Sony MicroTower manual Troubleshooting, My computer won’t start, My computer locks up

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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.

My computer won’t start

Check that the computer is plugged into a power source and that it is turned on. Check that the power light is lit on the front panel of the computer.

Make sure a diskette is not in the diskette drive.

Confirm that the power cord and all cables are connected firmly, as described in the “Setting Up Your VAIO MicroTower” chapter.

If you plugged the computer into a power strip or UPS, make sure the power strip or UPS is turned on and working.

Check that the display is plugged into a power source and turned on. Check that the brightness and contrast controls are adjusted correctly. See the manual that came with your display for details.

Check that the computer is not in standby mode (see “Using the Standby Mode” on page 25).

My computer “locks up”

Close the application that is currently locked up by pressing ALT+F4.

Try restarting the computer. On the Windows taskbar, click the Start button, click Shut Down, click Restart, and then click OK.

If you cannot restart as described in the preceding step, you can restart the computer by pressing CTRL+ALT+DELETE or press the power switch for more than six seconds.

!Pressing CTRL+ ALT+DELETE may result in losing changes made to files that are currently open.

My software program “locks up” or crashes

Close the application that is currently locked up by pressing ALT+F4.

Contact the software publisher or designated provider for technical support. See the online User Guide for a complete list of phone numbers.

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Contents Vaio MicroTower User Guide Owner’s Record Safety InformationFCC Part Regulatory InformationTelephone Consumer Protection Act Contents Vaio MicroTower User Guide Getting Started With Vaio SpaceComputer Basics ContentsViii About the User Guide WelcomePage Choosing a Location for Your Computer Setting Up Your Vaio MicroTowerVaio MicroTower User Guide Setting Up Your Vaio MicroTower Connecting the Sony Multimedia Computer DisplayConnecting a Display, Speakers A Microphone To remove the palmrest Connecting the Optional PalmrestConnecting the Keyboard and Mouse Connecting the Phone Line and Phone Connecting the Power Cords Connecting Enables You To For Details Connecting PeripheralsIf your system includes the Sony Multimedia Computer Display Connecting a Television Audio/Video OutCable From Display Back of TV Cable From Display Back of TV Audio splitter not included Connecting a Printer Connecting a Joystick or Midi Instrument To connect an i.LINK IEEE-1394 device Connecting an i.LINK IEEE-1394 Equipped DeviceTo connect an S/PDIF device Connecting an S/PDIF Equipped Digital Audio DeviceTo connect an S-Link Control A1 device Connecting an S-Link Control A1 Equipped DeviceConnecting a Universal Serial Bus Device Connecting a Digital Still Camera or Other Serial Peripheral Starting Your Computer Registering Windows Registering Your Computer Standby Mode Indicators Using the Standby ModeTo put the computer in standby mode To take the computer out of standby modeTo shut down your computer Shutting Down Your ComputerTo start Vaio Space Starting Vaio SpaceCenter Name and Icon Contains Description Vaio Space CentersGetting Started With Vaio Space Navigating through Vaio SpaceTo go to a center within Vaio Space Button Function Vaio Space ControlsOther Software Center Functions Action Procedure Using the Software CenterTo launch the Software Center Program Description Using the Audio-Video CenterTo launch the Online Center Using the Online CenterCategory Description Using Tool Center Tools Using the Tool CenterExiting Vaio Space Using the Help CenterTo launch the Help Center To exit Vaio SpacePage Getting Help Vaio MicroTower User Guide Getting Help Calling SOSTo place a call to SOS Vaio MicroTower User Guide Options Descriptions My computer won’t start TroubleshootingMy computer locks up My software program locks up or crashesCannot play a CD-ROM disc Vaio MicroTower User Guide My DVD-ROM drive tray won’t openCannot play a DVD-ROM disc My speakers have no sound My modem doesn’t work Vaio MicroTower User Guide My modem connection is slowMy microphone doesn’t work My mouse doesn’t work Can’t find the Windows taskbar Vaio MicroTower User Guide My keyboard doesn’t workUsing the System Recovery CDs Vaio MicroTower User Guide To use the System Recovery CDs Insert the Sony System Recovery CD in the DVD-ROM driveTo use the Application Recovery CDs Using the Application Recovery CDsPage Upgrading and Maintaining Your Vaio MicroTower To insert an add-in board Inserting an Add-in BoardUpgrading and Maintaining Your Vaio MicroTower Adding Memory To install memoryAlign the Dimm over the socket To replace the lithium battery Replacing the Lithium BatteryUpgrading and Maintaining Your Vaio MicroTower Installing an Internal Hard Disk Drive Upgrading and Maintaining Your Vaio MicroTower Vaio MicroTower User Guide Upgrading and Maintaining Your Vaio MicroTower Vaio MicroTower User Guide To remove the left-side panel Removing the Left-Side PanelTo remove the bottom panel Removing the Bottom PanelTo remove the front panel Removing the Front PanelTo detach the diskette drive Detaching the Diskette DriveTo replace the diskette drive Replacing the Diskette DriveTo replace the bottom panel Replacing the Bottom PanelTo replace the front panel Replacing the Front PanelTo replace the left-side panel Replacing the Left-Side PanelKey Description Using the KeyboardVaio MicroTower User Guide Key Description Computer Basics Changing the Function of the Programmable ButtonsLight Off Term Description Using the MouseTo set up the mouse for left-hand use Setting Up the Mouse for Left-Hand UseTo use the drive Using the DVD-ROM DriveTo use the diskette drive Using the Diskette DrivePage Other Information On the Power SourceOn Disposal of the Lithium Battery On Handling On InstallationOther Information On Upgrading the System On Moisture CondensationOn Cleaning CD-ROM and DVD-ROM Discs On Using the Hard Disk DriveOn Handling Diskettes On Handling CD-ROM and DVD-ROM DiscsPage Limited Warranty Statement Vaio MicroTower User Guide Index Vaio MicroTower User Guide Index SOS Index

MicroTower specifications

The Sony MicroTower is an innovative desktop computing solution designed to combine robust performance with compact elegance. With an aim to meet the diverse needs of both professionals and casual users, the MicroTower boasts a range of features and technologies that elevate it above traditional desktop models.

One of the defining features of the MicroTower is its sleek and minimalist design. Measuring just a fraction of the size of standard desktop towers, it fits seamlessly into any workspace, whether at home or in an office setting. This compact form factor does not compromise functionality. The MicroTower comes equipped with powerful processing capabilities, typically ranging from Intel’s latest Core i5 or i7 processors, ensuring that users can handle demanding applications and multitask efficiently.

In terms of storage, the MicroTower offers various configurations, including SSD and HDD options, which cater to different user preferences. The inclusion of solid-state drives ensures lightning-fast boot times and quick access to files, while additional hard drive space provides ample room for data storage. This flexibility is ideal for users requiring speed without sacrificing capacity.

Graphics performance is another area where the MicroTower shines. Depending on the model, users can access high-performance integrated graphics or opt for discrete graphics cards, making it suitable for everything from basic productivity tasks to gaming and graphic design. This adaptability allows users to harness the full potential of their applications, whether they are working on presentations or enjoying the latest video games.

Connectivity is a priority with the MicroTower, featuring multiple USB ports, HDMI outputs, and Ethernet connections. This range of ports enables users to connect various peripherals and external devices easily. Additionally, many models come with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, allowing for wireless connectivity and integration with other smart devices.

Another notable characteristic is the energy efficiency of the MicroTower, with power-saving technologies ensuring minimal energy consumption without compromising performance. This eco-friendly design allows users to contribute to sustainability efforts while enjoying high-speed computing.

Overall, the Sony MicroTower stands out as a versatile and powerful desktop solution that brings together advanced technology, stylish design, and efficient performance, catering to a wide array of user needs and preferences. Whether for work or play, the MicroTower is an excellent choice for those looking to maximize their computing experience within a compact footprint.