Sony VAIO PCV-LX1 User Manual
Sony VAIO PCV-LX1 User Manual

Sony VAIO PCV-LX1 User Manual

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Sony VAIO Desktop
User Guide
P C V - L X 1

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Summary of Contents for Sony VAIO PCV-LX1

  • Page 1 Sony VAIO Desktop User Guide P C V - L X 1...
  • Page 2: Read This First

    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 license agreement.
  • Page 3 All other names of systems, products and services are trademarks of their respective owners. In the manual, the ™ or specified. Specifications are subject to change without notice. As an E Partner, Sony has determined that this product meets the E NERGY The International E NERGY computers and their office equipment.
  • Page 4: Safety Information

    Safety information Owner's record The model number and serial number are located on the back panel of your Sony VAIO desktop. Record the serial number in the space provided here. Refer to the model and serial number when you call VAIO-Link.
  • Page 5 Read this first 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 To disconnect your VAIO desktop completely from the mains voltage, unplug the power cable. Make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible.
  • Page 6: Regulatory Information

    3 metres (9.8 feet). 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.
  • Page 7 Exceptional performance - Your PC includes an Intel CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive. Sony audio and video quality - A high-resolution LCD screen with built-in stereo speakers enables you to take advantage of today’s advanced multimedia applications, games, and entertainment software. Multimedia LCD display - Select the perfect viewing angle: With its unique dual-hinge pedestal, the 15”...
  • Page 8: Documentation Pack

    Specifications lists details on your computer, drivers and accessories. Refer to your Software Guide for information on the bundled software and the Sony applications. About the software is a short description of the features of the software pre-installed on your...
  • Page 9 Welcome Customizing your VAIO desktop explains how to make your system and power management settings. Using the Product Recovery CD-ROMs describes how to perform a system and application recovery. Consult the Online Help files of the software you are using for detailed information on features and troubleshooting.
  • Page 10 Welcome Your Sony VAIO desktop and its accessories The following hardware items should be in the box: main unit LCD monitor power cable palm rest VAIO wheel mouse VAIO convertible keyboard documentation pack with CD-ROM product recovery CD-ROMs stand...
  • Page 11: Ergonomic Considerations

    Welcome 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 Welcome 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.
  • Page 13: Locating Controls And Connectors

    Using your VAIO desktop 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 controls and connectors Front panel OPEN/CLOSE MEMORY STICK DISC OPEN/CLOSE CD-RW/DVD-ROM eject button CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive Memory Stick™...
  • Page 14: Back Panel

    Using your VAIO desktop Back panel AC input connector t-lever (page 66) VGA monitor connector (page 41) Ethernet connector (page 50) USB connector (page 45) USB connector headphones connector (page 43) line-in connector (page 48) microphone connector (page 44) i.LINK™ 6-pin connector (page 47) LCD monitor connector (page 15)
  • Page 15: Lcd Overview

    Using your VAIO desktop LCD overview Your VAIO desktop is delivered with a 15” LCD (XGA TFT) monitor. power indicator information LED brightness control volume control (page 37) mouse connector USB connector keyboard connector (page 26) (page 45) (page 20)
  • Page 16: Adjusting The Viewing Angle

    Using your VAIO desktop Adjusting the viewing angle To adjust the height and viewing angle of the display, proceed as follows: Hold both sides of the display, pull the display out towards you, and upwards. Set the display height so it does not touch the keyboard, and adjust the viewing angle approximately 27 degrees from eye level to the center of the screen.
  • Page 17: Starting Your Computer

    Using your VAIO desktop Starting your computer To start your computer the first time, you can either: Press the power button on the system unit until the green power indicator light turns on (1). Press the Standby button (2) above the numbered PPKs on the keyboard until the green power indicator light on the main unit turns on.
  • Page 18: Shutting Down Your Computer

    Using your VAIO desktop 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: Click the Start button on the Windows Click Shut Down...
  • Page 19: Registering Your Computer

    Using your VAIO desktop Registering your computer You can take advantage of Sony’s commitment to quality customer support and receive the following benefits by registering your computer: VAIO-Link – If you are experiencing any problems with your computer, you can check the VAIO-Link website for a possible solution: http://www.vaio-link.com...
  • Page 20: Using The Keyboard

    Using your VAIO desktop Using the keyboard This section describes the features of the VAIO convertible keyboard. £ Caps Lock Ctrl Alt Gr £ Caps Lock Ctrl Alt Gr Prt Scr Pause Insert Num Lock Delete Sys Rq Break NumLk Caps Lock ScrLk Scrol Lock...
  • Page 21 Using your VAIO desktop Keys Escape key (1) Function keys (2) Correction keys (3) Print Screen key (4) Standby button (5) Programmable Power Keys (PPK) (6) Numeric keypad area (7) Navigation keys (8) Application key Descriptions The <Esc> (Escape) key is used to cancel commands The twelve function keys along the top of the keyboard are used to perform designated tasks.
  • Page 22 Using your VAIO desktop Keys Operator keys (10) ® Windows (11) Lock keys (12) Indicator LEDs (13) Fn combination keys (14) Fn key (15) Descriptions 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>...
  • Page 23 Using your VAIO desktop Combinations and functions with the Windows Combinations + <F1> + <Tab> + <E> + <F> + <Ctrl> + <F> + <M> <Shift> + + <M> + <R> + <Break> ® Function ® Displays Windows Help. Switches the selected button on the taskbar. Displays My Computer.
  • Page 24: Combinations And Functions With The Fn Key

    Using your VAIO desktop Combinations and functions with the Fn key Combinations/ Feature PgUp <Fn> + PgDn <Fn> + Home <Fn> + <Fn> + ScrLk <Fn> + Indicators Light Num Lock Caps Lock Scroll Lock Functions Moves the view to the next page up. Moves the view to the next page down.
  • Page 25 If you want to, you can use VAIO Action Setup to change the functions of the PPKs. The default settings for the PPK buttons are: P1: Starts Microsoft P2: Connects you to the Club VAIO website P3: Starts Sony’s PictureGear P4: Starts VAIO Help ® ®...
  • Page 26: Using The Mouse

    Using your VAIO desktop 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. Function Action point...
  • Page 27 Using your VAIO desktop Using the CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive Your computer is equipped with a CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive. To insert a disc, proceed as follows: Turn on the computer. Press the Eject button to open the drive. The tray slides out.
  • Page 28 Using your VAIO desktop Place a CD-RW/DVD-ROM/CD-R/CD-ROM in the left-hand side of the tray with the label side facing outwards. Use the hinges to secure the disc. Close the tray by pushing it gently. When the computer is in Standby or Hibernate mode, you cannot insert or remove a disc. Be sure to seat the disc firmly under the drive hub hinges.
  • Page 29 Using your VAIO desktop Using the CD-RW function Your computer is equipped with a CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive. To burn CDs, you can use CD-RW and CD-R discs: The CD-RW (CD-ReWritable) disc is a data memory medium that can be used to write, erase and rewrite a program or other data.
  • Page 30: Using The Dvd Function

    Using your VAIO desktop Do not put your VAIO desktop into a power saving mode while using DirectCD using Easy CD Creator Using the DVD function To achieve optimum performance when playing DVD-ROMs, you should follow these recommendations. You can play DVDs using the CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive and the MediaBar DVD Player software. Close all open applications before playing a DVD-ROM movie.
  • Page 31: Inserting A Pc Card

    Using your VAIO desktop Inserting a PC Card To insert a PC Card, proceed as follows: Slide the front panel cover in the direction of the arrow to open it. Insert the PC Card gently into the PC Card slot, as shown. The PC Card is automatically detected by your system.
  • Page 32 Using your VAIO desktop Removing a PC Card Follow the steps below to remove the PC Card while your computer is on. If it is not removed properly, your system may not work. If you want to remove a PC Card when your computer is off, skip steps 1 to 7. To remove a PC Card, proceed as follows: Double-click the Unplug or Eject Hardware icon in the taskbar.
  • Page 33 Using your VAIO desktop If you unplug the PC Card from the computer when the power is still on, your system might crash and unsaved data may be lost. Before you remove the PC Card, click the PC Card icon in the taskbar and close the card. Close any applications that are using the PC Card, before you remove the card.
  • Page 34 Using your VAIO desktop Using Memory Sticks™ Your VAIO desktop is designed to support Memory Stick and versatile device especially designed for exchanging and sharing digital data with compatible products. Because it is removable, it can be used for external data storage. You can use VAIO Action Setup to preset your computer to automatically launch an application when you insert a Memory Stick When the Memory Stick...
  • Page 35: Inserting A Memory Stick

    Using your VAIO desktop Inserting a Memory Stick™ To insert a Memory Stick™, proceed as follows: Slide the front panel in the direction of the arrow to open it. Once you have stored your data from your digital device, insert the Memory Stick™ into the Memory Stick™...
  • Page 36: Removing A Memory Stick

    Using your VAIO desktop Removing a Memory Stick™ To remove a Memory Stick™, proceed as follows: Double-click the Unplug or Eject Hardware icon in the taskbar. The dialog box Unplug or Eject Hardware appears. Select the hardware you want to unplug. Click Stop.
  • Page 37: Using Power Saving Modes

    Using your VAIO desktop Using power saving modes The color of the power indicator light on the main unit tells you which mode the computer is in. Color Mode Umber Computer is in Standby mode Green Computer is in Normal mode No color Computer is turned off or in Hibernate mode Using Standby mode...
  • Page 38: Using Hibernate Mode

    Using your VAIO desktop Select Stand by. Click OK. The computer goes into Standby mode, indicated by the umber light. To return to Normal mode, choose from the following: Press any key on the keyboard. Press the Standby button again. Press one of the PPK buttons on the keyboard.
  • Page 39 Using your VAIO desktop To set the timer for your computer to automatically enter Hibernate mode after a certain amount of time, open Power Options in the Control Panel. To activate Hibernate mode manually, use one of these two methods: ®...
  • Page 40: Connecting Peripheral Devices

    Connecting peripheral devices Connecting peripheral devices You can add functionality to your computer by connecting any of these peripherals. Connecting an external display Connecting external speakers Connecting an external microphone Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) floppy disk drive Connecting a printer Connecting an i.LINK™...
  • Page 41: Connecting An External Display

    Connecting an external display Connecting an external computer display For reasons of preference, you may want to use a different computer monitor to the one supplied by Sony. You can connect a suitable computer display directly to your VAIO desktop.
  • Page 42: Connecting A Projector

    Connecting peripheral devices Connecting a projector You can connect a projector (such as the Sony LCD projector) directly to your computer. To connect a projector to your VAIO desktop, proceed as follows: Plug one end of the VGA cable into the VGA connector on the back of your computer, and the other end into the projector you want to use (1).
  • Page 43: Connecting External Speakers

    Connecting peripheral devices Connecting external speakers You can enhance the sound quality of your computer by connecting external speakers. To connect external speakers, proceed as follows: Plug the speaker cable into the headphones connector on the back of the main unit, identified by the symbol.
  • Page 44: Connecting An External Microphone

    Connecting peripheral devices Connecting an external 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, proceed as follows: On the back of the main unit, locate the microphone connector identified by the Plug the microphone cable into the microphone connector (2).
  • Page 45 Connecting peripheral devices Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) floppy disk drive As an optional extra, you can purchase a USB floppy disk drive and connect it to your computer. To connect a USB floppy disk drive, proceed as follows: There are 3 USB connectors at the back of the main unit, one at the front of the main unit, and one on the right of the LCD base.
  • Page 46: Connecting A Printer

    Connecting peripheral devices Connecting a printer To connect a printer using the USB connector, proceed as follows: Plug a USB printer cable into one of the USB connectors on your computer. A USB connector is identified by the symbol. Plug the printer power cord into an AC outlet. Do not turn on the computer or the printer until all the connections are made.
  • Page 47: Connecting An I.link Device

    VAIO desktop include cables with the following part numbers: VMC-IL4415, VMC-IL4435, VMC-IL4615, VMC-IL4635, VMC-IL6615, and VMC-IL6635. Sony computer supplies, accessories and peripherals can be purchased from your local retailer or from the Sony website: http://www.sonystyle-europe.com ™...
  • Page 48: Connecting A Digital Video Camera Recorder

    On Sony digital video cameras, connectors labeled DV Out, DV In/Out or i.LINK The Sony digital video camera recorder is an example; your digital video camera recorder may need to be connected differently. If your digital video camera recorder includes a Memory Stick simply copy images on the Memory Stick ™...
  • Page 49: Connecting Two Vaio Computers

    Connecting peripheral devices Connecting two VAIO computers You can connect your VAIO desktop to another VAIO computer using an i.LINK™ cable (not supplied). With Smart Connect* on your VAIO desktop, you can copy, edit or delete files on another VAIO computer that has ®...
  • Page 50: Connecting To A Network (Lan)

    Connecting peripheral devices Connecting to a network (LAN) Your computer comes with a preinstalled Ethernet interface. This function is enabled by default. Should you need to enable the function yourself to connect to a network, proceed as follows: Right-click on My Computer on the desktop and select Properties. Click the Device Manager tab.
  • Page 51: Getting Help

    Getting help Getting help This section describes how to get help and support from Sony, as well as troubleshooting tips for your computer. Sony's support options Sony provides several support options for your computer. Printed documentation supplied with your VAIO desktop The Customer Guide, explaining how to start your computer and use the basic functions.
  • Page 52: Other Sources Of Information

    This section describes how to solve common problems you might encounter when using your VAIO desktop. Many problems have simple solutions. Please try these suggestions before contacting VAIO-Link or your local Sony dealer. About the computer and software My computer does not start Check that the computer is plugged into a power source and that it is turned on.
  • Page 53 To initialize the BIOS, proceed as follows: Turn off the computer. Remove any peripheral devices connected to the computer. Turn on the computer and press <F2> when the Sony logo appears. The BIOS setup menu screen appears. Press the arrow keys to select the Exit menu.
  • Page 54 Getting help If this does not work, press <Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Delete>. The Close Program dialog box appears. Click Shut Down. If this does not work, press the power button and hold it for at least four seconds. This turns off the power. Unplug the computer from the mains.
  • Page 55 Getting help My computer or software program is not responding To end the application that has stopped responding, proceed as follows: Press <Ctrl>+<Alt><Delete>. In the Close Program dialog box, scroll down until you locate the comment Not responding next to an application.
  • Page 56 Getting help To search Windows From the Start menu, select Help. Click Troubleshooting. Click the subject on which you want the information, and then answer the questions that refer to your problem. My mouse does not work Check that the mouse is plugged into the mouse connector on the monitor. There may be dust or dirt inside the mouse mechanism.
  • Page 57: About The Display

    Getting help My mouse needs to be set up for left-hand use To set your mouse up for left-handed users, proceed as follows: Double-click the My Computer icon on your desktop. Double-click Control Panel, then the Mouse icon. The Mouse Properties dialog box appears. In the Buttons tab, select the option button next to Left-handed.
  • Page 58 Getting help To change the default view of the taskbar and the start menu, proceed as follows: Click Start, and select Settings. Click Taskbar and Start Menu. The Taskbar and Start Menu Properties dialog box appears, where you can make the required settings.
  • Page 59 Getting help Right-click the Compact Disc icon. Select the Eject option from the pop-up menu. I cannot play a CD After inserting the CD, wait for a few seconds for the system to detect it before you try to access it. Make sure the label of the disc is facing outwards.
  • Page 60 Check that the diskette is properly inserted into the USB floppy disk drive. The USB floppy disk drive is an optional accessory and can be purchased from your Sony dealer. When I double-click an application icon, a message such as 'You must insert the application CD into your drive' appears and the software does not start Some titles require specific files that are located on the application CD-ROM.
  • Page 61 Getting help To change the writing speed from the default to a lower speed, proceed as follows: Double-click the My Computer icon on the desktop. Right-click the Compact Disc icon. Select Properties. Select the Settings tab. Change the Current Write Speed field to 2x. Click OK.
  • Page 62 If you are using multiple i.LINK™ devices, the combination of the connected devices may cause unstable operation. If this is the case, turn off all connected devices and disconnect unused devices. Check the connection and then turn on the power again. You are strongly advised to use only Sony i.LINK ™ the i.LINK devices.
  • Page 63 Getting help My PC Card is not working Make sure the PC card is compatible with your version of Windows How do I install a printer? Always check the printer manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers for Windows before proceeding. Some printers do not function properly without updated drivers for Windows Millennium Edition.
  • Page 64 Turn on the power on the device again. The icon should now appear on the desktop. The connected i.LINK™ device is not recognized Disconnect the i.LINK You are strongly advised to use only Sony i.LINK ™ the i.LINK devices. When I remove a Memory Stick™, an error message appears...
  • Page 65 Getting help About digital video captures and DVgate When I record images to a digital video device using DVgate, my system displays the message 'Recording to DV device failed. Check the power and cable connections to the DV devices and try the operation again' Close all open applications and restart your computer.
  • Page 66: Adding And Removing Memory

    Precautions Precautions This section describes safety guidelines and precautions to help you protect your computer from potential damage. Your VAIO desktop and memory modules use high precision components and electronic connectors technology. To avoid the invalidation of your guarantee by mishandling, it is recommended that: You contact your dealer to install a new memory module.
  • Page 67 Precautions 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. Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) can damage memory modules and other components. Install the memory module only at an ESD workstation.
  • Page 68: Removing A Memory Module

    Precautions Removing a memory module If you are not familiar with upgrading memory on a computer, we highly recommend that you contact your dealer. To remove a memory module, proceed as follows: Shut down your computer and disconnect all peripheral devices. Unplug the computer from the mains.
  • Page 69 Precautions Push down one of the end levers of the module socket and gently lift the memory module up before taking it out completely (C). Be sure to dispose of the memory module properly.
  • Page 70 Precautions Adding or changing a memory module If you are not familiar with upgrading memory on a computer, we highly recommend that you contact your dealer. To add or change a memory module, proceed as follows: Shut down your computer and disconnect all peripheral devices. Unplug the computer from the mains.
  • Page 71 Precautions There is only one correct way to insert the memory module. Make sure the rivets of the module are lined up with the connector. Viewing the amount of memory To view the amount of memory, proceed as follows: Turn on the computer. Click the Start button, point to Programs, then VAIO System Information, and click VAIO System Information again.
  • Page 72: Other Precautions

    Precautions Other precautions On handling the hard disk The hard disk has a high storage density and reads or writes data in a short time. However, it can be easily damaged by mechanical vibration, shock or dust. Although the hard disk has the internal safety device to prevent losing data due to mechanical vibration, shock or dust, you should be careful when handling your computer.
  • Page 73: On Using The Power Source

    Precautions The screen becomes warm during operation. This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction. The LCD is manufactured using high-precision technology. You may, however, see tiny black points and/ or bright spots (red, blue, or green) that continuously appear on the LCD. This is a normal result of the manufacturing process and does not indicate a malfunction.
  • Page 74 Precautions 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 10ºC High humidity. Do not place electronic equipment near your computer. The electromagnetic field of your computer may cause a malfunction.
  • Page 75: On Handling Diskettes

    Precautions On handling diskettes Do not open the shutter manually or touch the surface of the diskette. Keep diskettes away from magnets. Keep diskettes away from direct sunlight and other sources of heat. On handling compact discs Do not touch the surface of the disc. Do not drop or bend the disc.
  • Page 76 Precautions On handling the Memory Stick™ Do not touch the Memory Stick Use only the label supplied with the Memory Stick Do not bend, drop, or apply heavy shock to the Memory Stick Do not disassemble or modify Memory Sticks Do not let Memory Sticks Do not use or store Memory Sticks Extremely high temperatures, such as in a car parked in the sun...
  • Page 77: Specifications

    Specifications Specifications Model Operating system Processor Hard disk drive Standard RAM Maximum RAM LCD screen MPEG Graphics Sound capabilities CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive PCV-LX1 ® ® Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition ® Pentium III 1GHz 60 GB 128 MB 512 MB 15" LCD XGA (1024x768) TFT MPEG 2 Digital Video Supports full-screen playback Included in chipset (SiS 630) 16-bit CD-quality stereo sound...
  • Page 78 Specifications Model Expansion capabilities Built-in capabilities Special buttons Connection capabilities (Rear) Connection capabilities (Front) Connection capabilities (LCD display) Supplied accessories Service PCV-LX1 Two PCI slots stereo speakers PPK (programmable power keys) USB ports (3) VGA display VAIO LCD display Line-in i.LINK™...
  • Page 79 Specifications Model Guarantee Power requirement Power management Dimensions Width x height x depth Weight Operating temperature Storage temperature Operating humidity Storage humidity ‡ See our special Guarantee extension conditions. Specifications are subject to change without notice. PCV-LX1 ‡ 1 year guarantee (parts and labour) 220–240V 1.1A 50-60Hz ACPI (Advanced Configuration &...
  • Page 80 Index accessory air circulation application key audio cable brightness control built-in capability button eject power Standby mode cable audio i.LINK™ microphone printer speakers camera Caps Lock indicator CD-R CD-RW CD-RW/DVD-ROM eject button indicator CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive combination controls combination key compact disc connection capability connector AC input...
  • Page 81 Fn key front panel cover function key graphic guarantee hard disk drive indicator headphone connector help Hibernate mode timer humidity operating storage i.LINK™ cable connector device indicator Caps Lock information Num Lock on keyboard power Scroll Lock Windows® keyboard connector indicators palm rest LCD monitor...
  • Page 82 palm rest PC Card inserting a removing a slot peripherals power button cable indicator management power requirement power saving modes precautions Print Screen key printer cable installing processor product recovery CD-ROM projector registration regulatory information screensaver Scroll Lock indicator serial number service Smart Connect Software guide...

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