Sony PCG-F420 Primary User Manual
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Sony PCG-F420 Primary User Manual

Sony PCG-F420 Primary User Manual

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Summary of Contents for Sony PCG-F420 Primary

  • Page 1: User Guide

    VAIO Notebook ® User Guide PCG-F420/PCG-F480/PCG-F490 ®...
  • Page 2 This product contains software owned by Sony and licensed by third parties. Use of such software is subject to the terms and conditions of license agreements enclosed with this product.
  • Page 3 The model number and serial number are located on the bottom of your Sony VAIO Notebook. Record the serial number in the space provided here. Refer to the model and serial number when you call your Sony Service Center. Model Number: PCG-F420/PCG-F480/...
  • Page 4 For questions regarding your product or for the Sony Service Center nearest you, call 1-888-476-6972 in the United States or 1-800-961-7669 in Canada. The number below is for FCC related matters only. Declaration of Conformity Trade Name: SONY Model No: PCG-F420/PCG-F480/...
  • Page 5 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).
  • Page 6 You can return your unwanted lithium ion batteries to your nearest Sony Service Center or Factory Service Center. ✍ For the Sony Service Center nearest you, call 1-888-476-6972 in the United States or 1-800-961-7669 in Canada ° ° NOTICE: The Industry Canada label identifies certified equipment.
  • Page 7 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 equipment may give the telecommunications company cause to request that the user disconnect the equipment.

  • Page 9: Table Of Contents

    Features ... 1 Unpacking Your Notebook ... 2 Manuals ...2 Recovery CDs ...2 Software CDs ...3 Other ...3 Locating Controls and Connectors... 5 Front...5 Left ...6 Right...7 Back ...7 Bottom...8 Connecting a Power Source ... 9 Using the AC Adapter...9 Starting Your Computer ...
  • Page 10 Using the DVD-ROM/CD-ROM ...26 Using PC Cards ...30 Using Smart Connect ...33 Using Infrared Communication Devices ...34 Using Power Saving Modes...36 Normal Mode ...36 System Idle Mode ...36 System Suspend Mode ...37 System Hibernation Mode...37 Using a Second Battery Pack ...38 Using the Weight Saver ...41 Connecting a Phone Line ...44 Connecting the Port Replicator ...45...

  • Page 11: Features

    Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony VAIO combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing, and communications to provide you with state-of-the-art personal computing. ✍ ❑ Exceptional performance: Your notebook includes a fast Intel ® Pentium III processor and a V.90 compatible modem.* ❑...

  • Page 12: Recovery Cds

    Remove the following hardware items from the box: ❑ Read Me First contains Frequently Asked Questions, the most up-to- date information on using your computer, and software support information. ® ❑ The V AIO Notebook User Guide (this manual) contains information on how to get the most from your computer, find help, and solve common problems.
  • Page 13 ® ❑ Microsoft Word 2000 ❑ Setting up your VAIO ❑ Packet containing special product offers ® Notebook (poster)
  • Page 15 This section describes how to start using your computer and how to use your computer’s internal and external devices such as the touchpad, floppy disk drive, and CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.
  • Page 18 ✍...

  • Page 19: Other

    You can use either AC power or a rechargeable battery pack as a power source. 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 20 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 Power Saving Modes” on page 36.) 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.
  • Page 21 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). When the battery is 85 percent full, the battery indicator light turns off. This process takes approximately two hours.
  • Page 22 Open the cover of the battery bay. Pull out the battery pack. Close the cover of the battery bay.
  • Page 23 Slide the LCD lock lever in the direction of the arrow, and lift the cover. Press the power button on top of the computer until the green power indicator light turns on. ✍ If necessary, adjust the brightness controls for the LCD display. To decrease the brightness, press Fn+F5 and then the down or left arrow key.
  • Page 24 ® 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. Select Shut down. Click OK. ✍ Wait for your computer to turn off automatically. The power indicator (green) turns off.
  • Page 25 You can take advantage of Sony’s commitment to quality customer support and receive the following benefits by registering your computer with Sony. ❑ Sony Customer Support – Talk to a Support Representative to troubleshoot problems you may be having with your computer.
  • Page 26 Your keyboard is very similar to a typewriter’s, but the keyboard has additional keys that perform specific computer-related tasks. Numeric keypad Contains the keys found on a typical calculator. Use the area numeric keypad area to type numbers or to perform mathematical calculations such as addition and subtraction.
  • Page 27 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.
  • Page 28 + F1 + Tab + Ctrl + F Shift + Fn + + Insert Displays Windows Help. Switches the selected button on the taskbar. Displays Windows Explorer. 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.
  • Page 29 Power Light is green when the power to the computer is turned on. Light is red in System Idle mode, and flashes red in System Suspend mode. The light turns off when the computer is in System Hibernation mode or powered off. Battery 1 Indicates the status of the battery inserted in the battery bay on the left side of the computer.
  • Page 30 (ESC) System Suspend (F2) Display power source status (F3) Mute On/Off (F4) Speaker volume (F5) Brightness control (F6) Contrast control (F7) Switch to the external monitor/LCD only/ (F8) Control TV out Puts the system into System Suspend mode, a power- management state.
  • Page 31 (F12) System Hibernation Fn+D Video standby Fn+F Change the display size Fn+S System Idle ✍ 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.
  • Page 32 VAIO Action Setup, from the Start menu, go to Programs, VAIO Action Setup, VAIO Action Setup. Your Sony computer comes with technology that allows you to get to your favorite applications easily. The three Programmable Power Keys (PPK) at the top of you keyboard are shortcut buttons that can be programmed to carry out a variety of computer operations automatically.
  • Page 33 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. Point Slide one finger on the touchpad to place the pointer on an item or object. Click Press the left button once.
  • Page 34 The computer comes with the floppy disk drive in the multipurpose bay. Hold the diskette with the label side facing up. Gently push the diskette into the drive until it clicks into place. ❑ When you finish using the diskette, wait until the LED indicator light turns off and then press the Eject button to remove the diskette.
  • Page 35 Turn off the computer. There is a RELEASE lever on the bottom of the computer. Slide this lever in the direction of the arrow. Slide the drive out of the multipurpose bay. Insert the weight saver. See “Using the Weight Saver” on page 41. Turn off the computer.
  • Page 36 Your computer comes with a either a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive. The DVD-ROM drive plays both DVD-ROMs and CD-ROMs. Turn on the computer. ✍ Press the Eject button to open the the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive. The tray slides out. Place a DVD-ROM/CD-ROM in the tray with the label side facing up.
  • Page 37 Close the tray by pushing it gently. ✍ To achieve optimum performance when playing DVD-ROMs, you should use the following recommendations: Your computer should not be connected to the port replicator while playing DVD movies or using DVD applications. Close any open applications before playing a DVD movie.
  • Page 38 ❑ You can play DVDs using a DVD-ROM drive and the Media Bar software. See the online manual that came with the Media Bar software for details. ❑ For PCG-F420/PCG-F480 only. While playing a DVD, the display mode is 1024 x 768 dots and the number of colors is set to 256. This improves play performance.
  • Page 39 Remove the check from “Set to display 256 colors when playing back a DVD.” Click OK to confirm the setting. Follow the instructions in “To play DVDs in Normal Display Mode (For PCG-F420/PCG-F480)” on page 28, or Follow step 1 and step 2 of “To play DVDs in Normal Display Mode (For PCG-F420/PCG-F480)”...
  • Page 40 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. ✍ Use the lower slot for Type III PC cards. ✍ Pull the PC card release button out from the computer and push it in toward the computer.

  • Page 41: Front

    Remove the PC card slot protector. When you use a Type III PC card, you need to remove both the top and bottom PC card slot protectors. Insert the PC card into the PC card slot, front label facing up. Gently push the card into the slot until the card is fixed into the connector.
  • Page 42 Close any applications that are using the PC card. Click the PC card icon in the taskbar and close the card window. Pull the PC card release button up and press it in toward the computer. Gently grasp the card and pull it out. Insert the PC card slot protector back into the empty slot.
  • Page 43 The preinstalled Smart Connect software allows you to use an i.LINK cable (not supplied) to connect your VAIO notebook to another VAIO computer that also has 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.

  • Page 44: Left

    Your computer includes an infrared port, located on the left side. You can use this port to communicate with other infrared-equipped devices with compatible protocols, such as a digital still camera or other computers. Align the infrared ports on the two computers so that they are in a direct line.
  • Page 45 ✍ &...
  • Page 46 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 three distinct power saving modes: System Idle, System Suspend, and System Hibernation.
  • Page 47 The computer saves the current state of the system in RAM and switches off power to the CPU. The tan power indicator light flashes in this mode. Press Fn+Esc, or press the power button and release it immediately. You can also use the PowerPanel utility to enter System Suspend mode. Press any key.
  • Page 48 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 49 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” on page 11 for more information. ✍...

  • Page 50: Right

    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 51 The weight saver protects the multipurpose bay when it is empty. If another device is in the multipurpose bay, remove the device. See “To remove the floppy disk drive” on page 25 or “To remove the second battery pack” on page 40. Fold out the hinged arm of the weight saver and then push on the hinged arm to lock it into place.
  • Page 52 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.
  • Page 53 You can add functionality to your computer by connecting any of these peripherals: ❑ Phone line (page 44) ❑ Port replicator (page 45) ❑ Printer (page 49) ❑ External display (page 50) ❑ External mouse or keyboard (page 53) ❑ External speakers (page 54) ❑...
  • Page 54 You need to connect a phone line to take advantage of online services and the Internet. ✍ Plug one end of the phone cable into the phone line jack on the computer. Plug the other end into the wall jack. ✍...
  • Page 55 Your notebook supports the use of an optional port replicator (PCGA-PRF1A). Attaching a port replicator enables you to connect additional peripherals to your computer. ✍...
  • Page 56 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. ✍ Turn off your computer and disconnect all peripherals. On the bottom of the computer, slide the port replicator connector cover open.
  • Page 57 Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the connector on the port replicator. Plug the power cord into the AC adapter and an AC outlet. ✍ The power indicator light turns green. Turn on the computer.
  • Page 58 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. Lift the computer away from the port replicator. Close the port replicator connector cover on the bottom of your computer.
  • Page 59 You can connect a Windows 98-compatible printer to your computer to print documents. ❑ Use the symbol to locate the Printer connector. Plug the printer cable (supplied with the printer) into this port on the computer. ✍...

  • Page 60: Back

    You can connect an external display to your notebook. For example, you can use the computer with any of the following: ❑ Computer display (monitor) (page 50) ❑ Multimedia computer display (page 51) ❑ Projector (page 51) ❑ Use the symbol on the back of the computer to locate the Monitor connector.
  • Page 61 Headphone connector. Plug the speaker cable into this connector. Use the symbol to locate the Microphone connector. Plug the microphone cable into this connector. ✍ You can use a projector, such as the Sony LCD Projector, as an external display. ✍...
  • Page 62 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. Use the keys to select a display. See also “Selecting the Display Fn+F7 Mode”...
  • Page 63 ® You can connect a PS/2 -style mouse or keyboard. Plug the keyboard cable or mouse cable into this connector with mark facing up. To connect both a mouse and keyboard at the same time, use the optional PS/2 division connector. ✍...
  • Page 64 You can enhance the sound quality of your computer by connecting external speakers. ✍ ❑ Use the symbol to locate the Headphone connector. Plug the speaker cable into this connector. ✍...
  • Page 65 You can enhance the quality of sound input by using an external microphone. ✍ ❑ Use the to locate the Microphone connector. Plug the microphone cable into this connector. ✍...
  • Page 66 You can connect an i.LINK-enabled digital video camera recorder to ® the S400 i.LINK (IEEE-1394) connector. ❑ 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.
  • Page 67 USB connector. Plug one end of the USB cable into this port and the other end into the USB device. You can use the optional Sony USB mouse PCGA-UMS1 with this computer. The USB mouse software driver is preinstalled in the computer.
  • Page 69 This section describes how to solve common problems you may encounter when using your computer. Many problems have simple solutions, so try these suggestions before you call Sony Customer Support. ✍ ❑ Check that the computer is plugged into a power source and that it is turned on.

  • Page 70: Bottom

    Remove any peripheral devices connected to the computer. Turn the computer off and then turn it on again. Turn on the computer and press the F2 key when the Sony logo appears. The BIOS setup menu screen appears. Press the arrow keys to select the Exit menu.
  • Page 71 Check that Yes is selected, then press the Enter key. The computer restarts. If your computer still displays the message “Operating system not found” and Windows does not start, contact Sony Customer Support. ❑ Check that the computer is plugged into a power source and that it is turned on.
  • Page 72 Contact the software publisher or designated provider for technical support. See either the printed or the online version of Read Me First for a complete list of phone numbers. ❑ Make sure the computer is turned on. ❑ Press the Eject button on the DVD-ROM drive. ❑...
  • Page 73 ❑ Check that the phone number the program is dialing is correct. ❑ Check that the software you are using is compatible with the notebook modem. (All preinstalled programs are compatible.) Call the software publisher or Sony Customer Support.
  • Page 74 If you connected an external mouse while your computer is on, you must restart your computer. ❑ If you are using an optional Sony USB mouse PCGA-UMS1, check that the mouse is plugged into the USB connector. You may have disabled the touchpad while no mouse was connected to the computer.
  • Page 75 ❑ Make sure the PC card is compatible with Windows. ❑ Use the Sony Notebook Setup utility to disable devices you are not currently using. Use the PowerPanel utility to change the Thermal Control Strategy setting to Quiet. This setting slows down the CPU fan speed. See the PowerPanel Help for more information.
  • Page 76 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 bidirectional. If the printer port mode is set to bidirectional, change it to ECP.
  • Page 77 The following sections describe how to use the System Recovery and Application Recovery utilities. You can reinstall software titles that shipped with your computer if they are corrupted or accidentally erased. You may not need to recover the entire contents of your hard drive. If you experience a problem with your computer, reinstalling an individual device driver or software title may correct the problem.

  • Page 78: Shutting Down Your Computer

    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. Press the arrow keys to select the Exit menu.
  • Page 79 ✍ Turn on your computer. If your computer is already on, close all applications. When the Windows desktop appears, insert the Sony Application Recovery CD in the DVD-ROM drive. The Application Recovery utility loads automatically. 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.
  • Page 81 For memory upgrades, use only PC-100 SDRAM SO-DIMM (gold lead contacts). Sony computer supplies, accessories, and peripherals can be purchased from your Sony-authorized dealer or by contacting Sony at http://www.sony.com/accessories. ✍...
  • Page 82 ❑ 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).
  • Page 83 Wait until the computer cools down. Then unscrew the screw at the bottom of your computer. Loosen the screw with an appropriate screwdriver. Touch a metal object (such as the connector panel on the back of your computer) to discharge static electricity. Remove the memory module.
  • Page 84 Install the memory module. Tighten the screw on the bottom of the computer. Turn on the computer. Click the Start button, point to VAIO, and click “Sony Notebook Setup.” The Sony Notebook Setup screen appears. Click the “About This Computer” tab to view the amount of system memory.
  • Page 85 ® 450 MHz* Pentium 600 MHz* Pentium III with Speed Step™ Technology † 6.0 GB 64 MB SDRAM, 64 MB SDRAM, expandable to expandable to 256 MB 13.0” SVGA HPA 15.0” XGA TFT 256 KB (on die) 256 KB (on die) MPEG1 MPEG1 and MPEG2 Digital Video;...
  • Page 86 Lithium-ion, supports dual battery operation 12.7”(w) x 1.4”(h)***x (324 x 37.9 x 265.5 mm) 7.0 lbs. (3.2 kg) (with battery and weight saver) 7.4 lbs. (3.4 kg) (with battery and floppy disk drive) 41º F to 95º F (+5º C to 35º C) temperature gradient less than 18º F (10º 20% to 80% (not condensed), provided that humidity is less than 65% at 95º...
  • Page 87 †† ‡‡...
  • Page 89 AC adapter AC power adding hardware memory peripherals printers adjusting brightness contrast Alt key Application Recovery CD Applications key attaching port replicator battery packs charging indicator light status indicator lights inserting inserting into battery bay loading power status rechargeable removing brightness adjusting built-in speakers...
  • Page 90 multimedia computer display multiple phone lines network party phone lines phone line port replicator power source printer projector USB device weight saver connectors DC In headphone i.LINK infrared keyboard Line In microphone monitor mouse network Printer printer Serial port contrast adjusting correction keys Ctrl key...
  • Page 91 hard drives indicator light installing additional headphone connector Help Mouseware i.LINK IEEE-1394 indicator lights battery Caps Lock charge status hard drive Num Lock power Scroll Lock infrared communication devices other computers infrared port infrared transmission active distance troubleshooting input devices Insert key inserting battery pack...

  • Page 92: Registering Your Computer

    Mouseware accessing help features multimedia computer display multiple phone lines navigation keys network connecting connector port replicator Notebook Computer Num Lock indicator light numeric keypad area opening DVD-ROM drive tray operator keys output devices adding party phone lines PC card inserting release button removing...

  • Page 93: System Hibernation Mode

    second battery pack selecting display monitor power source Serial connector Shift key Shut Down Windows dialog box shutting down troubleshooting speakers built-in external switching troubleshooting volume Specifications Start button starting computer startup problems switching display monitor System Hibernation mode System Idle mode System Recovery CD System Suspend mode touchpad...

This manual is also suitable for:

Vaio pcg-f480Vaio pcg-f490

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