Sony PCV-RX640 VAIO User Manual
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Sony PCV-RX640 VAIO User Manual

Sony PCV-RX640 VAIO User Manual

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Welcome
Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony VAIO Digital Studio
computer! Your new, high-performance, multimedia
computer combines state-of-the-art computer functionality with the latest audio/video and information technology features.
Note:
Click
here
to find the latest updates and supplemental information about your computer.
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Summary of Contents for Sony PCV-RX640 VAIO

  • Page 1 Welcome Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony VAIO Digital Studio computer! Your new, high-performance, multimedia computer combines state-of-the-art computer functionality with the latest audio/video and information technology features. Note: Click here to find the latest updates and supplemental information about your computer.
  • Page 2 Note: 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 3 Communications You have the choice of a variety of popular online services to browse the Internet, access e-mail, send faxes, and much more. Exceptional performance Your computer includes an Intel processor, a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet interface, and a V.90 data/fax modem. ®...

  • Page 4: Unpacking Your Computer

    System Recovery CD(s) — Enables you to restore the software that shipped with your computer if it becomes corrupted or is erased. System Recovery CDs can only be used to restore the hard disk of the Sony computer you purchased.

  • Page 5: To Choose An Ergonomic Location For Your Computer

    To Choose an Ergonomic Location for Your Computer Before you get started, find the best location for your new computer. Page 5...
  • Page 6 Planning your workspace  Stable work surface — Use a stable work surface large enough to support the computer and other peripheral equipment.  Ventilation — Leave at least eight inches of space on the left and back sides of your computer to enable proper ventilation.

  • Page 7: Locating Controls And Connectors

    Locating Controls And Connectors Your computer may not be equipped with all of the hardware features listed in this section. To view the specific hardware configuration for your system, see the Specifications sheet. Page 7...

  • Page 8: Front Panel Overview

    ® Note: 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 9 Floppy disk drive access indicator light Lights in green while reading and writing data from and to a floppy disk. Optical drive access indicator light Lights in amber while reading and writing data from and to the optical drives. Hard disk drive access indicator light Lights in amber while reading and writing data from and to the hard disk.

  • Page 10: Back Panel Overview

    Back Panel Overview The back panel of your computer contains the ports for supplied and optional accessories. The icons on the back panel locate and identify the ports on your computer. Back panel Mouse port Connection for a PS/2 mouse. ®...
  • Page 11 Connection for a phone cable (optional) to the computer. Note: 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 12: Setting Up Your Vaio Digital Studio Computer

    Setting Up Your VAIO Digital Studio Computer Your computer has many new and exciting features. This section contains information on setting up your computer and peripheral devices. Page 12...

  • Page 13: To Set Up Your Computer

    To Set Up Your Computer Your computer may not be equipped with the same hardware features shown in this section. See the Specifications sheet for your system's configuration. Page 13...
  • Page 14 Connecting a display (monitor) Plug the display cable into the Monitor port. If necessary, plug the display cable into the rear of the display. Connecting a display Note: Install your equipment so that you can easily reach the power outlet in the event of an emergency. Page 14...
  • Page 15 Connecting the speakers Plug the cable attached to the left speaker into the L Out jack on the back of the right speaker. Plug the cable attached to the right speaker into the Headphones jack. Plug the jack end of the AC adapter cord into the DC In jack on the back of the right speaker and plug the other end into a grounded AC wall outlet or power strip.
  • Page 16 Connecting the keyboard and mouse Plug the keyboard cable into the Keyboard port on the back of the computer. Plug the mouse cable into the Mouse port. Connecting the keyboard and mouse Page 16...
  • Page 17 Connecting the modem cable Unplug your telephone from the wall jack. Plug the modem cable (supplied) into the Modem line jack on the computer, and then plug the other end of the cable into the wall jack. Connecting the modem cable Caution: Your computer has a protective sticker only 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX cables to the Ethernet port.
  • Page 18 Connecting the power cords Plug the power cord into the back of the computer. Plug both the display and power cords into a grounded AC wall outlet or a power strip. Connecting the power cords Page 18...

  • Page 19: To Turn On Your Computer

    To Turn on Your Computer Turning on your computer Press the power switch on the computer to turn on the power. Press the power switch on the display to turn on the power. Press the power switch on the right speaker to turn on the power. To turn on your computer Note: When you start your system for the first time, your computer may detect new equipment and display a dialog...

  • Page 20: To Register Your Computer

    To Register Your Computer Take advantage of Sony's commitment to quality customer support and receive these benefits by registering your computer:  Sony Customer Support — Communicate with a Support Representative to troubleshoot problems you may be having with your computer.
  • Page 21 Setting up your dial-up connection The first time you turn your computer on, follow these steps to set up your dial-up connection: Click Start from the Windows taskbar and select All Programs. Point to Accessories, point to Communications, and then click New Connection Wizard. The Location Information window appears.
  • Page 22 Follow the on-screen instructions to finish setting up your dial-up connection. Page 22...

  • Page 23: To Set Up Power Management Modes

    To Set Up Power Management Modes When you plan to stop using your computer for a short period of time, you can set your system to automatically enter a power management mode. Your computer may have difficulty resuming from a power-saving mode, if the power scheme is not set up correctly.
  • Page 24 Setting up your system's power management Sony recommends following these steps for optimum power management: Click Start in the Windows ® Select Performance and Maintenance. The Performance and Maintenance window appears. Click Power Options. The Power Options Properties window appears.
  • Page 25 Stand by mode indicators You can identify power management mode the computer is in by the color of the power indicator light. Color Mode Amber Computer is in Stand by mode. Blue Computer is in Normal mode, ready to use. No color Computer is turned off or in Hibernate mode.

  • Page 26: To Shut Down Your Computer

    To Shut Down Your Computer When you are ready to turn off your computer for an extended period of time, use this procedure. Caution: To avoid loss of data, do not use the Power switch to turn off the computer. Turning off your computer Click Start in the Windows taskbar and select Turn Off Computer.

  • Page 27: Vaio Action Setup

    VAIO Action Setup VAIO Action Setup manages the settings for your computer's Shortcut keys (S Keys). Page 27...

  • Page 28: Shortcut Keys

    You can reprogram the S keys to launch other applications. Note: 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 29 Changing the settings of the S keys Click Start in the Windows taskbar and select All Programs. Select VAIO Action Setup, then click VAIO Action Setup. Note: You can also double-click Setup. Click the S Key you want to change. From the Select Application dialog box, click the option for the desired type of function.

  • Page 30: 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. Page 30...
  • Page 31 The "UI Design Selector" window design changes. The window design for your Sony software matches the "UI Design Selector" window. To try another selection, click << or >>, then click Apply. When you have made your selection, click OK. The UI Design Selector closes and the Sony software window design displays. Note: You may only use this feature with compatible UI Design Selector software.

  • Page 32: Configuring Your Vaio Computer

    Configuring Your VAIO Computer This section provides information about maintaining your computer's hard disk drive performance, connecting a compatible i.LINK device, and enabling an Ethernet connection. ® Page 32...

  • Page 33: Hard Disk Drive Partition

    To maintain optimum system performance, you should defragment your computer's D partition regularly. 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 34 Defragmenting your hard disk drive If you encounter frame dropping while recording digital video onto your hard disk drive, defragmentation may be necessary. Deactivate your screen saver and close other open applications, if applicable. Click Start in the Windows taskbar and select All Programs. Point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then select Disk Defragmenter.
  • Page 35 Your VAIO computer may include either 4-pin or 6-pin, or both types, of i.LINK ports. Note: 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 36 Connecting an i.LINK (IEEE1394) device Use the symbol to locate the i.LINK port on your compatible i.LINK device and on your computer. Plug the i.LINK cable connector into this port. Plug the other end of the cable into the corresponding 4- or 6-pin i.LINK port on your computer. Note: See the instructions that came with your i.LINK device for more information on installation and use.

  • Page 37: 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.

  • Page 38: To Use The System Recovery Cd(S)

    To Use the System Recovery CD(s) The System Recovery utility formats your hard disk drive and restores all the original software applications. Your computer is returned to the original factory settings. Caution: The System Recovery process removes all software that you may have installed since you started using your computer.
  • Page 39 System Recovery Options System Drive Recovery All data on Drive C is deleted. The factory default settings and software applications are restored on this drive only. Change Partition Size All partitions, custom installations, and changes are removed from the hard disk drive. You can set the partition sizes for both the Drive C and Drive D.
  • Page 40 Using the System Recovery CD(s) Your system may take a few minutes to load necessary files. A blue screen appears during the downloading process. Insert the System Recovery CD in your computer's optical drive. The System Recovery utility starts from the optical drive. The first CD must be in the drive when you turn on your computer.

  • Page 41: To Use The Application Recovery Cd(S)

    If you need to reinstall all of the software that shipped with your computer, use the System 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-PC. Page 41...
  • Page 42 Using the Application Recovery CD(s) Turn on your computer. If your computer is already on, save and close all open applications. When the Windows desktop appears, insert the Application Recovery CD into your computer's optical drive. The Application Recovery utility loads automatically. Note: If your system is equipped with two optical drives, insert the Application Recovery CD into the upper optical drive.

  • Page 43: To Use The Driver Recovery Cd

    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 44 Reinstalling device drivers with the Driver Recovery CD Turn on your computer. If your computer is already on, close all applications. When the Windows desktop appears, insert the Driver Recovery CD into the optical disc drive. Note: If your system is equipped with two optical drives, insert the Driver Recovery CD into the upper optical drive. Click Start in the Windows taskbar and click Control Panel.

  • Page 45: 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. Page 45...
  • Page 46 Topics My com puter does not start. Check that the computer is plugged into a power source and that it is turned on. Check that the power light is lit on  the front panel of the computer.  Confirm that a disk is not in the floppy disk drive (unless you are using a bootable floppy disk). Confirm that the power cord and all cables are connected firmly.
  • Page 47 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 48 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.
  • Page 49  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 50 My m icrophone does not work. Check that the microphone is plugged into the MICROPHONE jack. My m icrophone is too sensitiv e to background noise. If you find there is too much background noise when you record sound, you should adjust the microphone gain by following these steps: Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then click Control Panel.
  • Page 51  Use the mouse to locate a minimized taskbar by pointing to the left, right, top and bottom edges of the display screen. The taskbar has been located when the cursor changes to a double arrow cursor. Left-click and drag away from the edge of the display screen.
  • Page 52 To contact Sony for technical support For further technical assistance, call 1-888-4-SONY-PC (1-888-476-6972) or access the Sony Computing Support Web site at: http://www.sony.com/pcsupport. Page 52...

  • Page 53: Notes On Use

    Notes on Use The information in this section provides basic procedures to follow when handling your computer, components, and accessories. Page 53...
  • Page 54 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 55 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 56 Your computer, keyboard, and mouse consist of high-precision electronic parts. 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 57 If your computer is brought directly from a cold location to a warm one, moisture may condense inside your computer. In this case, allow at least an hour before turning on your computer. If any problem occurs, unplug your computer, and contact your Sony Service Center. Page 57...
  • Page 58 Upgrading the computer system  The upgrading procedures described in the online manual, assume familiarity with the general terminology associated with personal computers and with the safety practices and regulatory compliance required for using and modifying electronic equipment. Disconnect the system from its power source and from telecommunications links, networks, or modems before you ...
  • Page 59  Do not change the display refresh rate to 85 Hz, as DVD playback and the DVgate software may not function correctly. Sony recommends that you keep your display at the preset, optimal refresh rate (75 Hz).  Do not place the display near a strong magnetic force.
  • Page 60 Using the hard disk drive  Do not place the computer in a location that is subject to vibration or shock.  Do not move the computer during operation.  Do not subject the computer to sudden changes in temperature. ...
  • Page 61 Handling floppy disks  Do not open the shutter manually and touch the surface of the floppy disk.  Keep floppy disks away from magnets.  Keep floppy disks away from direct sunlight and other heat sources. Page 61...
  • Page 62 Handling CD or DVD media  Do not touch the surface of the disc.  Do not drop or bend the disc.  Do not use adhesive labels to identify the disc. The label may come off while the disc is in use in the optical drive and damage the drive.
  • Page 63 Cleaning CD or DVD media  Fingerprints and dust on the surface of a disc may cause read errors. Proper care of the disc is essential to maintain its reliability. Do not use solvents such as benzine, thinner, commercially available cleaners or anti-static spray, as they may cause damage to the disc.
  • Page 64 This service provides you with answers to commonly asked questions. You can use this automated service to request a list of available topics. Select the topics that you want to view. To contact the Sony fax-on-demand service, call 1-888-4-SONY-PC (1-888-476-6972). (Requires a fax machine or fax software.)

  • Page 65: About The Software On Your Computer

    About The Software On Your Computer Your VAIO computer is ready to help you work, play, learn, and communicate as soon as you turn it on. This section ® provides an overview of the software titles preinstalled on your computer. Page 65...

  • Page 66: Overview Of Software Applications

    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. Digital Print can also be used to make custom CD labels for your audio CDs.
  • Page 67 Sony Electronics Inc. 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 68 Smart Capture is a fun new way to send multimedia messages via e-mail. Smart Capture manages the i.LINK connection between your notebook and a Sony Digital Handycam Camcorder that supports the i.LINK interface. It allows you to capture compressed video or still images and save them to your hard disk drive or share via e-mail. A smart solution for computer, digital audio/video and network convergence.
  • Page 69 software not only plays a selected movie or sound file, but also enables playback of files by other applications like PictureGear , Memory Stick Slideshow and Windows Explorer. ® WordPerfect ® Corel Corp. WordPerfect is the word processor component of the WordPerfect Office suite. Create professional-looking documents, such as newsletters, reports and brochures with this robust word processing application, adding graphics, charts and tables with ease.

  • Page 70: For Answers To Your Software Questions

    For Answers to Your Software Questions This section provides support information for your computer's preinstalled software applications. Check this support listing to locate information from the Internet, by e-mail, or by telephone. Note: Your computer may not be supplied with all of the software applications listed, depending on the system configuration you purchased.
  • Page 71 Support for preinstalled software Adobe Acrobat Reader , Photoshop ® ® (Adobe Systems Inc.) Web site http://www.adobe.com phone 206-675-6126 (fee-based support) 206-628-5737 e-mail techdocs@adobe.com hours M - F, 6 AM - 5 PM PST America Online (America Online, Inc.) ® Web site http://www.aol.com phone...
  • Page 72 M - F, 8AM - 6PM PST; Sat - Sun, 7:30AM - 4PM RecordNow DX (VERITAS Software Corp.) Web site http://support.veritas.com phone 800-326-9551* * T elephone s upport is provided by Sony. Sony Applications (Sony Electronics Inc.) Web site and online support http://www.sony.com/pcsupport Express, Word (On selected models) ®...
  • Page 73 888-4-SONY-PC (888-476-6972)* hours 7 days a week, 24 hours a day * Support from 8 8 8 -4 -SO N Y -P C is free of c harge for 9 0 days after the original date of purc has e.
  • Page 74 Sony Service Center For the Sony Service Center nearest you, call 1-888-4-SONY-PC (1-888-476-6972). This service is free of charge for 90 days after the original date of purchase. Page 74...

  • Page 75: Upgrading And Maintaining Your Vaio Digital Studio Computer

    For more information on upgrading your Sony computer, see the System Reference Manual. You can download the System Reference Manual from the Sony Computing Support Web site at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.
  • Page 76 Overview The procedures in this section assume that you are familiar with the general terminology associated with personal computers and with the safety practices and regulatory compliance required for using and modifying electronic equipment. Page 76...
  • Page 77 Before you upgrade your computer Disconnect the computer from its power source and from telecommunications links, networks, or modems before you open the unit or follow any of the procedures described in this section. Failure to do so may result in personal injury or equipment damage.

  • Page 78: To Remove The Side Cover

    To Remove the Side Cover Caution: If you remove the side cover immediately after you shut down your computer, the components may be too hot to touch. Wait until the internal parts of the system unit cool down before you attempt to remove the side cover. Removing the side cover Shut down your computer, and turn off all peripheral devices, such as your printer.
  • Page 79 Add-on card configuration varies by model. Some models, such as Configure-to-Order (CTO) systems, may contain preinstalled add-on cards. Caution: Observe the proper safety precautions when you add cards to your Sony computer. See Before you upgrade your computer. Page 79...
  • Page 80 Inserting an add-on card Shut down your computer and turn off all peripheral devices, such as your printer. Unplug your computer and any peripheral devices. Remove the side cover. See Locate an available expansion slot. Remove the screw, and then remove the slot cover. Caution: When removing a slot cover, be careful not to damage components on the system board or add-on cards.
  • Page 81 The length of the AGP card should not exceed 9.05 inches. Note: Installing an AGP card disables the internal graphics. Your system supports graphics cards that use AGP 4X standards. Caution: Observe the proper safety precautions when you upgrade your Sony computer. See Before you upgrade your computer. Page 81...
  • Page 82 Inserting an AGP card Shut down your computer and turn off all peripheral devices, such as your printer. Unplug your computer and any peripheral devices. Remove the side cover. See Locate the AGP card slot and remove the slot cover. Press down on the end latch before inserting the AGP card. Locating the AGP card slot Firmly insert the AGP card into the slot.
  • Page 83 For memory replacement or upgrades, use only 3.3V 64-bit PC-133 SDRAM Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM). Note: You can purchase additional memory modules, accessories, and peripheral equipment from your local retailer. Caution: Observe the proper safety precautions when you add or remove memory in your Sony computer. See upgrade your computer. Removing memory Shut down your computer and turn off all peripheral devices, such as your printer.
  • Page 84 Rotate the power supply to an upside down position and rest it on top of the chassis.  Handle the DIMM only by the edges, and remove it from its anti-static package. Locate the notches on the bottom edge of the DIMM. Align the DIMM over the slot.

  • Page 85: To Replace The Lithium Battery

    Dispose of the lithium battery properly. In some areas, the disposal of lithium batteries in household or business trash may be prohibited. You can return your unwanted lithium batteries to your nearest Sony Service Center or Factory Service Center. To locate a Service Center near you, call 1-888-4-SONY-PC (1-888-476-6972) To reset your computer's date and time, see the VAIO Help and Support Center for instructions.

  • Page 86: To Install An Additional Hard Disk Drive

    For detailed information on how to install additional drives, see the System Reference Manual. You can download the System Reference Manual from: http://www.sony.com/pcsupport. Caution: Make sure you observe the proper safety precautions when you upgrade your Sony computer. See your computer.
  • Page 87 Note: Your new hard disk drive is supplied with the necessary screws. Do not overtighten the screws when securing the drive to the drive holder. Align the drive holder with the slots on the inside of the chassis and slide the drive holder in completely. 10.
  • Page 88 To Replace the Side Cover Replacing the side cover Align the tabs on the side cover to the chassis frame. Press the side cover firmly against the unit until it snaps into place. Replacing the side cover Page 88...

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