Sony PCV-RZ20CP Online Help Center (VAIO User Guide) User Manual

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Welcome
Thank you for purchasing your Sony VAIO
easy-to-use functionality. The information provided here is designed to help you to become familiar with the hardware and
software applications included with your system.
View the
Electronic Flyer,
View the
VAIO
Computer Specifications,
®
software information, such as descriptions and contact information.
computer! Your new computer is a superb blend of high technology and
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which provides updates and supplemental information about your computer.
which lists your computer's hardware specifications and preinstalled
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Summary of Contents for Sony PCV-RZ20CP Online Help Center (VAIO User Guide)

  • Page 1 Welcome Thank you for purchasing your Sony VAIO easy-to-use functionality. The information provided here is designed to help you to become familiar with the hardware and software applications included with your system.  View the Electronic Flyer, which provides updates and supplemental information about your computer.
  • Page 2: Getting Started

    Getting Started Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony VAIO state-of-the-art computer functionality with the latest audio, video and information technology features.  Unpacking your Computer  Planning An Ergonomic Work Space  Locating Controls And Ports  Setting Up Your Computer ...
  • Page 3: Unpacking Your Computer

    Unpacking your Computer Your computer may not be supplied with all of the accessories shown, depending on the system configuration you purchased. For details on the accessories supplied with your computer, see the online Specifications sheet. Com puter and supplied accessories (See the online specifications sheet for details about supplied accessories.) Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder accessories (For m odels equipped with Giga Pocket features)
  • Page 4  System Recovery CD(s) — Restore the software applications that shipped with your computer if they become corrupted or are erased. The supplied System Recovery CDs can only be used to restore the hard disk of this Sony computer. ...
  • Page 5: Planning An Ergonomic Work Space

    Planning An Ergonomic Work Space Before you set up your new computer, find the best location for your new computer and plan your work space. There are several ergonomic factors to consider when you arrange your work space:  Stable work surface — Use a stable work surface large enough to support the computer and other peripheral equipment.
  • Page 6: Locating Controls And Ports

    Locating Controls And Ports This section is intended to familiarize you with the controls, ports and jacks on your computer.Your computer may not be equipped with all of these hardware features and the location of the controls, ports, and jacks may vary from the illustrations shown in this section.
  • Page 7 About the Front Panel (PCV-RZ series model) The front panel of your VAIO Computer enables access to the optical and floppy disk drives. On certain models, the front panel also provides access to Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder jacks and ports, a Memory Stick media slot and the Universal Serial Bus (USB), and i.LINK Front panel (PCV- RZ series m odel) Optical drive 1...
  • Page 8 Turns the computer on and off. Stand by indicator Light is red when the computer is placed in Stand by mode. Optical drive access indicator Light is amber while reading and writing data from and to the optical drives. Hard disk drive access indicator Light is amber while reading and writing data from and to the hard disk.
  • Page 9 Connection for a compatible digital device. i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 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 10 About the Back Panel (PCV-RZ series model) 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 (PCV- RZ series m odel) AC Input port Connection for the supplied power cord.
  • Page 11 6-pin S400 port (IEEE 1394) Connection and power for a compatible digital device such as a Sony Digital Handycam Universal Serial Bus (USB 2.0) ports (4) Connections for compatible high/full/low-speed USB devices. Microphone jack Connection for a microphone (optional).
  • Page 12 Audio Out jack Connection for an audio cable (supplied). Video/S-video Out jack Connection for a video cable adapter (supplied) or an S-video cable (optional). Audio In jack Connection for an audio cable (supplied). Video/S-video In jack Connection for a video cable adapter (supplied) or an S-video cable (optional). (For models equipped with Giga Pocket features) VHF/UHF port Connection for a coaxial cable (supplied).
  • Page 13: About The Remote Control

    About the Remote Control (For models equipped with Giga Pocket features) Giga Pocket Personal Video Recorder features are controlled with the remote commander start and stop video recording and playback, select channels, and set viewing preferences. This section describes the basic functions of your remote commander.
  • Page 14 Press to activate channel selection. See Channel number buttons. SIZE button Press to view the current software in full-screen size. Press again to return the view to its original size. AUDIO button Press to view available sound mode options on the monitor/display. DVD angle button Press to change the camera angle during DVD playback.
  • Page 15 (Note: This function is not available for other software.) STANDBY button Press to place the system into Stand by mode. (Note: You can not place the computer into Stand by mode when certain Giga Pocket functions are running.) MODE switch Set the switch from 1 to 3, to change the remote commander's control between computers.
  • Page 16 Press to begin recording. REC MODE button Press to select the recording mode. REC STOP button Press to stop recording. (Note: These functions are available for Giga Pocket software only.) PLAY STOP button Press to stop playback. PLAY button Press to begin playback. PAUSE button ,Press to pause playback.
  • Page 17 About the Front Panel (PCV-RX series model) The front panel of your VAIO Computer enables access to the optical and floppy disk drives. It also includes access to the Memory Stick media slot, Universal Serial Bus (USB), and i.LINK Front panel (PCV- RX series m odel) Optical drive 1 See the online specifications sheet for optical drive information.
  • Page 18 Light is amber while reading and writing data from and to the hard disk. Power button and power indicator Turns the computer on/off. The indicator light is blue while the power is on and amber when the computer is in Stand by mode.
  • Page 19 About the Back Panel (PCV-RX series model) 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 and jacks on your computer. Back panel (PCV- RX series m odel) Mouse port Connection for a PS/2 mouse.
  • Page 20 Connection for a digital audio or optical device. Universal Serial Bus (USB 2.0) ports (4) Connections for compatible high/full/low-speed USB devices. Microphone jack Connection for a microphone (optional). Headphones jack Connection for the supplied speakers or optional headphones. Line In jack Connection for an audio device.
  • Page 21 O n s ome loc ations , the monitor port loc ation may be in a different loc ation. T he s peaker model s upplied with your c omputer may vary, depending on the s ys tem purc has ed. See the online s pec ific ation s heet for information on s upplied ac c es s ories .
  • Page 22: Setting Up Your Computer

    Setting Up Your Computer Your computer may not be equipped with all of these hardware features and the location of the controls, ports, and jacks may vary from the illustrations shown in this section. See the online specifications sheet for your system's hardware configuration.
  • Page 23: Connecting A Display (Monitor)

    Connecting a Display (Monitor) Plug the display's cable into the monitor port. If necessary, plug the display's cable into the rear of the display. To connect a display (PCV- RZ series m odel) To connect a DVI display (PCV- RZ series m odel) Install your equipment so that you can easily reach the power outlet in the event of an emergency.
  • Page 24: Connecting The Speakers

    Connecting the Speakers Plug the cable attached to the back of the left speaker into the L Out jack on the back of the right speaker. Plug the cable attached to the back of the right speaker into the Headphones jack, located on the back panel of your computer.
  • Page 25 Page 25...
  • Page 26: Connecting The Keyboard And Mouse

    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 on the back of the computer. To connect the keyboard and m ouse (PCV- RZ series m odel) Page 26...
  • Page 27: Connecting The Telephone And Modem Cables

    Connecting the Telephone and Modem Cables Unplug your telephone cable from the wall jack and plug it into the telephone jack located on the back panel of your computer. Plug the modem cable (supplied) into the modem line jack, located on the back panel of your computer Plug the other end of the cable into the wall jack.
  • Page 28: Connecting The Power Cords

    Connecting the Power Cords Plug the power cord into the back of the computer. Plug both the display and computer power cords into a grounded AC wall outlet or a power strip. To connect the power cords (PCV- RZ series m odel) Page 28...
  • Page 29: Turning On Your Computer

    Turning On your Computer When you start your system for the first time, your computer may detect new equipment and display a dialog box that prompts you to restart your computer. Respond to this prompt immediately. Press the power button on the computer to turn on the power. Press the power button on the display to turn on the power.
  • Page 30: Registering Your Computer

    Registering 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 31: Setting Up Your Dial-Up Connection

    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 32 Follow the on-screen instructions to finish setting up your dial-up connection. Page 32...
  • Page 33: Turning Off Your Computer

    Turning Off your Computer Follow these steps when you are ready to turn off your computer for an extended period of time. To avoid loss of data, do not use the Power button to turn off the computer. To turn off your computer Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then select Turn Off Computer.
  • Page 34: Configuring Your Vaio Computer

     About Your Hard Disk Drive  About i.LINK Compatibility  About the Memory Stick Media Slot  About VAIO Action Setup  About the Sony Software Window Design Page 34...
  • Page 35 About Your Hard Disk Drive 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 drive D partition. This prevents large video captures from consuming the available space on your drive C partition.
  • Page 36 1-888-315-7669. i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 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 37 About the Memory Stick Media Slot Your computer may not be equipped with a Memory Stick hardware configuration purchased. To view the specific system configuration for your computer see the online specifications sheet. 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 38 If the media does not insert easily, remove it from the slot and verify that it is not upside-down or backwards. Carefully reinsert the Memory Stick media, but do not force it into the slot. Removing a Memory Stick media A small portion of the Memory Stick media remains extended when it is inserted into the Memory Stick media slot.
  • Page 39 Locking the Mem ory Stick Media Page 39...
  • Page 40 About VAIO Action Setup VAIO Action Setup manages the settings for your computer's Shortcut keys (S Keys). ® Identifying the Shortcut keys The programmable S Keys are set to launch the following applications:  S1 — Microsoft Outlook Express ® ®...
  • Page 41 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. You may only use this feature with compatible UI Design Selector software.
  • Page 42 In the future you may want to increase the functionality of your VAIO computer. This section describes how to perform basic upgrades and maintenance on your system. For more information on upgrading your computer, see your model's System Reference Manual. You can download the System Reference Manual from the Sony Web site at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.
  • Page 43 Overview The upgrading procedures described 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. Before upgrading your computer Disconnect the computer from its power source and from telecommunications links, networks, or modems before you open the unit or follow any procedures described in this section.
  • Page 44 About the Side Panel Removing the side panel (PCV-RZ series model) Shut down your computer and turn off all peripheral devices, such as your printer. Unplug your computer and disconnect any peripheral devices. Lay the system unit on its side. Locate the two tabs on the back edge of the right side panel.
  • Page 45 to touch. Wait until the internal parts of the system unit cool down before you attempt to remove the side panel. Replacing the side panel (PCV-RZ series model) Lay the system unit on its side. Align the tabs on the side panel to the tracks on the chassis frame. Gently slide the side panel onto the chassis, until the tabs lock the panel into place.
  • Page 46 9.05 inches. Add-on card configuration varies by model. Some models, such as Configure-to-Order (CTO) systems, may contain preinstalled add-on cards. Observe the proper safety precautions when you add cards to your Sony computer. See computer. installing an Add-on Card Shut down your computer and turn off all peripheral devices, such as your printer.
  • Page 47 Attach any internal cables that the card requires. See the instructions supplied with the add-on card. Replace the side panel. See About the Side Reconnect the power cord and all peripheral devices. Turn on the computer. Panel. Page 47...
  • Page 48: About Installing Memory

    About Installing Memory The amount of preinstalled memory may vary, depending on the system configuration you purchased. Your computer may ship with all available memory slots filled. See the online specifications sheet for details about the amount of memory installed in your computer. For memory replacement or upgrades, use only 2.5 V, 64-bit, PC2700 DDR-SDRAM Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM).
  • Page 49 Installing a memory module Shut down your computer and turn off all peripheral devices, such as your printer. Unplug your computer and any peripheral devices. Remove the side panel. See Gently place the unit on its side. If necessary, remove any cables, add-on cards, or other components to access the memory module slots.
  • Page 50 Press down evenly against the module's upper corners. The end latches snap into position, holding the module in place. To avoid damaging a memory module slot, move the end latches slightly outward to relieve pressure. The module clicks into place. Reinstall any components or add-on cards you may have removed.
  • Page 51: About 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, visit the Sony Computing Support Web site at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.
  • Page 52: About Hard Disk Drive Installation

    Your computer comes with an available internal bay to hold a second standard 3½-inch hard disk drive. Some models, such as Configure-to-Order (CTO) systems, may already have a second hard disk drive installed. Your system can support up to ATA-100 hard disk drives. Sony recommends using an ATA-100 hard disk drive to take full advantage of your system's features.
  • Page 53 Rem ov ing the driv e holder (PCV- RX series m odel) Slide the new drive into the drive holder and align the holes on each side of the drive bay. Secure the drive to the drive holder with screws, through the holes on each side of the drive holder. Attaching the driv e screws Your new hard disk drive is supplied with the necessary screws.
  • Page 54 To lock the drive holder (for PCV-RX series model only) Push up on the bottom tab on the drive holder to lock the drive into position. 12. Reconnect the power and drive cables to the original hard disk drive. 13. Connect the second drive connector to the new drive. Orient the connector to align pin 1 on the red side of the ribbon cable with pin 1 on the new drive.
  • Page 55 Right-click on the newly installed, unformatted hard disk (Disk label identified with red marking). From the shortcut menu, select Initialize Disk. Click on the Unallocated area of the disk and then right-click to display a shortcut menu. Select New Partition. The New Partition wizard appears. Follow the wizard's on-screen instructions to complete the process.
  • Page 56: System And Application Recovery Cd(S)

    System And Application Recovery CD(s) You can restore your system, individual software applications, or drivers, using the Recovery CDs.  Using the System Recovery CD(s)  Using the Application Recovery CD(s) Page 56...
  • Page 57: Using The System Recovery Cd(S)

    The System Recovery CD can only be used to restore the hard disk drive of the Sony computer you purchased. The System Recovery process removes all software that you may have installed since you started using your computer.
  • Page 58 System Recovery options Default System Drive Recovery (Recommended) All data on Drive C is deleted. The factory default settings and software applications are restored on this drive only. Change partition size and recover 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 59 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. Press the disc eject button to open the optical disc drive and extend the disk tray. Insert the System Recovery CD (CD #1) in your computer's optical drive 1.
  • Page 60: Using The Application Recovery Cd(S)

    Using the Application Recovery CD(s) The Application Recovery CD utility enables you to reinstall your system's original software, drivers, and to repair software applications if they become corrupted or are erased. You can reinstall a specific application or driver to correct a problem that you are experiencing with your computer or peripheral hardware.
  • Page 61 Double-click the application you want to reinstall. The software's installation wizard begins. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the application recovery process. If you have questions about using the Application Recovery CD(s), visit the Sony Computing Support Web site at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport.
  • Page 62 Reinstalling device drivers The Microsoft Windows XP operating system is capable of reinstalling the original factory-installed device drivers, without ® ® using the Application Recovery CD(s). Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then right-click My Computer. A shortcut menu appears. Click Properties.
  • Page 63 Insert Application Recovery CD #1 into the optical disc drive. The VAIO welcome window appears. Click OK, then click Quit to close the Sony Application Recovery utility. Without removing the Application Recovery CD from the optical drive, click Start in the Windows taskbar and then right-click My Computer.
  • Page 64: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting This section describes how to troubleshoot common problems. You can also find helpful information on how to use your computer's hardware features and preinstalled software. Your computer may not be equipped with all of the features or software discussed in this section, depending on the system configuration purchased. ...
  • Page 65: About Vaio Computer Functions

    About VAIO Computer Functions My computer does not start.  Verify that the computer is plugged into a power source and that it is turned on. Check that the power indicator is lit on the front panel of the computer. ...
  • Page 66 You can change the parallel port 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.
  • Page 67 To access the online specifications sheet: Click Start in the Windows taskbar, then click Help and Support. From the VAIO Help and Support Center menu, click VAIO User Guide. Click the Welcome link. The Welcome page displays in the right-side frame. Locate the link in the text, "View the C ertain V A I O c omputers are not equipped with a floppy dis k drive.
  • Page 68: About Software

    About Software Your computer may not be supplied with all of the software discussed in this section, depending on the system configuration you purchased. How do I create an audio CD with preinstalled Sony software? Your VAIO computer has SonicStage ®...
  • Page 69 Point to select a file or folder, or select several files or folders by holding down the CTRL key while pointing to each of the files you want. Under File and Folder Tasks, click Copy this file, Copy this folder, or Copy the selected items. If the files are located in My Pictures, under Picture Tasks, click Copy to CD or Copy all items to CD.
  • Page 70: About Using The Optical Disc Drive(S)

    About Using the Optical Disc Drive(s) 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 online specifications sheet. Why doesn't my optical drive tray open? To use the Eject button Make sure the computer is turned on.
  • Page 71 If you see video but cannot hear audio, check all of the following:  Verify that your DVD player's mute feature is turned off.  Check the master volume setting in the Audio Mixer.  Check the volume settings on your computer speakers. ...
  • Page 72: About The Mouse And Keyboard

    About the Mouse and Keyboard Why doesn't my mouse work properly?  Confirm that the mouse is plugged securely into the mouse port. If you are using a USB mouse, verify that the mouse is plugged securely into the appropriate USB port. ...
  • Page 73: About The Modem

    Check that the access telephone number (POP) is correct.  All software applications that are preinstalled by Sony are compatible with your computer's modem. If you have installed other software, contact the software publisher for information on how to configure the software in order to recognize the modem.
  • Page 74 From the Dialing Rules tab, click Edit. The Edit Location dialog box appears. Select the Tone or Pulse option. Click OK. Page 74...
  • Page 75: About The Speakers

    About the Speakers Why is there no sound in any application?  Check that the speakers are plugged into the Headphones jack.  If your speakers have a mute button, verify that it is turned off.  If your speakers are powered by batteries, verify that the batteries are inserted properly and that they are charged.
  • Page 76 About Using a Microphone Why doesn't my microphone work properly? Check that the microphone is plugged into the Microphone jack. Why is my microphone so sensitive 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 77: About Using Peripheral Equipment

    About Using Peripheral Equipment How do I install a printer?  Connect your USB or IEEE 1394 printer to the appropriate port on your computer's front, back or side panels your printer has a USB, IEEE 1394, or infrared connection, contact the printer manufacturer for information or updates that may be required for proper installation.
  • Page 78: Notes On Use

    Notes On Use The information in this section provides basic procedures for handling your system and common peripheral devices, using storage media, and locating upgrade procedures. A support resource listing is also provided to help you locate the appropriate support options. ...
  • Page 79: About The Power Source

    About the Power Source Before opening your computer, turn the system off and let it cool down for 10 minutes. This protects you against internal components that may be too hot to handle.  Your computer operates on 100-120 V AC 50/60 Hz only. ...
  • Page 80: About Disposing Of The Lithium Battery

    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 81: About Handling The Computer System

    Your computer, keyboard, and mouse consist of high-precision electronic parts. Do not drop them or bump them against other objects.  Your Sony computer does not work with party lines, cannot be connected to a coin-operated telephone, and may not work with multiple telephone lines or a private branch exchange (PBX). ...
  • Page 82: About Handling A Monitor (Display)

    About Handling a Monitor (Display)  DVD playback and certain video-related software may not function correctly when your monitor is set to a high refresh rate. If your monitor does not play back video content properly, try setting the display to a lower refresh rate.
  • Page 83: About Dvd, Cd, And Floppy Disk Media

    About DVD, CD, and Floppy Disk Media 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 84: Support Options

    Support Options Sony provides several options to help solve common problems or to locate support for your VAIO describes all available resources and offers suggestions on how to access this information for maximum results.  Immediate Help and Support ...
  • Page 85: Immediate Help And Support

    From the menu bar, click Help. The Help file appears. Y ou c an loc ate the online H elp for Sony s oftware applic ations by pointing to the individual applic ation's ic on and s elec ting H elp from the s ubmenu.
  • Page 86: Software Help And Support

    Software Help and Support The contact and support information for the preinstalled software on your system can be found on the online specifications sheet. Computing support is free of charge for 90 days after the original date of purchase. Your computer may not be supplied with all of the software discussed in this section, depending on the system configuration you purchased.
  • Page 87: Contacting Sony For Help And Support

    Contacting Sony for Help and Support If the information provided with your VAIO computer does not provide an immediate solution, or you would like to get ® direct support, contact Sony online or by telephone. Page 87...

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