywhere you find comfortable within a range of
approx. 10 m* from the receiver.
The keyboard has a standard key arrangement and additional keys that perform specific functions. For more information on the
standard keys and shortcuts, please go to the Windows Help and Support Center (Start > Help and Support). The VAIO-Link
website (www.vaio-link.com) also contains glossary information to help you use the keyboard.
* Effective usage distance depending on the environment.

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KEY FUNCTION
1Standby Press the button to place the computer in Standby mode. Press the power button or Standby key briefly to resume normal
operation.
2Numeric keypad Use the numeric keypad to type numbers or to perform basic maths calculations. Press the Num Lock key to activate the
numeric keypad. Press the Num Lock key again to deactivate the numeric keypad.
3Directional arrows The Up, Down, Left, and Right arrow keys move the pointer on the screen.
4Applications The Applications key displays a shortcut menu in certain software programmes. Pressing this key is equivalent to clicking
the right mouse button.
5 Pointing device See Using the pointing device (page 22) for more information.
6Windows The Microsoft Windows key displays the Start menu. Pressing this key is equivalent to clicking Start on the taskbar.

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7<Fn> key Used in combination with other keys to execute commands.
<Fn>+<F2>: Turns off the speaker sound.
<Fn>+<F3>: Decreases the volume of the speakers.
<Fn>+<F4>: Increases the volume of the speakers.
8Function keys The 12 function keys along the top of the keyboard are used to perform certain tasks. The task associated with each function
key may vary from one application to the next.
9LEDscreen Num Lock:
Turns on when the number keys in the numeric keypad are active.
Caps Lock:
Turns on when the letters appear in uppercase as you type. The <Shift> key lowers the case of typed characters when
Caps Lock is on.
Scroll Lock:
Turns on when the screen scrolls differently (not all applications support this function).
Battery:
A battery LED indicator shows you when the battery is full or empty.
10 Battery compartment Storage compartment for the AA batteries.
11 Keyboard feet Extend to adjust the keyboard height.
12 CONNECT button Press to enable the keyboard to communicate with the system unit.
KEY FUNCTION