Sony CG-FX120 User Manual
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Sony CG-FX120 User Manual

Sony CG-FX120 User Manual

Sony user guide vaio notebook pcg-fx120,fx120k, pcg-fx140, fx140k, pcg-fx150, fx150k, pcg-fx170. fx170k, pcg-fx190, fx190k
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VAIO® Notebook
User Guide
PCG-FX120/FX120K, PCG-FX140/FX140K,
PCG-FX150/FX150K, PCG-FX170/FX170K,
PCG-FX190/FX190K

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Summary of Contents for Sony CG-FX120

  • Page 1 VAIO® Notebook User Guide PCG-FX120/FX120K, PCG-FX140/FX140K, PCG-FX150/FX150K, PCG-FX170/FX170K, PCG-FX190/FX190K...

  • Page 2: Notice To Users

    MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE, OR OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN OR THE USE THEREOF. Sony Electronics Inc. reserves the right to make any modification to this manual or the information contained herein at any time without notice. The software described herein is governed by the terms of a separate user license agreement.

  • Page 3: Safety Information

    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...
  • Page 4 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...

  • Page 5: Regulatory Information

    PCG-9532 PCG-9542 PCG-9552 PCG-951A PCG-952A PCG-953A PCG-954A PCG-955A Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 1 Sony Drive Park Ridge, NJ 07656 Telephone: 201-930-6972 (For FCC-related matters only.) This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the...

  • Page 6: Telephone Consumer Protection Act Of 1991

    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 Repair of this equipment should be made only by a Sony Service Center or Sony authorized agent.

  • Page 7: Disposal Of Lithium Ion Battery

    In some areas the disposal of lithium ion batteries in household or business trash may be prohibited. For the Sony Service Center nearest you, call 1- 888-476-6972 in the United States or 1-800- 961-7669 in Canada. Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium ion batteries.
  • Page 8 VAIO Notebook User Guide equipment may give the telecommunications company cause to request that the user disconnect the equipment. 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.

  • Page 9: Table Of Contents

    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...
  • Page 10 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.

  • Page 11: Welcome

    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”...

  • Page 12: Unpacking Your Notebook

    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...
  • Page 13 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 VAIO notebook you purchased.

  • Page 14: Ergonomic Considerations

    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 Arms at desk level Wrists relaxed...
  • Page 15 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.
  • Page 16 VAIO Notebook User Guide Use only specified peripheral equipment and interface cables; otherwise, problems may result. 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.
  • Page 17 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. The screen becomes warm during operation. This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.
  • Page 18 VAIO Notebook User Guide...

  • Page 19: Setting Up Your Vaio® Notebook

    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 LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen Speakers Keyboard...
  • Page 20 VAIO Notebook User Guide Touchpad Left/right buttons Power indicator Caps Lock indicator Scroll Lock indicator...
  • Page 21 Left Video out (select models only) Microphone connector Headphone connector * 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. Locating Controls and Connectors i.LINK®...
  • Page 22 VAIO Notebook User Guide Right 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) Multipurpose bay...
  • Page 23 Back cover Modem jack USB connectors 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.
  • Page 24 VAIO Notebook User Guide Bottom Multipurpose bay RELEASE lever Reset switch Tilt stands...

  • Page 25: 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 Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC In connector on the computer. Plug one end of the power cord into the AC adapter. Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet.
  • Page 26 VAIO Notebook User Guide 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”...
  • Page 27 Insert the battery pack into the battery bay on the left side of the computer. Inserting battery pack Battery pack (supplied) 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.
  • Page 28 VAIO Notebook User Guide There are two battery indicator lights on the computer Battery indicator lights Battery Indicator Description Indicates the status of the battery pack in the battery bay on the left side of the computer. Indicates the status of the battery pack in the multipurpose bay on the right side of the computer.
  • Page 29 To remove the battery pack Open the battery bay cover. Pull out the battery pack. Removing the battery pack 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...

  • Page 30: Starting Your Computer

    VAIO Notebook User Guide 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.

  • Page 31: Shutting Down Your Computer

    Starting Your Computer Slide the LCD lock lever in the direction of the arrow, and lift the cover. Opening the computer LCD lock lever Press the power button on top of the computer until the green power indicator light turns on. (Windows Me™...
  • Page 32 VAIO Notebook User Guide If necessary, adjust the brightness controls for the LCD display as follows: 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.

  • Page 33: Using Your Vaio® Notebook

    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 Escape key Function keys Shift key Ctrl key Fn key Alt key Windows key Description Numeric keypad Contains the keys found on a typical calculator.

  • Page 34: Combinations And Functions With The Windows Key

    VAIO Notebook User Guide 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.
  • Page 35 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. Minimizes all displayed windows. Shift + Returns all minimized windows to their previous size. Displays the Run window.

  • Page 36: Combinations And Functions With The Fn Key

    VAIO Notebook User Guide Indicator (continued) Light Num Lock The number keys in the numeric keypad are active. Caps Lock The letters appear in uppercase as you type. The Shift key lowers the case of typed letters when Caps Lock is on. Scroll Lock The screen scrolls differently.
  • Page 37 Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key (Continued) Combinations/ Feature Function only/ Toggles between LCD-only and dual LCD/TV display modes. (F8) Only LCD Control TV out (for models with TV Out only) Connect the cable before you turn on the computer, otherwise Fn + F8 will not work.

  • Page 38: Using The Touchpad

    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 Touchpad Left button Action Description Point Slide one finger on the touchpad to place the pointer on an item or object.
  • Page 39 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.

  • Page 40: Using The Floppy Disk Drive

    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 Hold the diskette the label side facing up. Gently push the diskette into the drive until it clicks into place. Floppy disk drive To remove a diskette When you finish using the diskette, wait until the LED indicator light turns...
  • Page 41 To remove the floppy disk drive 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 Slide the drive out of the multipurpose bay. Insert the weight saver.
  • Page 42 VAIO Notebook User Guide 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...

  • Page 43: 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 Turn on the computer. Standby When the computer is in See “Controlling Power Management”for more information on Standby and Hibernate modes.
  • Page 44 VAIO Notebook User Guide Push the disc onto the hub until the disc clicks securely into place. Inserting an optical disc Label side facing up...

  • Page 45: Playing A Dvd

    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.
  • Page 46 VAIO Notebook User Guide 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.
  • Page 47 Notes on CD and DVD media 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.
  • Page 48 VAIO Notebook User Guide 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.

  • Page 49: 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.

  • Page 50: To Remove A Pc Card

    VAIO Notebook User Guide bottom PC card slot protectors. PC card slot protector 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.
  • Page 51 Reboot your system to correct the problem. 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. Be sure to use the most recent software driver provided by the PC card manufacturer.

  • Page 52: Using A Second Battery Pack

    VAIO Notebook User Guide 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.

  • Page 53: To Charge The Second Battery Pack

    To charge the second battery pack Using weight saver for second battery cover 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”...
  • Page 54 VAIO Notebook User Guide 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”...

  • Page 55: Using The Weight Saver

    Using the Weight Saver The weight saver protects the multipurpose bay when it is empty. To attach the weight saver If another device is in the multipurpose bay, remove the device. See “To remove the second battery pack”. Fold out the hinged arm of the weight saver and then push on the hinged arm to lock it into place.

  • Page 56: To Remove The Weight Saver

    VAIO Notebook User Guide To remove the Weight Saver 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 After removing the weight saver, pull out the weight saver’s hinged arm and fold it into the weight saver.

  • Page 57: Using Smart Connect

    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.

  • Page 58: Power Saving Modes

    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.

  • Page 59: Hibernate Mode

    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”...

  • Page 60: 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.

  • Page 61: 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 Warning: Only connect 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX cables to the network) port.
  • Page 62 VAIO Notebook User Guide 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 Right-click My Network Places and select Properties.

  • Page 63: Connecting Peripheral Devices

    Connecting Peripheral Devices You can add functionality to your computer by connecting a variety of peripherals, as discussed in the following sections: “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”...

  • Page 64: Connecting The Port Replicator

    VAIO Notebook User Guide 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 Serial Port Printer Port Monitor Port Network (Ethernet 10BaseT) The port replicator can be powered only with an AC power adapter.
  • Page 65 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 Attach the bottom of the computer to the port replicator connector until it clicks.
  • Page 66 Plug the power cord into the AC adapter and an AC outlet. Connecting AC adapter to port replicator Use the AC adapter that comes with your computer or the optional Sony PCGA- AC19V1 adapter. The power indicator light turns green.
  • Page 67 To remove your computer from the port replicator when the power is off 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 Lift the computer away from the port replicator.

  • Page 68: Connecting An External Mouse Or Keyboard

    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.

  • Page 69: Connecting A Printer

    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” .

  • Page 70: Connecting An External Display

    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: Computer display (monitor) (See “To connect a computer display”.) Multimedia computer display (See “To connect a multimedia computer display”.) Projector (See “To connect a projector”.) Connect an external display before you turn on the computer.
  • Page 71 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 monitor...
  • Page 72 VAIO Notebook User Guide Use the keys to select a display. See also “Selecting the Display Mode” for Fn+F7 more information. Press Result Switch to an Fn+F7 Toggles between the LCD, the external display external connected to the Monitor connector, or both the display LCD and external display.

  • Page 73: Connecting A Tv Display (For Models With Tv Out Only)

    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 Connect the computer to a TV using audio/video cables.
  • Page 74 VAIO Notebook User Guide 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.

  • Page 75: Connecting A Universal Serial Bus (Usb) Device

    USB device. Connecting USB device to USB connector 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.

  • Page 76: Connecting An I.link * ® Device

    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. ® Device To i.LINK...
  • Page 77 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.

  • Page 78: Connecting External Speakers

    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;...

  • Page 79: 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 Locate the Microphone connector identified by the the computer.
  • Page 80 VAIO Notebook User Guide...

  • Page 81: Customizing Your Vaio® Notebook

    Click the Start button on the Windows® taskbar. Point to VAIO and click Sony Notebook Setup. Sony Notebook Setup Screen Select the tab for the item you want to change. See “Sony Notebook Setup Tabs” . After you finish making your changes, click OK.

  • Page 82: Sony Notebook Setup Tabs

    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.

  • Page 83: 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.

  • Page 84: Power Management Profiles

    VAIO Notebook User Guide You can change the power management settings, such as the system timer and the brightness of the screen. To customize power management settings 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.
  • Page 85 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.

  • Page 86: Power Management Commands

    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.

  • Page 87: 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 Right-click on the taskbar at the bottom of the screen.
  • Page 88 VAIO Notebook User Guide 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...

  • Page 89: 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.

  • Page 90: Changing The Window Design Of Sony Software

    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. To try another selection, click << or >> then click OK.
  • Page 91 Selecting the Display Mode The UI Design Selector closes and the Sony software window design displays. This feature is available with UI Design Selector-compatible software only.
  • Page 92 VAIO Notebook User Guide...

  • Page 93: Adding Memory

    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);...
  • Page 94 VAIO Notebook User Guide 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) For Models with 128 MB Memory Typical expansion memory configuration Total System Memory (MB) Slot 1 (MB)
  • Page 95 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 Touch a metal object (such as the connector panel on the back of your computer) to discharge any static electricity.
  • Page 96 Click the Start button on the Windows status bar, point to VAIO option, and click “Sony Notebook Setup.” The Sony Notebook Setup screen appears. 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.”...

  • Page 97: About The Software On Your Notebook

    An overview of the various software that come with your computer and the activities you can perform with your software 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.
  • Page 98 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.
  • Page 99 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.
  • Page 100 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™”...

  • Page 101: 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.
  • Page 102 VAIO Notebook User Guide Click Open. The file is added to the Clip tray. Importing files over 75 seconds in length may cause MovieShaker to stop responding.

  • Page 103: Create A Movie Using Shaker

    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. Click the Shake tab. Select a mood by clicking a face in the Shaker tray.

  • Page 104: Editing Clips And Scenes

    VAIO Notebook User Guide 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 Monitor Trim Palette Effect Knobs Adding effects to a scene or a clip: Double-click the clip or scene to move it to the Working Panel.

  • Page 105: Picturegear

    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.
  • Page 106 VAIO Notebook User Guide 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. Designate the folder you where want to save the Album. Enter the Target Album name, select Thumbnails and click Okay.

  • Page 107: Software Support Information

    Software Support Information Adaptec, Inc. Web site http://www.adaptec.com/ phone 408-945-8600 408-262-2533 Acroba t® Reader, Adobe PhotoDelux e® Business Edition, Adobe Premiere® LE (Adobe Systems Incorporated) Web site http://www.adobe.com/ phone 206-675-6126 (fee-based support) e-mail techdocs@adobe.com hours M-F, 6 AM-5 PM PT America Online®...
  • Page 108 VAIO Notebook User Guide Netscape Communicator® (Netscape Communications Corporation) Web site http://www.netscape.com/ phone 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 510-440-9901 510-440-1270 e-mail techsupport@arcsoft.com hours M-F, 8:30 AM-5:30 PM PT Prodigy Internet®...

  • Page 109: Application, System, And Driver Recovery Cds

    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.

  • Page 110: Using Your Recovery Cds

    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) Turn on your computer. If your computer is already on, close all applications.
  • Page 111 Press the power button and hold it for more than four seconds to turn off the computer. Turn on the computer. When the Sony logo is displayed, press the F2 key. The BIOS setup menu screen appears. Using Your Recovery CDs...
  • Page 112 VAIO Notebook User Guide 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. Check that “Yes” is selected, then press the Enter key. Press the arrow keys to select “Exit”...
  • Page 113 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.
  • Page 114 VAIO Notebook User Guide...

  • Page 115: Troubleshooting

    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.
  • Page 116 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. Press the directional arrow keys to select the Exit menu.
  • Page 117 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.
  • Page 118 VAIO Notebook User Guide 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) Click Start, point to Program, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click System Information.
  • Page 119 Push and hold the power button for four seconds or longer to shut down the notebook. The sound of my notebook’s 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.
  • Page 120 If you are using an external mouse, check that the mouse is plugged into the mouse connector. See “Connecting an External Display” for details. If you are using an optional Sony USB mouse PCGA-UMS1 series, check that the mouse is plugged into the USB connector.
  • Page 121 step above, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete (at the same time) and click Shut Down on the Windows® Security screen to restart the notebook. 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.
  • Page 122 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.
  • Page 123 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 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.
  • Page 124 VAIO Notebook User Guide 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.
  • Page 125 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.
  • Page 126 VAIO Notebook User Guide...

  • Page 127: Specifications

    Specifications The following table details the hardware specifications for your computer. PCG-FX120/FX120K Model PCG-FX140/ FX-140K 700 MHz* Intel® Processor Pentium® III with Intel® SpeedStep™ Technology L2 Cache Memory Hard Disk Drive ‡ 10 GB C/D Partition 40% and 60% (Approximate) 64 MB SDRAM (PCG-FX120/FX-120K) 128 MB SDRAM...
  • Page 128 VAIO Notebook User Guide PCG-FX120/FX120K Model PCG-FX140/ FX-140K DVD-ROM drive: Reads data up to 24x max. CD-ROM reading speed. Reads data up to 8x max. DVD-ROM reading †† speed. Optical drive Laser Diode Wave Length: 780 nm and 650 nm Properties Laser Output: 30.2 uW Modem...
  • Page 129 ** 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.
  • Page 130 VAIO Notebook User Guide...
  • Page 131 Index About This Computer tab 19, 24 AC adapter AC power AC Profile power setting adding hardware memory peripherals printers adjusting 31, 36 brightness Alt key Application Recovery CD Applications key attaching port replicator Audio tab Basic/Advanced tab 19, 25 battery packs charge status icons 26, 53...
  • Page 132 VAIO Notebook User Guide starting 115, 122 troubleshooting unpacking connecting coin-operated telephones digital video recorder external speakers hard drives microphone monitor multimedia computer display multiple phone lines 49, 64 network party phone lines phone line port replicator power source printer projector USB device weight saver...
  • Page 133 disconnecting troubleshooting Fn key combination commands function keys handling CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs handling the LCD screen hard drives indicator light installing additional Help Mouseware 37, 59 Hibernate mode i.LINK IEEE 1394 indicator lights 27, 35, 52 battery Caps Lock charge status hard drive Num Lock Scroll Lock...
  • Page 134 VAIO Notebook User Guide connecting selecting switching among mouse troubleshooting Mouse Properties screen Mouseware accessing help features MovieShaker instructions multimedia computer display multiple phone lines navigation keys network connecting connector port replicator Notebook Computer Notebook Setup tabs Num Lock indicator light opening DVD-ROM drive tray operator keys...
  • Page 135 Basic/Advanced tab displaying Power On Password tab Printer tab Touchpad tab setup tabs Shift key Shut Down Windows dialog box shutting down Software list Sony Notebook Setup screen Sony Service Center speakers external switching troubleshooting volume Specifications Start button starting...
  • Page 136 VAIO Support Agent ventilation slot video camera Video Standby mode viewing the amount of memory volume control weight saver attaching connecting fold-out arm removing window design of Sony software Windows Explorer Find window help key combinations Start button 31, 117 taskbar...

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