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Sony PCV-MXS10 Online Help Center (VAIO User Guide) User Manual

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VAIO® MX Computer
User Guide
PCV-MXS10

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Summary of Contents for Sony PCV-MXS10 Online Help Center (VAIO User Guide)

  • Page 1 VAIO® MX Computer User Guide PCV-MXS10...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Additional System Capabilities ... 15 VAIO Action Setup...19 Shortcut Keys ... 19 Setting the Internal Timer ... 20 To Change the Sony Software Window Design... 21 VAIO AV Applications ...23 Overview of Preinstalled Software ... 23 DigitalPrint Software ... 25 DVgate Software...
  • Page 4 VAIO MX Computer User Guide System, Application, and Driver Recovery CD(s) ... 59 To Use the System Recovery CD(s) ... 59 To Use the Application Recovery CD(s) ... 61 To Use the Driver Recovery CD... 62 Troubleshooting ... 63 Topics ... 63 Notes on Use ...

  • Page 5: Welcome

    Welcome Thank you for purchasing your Sony VAIO® MX computer! Your new computer is a superb blend of high technology and easy-to-use functionality. The information provided here is designed to help you to become familiar with the hardware and software applications included...
  • Page 6 VAIO MX Computer User Guide...

  • Page 7: Locating Controls And Connectors

    ✍ i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE1394 connection. The i.LINK connection may vary, depending on the software applications, operating system, and compatible i.LINK devices. All products with an i.LINK connection may not communicate with each other.
  • Page 8 VAIO MX Computer User Guide Front panel DVD-RW drive Reads data from DVD or CD media. Writes data to a DVD-R, DVD-RW, CD-R, or CD-RW media. MiniDisc drive Plays and records music to and from a MiniDisc media. Supports Net MD protocol for secure music transfers.
  • Page 9 Muting button Mutes the current sound output. Power button and indicator light Turns the computer on and off. The indicator light is blue when the computer is on and amber when the computer is in Stand by mode. PC Card slot A PC card (also called a PCMCIA card) can be installed using this slot, to increase the functions of your system.

  • Page 10: Back Panel Overview

    VAIO MX Computer User Guide Back Panel Overview The back panel of your computer contains the ports for supplied and optional accessories. The back panel also provides access to Giga Pocket™ Personal Video Recorder jacks and ports. The icons on the back panel locate and identify the ports on your computer.
  • Page 11 Printer port Connection for a parallel device, such as a printer or scanner. i.LINK 6-pin port (IEEE1394) Connection for a compatible digital device. Serial port Connection for a compatible serial device. Monitor port Connection for a standard display. DVI (LCD) Monitor port Connection for an LCD display.

  • Page 12: Remote Control Overview

    VAIO MX Computer User Guide Remote Control Overview The functions of the VAIO® MX Computer can be controlled using the remote control (supplied). The remote control can control the functions for the computer, FM Tuner, MiniDisc player, Memory Stick® media slot, Giga Pocket functions, and DVD/CD-ROM player.
  • Page 13 Power button Press to turn on the computer. DVD button Press to control a DVD player. TV/VIDEO button Press to start or stop Giga Video Recorder. Giga Video Recorder is a feature of the Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder system. Channel number buttons Press to select specific channels.
  • Page 14 VAIO MX Computer User Guide Stop button (Cont.) Press to stop playback. Volume buttons Press to raise or lower the volume. Muting button Press to turn off the sound. Press again to restore the sound. Channel buttons Press to browse available channels. Display button Press to display information.

  • Page 15: Additional System Capabilities

    Additional System Capabilities To Use Memory Stick Media Slot Your VAIO® MX computer is designed to support the Sony MagicGate™ Memory Stick® media. A Memory Stick media is a compact, portable, and versatile data storage media designed for exchanging and sharing digital data with similarly equipped products.
  • Page 16 Remove the Memory Stick media from the slot carefully. ✍ Sony Memory Stick media do not support AVI file playback. First copy the AVI file to your hard disk drive and then playback the file. Protecting data on Memory Stick media from accidental changes Memory Stick media contain a write-protect tab.
  • Page 17 To Use PC Card Slot Your computer has a card bus PC card slot that supports Type I or Type II PC (PCMCIA) cards. You do not need to shut down your computer when inserting a PC card. For more information, see the instructions supplied with your PC card. Inserting a PC card Insert the PC card into the PC card slot until it clicks into position.
  • Page 18 VAIO MX Computer User Guide When the message “Safe to Remove Hardware” appears, push the PC card Eject button on the front panel of the system unit. You may need to extend the Eject button out from the computer before you can eject the card. When the PC card ejects from the PC card slot, remove it by holding the edges and pulling it out carefully.

  • Page 19: Vaio Action Setup

    VAIO Action Setup VAIO Action Setup manages the settings for your VAIO® keyboard’s Shortcut keys (S Keys). Shortcut Keys The programmable S Keys are set to perform the following functions: ❑ S1 — Outlook® Express ❑ S2 — Internet Explorer ❑...

  • Page 20: Setting The Internal Timer

    VAIO MX Computer User Guide Setting the Internal Timer The VAIO Action Setup utility enables you to set your computer’s internal timer to launch certain applications or documents automatically. ✍ Some software applications take longer than others to launch. It is advisable to confirm in advance the amount of time your selected application requires to start.

  • Page 21: To Change The Sony Software Window Design

    To Change the Sony Software Window Design You can select from different window designs for your Sony software and create your own personal computing environment. Changing the window design Click Start in the Windows taskbar and select the Control Panel.
  • Page 22 VAIO MX Computer User Guide...

  • Page 23: Vaio Av Applications

    Overview of Preinstalled Software DigitalPrint Sony Electronics Inc. This image management software makes it fun and easy to edit, import, and organize your digital pictures in a photo album for rich digital printing to any standard color laser or inkjet printer.
  • Page 24 This image management software displays images from your hard drive, a Sony digital still camera, or a Sony Mavica® camera. The images appear in a convenient light-table format, so that you can easily view the contents of an entire folder.

  • Page 25: Digitalprint Software

    DigitalPrint Software DigitalPrint is designed to creatively manage your digital pictures. With its easy- to-use features, you can quickly load images from your digital camera or camcorder, print high-quality photos, and make personalized photo albums and labels to share with friends and family. DigitalPrint main browser window Using PhotoCapture Capture and import your digital pictures from your digital camera or camcorder,...
  • Page 26 VAIO MX Computer User Guide PhotoCapture window Click the camera icon to open the Enter Photo Folder Name dialog box. You can enter a name for a new folder or click Select Photo Folder, to import your pictures to an existing folder. Click OK. Enter Photo Folder Name dialog box...
  • Page 27 Click the Capture button to capture still images. You can preview a thumbnail version of your pictures in the selection view window. Capture Pictures from Video window Select the desired pictures and click the Get Pictures button. The PhotoCapture picture editor window appears. Click the View button to see an enlarged version of a selected picture.
  • Page 28 VAIO MX Computer User Guide Using PhotoCollection You can select and print your favorite digital pictures, using your computer and home printer. Click (Photo) to open the PhotoCollection window. A list of available Folders is displayed on the left side of the window, with the folder contents displayed as thumbnail pictures on the right.
  • Page 29 Printer and Paper selection window Click Print All to begin printing all pages, or click “Print the selected page only” to print a specific page of photos. Using PhotoDecor You can decorate your favorite photos with clip art, stamps, or your own drawing talent.

  • Page 30: Using Photoalbum

    VAIO MX Computer User Guide Select the desired folder. From the thumbnail view, click to select the pictures you want to decorate. The PhotoDecor editing window appears. Use the decoration features on the right side of the window by clicking on the desired decoration icon and then dragging the decoration onto your photo.
  • Page 31 Click Create New Album. The Select Photo window appears. Select the photos you want to include in your album from the available folders displayed. Click List to select individual pictures from each folder. The Select Design window appears. Select a design template for your album. Use the scroll bar to see all available designs.
  • Page 32 VAIO MX Computer User Guide Click to select a media type. The Select Paper window appears. Select the media’s paper layout. The Select Design window appears. Select a design template. Add your decorations or customize the design template, as desired. ✍...

  • Page 33: Dvgate Software

    DVgate Software Connecting a digital video camcorder Turn off the power to your digital video camcorder before connecting it to your computer. After connecting the device, turn its power back on. You do not need to turn off the computer when connecting the camcorder. To use DVgate™...
  • Page 34 Install the plug-in for Adobe Premiere 6.0 by following these steps: Click Start in the Windows® taskbar and then click Run. The Run window appears. Click Browse and navigate to your C: drive, using the Look in: drop-down list. Double-click Program Files, double-click Sony, and then double-click DVgate.
  • Page 35 Double-click Premiere Plug-in, and then double-click to open the 6.0 folder. Double-click Setup.exe and the Run window appears. Click OK. From the installation wizard, follow the on-screen instructions to install the plug-in. DVgate Software...

  • Page 36: Movieshaker Software

    VAIO MX Computer User Guide MovieShaker Software MovieShaker™ software can be used to create fun and innovative movies without any previous knowledge of film editing. In a few simple steps, video files can be made from still images with added special effects and music files. Save your personal video creation in a format that is compatible with most computers.
  • Page 37 To import images and sound clips Click . The Import file browser window appears. Find the clip(s) you want to add. Click to select the clip(s). The file(s) are added to the Import clip tray. ✍ You can delete a clip from the Import clip tray by dragging the clip’s icon to the trash icon located on the Edit tray of the working panel.
  • Page 38 VAIO MX Computer User Guide Add text to your new movie by clicking on the Input button. To preview, rewind, or fast forward your movie, use the Playback buttons. ✍ Scenes created with the Shake feature begin with a black screen in the Shake tray window.
  • Page 39 To add text effects to a scene or clip Double-click or drag the clip or scene to move it to the Story Board tray. Click the Text button on the Editing tray. Effects Tray (Text button selected) Click the Text Setting button to create customized text. The Text Setting dialog box appears, enabling you select the desired font, color, and positioning for your text.
  • Page 40 VAIO MX Computer User Guide To save a movie Verify that the movie or clips you want to save are located on the Story Board tray. Click the Export button on the working panel. Select the format in which you want the movie to be saved. ✍...
  • Page 41 Using ImageStation online service with MovieShaker software ImageStation is an online service that allows you to store your pictures and movies on the Internet to share with family and friends. ImageStation requires an Internet connection and registration for the Web-based service. You must be connected to the Internet before uploading your pictures or movies using MovieShaker and ImageStation applications.
  • Page 42 VAIO MX Computer User Guide When the ImageStation application on your computer connects with ImageStation online, your files are uploaded to the Web site. The Image Uploader window appears and displays the Internet connection and upload status. Image Uploader window Go to http://www.imagestation.com to view your uploaded pictures or movies.

  • Page 43: Picturegear Software

    PictureGear Software PictureGear™ software is a digital image management application that allows you to view all the images stored in any directory on your computer. Thumbnail views provide quick reminders of your pictures. Use PictureGear software to brighten, add contrast, enhance, resize, crop, and color-correct your pictures. Create animations, screen savers, wallpaper, still pictures from MPEG, and HTML photo albums.

  • Page 44: Creating A Photo Album

    VAIO MX Computer User Guide Creating a photo album Click the Folder tab in the main window and browse to locate your pictures. Select the pictures you want to include in your album. PIctureGear Album Maker dialog box From the Utilities menu, select Album Maker. Choose a Design template for your album.
  • Page 45 Click the “Customize the design” button to add pictures, frames, text, and effects. Custom Album dialog box ✍ If you select the Custom Album process, the final album is created when you click the Finish button in the last dialog box. Custom album “Completed”...

  • Page 46: Smart Capture Software

    Internet or through e-mail. ✍ i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE1394 connection. The i.LINK connection may vary, depending on the software applications, operating system and compatible i.LINK devices. All products with an i.LINK connection may not communicate with each other.

  • Page 47: Using Still Mode

    Mode indicator Displays the current mode (Still or Net Movie). Mode dial Switches Smart Capture from Still mode to Net Movie mode with a single click of your mouse. Options button Displays the configuration options available for either Still or Net Movie mode. Effects button Displays the special effects that you can apply to your pictures or video clips.
  • Page 48 VAIO MX Computer User Guide Click the Options button to view the available options for your still image capture. The Still Image Options window appears. Still Image Options window The Still Image Options window has four tabs: ❑ Capturing Mode — You can choose between Normal, Self-timer, or Panorama Capture modes.
  • Page 49 To capture a picture in Still mode Use your digital camera or camcorder to locate the image you want to capture. When you see the desired image in the Smart Capture window, click the Capture button. The Still Viewer window appears. You can capture one picture or several pictures at a time.

  • Page 50: Using Net Movie Mode

    VAIO MX Computer User Guide ✍ You must be connected to the Internet before attempting to upload or e-mail your still images or videos. Using Net Movie Mode From the Start button in the Windows taskbar, select All Programs, select Smart Capture, and then click Smart Capture.
  • Page 51 ❑ Destination — Select a file destination for your movies when recording video clips. ❑ Capture Button — Set the characteristics of the software’s on-screen Capture button. You can start and stop recording by clicking the Capture button (this is the default characteristic). You can select Anti-Ground Shooting, which allows recording to occur only while you click and hold the Capture button.
  • Page 52 VAIO MX Computer User Guide You can review your movie from the Movie Player window by using the play, pause, and stop buttons. Click the arrows or drag the scroll bar to view your movie. Each frame is displayed with an identifying number in the queue.
  • Page 53 To upload with Movie Player Click the Upload Button in Movie Player to begin transfer of your movie to the ImageStation Web site. The Image Uploader window appears and displays the Internet connection and upload status. Image Uploader window Click to see thumbnail previews of your pictures or movies.
  • Page 54 ✍ Sony recommends that your movie file size not exceed 254 MB if compressed, or 2 GB if not compressed. Large movie files take longer to upload to the ImageStation Web...

  • Page 55: Visualflow Software

    Using VisualFlow software You can navigate in the VisualFlow application by using your mouse, the directional arrows on your keyboard, or the Sony Jog Dial™ control, depending on your computer’s configuration. Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then select All Programs.
  • Page 56 VAIO MX Computer User Guide Click an icon in the View section on the main toolbar to select a display layout. Click an icon in the Sort section on the main toolbar to select a sorting method. Placing your cursor on the left end of the main toolbar activates the current Memory Stick properties.

  • Page 57: Configuring Your Vaio Computer

    To improve the performance of Sony audio and video software applications, the hard disk drive on your computer has been formatted with two partitions, C and D. Some Sony software applications save files to the D partition. This prevents large video captures from consuming the available space on your C partition.

  • Page 58: I.link (Ieee1394) Compatibility

    Your VAIO computer may include either 4-pin or 6-pin, or both types, of i.LINK ports. ✍ i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE1394 connection. The i.LINK connection may vary, depending on the software applications, operating system and compatible i.LINK devices. All products with an i.LINK connection may not communicate with each other.

  • Page 59: System, Application And Driver Recovery Cd(S)

    The System Recovery CD utility enables you to restore the operating system and software that shipped with your computer if they become corrupted or are erased. It can be used only to restore the hard disk of the Sony computer you purchased. Application Recovery CD(s) Sony Electronics Inc.

  • Page 60: Using The System Recovery Cd(S)

    VAIO MX Computer User Guide Full restore with format The System Recovery utility formats your hard disk drive and then restores all the original software applications. You will lose any software you have installed and any other files you have created since you started to use your computer.

  • Page 61: To Use The Application Recovery Cd(S)

    You must be in Windows to run the Application Recovery CD utility. If you have any questions about using the Application Recovery CD(s), visit http:// www.sony.com/pcsupport, or contact Sony Customer Support at 1-888-4-SONY- Using the Application Recovery CD(s) Turn on your computer. If your computer is already on, save and close all open applications.

  • Page 62: To Use The Driver Recovery Cd

    VAIO MX Computer User Guide To Use the Driver Recovery CD The Driver Recovery CD utility enables you to reinstall individual drivers and repair software applications if they become corrupted or are erased. You can reinstall an individual driver to correct a problem that you are experiencing with your computer, peripheral hardware, or software application.

  • Page 63: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting This section describes how to solve common problems you may encounter when using your computer. Many problems have simple solutions, so try these suggestions before you call Sony Customer Support. Topics Topic: My computer does not start. ❑ Check that the computer is plugged into a power source and that it is turned on.
  • Page 64 VAIO MX Computer User Guide Topic: My computer or software application stopped responding. You can try to locate and close the software application that has stopped responding. Press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys. The Windows Task Manager window appears. From the Applications tab, locate the application that has the status message, “Not responding.”...
  • Page 65 Click Start in the Windows taskbar, and select Turn Off Computer. Select Restart. When the Sony screen displays, press the F2 key on your keyboard. Select the Advanced tab from the Setup Utility screen. Select “I/O Device Configuration” and press Enter.
  • Page 66 VAIO MX Computer User Guide Topic: My optical drive tray does not open. Use the Eject button Make sure the computer is turned on. Press the Eject button on the right of the drive. Use the My Computer icon Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then select My Computer. Right-click the appropriate optical drive icon.
  • Page 67 Topic: I cannot play a DVD. If a region code warning appears when you are using the DVD player application, it may be that the region code of the DVD you are trying to play is incompatible with the region code setting of your optical drive. A region code is listed on the disc packaging.
  • Page 68 For VAIO® computers that are equipped with all of the necessary components for creating a CD-R or CD-RW, Sony recommends using the SonicStage software application to create CDs. SonicStage software is preinstalled on your computer. Topic: How do I change the video resolution of my display? Click Start in the Windows taskbar, and then select Control Panel.
  • Page 69 ❑ If your speakers use an external power source, verify that the power cord is plugged into a grounded wall outlet or power strip. ❑ If your speakers have volume control, check the volume level. ❑ You cannot hear sound from your speakers if headphones are connected to your computer.
  • Page 70 Check that the access phone number (POP) is correct. ❑ All software applications that are preinstalled by Sony are compatible with your computer modem. If you have installed other software, contact the software publisher for information on how to configure the software to recognize the modem.
  • Page 71 The preinstalled Lucent™ Win Modem does not support the Wake On Ring (WOR) feature of the Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system. For optimal use, Sony recommends that you do not change the preset modem settings in the Power Management Properties window.
  • Page 72 VAIO MX Computer User Guide Topic: My microphone does not work. Check that the microphone is plugged into the Microphone jack. Topic: My mouse does not work. ❑ Check that the mouse is plugged securely into the mouse port. ❑ Save and close all open applications.
  • Page 73 Topic: My keyboard does not work. ❑ Check that the keyboard is securely plugged into the Keyboard port. ❑ Save and close all open applications. Turn off your computer, wait approximately 10 seconds, and then restart your computer. Topic: I cannot find the Windows® taskbar. The Windows taskbar may be hidden or minimized.
  • Page 74 Clear the printer memory by turning the printer off for approximately 10 seconds, and then turning it back on. To contact Sony for technical support For further technical assistance, call 1-888-4-SONY-PC (1-888-476-6972) or access the Web site at: http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.

  • Page 75: Notes On Use

    Notes on Use The power source ❑ Your computer operates on 100–120 V AC 50/60 Hz only. ❑ Plug all the power cords for your computer and its peripheral equipment into the same AC supply line. AC derived from different supply lines may result in voltage differences that can cause unstable operation or unwanted weak currents at the time of connection.
  • Page 76 Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium batteries. The lithium battery may explode if mistreated. Do not disassemble it or dispose of it in fire. Replace the battery with a Sony CR2032 lithium battery. Using a type of battery other than a CR2032 may present a risk of fire or explosion.
  • Page 77 Do not drop them or bump them against other objects. ❑ Your Sony computer will not work with party lines, cannot be connected to a coin-operated telephone, and may not work with multiple phone lines or a private branch exchange (PBX).
  • Page 78 ❑ Do not change the CRT display refresh rate to 85 Hz, as DVD playback and the DVgate software may not function correctly. Sony recommends that you keep your CRT display at the preset, optimal refresh rate (75 Hz). ❑...

  • Page 79: Using The Hard Disk Drive

    ❑ 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.
  • Page 80 VAIO MX Computer User Guide Handling MiniDisc media ❑ Attach the labels supplied with MiniDisc media, in the designated location. ❑ Do not break open the shutter on the case. ❑ Do not place the media where it will be subject to extreme temperatures, moistures, and dust.

  • Page 81: For Answers To Your Software Questions

    For Answers to Your Software Questions ✍ Your computer may not be supplied with all of the software applications listed, depending on the system configuration you purchased. Adobe® Acrobat Reader™, Adobe® Photoshop® Elements, Adobe® Premiere® LE (Adobe Systems Inc.) Web site http://www.adobe.com phone 206-675-6126 (fee-based support)
  • Page 82 Sony Applications (Sony Electronics Inc.) Web site http://www.sony.com/pcsupport (Online Support) phone 888-4-SONY-PC (888-476-6972) hours 7 days a week, 24 hours a day * Support from 888-4-SONY-PC is free of charge for 90 days after the original date of purchase.

  • Page 83: Sony Service Center

    Web site http://www.sony.com/pcsupport phone 888-4-SONY-PC (888-476-6972) hours 7 days a week, 24 hours a day * Support from 888-4-SONY-PC is free of charge for 90 days after the original date of purchase. WordPerfect® (Corel Corporation) Web site http://www.corel.com/support/product_specific/wp9.htm phone 716-871-2325...

  • Page 84: Resources

    Sony computer by selecting Software Updates on the Sony Computing Support Web site at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport. This advanced reference manual supplies detailed technical information about your computer's hardware. This document is available on the Sony Computing Support Web site at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.

  • Page 85: Index

    Index AC Input port Back Panel 11 adding additional hardware precaution 75 adjusting voltage settings 75 air circulation 76 Audio In jack 11 Audio Out jack 11 audio problems 68 Back Panel Audio In jack 11 Audio Out jack 11 DVI (LCD) monitor port 11 Ethernet port 10 FM antenna port 11...
  • Page 86 VAIO MX Computer User Guide starting problems 63 support resources 84 system stopped responding 64 upgrading 77 connectors, power cords 75 CRT display, handling 78 CRT monitor port 11 DigitalPrint software 25 LabelMaker 31 PhotoAlbum 30 PhotoCapture 25 PhotoCollection 28 PhotoDecor 29 disconnecting power cords 75 Display button 9...
  • Page 87 i.LINK 4-pin port 9 6-pin port 11 compatibility 58 connect device 58 ImageStation 41 indicator light 9 Infrared Receiver 8 installing additional hardware precaution 75 interference 77 Internal Timer 20 setting application launch 20 start setting 20 Jog Dial 55 keyboard 73 Keyboard port 10 LCD display...
  • Page 88 S/P DIF (IN/OUT) optical ports 11 Serial port 11 Shortcut keys 19 shutting down your computer 75 Software 68 stopped responding 64 Support listing 81 Sony online service 41 speaker precaution 76 Stereo speaker terminals 11 Stop button 8 Support resources 84 surge protectors 75...
  • Page 89 software 68 Software compatibility 68 software stopped responding 64 starting the computer 63 system response 73 system stopped responding 64 Troubleshooting 63 turning off your computer 75 TV interference 77 Uninterruptible Power Supply 75 Universal Serial Bus (USB) port 9, 10 upgrading your computer 77 VAIO Action Setup 19 ventilation 76...

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