NUser GuidePersonal ComputerVGC-VA10G Series
10nNGetting StartedLocating Controls and PortsTake a moment to identify the controls and ports shown on the following pages.!The following illustratio
100nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer12 Gently slide the top panel onto the computer until it snaps into place.
101nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerViewing the Amount of MemoryTo view the amount of memory1 Turn on the computer.2 Click Start, point to All Programs,
102nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerInstalling the Hard Disk DriveYour computer may be equipped with open internal bays to hold additional 3.5-inch hard
103nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerAbout hard disk drive recoveryWhen you replace the original hard disk drive, the preinstalled VAIO Recovery utility c
104nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerDrive letter assignmentWhen a new hard disk drive is installed, an identifying drive letter is assigned. The drive le
105nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerInstalling an Additional Hard Disk DriveYou can install up to two SATA hard disk drives to the internal hard disk dri
106nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer3 Gently place the computer on a flat and stable surface, with the LCD screen facing down.!Use caution when placing t
107nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer4 Unscrew the four screws on the bottom of the back panel (1).5 Slide the back panel toward the bottom of the compute
108nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer6 Unscrew the two screws on the hard disk cover (1), lift the cover, and set it aside.7 Unscrew the four screws on th
109nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer8 Pull the drive holder slightly out and detach the power and interface cables from the original hard disk drive that
11nNGetting StartedFront A Power indicator (page 14)B Drive indicator (page 14)C MONITOR OFF indicator (page 14)D MONITOR OFF button for turning off t
110nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer9 Slide the drive holder completely out.10 Slide a new drive into the drive holder and align the holes on each side o
111nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer12 Align the drive holder with the tracks on the inside of the chassis.Connect the power and internal SATA cables to
112nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerIdentifying the Additional Hard Disk SpaceWhen you initialize the new hard disk, it must be configured as an extended
113nNPrecautionsPrecautionsThis section describes safety guidelines and precautions to help you protect your computer from potential damage.❑ On Handl
114nNPrecautionsOn Handling the LCD Screen❑ Do not leave the LCD facing the sun. This could damage the LCD. Be careful when using the computer near a
115nNPrecautionsOn Using the Power Source❑ See the online Specifications to check the power operation of your model.❑ Do not share the AC outlet with
116nNPrecautionsOn Handling Your Computer❑ Clean the cabinet with a soft cloth, which is dry or lightly moistened with a mild detergent solution. Do n
117nNPrecautions❑ Do not use cut or damaged connection cables.❑ If the computer is brought directly from a cold location to a warm one, moisture may c
118nNPrecautionsOn Handling Floppy Disks❑ Do not open the shutter manually or touch the surface of the floppy disk.❑ Keep floppy disks away from magne
119nNPrecautionsOn Handling Discs❑ Do not touch the surface of the disc.❑ Do not drop or bend the disc.❑ Fingerprints and dust on the surface of a dis
12nNGetting StartedRight A Power buttonB Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port* (page 75)C i.LINK® (IEEE1394) S400 port (page 78)D AC Input port (page 15)* Supp
120nNPrecautionsOn Handling Memory Stick Media❑ Do not use the media in locations that are subject to static electricity or electrical noise.❑ Do not
121nNPrecautionsOn Handling the Hard DiskThe hard disk has a high storage density and reads or writes data in a short time. However, it can be easily
122nNTroubleshootingTroubleshootingThis section describes how to solve common problems you might encounter when using your computer. Many problems hav
123nNTroubleshootingComputerWhat should I do if my computer won't start?❑ Make sure the computer is securely plugged into a power source and turn
124nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if a BIOS error appears when my computer starts? If the message "Press F2 to setup" appears at the bott
125nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if the power indicator (Green) lights but my screen does not display anything when I turn on my computer?If nothi
126nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if the message "Operating system not found" appears when my computer starts, and why won't Windows
127nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if my computer or software stops responding?❑ It is best to turn off the computer using the Turn Off Computer opt
128nNTroubleshootingWhy won't my computer enter Standby or Hibernate mode?The computer may become unstable if the operating mode is changed befor
129nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if I start my computer and the message "System Disabled" appears and Windows does not start?If you ente
13nNGetting StartedLeft A Composite Audio In jacks (page 42)B Composite Video In jack for connecting a cable or satellite set-top box (STB) without t
130nNTroubleshootingSystem SecurityThis section provides information about keeping your computer operating smoothly and protecting against potential t
131nNTroubleshootingTo visit the Windows Updates web site 1 Connect to the Internet. 2 Type http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ in the address bar of
132nNTroubleshootingInternet Why doesn't my modem work?❑ Make sure the telephone cable is securely plugged into the Modem port on the computer an
133nNTroubleshootingWhy is my modem connection slow? The computer is equipped with a V.92/ V.90 compatible modem. Many factors may influence modem con
134nNTroubleshootingNetworkingWhy can't my computer connect to a wireless LAN access point? ❑ Connection availability is affected by distance and
135nNTroubleshootingWhy is the data transfer speed slow? ❑ The wireless LAN data transfer speed is affected by distance and obstructions between devic
136nNTroubleshootingWhat are channels? ❑ Wireless LAN communication occurs on divided frequency bands known as channels. Third-party wireless LAN acce
137nNTroubleshootingCDs and DVDsWhy does my computer freeze when I try to read a disc?The disc the computer is trying to read may be dirty or damaged.
138nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if the optical disc drive isn't playing my CD or DVD properly? ❑ Make sure the disc was inserted into the op
139nNTroubleshooting5 Double-click the optical disc drive device to open the submenu.6 Double-click the listed drive, and select the Properties tab.7
14nNGetting StartedAbout the Indicator LightsYour computer is equipped with the following indicator lights. Indicator FunctionsPower 1 Illuminates in
140nNTroubleshootingWhat should I do if I cannot write to CD?❑ Do not launch any software application or allow any to launch automatically, not even a
141nNTroubleshootingDisplayWhy did the computer screen (LCD) go blank? ❑ The computer screen may go blank if the computer has lost power or has entere
142nNTroubleshootingPrintingWhy can't I print a document? ❑ Make sure the printer is on, and the printer cable is securely connected to the ports
143nNTroubleshootingMicrophoneWhy doesn't my microphone work? If you are using an external microphone, make sure the microphone is turned on and
144nNTroubleshootingMouseWhat should I do if the computer doesn't recognize the mouse? ❑ Confirm that the supplied AA batteries are properly inst
145nNTroubleshootingSpeakersWhy won't my speakers work? ❑ The speaker volume may have been turned off. Press the MONITOR OFF button on the front
146nNTroubleshootingKeyboardWhat should I do if the keyboard configuration is wrong?❑ The language layout of the computer's keyboard is specified
147nNTroubleshootingFloppy DisksWhy doesn't the Safely Remove Hardware icon appear on the taskbar when the drive is connected? The computer does
148nNTroubleshootingPC CardsWhy doesn't my PC Card work? ❑ Make sure the PC Card is inserted properly. See Inserting a PC Card (page 52) for more
149nNTroubleshootingAudio/VideoWhy can't I use the DV camera recorder? You may not be able to use the DV camera recorder, and the message DV equi
15nNGetting StartedConnecting the Power CordYour computer's power cord must be plugged into an AC power source, such as an AC wall outlet, surge
150nNTroubleshootingMemory Stick MediaWhy can't I open my image files? You may need to reformat your Memory Stick media.Formatting Memory Stick m
151nNTroubleshootingPeripheralsWhat should I do if I cannot connect a USB device?❑ If applicable, check the USB device is switched on and using its ow
152nNSupport OptionsSupport OptionsThe section contains information on where to go for answers to questions about your computer and the preinstalled s
153nNSupport OptionsFor users in Latin American countries or areasCustomer Information CenterIf you do not find the information you are looking for at
154nNSupport OptionsIn order to contact a Sony technical support representative, please call the following numbers:❑ In Argentina:(011) 6770-SONY (766
155nNSupport OptionsProgram Support InformationDepending on the computer model and particular configuration you purchased, your computer may not inclu
156nNSupport OptionsClick to DVD™ softwareSony Electronics Inc.At the touch of a button, Click to DVD software allows you to automatically burn DVDs f
157nNSupport OptionsDVgate Plus™ softwareSony Electronics Inc.Connect a compatible digital video camera to your computer's i.LINK® port and captu
158nNSupport OptionsIntel® PROSetIntel Corporation❑ For users in USA and CanadaWeb Site http://www.intel.com/network/connectivity/products/wireless/pr
159nNSupport OptionsMoodLogicMoodLogic, Inc.❑ For users in USA and CanadaWeb Site http://www.moodlogic.com/support E-mail [email protected]®
16nNGetting Started✍To disconnect the computer completely from AC power, unplug the power cord.Make sure that the AC outlet is easily accessible.If yo
160nNSupport OptionsROXIO DigitalMedia®Sonic Solutions❑ For users in USA and CanadaWeb Site http://support.sonic.com/ SonicStage® softwareSony Electro
161nNSupport OptionsSonicStage® Mastering Studio softwareSony Electronics Inc.Use SonicStage® Mastering Studio software to record songs from analog re
162nNSupport OptionsVAIO® Action SetupSony Electronics Inc.VAIO Action Setup manages the settings for your computer's shortcut keys.❑ For users i
163nNSupport OptionsVAIO® CentralSony Electronics Inc.VAIO Central provides a central location that gathers resources to configure your VAIO computer
164nNSupport OptionsVAIO Media™ softwareSony Electronics Inc.VAIO Media™ software brings multimedia to your network, enabling you to share music, vide
165nNSupport OptionsVAIO® Support CentralSony Electronics Inc.VAIO Support Central provides an easy to navigate solution to common support needs, such
166nNSupport OptionsVAIO® UpdateSony Electronics Inc.The VAIO Update utility helps you keep your VAIO® computer up to date by regularly checking the S
167nNSupport OptionsVAIO® Wireless UtilitySony Electronics Inc.The VAIO Wireless Utility walks you through setting up your wireless network connection
168nNSupport OptionsVAIO Zone™ softwareSony Electronics Inc. VAIO Zone software provides an effortless way to browse and enjoy pictures, music, and vi
© 2005 Sony Corporationn
17nNGetting StartedShutting Down Your Computer SafelyTo avoid losing unsaved data, be sure to shut down your computer properly, as described below.To
18nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Your VAIO ComputerThis section describes how to get the most out of using your computer.❑ Using the Keyboard (page 1
19nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the KeyboardYour computer is supplied with a wireless keyboard.The wireless keyboard uses a standard key arrangement
2nNContentsBefore Use ...
20nNUsing Your VAIO Computer✍The above illustration shows the keyboard delivered with the models that are available in USA and Canada. The keyboard fo
21nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerAKeyboard feetExtend to adjust the keyboard height.B CONNECT buttonPress to enable the keyboard to communicate with the ma
22nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerBefore You Use the KeyboardTwo AA alkaline batteries are supplied with your computer for use in the wireless keyboard. Bef
23nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo connect the wireless keyboard1 Insert the supplied two AA batteries (1) into the battery compartment on the bottom of t
24nNUsing Your VAIO Computer✍You can check the battery indicator ( or ) in the LCD window on the keyboard for its battery power level.If the wireles
25nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the MouseYour computer may be supplied with a wireless optical mouse, which has no cables to plug in and uses a ligh
26nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerBefore You Use the MouseTwo AA alkaline batteries are supplied with your computer for use in the wireless mouse. Before us
27nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo connect the wireless mouse1 Insert the supplied two AA batteries into the wireless mouse as shown below.2 Turn on the c
28nNUsing Your VAIO Computer4 Turn over the wireless mouse, slide the power switch to the ON position, and press the CONNECT button.Communication betw
29nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerAdjusting the Mouse Functions1 Click Start and then Control Panel.2 Click Printers and Other Hardware.3 Click Mouse. The M
3nNUsing Peripheral Devices...
30nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Optical Disc DriveYour computer is equipped with an optical disc drive.To insert a disc1 Turn on the computer.2
31nNUsing Your VAIO Computer4 Close the tray by pushing it in gently.!Do not remove the optical disc when the computer is in a power saving mode (Stan
32nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerReading and Writing CDs and DVDsYour computer plays and records CDs and DVDs, depending on the model you purchased. Check
33nNUsing Your VAIO Computer✍Supports writing to DVD-RW discs compliant with DVD-RW version 1.1/1.2.Supports writing to DVD-R discs compliant with DVD
34nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerNotes on playing DVDsTo achieve optimum performance when playing DVDs, you should follow these recommendations.❑ Close all
35nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerCopying Files to CDsTo determine which type of CD your computer supports, see Reading and Writing CDs and DVDs (page 32).T
36nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerPlaying DVDsTo play a DVD1 Close all open programs.2 Insert the DVD into the optical disc drive.3 Click Start and point to
37nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the TV FunctionYour computer has a TV tuner board installed along with the Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition
38nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerSetting Up TV Connections!The following connections may not be available depending on the country or area of your residenc
39nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerConnecting to standard cable access (CATV)To connect in CATV mode (Option 1)1 Connect one end of the TV coaxial cable (1)
4nNTroubleshooting ...
40nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerConnecting to a standard antennaYou can connect your computer to an indoor/outdoor antenna system, using Option 1 or Optio
41nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo connect in terrestrial mode (Option 2)1 Connect one end of the antenna's 300-ohm twin lead cable (1) to the screw-
42nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerConnecting with a cable or satellite set-top box (STB)You can connect your computer to cable service access that uses a se
43nNUsing Your VAIO Computer
44nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo connect in STB mode (Option 2)1 Connect one end of the TV coaxial cable (1) (supplied) to your cable service access (wa
45nNUsing Your VAIO Computer
46nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Remote CommanderYour computer is supplied with a remote commander for using Media Center features, including TV
47nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerDBACK buttonPress to return to the previous window.E VOL buttonPress to increase (+) or decrease (-) the volume.F RECORDED
48nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerBefore you use the remote commanderBefore using the remote commander, you need to insert the supplied AA manganese batteri
49nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo connect the remote sensor1 Choose the USB port (1) you prefer to use.2 Plug the remote sensor cable (2) into the USB
5nNBefore UseBefore UseCongratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer, and welcome to the on-screen User Guide. Sony has combined leadin
50nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo connect the remote sensor control1 Plug the remote sensor control cable (1) into either jack (1 or 2) on the back of th
51nNUsing Your VAIO Computer3 Attach the remote sensor control (3) onto the set-top box (4) near the infrared port (5).!Do not cover the infrared port
52nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing PC CardsPC Cards allow you to connect portable external devices to your computer.Inserting a PC Card!Some PC Cards o
53nNUsing Your VAIO Computer✍Some devices may not function properly if you continually switch to Normal mode from Standby mode or Hibernate mode. For
54nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerRemoving a PC CardFollow the steps below to remove the PC Card while your computer is on. If it is not removed properly, y
55nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Memory Stick MediaYour computer supports the Memory Stick media. Memory Stick media is a compact, portable, and
56nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerInserting a Memory Stick MediaThere are two ways you can insert a Memory Stick media into your computer:❑ Using the Memory
57nNUsing Your VAIO Computer!Be sure to hold the Memory Stick media with the arrow pointing in the correct direction as you insert it into the slot. T
58nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo view the contents of the Memory Stick media1 Click Start and then My Computer to open the My Computer window. 2 Double-
59nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerRemoving a Memory Stick MediaTo remove a Memory Stick media using the Memory Stick media slot1 Check that the Media Access
6nNBefore UseNon-printed Documentation❑ User Guide (this manual) — Contains features of your computer. It also includes information about the software
60nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Other Memory CardsIn addition to the Memory Stick media slot, your computer is equipped with three other memory card
61nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerInserting a Memory CardTo insert a memory card1 Flip the front panel down, using your fingertip.Do not use force to open t
62nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerRemoving a Memory CardThe correct way to remove a memory card from a memory card slot varies, depending on the media or sl
63nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the InternetSetting Up a Dial-up Internet ConnectionBefore you can connect to the Internet, you need to connect your
64nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Wireless LAN (WLAN)Using the Sony Wireless LAN (WLAN), all your digital devices with built-in WLAN functionality com
65nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerCommunicating without an Access Point (Ad-hoc)An ad-hoc network is a network in which a local network is created only by t
66nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo communicate without an Access Point (ad-hoc)1 Turn on the WIRELESS or WIRELESS LAN switch.The WIRELESS LAN indicator li
67nNUsing Your VAIO Computer13 Enter exactly the same Network key again, for confirmation.14 Select the check box This is a computer-to-computer (ad h
68nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo disconnect from a computer-to-computer (ad-hoc) network1 Click Start and then Control Panel.2 Click Network and Interne
69nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerCommunicating with an Access Point (Infrastructure)An infrastructure network is a network that extends an existing wired l
7nNBefore UseErgonomic ConsiderationsWhenever possible, you should attempt to take account of the following ergonomic considerations:❑ Position of you
70nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo connect to a wireless network1 Make sure an access point is set up.See the instructions that accompanied the access poi
71nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerTo connect to a wireless network (Models with the VAIO Wireless Utility software only)Use the VAIO Wireless Utility softwa
72nNUsing Your VAIO ComputerWireless LAN Channel SelectionIn an 802.11b/g configuration, channel 1 to 11 can be used.(a) With an Access Point ("I
73nNUsing Peripheral DevicesUsing Peripheral DevicesYou can add functionality to your computer by using the various ports on the computer.❑ Connecting
74nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting an External MicrophoneIf you need to use a sound input device (for example, to chat on the Internet) you need t
75nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) DeviceConnecting a USB Floppy Disk DriveYou can purchase a USB floppy disk drive a
76nNUsing Peripheral DevicesDisconnecting a USB floppy disk driveYou can disconnect a USB floppy disk drive when the computer is on or off. Disconnect
77nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a PrinterYou can connect a Windows-compatible printer to your computer to print documents.Connecting a Printer
78nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting an i.LINK DeviceNotes on connecting i.LINK devices❑ The computer includes an i.LINK (IEEE1394) port, which you
79nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting a Digital Video Camera RecorderTo connect a digital video camera recorder1 Plug one end of the i.LINK cable (1)
8nNBefore Use❑ Viewing angle of the display – Use the display's tilting feature to find the best position. You can reduce eye strain and muscle f
80nNUsing Peripheral DevicesConnecting to a Network (LAN)You can connect your computer to 100BASE-TX/10BASE-T-type networks via an Ethernet network ca
81nNUsing Peripheral Devices!Telephone lines cannot be connected to the Network (LAN) connector on your computer.If the Network (LAN) connector is con
82nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerThis section briefly describes how to change the main settings of your computer.❑ Sett
83nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerSetting the PasswordUse one of the BIOS functions to set the password.Once you have set the password, you will have
84nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerAdding the Power-on Password!Once you have set the power-on password, you cannot start the computer without entering
85nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerChanging/Removing the Power-on PasswordTo change or remove the power-on password1 Turn on the computer.2 Press the F
86nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerSetting Up Your Computer with VAIO CentralThe VAIO Central utility allows you to consult system information and spec
87nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerUsing the Power Saving ModesIn addition to the normal operating mode, which allows you to turn off specific devices,
88nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Standby ModeStandby mode turns off the LCD screen and sets the hard disk and the CPU to a low power consumptio
89nNCustomizing Your VAIO ComputerUsing Hibernate ModeIn Hibernate mode, the state of the system is saved on the hard disk and power is turned off. Th
9nNGetting StartedGetting StartedThis section describes how to get started with using your VAIO computer.❑ Locating Controls and Ports (page 10)❑ Abou
90nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerYour computer and memory modules use high precision components and electronic connectors t
91nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerBefore Upgrading Your ComputerThe upgrading procedures described in this section assume that you are familiar with the
92nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerAdding and Removing MemoryIf you want to expand the functionality of your computer, you can increase the memory by ins
93nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer❑ Use the special bag delivered with the memory module or wrap the module in aluminum foil to protect it from electros
94nNUpgrading Your VAIO ComputerRemoving and Installing a Memory Module!If you remove the top panel immediately after you shut down the computer, the
95nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer3 Press and hold the release button (1), slide the top panel (2) toward the back of the computer, lift the panel, and
96nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer4 Unscrew the two screws on the memory cover (1), lift the cover, and set it aside.5 Touch a metal object (such as the
97nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer6 Locate the memory module(s) you wish to remove.7 Push down on the latches (1), located on both sides of the module,
98nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer9 Locate the center notch (1) on the bottom edge of the memory module and align it to the center bump in the open modu
99nNUpgrading Your VAIO Computer11 Replace the memory cover (1) and tighten the two screws.
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