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Sony VAIO PCG-GRX416SP Software Manual

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About the software on
your Sony notebook
P C G - G R X 4 1 6 S P

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Summary of Contents for Sony VAIO PCG-GRX416SP

  • Page 1 About the software on your Sony notebook P C G - G R X 4 1 6 S P...

  • Page 2: Read This First

    Please read this EULA carefully before installing or using the software distributed together with this EULA (the SONY SOFTWARE). By installing or using the SONY SOFTWARE, you agree to be bound by the terms of this EULA. You may use the SONY SOFTWARE only in connection with the use of the SONY HARDWARE.
  • Page 3 Except for the transfer of the SONY SOFTWARE together with the SONY HARDWARE and prior agreement of the recipient to be bound by the terms and conditions of this EULA, you may not sell or rent the SONY SOFTWARE and its copy to any third party.
  • Page 4 Sony, DigitalPrint, DVgate, i.LINK, ImageStation, Jog Dial, PictureGear, PictureToy, PowerPanel, MovieShaker, Smart Capture, SonicStage, Sony Notebook Setup, UI Design Selector, VisualFlow, Memory Stick, the Memory Stick logo, VAIO and the VAIO logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation. The Windows and the Windows XP Professional logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
  • Page 5 Registering your VAIO It only takes a few moments to register your Sony VAIO computer. By registering your computer, you can take advantage of Sony’s commitment to quality customer support and receive the following benefits: Club VAIO – Online support, tutorials, tips and tricks, news, news forums, competitions, free downloads and software updates.
  • Page 6 VAIO computer. Launch software applications and go to Sony websites from here in an instant. By default, you can find VAIO Remote Control in the Start menu, after which you can copy it to your desktop for easy access.
  • Page 7 Click the sphere to start the launch sequence. The sphere moves closer to the info box and the word GO appears. Click GO to launch. For software applications, the program is launched in full-screen. For links, Internet Explorer is opened and the Sony website is launched.

  • Page 8: About The Software On Your Computer

    About the software on your computer Your Sony computer is ready to help you work, play, learn, and communicate as soon as you turn it on. This section gives you an overview of what you can do with the software installed on your computer.
  • Page 9 The Jog Dial™ utility allows you to configure the Jog Dial™ on your computer. In this application, you can select the Sony applications, or others, that you want the Jog Dial™ to pilot; you can also configure the Jog Dial™ to start any application, establish a dial-up connection, or read an e-mail, simply by turning and pressing the Jog Dial™.

  • Page 10: Power Panel

    Sony Electronics PictureToy is Sony’s drawing application, using a highly accurate pen tool. As well as drawing from scratch, you can edit images using over 70 images. Adding spectacles and flowers to pictures is just as much fun as it...

  • Page 11: Sony Notebook Setup

    EMD services or adopted (or created) from your own CD or the Internet. Sony Notebook Setup Sony Electronics Use Sony Notebook Setup to consult system information, specify preferences for system behavior, and set up a power-on password for your Sony computer. UI Design Selector Sony Electronics You can change the window design of the Sony software compatible with UI Design Selector.
  • Page 12 You can only use the Recovery CD-ROMs on the Sony computer you purchased, and not on any other Sony PC or other manufacturer's PC.

  • Page 13: Operating System And Other Pre-Installed Software

    About the software on your computer Operating system and other pre-installed software ® Windows XP Professional Microsoft Corporation ® ® Built on the proven Windows 2000 operating system, Windows XP Professional delivers a reliable foundation you can count on to keep your computer up and running when you need it most. Not only is the operating system more reliable, it also offers features that make it much faster and easier to recover from ®...

  • Page 14: Adobe Acrobat Reader

    About the software on your computer ® Adobe Acrobat Adobe Systems Incorporated ® Acrobat Reader software allows you to view, navigate, and print electronic documents in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF), an open file format that is intended to preserve the conformity of documents created on all major computer platforms.
  • Page 15 About the software on your computer or CD-ROM. ® ® Adobe Premiere combines professional video editing capabilities and high quality output in a product that's easy to use and versatile. For questions and technical and technical assistance, go online to: http://www.adobe.com Panorama Maker™...
  • Page 16 RealJukebox does not support the Digital Rights Management (DRM) compliant online music distribution services that are supported by OpenMG. - DRM compliant music files downloaded from online music distribution services, cannot be checked-out to MagicGate Memory Stick™ or Sony portable devices using RealJukebox.
  • Page 17 About the software on your computer Symantec Norton AntiVirus (as setup on the hard drive) Symantec With Norton AntiVirus, you can scan files, folders, or entire drives for viruses, and quarantine infected files for submission to the Symantec AntiVirus Research Center (SARC). Files submitted to SARC are analyzed and the results are reported automatically within seven days.
  • Page 18 Using Video software Using Video software The following video software applications are installed on your VAIO: Using DVgate Using MovieShaker Using Smart Capture (page 18) (page 33) (page 39)

  • Page 19: Using Dvgate

    Using Video software Using DVgate DVgate is a software application that enables you to capture and then edit images taken with digital video devices (DV devices), such as digital video camera recorders, on your personal computer. It also gives you the ability to output the edited material for recording on a DV device.

  • Page 20: Capturing Video

    Using Video software Using DVgate Motion With DVgate Motion you can capture video and record edited videos on a DV device. Capturing video: You can automatically or manually capture any scene or portion of the images recorded on a DV device, such as a digital video camera recorder.
  • Page 21 Using Video software Press Play to start the video. The video begins to play in the Monitor window. Click Mark to mark the beginning of the first segment. The first frame of the segment to be captured, is displayed in the In/Out list window. Click Mark again to mark the end of the segment to capture.
  • Page 22 Using Video software Click OK in the DVgate Motion window to finish. Information about the capturing process is displayed in the Report window. Click OK. Exit DVgate Motion. The Dvmotion2 window appears on the screen. You can then save the In/Out list, which allows you to capture the same video sequences later on, or change the In/Out settings.
  • Page 23 Using Video software Select Adjust on Recording… from the Settings menu. The Adjust on Recording dialog box appears. Click the AutoAdjust button. DVgate Motion activates the connected DV device and automatically finds the adjustment values. Click OK. To manually adjust the recording correction values, refer to the DVgate online help file. Adding files to the Record List To add files to the Record List, proceed as follows: Launch DVgate Motion.
  • Page 24 Using Video software After adding the files to the Record List, you can still change the order of the files, add or delete files. To change the order of the files in the Record List, proceed as follows: Click the file you want to move while holding down the mouse button. Drag the file to the appropriate position and then release the mouse button.
  • Page 25 Using Video software Recording on the DV device You can automatically or manually export videos from your computer to a DV device. To automatically export videos from your computer to a DV device, proceed as follows: Connect the camera to the computer with the i.LINK™ cable and turn on the camera. Launch DVgate Motion.
  • Page 26 Using Video software Even if you specify not to add blank frames, several blank frames are always placed at the end of the recorded segment regardless of the settings. This is to prevent image noise from being recorded when recording stops. Do not quit or log off from Windows Disable the screen saver in Windows Do not start other applications or move any active window while recording.

  • Page 27: Capturing Pictures

    Using Video software Capturing pictures There are two capture modes in DVgate Still: the Continuous Capture mode and the Single Frame Capture mode. Continuous Capture mode: If you capture pictures during Play mode, you can capture 30 frames of still pictures in total with respectively 15 frames in the forward and backward directions.
  • Page 28 Using Video software Set the DV device to the Play or Pause mode. The video image appears in the Monitor window. Click the Capture button. The video image in the Monitor window is being captured. Dragging the slider in the Capture window to the left or right lets you display the still picture before or after the current one. If you exit DVgate Still without saving the captured still picture, it is cleared.
  • Page 29 Using Video software Saving the captured pictures You can save the still pictures displayed in the DVgate Still - Still window in either one of the following formats: BMP, JPG, GIF or DVF. To save the captured pictures, proceed as follows: Launch DVgate Still and capture images.
  • Page 30 Using Video software Using DVgate Assemble DVgate Assemble enables you to edit video files and still image files captured with DVgate Motion and DVgate Still. Afterwards you can splice them together to form one single file. You can save the resulting spliced video sequences as AVI, MPEG1, or MPEG2* format files.
  • Page 31 Using Video software Imported files are added to the end of the Assemble List. You can only add video files of the AVI (DV CODEC) format, and still image files of the BMP, JPEG, and GIF formats. When you add a still image file (BMP, JPEG, or GIF), the number of frames, converted size, and size conversion mode are shown. You can save an Assemble List for future use.
  • Page 32 Using Video software Combining still images with video images To combine still images with video images, proceed as follows: Launch DVgate Assemble. Select the still image you want to insert from the Assemble List. Choose Edit a clip... from the Edit menu in the main window. The DVgate Assemble - Clip dialog box appears.
  • Page 33 Using Video software Saving the edited video To save an edited video sequence, proceed as follows: Click the Output or the Output All button. The Save As dialog box appears. Information on the output file and the amount of free disk space is shown in the lower part of the Save As dialog box.

  • Page 34: Using Movieshaker

    Using Video software Using MovieShaker MovieShaker can be used to create fun and innovative movies without any knowledge of film editing. In a few steps, motion pictures can be combined with special effects, still images (pictures), and music files and then saved in a format most computers can play.
  • Page 35 Using Video software Menu bar Monitor panel Tool panel Clip tray Product tray Shows MovieShaker menus. Contains the Shake, Capture, and Edit tray. Select a tray by clicking the Shake, Capture, or Edit tab. The Shake tray is for creating a scene of approximately 30 seconds long including background music, using clips on the Clip tray at random.

  • Page 36: Importing Images And Sound Clips

    Using Video software Importing images and sound clips Before you can create a movie, you need to import the images and sound clips you want to use in your movie. To import images and sound clips, proceed as follows: Click the File import button The Import dialog box appears.
  • Page 37 Using Video software Scenes created with Shaker begin with a black frame. After processing, they are placed in the first available slot on the Product tray. Limit the number of scenes in the Product tray to 5 or less. MovieShaker may stop responding if there are too many scenes in the Product tray.

  • Page 38: Editing Clips And Scenes

    Using Video software Editing clips and scenes You can edit your movie by adding effects and text, adjusting the color and contrast, and modifying the length of the clip. Shake tab Capture tab Edit tab Speed control slider Volume control slider Effect palette Fade-in, fade-out Trash...

  • Page 39: Saving A Movie

    Using Video software To edit clips and scenes, proceed as follows: Double-click the clip in the Clip tray to move it to the Monitor Panel. Select the Effect tab from the Tool Panel. Drag and drop the effect you want to add from the Effect tray to the Edit tray monitor. To preview an effect, click the effect in the Effect tray in the Working Panel monitor.

  • Page 40: Using Smart Capture

    Using Video software Using Smart Capture You can use Smart Capture to shoot still images and record video clips from a digital camera connected to your computer. Capturing still images You can capture still images from i.LINK™ compatible devices. To capture still images, proceed as follows: Connect an i.LINK™...

  • Page 41: Displaying Captured Images In Still Viewer

    Using Video software Displaying captured images in Still Viewer To display captured images in Still Viewer, proceed as follows: From the Start menu, select All Programs / Smart Capture and click Still Viewer. You can display, save or delete your images or send them by e-mail. To end Still Viewer, click the You can capture still images in the following sizes: 640 x 480, 320 x 240, 160 x 120 and 80 x 60 pixels.

  • Page 42: Shooting Video Clips

    Using Video software Shooting video clips With a video camera connected to your computer you can use Smart Capture to capture video clips, as well as play them or send them via e-mail. To capture video clips, proceed as follows: Launch Smart Capture.
  • Page 43 Using Video software Sending video clips via e-mail If you shoot a video clip in a low resolution format, its size will be small allowing you to send the video clip by e-mail. To send video clips via e-mail, proceed as follows: Launch Smart Capture.
  • Page 44 Managing audio files with SonicStage Managing audio files with SonicStage SonicStage lets you play and record audio CDs and import digital audio files while maintaining the copyright information of the contents. When you record an audio CD with SonicStage, it is encoded in ATRAC3 format onto you computer’s hard drive.
  • Page 45 Managing audio files with SonicStage Feature tabs Player control buttons Playlist drop-down list File tree view Internet address drop- down list File list view Tutorial tab Changes the screen view according to the selected feature. Controls playback functions, such as play, pause, stop, fast-forward and reverse. Displays available playlists and audio files of the current feature tab.
  • Page 46 For more information regarding CDDB registration, click the Help button. Sony recommends the use of SonicStage version 1.1 when backing up or creating music CDs. Sony offers no guarantee for creating CDs, an option provided by RealJukebox2 Basic for Sony.

  • Page 47: Recording A Cd

    Managing audio files with SonicStage Recording a CD You can record songs from audio CDs and import them to playlists in SonicStage. To record a CD, proceed as follows: Insert an audio CD into your system’s optical disc drive. Click the CD tab. Use the drop-down lists to select the file format.
  • Page 48 Managing audio files with SonicStage Transferring songs (check in/out) You can transfer songs between the playlists on your SonicStage software and external devices or media (for example, Memory Stick™ Walkman, Network Walkman, CD-RW). For more information on using your external devices or media, see the documentation that came with the product. These instructions are for using the check in/out 1-step method.
  • Page 49 Managing audio files with SonicStage Checking in songs After checking out audio files, you can transfer those files back to an external device or to the hard drive. This is what we call checking in. The songs that you transfer like this can only be checked in to the hard drive of the same computer from which the songs were checked out.

  • Page 50: Additional Features

    Managing audio files with SonicStage Additional features SonicStage Tutorial – The features of SonicStage are described in the Tutorial. The user-friendly interface guides you directly through the SonicStage features. SonicStage Backup Tool – You can back up and restore all the music, graphics and information data managed by SonicStage.

  • Page 51: Using Imaging Software

    Using Imaging software Using Imaging software The following Sony imaging software applications are installed on your computer: Using PictureGear Using PictureToy Using VisualFlow (page 51) (page 56) (page 62)

  • Page 52: Using Picturegear

    Using Imaging software Using PictureGear PictureGear is your assistant for creating and editing photos, backgrounds, wallpapers, slide shows, personal screen savers, etc. You can even animate your preferred gif files with Gif Animation Tools or play back movies in a variety of formats. You can also create albums from your favourite images and upload them to a Web page.

  • Page 53: Creating A Collection

    Using Imaging software Creating a Collection All the images and movies you use to create a slide show, a screen saver or a photo album, is a collection. To create a collection, proceed as follows: Launch PictureGear. The PictureGear main window appears. In the Folder box, select the location of your pictures.

  • Page 54: Viewing A Slide Show

    Using Imaging software Viewing a Slide Show During a slide show, images are displayed one after another at a specified interval. To view a slide show, proceed as follows: Create a Collection. See Creating a Collection Click Select All from the Edit menu to display all images in the display area. Select Slide Show View…...
  • Page 55 Using Imaging software Creating a Screen Saver A screen saver is a program which protects the screen by automatically covering a still image with a moving image if the computer has not been used for a few minutes. To create a screen saver, proceed as follows: Create a Collection.
  • Page 56 Using Imaging software Click the Customize the design button to add pictures, frames, text, and effects. The Panel Album dialog box appears. Follow the wizard and click Finish. PictureGear now creates your photo album. When the process is done, the Completed dialog box appears. Click Save to select the location where you want to save your album.

  • Page 57: Using Picturetoy

    It also allows you to easily place arrows on specific areas of a computer map, or to overlay photographs taken with a digital camera with illustrations. You can select the underlay image either at the start up of PictureToy from other Sony made software, or directly from PictureToy.
  • Page 58 Using Imaging software Starting from Sony applications It is possible to start PictureToy from PictureGear and VisualFlow. To start PictureToy from PictureGear, proceed as follows: Launch PictureGear. Open the image file, which you want to use as the underlaying picture with the Editor.
  • Page 59 Using Imaging software Drawing and using pictures Drawing freehand You can select a variety of pens, such as magic markers, or fluorescent pens. You can also set the software to add an arrow to the end point of a line. To draw lines freehand, proceed as follows: Click the Pen Settings button in the Operation Panel.

  • Page 60: Writing Text

    Using Imaging software Attaching stamps and balloons In PictureToy, you can add stamps or balloons to your favorite pictures. To attach stamps and balloons, proceed as follows: Make sure the image for which you want to attach a stamp or a balloon is opened in PictureToy. Click the Stamp button to paste stamps.

  • Page 61: Managing Pictures

    Using Imaging software Managing pictures The underlaying image and the picture drawn on it can be saved together as one superimposed image in JPEG or BMP format. You can also attach PictureToy images to your e-mail message and transmit or print them. You can send PictureToy images to another software application via your clipboard.
  • Page 62 Using Imaging software To print the pictures, proceed as follows: Make sure that the underlaying image and the picture drawn on it are opened. Click the Menu icon and click the Print button displayed in the menu displayed in the Details Panel. The Print dialog box appears.

  • Page 63: Using Visualflow

    Using Imaging software Using VisualFlow VisualFlow allows you to interactively browse through files stored on a Memory Stick™, your hard drive, a CD-ROM or a floppy disk that contains still images, movies or audio clips. It also allows you to select files for display or playback by other applications.
  • Page 64 Memory Stick™, the MEMSTICK.IND file should be located on the Memory Stick™ itself. If you have deleted the file or formatted the Memory Stick™ with Windows Formatter, VisualFlow will not be able to find the Memory Stick™ device. In that case, please copy the MEMSTICK.IND file from C:\Program Files\Sony\VisualFlow to the Memory Stick™. Path name of the displayed directory.
  • Page 65 Using Imaging software Using the sub-toolbar Move the mouse over the right-hand side of the toolbar to reveal the sub-toolbar and its functions: Click: Sound: Show folders: Blur: Full-screen: Background: Help: Exit: To do this: Click to turn the sound on or off. Click to show or hide the folder configuration in Memory Stick™...
  • Page 66 Using Imaging software Changing the view and display order In the toolbar of VisualFlow, you can use the View and Sort options to choose a different slide layout. View buttons: Click these buttons to define a mode for displaying the slides. Semi-circular Checkerboard Spiral...
  • Page 67 Using Imaging software Using PictureGear and PictureToy with VisualFlow You can use other Sony applications, i.e., PictureGear and PictureToy, to view or play your slide images. To use other software, proceed as follows: Launch VisualFlow. Select the slide you want and click to enlarge it.

  • Page 68: Customizing Your Computer

    The following sections briefly describe how to change the main settings of your computer. Among other things, you will learn how to prepare your modem for use, how to use and customize the look of your Sony software and utilities, etc.

  • Page 69: Setting Up Your Language

    Customizing your computer Setting up your language It is important that you select the correct keyboard settings during the Windows Setup. To select the correct keyboard settings during Windows Setup, proceed as follows: At first boot, click 2x Next in the Windows XP Setup Wizard window. The Select Your System Settings dialog box appears.
  • Page 70 Customizing your computer Click Apply to apply the changes. You are prompted to log off and log on again. Only then, the changes to the new language will take effect. Click Start, and select Log Off. Click Log Off in the Log Off Windows window. If necessary, enter your password to log on again.

  • Page 71: Setting Up Your Notebook With Sony Notebook Setup

    Customizing your computer Setting up your notebook with Sony Notebook Setup The Sony Notebook Setup utility allows you to consult system information, specify preferences for system behavior, and set up password protection for your VAIO notebook. To use Sony Notebook Setup, proceed as follows: Click the Start button on the Windows In All Programs, select Sony Notebook Setup and then click Sony Notebook Setup.
  • Page 72 Customizing your computer About This Computer Printer Initial Setting Touchpad Power On Password Enable Ports Basic/Advanced Select the tab for the item you want to change. Once finished, click OK. The item has been changed. For more information about each option, click Help on the Notebook Setup screen to display the help file. Description Displays system information, including memory capacity, serial number, and BIOS version.

  • Page 73: Managing Power With Powerpanel

    Customizing your computer Managing power with PowerPanel The PowerPanel utility controls the power management of your notebook and provides key information about system activity and battery life. The automatic power management selects the most advantageous profiles, or lets you customize the profiles you choose, according to your own needs, with the goal of extended battery life.
  • Page 74 Customizing your computer Activating power management profiles PowerPanel provides several predefined power management profiles. Each profile consists of a group of power management settings that are designed to meet specific power management goals, ranging from maximum power management to no power management. Main preset profiles Icon Description...
  • Page 75 Customizing your computer Other preset profiles Icon Description Word Processing – Optimizes power management with longer timeouts on the hard disk and display screen. You can also establish settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and Standby to optimize power management for your system.
  • Page 76 Customizing your computer Selecting automatic profiles A power profile is a set of timer values for a variety of system devices. PowerPanel automatically selects the profile associated with the application you are using and changes profiles as you switch between applications.

  • Page 77: Displaying Detailed Battery Information

    Customizing your computer Displaying detailed battery information You can display detailed information of your computer's battery. To display battery information, proceed as follows: Double-click the PowerPanel icon in the taskbar. The Battery Information dialog box appears. Select the Battery tab. This tab contains information such as the estimated battery life remaining and charging time.
  • Page 78 Customizing your computer Displaying CPU information You can also view the level of performance of your notebook with the CPU Controls. To do so, you just have to move your cursor over the CPU icon in your taskbar. Icon Performance: Battery Life: For more detailed information on what you can do with PowerPanel, refer to the Help files of PowerPanel.
  • Page 79 Customizing your computer Double-click the power profile property (CPU Control, Hibernate, Standby…) you want to modify on the right of the screen. An option list or a dialog box will appear. Add or define the setting you want to select. Click the File menu and then click Save.

  • Page 80: Starting Your Favorite Software With Jog Dial

    Customizing your computer Starting your favorite software with Jog Dial™ The VAIO Action Setup software enables you to start your favorite software with the Jog Dial™. This section briefly describes how to use VAIO Action Setup. You can also refer to the VAIO Action Setup Help for more detailed information.
  • Page 81 Customizing your computer Defining Jog Dial™ settings You can select the rotation direction, allocate functions to software that does not support the Jog Dial™, or select the sound effects while using the Jog Dial™, etc. Right-click the Jog Dial™ icon in the taskbar. Select Jog Dial Setup (VAIO Action Setup) from the menu.
  • Page 82 Customizing your computer Modifying the Jog Dial™ application list Click Jog Dial(J) in the left part of the dialog box, and then select a folder or application you want to modify in the Application List. For more information on how to add, modify or delete elements in the Jog Dial List, read the VAIO Action Setup online help.

  • Page 83: Selecting Display Modes

    The Display Properties dialog box appears. Click the Settings tab. Click the Advanced button. The Sony Notebook LCD and Mobility Radeon 7500 Properties dialog box appears. Click the Displays tab. Select the Monitor, Panel or TV icon. Click Apply and then OK.

  • Page 84: Configuring Your Modem

    Customizing your computer Configuring your modem Before you can start using your internal modem, or each time you use your modem while traveling, make sure that the country of the active location defined in the Phone and Modem Options dialog box matches the country you are dialing from.

  • Page 85: Updating The Modem Driver

    Customizing your computer Updating the modem driver If you need to update the modem driver for any reason, proceed as follows: Click the Start button and open Control Panel. The Control Panel window appears. Click the Printers and Other Hardware icon. The Printers and Other Hardware window appears.

  • Page 86: Changing Your Windows Design With The Ui Design Selector Program

    The UI Design Selector window design changes, to give you a preview of the design you chose for the Sony software. To try another design, click << or >>. Click OK once you are satisfied with your choice. The UI Design Selector dialog box disappears and changes the window design of Sony software as you selected.

  • Page 87: Setting A Sony Wallpaper

    Customizing your computer Setting a Sony wallpaper Your Sony VAIO computer offers you, among many other features, a choice of wallpapers. You can change the wallpaper, the background of your desktop, as many times as you like. There are several VAIO-specific wallpapers to choose from.

  • Page 88: Installing And Updating Applications

    Installing and updating applications Installing and updating applications This section explains how to install, run or uninstall a software. Furthermore, you will learn how to download the latest updates from our website. Installing software Changing or removing software Uninstalling software Downloading software (page 88) (page 89)

  • Page 89: Installing Software

    Installing and updating applications Installing software Before installing the applications: Install and connect a hardware device, if necessary (see the Managing drivers Quit all Windows To install an application, proceed as follows: Click Start and then Control Panel. Open Add or Remove Programs in Control Panel. The Add or Remove Programs dialog box appears.

  • Page 90: Changing Or Removing Software

    Installing and updating applications Click Finish. Installation is complete and your computer restarts. When using Add or Remove Programs, you can only install programs that were written for Windows Changing or removing software You can at all times remove or change a software application. To change or remove a software, proceed as follows: Click Start, click Control Panel, and then click Add or Remove Programs.

  • Page 91: Uninstalling Software

    Installing and updating applications Uninstalling software Before proceeding, close the application you want to uninstall. To uninstall software, proceed as follows: From the Start menu, click Control Panel. The Control Panel window appears. Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon. The Add/Remove Programs dialog box appears. Select the software you wish to uninstall from the list of currently installed programs, then click Change/ Remove.
  • Page 92 Installing and updating applications Caution ® Windows File protection Installing a program might overwrite shared system files such as dynamic-link libraries (DLL files)* and executable files (EXE files). When system files are overwritten, system performance becomes unpredictable, programs behave erratically, and the operating system can fail. Never delete files with the following extensions: SYS, DLL, OCX, TTF, or FON.

  • Page 93: Downloading Software

    Fill in the two codes and click Enter Site. Select Downloads and follow the procedure. A list of Sony applications is displayed. Choose the appropriate upgrade and follow the online instructions to download it. To install your application, see the Installing software www.vaio-link.com...

  • Page 94: Managing Drivers

    Managing drivers Managing drivers A driver is a software enabling you to use hardware devices. For example, in order for you to be able to use a printer, you must first install its driver. Many drivers, such as the mouse driver, come with the operating system.

  • Page 95: Installing A Driver

    Managing drivers Installing a driver To install a driver, proceed as follows: Insert the application CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive (or the disk or the CD-ROM accompanying the device you want to configure). Connect the device that needs a driver, to your computer. The Found New Hardware Wizard screen appears.

  • Page 96: Checking The Driver's Installation

    Managing drivers Checking the driver's installation When the computer restarts, verify that the device is working properly. To verify the driver’s installation, proceed as follows: From the Start menu, click Control Panel. The Control Panel window appears. Double-click the System icon. The System dialog box appears.

  • Page 97: Updating A Driver

    Managing drivers Right-click Uninstall. When the Confirm Device Removal dialog box appears, click OK. Click Yes and restart the computer. When the computer restarts, repeat from step 2 in Installing a driver If your device is not displayed in the Properties dialog box, the device is not working properly. Repeat steps 1 through 4 in the previous sections to verify the driver’s installation.

  • Page 98: Uninstalling A Driver

    Managing drivers Double-click the option corresponding to the device you installed, then double-click your device. The Properties dialog box appears. Click the Driver tab. Click Update driver. The driver is updated. To update your device driver, you must be logged on to your computer with an administrator account. Uninstalling a driver Leave the device connected to your computer while uninstalling the driver.

  • Page 99: Restoring Your System

    Managing drivers Double-click the option corresponding to the device you installed, then double-click your device. The Properties dialog box appears. Click the Driver tab. Click Uninstall. The driver is uninstalled. To uninstall your device driver, you must be logged on to your computer with an owner account. Restoring your system System Restore is a feature of Microsoft problem occurs, without losing your personal data files.
  • Page 100 Managing drivers Click Start on the taskbar. Click My computer from the menu. Click View system information on the left of the window. Click the Hardware tab, then click Device Manager. Double-click the option corresponding to the device you installed, then double-click your device. The Properties dialog box appears.

  • Page 101: Downloading Drivers

    Managing drivers Downloading drivers Please note it is possible to download the latest versions of drivers for your computer on our website. Just click the following link to access it: To download the latest drivers, proceed as follows: Go to www.vaio-link.com When you access the VAIO-Link for the first time, the Web Disclaimer appears.

  • Page 102: Using The Product Recovery Cd-Roms

    If you want to modify the size of the hard drive partitions. You can only use these product recovery CD-ROMs on the Sony computer they came with and not on any other Sony PC or other manufacturer's PC. Performing an application recovery The final CD in the set of product recovery CD-ROMs contains all the applications that were preinstalled on your computer.

  • Page 103: Reinstalling A Device Driver From The Application Cd

    Using the product recovery CD-ROMs You must run the final product recovery CD-ROM from Windows The application recovery does not run from DOS. When performing an application recovery, you do not lose any data on your hard disk. In most cases, you are advised to uninstall an application before reinstalling it. Reinstalling a device driver from the application CD Some applications or peripherals require specific drivers which are not found on the Windows system.

  • Page 104: Notes On Performing A System Recovery

    Using the product recovery CD-ROMs Performing a system recovery The system recovery process allows you to: Reinstall an image of the hard disk as it was before you started using your computer. In the event that your system is seriously damaged, for example, if Windows or your PC behaves abnormally, the system recovery will completely reinstall the originally configured system on your C: drive.

  • Page 105: Using Partitioned Drives

    Using the product recovery CD-ROMs Using partitioned drives In My Computer you may have noticed the availability of two drive partitions (C: and D:). Your hard disk drive comes from the factory with 2 logical partitions. This does not mean that your computer contains two physical hard disks.

  • Page 106: Recovering The System Without Changing Partition Sizes

    Using the product recovery CD-ROMs Wait 10 seconds then turn the computer back on. The system starts to read the CD automatically and you are asked to wait. Click Next in the window that appears. Read the introduction and click Next. You can now choose the nature of the recovery.

  • Page 107: Recovering The System With Modified Partition Sizes

    Using the product recovery CD-ROMs Recovering the system with modified partition sizes To have the option of changing the partition sizes before completely restoring the original software, drivers and settings on your computer, choose Option Recovery. Changing the partition sizes of the two hard drives means that you will lose all the data stored on both your C: drive and your D: drive.

  • Page 108: Resetting The Default Partition Sizes

    Your system's settings are changed and your computer reboots automatically. Resetting the default partition sizes If you changed the partition sizes since you bought your Sony computer, choosing Recovery To Originally Shipped State allows you to reset the hard drive to its original size. Meanwhile, the current partitions are deleted, the hard disk is reformatted, and all the original software is restored as with a standard system recovery.

  • Page 109: Aborting The System Recovery Process

    Using the product recovery CD-ROMs Aborting the system recovery process Before the actual recovery process begins, the VAIO System Recovery Utility makes it easy to cancel any settings you may have made. Most screens remind you about the loss of data that will incur and you can either to go back to the previous screen (press Back), or abort the recovery setup altogether.

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