Page 1: User Guide
VAIO Notebook ® User Guide PCG-F540/PCG-F540K/PCG-F560/PCG-F560K/PCG-F570 PCG-F580/PCG-F580K/PCG-F590/PCG-F590K ®...
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 Numbers: PCG-9241, PCG-9242,...
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 5 888-4SONYPC; 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 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 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.
Page 9: Table Of Contents
Features ... 1 Unpacking Your Notebook ... 2 Manuals ...2 Recovery CDs ...2 Software CDs ...3 Other ...3 Ergonomic Considerations ... 5 Locating Controls and Connectors... 8 Front...8 Left ...9 Right...10 Back ...10 Bottom...11 Connecting a Power Source ... 12 Using the AC Adapter...12 Notes on the AC Adapter ...12 Starting Your Computer ...
Page 10 Writing data to CD-RW/CD-R media ...35 Using PC Cards ...37 VAIO Action Setup ...40 Programmable Power Keys ...40 Internal Timer...40 Using Smart Connect ...41 Using Infrared Communication Devices ...42 Using Power Saving Modes...44 Normal Mode ...44 System Idle Mode ...44 System Suspend Mode ...45 System Hibernation Mode...45 Using a Second Battery Pack ...46...
Page 11 Specifications ... 85...
Page 13: Features
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 56K modem.
Page 14: Manuals
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 15 Microsoft® Word 2000 Setting up your VAIO® Notebook (poster) Packet containing special product offers...
Page 17 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 DVD-ROM drive. You will be using your notebook computer as a portable device in a variety of environments.
Page 18 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. Furniture and posture – Sit in a chair with good back support and armrests.
Page 19 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 20 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. Should any solid object or liquid fall into the computer, shut down your computer and then unplug it.
Page 24: 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 25 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. (See “Using Power Saving Modes” on page 44.) 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 26 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 28 Open the cover of the battery bay. Pull out the battery pack. Close the cover of the battery bay. 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.
Page 29 If you have not used the battery pack for a considerable amount of time, recharge the battery.
Page 30 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 31 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 32 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 33 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 34 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).
Page 35 + 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 36 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 37 (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 38 (F12) System Hibernation Fn+D Video standby 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. To return the system to its original state, use the power button to turn on power.
Page 39 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 40 The computer comes with the floppy disk drive in the multipurpose drive 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 41 Do not open the shutter manually and touch the surface of the diskette. Keep diskettes away from magnets. Keep diskettes away from direct sunlight and other heat sources. Double-click in the system task tray. The “Unplug or Eject” dialog box appears. In the Unplug or Eject Hardware dialog box, select the appropriate option, and then click Stop.
Page 42 Insert the floppy disk drive into the multipurpose drive bay with the VAIO label facing up. Continue pushing the drive into the bay until the RELEASE lever locks into place.
Page 43 Your computer comes with a DVD-ROM drive, which plays boths DVD-ROMs and CD-ROMs. Turn on the computer. Press the Eject button to open the DVD-ROM drive. The tray slides out. Place a DVD-ROM/CD-ROM in the tray with the label side facing up.
Page 44 Close the tray by pushing it gently. 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.
Page 45 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. While playing a DVD, the display mode is 1024 x 768 dots. This improves play performance. If you have connected a TV, follow the instructions in “Selecting the Display Mode”...
Page 46 Your notebook comes equipped with a CD-RW drive, which enables you to read and write data, depending on the media you are using. With CD- RW media, the drive enables you to write, erase, and rewrite to the media. With a CD-R, you can write data to a disc once only. Like a CD- ROM drive, your CD-RW drive also reads a wide variety of media.
Page 47 Storage temperature –4°F to 140°F (–20°C to 60°C) (temperature gradient less than 18°F (10°C)/hour) Storage humidity: 10% to 90% (not condensed), provided that humidity is less than 20% at 140°F (60°C) (hygrometer reading of less than 95°F (35°C)) Dimensions Approx. 5 1 /4 x 27 /32 x 5 3 /4 inches (131 x 21 x 145 mm) (w/h/d) Weight Approx.
Page 49 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 50 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 51 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 52 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 53 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 54 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 55 &...
Page 56 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 57 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. Press any key.
Page 58 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 59 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 14 for more information.
Page 60 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 61 The weight saver protects the multipurpose drive bay when it is empty. If another device is in the multipurpose drive bay, remove the device. See or “To remove the second battery pack” on page 48. Fold out the hinged arm of the weight saver and then push on the hinged arm to lock it into place.
Page 62 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 63 You can add functionality to your computer by connecting any of these peripherals: Phone line (page 52) Port replicator (page 53) Printer (page 58) External display (page 59) External mouse or keyboard (page 62) External speakers (page 64) External microphone (page 65) Digital video camera recorder (page 66) Universal Serial Bus (USB) device (page 68)
Page 64 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 65 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 66 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 67 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 68 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 69 You can exchange data with other devices on a network by connecting your notebook to the location's Local Area Network (LAN). To connect the notebook to a network, you need a network PC card. For more information on using PC cards, see "Using PC cards" on page __ of the User Guide.
Page 70 You can connect a Windows 98/Windows 2000-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 71 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 59) Multimedia computer display (page 60) Projector (page 60) Use the symbol on the back of the computer to locate the Monitor connector.
Page 72 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 73 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 74 You can connect a USB or PS/2® style mouse or keyboard. Plug the keyboard cable or mouse cable into the appropriate connector with the mark facing up. To connect both a PS/2 mouse and keyboard at the same time, use an optional PS/2 division connector.
Page 76 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 77 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 78 You can connect an i.LINK-enabled digital video camera recorder to the i.LINK® S400 (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 80 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 81 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 82 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 83 Press the Windows key and D keys twice to refresh the display. Use the controls on your external display to adjust the image. See the manual supplied with your display for more information. Try restarting the computer. On the Windows taskbar, click the Start button, click Shut Down, and then click Restart the computer.
Page 84 If a region code warning appears when you are using the DVD player, it could be that the DVD-ROM you are trying to play is incompatible with the DVD-ROM drive in your notebook. The region code is listed on the disc’s packaging. If you hear audio but cannot see video, your computer’s video resolution may be set too high.
Page 85 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. Your notebook comes with a 56K/V.90-compatible modem. Many factors influence modem connection speed, including telephone line noise or compatibility with telephone equipment (such as fax machines or other modems).
Page 86 USB connector. You may have disabled the touchpad while no mouse was connected to the computer. If so, you must enable the touchpad using Sony Notebook Setup. Check that the DV device is turned on and that the cables are properly connected.
Page 87 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 88: Preinstalled Software
Sony provides several support options for your Sony computer. When you have questions about your computer and the preinstalled software, check these sources for answers, in the following sequence: Read Me First V AIO® Notebook User Guide Customizing Your V AIO®...
Page 89 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 90 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 91 Workstation 4.0 drivers on your computer. 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.
Page 93 In the future you may want to install memory modules to expand the functionality of your computer. You can increase memory up to 256 MB (128 MB x 2), by installing optional memory modules. For PCG-F580/ PCG-F580K/PCG-F590/PCG-F590K, 128 MB of memory are already installed (128 MB x 1).
Page 94 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 95 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 96 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 97 500 MHz* 600 MHz* Intel® Intel® Pentium® III Pentium® III with Intel® SpeedStep™ Technology † 6.0 GB 9.0 GB 64 MB 64 MB SDRAM, SDRAM, expandable to expandable to 256 MB 256 MB 14.1" XGA TFT 14.1" XGA TFT 256 KB (on die) MPEG1 and MPEG2 Digital Video;...
Page 98 Keyboard/mouse (USB and PS/2® style) Parallel (printer) Phone line (RJ-11) Floppy disk drive Rechargeable battery AC adapter and power cord 49.5 watts maximum (19.5V DC/AC 120-240V) Energy Star compliant Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) Lithium-ion, supports dual battery operation ‡‡...
Page 101 AC adapter AC power adding hardware memory peripherals printers adjusting brightness contrast Alt key Application Recovery CD Applications key attaching port replicator batteries using battery packs charging indicator light status indicator lights inserting inserting into battery bay loading power status rechargeable removing brightness...
Page 102: Ergonomic Considerations
coin-operated telephones digital video recorder external keyboard external speakers hard drives microphone monitor mouse 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...
Page 103: Left
speakers faxes laws governing floppy disk drive cable troubleshooting Fn key combination commands function keys handling CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs diskettes handling the LCD screen hard drives indicator light installing additional hardware online support headphone connector Help Mouseware help i.LINK IEEE-1394 indicator lights battery Caps Lock...
Page 104 installing removing microphone connecting connector troubleshooting modem laws governing troubleshooting monitor connecting connector selecting switching among mouse connector troubleshooting Mouse Properties screen 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...
Page 105: Right
Serial connector setting up your PC support Shift key Shut Down Windows dialog box shutting down troubleshooting Sony Fax-on-Demand service speakers built-in external switching troubleshooting volume Specifications Start button starting computer startup problems...

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