VAIO MicroTower User Guide ® ® i
Notice to Users © 1998 Sony Electronics Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. All rights reserved. This manual and the software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, translated, or reduced to any machine-readable form without prior written approval. SONY ELECTRONICS INC.
Regulatory Information FCC Part 68 This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
This equipment cannot be used on telephone-company-provided coin service. Connection to Party Line Service is subject to state tariffs. Repair of the modem should be made only by a Sony Service Center or Sony authorized agent. For the Sony Service Center nearest you, call 1-888-4SONY-PC (1-888-476-6972).
Contents Welcome............................................................................... 1 About the User Guide ..................................................................... 1 Setting Up Your VAIO MicroTower .................................... 3 Choosing a Location for Your Computer..................................... 3 Connecting the Sony Multimedia Computer Display................ 5 Connecting a Display, Speakers, and a Microphone .................. 6 Connecting the Optional Palmrest ..
vi VAIO MicroTower User Guide Getting Started With VAIO Space......................................................................... 27 Starting VAIO Space ......................................................................27 VAIO Space Centers.......................................................................28 Navigating through VAIO Space.................................................29 VAIO Space Controls............................................................................
Contents vii Computer Basics ................................................................. 71 Using the Keyboard....................................................................... 71 Changing the Function of the Programmable Buttons ................. 73 Using the Mouse ............................................................................ 74 Setting Up the Mouse for Left-Hand Use ........................................ 75 Using the DVD-ROM Drive .........................................
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Welcome Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony VAIO® MicroTower Computer. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing, and communications to provide you with state-of-the-art personal computing. About the User Guide The User Guide offers a quick introduction and reference to your Sony computer. ❑ Setting Up Your VAIO MicroTower shows you how to connect the standard components of your system—generally in under 15 minutes.
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Setting Up Your VAIO MicroTower Your VAIO MicroTower comes with the software titles preinstalled on your hard disk drive. Just follow these simple steps to connect the cables and turn on the computer, and your VAIO MicroTower is ready to use. Choosing a Location for Your Computer Before you get started, find the best location for your new computer.
4 VAIO MicroTower User Guide ❑ Furniture and posture—Sit in a chair with good back support and armrests. Adjust the level of the chair so your feet are flat on the floor. A footrest may make you more comfortable. Sit in a relaxed, upright posture—avoid slouching forward or leaning far backward. ❑ Viewing angle of the display—Position the display 18 to 26 inches directly in front of you, with the top of the screen at or a little below eye level.
Setting Up Your VAIO MicroTower 5 Connecting the Sony Multimedia Computer Display The Sony Multimedia Computer Display (sold separately) is an integrated audio/video unit with built-in speakers and a microphone. Follow these steps to connect it to your computer. ✍ If youre connecting the computer to a TV or other video component, see Connecting a Television (Audio/Video Out) on page 12. 1 Use the blue symbol to locate the MONITOR (display) connector.
6 VAIO MicroTower User Guide Connecting a Display, Speakers, and a Microphone If you did not purchase the Sony Multimedia Computer Display, you need speakers and a microphone to use the computer’s audio features. ✍ If youre connecting the computer to a TV or other video component, see Connecting a Television (Audio/Video Out) on page 12. ✍ Make sure your speakers are designed for computer use.
Setting Up Your VAIO MicroTower Connecting the Optional Palmrest The keyboard that comes with your computer is equipped with an optional palmrest that you can attach to your keyboard. Follow these steps to connect the palmrest. 1 2 3 Place the keyboard and palmrest upside down on a flat surface. Insert the latching posts on the palmrest into the openings on the keyboard. Move the palmrest to the right until you feel it snap into place.
8 VAIO MicroTower User Guide Connecting the Keyboard and Mouse Follow these steps to connect the keyboard and mouse. 1 Use the dark grey symbol to locate the USB connector. Plug the purple keyboard cable into this connector. 2 Use the blue-green symbol to locate the MOUSE connector and insert the blue-green mouse cable into this connector. ✍ See Computer Basics on page 71 for more information on setting up and using the keyboard and mouse.
Setting Up Your VAIO MicroTower 9 Connecting the Phone Line and Phone You need to connect a phone line to take advantage of online services, the Internet, and faxing. To use Sony Online Support (SOS), you must also connect a phone. ✍ In order to register your Sony VAIO MicroTower, register your software online, and use Sony Online Support, you must connect your computer to a phone line. Also, you must register your computer to receive the extended warranty. There are two phone jacks on the back panel.
10 VAIO MicroTower User Guide Connecting the Power Cords Follow these steps to connect the power cords. 1 2 3 Plug the power cord into the connector on the computer. If necessary, plug the display power cord into the display. Plug both the display and power cords into a grounded AC wall outlet, power strip, or Uninterruptible Power Supply.
Setting Up Your VAIO MicroTower 11 Connecting Peripherals You can add functionality to your computer by connecting any of the following peripherals. Connecting Enables You To For Details Television Send audio and video from the computer to the TV. Allows you to play games and watch movies on a large screen. Also useful for business presentations. See page 12 Printer Print documents from the computer. See page 15 Joystick Connect a joystick, which enhances game playing.
12 VAIO MicroTower User Guide Connecting a Television (Audio/Video Out) Connecting a television to your computer enables you to send audio and video from the computer to the television. (You will be able to watch video and hear audio on both the computer and the television.) ✍ You can also connect the computer to a camcorder, VCR, or other video component that has a VIDEO IN or S VIDEO IN connector.
Setting Up Your VAIO MicroTower 3 13 Plug the green audio plug from the display cable into the connector on the audio splitter cable C . Then use the red symbol to locate the MIC connector on the computer. Plug the red microphone cable from the display cable into this connector. Cable from Display Back of TV C A B Audio splitter not included If your system does not include the Sony Multimedia Computer Display: 1 Use the yellow symbol to locate the composite VIDEO OUT connector on the computer.
14 3 VAIO MicroTower User Guide Plug the speaker cable into the connector on the audio splitter cable C .
Setting Up Your VAIO MicroTower 15 Connecting a Printer You can connect a printer to your computer to print documents from your computer. 1 2 Use the dark grey symbol to locate the PRINTER connector. Plug the printer cable into this connector. If necessary, plug one end of the printer power cord into the printer, and the other end into a grounded AC wall outlet, power strip, or Uninterrupted Power Supply. ✍ See the manual that came with your printer for more information on setting it up and using it.
16 VAIO MicroTower User Guide Connecting a Joystick or MIDI Instrument You can connect a joystick or MIDI instrument to your computer. You can also purchase an adapter to connect additional devices. ❑ Use the dark grey symbol to locate the GAME connector. Plug the joystick or MIDI cable into this connector. ✍ Your MIDI instrument may have a different type of cable which requires an adapter.
Setting Up Your VAIO MicroTower 17 Connecting an i.LINK (IEEE-1394) Equipped Device Some models of the VAIO MicroTower include i.LINK (IEEE-1394) connectors. See Read Me First for information on your specific model. i.LINK connectors may be located on the front, back, or both the front and back of your system. To connect an i.LINK (IEEE-1394) device ❑ Use the symbol to locate the i.LINK connector. Plug the i.LINK device into this connector. ✍ See the manual that came with your i.
18 VAIO MicroTower User Guide Connecting an S/PDIF Equipped Digital Audio Device Some models of the VAIO MicroTower include an S/PDIF (Sony/Phillips Digital Interface) Optical Digital Audio Output connector. See Read Me First for information on your specific model. To connect an S/PDIF device ❑ Locate the S/PDIF (Optical Digital Audio Output) connector. Plug the S/PDIF device into this connector.
Setting Up Your VAIO MicroTower 19 Connecting an S-Link (Control A1) Equipped Device Some models of the VAIO MicroTower include an S-Link (Control A1) connector. Control A1 connections provide a path for the transmission of control signals, thus enabling automatic operation and control features that are usually associated with integrated audio systems. See Read Me First for information on your specific model. To connect an S-Link (Control A1) device ❑ Locate the S-Link (Control A1) connector.
20 VAIO MicroTower User Guide Connecting a Universal Serial Bus Device You can connect Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices to your computer. There is one USB connection on the front of your computer and another one on the back. ❑ Use the dark grey symbol to locate the USB connector. Plug the USB cable into this connector. ✍ See the manuals that came with your USB devices for more information on setting up and using them.
Setting Up Your VAIO MicroTower 21 Connecting a Digital Still Camera or Other Serial Peripheral You can connect other computer peripherals, such as Sony’s digital still camera, to the computer’s serial port. ❑ Plug the serial cable from the digital camera into the serial port. ✍ See the manual that came with your digital camera for more information on setting it up and using it.
22 VAIO MicroTower User Guide Starting Your Computer After you connect all the cables and accessories to your computer, you are ready to turn on the computer. 1 2 Press the power switch on the display to turn on the power. Press the power switch on the front panel of the computer to turn on the power. ✍ See Using the Standby Mode on page 25 and Shutting Down Your Computer on page 26 for instructions on turning off your computer.
Setting Up Your VAIO MicroTower 23 Registering Windows® 98 The first time you turn on your computer, you need to complete a few steps to register and configure the Windows software that is already installed on your computer. You do not need to repeat these steps each time you turn on your computer. ✍ You must register Windows before you can use your computer. The on-screen instructions guide you through the registration and configuration process. The following is an overview of the process.
24 VAIO MicroTower User Guide Registering Your Computer Take advantage of Sony’s commitment to quality customer support and receive these benefits by registering your computer: ❑ Sony Online Support—Talk to a Support Representative to troubleshoot problems you may be having with your computer. ❑ Limited warranty—Protect your investment. See “Limited Warranty Statement” on page 85 for details.
Setting Up Your VAIO MicroTower 25 Using the Standby Mode When you are done using your computer, you can put it in standby mode rather than turn it off completely. Putting the computer in standby mode allows you to return quickly to normal computer use. To put the computer in standby mode 1 2 Save your work and close any applications that are running. (You can leave Microsoft Windows running.) Press the (Standby) button on the top of the keyboard. The computer goes into standby mode.
26 VAIO MicroTower User Guide Shutting Down Your Computer When you’re ready to turn off your computer for an extended period of time, use the following procedure to shut down the computer. ! To avoid the potential loss of data, do not press the power switch before you shut down the computer. To shut down your computer ✍ If you plan to shut down your computer for a short period of time, you may want to use standby mode instead. See Using the Standby Mode on page 25.
Getting Started With VAIO Space VAIO Space is Sony’s original utility that organizes the preinstalled applications on your VAIO MicroTower, making it easier for you to find and launch the applications on your computer, use the Sony audio and video players, connect to the Internet, and more. Starting VAIO Space To start VAIO Space ❑ Click the VAIO Space icon on the Windows desktop.
28 VAIO MicroTower User Guide VAIO Space Centers There are five centers within VAIO Space, as follows: Center Name and Icon Contains Description Software Center Applications Accessories Contains icons for preinstalled applications and accessories. See“Using the Software Center” on page 31 for details. AudioVideo Center Online Center Tool Center Video Audio Still Imaging DV Editing Adv. Audio DVD Launches the video and audio applications included with your computer.
Getting Started With VAIO Space 29 Navigating through VAIO Space To go to a center within VAIO Space 1 Move the mouse pointer over an icon on the VAIO Launcher. Categories for each center appear. Moving the mouse over the icon displays the categories of programs for that icon 2 Click the category text (such as Applications) to open the VAIO screen. ✍ Your application screen may appear different from the one shown here.
30 VAIO MicroTower User Guide VAIO Space Controls Button Function Goes to the previous screen or page in a sequence. Unavailable until you go to another screen. Goes to the next screen or page in a sequence. Unavailable on the last screen in a sequence. Stops loading the current page (used for web pages). Refreshes the current page (used for web pages). Adds the currently displayed page to the list of bookmarks under the Online Center’s VAIO Links (see “Using the Online Center” on page 33).
Getting Started With VAIO Space 31 Using the Software Center To launch the Software Center 1 2 3 Move the mouse pointer over the Software Center icon on the VAIO Launcher. Click the text of the category (Applications or Accessories) to open the VAIO screen. To start an application, click the icon. Other Software Center Functions Action Procedure Display information about a program. Move the mouse pointer over the program icon. Display questions and answers about the highlighted program.
32 VAIO MicroTower User Guide Using the Audio-Video Center The Audio-Video Center includes the following programs: Program Description Video Plays MPEG (.mpg), MPEG2 (.vob, .mpg) and AVI (.avi) video files. Audio Includes the following players: ❏ Mixer, which controls the volume and balance for sound files, videos, audio tracks, etc. Still Imaging ❏ Media player, which plays WAV (.wav), MIDI (.mid), and the audio portion of MPEG (.mpg) files.
Getting Started With VAIO Space 33 Using the Online Center To launch the Online Center 1 2 Move the mouse pointer over the Online Center icon on the VAIO Launcher. Click the text of the category as described below. Category Description Easy Internet Provides an intuitive interface to do almost everything on the Internet: browsing, e-mail, navigating to the best sites on the web, and interacting with multimedia content. Includes 50 free hours of Internet access from GTE Internetworking.
34 VAIO MicroTower User Guide Using the Tool Center Using Tool Center Tools 1 2 Move the mouse pointer over the Tool Center icon on the VAIO Launcher. Click the text of the category as described below. Category Description VAIO Find One-button searches for picture files, movies, sound files, text documents, or Microsoft Works files. Desktop Displays the Windows Display Properties box, which lets you change the wallpaper, screen saver, and display resolution.
Getting Started With VAIO Space 35 Using the Help Center To launch the Help Center: 1 2 3 Move the mouse pointer over the Help Center icon on the VAIO Launcher. Click Help Center to open the VAIO screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to find the appropriate source of help for the problem you are having. Exiting VAIO Space To exit VAIO Space ❑ Click the (Close) button.
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Getting Help Sony provides several support options for your Sony computer. When you have questions about your computer and the preinstalled software, check these sources for answers, in the following sequence: 1 VAIO MicroTower Read Me First Contains a complete list of the items that ship with your computer, product specifications, software support information, and the most up-to-date information on using your computer. 2 VAIO MicroTower User Guide Explains how to set up and upgrade your computer.
38 VAIO MicroTower User Guide 7 Sony Fax-onDemand This service provides you with answers to commonly asked questions. You can use this automated service to request a list of available topics and then select the topics that you want to receive. To contact the Sony fax-on-demand service, call 1-888-4SONYPC (1-888476-6972). (Requires a fax machine or your fax software. Fax software is included on your system as part of Microsoft Outlook.
Getting Help 39 Calling SOS The SOS application enables you to exchange information with a Sony Customer Support Representative (CSR). Here’s how it works: ❑ Type your name, phone number, and the problem details in the SOS window. ❑ Dial the SOS hotline with a single click of the mouse. ❑ Specify the access level for the CSR. ❑ The CSR resolves the problem.
40 VAIO MicroTower User Guide customer support representative until you give the CSR access to your computer. 4 5 6 7 8 9 Click the Call SOS button. The confirmation screen appears. Click the OK button. The Dialer screen appears. Pick up the handset and click the Dial button as instructed. Your modem dials the toll-free number and connects you to the Sony support center. You are asked whether you wish to test your system or talk to a support representative.
Getting Help 41 Troubleshooting This section describes how to solve common problems you may encounter when using your computer. Many problems have simple solutions, so try these suggestions before you call Sony Online Support. For more advanced troubleshooting information, see the VAIO MicroTower Reference Manual. You can download this electronic document from Sony’s website at http://www. sony.com/pcsupport.
42 VAIO MicroTower User Guide My DVD-ROM drive tray wont open ❑ Make sure the computer is turned on. ❑ Press the Eject button on the drive. ❑ Double-click the My Computer icon on the Windows desktop. Rightclick the CD-ROM icon. Select the Eject option from the pop-up menu. ❑ If the Eject button does not work, you can open the tray by inserting a straightened heavy-weight paper clip into the emergency eject hole.
Getting Help 43 When I double-click an application icon, a message such as You must insert the application CD into your CD-ROM drive appears and the software does not start ❑ Some titles require specific files that are located on the application’s CD-ROM disc. Insert the disc and try starting the program again. ❑ Check to make sure you inserted the CD-ROM disc with the label side facing up. My speakers have no sound ❑ Check that the speakers are plugged into the HEADPHONES connector.
44 VAIO MicroTower User Guide My modem connection is slow The computer’s modem uses K56flex™ technology/V.90. Many factors influence modem connection speed, including telephone line noise or compatibility with telephone equipment (such as fax machines or other modems). If you think your modem is not connecting properly to other PC-based modems, fax machines or your Internet Service Provider, check the following: ❑ Have your phone company check that your phone line is free from any line noise.
Getting Help 45 My microphone is too 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: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Right-click the speaker icon (Volume) in the lower right Windows task tray. Click Open Volume Controls. The Volume Control screen appears. In the Options menu, select Properties. The Properties screen appears.
46 VAIO MicroTower User Guide My keyboard doesnt work Check that the keyboard is plugged into the USB connector. See “Connecting the Keyboard and Mouse” on page 8 for details. I cant find the Windows taskbar ❑ Check that the taskbar is not hidden or shrunken. ❑ Use the mouse to point to the left, right, top, and bottom edges of the screen. ✍ See the VAIO MicroTower Read Me First for additional information on using your Sony computer.
Getting Help 47 Using the System Recovery CD(s) You can reinstall software titles that shipped with your computer if they are corrupted or accidentally erased. You may not need to recover the entire contents of your hard drive. If you experience a problem with your computer, reinstalling an individual device driver or software title may correct the problem. Use the Application Recovery CD(s) to reinstall individual applications or device drivers. See “Using the Application Recovery CD(s)” on page 49.
48 VAIO MicroTower User Guide To use the System Recovery CD(s) ✍ You need to complete the Windows registration process when you use the System Recovery CD(s). Make sure you have the product ID number located on the cover of your Microsoft Windows manual. You will need this number to complete the recovery process. 1 Insert the Sony System Recovery CD in the DVD-ROM drive. ✍ The System Recovery utility boots from the DVD-ROM drive. It must be in the DVD-ROM drive when you turn on the computer.
Getting Help 49 Using the Application Recovery CD(s) The Application Recovery CD(s) allows you to reinstall individual applications and device drivers if they are corrupted or accidentally erased. Reinstalling an individual device driver or software title may correct a problem you are experiencing with your computer, and you may not need to recover the entire contents of your hard drive. If you do need to reinstall all the software titles that shipped with your computer, use the System Recovery CD(s).
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Upgrading and Maintaining Your VAIO MicroTower In the future you may want to install additional boards to expand the functionality of your computer. This section describes how to open your computer and insert add-in boards, add memory, replace the lithium battery, and install an additional hard disk drive. For more information on upgrading your Sony computer, see the VAIO MicroTower Reference Manual. You can download this electronic document from the Sony website at http://www. sony.com/pcsupport.
52 VAIO MicroTower User Guide Inserting an Add-in Board You can add up to two additional PCI boards to the system. ✍ Your VAIO MicroTower cannot accommodate PCI add-in boards exceeding 7.7" in length. To insert an add-in board ! 1 2 3 4 5 Make sure you observe the proper safety precautions when you add boards to your Sony computer. See page 79. Shut down your computer and turn off all peripheral devices, such as your printer, display, and speakers. Unplug your computer and any peripheral devices.
Upgrading and Maintaining Your VAIO MicroTower 6 7 53 Install the add-in board by plugging it into the expansion slot on the system board. Attach any internal cables that the board requires (see the manual for the add-in board). Replace the left-side panel as described on page 70.
54 VAIO MicroTower User Guide Adding Memory In order to increase your computer's memory, you may need to remove one of the factory-installed DIMMs and replace it with one of greater capacity. For details, see the VAIO MicroTower Reference Manual, which is available at Sony’s website at http://www.sony.com/pcsupport. For memory upgrades, use only 3.3V unbuffered 4-clock 64-bit 66 MHz SDRAM DIMM module Rev1.0 or 3.3V unbuffered 4-clock 72-bit 66 MHz SDRAM DIMM module Rev1.0.
Upgrading and Maintaining Your VAIO MicroTower 8 Align the DIMM over the socket. ! 9 10 11 12 55 To avoid damaging the DIMM socket, move the DIMM socket tabs slightly outward to relieve pressure. The DIMM should then click easily into place. Firmly insert the bottom edge of the DIMM into the socket. Press evenly against the DIMM’s upper corners. The end latches snap into position automatically. Reinstall any add-in cards or components you removed.
56 VAIO MicroTower User Guide Replacing the Lithium Battery After several years, when the lithium battery starts to weaken, the system settings stored in CMOS RAM, such as the date and time, may be wrong. When this occurs, you need to replace the lithium battery. To replace the lithium battery 1 2 3 4 5 To run the Setup utility, press F3 when your computer is starting up. Then press F1 to run the BIOS setup utility. Write down the current BIOS Setup options.
Upgrading and Maintaining Your VAIO MicroTower 6 Replace the bottom and left-side panels, as described on pages 68 and 70, respectively. ✍ 7 8 9 57 The values stored in the CMOS memory are now reset to the factory default values. You must run the Setup utility to reset the date, time, passwords, and other options. See the VAIO MicroTower Reference Manual for details. To run the Setup utility, press F3 when your computer is starting up. Then press F1 to run the BIOS setup utility.
58 VAIO MicroTower User Guide Installing an Internal Hard Disk Drive Your VAIO MicroTower comes with an available bay to hold an additional hard disk drive. The drive you install must not require front panel access. The hard disk drive access light blinks when either internal drive is active. ! 1 2 3 4 5 6 Before opening the system unit, save any open files, exit Windows, turn off the power of the computer and all attached peripherals, and then unplug the power cord.
Upgrading and Maintaining Your VAIO MicroTower 7 Slide the drive holder forward and then out. 8 Place the drive holder upside down on top of the power supply.
60 9 10 11 12 VAIO MicroTower User Guide 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 using any two of the three holes on each side of the drive holder (screws are provided with the new drive). Do not overtighten the screws. Connect the second drive connector to the new drive. Connect the second power connector to the new drive.
Upgrading and Maintaining Your VAIO MicroTower 13 14 15 16 17 18 61 Place the drive holder against the inside of the front chassis and slide it back. Be sure to align the slots on the drive holder with the tabs on the inside of the chassis. Be sure to slide the drive holder back so that the tabs slip into the notch at the bottom of the slot. Replace the two screws that secure the holder to the chassis. Replace the bottom panel, as described on page 68. Replace the front panel, as described on page 69.
62 VAIO MicroTower User Guide Your computer automatically recognizes the new drive and configures itself accordingly when you turn it on. Format and partition the new drive following the instructions provided with the drive.
Upgrading and Maintaining Your VAIO MicroTower Removing the Left-Side Panel To remove the left-side panel 1 2 3 Remove the two screws that secure the panel to the chassis. Slide the panel back until it stops. Pull the panel straight out to remove it.
64 VAIO MicroTower User Guide Removing the Bottom Panel To remove the bottom panel 1 2 Remove the screw that secures the bottom panel to the chassis. Pull the bottom panel straight out to remove it.
Upgrading and Maintaining Your VAIO MicroTower 65 Removing the Front Panel To remove the front panel 1 2 3 4 5 Open the CD tray by inserting a thin, pointed object into the emergency eject opening. Slide the CD tray forward. Remove the front cover of the CD tray by lifting it upwards. Press down on each of the two tabs on the bottom of the front panel to release the panel. Pull the front panel forward to remove it.
66 VAIO MicroTower User Guide Detaching the Diskette Drive To detach the diskette drive 1 2 3 Remove the front panel, as described on page 65. Remove the two screws that secure the diskette drive to the front of the chassis. Pull the diskette drive forward. ✍ If you are adding memory, you do not need to completely remove the diskette drive or disconnect the cable.
Upgrading and Maintaining Your VAIO MicroTower 67 Replacing the Diskette Drive To replace the diskette drive 1 2 3 Push the diskette drive straight into the drive slot. Replace the two screws that secure the diskette drive to the front of the chassis. Replace the front panel, as described on page 69.
68 VAIO MicroTower User Guide Replacing the Bottom Panel To replace the bottom panel 1 2 Align the bottom panel with the screw hole on the bottom of the chassis. Replace the screw that secures the bottom panel to the chassis.
Upgrading and Maintaining Your VAIO MicroTower 69 Replacing the Front Panel To replace the front panel 1 2 3 Push the front panel straight onto the front of the chassis until it clicks into place. Replace the front cover of the CD tray by sliding it down onto the front of the open tray. Close the CD tray.
70 VAIO MicroTower User Guide Replacing the Left-Side Panel To replace the left-side panel 1 2 Slide the panel forward until it stops. Replace the two screws that secure the panel to the chassis.
Computer Basics Using the Keyboard Your keyboard is very similar to a typewriter’s, but the keyboard has additional buttons that perform specific computer-related tasks.
72 VAIO MicroTower User Guide Key Numeric keypad Navigation keys Correction keys Function keys Escape keys Print Screen keys Operator keys Windows keys Description Contains the keys found on a typical calculator. Use the numeric keypad to type numbers or to perform mathematical calculations such as addition and subtraction. Note that you must press NUM LOCK to activate the numeric keypad. (When you do so, the Num Lock light will be on.
Computer Basics 73 The keyboard also has three lights: Light Num Lock Cap Lock Scroll Lock On The number keys on the numeric keypad are active. Letters appear in uppercase as you type. The SHIFT key lowers the case of typed letters when Cap Lock is on. The screen scrolls differently. (Exactly how it scrolls depends on the specific application. It has no effect in many applications.) Off The arrow keys, navigation keys, and correction keys on the keypad are active.
74 VAIO MicroTower User Guide Using the Mouse Using a mouse may be difficult at first, but after you become comfortable using it, you can save a lot of time. The following terms are commonly used to describe actions you perform with a mouse. Term Description Point Place the mouse pointer on an item or object. Click Press and release the left mouse button, without moving the mouse. Double-click Press the left mouse button two consecutive times, without moving the mouse.
Computer Basics 75 Setting Up the Mouse for Left-Hand Use You can control the mouse with your right or left hand. When you use the mouse with your left-hand, you may find it easier to reverse the button functions. When the functions are reversed, the right mouse button is used for normal clicking and dragging, and the left button is for displaying shortcut menus (right-clicking). To set up the mouse for left-hand use 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Click the Start button to display the Start menu. Point to Settings.
76 VAIO MicroTower User Guide Using the DVD-ROM Drive To use the drive 1 2 Press the Eject button on the front panel of the computer. The tray slides out. Place the disc in the tray. ✍ Place CD-ROM discs in the tray with the label side facing up. For DVD discs, which can be played on both sides, the side of the disc facing up is the side that plays. 3 Close the tray by pushing it gently or by pressing the Eject button on the front panel.
Computer Basics 77 Using the Diskette Drive Most diskettes contain a write-protect tab. The write-protect tab prevents accidental changes to a diskette. When the hole is open, the diskette is write-protected—you can’t delete, copy, or save information on the diskette. When the hole is closed, you may write to or modify the diskette contents. Just slide the write-protect tab to open and close the hole. To use the diskette drive 1 2 3 Hold the diskette with the label side facing up.
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Other Information Notes on Use On the Power Source ❑ Your computer operates on 100–120 V AC 50/60 Hz for North American countries. ❑ The total power draw of installed add-in cards must not exceed the specifications for the power supply. Do not overload the system by installing add-in cards that draw excessive current. The system is designed to provide 2 amps (average) of 5V power for each card in the system not to exceed a total of 12 amps.
80 VAIO MicroTower User Guide ❑ If you live in an area that experiences frequent power fluctuations, you may want to purchase a UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply). This device contains both a surge protector and a battery backup. The surge protector prevents damage to your computer caused by power surges. The battery backup safeguards your data during a brief period of power loss. ❑ Do not place heavy objects on the power cord. ❑ Do not operate the system with the cover removed.
Other Information 81 On Handling ❑ Clean the cabinet with a soft, dry cloth or a soft cloth lightly moistened with a mild detergent solution. Do not use any type of abrasive pad, scouring powder, or solvent such as alcohol or benzine, as it may damage the finish of your Sony computer. ❑ Should any solid object or liquid fall into the cabinet, keyboard, or mouse, shut down your computer and then unplug it. You may want to have the computer checked by qualified personnel before operating it any further.
82 VAIO MicroTower User Guide ❑ Your computer, keyboard, and mouse consist of high-precision electronic parts. Do not drop them or bump them against other objects. ❑ Your Sony computer will not work with party lines, cannot be connected to a coin-operated telephone, and may not work with multiple phone lines or a private branch exchange (PBX).
Other Information ❑ 83 When removing a slot cover, be careful not to damage components on the system board or add-in cards. You may need to temporarily remove add-in cards that are next to the slot cover you want to remove. On Using the Hard Disk Drive ❑ Do not place the computer in a location that is subject to vibration or shock. ❑ Do not move the computer during operation. ❑ Do not subject the computer to sudden changes in temperature.
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Limited Warranty Statement The limited warranty on your VAIO MicroTower covers parts and labor against defects in material or workmanship for a period of three months from the original date of purchase. You can extend the warranty period for an additional nine months by registering your computer. See “Registering Your Computer” on page 24. Once you register your computer, the limited warranty period is twelve months from the original date of purchase. SONY ELECTRONICS INC.
86 VAIO MicroTower User Guide If you do not qualify for on-site warranty service or choose not to take advantage of any applicable onsite warranty service, you must take the Product, or deliver the Product freight prepaid, in either its original package or packaging providing the Product with a degree of protection equivalent to that of the original packaging, to any SONY authorized personal computer service facility. Please contact SONY as set forth below for further information.
Index A accessing online support 24 add-in boards 5253 adding additional hardware 1121 add-in boards 5253 precaution 80 adding additional software problems with 41 adding memory 5455 adding printers 11 adjusting speaker volume 43 adjusting voltage settings 79 air circulation 81 Alt keys 72 Application Recovery CD 49 applications launching problems with 43 audio splitter cable, connecting 13 Audio-Video Center,using 32 B battery disposing 80 replacing 5657 caution 56 bottom panel removing 64 replacing
88 VAIO MicroTower User Guide shutting down 26, 80 starting 22 problems with 41 upgrading 51, 82 connectors additional components 1121 keyboard 8 mouse 8 Multimedia Computer Display 5 nonstandard equipment 6 phone 9 power cords 79 precautions 81 Control A1 devices, connecting 19 correction keys (described) 72 Ctrl keys 72 cursor-movement keys (described) 72 customer assistance 24 support options 37 cleaning discs 83 DVDs handling 83 D G data GAME connector 16 glare 4 grounding 51 preventing loss 26
Index indicator lights keyboard 73 input devices iii setting up 3 INSERT key 72 inserting diskettes into drive 77 installing additional hardware 1121 add-in boards 5253 precaution 80 installing additional memory 5455 installing an internal hard disk drive 5862 installing additional software problems with 41 interference iii, 81 Internet 33 J joystick 16 joysticks 11 connecting 16 K keyboard 3, 7173 connecting 8 indicator lights 73 programmable keys 71 programming 73 troubleshooting 46 L launching
90 VAIO MicroTower User Guide connecting 9 service precautions 82 playing CDs 42 point (defined) 74 power cords 79 disconnecting 80 power fluctuations or loss 79 power source, precautions 7980 power switch 22 Print Screen key 72 PRINTER connector 15 printer, connecting 15 printers 11 problem solving 41 problems, analyzing and fixing 34 programmable keys 71, 73 protecting your investment 24 R radio interference iii, 81 reassigning mouse buttons 75 rebooting system 41 recording serial numbers ii reducing
Index Tool Center,using 34 troubleshooting 41 turning off your computer 26, 80 turning on your computer 22 problems with 41 TV interference iii, 81 U Universal Serial Bus devices, connecting 20 upgrading your computer 51, 82 UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) 80 V VAIO MicroTower online registration 24 VAIO MicroTower Reference Manual 37 VAIO Space Audio-Video Center 32 exiting 35 Help Center 35 Online Center 33 Software Center 31 starting 27 Tool Center 34 using 2735 using the Launcher 27, 29 VAIO Smar
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