Sony PCG-F520 Primary User Manual
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Sony PCG-F520 Primary User Manual

Sony PCG-F520 Primary User Manual

Vaio® laptop computers: vaio® notebook computer
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User Guide

PCG-F520
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  • Page 1: User Guide

    VAIO Notebook ® User Guide PCG-F520 ®...
  • 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-9251 Serial Number:________________________ ❏...
  • Page 4 L’appareil doit être le plus près possible d’une prise murale pour en faciliter l’accès. 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. Sony Customer Support can be reached at www.sony.com/...
  • 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 à la norme NMB-003 du Canada. 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...
  • Page 7 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.
  • Page 8 particulièrement importante dans les régions rurales. 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: L’indice d’équivalence de la sonnerie (IES) assigné...

  • Page 9: Table Of Contents

    Features ... 1 Unpacking Your Notebook ... 3 Manuals ...3 Recovery CDs ...4 Software CDs ...4 Other ...4 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 Using Battery Power...9 Starting Your Computer ...
  • Page 10 Using the Floppy Disk Drive ...23 Using the CD-ROM...25 Using PC Cards ...27 Using Smart Connect ...30 Using Infrared Communication Devices ...31 Using Power Saving Modes...33 Normal Mode ...33 System Idle Mode ...33 System Suspend Mode ...34 System Hibernation Mode...34 Using a Second Battery Pack ...35 Using the Weight Saver ...37 Connecting a Phone Line ...40...
  • Page 11 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. Exceptional performance: Your notebook includes a fast Intel® Pentium® III processor and a V.90 compatible modem.* Portability: The rechargeable battery pack provides hours of use without AC power.

  • Page 12: Features

    Multimedia features: Enjoy the stereo speakers or use headphones (not supplied) to listen to audio and video CDs. Microsoft® Windows® operating system: Your system comes with Microsoft® Windows® 98 Second Edition. Communications: Access popular online services, send e-mail, browse the Internet, and use fax features. CD-ROM: Your system comes equipped with a built-in 24X (maximum) CD-ROM drive.*...

  • Page 13: Manuals

    Remove the following hardware items from the box: † Main unit Weight saver Read Me First contains Frequently Asked Questions, the most up-to-date information on using your computer, and software support information. The VAIO® Notebook User Guide (this manual) contains information on how to get the most from your computer, find help, and solve common problems.

  • Page 14: Recovery Cds

    System Recovery CD(s) Application Recovery CD(s) Microsoft® Word® 2000 Setting up your VAIO® Notebook (poster) Packet containing special product offers...
  • 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 drive.
  • Page 17 cover...
  • Page 19 You can use either AC power or a rechargeable battery pack as a power source. DC In You can use one or two battery packs as a source of power. The second battery pack inserts into the multipurpose drive bay on the right side of the computer.
  • Page 20 Battery pack (supplied) 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. To charge the battery completely, continue charging for an additional hour.
  • Page 21 There are two battery indicator lights on the computer: Battery indicators Secondary battery pack (not supplied) Battery pack (supplied)
  • Page 23 LCD lock lever Power indicator Power button Power button...
  • 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. Escape Key Shift key Ctrl key Fn key Windows key Function keys Alt key Numeric keypad area Correction keys Print Screen key Applications key Navigation keys...
  • Page 29 Charging a Using AC battery pack power LCD and external display Only LCD Only external display LCD and external display Only LCD...
  • Page 31 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 access 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 32 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. Pointer Touchpad Right button Left button...
  • Page 33 The computer comes with the floppy disk drive in the multipurpose drive bay. Floppy disk drive When you finish using the diskette, wait until the LED indicator light turns off and then press the Eject button to remove the diskette. Diskette Eject button LED indicator...
  • Page 34 Multipurpose RELEASE lever multipurpose drive bay Floppy disk drive...
  • Page 35 Your computer comes with a CD-ROM. Eject button Label side facing up...
  • Page 37 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 to a network. Use the lower slot for Type III PC cards.
  • Page 38 Insert with the arrow facing forward PC card...

  • Page 40: Other

    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 41 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 42 & Infrared port approximately 15 degrees...
  • Page 43 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 44 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. Press Fn+Esc, or press the power button and release it immediately. You can also use the PowerPanel utility to enter System Suspend mode.
  • Page 45 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 46 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 10 for more information. Battery pack (supplied) If you attach two battery packs, you can remove either of them without shutting down the computer.
  • Page 47 The weight saver protects the multipurpose drive bay when it is empty. Weight saver (supplied)
  • Page 48 Arrow 1: Weight saver Release le Arrow 2: Release lever...
  • Page 49 You can add functionality to your computer by connecting any of these peripherals: Phone line (page 40) Port replicator (page 41) Printer (page 45) External display (page 46) External mouse or keyboard (page 48) External speakers (page 49) External microphone (page 50) Digital video camera recorder (page 51) Universal Serial Bus (USB) device (page 52)
  • Page 50 You need to connect a phone line to take advantage of online services and the Internet. Phone line jack Phone cable (not supplied) Wall jack...
  • Page 51 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 52 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. Port replicator connector Notebook Port replicator...
  • Page 53 DC IN AC adapter Power cord Release lever Power Port replicator connector...
  • Page 54 Lever...
  • Page 55 You can connect your computer to a printer that is compatible with Windows® 98. Use the symbol to locate the Printer connector. Plug the printer cable (supplied with the printer) into this port on the computer. Printer Power cord Printer Printer cable (supplied with the printer)
  • Page 56 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 46) Multimedia computer display (page 46) Projector (page 47) Use the symbol on the back of the computer to locate the Monitor connector.
  • Page 57 You can use a projector, such as the Sony LCD Projector, as an external display. Monitor RGB signal cable 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.
  • Page 58 You can connect a PS/2® style mouse or keyboard. Plug the keyboard cable or mouse cable into this connector with the mark facing up. Mouse or Keyboard To connect both a mouse and keyboard at the same time, use the optional PS/2 division connector.
  • Page 59 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. Headphones Speaker cable (supplied with speakers)
  • Page 60 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. Microphone Microphone...
  • Page 61 You can connect an i.LINK-enabled digital video camera recorder to the S400 i.LINK (IEEE1394) 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 62 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. Plug the USB mouse into the USB connector, and restart the computer.

  • Page 63: Front

    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 contact Sony Customer Support (www.sony.com/pcsupport). Check that the computer is plugged into a power source and that it is turned on.
  • Page 64 BIOS: 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. Check that the power indicator on the front panel of the computer is on.
  • Page 65 Try restarting the computer. On the Windows taskbar, click the Start button, click Shut Down, and then click Restart the computer. If you cannot restart as described in the preceding step, you can restart the computer by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete. If the previous step does not work, press the power button and hold it for at least four seconds.
  • Page 66 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. The computer’s modem uses V.90 technology. Many factors influence modem connection speed, including telephone line noise or compatibility with telephone equipment (such as fax machines or other modems).
  • Page 67 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 68 Unplug the computer from the AC adapter and remove the battery pack from your computer. 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.
  • Page 69 The operating system may become unstable if a lower power state such as system hibernation is initiated and then changed before the operating system completely enters the lower power state. To restore the computer to its normal operating stability, close all open applications, press the power button, and hold it for four seconds or more to completely shut down the computer.
  • Page 70 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 72 The Application Recovery CD(s) allows you to reinstall individual applications and device drivers if they are corrupted or accidentally erased. Reinstalling an individual device driver or software title may correct a problem you are experiencing with your computer, and you may not need to recover the entire contents of your hard drive.
  • Page 73 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. The procedures described below assume familiarity with the general...
  • Page 74 (cellophane wrappers, for example). Ground yourself by maintaining contact with an unpainted metal portion of the chassis while performing the procedure. Do not open the memory module package until you are ready to install the module. The package protects the module from ESD. Use the special bag for preventing ESD or use aluminum foil when you store the memory module.
  • Page 75 1 Slide the memory module into the slot. 2 Press the module into place until it clicks.

  • Page 79: Right

    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 80 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 81 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 CD-ROM/DVD-ROM discs diskettes into drive installing...

  • Page 82: Registering Your Computer

    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 slot protector slots troubleshooting phone cable connecting line jack laws governing port replicator connecting...

  • Page 83: System Hibernation Mode

    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 troubleshooting startup turning on computer interference unpacking the computer connecting connector mouse ventilation slot video camera Video Standby mode viewing the amount of memory...

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