Sony Laptop PCG 951A User Manual

VAIO® Notebook  
User Guide  
PCG-FX120/FX120K, PCG-FX140/FX140K,  
PCG-FX150/FX150K, PCG-FX170/FX170K,  
PCG-FX190/FX190K  
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intended for home and other limited viewing  
uses only unless otherwise authorized by  
Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering  
or disassembly is prohibited. i.LINK is a SONY  
trademark used only to designate that a product  
contains an IEEE 1394 connector. All products  
with an i.LINK connector may not  
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Never touch uninsulated  
telephone wire or terminals  
unless the telephone line has been  
disconnected at the network  
interface.  
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Use caution when installing or  
modifying telephone lines.  
communicate with each other.  
All other trademarks are trademarks of their  
respective owners.  
Avoid using the modem during an  
electrical storm.  
Do not use the modem or a  
telephone to report a gas leak in  
the vicinity of the leak.  
Owner’s Record  
The model number and serial number are  
located on the bottom of your Sony VAIO®  
Notebook. Refer to the model and serial  
number when you call your Sony Service  
Center.  
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A socket outlet should be as close  
as possible to the unit and easily  
accessible.  
Model Numbers: PCG-9512, PCG-9522, PCG-  
9532, PCG 9542, PCG-9552, PCG-951A,  
PCG-952A, PCG-953A, PCG-954A, PCG-  
955A  
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To change the backup battery,  
please contact your nearest Sony  
Service Center.  
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Caution - The use of optical  
instruments with this product will  
increase eye hazard. As the laser  
beam used in this product is  
harmful to the eyes, do not  
attempt to disassemble the  
cabinet. Refer servicing to  
qualified personnel only.  
Serial Number:________________________  
Safety Information  
WARNING  
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To prevent fire or shock hazard,  
do not expose your notebook  
computer to rain or moisture.  
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For CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive,  
DVD-ROM drive: Danger - Visible  
and invisible laser radiation when  
open. Avoid direct exposure to  
beam.  
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To avoid electrical shock, do not  
open the cabinet. Refer servicing  
to qualified personnel only.  
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Never install modem or telephone  
wiring during a lightning storm.  
Caution: To reduce the risk of fire,  
use only No. 26 AWG or larger  
telecommunication line cord.  
Never install telephone jacks in  
wet locations unless the jack is  
specifically designed for wet  
locations.  
AVERTISSEMENT  
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VAIO Notebook User Guide  
.
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Pour prévenir tout risque  
d’incendie ou d’électrocution,  
garder cet appareil à l’abri de la  
pluie et de l’humidité.  
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Pour changer la pile de rechange,  
veuillez contacter votre centre de  
service Sony le plus près.  
Avertissement - L'utilisation  
d'instruments optiques avec ce  
produit augmente les risques pour  
les yeux. Puisque le faisceau  
laser utilisé dans ce produit est  
dommageable pour les yeux, ne  
tentez pas de désassembler le  
boîtier. Adressez-vous à un agent  
de service qualifié.  
Pour prévenir tout risque  
d’électrocution, ne pas ouvrir le  
châssis de cet appareil et ne  
confier son entretien qu’à une  
personne qualifiée.  
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Ne jamais effectuer l’installation  
de fil modem ou téléphone durant  
un orage électrique.  
Ne jamais effectuer l’installation  
d’une prise téléphonique dans un  
endroit mouillé à moins que la  
prise soit conçue à cet effet.  
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Pour les lecteur CD-RW/DVD-  
ROM, lecteur DVD-ROM: Danger :  
Radiation laser visible et invisible  
si ouvert. Évitez l’exposition  
directe au faisceau.  
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Ne jamais toucher un fil  
Attention : Afin de réduire les  
risques d'incendie, n'utilisez  
qu'un cordon de communication  
N0. 26 AWG ou plus gros.  
téléphonique à découvert ou un  
terminal à moins que la ligne  
téléphonique n’ait été débranché  
de l’interface réseau.  
Soyez très prudent lorsque vous  
installez ou modifiez les lignes  
téléphoniques.  
If you have questions about this product, you  
can reach the Sony Customer Information  
Service Center at 1-888-4SONYPC; or write to  
the Sony Customer Information Service Center  
at 12451 Gateway Blvd., Ft. Myers, FL 33913  
or find Sony Customer Service on the web at:  
http://www.sony.com/pcsupport  
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Évitez d’utiliser le modem durant  
un orage électrique.  
N'utilisez pas le modem ni le  
téléphone pour prévenir d'une  
fuite de gaz vous êtes près de la  
fuite.  
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Lappareil doit être le plus près  
possible d’une prise murale pour  
en faciliter l’accès  
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harmful interference to radio communications.  
However, there is no guarantee that interference  
will not occur in a particular installation. If this  
equipment does cause harmful interference to  
radio or television reception, which can be  
determined by turning the equipment off and  
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the  
interference by one or more of the following  
measures:  
Regulatory  
Information  
Declaration of Conformity  
Trade Name:  
Model No.:  
SONY  
PCG-9512  
PCG-9522  
PCG-9532  
PCG-9542  
PCG-9552  
PCG-951A  
PCG-952A  
PCG-953A  
PCG-954A  
PCG-955A  
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Reorient or relocate the receiving  
antenna.  
Increase the separation between  
the equipment and the receiver.  
Connect the equipment into an  
outlet on a circuit different from  
that to which the receiver is  
connected.  
ResponsibleParty:  
Address:  
Sony Electronics Inc.  
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Consult the dealer or an  
experienced radio/TV technician  
for help.  
1 Sony Drive  
Park Ridge, NJ 07656  
Telephone:  
(For FCC-related  
matters only.)  
201-930-6972  
You are cautioned that any changes or  
modifications not expressly approved in this  
manual could void your authority to operate this  
equipment.  
This device complies with Part 15 of the  
FCC rules. Operation is subject to the  
following two conditions:  
Only peripherals (computer input/output  
devices, terminals, printers, etc.) that comply  
with FCC Class B limits may be attached to this  
computer product. Operation with non-  
(1) This device may not cause harmful  
interference.  
compliant peripherals is likely to result in  
interference to radio and television reception.  
(2) This device must accept any interference  
received, including interference that may  
cause undesired operation.  
All cables used to connect peripherals must be  
shielded and grounded. Operation with cables,  
connected to peripherals, that are not shielded  
and grounded, may result in interference to  
radio and television reception.  
This equipment has been tested and found to  
comply with the limits for a Class B digital  
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the Rules. These  
limits are designed to provide reasonable  
protection against harmful interference in a  
residential installation. This equipment  
FCC Part 68  
This equipment complies with Part 68 of the  
FCC rules. On the bottom of this equipment is a  
label that contains, among other information,  
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency  
energy and, if not installed and used in  
accordance with the instructions, may cause  
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VAIO Notebook User Guide  
the FCC equivalence number (REN) for this  
equipment. If requested, this information must  
be provided to the telephone company.  
This equipment cannot be used on public coin  
service provided by the telephone company.  
Connection to Party Line Service is subject to  
state and possible provincial tariffs. (Contact  
the state or provincial utility service  
This modem uses the USOC RJ-11 telephone  
jack.  
commission, public service commission, or  
corporation commission, for information.)  
The REN is used to determine the quantity of  
devices which may be connected to the  
telephone line. Excessive RENs on the  
Telephone Consumer  
Protection Act of 1991  
(United States)  
telephone line may result in the devices not  
ringing in response to an incoming call. In  
most, but not all areas, the sum of the RENs  
should not exceed five (5.0). To be certain of  
the number of devices that may be connected to  
the line, as determined by the total RENs,  
contact the telephone company to determine the  
maximum REN for the calling area.  
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act of  
1991 makes it unlawful for any person to use a  
computer or other electronic device to send any  
message via a telephone facsimile machine  
unless such message clearly contains, in a  
margin at the top or bottom of each transmitted  
page or on the first page of the transmission, the  
date and time it is sent and an identification of  
the business, other entity, or individual sending  
the message, and the telephone number of the  
sending machine or such business, other entity,  
or individual.  
If the terminal equipment causes harm to the  
telephone network, the telephone company will  
notify you in advance that temporary  
discontinuance of service may be required. But  
if advance notice is not practical, the telephone  
company will notify the customer as soon as  
possible. Also, you will be advised of your right  
to file a complaint with the FCC if you believe  
it is necessary.  
In order to program this information into your  
facsimile machine, see your fax software  
documentation.  
The telephone company may make changes in  
its facilities, equipment, operations or  
procedures that could affect the operations of  
the equipment. If this happens, the telephone  
company will provide advance notice in order  
for you to make the necessary modifications in  
order to maintain uninterrupted service.  
Telephone Consumer  
Guidelines (Canada)  
Please refer to your telephone directory under  
‘Privacy Issues’ and/or ‘Terms of Service.’ For  
more detailed information, please contact:  
If trouble is experienced with this equipment,  
you can reach the Sony Customer Information  
Service Center at 1-888-4SONYPC; or write to  
the Sony Customer Information Service Center  
at 12451 Gateway Blvd., Ft. Myers, FL 33913  
or find Sony Customer Service on the web at:  
http://www.sony.com/pcsupport  
CRTC  
Terrasses de la Chaudiére, Tour centrale  
1 promenade du Portage, 5 étage Hull  
PQ K1A 0N2.  
This Class B digital apparatus complies with  
Canadian ICES-003.  
Repair of this equipment should be made only  
by a Sony Service Center or Sony authorized  
agent. For the Sony Service Center nearest you,  
call 1-888-4SONYPC (1-888-476-6972).  
Cet àppareil numérique de la classe B est  
conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.  
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DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM ION  
BATTERY  
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The battery pack used in this  
device may present a fire or  
chemical burn hazard if  
mistreated. Do not disassemble,  
heat above 212°F (100°C) or  
incinerate.  
You can return your unwanted lithium ion  
batteries to your nearest Sony Service Center or  
Factory Service Center.  
In some areas the disposal of lithium  
ion batteries in household or  
Dispose of used battery promptly.  
Keep away from children.  
business trash may be prohibited.  
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La manutention incorrecte du  
module de batterie de cet appareil  
présente un risque d'incendie ou  
de brûlures chimiques. Ne pas  
démonter, incinérer ou exposer à  
une température de plus de 100°C.  
Évacuer promptement la batterie  
usée. Garder hors de portée des  
enfants.  
For the Sony Service Center nearest you, call 1-  
888-476-6972 in the United States or 1-800-  
961-7669 in Canada.  
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Do not handle damaged or leaking  
lithium ion batteries.  
Ne pas manipuler les batteries au  
lithium-ion qui fuient ou sont  
endommagées.  
INDUSTRY CANADA NOTICE  
NOTICE: The Industry Canada label identifies  
certified equipment. This certification means  
that the equipment meets certain  
telecommunications network protective,  
operational and safety requirements as  
prescribed in the appropriate Terminal  
Equipment Technical Requirements  
document(s). The Department does not  
guarantee the equipment will operate to the  
user’s satisfaction.  
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Danger of explosion if battery is  
incorrectly replaced. Replace only  
with the same or equivalent type  
recommended by the  
manufacturer. Discard used  
batteries according to the  
manufacturer’s instructions.  
Une batterie non conforme  
présente un danger d'explosion.  
La remplacer seulement par une  
batterie identique ou de type  
équivalent recommandé par le  
fabricant. Évacuer les batteries  
usées selon les directives du  
fabricant.  
Before installing this equipment, users should  
ensure that it is permissible to be connected to  
the facilities of the local telecommunications  
company. The equipment must also be installed  
using an acceptable method of connection.  
The customer should be aware that compliance  
with the above conditions may not prevent  
degradation of service in some situations.  
Repairs to certified equipment should be  
coordinated by a representative designated by  
the supplier. Equipment malfunctions or any  
repairs or alterations made by the user to this  
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VAIO Notebook User Guide  
equipment may give the telecommunications  
company cause to request that the user  
disconnect the equipment.  
qu’il est possible que la conformité aux  
conditions énoncées ci-dessus n’empêche pas la  
dégradation du service dans certaines  
situations.  
Users should ensure for their own protection  
that the electrical ground connections of the  
power utility, telephone lines and internal  
metallic water pipe system, if present, are  
connected together. This precaution may be  
particularly important in rural areas.  
Les réparations de matériel homologué doivent  
être coordonnées par un représentant désigné  
par le fournisseur. L’entreprise de  
télécommunications peut demander à  
l’utilisateur de débrancher un appareil à la suite  
de réparations ou de modifications effectuées  
par l’utilisateur ou à cause de mauvais  
fonctionnement.  
Caution: Users should not attempt to make such  
connections themselves, but should contact the  
appropriate electric inspection authority, or  
electrician, as appropriate.  
Pour sa propre protection, l’utilisateur doit  
s’assurer que tous les fils de mise à la terre de la  
source d’énergie électrique, des lignes  
téléphoniques et des canalisations d’eau  
métalliques, s’il y en a, sont raccordés  
ensemble. Cette précaution est particulièrement  
importante dans les régions rurales.  
NOTICE: The Ringer Equivalence Number  
(REN) assigned to each terminal device  
provides an indication of the maximum number  
of terminals allowed to be connected to a  
telephone interface. The termination on an  
interface may consist of any combination of  
devices subject only to the requirement that the  
sum of the Ringer Equivalence Numbers of all  
the devices does not exceed 5. The Ringer  
Equivalence Number for this equipment is 0.2.  
Avertissement: L’utilisateur ne doit pas tenter  
de faire ces raccordements lui-même; il doit  
avoir recours à un service d’inspection des  
installations électriques, ou à un électricien,  
selon le cas.  
AVIS DE LINDUSTRIE  
CANADA  
AVIS: L’indice d’équivalence de la sonnerie  
(IES) assigné à chaque dispositif terminal  
indique le nombre maximal de terminaux qui  
peuvent être raccordés à une interface.  
AVIS: L’étiquette d’Industrie Canada identifie  
le matériel homologué.  
La terminaison d’une interface téléphonique  
peut consister en une combination de quelques  
dispositifs, à la seule condition que la somme  
d’indices d’équivalence de la sonnerie de tous  
les dispositifs n’excède pas 5. Lindice  
d’équivalence de la sonnerie de ce matériel est  
de 0.2.  
Cette étiquette certifie que le matériel est  
conforme aux normes de protection,  
d’exploitation et de sécurité des réseaux de  
télécommunications, comme le prescrivent les  
documents concernant les exigences techniques  
relatives au matériel terminal. Le Ministère  
n’assure toutefois pas que le matériel  
fonctionnera à la satisfaction de l’utilisateur.  
Avant d’installer ce matériel, l’utilisateur doit  
s’assurer qu’il est permis de le raccorder aux  
installations de l’entreprise locale de  
télécommunication. Le matériel doit également  
être installé en suivant une méthode acceptée de  
raccordement. Labonné ne doit pas oublier  
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Contents  
Welcome .................................................................................... 11  
Features .......................................................................................................11  
Unpacking Your Notebook .........................................................................12  
Ergonomic Considerations ..........................................................................14  
Setting Up Your VAIO® Notebook ........................................... 19  
Locating Controls and Connectors ..............................................................19  
Connecting a Power Source ........................................................................24  
Starting Your Computer ..............................................................................30  
Shutting Down Your Computer ..................................................................31  
Using Your VAIO® Notebook ................................................... 33  
Using the Keyboard ....................................................................................33  
Using the Touchpad ....................................................................................38  
Using the Floppy Disk Drive ......................................................................40  
Using the Optical Drive ..............................................................................43  
Using PC Cards ...........................................................................................49  
Using a Second Battery Pack ......................................................................52  
Using the Weight Saver ..............................................................................55  
Using Smart Connect ..................................................................................57  
Power Saving Modes ..................................................................................58  
Connecting a Phone Line ............................................................................60  
Connecting to the Local Area Network (LAN) ..........................................61  
Connecting Peripheral Devices ............................................... 63  
Connecting the Port Replicator ...................................................................64  
Connecting an External Mouse or Keyboard ..............................................68  
Connecting a Printer ....................................................................................69  
Connecting an External Display .................................................................70  
Connecting a TV Display (For Models with TV Out Only) .......................73  
Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device ......................................75  
Connecting an i.LINK*® Device ................................................................76  
Connecting External Speakers ....................................................................78  
Connecting an External Microphone ..........................................................79  
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VAIO Notebook User Guide  
Customizing Your VAIO® Notebook ....................................... 81  
Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen .............................................81  
Controlling Power Management .................................................................83  
Displaying Battery Information ..................................................................87  
Selecting the Display Mode ........................................................................89  
Adding Memory ......................................................................... 93  
About the Software on Your Notebook ................................... 97  
Overview .....................................................................................................97  
MovieShaker™ .........................................................................................101  
PictureGear™ ............................................................................................105  
Software Support Information ..................................................................107  
Application, System, and Driver Recovery CDs ......................................109  
Using Your Recovery CDs .......................................................................110  
Troubleshooting ...................................................................... 115  
Specifications .......................................................................... 127  
* i.LINK is a SONY trademark used to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 con-  
nector. All products with an i.LINK connector may not communicate with each other.  
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Welcome  
Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony VAIO® notebook. Sony has  
combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing, and  
communications to provide you with state-of-the-art personal computing.  
Features  
For a complete description of the specifications of your VAIO® Notebook, see  
Specifications”  
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Exceptional performance — Your notebook includes a mobile Intel®  
Pentium® III processor featuring Intel® SpeedStep™ technology and a V.90  
compatible K56flex modem.*  
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Portability — Rechargeable battery pack provides hours of use without AC  
power.  
Sony audio and video quality — High-quality MPEG1/MPEG2 video,  
which supports full-screen display and enables you to take advantage of  
today’s advanced multimedia applications, games, and entertainment  
software.  
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Multimedia features — Enjoy the stereo speakers or use a headphone (not  
supplied) to listen to audio and video CDs.  
Microsoft® Windows® operating system — Your system includes  
Microsoft® Windows® Millennium Edition (WinMe) or Microsoft®  
Windows® 2000 Professional.  
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Communications — Access popular online services, send e-mail, browse  
the Internet, and use fax features.  
Optical drive (DVD-ROM or CD-RW/DVD-ROM) — The CD-RW/  
DVD-ROM drive utilizes a new optical storage technology that combines the  
features of both a CD-RW drive and DVD-ROM drive, providing increased  
* Actual upload and download speeds may vary due to line conditions, ISP support, and gov-  
ernment regulations.  
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VAIO Notebook User Guide  
storage capacity and a rich multimedia computing experience. Optical drives  
play DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, CD-RW, and CD-R discs. (The CD-RW/DVD-  
ROM drive is available on select models only.)  
Your optical drive differs depending on the model you purchase.  
Unpacking Your Notebook  
Remove the following hardware items from the box:  
Main unit*  
Power cord  
AC adapter  
Video cable  
Rechargeable  
battery pack  
Weight saver  
(PCG-FX150/PCG-FX150K  
PCG-FX170/PCG-FX170K  
PCG-FX190/PCG-FX190K only)  
* Removable floppy disk drive is in the multipurpose bay.  
Manuals  
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VAIO® Quick Start Contains information on unpacking and setting up  
your notebook, supplementary updates, and software information.  
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Unpacking Your Notebook  
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Microsoft® Windows® Millennium Edition Getting Started manual or the  
Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Professional Getting Started manual —  
Explains how to use the basic features of this latest Windows operating  
system.  
Software CDs  
Microsoft® Word 2000 — Allows you to reinstall Microsoft Word to the  
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VAIO notebook you purchased.  
Recovery CDs  
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System Recovery CD(s) — Allows you to restore the software titles that  
shipped with your computer if they become corrupted or are erased. It can  
only be used to restore the hard disk of the VAIO notebook you purchased.  
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Application Recovery CD(s) — Allows you to reinstall individual  
applications or device drivers if they become corrupted or erased.  
Driver Recovery CD(s) — Allows you to reinstall individual device drivers.  
Use it to restore corrupted or erased files.  
Other  
Packet containing special product offers  
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VAIO Notebook User Guide  
Ergonomic Considerations  
You will be using your notebook computer as a portable device in a variety of  
environments. Whenever possible, you should attempt to apply the following  
ergonomic considerations to both stationary and portable environments.  
Ergonomic Position  
Computer positioned  
directly in front of you  
Arms at desk  
level  
Wrists relaxed  
and flat  
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Position of your computer — Place the computer directly in front of you as  
you work. Keep your forearms horizontal, with your wrists in a neutral,  
comfortable position while using the keyboard, touchpad, or external mouse.  
Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides. Take breaks during  
sessions with your computer. Excessive use of the computer may strain  
muscles or tendons.  
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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  
and avoid slouching forward or leaning far backward.  
Viewing angle of the computer’s display — Use the display’s tilting  
feature to find the best position. You can reduce eye strain and muscle  
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Ergonomic Considerations  
fatigue by adjusting the tilt of the display to the proper position. Adjust the  
brightness setting of the display also.  
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Lighting — Choose a location where windows and lights do not create glare  
and reflection on the display. Use indirect lighting to avoid bright spots on  
the display. You can also purchase accessories for your display that help  
reduce glare. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work effectiveness.  
Placement of an external display — When using an external display, set  
the display at a comfortable viewing distance. Make sure the display screen  
is at eye level or slightly lower when you are sitting in front of the monitor.  
Notes on Setup  
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Do not place your computer in a location subject to:  
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Heat sources, such as radiators or air ducts  
Direct sunlight  
Excessive dust  
Moisture or rain  
Mechanical vibration or shock  
Strong magnets or speakers that are not magnetically shielded  
Ambient temperature of more than 95º F (35º C) or less than 40º F  
(5º C)  
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High humidity  
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Do not place electronic equipment near your computer. The computer’s  
electromagnetic field may cause a malfunction.  
Provide adequate air circulation to prevent internal heat buildup. Do not  
place your computer on porous surfaces such as rugs or blankets, or near  
materials such as curtains or draperies that may block its ventilation slots.  
Leave a space of at least 8 inches (20 cm) behind the back panel of the  
computer.  
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If the computer is brought directly from a cold location to a warm one,  
moisture may condense inside your computer. In this case, allow at least an  
hour before turning on your computer. If any problems occur, unplug your  
computer, and contact your Sony Service Center.  
The computer uses high-frequency radio signals and may cause interference  
to radio or TV reception. Should this occur, relocate the computer a suitable  
distance away from the set.  
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VAIO Notebook User Guide  
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Use only specified peripheral equipment and interface cables; otherwise,  
problems may result.  
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Do not use cut or damaged connection cables.  
If the telephone company makes a service call to your home or office and  
determines that your computer is responsible for a problem, the telephone  
company may bill you for the service call. Also, if you do not disconnect  
your computer when it is adversely affecting the telephone line, the  
telephone company has the right to disconnect your service until you correct  
the problem.  
Handling Your Notebook  
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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 these may damage the  
finish of your computer.  
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Should any solid object or liquid fall into the computer, shut down your  
computer and then unplug it. You may want to have the computer checked by  
qualified personnel before operating it any further.  
Do not drop the computer or place heavy objects on top of the computer.  
Cleaning Your Notebook  
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Make sure to disconnect the power cord before cleaning the computer.  
Avoid rubbing the LCD screen as this can damage the screen. Use a soft, dry  
cloth to wipe the LCD screen.  
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Clean the computer with 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.  
Handling the LCD Screen  
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Do not leave the LCD facing the sun as it can damage the LCD. Be careful  
when using the computer near a window.  
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Do not scratch the LCD or exert pressure on it. This could cause  
malfunction.  
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Ergonomic Considerations  
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Using the computer in low temperature conditions may produce a residual  
image on the screen. This is not a malfunction. When the computer returns to  
normal temperature, the screen returns to normal.  
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The screen becomes warm during operation. This is normal and does not  
indicate a malfunction.  
The LCD is manufactured using high-precision technology. You may,  
however, see tiny black points and/or bright points (red, blue, or green) that  
continuously appear on the LCD. This is a normal result of the  
manufacturing process and does not indicate a malfunction.  
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VAIO Notebook User Guide  
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Setting Up Your VAIO® Notebook  
This section describes all the controls and connectors on your computer, how to  
connect your computer to a power source, and how to start and shut down your  
computer.  
Locating Controls and Connectors  
Front  
+
1
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)  
screen  
7
Battery 1 and 2 indicators  
2
3
Speakers  
Keyboard  
8
9
Hard disk drive indicator  
Num Lock indicator  
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VAIO Notebook User Guide  
4
5
6
Touchpad  
10  
11  
Caps Lock indicator  
Scroll Lock indicator  
Left/right buttons  
Power indicator  
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Locating Controls and Connectors  
Left  
1
Video out (select models only)  
4
i.LINK® (IEEE1394) S400  
connector*  
2
3
Microphone connector  
Headphone connector  
5
6
PC card slots  
Battery bay  
* i.LINK is a SONYtrademark used only to designate that a prodcut contains an IEEE 1394  
connector. All products with an i.LINK connector may not communicate with each other.  
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VAIO Notebook User Guide  
Right  
1
2
3
PPK buttons  
Power button  
Optical drive(CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive for PCG-FX170/PCG-FX170K  
PCG-FX190/PCG-FX190K)  
(DVD-ROM drive for PCG-FX120/PCG-FX120K/PCG-FX140  
PCG-FX140K/PCG-FX150/PCG-FX150K)  
4
Multipurpose bay  
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Locating Controls and Connectors  
Back  
1
2
3
4
Modem jack  
USB connectors  
5
6
7
Monitor connector  
Ethernet connector  
DC In connector  
Serial connector  
Printer connector  
Warning:  
Only connect 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX cables to the Ethernet network port.  
Do not connect any other type of network cable or any telephone line.  
Connecting cables other than those listed above may result in an electric  
current overload and could cause a malfunction, excessive heat, or fire in the  
connector. To connect the unit to the network, contact you network  
administrator.  
There is a ventilation slot located between the Ethernet connector and the USB  
connector. Do not cover the ventilation slot when your computer is on.  
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VAIO Notebook User Guide  
Bottom  
1
2
3
Multipurpose bay RELEASE lever  
Reset switch  
Tilt stands  
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Connecting a Power Source  
Connecting a Power Source  
You can use either AC power or a rechargeable battery pack as a power source.  
Using the AC Adapter  
1
Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC In connector on the  
computer.  
2
3
Plug one end of the power cord into the AC adapter.  
Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet.  
Connecting the AC adapter  
Notebook  
AC adapter  
(supplied)  
Power cord  
(supplied)  
DC In  
Notes on the AC Adapter  
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Your computer operates on 100V-240V AC 50/60 Hz.  
Do not share the AC outlet with other power-consuming equipment, such as  
a copy machine or shredder.  
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You can purchase a power strip with a surge protector. This device prevents  
damage to your computer caused by sudden power surges such as those that  
may occur during an electrical storm.  
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Do not place heavy objects on the power cord.  
To disconnect the cord, pull it out by the plug. Never pull the cord itself.  
Unplug your computer from the wall outlet if you will not be using the  
computer for a long time.  
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The LED indicator on the AC adapter may be turned on until the AC adapter  
is unplugged from your notebook.  
When the AC adapter is not used, unplug it from the AC outlet.  
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VAIO Notebook User Guide  
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Use only the AC adapter supplied. Do not use any other AC adapter.  
Using Battery Power  
You can use one or two battery packs as a source of power. The second battery  
pack inserts into the multipurpose bay on the right side of the computer. (See  
“Using a Second Battery Pack” ) Additional battery packs are available as a  
separate option.  
The battery pack that comes with your computer is not fully charged at the time  
of purchase. Follow the steps below to insert and charge the battery pack.  
To insert the battery pack  
1
To open the battery bay, press cover down.  
Cover swings out but does not detach.  
Battery bay  
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Connecting a Power Source  
2
Insert the battery pack into the battery bay on the left side of the computer.  
Inserting battery pack  
Battery pack  
(supplied)  
Label side facing down  
3
Close the cover of the battery bay until it clicks.  
If the port replicator is attached to your computer, do not attempt to insert or remove  
the battery pack. Lifting and turning the computer with a port replicator attached could  
cause a temporary loss of power.  
To charge the battery pack  
1
2
Connect the AC adapter to the computer.  
Insert the battery pack.  
The computer automatically charges the battery (the battery indicator light flashes in a  
double blink pattern as the battery charges).  
3
When the battery is 85% full, the battery indicator light turns off. For PCG-  
FX120/FX120K, PCG-FX140/FX140K models, this process takes  
approximately 1.5 hours. For PCG-FX150/FX150K, PCG-FX170/FX170K,  
PCG-FX190/FX190K models, this process takes approximately 3.0 hours.  
To charge the battery completely, continue charging for an additional hour. See  
Displaying Battery Information”  
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VAIO Notebook User Guide  
There are two battery indicator lights on the computer  
Battery indicator lights  
Battery indicator lights  
Battery  
Indicator  
Description  
1
Indicates the status of the battery pack in the battery bay on the  
left side of the computer.  
2
Indicates the status of the battery pack in the multipurpose bay on  
the right side of the computer.  
Battery  
Indicator Light  
Status  
Description  
On  
The computer is using battery power.  
The battery is running out of power.  
The battery is charging.  
Single blink  
Double blink  
Off  
The computer is using AC power.  
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Connecting a Power Source  
To remove the battery pack  
1
2
Open the battery bay cover.  
Pull out the battery pack.  
Removing the battery pack  
3
Close the cover of the battery bay.  
You will lose data if you remove the battery pack while the computer is on  
and not connected to the AC adapter or if you remove the battery while the  
computer is in a power-saving mode  
Notes on the battery  
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To determine the remaining battery charge, see “Displaying Battery  
Information.”  
When the battery power is running low, both the battery and power  
indicators blink.  
When the computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack  
in the battery bay, it uses power from the AC outlet.  
See “Using a Second Battery Pack” for information on installing and  
charging a battery pack in the multipurpose bay.  
Keep the battery pack in the computer while it is directly connected to AC  
power. The battery pack continues to charge while you are using the  
computer.  
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If the battery level falls below 10%, you should either attach the AC adapter  
to recharge the battery or shut down your computer and insert a fully charged  
battery.  
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You can extend battery life by changing the power-management modes in  
the PowerPanel utility. See “Power Saving Modes”  
The battery pack supplied with your computer is a lithium-ion battery and  
can be recharged at any time. Charging a partially discharged battery does  
not affect battery life.  
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The battery indicator light is on while you use the battery pack as a power  
source. When battery life is nearly depleted, the battery indicator starts  
flashing.  
For some software applications and some peripheral devices, your computer  
may not enter Hibernate mode when the battery life is low. To avoid loss of  
data when using battery power, you should save your data frequently and  
manually activate a power-management mode, such as Standby or Hibernate.  
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Never leave the battery pack in temperatures above 140° F (60° C), such as  
under direct sunlight or in a car parked in the sun.  
Battery life is shorter in a cold environment. This is due to decreased battery  
efficiency at low temperatures.  
Charge the batteries at temperatures between 50° F and 80° F (10° C to  
30° C). Lower temperatures require a longer charging time.  
While the battery is in use or being discharged, the battery pack heats up.  
This is normal and is not cause for concern.  
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Keep the battery pack away from all sources of heat.  
Keep the battery pack dry.  
Do not open or try to disassemble the battery pack.  
Do not expose the battery pack to any mechanical shock.  
If you are not using the computer for an extended period of time, remove the  
battery pack from the computer to prevent damage to the battery.  
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If, after fully charging the battery pack, the battery power is still low, the  
battery pack may be reaching the end of its life and should be replaced.  
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You do not need to discharge the battery before recharging.  
If you have not used the battery pack for a considerable amount of time,  
recharge the battery.  
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Starting Your Computer  
Starting Your Computer  
1
Slide the LCD lock lever in the direction of the arrow, and lift the cover.  
Opening the computer  
LCD lock lever  
2
Press the power button on top of the computer until the green power  
indicator light turns on.  
(Windows Me™ only) When starting your notebook for the first time, the VAIO  
InitManager dialog box will appear. Please select OK” to begin initial setup. If you do  
not execute the initial setup, you cannot use VAIO original hardware functions such as  
PPK, Power Management tools, the scroll function of the touchpad, and keyboard  
shortcut key combined with Fn key.  
Power button  
Power indicator  
Power button  
If you hold the power button in the On position for more than four seconds, the  
computer turns off.  
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3
If necessary, adjust the brightness controls for the LCD display as follows:  
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To decrease brightness, press Fn+F5 then the down or left arrow key.  
To increase brightness, press Fn+F5 then the up or right arrow key.  
Shutting Down Your Computer  
To avoid potential loss of data, follow these steps to shut down your computer.  
1
2
Click the Start button on the Windows® taskbar.  
Click Shut Down at the bottom of the Start menu to display the Shut Down  
Windows dialog box.  
3
4
Select Shut Down.  
Click OK.  
Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents.  
5
6
Wait for your computer to turn off automatically—power indicator turns off.  
Turn off any peripherals connected to your computer.  
During a period of inactivity, you can conserve battery life by using Standby mode. See  
Controlling Power Management” .  
If you are unable to shut down your computer.  
1
Close or end all operations as follows:  
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Close all applications.  
Remove the PC cards.  
Disconnect USB devices.  
2
Restart the computer. You can restart your computer by pressing  
Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys (at the same time).  
If you are still unable to shut down the computer, you can press the power button and  
hold it for 5 seconds. This operation may result in data loss.  
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Using Your VAIO® Notebook  
Using the Keyboard  
Your keyboard is very similar to a typewriter’s, but the keyboard has additional  
keys that perform specific computer-related tasks.  
Keyboard  
Correction  
keys  
Print Screen key  
Function keys  
Escape key  
Shift key  
Ctrl key  
Fn key  
Applications key  
Navigation  
keys  
Alt key  
Windows key  
Numeric keypad area  
Key  
Description  
Numeric keypad  
area  
Contains the keys found on a typical calculator. Use the numeric  
keypad area to type numbers or to perform mathematical  
calculations such as addition and subtraction. Note that you must  
press the Num Lock key to activate the numeric keypad. (When  
you do so, the Num Lock light will be on.)  
Navigation keys  
Correction keys  
Several keys are devoted to moving the cursor on the screen.  
The Insert, Back Space, and Delete keys enable you to make  
corrections in your documents.  
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VAIO Notebook User Guide  
Key  
Description  
Function keys  
The twelve function keys along the top of the keyboard are used  
to perform designated tasks. For example, in many applications,  
F1 is the Help key. The task associated with each function key  
may vary from one application to the next.  
Escape key  
The Esc (Escape) key is used to cancel commands.  
Print Screen key  
The Print Screen key takes an electronic snapshot of the screen  
and places it in the Windows Clipboard. You can then paste the  
screen shot into a document and print it.  
Operator keys  
Several keys are always used with at least one other key: Ctrl,  
Alt, and Shift. When held down with another key, the Ctrl  
(Control) and Alt (Alternate) keys offer another way to give  
commands. For example, in many applications, instead of  
choosing the Save command from a menu, you can hold down  
Ctrl and press S (referred to as Ctrl+S). The Shift key operates  
the same way as on a typewriter; it is used to produce capital  
letters or special symbols such as @ and $.  
Windows key  
The key with the Windows logo displays the Windows Start  
menu; it is the equivalent of clicking the Start button on the  
taskbar. See “Combinations and Functions with the Windows  
Key”.  
Fn key  
The Fn key is used in combination with other keys to issue  
commands. See “Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key”.  
Applications key  
The Applications key displays a shortcut menu of context-  
sensitive choices. Pressing this key is the equivalent of clicking  
the right mouse button.  
Combinations and Functions with the Windows Key  
Combination  
+ F1  
Function  
Displays Windows Help.  
Switches the selected button on the taskbar.  
Displays Windows Explorer.  
+ Tab  
+ E  
+ F  
Displays the Windows Find: All Files window to find a file or  
folder. This is the equivalent of selecting Find and then Files or  
Folders from the Start menu.  
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Using the Keyboard  
Combination  
Function  
+ Ctrl + F  
Displays the Windows Find: Computer window where you can  
locate other computers. This is the equivalent of selecting Find  
and then Computer from the Start menu.  
+ M  
Minimizes all displayed windows.  
Shift +  
+ R  
+ M  
Returns all minimized windows to their previous size.  
Displays the Run window. This is the equivalent of selecting Run  
from the Start menu.  
Fn +  
+ Insert  
Displays the Properties window. This is the equivalent of double-  
clicking the System icon in the Control Panel.  
Indicators  
Indicator  
Function  
Power  
Light is green when the power to the computer is turned on, flashes  
umber in Standby mode, and turns off when the computer is in  
Hibernate mode or powered off.  
Battery 1  
Indicates the status of the battery inserted in the battery bay on  
the left side of the computer.  
1
Battery 2  
Indicates the status of the battery inserted in the multipurpose  
drive bay on the right side of the computer.  
2
Hard disk  
Lights when data is being read from or written to the hard drive.  
Do not enter Standby mode or turn off the computer when this  
indicator light is on.  
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Indicator (continued)  
Light  
On  
Off  
Num Lock  
The number keys in the numeric  
keypad are active.  
The alphanumeric character  
keys in the keypad area are  
active.  
Caps Lock  
Scroll Lock  
The letters appear in uppercase as  
you type. The Shift key lowers the  
case of typed letters when Caps  
Lock is on.  
Letters appear in lower case  
as you type (unless you  
hold down the Shift key).  
The screen scrolls differently.  
(Exactly how it scrolls depends on  
the specific application. It has no  
effect in many applications.)  
Information moves across  
the display normally.  
Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key  
Combinations/  
Feature  
Function  
Fn+  
Standby  
(ESC)  
Puts the system into Standby mode, a power- management state.  
To return the system to the active state, press any key or press the  
power button on your computer.  
Fn+  
(F3)  
Toggles the built-in speaker off and on.  
Mute On/Off  
Fn+  
Speaker volume  
(F4)  
Adjusts the built-in speaker volume.  
To increase volume, press Fn+F4, then  
To decrease volume, press Fn+F4, then  
§
or  
or  
.
§
.
Fn+  
(F5)  
Adjusts the brightness of the LCD.  
§
Brightness control To increase light intensity, press Fn+F5 and then or  
To decrease light intensity, press Fn+F5 and then or  
.
.
§
LCD  
Fn+  
(F7)  
/
Toggles through the LCD, external display (connected to the  
Monitor connector) and both LCD and external display.  
Switch to the  
external monitor/  
LCD  
LCD and external display  
Only external display  
Only LCD  
Connect the cable before you turn on the computer, otherwise  
Fn + F7 will not work.  
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Using the Keyboard  
Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key (Continued)  
Combinations/  
Feature  
Function  
LCD  
Fn+  
only/  
Toggles between LCD-only and dual LCD/TV display modes.  
(F8)  
LCD and external display  
Only LCD  
Control TV out  
(for models with  
TV Out only)  
Only external display  
Connect the cable before you turn on the computer, otherwise  
Fn + F8 will not work.  
Fn+  
Hibernate  
(F12)  
Provides for the lowest level of power consumption. When you  
execute this command, the state of the system and state of the  
peripheral devices are written to the hard disk and the system  
power is turned off. To return the system to its original state, use  
the power button to turn on power.  
Fn+D  
Video standby  
Turns off the LCD to save power. To turn the LCD back on, press  
any key (Windows™ Me only).  
Some functions are not available until Windows launches.  
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VAIO Notebook User Guide  
Using the Touchpad  
The keyboard contains a cursor-pointing device called a touchpad. You can point  
to, select, drag, and scroll objects on the screen using the built-in touchpad.  
Touchpad  
Pointer  
Touchpad  
Right button  
Left button  
Action  
Description  
Point  
Slide one finger on the touchpad to place the pointer on an item  
or object.  
Click  
Press the left button once.  
Press the left button twice.  
Double-click  
Right-click  
Press the right button once. In many applications, this action  
displays a shortcut menu of context-sensitive choices.  
Drag  
Slide one finger while pressing the left button.  
Scroll  
Move your finger along the right edge of the touchpad to scroll  
vertically. Move your finger along the bottom to scroll  
horizontally. (The scroll function is available only with  
applications that support a touchpad scroll feature.)  
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Using the Touchpad  
See Mouse Properties for information on touchpad features, such as clicking both  
buttons simultaneously, adjusting touchpad speed, and Easy Launcher functions. To  
access Mouse Properties, click the Start button, point to Settings, point to Control  
Panel, and then click the Mouse icon in the Control Panel.  
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VAIO Notebook User Guide  
Using the Floppy Disk Drive  
Your computer comes with the floppy disk drive in the multipurpose bay.  
To insert a diskette  
1
2
Hold the diskette the label side facing up.  
Gently push the diskette into the drive until it clicks into place.  
Diskette  
Floppy disk drive  
To remove a diskette  
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When you finish using the diskette, wait until the LED indicator light turns  
off and then press the Eject button to remove the diskette.  
Eject button  
LED indicator  
Do not push the eject button when the LED indicator is turned on. Otherwise,  
data may be lost.  
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Using the Floppy Disk Drive  
To remove the floppy disk drive  
1
2
Turn off the computer.  
There is a RELEASE lever on the bottom of the computer. Slide this lever in  
the direction of the arrow.  
Multipurpose bay release lever  
Multipurpose bay RELEASE lever  
3
4
Slide the drive out of the multipurpose bay.  
Insert the weight saver. See “Using the Weight Saver”.  
To reinsert the floppy disk drive  
1
2
Turn off the computer.  
If another device is in the multipurpose bay, remove the device. See “To  
remove the second battery pack”.  
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VAIO Notebook User Guide  
3
Insert the floppy disk drive into the multipurpose bay with the VAIO label  
facing up. Continue pushing the drive into the bay until the RELEASE lever  
locks into place.  
Inserting the floppy disk drive  
Multipurpose bay  
Floppy disk drive  
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Using the Optical Drive  
Using the Optical Drive  
Your computer comes with an optical drive (CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive or DVD-  
ROM drive), depending on the model you purchase.  
To insert a disc  
1
Turn on the computer.  
When the computer is in Standby or Hibernate mode, you cannot insert a disc.  
See Controlling Power Managementfor more information on Standby and  
Hibernate modes.  
2
Press the Eject button to open the CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive.  
The tray slides out.  
Ejecting the tray  
Eject button  
3
Place an optical disc on the tray with the label side facing up. For DVDs  
which can be played on both sides, the side of the disc facing up is the side  
that plays.  
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VAIO Notebook User Guide  
4
Push the disc onto the hub until the disc clicks securely into place.  
Inserting an optical disc  
Label side facing up  
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Using the Optical Drive  
5
Close the tray by pushing it gently.  
Be sure to seat the disc firmly over the hub fingers. If you do not seat the disc firmly,  
you could damage your optical drive and you may not be able to open the tray.  
When you finish using a disc, wait until the LED indicator light turns off, then press the  
Eject button to remove the disc.  
When the computer is in power saving modes, you cannot remove a disc. See  
Controlling Power Managementfor more information about power saving modes.  
If the disc does not come out when you press the Eject button, turn off the computer  
and insert a thin, pointed object into the manual eject hole.  
Manual eject hole  
Playing a DVD  
To achieve optimum performance when playing DVDs, it is recommended that  
your computer not be connected to the port replicator while playing DVD movies  
or using DVD applications. Close any open applications before playing a DVD  
movie.  
When playing DVD movies on battery power, set the power management profile to  
DVD. With other profiles, the movies are choppy. As an alternative, you can set the  
power management profile to Automatic Profile Selection, which will cause the DVD  
profile to be selected automatically whenever you insert a DVD. See Controlling  
Power Management”for information on how to set the power management profile.  
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VAIO Notebook User Guide  
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You can play DVDs using the DVD-ROM drive and the WinDVD software.  
See the help file that comes with the WinDVD software for details.  
Some discs recorded at 20 or 24 bits may produce noise while playing. If you have  
audio devices connected, this may cause damage to your hearing and the speakers.  
Reduce the volume before playing such discs.  
You cannot switch between LCD and TV if you press Fn+F8 when a DVD is inserted in  
the optical drive.  
If you have connected a TV, follow the instructions in “Selecting the Display  
Mode”.  
For Models with TV Out Only  
When a TV is connected to a notebook that is set to factory settings, a part of the  
video screen will not appear. To view the entire screen, adjust the display  
resolution to 640x 480 and refer to Selecting the Display Mode” .  
If you set the display resolution higher than the default setting (1280 x 1024, 24  
bits), the DVD video may not play properly.  
(For PCG-FX190/FX190K models only) To view the DVD video clearly, set the  
display resolution to 1024 x 768 dots (16 bits).  
(For models with SXGA+ panel only) If the DVD video does not play properly,  
change the display resolution to 1024x 768 dots (16 bits).  
!
!
Do not switch the power saving modes while you are playing the DVD disc.  
Do not switch between LCD and the external display while you are playing the  
DVD video.  
!
!
Change the setting to disable the screen saver and the virus checker (if it is  
active).  
Do not use memory-resident utility software to speed up disc access. This may  
cause the computer to malfunction.  
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Using the Optical Drive  
Notes on CD and DVD media  
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Do not drop or bend the disc.  
Do not touch the surface of the disc. Fingerprints and dust on the surface of a  
disc may cause read errors. Proper care of the disc is essential to maintain its  
reliability. Do not use solvents such as benzine, thinner, commercially  
available cleaners or anti-static spray, as they may cause damage to the disc.  
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For normal cleaning, hold the disc by its edge and use a soft cloth to wipe the  
surface from the center out.  
If the disc is badly soiled, moisten a soft cloth with water, wring it out well,  
and use it to wipe the surface of the disc from the center out. Wipe off any  
remaining moisture with a dry soft cloth  
Writing data to CD-RW/CD-R media  
(For models with a CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive)  
If you use DirectCD™ to write data, you must first format the disc before writing  
on a new CD-RW or CD-R. If you do not format the disc, your computer will not  
recognize it.  
If you use Easy CD Creator™ to write data to a CD-RW or CD-R, you do not have to  
format the disc.  
Formatting time and available capacity after formatting when you use a 74-  
minute CD-RW or CD-R is as follows:  
Media  
CD-RW  
CD-R  
Formatting Time  
Capacity After Formatting  
Approximately 530 MB  
Approximately 620 MB  
Approximately 30 minutes  
Approximately 5 seconds  
To make a CD-R to which data has been written readable on a CD-ROM drive,  
you need to complete the disc when you eject it. To complete this process, follow  
the instructions included with your software.  
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For optimal writing speed, deactivate the screen saver and exit anti-virus software  
before writing data to a disc.  
For best results, use CD-Rs that are compatible with 4x speed, as DirectCD™ and Easy  
CD Creator™ are preset to that speed. Your notebook does not support 1x writing  
speed. If you use CD-RW or CD-R writing software other than DirectCD, use  
PowerPanel to select the DVD Profile.  
When using Easy Creator™ Standard, be sure to close and exit all other applications.  
If your notebook computer has preinstalled Microsoft® Office applications, such as  
Excel, Word, and Outlook, turn off the FindFast application.  
Do not put your notebook into power saving mode while using DirectCD™ to write  
data, or while using Easy CD Creator.  
Never touch the surface of the disc. Fingerprints and dust on the surface of a disc  
may cause writing errors.  
Do not strike or shake the computer while writing data to a disc.  
Memory-resident disc utilities may cause unstable operation or data loss.  
Deactivate these utilities before writing data to a disc.  
Always use the AC adapter as the power source for your computer when you are  
writing data to a CD-RW or CD-R. Using battery power may result in data transfer  
failure.  
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Using PC Cards  
Using PC Cards  
Your computer includes two PC card slots. PC cards allow you to connect  
portable external devices such as another hard disk drive, or to connect a  
network.  
The PC card slots can accommodate two Type I/II PC cards, or one Type III PC card.  
These slots are compatible with CardBus. Use the lower slot for Type III PC cards. You  
do not need to shut down your notebook before inserting or removing a PC card.  
To insert a PC card  
1
Push the Release button once. The Release button pops out.  
PC card release button  
Release button  
Release button  
2
Push the Release button a second time. The PC card pops out.  
When you use a Type III PC card, you need to remove both the top and  
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VAIO Notebook User Guide  
bottom PC card slot protectors.  
PC card slot protector  
3
4
Insert the PC card into the PC card slot. Make sure the front label of the PC  
card is facing up.  
Push the the PC card slot gently into the connector. The PC card is  
automatically detected by your system. The  
icon) appears in the taskbar.  
(Unplug or Eject Hardware  
Inserting a PC card  
Insert with the  
arrow facing toward  
the slot  
PC card  
Do not force a PC card into the slot as this may damage the connector pins.  
Do not carry your computer while touching the head of a PC card (such as a  
wireless LAN card), pressure or shock may damage the connector pins.  
To remove a PC card  
If your computer is turned off, you do not have to follow these instructions.  
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Using PC Cards  
1
Double-click  
box appears.  
in the taskbar. The “Unplug or Eject Hardware” dialog  
2
3
Select the hardware device you wish to remove.  
Click Stop. In the “Stop a Hardware device” dialog box, confirm that the  
device can be safely removed from the system.  
4
Click OK. The message, “PC Card can now be safely removed from the  
system” appears.  
5
6
7
Click OK again and click Close.  
Push the Release button. The Release button pops out.  
Push the Release button a second time. The PC card pops out. Gently grasp  
the card and pull it out of the slot.  
8
Insert the PC card slot protector into the empty slot.  
Notes on using PC cards  
K
For some PC cards, if you alternate between normal power operation and the  
Standby or Hibernate power-management modes while the card is inserted,  
you may find that a device connected to your system is not recognized.  
Reboot your system to correct the problem.  
K
Some PC cards may require that you disable idle devices when using the PC  
card. You can use Sony Notebook Setup to disable devices. See “Displaying  
the Sony Notebook Setup Screen”for details.  
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Be sure to use the most recent software driver provided by the PC card  
manufacturer.  
If an “!” mark appears on the Device Manager tab in the System Properties  
dialog box, remove the software driver and then reinstall it.  
You may not be able to use some PC cards or some functions of the PC card  
with this computer. If you have difficulty inserting a card, check that you are  
orienting the card correctly. See the manual that came with your PC card for  
more information on use.  
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Using a Second Battery Pack  
You can purchase a second rechargeable battery pack. With two battery packs,  
you can extend the time that you use your computer with battery power. When  
using two battery packs, the battery pack you insert first charges first. The battery  
pack you insert second charges when the first battery pack is 85 percent full. You  
can monitor which battery pack is charging by observing the battery indicator  
lights.  
To insert a second battery pack  
1
2
If another device is in the multipurpose bay, remove the device.  
Insert the battery pack into the multipurpose bay.  
If the battery is being used, the battery 2 indicator light turns on.  
Second battery in multipurpose bay  
Multipurpose bay  
Battery pack  
Label side facing down  
3
Attach the weight saver to the computer to stabilize the battery pack. There  
is a RELEASE lever on the bottom of the weight saver. Slide the lever  
toward the front of the computer to lock the weight saver. See also “Using  
the Weight Saver”.  
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Using a Second Battery Pack  
To charge the second battery pack  
Using weight saver for second battery cover  
Battery pack  
Weight saver  
Keep the battery pack in the computer while it is connected to AC power. The  
battery indicator flashes while the battery is charging. See also “To charge the  
battery pack” for more information.  
Charging the second battery  
Battery indicators  
To determine the amount of time the battery lasts, see Displaying Battery  
Information”  
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To remove the second battery pack  
If you attach two battery packs, you can remove either of them without shutting  
down the computer. When removing one battery pack, make sure that the other  
battery pack’s indicator light is on. If the indicator light of the battery pack you  
are removing is on, right-click the battery icon on the task tray and click the  
“Switch discharge battery” option.  
1
There is a Release lever on the bottom of the weight saver. To remove the  
battery pack, slide this lever in the direction of arrow 1, then slide the  
RELEASE lever on the bottom of the computer in the direction of arrow 2.  
Multipurpose bay release levers  
Arrow 1: Weight saver Release lever  
Arrow 2: RELEASE lever  
2
3
Remove the weight saver, and then pull out the battery pack.  
Reinsert the weight saver. See “Using the Weight Saver”.  
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Using the Weight Saver  
Using the Weight Saver  
The weight saver protects the multipurpose bay when it is empty.  
To attach the weight saver  
1
If another device is in the multipurpose bay, remove the device. See “To  
remove the second battery pack”.  
2
Fold out the hinged arm of the weight saver and then push on the hinged arm  
to lock it into place. Slide the weight saver in the direction of the arrow until  
it clicks.  
Inserting the weight saver  
Weight saver  
(supplied)  
3
Manually lock the weight saver’s Release lever.  
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To remove the Weight Saver  
1
There is a release lever on the bottom of the weight saver. To remove the  
weight saver, slide this lever in the direction of arrow 1, then slide the  
Release lever on the bottom of the computer in the direction of arrow 2.  
Multipurpose bay release levers  
Arrow 1: Weight saver Release lever  
Arrow 2: RELEASE lever  
2
After removing the weight saver, pull out the weight saver’s hinged arm and  
fold it into the weight saver.  
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Using Smart Connect  
Using Smart Connect  
Windows Me™  
You can connect your VAIO® notebook to another VAIO computer that has the  
preinstalled Windows Me operating system or the Sony Smart Connect 3.0  
software preinstalled. You may use an i.LINKcable (optional) to connect the  
two systems and then use one computer to edit, copy, or delete files on the other  
computer. You can also print from a printer that is attached to either computer.  
Select the STD mode in Smart Connect 3.0 software to connect with another  
computer that has Windows Me preinstalled.  
Connecting with an i.LINK cable  
i.LINK cable  
Windows 2000  
The preinstalled Smart Connect software allows you to use an i.LINK® cable  
(optional) to connect your VAIO notebook to another VAIO computer that also  
has Smart Connect or preinstalled Windows Me. You can then use one computer  
to edit, copy or delete files on the other computer. You can also print from a  
printer attached to either computer.  
See Smart Connect online help for more information.  
When you connect two VAIO computers, you must assign each computer a unique  
name. The computers can be identified by this unique name when the two computers  
are networked together.  
* i.LINK is a SONY trademark used only to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394  
connector. All products with an i.LINK connector may not communicate with each other.  
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If you have previously purchased a VAIO computer or notebook that does not have the  
Windows Me operating system or Smart Connect 3.0 software preinstalled, consult  
the Sony website for support options (http://www.sony.com/pcsupport).  
Power Saving Modes  
When you use a battery as the source of power for your computer, you can take  
advantage of power management settings to conserve battery life. In addition to  
the normal operating mode, which allows you to turn off specific devices, your  
computer has two distinct power saving modes: Standby and Hibernate. When  
using battery power, be aware that the computer automatically enters Hibernate  
mode when the remaining battery charge drops below 5 percent, regardless of the  
power management setting you select.  
If the battery level falls below 10 percent, you should either attach the AC adapter to  
recharge the battery or shut down your computer and insert a fully charged battery.  
Normal Mode  
Normal mode is the normal state of your computer when it is in use. The power  
indicator light displays green when your computer is in this mode. To save power,  
you can turn off a specific device such as the LCD or the hard disk.  
Standby Mode  
In Standby Mode the computer saves the current state of the system in RAM and  
switches off power to the CPU. The umber power indicator light flashes in this  
mode.  
To activate Standby mode  
To activate Standby mode, press the key combination Fn+Esc, or press the power  
button and release it immediately. You can also use the PowerPanel utility to  
enter Standby mode.  
To return to normal mode  
Press any key to return to normal mode.  
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Power Saving Modes  
Hibernate Mode  
In the Hibernate mode, the state of the system is saved on the hard drive and  
power is turned off. The power indicator light is off in this mode.  
To activate Hibernate mode  
To activate Hibernate mode, press the key combination Fn+F12.  
(Windows 2000) The Save to Disk Manager” screen appears, and then the computer  
enters Hibernate mode.  
Do not move the notebook until its power indicator light turns off.  
To return to normal mode  
To return to normal mode, turn on the computer by pressing the power button.  
The computer returns to its previous state.  
When returning from Hibernate mode, the system status stored on the hard disk is  
erased and the computer starts normally if you press the power button and hold for  
more than four seconds.  
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Time required to return to normal mode  
Standby requires less time than Hibernate to return to normal mode.  
Power consumption  
Standby uses more power than Hibernate.  
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Connecting a Phone Line  
You need to connect a phone line to take advantage of online services and the  
Internet.  
In order to register your Sony VAIO notebook, register your software online, and use  
Sony Customer Support, you must connect to a phone line.  
1
Plug one end of the phone cable into the modem jack on the computer.  
Connecting phone cable  
Modem jack  
Wall jack  
Phone cable (optional)  
2
Plug the other end into the wall jack.  
Your computer does 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). Some of these connections may result in excess electrical current and could  
cause a malfunction in the internal modem.  
If you connect a phone line coming through a splitter, the modem or connected device  
may not work properly.  
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Connecting to the Local Area Network (LAN)  
Connecting to the Local Area Network (LAN)  
You can connect your computer to 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX-type networks.  
For the detailed settings and devices needed to connect to the network, ask your  
network administrator.  
Connecting to LAN  
Ethernet  
adapter  
Warning: Only connect 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX cables to the  
(Ethernet  
network) port. Do not connect any other type of network cable or any telephone  
line. Connecting cables other than those listed above may result in an electric  
current overload and could cause a malfunction, excessive heat, or fire in the  
connector. To connect the unit to the network, contact your network  
administrator.  
Note that if you enable Wake on LAN, the power saving mode will be switched  
to Standby mode.  
Setting Up Your Ethernet Connection  
Windows Me™ models  
1
2
3
4
Right-click Network Neighborhood and select Properties.  
Click Add to add a client, adapter, protocol, or service.  
Click File and Print Sharing to enable these functions.  
Select a Primary Network Logon.  
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5
6
Click the Identification tab to set the computer name, workgroup, and  
computer description.  
Click the Access Control tab to set the share level or user level access  
control.  
Windows 2000 models  
To connect to the network  
1
2
Right-click My Network Places and select Properties.  
Click Advanced and select Network Identification to set the computer name,  
domain, workgroup, and DNS suffix. You can also use the Network  
Identification Wizard.  
To set the connections, bindings, and provider order  
1
2
Right-click My Network Places and select Properties  
Click Advanced and select Advanced Settings. This will give you access to  
Adapters and Protocol Bindings and Provider Order.  
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Connecting Peripheral Devices  
You can add functionality to your computer by connecting a variety of  
peripherals, as discussed in the following sections:  
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“Connecting the Port Replicator”  
“Connecting an External Mouse or Keyboard”  
“Connecting a Printer”  
“Connecting an External Display”  
“Connecting a TV Display (For Models with TV Out Only)”  
“Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device”  
“Connecting an i.LINK® Device”  
“Connecting External Speakers”  
“Connecting an External Microphone”  
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Connecting the Port Replicator  
Your notebook supports the use of an optional port replicator (PCGA-PRFX1).  
Attaching a port replicator enables you to connect additional peripherals to your  
computer.  
Port replicator  
2
6
4
1
7
5
3
USB Ports  
1
2
3
5
6
7
Serial Port  
Printer Port  
Monitor Port  
/
Mouse/Keyboard (PS/2 Port)  
DC In  
4
Network (Ethernet 10BaseT)  
The port replicator can be powered only with an AC power adapter. Do not remove the  
AC adapter from the port replicator or the AC outlet while using the port replicator; this  
may cause data damage or hardware malfunctions.  
When you attach your computer to the port replicator for the first time, the installation  
of the network driver starts automatically.  
To attach your computer to the port replicator  
To supply power to your computer while it is connected to the port replicator, you  
can connect the AC adapter directly to the port replicator.  
When attaching your computer to the port replicator, do not attempt to insert or  
remove the battery pack. Lifting and turning the computer with an attached port  
replicator could cause a temporary loss of power.  
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Connecting the Port Replicator  
1
2
Turn off your computer and disconnect all peripheral devices.  
On the bottom of the computer, slide the port replicator connector cover  
open.  
Port replicator connector  
Port replicator connector  
3
Attach the bottom of the computer to the port replicator connector until it  
clicks.  
Attaching computer to port replicator  
Notebook  
Port replicator  
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4
Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC IN connector on the port  
replicator. Plug the power cord into the AC adapter and an AC outlet.  
Connecting AC adapter to port replicator  
Power cord  
AC adapter  
Use the AC adapter that comes with your computer or the optional Sony PCGA-  
AC19V1 adapter.  
The power indicator light turns green.  
Power indicator light  
Release lever  
Power  
Port replicator connector  
5
Turn on the computer.  
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Connecting the Port Replicator  
To remove your computer from the port replicator when the power is off  
1
2
Turn off your computer and the connected peripherals.  
Pull the levers on each side of the port replicator to disengage the computer  
from the port replicator.  
Disengaging computer from port replicator  
Lever  
3
Lift the computer away from the port replicator.  
Port replicator connector cover  
4
Close the port replicator connector cover on the bottom of your computer.  
It is extremely important to close the port replicator connector cover after removing  
your computer from the port replicator. If the cover is left open, dirt may get inside and  
damage the computer.  
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VAIO Notebook User Guide  
Connecting an External Mouse or Keyboard  
You can connect an external mouse or keyboard to the optional port replicator  
using a PS/2-style plug or adapter.  
Before you connect or disconnect the mouse or keyboard, turn off the computer.  
You can only connect one external device at a time. Therefore, it is impossible to  
connect both a PS/2 mouse and PS/2 keyboard simultaneously.  
To connect an external mouse or keyboard  
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Locate the mouse/keyboard connector on the port replicator identified by the  
symbols.  
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Plug the mouse or the keyboard cable into this connector with the arrow  
facing up.  
See the manual that came with your mouse or keyboard for more information on its  
installation and use.  
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Connecting a Printer  
Connecting a Printer  
You can connect a Windows Me/Windows 2000-compatible printer to your  
computer to print documents.  
To connect a printer  
K
Locate the Printer connector identified by the  
symbol. Plug the printer  
cable (supplied with the printer) into this port on the computer.  
Printer connector  
Power cord  
Printer  
Printer cable  
(supplied with the printer)  
to  
Printer  
See the manual that came with your printer for more information on installation and  
use.  
If your printer stops functioning after resuming from a power-saving mode, see  
Troubleshooting the printer” .  
Before using the printer, you may need to change the Printer setting in the Sony  
Notebook Setup software. See Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen” .  
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VAIO Notebook User Guide  
Connecting an External Display  
You can connect an external display to your notebook. For example, you can use  
the computer with any of the following:  
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Computer display (monitor) (See “To connect a computer display”.)  
Multimedia computer display (See “To connect a multimedia computer  
display”.)  
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Projector (See “To connect a projector”.)  
Connect an external display before you turn on the computer.  
To connect a computer display  
K
Locate the Monitor connector identified by the  
symbol on the back of the  
computer. Plug the display cable (not supplied) into this connector.  
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If necessary, plug one end of the display power cord into the display, and the  
other end into an AC outlet.  
Connecting an external computer display  
Computer display  
Power cord  
To  
Monitor  
Display cable (optional)  
See the manual that came with your computer display for more information on  
installation and use.  
To connect a multimedia computer display  
You can connect the notebook to a multimedia computer display that includes  
built-in speakers and a microphone.  
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Connecting an External Display  
1
2
3
Locate the Monitor connector identified by the  
cable into this connector.  
symbol. Plug the display  
Locate the Headphone connector identified by the symbol. Plug the  
speaker cable into this connector.  
Locate the Microphone connector identified by the symbol. Plug the  
microphone cable into this connector.  
See the manual that came with your multimedia computer display for more  
information on installation and use.  
To connect a projector  
You can use a projector, such as the Sony LCD Projector, as an external display.  
Connecting a projector  
Projector  
To  
headphone  
To  
monitor  
Power cord  
RGB signal  
cable (optional) (optional)  
Audio cable  
See the manual that came with your projector for more information on its installation and  
use.  
To select a display  
When you connect an external display to the monitor connector, you can toggle  
the output between the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), the external monitor, or  
both devices.  
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Use the Fn+F7 keys to select a display. See also “Selecting the Display Mode” for  
more information.  
To  
Press  
Result  
Switch to an  
external  
display  
Fn+F7  
Toggles between the LCD, the external display  
connected to the Monitor connector, or both the  
LCD and external display.  
LCD and external display  
Only external display  
Only LCD  
Connect the cable before you turn on the computer, otherwise Fn + 7 will not work.  
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Connecting a TV Display (For Models with TV Out Only)  
Connecting a TV Display  
(For Models with TV Out Only)  
You can enjoy playing audio/video by connecting AV devices to your computer.  
See also the manuals supplied with your AV devices.  
To Connect a TV  
K
Connect the computer to a TV using audio/video cables. Switch the input  
channel of the TV to external input. You also need to set up the TV  
configuration system.  
To AC  
Power cord  
To audio input  
To video input  
Audio cable  
(not supplied)  
Video cable  
(supplied)  
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See the manual that came with your peripheral device for more information on  
installation and use.  
If you insert a DVD in your DVD drive to watch a video on your TV, the Fn+F8 key  
combination might not activate the function to toggle between your LCD and TV. Take  
the following steps:  
1. Connect the TV to the Computer.  
2. Restart the computer and wait until it finishes.  
2. Toggle between your LCD and your TV with the Fn+F8 key combination.  
Your image is now displayed on both LCD and TV. Re-insert your DVD to launch your  
DVD software.  
A part of the image cannot be displayed on your TV display if the resolution of your  
computer is more than 800 x 600 dots. The hidden area on your TV display can be  
seen by moving the cursor on your computer. If you want to display the full image,  
change the resolution of your computer to 640 x 480.  
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Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device  
Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device  
You can connect USB devices such as an external mouse, keyboard, speaker, and  
microphone to your computer.  
To connect a USB device  
Before you connect or disconnect a mouse, turn off the computer.  
The following steps describe the procedure for connecting a USB mouse to your  
computer. Use the same procedure for connecting all USB devices.  
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Locate the USB device identified by the symbol. Plug one end of the USB  
cable into this port and the other end into the USB device.  
Connecting USB device to USB connector  
USB device  
USB connecting cable  
(optional)  
To  
USB  
You can use an optional Sony USB mouse PCGA-UMS1 series (not supplied)  
with this computer. Since the USB mouse software driver is preinstalled in the  
computer, you simply plug the USB mouse into the USB connector to use it. One  
USB connector supports one USB device.  
See the manual that came with your USB device for more information on its  
installation and use.  
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VAIO Notebook User Guide  
*
Connecting an i.LINK ® Device  
You can connect an i.LINK-enabled digital video camera recorder to  
the i.LINK® S400 (IEEE1394) connector.  
To connect a digital video camera recorder  
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Plug one end of the i.LINK cable (not supplied) into the i.LINK connector  
on the left side of the computer and the other end into the DV In/Out  
connector on the digital video camera recorder.  
i.LINK cables compatible with your VAIO notebook include cables with the following  
part numbers: VMC-IL4415 (a 1.5-meter cable with a 4-pin connector at each end),  
VMC-IL4615 (a 1.5 meter-cable with a 4-pin connector at one end and a 6-pin  
connector at the other), and VMC-IL4408A (a 0.8-meter cable with a 4-pin connector  
at each end). You can purchase these cables from your local retailer, through the Sony  
VAIO® Direct Web site (http://www.sonydirect.com), or by calling 1-888-315-7669 (toll  
free).  
Connecting digital video camera recorder to i.LINK connector  
Digital video  
camera recorder  
To i.LINK  
To DV In/Out  
i.LINK cable  
(optional)  
* i.LINK is a SONY trademark used to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 con-  
nector. All products with an i.LINK connector may not communicate with each other.  
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Connecting an i.LINK® Device  
The Sony digital video camera recorder is pictured; you may need to connect your  
camera differently.  
On Sony digital video cameras, connectors labeled DV In/Out” or i.LINK” are i.LINK-  
compatible.  
See the manual that came with your digital video camera recorder for more  
information on installation and use.  
Do not connect more than one digital video camera at a time. The software supplied  
with your computer will not recognize multiple cameras.  
The i.LINK connector on the computer does not supply power to external devices. If  
the external device requires power from the i.LINK connector, you cannot use the  
device with the computer.  
The computer supports transfer rates up to 400 Mbps; however, the actual transfer  
rate is the lowest transfer rate of the external device.  
The i.LINK features available may vary depending on the software applications you  
use. See the documentation that came with your software for more information.  
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VAIO Notebook User Guide  
Connecting External Speakers  
You can enhance the sound quality of your computer by connecting external  
speakers.  
Make sure your speakers are designed for computer use.  
Turn down the volume of the speakers before you turn them on.  
Do not place diskettes on the speakers; the speakers’ magnetic field may damage the  
data on the diskettes.  
To connect external speakers  
K
Locate the Headphone connector identified by the symbol on the side of  
the computer. Plug the speaker cable into this connector.  
Connecting speakers to the headphone connector  
Speakers  
To Headphones  
Speaker cable  
(supplied with speakers)  
See the manual that came with your speakers for more information on installation and  
use.  
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Connecting an External Microphone  
Connecting an External Microphone  
You can enhance the quality of sound input by using an external microphone.  
Make sure your microphone is designed for computer use. The microphone should be  
compliant with the plug-in power microphone.  
To connect an external microphone  
K
Locate the Microphone connector identified by the  
symbol on the side of  
the computer. Plug the microphone cable into this connector.  
Connecting microphone to microphone connector  
Microphone  
(optional)  
To  
Microphone  
See the manual that came with your microphone for more information on installation  
and use.  
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VAIO Notebook User Guide  
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Customizing Your VAIO®  
Notebook  
You can customize the settings of your notebook. The following sections briefly  
describe how to change your computer’s default settings. You can also refer to  
Sony Notebook Setup Help for more detailed information.  
Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen  
To display the Sony Notebook Setup screen:  
1
2
Click the Start button on the Windows® taskbar.  
Point to VAIO and click Sony Notebook Setup.  
Sony Notebook Setup Screen  
3
4
Select the tab for the item you want to change. See “Sony Notebook Setup  
Tabs” .  
After you finish making your changes, click OK.  
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Sony Notebook Setup Tabs  
Tab  
Description  
About This Computer  
Display system information, including memory capacity, serial  
number, and BIOS version.  
Printer  
Select printer port mode settings.  
Initial Setting  
Change the volume of the sounds that play while the operating  
system is loading. Select the order of drives and devices from  
which you want to load the operating system. You can specify  
the hard drive as well as other drives inserted into your  
computer.  
Touchpad  
When you connect an optional mouse to your computer, you  
can make your touchpad inactive. You can also customize the  
settings of your mouse using the mouse utility.  
Power On Password  
Enable Ports  
Set the password to secure your computer.  
Enable or disable ports. Disabling ports releases resources to  
the system. To change the serial settings, click Advanced on  
the Basic/Advanced tab.  
Basic/Advanced  
Switch between Advanced mode (additional screens with  
advanced settings) and Basic mode of display.  
For more information about each option, click Help on the Sony Notebook Setup  
screen to display the Help file.  
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Controlling Power Management  
Controlling Power Management  
The PowerPanel utility allows you to control the power management of your  
notebook computer and provides key information about system activity and  
battery life. The following sections briefly describe how to conserve your  
computer’s battery power. You can also refer to PowerPanel Help for more  
detailed information. To activate a profile or command, see “Displaying Battery  
Information” .  
Viewing the Power Management status icons  
The Power Management status icons are displayed in the task tray at the lower  
right side of your screen. Move the pointer over the icons to see the tool tip that  
displays information about the active profile. The Battery status icon indicates of  
battery power level and the CPU status icon indicates the performance level of  
the CPU.  
To activate the Power Management Toolbar  
1
2
Right-click on the taskbar at the bottom of the screen.  
Select Toolbars from the pop-up menu, and then click Power Management.  
The Power Management toolbar appears on the taskbar.  
The current profile icon is highlighted on the Power Management toolbar. It is the  
first icon farthest to the left, and its appearance changes depending on which  
power management profile is currently selected. To change the power  
management profile, click the current profile icon, and then select a profile from  
the pop-up list. See “Power Management Profiles” for a description of available  
options.To select another power management profile, click that icon in the Power  
Management toolbar.  
When you use the battery pack to power your notebook, your system selects the  
Maximum Battery Life power management profile by default. If you select a different  
power management profile while using battery power, that profile is selected  
automatically the next time you use the battery pack to power your notebook.  
Refer to the PowerPanel Help for information on customizing the Power Management  
toolbars.  
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You can change the power management settings, such as the system timer and the  
brightness of the screen.  
To customize power management settings  
1
2
3
Click the Current Profile icon on the Power Management toolbar.  
Select Edit/Create Profiles from the menu.  
Click a profile whose setting you want to change from the list in the left  
field.  
4
Double-click an item whose setting you want to change from the list in the  
right field.  
5
6
7
Click the desired setting.  
Click the File menu, and then click Save.  
Click the File menu, and then click Exit.  
Power Management Profiles  
The PowerPanel utility 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. You can change the settings for any of the  
predefined profiles (except for the Disable Power Management profile), or you  
can create your own profile to suit your portable computing needs. The  
predefined profiles are:  
Icon  
Description  
Maximum Performance  
Provides the best system performance while still conserving power.  
Maximum Battery Life  
Provides power saving features to give you maximum battery life and good  
performance. It slows the computer and puts it into Standby mode after a  
specified time period.  
Disable Power Management  
Turns off all power management features such as Standby and Hibernate modes.  
You can not change the settings of this profile.  
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Controlling Power Management  
Icon  
Description  
AC Power  
The power management state when AC power is in use. Similar to the Power  
Management Off setting. Power Management automatically loads the AC profile  
unless you disable this feature.  
Games  
Disables the display and the Hard Disk Standby timer.  
Presentation  
Keeps the display on at all times while it conserves power. This option is ideal for  
slide show presentations. You can establish settings for LCD (Video) Standby,  
Hard Disk Standby, and Standby mode to optimize power management for your  
system.  
Camera  
Optimizes performance and power requirements for camera usage.  
DVD  
Optimizes performance and power requirements for DVD usage.  
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 mode to optimize power management for your system.  
Spreadsheet  
Optimizes performance and power requirements for spreadsheet applications.  
Communications  
Extends battery life by initiating a quick display timeout. The Internal modem  
remains powered. You can also establish settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard  
Disk Standby, and Standby mode to optimize power management for your  
system.  
Automatic Profile Selection  
Automatically switches to a profile suitable for active applications.  
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VAIO Notebook User Guide  
Power Management Commands  
PowerPanel also provides power management commands that you can use to  
activate specific power management functions and to control power for a specific  
device. You can use these commands to override a profile setting or initiate an  
immediate action.  
Icon  
Description  
Standby  
Puts the system into Standby mode, a power management state that saves the  
state of the system and peripheral devices in memory (RAM). Power  
consumption reduces to a minimum, and the system remains on. To return the  
system to the active state, press any key or the power button on your computer.  
Hibernate  
Provides for the lowest level of power consumption. The system writes the state  
of the system and peripheral devices to the hard disk and turns off the system  
power. To return the system to the original state, use the power button to turn  
on power. The system saves the data in the Save to Disk Partition on the hard  
drive.  
LCD (Video) Standby (Windows Me™ only)  
Turns off the video display to save power. If you turn off the Video Standby  
timer, the display remains active except when the system enters Standby mode.  
The video display system is one of the largest consumers of power in the  
system.  
Conserving Battery Power  
When using the notebook with a battery, the LCD display and the hard drive can  
be set to switch off automatically to conserve battery power.  
For details, see “Power Management Profiles”.  
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Displaying Battery Information  
Displaying Battery Information  
You can display information for each of the batteries in your computer. The  
following sections briefly describe how to display your computer’s general  
battery information. Refer to PowerPanel Help for more detailed information.  
To activate the Battery Information toolbar  
1
2
Right-click on the taskbar at the bottom of the screen.  
Select Toolbars from the pop-up menu, then click Battery Information. The  
Battery Information toolbar appears on the taskbar.  
To view the total capacity remaining in the battery, place the pointer over the  
batter status icon in the task tray on the lower right side of the screen.  
Battery Information Toolbar  
K
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Percentage indicator — Displays the percentage of the remaining capacity.  
Time indicator — Displays estimated time (hours/minutes) remaining  
before the battery fully drains, also known as the time-to-empty.  
Battery Icon Descriptions  
Battery icon  
Battery status  
Charging  
Fully charged  
Discharging  
No battery  
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Displaying Detailed Battery Information  
Double-click the battery icon on the task tray to display the Battery Information  
window. The screen appears displaying the Battery tab, which contains  
information such as the estimated time-to-empty and charging time.  
Battery Information Window  
Customizing the Battery Information toolbar and alarm system  
You can customize the Battery Information toolbar and modify the alarm  
settings, to suit your portable computing needs. Refer to PowerPanel Help for  
more information.  
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Selecting the Display Mode  
Selecting the Display Mode  
This notebook uses the Intel® video controller, which enables you to select the  
desired display when the notebook is connected to an external monitor. When  
you connect an external display, you can switch the display mode between your  
notebook’s LCD display and the external monitor.  
To select the display mode, proceed as follows: (See also “Connecting an  
External Display” .)  
Connect an external display before you turn on the computer.  
1
2
3
Click the Start button, point to Settings, then point to Control Panel.  
Click Display, to access the Display Properties window.  
Click the Settings tab, then click the Advanced button, to display the Intel®  
82815 Graphics Controller Properties dialog box.  
Intel® 82815 Graphics Controller Properties Screen  
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4
Click the Intel® 82815 Graphics Technology tab, then click the Graphics  
Properties button. (For models with TV Out) Continue on to step 7.  
5
6
Click the Driver Configuration tab.  
Ensure that the Synchronous Display Mode box is selected, then click  
Apply.  
For Models with TV Out Only  
If you want to use the TV as a display, deselect the Synchronous Display  
Mode box, then click Apply. You cannot use the TV and another display  
simultaneously.  
7
8
Click the Device tab.  
Select the type of display.  
You may not be able to display the notebook LCD screen and an external display or  
projector at the same time, depending on the types of computer displays and  
projectors you are using.  
If the display resolution of your computer is more than 800 x 600 dots, a part of the  
image will not show up on your TV display. To see the hidden area, move the cursor on  
your computer. To display the full image, change the display resolution settings to 640  
x 480 dots.  
Turn on the computer after you turn on the peripheral devices.  
Changing the Window Design of Sony Software  
To change the window design  
1
2
3
4
5
Click the Start button, point to Settings, then point to Control Panel.  
Click UI Design Selector.  
Click << or >> and select the desired design.  
Click Apply.  
The “UI Design Selector” window design changes. The window design for  
your Sony software will match the “UI Design Selector” window.  
6
To try another selection, click << or >> then click OK.  
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Selecting the Display Mode  
7
The UI Design Selector closes and the Sony software window design  
displays.  
This feature is available with UI Design Selector-compatible software only.  
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Adding Memory  
In the future you may want to install memory modules to expand the  
functionality of your computer. You can increase memory up to 512 MB  
(256 MB x 2), by installing optional memory modules. For selected models 128  
MB of memory is pre-installed (128 MB x 1); for other models, 64 MB of  
memory is pre-installed (64 MB x 1). You can add an expansion memory module  
(64 MB, 128 MB, or 256 MB) in the memory module bay. Expansion memory  
modules are available as options. For memory upgrades, use only PC100 (CL2)  
SDRAM SO-DIMM (gold lead contacts).  
!
Make sure you observe the proper safety precautions when you install memory mod-  
ules in your computer. See the bulleted list below. Be careful when adding memory.  
Mistakes when installing or removing a memory module may cause a malfunction.  
Before you start  
K
The procedures described below assume you are familiar with the general  
terminology associated with personal computers and with common safety  
practices required for using and modifying electronic equipment.  
K
Disconnect your system from its power source and from any  
telecommunications links, networks, or modems before you open the system  
or follow any of the procedures described below. Personal injury or  
equipment damage may result from failure to take these precautions.  
K
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage memory modules and other  
components. Perform the procedures described below only at an ESD  
workstation. If such a station is not available, do not work in a carpeted area,  
and do not handle materials that produce or hold static electricity  
(cellophane wrappers, for example). Ground yourself by maintaining contact  
with an unpainted metal portion of the chassis while performing the  
procedure.  
K
Do not open the memory module package until you are ready to install the  
module. The package protects the module from ESD.  
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VAIO Notebook User Guide  
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Use the special bag for preventing ESD or use aluminum foil when you store  
the memory module.  
For Models with 64 MB Memory  
Typical expansion memory configuration  
Total System Memory (MB)  
Slot 1 (MB)  
Slot 2 (MB)  
64  
128  
192  
256  
512  
64  
64  
128  
128  
256  
128  
256  
For Models with 128 MB Memory  
Typical expansion memory configuration  
Total System Memory (MB) Slot 1 (MB)  
Slot 2 (MB)  
128  
192  
256  
512  
128  
128  
128  
256  
64  
128  
256  
To remove a memory module  
1
Shut down your computer and disconnect all peripheral devices, such as your  
printer.  
2
Unplug the computer and remove the battery pack(s).  
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Adding Memory  
3
After the computer has cooled, loosen and remove the screw that secures the  
cover of the memory bay on the bottom of your computer. Use an  
appropriate screwdriver.  
Removing the memory module cover  
Screwdriver  
Screw  
4
5
Touch a metal object (such as the connector panel on the back of your  
computer) to discharge any static electricity.  
Remove the memory module.  
Removing memory module  
1
2
1
1 Pull the tabs in the direction of the arrows.  
The memory module is released.  
2 Pull the memory module in  
the direction of the arrow.  
6
Tighten the screw on the memory bay cover.  
Your computer comes with a memory module installed in the memory slot. To  
upgrade your memory, remove this module from the slot before installing your  
upgrade memory module.  
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To install a memory module  
1
2
3
Follow steps 1 to 4 of “To remove a memory module.”  
Remove the memory module from its packaging.  
Install the memory module.  
Installing memory module  
1 Slide the memory module into the slot.  
2 Press the module into place until it clicks.  
4
Tighten the screw on the cover of the memory bay.  
To view the amount of memory  
1
2
Restart the computer.  
Click the Start button on the Windows status bar, point to VAIO option, and  
click “Sony Notebook Setup.”  
The Sony Notebook Setup screen appears.  
3
Click the “About This Computer” tab to view the amount of system memory.  
If the additional memory is not shown, repeat steps 1 through 4 in “To install  
a memory module.”  
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About the Software on Your  
Notebook  
Your VAIO notebook is ready to help you work, play, learn, and communicate as  
soon as you turn it on. This section gives you the following:  
K
An overview of the various software that come with your computer and the  
activities you can perform with your software  
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Software support information  
Details on your Sony application and system recovery CDs  
Overview  
Adaptec Easy CD Creator™ and DirectCD™ (on select models only)  
Adaptec, Inc.  
Adaptec Easy CD Creator makes it easier than ever to create music, photo, video, and data  
CDs. It enables you to access music on the Internet, fine-tune your music tracks, edit and  
enhance photos and videos with a pro's touch. Save and share data with confidence. With  
DirectCD, CD recording has become as easy as using a disk drive or floppy disk. You can  
save files directly from your application software directly to your CD-R disc; you can drag  
and drop files, rename files, delete files, and create new directories right on the CD-R.  
Adobe Acrobat Reader®  
Adobe Systems Inc.  
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 fidelity of documents created on all major computer platforms.  
Adobe PhotoDeluxe® Home Edition  
Adobe Systems Inc.  
Create amazing photo effects with Adobe PhotoDeluxe. Without learning complex  
software, you can enhance, restore, and be creative with your photos. Includes built-in  
guided activities, stock photos, clip art and templates to assist you.  
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Adobe Premiere® LE  
Adobe Systems Incorporated  
Adobe Premiere LE offers an interface and editing tool for producing movies for video,  
multimedia, or the Web. View source clips and edited footage simultaneously on the  
monitor window. Create video clips up to three hours long with complete audio-video  
synchronization.  
America Online® (Windows Me only)  
America Online  
America Online is a popular Internet online service. Stay in touch with family and friends  
with easy-to-use e-mail, manage your personal finances, get the latest news and sports  
scores, and chat with thousands of others who share your interests.  
ArcSoft® PhotoPrinter™ 2000 Pro  
ArcSoft, Inc.  
ArcSoft PhotoPrinter 2000 is an easy-to-use, advanced printing program that lets you  
quickly lay out multiple images in multiple sizes on a single sheet of paper. PhotoPrinter  
Pro offers a wide selection of templates including landscape, portrait, free style, mixed  
sizes, custom templates and more. The application includes enhancement tools and special  
effects for improving photos while giving you the ability to add text to any image.  
CompuServe® 2000 (Windows Me only)  
CompuServe, Inc.  
CompuServe is the most comprehensive source of organized business and educational  
information online today. CompuServe allows you to access the vastness of the Internet,  
without wasting time wading through it. Maximize your time online with CompuServe.  
DVgate™  
Sony Electronics  
Connect a digital video camera recorder to the i.LINKconnector and capture your own  
video clips and still images. You can edit clips from your video, add others, and combine  
clips into new movie segments. You can also save your images in a variety of popular file  
formats.  
* i.LINK is a SONY trademark used to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 con-  
nector. All products with an i.LINK connector may not communicate with each other.  
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Overview  
EarthLink Network TotalAccess® (Windows Me only)  
EarthLink Network, Inc.  
An Internet Service Provider that supplies access, information, and assistance to its  
customers, introducing them to the Internet. Member benefits include e-mail, newsgroups,  
a personal start page, a free 6 MB web site, a member newsletter, and 24-hour technical  
support.  
McAfee® VirusScan®  
Network Associates, Inc.  
Protect your computer from viruses. VirusScan can detect viruses from floppy disks,  
Internet downloads, e-mail attachments, intranets, shared files, CD-ROMs, and online  
services.  
Media Bar™  
Sony Electronics  
Media Bar software is your all-in-one solution for audio/video playback. Media Bar  
software handles all common computer multimedia formats and controls selected Sony  
devices. In addition to audio/video library cataloging and playlist management, Media Bar  
software includes digital video quality control and effects features. Media Bar software  
seamlessly integrates a variety of new media formats with an easy-to-use software  
interface.  
Microsoft® Internet Explorer  
Microsoft Corporation  
Internet Explorer delivers the web the way you want it. It is safe, easy to use, and you can  
personalize how you access the web. Outlook Express and other tools in Internet Explorer  
also help you have a great experience when you are on the web.  
Microsoft® Word 2000  
Microsoft Corporation  
Microsoft Word 2000 makes it easy to create shared Web, e-mail, and print documents for  
use around the world. It embraces HTML as a first-class file format and extends Word’s  
ease-of-use to the Web and e-mail. Word 2000 also extends that ease-of-use to  
international users, making it simple to create multilingual documents.  
MovieShaker™  
Sony Electronics  
Sony’s original MovieShaker software creates personal movies that have transitions,  
background music and text. Just import your video clips and “shake” with a click of the  
mouse. Your personal movies are easy to create and fun to share with family and friends.  
(See “MovieShaker™” below.)  
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Netscape Communicator®  
Netscape Communications  
Netscape Communicator is an all-in-one Internet tool that makes it easy to browse the  
web, send Internet e-mail, chat, read newsgroups, and compose great web documents.  
PictureGear™  
Sony Electronics  
This image management software displays images from your hard drive, a Sony digital  
still camera, or a Sony Mavica® camera. The images appear in a convenient light-table  
format, so that you can easily view the contents of an entire folder. (See “PictureGear™”  
below.)  
Prodigy Internet® (Windows Me only)  
Prodigy Communications Corporation  
An online service that helps you find what you need online faster and smarter. Prodigy  
delivers powerful online content such as sports scores, stock quotes, news, and easy access  
to Excite, plus quality customer service, all at a competitive price.  
Quicken® 2001  
Intuit, Inc.  
Quicken is a fast, easy way to organize your finances. Quicken works just like your  
checkbook, so it is easy to learn and use. Quicken manages all your finances, bank  
accounts, credit cards, investments, and loans. You can even pay your bills online.  
Smart Capture  
Sony Electronics  
Smart Capture is a fun new way to send multimedia messages via e-mail. Smart Capture  
manages the i.LINKconnection between your computer and a Sony Digital  
Handycam® Camcorder that supports the i.LINK interface. It allows you to capture  
compressed video or still images that you can save or share via e-mail. A smart solution to  
computer, digital audio/video and network convergence.  
Smart Connect (Windows 2000 only)  
Sony Electronics  
Smart Connect allows you to use an i.LINK cable to connect your VAIO computer to  
another VAIO computer that supports Smart Connect. You can then use one computer to  
copy, delete, and edit files on the other computer. You can also print from a printer  
attached to either computer.  
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MovieShaker™  
Sound Forge® XP  
Sonic Foundry  
Sound Forge XP allows you to put powerful audio processing tools and effects to work on  
your notebook. Simply cut, copy, and paste your way to striking multimedia files for use in  
everything from Web pages to desktop presentations.  
WinDVD  
InterVideo, Inc.  
WinDVD is a simple-to-use DVD player combining all the features you would expect to  
find in a standard consumer DVD player, in addition to some very advanced functionality,  
such as full VCD 2.0 support, full precision video decode, a choice of user interfaces, and  
video display options. You can play DVD titles or Video CDs. WinDVD automatically  
determines the type of disc in the DVD drive and uses the correct playback method.  
MovieShaker™  
This application can be used to create fun and innovative movies without any  
knowledge of film editing. In a few simple 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.  
Main Window  
Working Panel  
Editing trays  
Clip tray  
Help  
Product tray  
Trash  
Importing Images and Sound Clips  
1
2
3
Click  
(File Import) or  
(DV Import).  
Find the file you want to add.  
Select the file.  
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4
Click Open. The file is added to the Clip tray.  
Importing files over 75 seconds in length may cause MovieShaker to stop  
responding.  
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MovieShaker™  
Create a Movie using Shaker  
After adding clip(s) to the Clip tray, you can create a short movie using the  
Shaker feature. Shaker randomly select clips from the Clip tray to create a 30-  
second scene.  
1
2
Click the Shake tab.  
Select a mood by clicking a face in the Shaker tray.  
Shaker Tray  
3
4
Click  
. A thirty second scene is automatically generated and  
saved to the Product tray.  
To preview, switch the Work Panel to Product tray mode and press play.  
Scenes created with Shaker begin with black frame and after processing are placed in  
the first available slot on the Product tray. Limit the number of scenes placed on the  
Product tray to 10 or less. MovieShaker may stop responding if too many scenes are  
placed on the Product tray.  
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Editing Clips and Scenes  
You can edit your movie by adding effects and text, adjusting the color and  
contrast, and modifying the length of clips.  
Working Panel  
Sound  
Color  
Monitor  
Speed  
Effect Palette  
Trim Palette  
Effect Knobs  
Adding effects to a scene or a clip:  
1
2
3
Double-click the clip or scene to move it to the Working Panel.  
Select the Effects tab from the Editing tray.  
Drag and drop the Effect you want to add from the Effects tray to the Effects  
palette on the Working Panel.  
To preview an Effect, click on the clip in the Working panel monitor. Your clip displays  
with the new effect on the Effect tray monitor.  
4
See help for instructions on adjusting effect duration and replaying clips/  
scenes.  
Saving a Movie  
1
Verify that the clip(s) you want to save is on the Product tray. See Help for  
more details on saving movies.  
2
Click Export.  
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PictureGear™  
3
4
5
6
7
Select the format in which you want the document to be saved.  
Click Next.  
Locate the folder to which you want the file saved.  
Name the file.  
Click Save.  
!
Exporting movies may take a long time to complete—Save movie as DV (Digital  
Video) takes the longest and Quick-Save is the fastest. MovieShaker can play  
video files up to 65 MB in length.  
For DV playback and smooth video playback, we recommend the following resolution/  
refresh rates: 1024 x 768/75 Hz or lower.  
PictureGear™  
PictureGear is a digital image management application that allows you to see all  
the images stored in any directory on your computer. Thumbnail views provide  
quick reminders of your pictures. Brighten, contrast, enhance, resize, crop, and  
color-correct your pictures. Create panoramic views, animations, screen savers,  
wallpaper, still pictures from MPEG, and even html photo albums.  
Managing Your Pictures  
Use the collection feature to manage your pictures.  
1
2
3
4
Click the Folder tab and browse to locate your pictures.  
Select the pictures you want to have in a collection.  
From Collection menu, select Create New Collection.  
Enter a name for the collection and then click okay.  
Creating a Photo Album  
1
2
3
Select the pictures you want to use to make an album.  
From the Utilities menu, select Album Maker.  
Choose the type of Album you want and click Okay.  
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4
5
Now add more pictures, frames, text, and effects.  
When you are finished, select Create Album in File menu or click the Create  
Album icon on the toolbar.  
6
7
8
Designate the folder you where want to save the Album.  
Enter the Target Album name, select Thumbnails and click Okay.  
The new album can be viewed using most internet browsers.  
Using Panorama Maker  
Panorama Maker stitches a group of still images into a 360 degree panoramic  
picture. The source images should be the same size and overlap 20%.  
How to stitch a panoramic picture:  
1
2
Gather the source images into the same folder or collection.  
Select the images you want to use.  
We recommend 12 landscaped or 16 portrait pictures.  
3
From the Utilities menu select Panorama Maker.  
4
Select the correct lens and click Okay. (If 35mm lens is selected the prompt,  
does not appear; to select a different lens, click the lens icon.)  
5
6
Click the panoramic icon, near the bottom of the window.  
Click Full Stitch.  
Making Still Images and Panoramic from MPEG  
1
2
3
Select the MPEG file.  
From the Movie/Sound menu, select Scene break down.  
Then select Movie Stitch, to create a panoramic picture.  
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Software Support Information  
Software Support Information  
Adaptec, Inc.  
Web site  
phone  
fax  
http://www.adaptec.com/  
408-945-8600  
408-262-2533  
AcrobaReader, Adobe PhotoDeluxBusiness Edition, Adobe  
Premiere® LE (Adobe Systems Incorporated)  
Web site  
phone  
e-mail  
hours  
http://www.adobe.com/  
206-675-6126 (fee-based support)  
M-F, 6 AM-5 PM PT  
America Online® (America Online)  
Web site  
phone  
http://www.aol.com  
800-827-3338  
hours  
7 days a week, 24 hours a day  
CompuServe® 2000 (CompuServe, Inc.)  
Web site  
phone  
http://www.compuserve.com  
800-848-8990  
EarthLink Network TotalAccess® (EarthLink Network, Inc.)  
.
Web site  
phone  
e-mail  
hours  
http://help.earthlink.net/techsupport/  
800-395-8410  
7 days a week, 24 hours a day  
McAfee® VirusScan® (Network Associates, Inc.)  
Web site  
phone  
e-mail  
hours  
http://support.mcafee.com  
408-988-3832  
M-F 9AM-5PM Central Time  
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Netscape Communicator® (Netscape Communications Corporation)  
Web site  
phone  
http://www.netscape.com/  
888-4SONYPC (888-476-6972)*  
hours  
7 days a week, 24 hours a day  
PhotoPrinter™ 2000 Pro (ArcSoft, Inc.)  
Web site(s)  
http://www.arcsoft.com  
http://www.photoisland.com  
phone  
fax  
510-440-9901  
510-440-1270  
e-mail  
hours  
M-F, 8:30 AM-5:30 PM PT  
Prodigy Internet® (Prodigy Communications Corporation)  
Web site  
phone  
http://www.prodigy.com  
800-213-0992  
hours  
7 AM - 3 AM ET  
Quicken® 2001 (Intuit Inc.)  
Web site  
phone  
http://www.intuit.com/support  
900-555-4688  
hours  
7 days a week, 24 hours a day  
Windows Operating System, Internet Explorer (Microsoft Corporation)  
Web site  
phone  
http://www.microsoft.com/support/  
888-4SONYPC (888-476-6972)*  
7 days a week, 24 hours a day  
hours  
WinDVD  
Web site  
phone  
http://www.intervideo.com  
510-651-0888  
* Support from 1-888-4SONYPC is free of charge for 90 days after the original date of purchase.  
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Application, System, and Driver Recovery CDs  
Sony Service Center  
For the Sony Service Center nearest you, call 1-888-4SONYPC (1-888-476-  
6972) or find Sony Customer Service on the Web at http://www.sony.com/  
pcsupport.  
Application, System, and Driver Recovery CDs  
Your computer comes with the following application and system recovery CDs.  
(To use your recovery CDs, see “Using Your Recovery CDs” .)  
Application Recovery CD(s)  
Sony Electronics  
This program allows you to reinstall individual applications and device drivers. Use it to  
restore corrupted or accidentally erased files.  
System Recovery CD(s)  
Sony Electronics  
This program allows you to restore the software titles that shipped with your computer if  
they become corrupted or are erased accidentally. It can be used only to restore the hard  
disk of this Sony computer.  
Driver Recovery CD(s)  
Sony Electronics  
This program allows you to reinstall individual device drivers. Use it to restore corrupted  
or accidentally erased files.  
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Using Your Recovery CDs  
The following sections describe how to use the Application Recovery and System  
Recovery utilities.  
Using the Application Recovery CD(s)  
The Application Recovery CD(s) allows you to reinstall individual applications if  
they become corrupted or are accidentally erased. Reinstalling an individual  
software title may correct a problem you are experiencing with your computer or  
software application; you may not need to reinstall the entire contents of your  
hard drive. If you need to reinstall all the software titles that shipped with your  
computer, use the System Recovery CD(s). See “Using the System Recovery  
CD(s)” .  
You can also use the Application Recovery CD to install Windows 2000 drivers  
on your computer.  
You must be in Windows to run the Application Recovery CD. If you have any  
questions on using the Application Recovery CD, contact Sony Customer Support.  
To use the Application Recovery CD(s)  
1
Turn on your computer. If your computer is already on, close all  
applications.  
2
When the Windows desktop appears, insert the Sony Application Recovery  
CD in the optical drive. The Application Recovery utility loads  
automatically.  
3
When the Application Recovery menu appears, select the icon for the  
application you want to restore and then follow the on-screen instructions to  
complete the recovery process.  
Your system may include one or two Application Recovery CDs. If you have two  
Application Recovery CDs, insert the first CD to run the Application Recovery  
program. You may be prompted to insert the second CD, depending on the application  
you wish to restore.  
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Using Your Recovery CDs  
Using the System Recovery CD(s)  
You can reinstall software titles that shipped with your computer if they are  
corrupted or 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)” .  
The System Recovery CD contains a backup copy of all the software originally  
installed on your hard disk drive. It can be used only to recover the hard disk  
of the notebook you purchased.  
The System Recovery utility gives you Full Restore with Format, that is it  
formats the hard disk drive then restores all the original software.  
!
Full Restore with Format removes all the information on the hard disk drive. You  
will lose any software you have installed and any other files you have created  
since you started to use your computer. This means you will have to reinstall any  
applications that were not included with the computer when you purchased it. If  
you have any questions on using the System Recovery CD, contact Sony Customer  
Support.  
To use the System Recovery CD(s)  
1
2
3
4
Insert the Sony System Recovery CD in the optical drive.  
Shut down your computer as described in “Shutting Down Your Computer” .  
Wait four seconds and turn on your computer.  
Click OK to signify you have read and accept the Microsoft End-User  
License Agreement.  
5
When the System Recovery menu appears, follow the on-screen instructions  
to complete the recovery process.  
If your computer does not start from the Recovery CD  
1
Press the power button and hold it for more than four seconds to turn off the  
computer.  
2
Turn on the computer. When the Sony logo is displayed, press the F2 key.  
The BIOS setup menu screen appears.  
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3
4
Press the arrow keys to select the Exit menu.  
Press the arrow keys to select “Get Default Values” and then press the Enter  
key. The message “Load default configuration now?” appears.  
5
6
Check that “Yes” is selected, then press the Enter key.  
Press the arrow keys to select “Exit” (Save Changes) and then press the Enter  
key. The message “Save configuration changes and exit now?” appears.  
7
Check that “Yes” is selected, then press the Enter key. The computer restarts  
from the Recovery CD.  
Your system may include one or two System Recovery CDs. If you have two System  
Recovery CDs, insert the first CD to run the System Recovery program. You are  
prompted to insert the second CD once the information from the first CD has been  
installed.  
The recovery process takes from 30 to 60 minutes to complete.  
After recovering your system using the SRCD, you may be prompted to insert your  
ARCD after restarting Windows. Insert the ARCD to automatically complete recovery  
of your system.  
Using the Driver Recovery CD(s)  
The Driver Recovery CD utility allows you to reinstall individual drivers and  
repair software applications if they become corrupted or are accidentally erased.  
You can reinstall an individual driver to correct a problem that you are  
experiencing with your computer, hardware, or software application. VAIO  
Support Agent uses a vault feature on the Driver Recovery CD(s) to repair  
software applications.  
You must be in Windows to run the Driver Recovery CD utility.  
To use the Driver Recovery CD(s)  
1
Turn on your computer. If your computer is already on, close all  
applications.  
2
When the Windows desktop appears, insert the Driver Recovery CD in the  
optical drive. The Driver Recovery utility loads automatically.  
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3
When the Driver Recovery menu appears, follow the on-screen instructions  
to complete the recovery process.  
To repair software applications using VAIO Support Agent  
The Driver Recovery CD utility has an information vault that contains the  
original characteristics for the preinstalled software applications that are  
protected by VAIO Support Agent.  
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Troubleshooting  
This section describes how to solve common problems you may encounter when  
using your notebook. Many problems have simple solutions, so try these  
suggestions before you contact Sony PC Support (http://www.sony.com/  
pcsupport).  
Troubleshooting your notebook  
(Windows Me only) When starting your notebook for the first time, the VAIO  
InitManager dialog box will appear. Please select “OK” to begin initial setup. If  
you do not execute the initial setup, you cannot use part of VAIO original  
hardware functions such as Power Management tool, scroll function of touchpad,  
and keyboard shortcut key function combined with the Fn key.  
My notebook does not start  
K
Check that the notebook is plugged into a power source and that it is turned  
on. Check that the power indicator on the front panel of the notebook  
indicates that the power is on.  
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K
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Check that the battery packs are inserted properly and that they are charged.  
Make sure there is no diskette in the floppy disk drive.  
Confirm that the power cord and all cables are connected firmly, as described  
in “Connecting a Power Source” .  
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K
If you plugged the notebook into a power strip or UPS, make sure the power  
strip or UPS is turned on and working.  
If you are using an external display, check that it 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.  
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K
Moisture condensation may have occurred. Do not use the notebook for at  
least one hour and then turn on the notebook.  
Take the battery pack off the notebook, unplug the power cord and plug it  
again, then turn on the power.  
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My notebook starts, but my system doesnt start properly  
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When the internal backup battery is low on power, it may not start your  
system properly. The message “Press <F1> to resume, <F2> to setup”  
appears at the bottom of the screen. Follow these steps:  
1
2
3
Press F2. The BIOS Setup menu appears.  
Set the date (month/day/year). Press Enter.  
ê
Press  
to select System Time, then set the time (hour: minute:  
second). Press Enter.  
è
ê
4
Press  
to select Exit, then press  
to select Get Default Values. The  
message “Load default configuration now?” appears.  
5
6
Select Yes and press Enter.  
Select Exit (Save Changes), and then press Enter. The message “Save  
Configuration changes and exit now?” appears.  
7
Select Yes, and then press Enter. The notebook restarts.  
My notebook starts, but the message “ Operating system not found” appears  
and Windows does not start  
K
K
Make sure there is no diskette in the floppy disk drive (non-bootable).  
If a non-bootable diskette is in the drive, follow these steps:  
1
2
Turn off the notebook, and then remove the diskette.  
Restart the notebook and confirm that Windows starts properly.  
K
If Windows still does not start, follow the steps below to initialize the BIOS:  
1
2
3
4
5
Remove any diskette from the floppy disk drive.  
Turn off the notebook.  
Remove any peripheral devices connected to the notebook.  
Turn the notebook back on.  
Press the F2 key when the Sony logo appears. The BIOS setup menu  
screen appears.  
6
Press the directional arrow keys to select the Exit menu.  
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7
Press the arrow keys to select “Get Default Values” and then press Enter.  
The message “Load default configuration now?” appears.  
8
9
Select Yes, then press Enter.  
Use the directional arrow keys to select “Exit” (Save Changes), and then  
press Enter. The message “Save configuration changes and exit now?”  
appears.  
10 Select Yes, then press Enter. The notebook restarts.  
If your notebook continues to display the message “Operating system not found”,  
and Windows does not start, contact Sony Customer Support.  
My notebook stops responding or does not shut down  
It is best to shut down your notebook using the Shut Down command on the  
Windows Start menu. Using other methods, including those listed here, may  
result in loss of unsaved data.  
K
Try restarting the notebook. On the Windows taskbar, click the Start button,  
click Shut Down, and then click Restart.  
K
(Windows Me) If you cannot restart as described in the preceding step, you  
can restart the notebook by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete (at the same time)  
twice.  
(Windows 2000) If you cannot restart as described in the preceding step, you  
can restart the notebook by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete (at the same time) and  
clicking Shut Down on the Windows Security screen.  
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K
If the previous step does not work, press and hold the power button for at  
least four seconds. This turns off the power.  
(Windows Me) If your notebook stops responding while playing a CD or  
DVD, stop the CD/DVD, and restart the notebook by pressing  
Ctrl+Alt+Delete (at the same time) twice.  
(Windows 2000) If your notebook stops responding while playing a CD or  
DVD, stop the CD/DVD, and restart the notebook by pressing  
Ctrl+Alt+Delete (at the same time) and clicking Shut Down on the Windows  
Security screen.  
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Unplug the notebook from the AC adapter and remove the battery pack from  
your notebook.  
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Pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete (at the same time) or turning off the notebook with the power  
switch may result in data loss in files that are currently open.  
My notebook does not enter the power saving mode I selected. (Windows Me  
only)  
K
Click Start, point to Program, point to Accessories, point to System Tools,  
and then click System Information.  
The Help and Support window appears.  
K
K
Click System Configuration Utility under the Tools menu.  
Click the Advanced button on the General tab, and Confirm the following  
information:  
1
2
Enable Deep Sleep is selected with a checkmark.  
The message “Standby function is enabled” is displayed. If the message  
reads “Standby function is disabled”, click the Enable button.  
3
4
The message “Hibernate feature is enabled” is displayed. If the message  
reads “Hibernate feature is disabled”, click the Enable button.  
Click OK and restart your notebook.  
My system enters System Idle mode when System Suspend mode has been  
selected  
If you are connecting an optical disc drive with a PC card, disconnect it by  
stopping the PC card. See “To remove a PC card”. Make sure the PC card is  
compatible with your notebook’s Windows® operating system.  
(Windows 2000 only) When the notebook returns from a power saving mode after  
removing the optical drive, the message "Unsafe Removal of Device" may appear and  
the device name may be displayed as "Secondary IDE Channel. Click OK.  
The Power Management setting is not responding  
Your notebook’s operating system may become unstable if a lower power state,  
such as system hibernate is initiated and then changed before the notebook  
completely enters the lower power state. To restore the notebook to its normal  
operating stability:  
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Close all open applications.  
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Troubleshooting  
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Push and hold the power button for four seconds or longer to shut down  
the notebook.  
The sound of my notebooks fan is too loud  
Use the PowerPanel utility to change the Thermal Control Strategy setting to  
Quiet. This setting slows down the CPU speed. See PowerPanel Help for more  
information.  
Troubleshooting the LCD screen  
My LCD screen is blank  
K
Check that the notebook is plugged into a power source and that it is turned  
on.  
K
K
K
Check that the power indicator on the notebook is on.  
Check that the battery pack(s) is inserted properly and that they are charged.  
The notebook may be in LCD (Video) Standby mode. Press any key to  
activate the screen.  
K
The display mode may be set to external display mode. Press and hold the Fn  
key while pressing F7 several times.  
My LCD screen continues to show the previous screen.  
Press the Windows key and D key twice to refresh the screen.  
The image on my connected external display is not centered or sized properly  
Use the controls on your external display to adjust the image. See the manual that  
came with your display for more information.  
I want to change the video resolution of my display  
You can use independent controls to change the video resolution of your display.  
K
Click Start, point to Settings, point to Control Panel, and then click the  
Display icon.  
The Display Properties dialog box appears.  
Click on the Settings tab.  
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Move the Screen Area slider to change your video resolution.  
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I cannot switch the LCD display to TV and vice versa.  
(For models with TV Out only)  
Remove the DVD video disc if it is inserted in the DVD-ROM drive.  
Troubleshooting the mouse and touchpad  
My mouse does not work  
K
If you are using an external mouse, check that the mouse is plugged into the  
mouse connector. See “Connecting an External Display” for details.  
K
If you are using an optional Sony USB mouse PCGA-UMS1 series, check  
that the mouse is plugged into the USB connector.  
My touchpad does not work properly  
K
You may have disabled the touchpad without a mouse being connected to the  
notebook. To enable the touchpad:  
1
2
3
Click Start, point to Programs, and click Sony Notebook Setup.  
Click Touchpad tab.  
Click Use touchpad, and then click OK.  
(Please check the instructions that came with your notebook.)  
You must restart the notebook to make the touchpad work again.  
K
K
If your touchpad is interpreting a single tap as a double-click, you must  
adjust the button assignments. Follow these steps:  
1
2
Click Start, point to Control Panel, and then click on the Mouse icon.  
Change the button assignments in the Mouse Properties dialog box.  
(One of the buttons is assigned to the double-click action.)  
The pointer does not move (while using the Touchpad or Mouse)  
K
Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar, and select Shut Down to  
display the Shut Down Windows dialog box, then press Enter.  
K
(Windows Me) If you cannot turn off your notebook as described in the step  
above, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete (at the same time) to restart the notebook.  
(Windows 2000) If you cannot turn off your notebook as described in the  
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Troubleshooting  
step above, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete (at the same time) and click Shut Down  
on the Windows® Security screen to restart the notebook.  
K
K
If you cannot restart your notebook as described in the step above, press and  
hold the power button for more than four seconds to turn off the notebook.  
If the pointer does not move while playing a disc, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to  
stop playback and restart the notebook.  
Troubleshooting drives, PC cards and peripheral devices  
My floppy disk drive can not write to a diskette  
K
If the diskette is write-protected, disable the write-protect feature or use a  
diskette that is not write-protected.  
K
Check that the diskette is properly inserted into the floppy disk drive.  
My optical drive is not playing my CD or DVD properly  
K
K
Make sure the label of the disc is facing up.  
If the disc requires software, make sure the software is installed according to  
the manufacturer’s instructions.  
K
K
A dirty or damaged disc may cause the notebook to stop responding while it  
tries to read the disc. If necessary, restart the notebook, remove the disc, and  
then check it for dirt or damage.  
If you see video but can not hear audio, check all of the following:  
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Check that your optical drive does not have the mute setting enabled.  
Check the volume setting in the audio mixer.  
If you are using external speakers, check the volume settings, and then  
check the connections between your external speakers and the notebook.  
K
Click Start >Control Panel > System > Device Manager. Check that the  
correct drivers are installed properly.  
K
K
Do not use adhesive labels to identify the CD. The label may come off while  
the disc is in use in the optical drive and cause the drive to malfunction.  
If a region code warning appears when you try to use your optical drive, it  
may be that the DVD you are trying to play is incompatible with the optical  
drive. Check the region code listing on the DVD packaging.  
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Moisture condensation may have occurred. Leave the notebook idle for at  
least 1 hour with the notebook turned on.  
My optical drive tray does not open  
K
K
K
Make sure the notebook is turned on.  
Press the Eject button on the optical drive.  
If the Eject button does not work, open the tray by inserting a sharp, pointed  
object in the hole to the right of the Eject button.  
I cannot use digital video (DV) devices. The message “ DV equipment seems to  
be disconnected or turned off” appears.  
K
Check that the DV device is turned on and that the cables are properly  
connected.  
K
If you are using multiple i.LINK* devices, the combination of the connected  
devices may cause unstable operation. In this case, turn off your notebook  
and all connected devices. Disconnect the devices that are not in use. Check  
the connections for each device, then restart your notebook.  
My PC card is not working  
K
K
Make sure the PC card is compatible with Microsoft® Windows®.  
Use the Sony Notebook Setup utility to disable devices you are not currently  
using.  
K
If you are using two PC cards, use the Sony Notebook Setup utility to disable  
the devices you are not currently using.  
Troubleshooting software  
My software program stops responding or crashes  
Contact the software publisher or designated provider for technical support. See  
the “Software Support Information” .  
* i.LINK is a SONY trademark used to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 con-  
nector. All products with an i.LINK connector may not communicate with each other.  
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Troubleshooting  
When I click an application icon, the message “ You must insert the application  
CD into your optical drive” appears and the software does not start  
K
Some titles require specific files that are located on the application CD.  
Insert the disc and try starting the program again.  
K
Make sure you place the CD in the tray with the label side facing up.  
I hear background “ noise” while using Windows Media Player to play my music  
CDs  
Sony suggests using the preinstalled Media Bar software to play audio CDs.  
I can not use the DVgate software  
If your notebook is using the Ultimate Battery Life profile for its power saving  
mode, you cannot use DVgate or Smart Connect software. Please select another  
profile.  
Troubleshooting the modem  
My modem does not work  
K
Check that the phone line is plugged into the line jack. See “Connecting a  
Phone Line” for details.  
K
Check that the phone line is working. You can check the line by plugging in  
an ordinary phone and listening for a dial tone.  
K
K
Check that the phone number the program is dialing is correct.  
Check that the software you are using is compatible with the notebook’s  
modem. (All preinstalled Sony programs are compatible.)  
My modem connection is slow  
Your notebook is equipped with a 56K/V.90 compatible modem. Many factors  
may 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:  
K
Have your phone company check that your phone line is free from any line  
noise.  
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K
K
K
If your problem is fax-related, check that there are no problems with the fax  
machine you are calling and that it is compatible with fax modems.  
If you are having a problem connecting with your Internet Service Provider,  
check that the ISP is not experiencing technical problems.  
If you have a second phone line available, try connecting the modem to that  
line.  
Troubleshooting audio  
My speakers have no sound  
K
If the built-in speakers are turned off, press Fn+F3 to turn on the speakers.  
You can also turn on the speakers using the Jog Dial control.  
K
If the speaker volume is turned to the minimum, press Fn+F4, and then press  
§
or  
to increase the volume or you can use the Jog Dial control to control  
the volume.  
K
If nothing is displayed when you press Fn+F3 or Fn+F4.  
1
2
Double click System in Control Panel.  
Set the sound device to enable in Device Manager.  
K
K
If your notebook is powered by batteries, check that the battery packs are  
inserted properly and that they are charged.  
If you are using an application that has its own volume control, check that  
the volume is turned up.  
K
K
Check the volume controls in Windows®.  
If you connect external speakers, check that the speakers are properly  
connected and the volume is turned up. If the speakers have a mute button,  
make sure it is off. If the speakers are powered by batteries, check that the  
batteries are inserted properly and that they are charged.  
K
If you have connected an audio cable to the Headphone connector,  
disconnect the cable.  
My microphone does not work  
If you are using an external microphone, check that the microphone is plugged  
into the Microphone connector. See “Connecting an External Microphone” for  
details.  
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Troubleshooting  
Troubleshooting the printer  
I cannot print  
K
The default setting for the printer port mode is correct for most printers. If  
you cannot print, try changing the printer port mode. In Sony Notebook  
Setup, select the Printer tab. If the printer port mode is set to ECP, change it  
to bi-directional. If the printer port mode is set to bi-directional, change it to  
ECP. See “Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen” for details on using  
Sony Notebook Setup.  
K
Your connected printer may not function after the notebook resumes from a  
power saving mode. If this occurs, follow these steps to reset the printer  
connection:  
Windows Me Only  
K
K
K
Right-click My Computer icon on the desktop, then select Properties.  
Click the Device Manager tab.  
Select Refresh, then click OK. The printer should function properly.  
Windows 2000 Only  
K
Double-click My Computer icon on the desktop, then double-click on  
the Control Panel folder.  
K
K
Double-click on the Printers folder.  
Right-click on the icon of the printer that is not functioning, and select  
Properties to access the Properties window.  
K
Click OK to close the Properties window. The printer should function  
properly.  
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Specifications  
Specifications  
The following table details the hardware specifications for your computer.  
.
PCG-FX120/FX120K  
PCG-FX170/FX170K  
PCG-FX190/FX190K  
Model  
PCG-FX140/  
FX-140K  
PCG-FX150/FX150K  
800 MHz*  
(PCG-FX170  
PCG-FX170K)  
850 MHz*  
(PCG-FX190  
750 MHz* Intel®  
Pentium® III with Intel®  
SpeedStep™  
700 MHz* Intel®  
Pentium® III with Intel®  
SpeedStep™ Technology  
Processor  
PCG-FX190K)  
Intel® Pentium® III with  
Intel® SpeedStep™  
Technology  
Technology  
L2 Cache Memory  
256KB (CPU Integrated)  
20 GB  
(PCG-FX170  
Hard Disk Drive  
C/D Partition  
(Approximate)  
PCG-FX170K)  
30 GB  
(PCG-FX190  
PCG-FX190K)  
40% and 60%  
10 GB  
20 GB  
40% and 60%  
40% and 60%  
64 MB SDRAM  
(PCG-FX120/FX-120K)  
128 MB SDRAM  
(PCG-FX140/FX-140K)  
128 MB SDRAM  
Standard RAM  
LCD Screen  
Expandable to 512 MB  
13.3” XGA TFT  
(PCG-FX120/FX120K)  
14.1” XGA TFT  
15.0” XGA TFT  
(PCG-FX170  
PCG-FX170K)  
15.0” SXGA+ TFT  
(PCG-FX190  
15.0” XGA TFT  
(PCG-FX140/FX-140K)  
PCG-FX190K)  
MPEG  
Available  
Graphics  
Intel® 815 EM Chipset integrated 3D accelerator  
Windows® sound system compatible, 3D surround  
Analog devices AD1881A  
Sound Capabilities  
Diskette Drive  
Removable 3.5" 1.44 MB  
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PCG-FX120/FX120K  
PCG-FX170/FX170K  
PCG-FX190/FX190K  
Model  
PCG-FX140/  
FX-140K  
PCG-FX150/FX150K  
DVD-ROM drive:  
CD-RW/DVD-ROM  
Reads data up to 24x max. CD-ROM reading speed. drive:  
Reads data up to 8x max. DVD-ROM reading  
speed.  
Reads data up to 24x  
max. CD-ROM reading  
speed.  
††  
Reads data up to 8x max.  
CD-R writing speed.  
Optical drive  
Reads data up to 4x max.  
CD-RW writing speed.  
Reads data up to 8x max.  
DVD-ROM reading  
speed.  
Wave Length: 785 nm  
and 660 nm  
Laser Output: 85 mW  
Laser Diode  
Properties  
Wave Length: 780 nm and 650 nm  
Laser Output: 30.2 uW  
‡‡  
Modem  
V.90/K56flex data/fax compatible modem  
• Supports floppy disk drive (included)  
• Supports second rechargeable battery (optional)  
Drive Bay  
Expansion  
Capabilities  
Type I/II PC cards and Type III PC card with CardBus support  
• 2 USB ports  
†††  
• i.LINK  
• Serial port  
• VGA monitor  
• Parallel (printer)  
• Phone line (RJ-11)  
• Microphone  
Connection  
Capabilities  
• Headphone  
• TV out  
• Port replicator  
• Floppy disk drive  
• Rechargeable battery  
• AC adapter and power cord  
• Weight saver  
Supplied  
Accessories  
• Video cable  
Power  
Requirements  
58.5 watts maximum (19.5V DC/AC 100-240V)  
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Specifications  
PCG-FX120/FX120K  
PCG-FX140/  
PCG-FX170/FX170K  
PCG-FX190/FX190K  
Model  
PCG-FX150/FX150K  
FX-140K  
Power  
• Energy Star compliant  
Management  
• Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI)  
• Lithium-ion  
• Supports dual battery operation  
Battery  
12.8"(w) x 1.9"(h)** x  
10.3" (d)  
(324 x 48.1 x 265.5mm)  
12.8"(w) x 2.2"(h)** x 10.3" (d)  
Dimensions  
Weight  
(324 x 55.3 x 265.5mm)  
• 6.2 lbs. (2.8 kg)  
(with battery and weight  
saver)  
• 6.6 lbs. (3.0 kg)  
(with battery and floppy  
disk drive)  
• 6.8 lbs. (3.1 kg) (with battery and weight saver)  
• 3.1 lbs. (3.4 kg) (with battery and floppy disk  
drive)  
Operating  
Temperature  
40º F to 95º F (+5º C to 35º C) temperature gradient less than 50º F (10º C) per  
hour  
Operating  
Humidity  
20% to 80% (not condensed), provided that humidity is less than 65% at 95º F  
(35º C), hygrometer reading of less than 84º F (29º C)  
Storage  
Temperature  
-4º F to 140º F (-20º C to 60º C), temperature gradient less than 18º F (-10º C)  
per hour  
10% to 90% (not condensed) provided that humidity is less than 20% at 140º F  
(60º C), hygrometer reading of less than 95º F (35º C)  
Storage Humidity  
*
MHz denotes microprocessor internal clock speed; other factors may affect application  
performance.  
The processor may be reduced to a lower operating speed when operating on battery power.  
The size of your hard disk may differ if you purchased a specially configured system. GB means  
one billion bytes when referring to hard drive capacity. Accessible capacity may vary.  
†† If a region code warning appears when you are using the DVD player, it could be that the DVD  
you are trying to play is incompatible with the optical drive in your VAIO notebook. Region code  
indicators such as a “1” or “ALL” are labeled on some DVDs to indicate what type of player can  
play the discs. Unless a “1” or “ALL” is identified on your DVDs or on the packaging, you cannot  
play the disc on this player.  
‡‡ Maximum speed for faxing is 14.4 kbps. Your 56K/V.90 compatible modem is capable of  
downloading at 53 kbps. Your online service or Internet Service Provider, however, may not  
support this technology or operate at this speed.  
** Height measured at thickest point. The thinnest height for PCG-FX120/FX120K/FX140/FX140K  
is 1.3". The thinnest height for PCG-FX150/FX150K/FX170/FX170K/FX190/FX190K is 1.4".  
††† i.LINK is a SONY trademark used to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 connector.  
All products with an i.LINK connector may not communicate with each other.  
NOTE: Specifications are subject to change without notice.  
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Index  
built-in speakers  
See also speakers 36  
buttons  
A
About This Computer tab 82  
AC adapter 19, 24  
AC power 24  
AC Profile power setting 85  
adding  
Eject 43, 45  
Start 31, 81  
C
hardware 63  
memory 93  
cables  
phone 19  
power cord 24  
cameras  
peripherals 63  
printers 69  
adjusting  
brightness 31, 36  
Alt key 34  
Application Recovery CD 110  
Applications key 34  
attaching port replicator 64  
Audio tab 82  
digital video recorder 76  
canceling commands 34  
Caps Lock  
indicator light 36  
CD-ROM/DVD-ROM discs  
ejecting 45  
inserting 43  
CD-ROMs  
B
handling 47  
Basic/Advanced tab 82  
battery packs 19, 25  
charge status icons 87  
charging 26, 53  
indicator lights 27, 35, 52  
inserting 25  
CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive 43  
charge status indicator light 27  
charging battery packs 26, 53  
choosing  
power source 25  
coin-operated telephones 60  
computer  
inserting into battery bay 25  
loading 25  
rechargeable 24  
customizing 81  
handling 16  
removing 28, 52, 54  
BatteryScope utility 87  
brightness  
lithium ion battery 7  
setting up 19  
setup screen 81  
adjusting 31, 36  
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starting 30  
mode 89  
troubleshooting 115, 122  
unpacking 12  
options 71  
selecting 71  
connecting  
disposal of lithium ion battery 7  
Driver Recovery CD 112  
drives  
coin-operated telephones 60  
digital video recorder 76  
external speakers 78  
hard drives 49  
microphone 79  
monitor 70  
floppy disk 19  
installing additional hard disk 49  
DV In/Out 76  
DVD-ROM drive  
closing tray 45  
multimedia computer display 70  
multiple phone lines 60  
network 49, 64  
party phone lines 60  
PBX 60  
opening tray 43  
using 43  
DVD-ROM drive tray  
troubleshooting 122  
DVD-ROMs  
phone line 60  
port replicator 64  
power source 24  
printer 69  
handling 47  
E
projector 71  
USB device 75  
Eject button 43, 45  
ejecting  
battery packs 54  
CD-ROM/DVD-ROM discs 45  
weight saver 56  
Energy Star 2  
ergonomic considerations 14  
Escape key 34  
expansion memory configuration 94  
external devices  
weight saver 55  
connectors  
DC In 24  
network 64  
printer 69  
Serial port 64  
correction keys 34  
Ctrl key 34  
cursor-movement keys 34  
customizing your computer 81  
display 71  
See also monitor  
speakers 36, 78  
D
DC In 24  
F
digital video camera 76  
disconnecting port replicator 67  
diskettes  
faxes  
laws governing 6  
floppy disk drive 19  
cable 19  
troubleshooting 121  
display  
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disconnecting 41  
interference 5  
troubleshooting 121  
Fn key 34  
combination commands 36  
function keys 34  
K
keyboard 34  
L
H
LCD  
handling 16  
lock lever 30  
selecting to display output 71  
troubleshooting 119  
CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs 47  
handling the LCD screen 16  
hard drives  
indicator light 35  
installing additional 49  
Help  
LCD screen  
handling 16  
lever  
LCD 30  
Mouseware 39  
weight saver release 54  
lithium ion battery  
disposal 7  
safety precautions 7  
loading  
Hibernate mode 37, 59  
I
i.LINK 76  
IEEE 1394 76  
indicator lights 35  
battery 27, 35, 52  
Caps Lock 36  
charge status 27  
hard drive 35  
Num Lock 36  
Scroll Lock 36  
input devices 5  
Insert key 34  
inserting  
battery pack 25  
M
maintenance 16  
Maximum Battery Life power setting  
84  
Maximum Performance power setting  
84  
memory module  
expansion 94  
installing 96  
removing 94  
battery pack 25  
CD-ROM/DVD-ROM discs 43  
installation 15  
installing  
microphone  
connecting 79  
troubleshooting 124  
modem  
laws governing 6  
troubleshooting 123  
monitor  
hard drives 49  
hardware 63  
memory module 96  
peripherals 63  
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connecting 70  
selecting 71  
phone  
cable 19  
switching among 36  
mouse  
connecting line 60  
jack 60  
troubleshooting 120  
Mouse Properties screen 39  
Mouseware  
accessing help 39  
features 39  
MovieShaker instructions 101  
multimedia computer display 70  
multiple phone lines 60  
laws governing 6  
PictureGear 105  
port replicator  
connecting 64  
disconnecting 67  
lever 67  
network 64  
power 35  
cord 24  
switch 30  
N
power management  
settings 83  
navigation keys 34  
network  
Power Management Off power setting  
84  
connecting 49  
connector 64  
port replicator 64  
Notebook Computer 19  
Notebook Setup tabs 82  
Num Lock  
Power On  
Password tab 82  
power saving modes 58  
Hibernate 37, 59  
Suspend 58  
Video Standby 37  
power setting  
indicator light 36  
O
AC Profile 85  
Hibernate 86  
Maximum Battery Life 84  
Maximum Performance 84  
Power Management Off 84  
Suspend 86  
opening  
DVD-ROM drive tray 43  
operator keys 34  
output devices 5  
adding 69  
Video Standby 86  
power source 24  
power sources 25  
connecting 24  
P
party phone lines 60  
PBX 60  
PC card  
PowerPanel  
inserting 49  
slots 49  
troubleshooting 122  
activating 83  
customizing toolbar 84, 86  
Print Screen key 34  
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printer  
connecting 69  
port 69  
Printer tab 82  
projector 71  
setup tabs 82  
Shift key 34  
Shut Down Windows dialog box 31  
shutting down 31  
Software list 97  
Sony Notebook Setup screen 81  
Sony Service Center 109  
speakers  
R
radio interference 5  
rechargeable battery packs 24, 25  
recharging battery packs 26  
Recovery CD 110  
regulatory information 5  
removing  
battery packs 28  
floppy disk drive 41  
memory module 94  
replacing  
external 78  
switching 36  
troubleshooting 124  
volume 36  
Specifications 127  
Start button 81  
starting  
computer 30  
startup problems 31  
switching  
display 36  
monitor 36  
Suspend mode 36, 58, 86  
battery packs 52  
restoring data 110  
S
Scroll Lock  
T
indicator light 36  
second battery pack 25, 52  
selecting  
touchpad 38  
Touchpad tab 82  
troubleshooting 115  
startup 31, 115  
turning on  
display 71  
LCD 71  
monitor 71  
computer 30  
TV  
power source 25  
Serial connector 64  
setup screen  
interference 5  
About This Computer tab 82  
Audio tab 82  
U
Basic/Advanced tab 82  
displaying 81  
unpacking the computer 12  
USB  
Power On Password tab 82  
Printer tab 82  
Touchpad tab 82  
connecting 75  
connector 75  
mouse 75  
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V
VAIO Support Agent 112  
ventilation slot 22  
video camera 76  
Video Standby mode 37  
viewing the amount of memory 96  
volume control 36  
W
weight saver  
attaching 52  
connecting 55  
fold-out arm 55  
removing 56  
window design of Sony software 90  
Windows  
Explorer 34  
Find window 34  
help 34  
key 34  
key combinations 34  
Start button 31  
taskbar 31, 117  
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